▲It's Šakotis, or tree cake. Traditionally baked for special occasions, especially weddings and for Christmas, it's made from butter, egg whites and yolks, flour, sugar, and cream. Yummy! (Photo: Wikimedia /CC BY-SA 3.0)

▲The Old Town's main square is distinguished for its late 18th-century cathedral and separate belfry, the views from which are fantastic! Both buildings are open to the public. (Photo: Flickr/CC BY-NC 2.0)

▲Built between 1503 and 1522, the Gate of Dawn is one of the city's most important religious, historical, and cultural monuments. Inside, don't miss the icon of the Blessed Virgin Mary Mother of Mercy. (Photo: Wikimedia/CC BY-SA 3.0)

▲Events essential to spring in Vilnius include April's Open Architecture Weekend and the New Baltic Dance Festival in May. The city itself is a delight to explore as the weather turns warmer. (Photo: Flickr/CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)

▲Worth exploring at leisure, Vilnius' castle complex is highlighted by the Gediminas' Tower, the foundations of which date back to 1409. The landmark is a cherished symbol of the city. (Photo: Flickr/CC BY-SA 2.0)

▲This venerable building is one of the oldest and most famous in Central Europe. (Photo: Wikimedia/CC BY-SA 3.0)

▲Looking for a place to stay? If money is no object, consider a night or two in the Grand Hotel Kempinski Vilnius. This luxury property offers everything you'd expect from a five-star hotel. (Photo: Flickr/CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)

▲Located on Gediminas Avenue, the theater hosts concerts and plays throughout the year. Check their website and find out what's on while you're in town. (Photo: Wikimedia/CC BY-SA 4.0)

▲In fact, Vilnius plays host to numerous festivals that take place year round. Some of the must-see events include Vilnius City Fiesta in August and the International Jazz Festival in October. (Photo: Flickr/CC BY-NC 2.0)

▲Saint Casimir's Fair, or Kaziuko mugė, is traditionally held on the Sunday nearest to March 4. The arts and crafts fair also features music and dance and takes place in the city's Old Town district. (Photo: Wikimedia/CC BY 2.0)

▲Pilies Street is known for its collection of traditional restaurants and inviting bars. For a snack, try skilandis, a Lithuanian matured sausage made of meat, fat, salt, pepper, and garlic. Chase it down with a glass or two of red wine.

▲Vilnius dresses up in traditional costume for the annual Saint Jonas' Festival. This midsummer folk festival is celebrated on June 24 across the country.

▲An fall panorama of historic and contemporary Vilnius, as seen from the Gediminas hill.

▲Curiously, Vilnius pays homage to one of rock music's most unconventional stars, the late prog-rock hero Frank Zappa. But he never actually visited Lithuania, nor did he have any connection to the country. No worries: the memorial is visited regularly by loyal fans.

▲Užupis, a district of Vilnius, is celebrated for its appealing bohemian and laissez-faire atmosphere. A self-declared independent republic, the area is characterized by ateliers and artists' workshops.

▲The university library, established in 1570, stores especially rich collections of old and rare publications, and some of the first printed books and maps.

▲Vilnius' Old Town seen from the south. Streets are accessed via the Gate of Dawn.

▲The Lithuanian capital is frequently blanketed with snow in winter, when the city looks like it has been sprinkled with icing sugar.

▲Lying 17 mi (28 km) west of Vilnius, Trakai is a historic city and lake resort famous for its fairy-tale castle. During the winter months the lake freezes over, making an excursion a magical and rewarding add-on experience.

▲The city does itself proud during the festive season when a Christmas market is set under a huge tree in Cathedral Square.

▲A colorful parade threads its way through the Old Town quarter, a tradition that takes place every year on January 6.

▲Stay in Vilnius beyond the New Year celebrations and enjoy Three Kings Day.

▲The beautiful interior of the university's Philology Faculty.

▲Pictured: St. Anne's Church and the church of the Bernardine Monastery in Vilnius' Old Town, on the bank of the Vilnia River. The church was completed in 1500, and the monastery 16 years later.

▲Any idea what's being made here? It's something every visitor to Lithuania in winter should try.

▲The Monument to King Mindaugas sits in front of the National Museum of Lithuania. Mindaugas was the first known Grand Duke of Lithuania and the only Christian King of Lithuania. Find out more about him and the country's history at this engaging cultural institution.

▲Views from the observation deck of the 1,071 ft (326.5 m) Vilnius TV Tower are simply breathtaking. For an added thrill, dare to go bungee jumping, offered to members of the public who've booked ahead.

▲Saunter through one of the city's most picturesque districts by following Pilies Street, which runs from Cathedral Square to the Town Hall Square.

▲The museum is housed in the city's former KGB headquarters and makes for a sobering visit. Cells and execution rooms can be visited, and a fascinating though somewhat disturbing display of artifacts dating back to the Soviet era reminds everybody of what went on within these walls. (Photo: Flickr/CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)

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Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania, is one of Europe's prettiest cities—its Old Town is certainly deserving of its UNESCO World Heritage Site status. Complementing this collection of traditional architecture is a modern city center that has rapidly transformed the destination into an exciting regional economic hub. And the best thing about Vilnius? It's fun to visit any time of the year.

Browse the following gallery and discover this Baltic city through the seasons.

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After dark, Vilnius buzzes. The Old Town is the tourist haunt, but don't forget that the city has a thriving commercial hub, personified by contemporary architecture and a 21st-century vibe.