In pictures: Vilnius in summer

VILNIUS — It’s been a hot one this summer, but Vilnius is reveling in the heat with tourism better than last year’s rock bottom level, a number of festivals and events and consistently sunny, warm weather the northern city usually dreams about.

I tried finding an excerpt of translated Lithuanian poetry that described Vilnius in summer for this article, but alas I could not find any appropriate stanza — if anyone knows one feel free to post it below.

Well, they say pictures are worth a thousand words so in lieu of poetry here is a photo essay I created of “Vilnius in Summer.”

Image by Nathan Greenhalgh/Baltic Reports

In addition to being a den of creativity, Vilnius' Užupis neighborhood is among the leafiest in the city. Photo by Nathan Greenhalgh/Baltic Reports

Tourists walk up Pilies Street in Old Town. Photo by Nathan Greenhalgh/Baltic Reports

A girl stands near an Old Town fountain. Photo by Nathan Greenhalgh/Baltic Reports

Hot air balloons are commonly seen flying over the city during the summer months. Photo by Nathan Greenhalgh/Baltic Reports

This shot reminds me of Rome, but it's Vilnius of course. Photo by Nathan Greenhalgh/Baltic Reports

A woman relaxes in the summer heat next to an Užupis café. Photo by Nathan Greenhalgh/Baltic Reports

Yes, it's been hot but sadly there's been no spontaneous nude dancing in Vilnius as this Užupis mural suggests. Photo by Nathan Greenhalgh/Baltic Reports

Vingis Park is lush in the summer with greenery. Photo by Nathan Greenhalgh/Baltic Reports

Having a beer on a terrace along the Vilnia River. Photo by Nathan Greenhalgh/Baltic Reports

A young woman reads along the Vilnia River in a deceptively rural setting. Photo by Nathan Greenhalgh/Baltic Reports

Summer is the best time to get fresh produce from local producers at farmers markets scattered throughout the city. Photo by Nathan Greenhalgh/Baltic Reports