But these days, the area once known solely for its red light district is attracting crowds year-round, as it cements its reputation as one of the city's most interesting areas, with a string of new restaurants, galleries and clubs.
Only months before it cements its place in Europe by joining NATO and the European Union, Lithuania has plunged into a political scandal involving allegations of corruption, organized crime and shadowy dealings with its neighbor, Russia.
It has been North America's best selling vehicle for decades and this year it cements its market leadership with a host of improvements.
I wanted to know how the industry might look in a few years, as it cements its place in the global system and, with any luck, producers start to embrace Abdus's ethos.
This year the company has begun experimenting with monetization strategies like in-app payments, ads and promoted posts, but its executives know that meaningful revenue can come only when it cements mindshare.
"It cements the really significant cutbacks to health, these are really damaging.
Rather, she suggests, it cements Guggenheim's reputation as a creative artist in her own right.
"It cements the reform process that governments wish to pursue," he added.
To supporters, this was courageous; to critics it cements his role as a saboteur.
It cements his reputation as the most financially canny film-maker alive.
This song is my Christmas-time favourite because it cements Carey's place as one of pop's prominent "sad girls".
