The Independent Republic of Užupis: A Borderless Bohemian Adventure
The Independent Republic of Užupis: A Borderless Bohemian Adventure was originally published in 2025
Welcome to Užupis, the self-proclaimed republic in the heart of Vilnius, Lithuania. A once neglected and crumbling district, Užupis has transformed into a thriving bohemian enclave of artists, intellectuals, and entrepreneurs.
I ended up in Užupis by chance- I’d always intended to visit Lithuania and its capital city of Vilnius, but it was a plan I continued to put on the backburner. That is, until I finally made the plan with two of my best friends to visit neighboring Belarus. We opted to start our journey from Lithuania as one of the easiest ways to enter Belarus was via the main Lithuania-Belarus Border Crossing at Medininkai–Kamenny Log.
I arrived in Lithuania in December, a few days ahead of everyone else, giving me a bit more time to explore Vilnius and make a visit to the unusual Užupis Independent Republic. If you’ve read here for a while, you know I have a soft spot for separatist regions, semi-autonomous states, and breakaway territories, so it should come as no surprise that the little self-proclaimed Republic of Užupis landed as the top thing I wanted to do while in Vilnius.
Read more about my favorite separatist regions of Nagorno-Karabakh, Transnistria, and Karakalpakstan
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Užupis : From Forgotten to Free-Spirited
Back in the 16th century, Užupis was a lively neighborhood of artisans, craftsmen, and a thriving Jewish community. But like much of Vilnius, its story took a darker turn with the horrors of WWII and the heavy-handedness of Soviet rule.
For decades, Užupis crumbled quite literally. It was the kind of place where your footsteps echoed off broken windows and graffiti-tagged ruins.
But after Lithuania regained its independence in 1990, the creatives crept back in.
Like mushrooms after rain, artists popped up in the abandoned buildings, claiming forgotten walls for massive murals and transforming rusting alleys into color-drenched corridors of expression. They didn’t just reclaim Užupis, they reimagined it.
Then came the April Fools’ Day of 1997.
And with a straight face and a sense of humor, Užupis declared itself an independent republic.
A Goofy Micro-Nation Born: The Užupis Republic
The Užupis Republic has its own president, constitution, currency, flag, and even a naval force (comprising three boats, all proudly unused). At one point, it even had an army of ten men. But don’t worry, they retired. Probably to paint.
There’s a border sign when you cross the bridge over the Vilnia River from Old Town Vilnius. You’ll see a smiling angel statue that watches over the republic like a celestial hipster welcoming you to the coolest squat-turned-micro-nation in Europe.
And then, there’s the Užupis Constitution.
Etched into mirrored plaques in more than 20 languages along Paupio Street, the eccentric manifesto includes 41 life-affirming declarations including:
1. Everyone has the right to live by the River Vilnele, and the River Vilnele has the right to flow by everyone.
2. Everyone has the right to hot water, heating in winter and a tiled roof.
3. Everyone has the right to die, but this is not an obligation.
4. Everyone has the right to make mistakes.
5. Everyone has the right to be unique.
6. Everyone has the right to love.
7. Everyone has the right not to be loved, but not necessarily.
8. Everyone has the right to be undistinguished and unknown.
9. Everyone has the right to idle.
10. Everyone has the right to love and take care of the cat.
11. Everyone has the right to look after the dog until one of them dies.
12. A dog has the right to be a dog.
13. A cat is not obliged to love its owner, but must help in time of need.
14. Sometimes everyone has the right to be unaware of their duties.
15. Everyone has the right to be in doubt, but this is not an obligation.
16. Everyone has the right to be happy.
17. Everyone has the right to be unhappy.
18. Everyone has the right to be silent.
19. Everyone has the right to have faith.
20. No one has the right to violence.
21. Everyone has the right to appreciate their unimportance.
22. No one has the right to have a design on eternity.
23. Everyone has the right to understand.
24. Everyone has the right to understand nothing.
25. Everyone has the right to be of any nationality.
26. Everyone has the right to celebrate or not celebrate their birthday.
27. Everyone shall remember their name.
28. Everyone may share what they possess.
29. No one can share what they do not possess.
30. Everyone has the right to have brothers, sisters, and parents.
31. Everyone may be independent.
32. Everyone is responsible for their freedom.
33. Everyone has the right to cry.
34. Everyone has the right to be misunderstood.
35. No one has the right to make another person guilty.
36. Everyone has the right to be individual.
37. Everyone has the right to have no rights.
38. Everyone has the right to not to be afraid.
39. Do not defeat.
40. Do not fight back.
41. Do not surrender.
Crossing the Border: No Passport Required, Just an Open Mind
On the day I strolled into Vilnius’s Independent Republic of Užupis, I crossed over a small bridge that felt more like a portal into a quirky unknown.
Street art bloomed on every surface, sculptures peeked from rooftops and windows, and cafes spilled out onto cobbled streets like they were just too excited to stay inside.
I passed a street poet who offered an improvised haiku in exchange for a smile, and a local bartender recommended a craft beer made with “Užupian spirit and a touch of rebellion.”- a taste of revolution.
Every corner of Užupis tells a story, sometimes funny, sometimes poignant, always unexpected. A metal egg sculpture here, a tree covered in bras there. (No explanation offered. None needed.)
It’s a place that celebrates being. Not achieving, or owning, or hurrying, but simply existing.
9 Things to Do in Užupis
Despite being one of the smallest “countries” you’ll ever visit, Užupis packs a punch when it comes to personality and things to do. Whether you’re into street art, quirky galleries, or sipping coffee while pondering the meaning of the universe, this little corner of Vilnius has you covered.
1. Read the Užupis Constitution (in 20+ languages!)
Start your visit with the mirrored wall of the Užupis Constitution on Paupio Street. It’s part human rights manifesto, part poetic philosophy, and 100% Užupian. You’ll laugh, scratch your head, maybe tear up at a line or two, like “Everyone has the right to love and take care of the cat.” Find your native language, or try a new one just for fun.
2. Visit the Angel of Užupis
This iconic sculpture is the unofficial guardian of the republic. Perched high on a column, trumpet in hand, the angel watches over locals and visitors alike. It’s a symbol of freedom, creativity, and all things wonderfully weird. Come here for photos, people-watching, or just a moment of “wait, where am I again?”
3. Explore the Street Art and Murals
Užupis is an open-air gallery. Seriously, forget looking for murals, you’ll bump into them every few steps. Walls burst with color, political statements, surreal creatures, and abstract visions that could either be genius or… someone’s post-pub 3 a.m. masterpiece. Either way, it’s fun.
4. Stop by the Užupis Art Incubator
This riverside hub is ground zero for creativity in the Užupis Independent Republic. The Užupis Art Incubator offers studios, exhibitions, installations, and a communal space for emerging artists. You might walk in on a workshop, a performance, or a guy turning scrap metal into poetry.
5. Get Your Passport Stamped
Yes, really.
Head into one of the local cafés or shops near the main square and ask if they offer Užupis passport stamps. It’s a unique best souvenir, although be aware that it isn’t an “official” entry or exit stamp to a country, it could cause problems and potentially void your passport. Maybe opt to stamp a slip of paper as a keepsake to keep between a couple of pages of your passport.
6. Relax by the Vilnia River
After all that wandering and weirdness, slow it down. The Vilnia River is the natural border of the republic, and its banks are perfect for sitting with a coffee (or a rebellious Užupis brew). Locals walk their dogs, strum guitars, or sketch in notebooks. It’s peaceful, bohemian, and oddly timeless.
7. Grab a Bite or a Beer
The cafés and bars in Užupis are just as offbeat as the rest of the neighborhood. Expect eclectic menus, walls covered in paintings, and baristas who may or may not be amateur philosophers. Šnekutis is a great spot for traditional Lithuanian snacks and beer, while Uzupio Kavine gives you river views and vibes for days.
8. Visit Tibet Square
Tucked away in a quiet corner of Užupis is Tibet Square. Created as a tribute to Tibetan culture and the Dalai Lama (who, by the way, is an honorary citizen of Užupis), this square is a peaceful nook filled with prayer flags, symbolic stones, and whispers of solidarity. Come here to reflect, breathe, or just bask in the Republic’s unwavering support for global freedom and spiritual expression.
9. Visit the Užupis Parliament at Užupio Kavinė
Just beyond the Užupis Bridge, you’ll find Užupio Kavinė, proudly flying the Užupis flag and doubling as the quirky republic’s unofficial Parliament. This riverside café was the site of the first presidential inauguration of Artūras Zuokas, and once hosted a cabinet of 11 ministers with ambassadors not for countries, but for poetry, cats, and even street whistling. It’s a perfect place to grab a drink, soak in the Užupis atmosphere, and toast to the most delightfully absurd government you’ll ever witness.
Where to Stay in Užupis
Budget: Downtown Forest Hostel & Camping
If you like your beds with a side of hammocks and fairy lights around a fire pit, this is your spot. Tucked among trees just steps from the heart of Užupis, Downtown Forest Hostel feels like a secret garden for backpackers and creatives. You’ll find cozy dorms, private rooms, and even tents in the warmer months. The vibe is laid-back, the people are friendly, and the price? Extremely kind to your wallet.
Website: Downtown Forest Hostel & Camping
Perfect for: Budget travelers and solo wanderers.
Midrange: Bernardinu B&B House
Just a stone’s throw from Užupis (technically right on the edge), Bernardinu B&B is a charming guesthouse tucked into a 17th-century building. Think warm wooden beams, creaky stairs in the best way, and hearty breakfasts that’ll fuel you for a day of mural-spotting and constitution-reading.
Website: Bernardinu B&B
Perfect for: Couples, cultural travelers, and anyone who loves old-world charm.
Luxury: Artagonist Art Hotel
Located just a short walk from Užupis (about a poetic stumble away), the Artagonist Art Hotel brings boutique luxury and high-concept design into perfect harmony. Each room is designed by a different Lithuanian artist, blending contemporary art with sleek, modern comfort. It’s like sleeping in a gallery.
Website: Artagonist Hotel
Perfect for: Art lovers, boutique hotel aficionados, and travelers who want a splash of indulgence.
Reflections from the Republic
Walking back across the bridge into Vilnius, I found Užupis doesn’t take itself too seriously, but it reminds you of some very serious things in life.
Like the importance of joy, absurdity, and creating space for people who think outside the lines.
If you’re visiting Lithuania and want to peel back a few layers of the usual tourist sheen in Vilnius, the Užupis Independent Republic is your place.
It’s part art gallery, part political satire, part utopian dream, and entirely unforgettable.
So grab your camera, your curiosity, and maybe even a poem. Because crossing into Užupis isn’t just a quirky detour, it’s a reminder that sometimes the smallest places hold the biggest ideas.
Have Questions About Visiting Užupis?
Have you been to Užupis or are planning to go? Curious about life in Lithuania’s Independent Republic or just want to know more about this artistic corner of Lithuania’s independent spirit?
Drop your thoughts, questions, or travel tales in the comments below.
