Pilies Gatvė (Castle Street) is the central artery of the Vilnius Old Town, running from Cathedral Square south through the heart of the medieval city. The street is narrow, cobbled, and in summer lined with outdoor stalls selling amber jewellery, linen goods, and folk crafts alongside cafes with pavement tables. It is the most visited street in Vilnius and the obvious starting point for any exploration of the old town.
Amber is Lithuania's most distinctive product — the country accounts for about 90 percent of the world's known amber reserves — and Pilies Street has more amber shops than you can easily count. Quality varies; reputable dealers will certify the amber's authenticity and origin. Beyond shopping, the street gives access to the web of side lanes, courtyards, and passages that make the Vilnius Old Town worth exploring beyond the obvious monuments.