The Vilnia River is the small tributary of the Neris that flows through Užupis and gives the city its name. The stretch of river through the Užupis valley offers one of the city's nicest short walks: a path follows the bank through light woodland, past the republic's main bridge and the mermaid sculpture, before reaching a small waterfall and valley where willows trail into the water.
The walk is genuinely peaceful even in summer — the valley is only ten minutes from Cathedral Square but feels removed from the tourist circuits. The path continues through the old Jewish cemetery area and eventually connects with longer walking routes into the Vingis Park and the Neris riverbank paths. A good alternative to monuments for a free afternoon hour.