No matter the time of year, no matter the temperature, Europe’s Northeast is extraordinary. If you’re planning a trip there but aren’t sure which time to come, we put this article together to tell you what you can expect at any given moment of the year. Let’s get to it! 

Whether there’s snow on the ground or blossoms in the trees, Warsaw is a delight 

Summer: Summers in Warsaw are splendid, relaxed affairs enjoyed almost exclusively outdoors. Take in live music on the banks of the Vistula, hear the famous Chopin in the park concerts at the Royal Łazienki Garden, and experience the best of regional cuisine at outdoor culinary festivals like the Breakfast Market or Night Market. 

Fall: The golden foliage makes Warsaw even more blissful. Its picturesque parks are where you’ll want to start. If you’re traveling solo, put in your ear buds and listen to some Chopin in the very places he once inhabited. If you’re with friends or family, listen to the music on the city’s famous Chopin benches, which play his preludes, sonatas, and mazurkas. Then, savor fall flavors like wild game, forest mushrooms, and Autumn vegetables like pumpkin.  

Winter: Under a layer of snow, the Old Town and its Christmas Market glisten with holiday charm. With the temperatures plunging low, fortify yourself with a plate of steaming dumplings or a mug of mulled wine. Then make your way around the city, admiring the Christmas lights and festive decorations.  

Spring: Each April, Warsaw wakes from its slumberous cold and bursts into colorful bloom. Stroll through parks, eat your first ice cream of the year, take in the awe of a city reborn. Easter is a particular joy in the Polish capital. Immerse yourself in Easter festivities all over the city, which blend folk traditions and modern practices. Here is what to taste on the special occasion: white sausage (biała kiełbasa), rustic pâté (pasztet), and many kinds of cakes, including an easter bundt called Babka Wielkanocna. 

Spring blooms, winter skiing and unforgettable memories in Vilnius 

Summer: The warm season in Vilnius is a time of endless festivals, music, and outdoor relaxation. With a packed calendar, including the renowned Pink Soup Festival or Baltic Pride, you will spend long afternoons tasting interesting culinary creations and celebrating the diversity of our world. At night, you will feel the pulse of a city on the rise, sipping craft cocktails made from local ingredients. 

Fall: Arriving in Vilnius in the Autumn is like stepping into a painting done by a great master. Each morning, the Gediminas Tower stands majestic in the mist, and as you walk down the medieval streets, warmed by a long coat, the smell of roasted coffee and freshly baked pastries will waft out of the old cafes on seemingly every corner of this grand capital. In the evening, after a day of exploration, amble through the Old Town by soft Autumn light, and then step into a new restaurant that’s taken traditional Lithuanian cuisine and given it a modern twist. 

Winter: In Vilnius, the cold should never frighten you. The arrival of snow means you can ski at Liepkalnis, the city’s very own resort, or skate over the frozen Lake Galvė. The day spa at SPA PACAI is also extraordinary. It’s been recognized as the country’s best spa and is located in a fascinating place: the gothic cellars of the historical palace of Lithuanian nobles. Then, after your day of wintry activity, retire to an ancient tavern in the Old Town for a plate of blynai, crispy potato pancakes that are as comforting as anything on a cold night.  

Spring: Japan is not the only place where you can witness the exquisite Sakura trees. Vilnius is known for its spring blooms, and the cherry blossoms are the crown jewel of them all. Visit the VU Botanical Garden to see flowers of all sorts, and then stroll over to Vingis Park, the perfect place for cycling or rollerblading.  

Exceptional food, music, and nature in the glorious city that is Riga 

Summer: When is the ideal time for celebration in Riga? Summer. Each June, spark lights are lit, and everyone gathers for music festivals or sets up their umbrellas on the beach. Just a short trip from the city center is Jūrmala, a sandy getaway where you can relax on the Baltic Sea. For all you jazz lovers, make sure to get your tickets to M/Darbnīca, the region’s most exquisite gathering of jazz masters.  

Fall: When the leaves turn golden and red in the Latvian capital, it means something special is upon us, the Riga Restaurant Week! This celebration of the city’s vibrant food scene offers a taste of the best dishes the country’s chefs have to offer. Better still, most of it is local, ethically- sourced, seasonal and affordable. 

Winter: Riga in winter? A snowy, festive wonderland. Dome Square is where you’ll find one of Europe’s best Christmas Markets. There, you can buy unique Latvian crafts and taste seasonal treats like gingerbread. If you want something more rejuvenating, check out the city’s spas, where you can unwind under hot water after a long, satisfying day. 

Spring: Any Rigan will tell you that spring is the perfect time to explore the urban greenery of this fine capital. Start with Bastejkalna and Kronvalda parks, which means leisurely walks among blooming flowers. Then make your way to Mežaparks, a vast urban forest that even has a zoo on its grounds! 

Soft beaches, great art and skiing in Tallinn 

Summer: Summer in Tallinn means white nights when the sun almost never sets. Taking a long stroll on the Pirita seaside promenade on a warm summer evening is an experience like no other. Tallinn has over 28 miles of coastal areas, many featuring pathways and promenades perfect for enjoying the sea breeze and postcard views of the cityscape.   

Fall: When the weather cools in Tallinn, it’s time to get a cozy scarf and a steaming cup of locally roasted coffee. You can find both at Telliskivi Creative City, a trendy area filled with design shops, cafes and restaurants. Telliskivi and its surrounding Kalamaja district are also a treasure trove of street art – the vibrant creations found on walls and fences add a fun splash of color to the formerly industrial district.  

Winter: The highlight of winter in Tallinn is undoubtedly Christmas time, when the city is covered in beautiful festive lights that make the whole city look as if it came from a fairytale. The magical Christmas market in Tallinn’s medieval Old Town is unmissable and has very deservedly held the title of Europe’s best Christmas Market. So, make your way into the real-life Winter Wonderland that is Tallinn Christmas Market, grab a mug of hot chocolate or mulled wine and wander amongst the adorable houses selling seasonal food and artisanal goods. Who knows – you might even meet Santa! 

Spring: As the land awakens with the warmth of spring, so many opportunities await. Kadriorg Park is not only the perfect place to enjoy the first blossoms of spring but also a haven for art lovers – Kadriorg Art Museum presents European art in a charming Baroque palace, and if you want to get acquainted with Estonian artists, the contemporary Kumu Art museum is just a few steps away. 

The great thing about Europe’s Northeast? There are fantastic experiences no matter the time of year. It’s never too hot or too cold or too busy to enjoy yourself.

• In Warsaw, hear the melodiousness of Chopin’s piano compositions on a summer’s day in the park.

• In Vilnius, in the fall, relax at the country’s best spa, located in the gothic cellars of an old noble home.

• Riga in Winter is a snowy paradise where you’ll find delightful treats at the Christmas market.

• In the season of rebirth, Tallinn is the place to be. Take it slow at the Kadriorg Art Museum, where you’ll discover Estonia’s remarkable history of local art.