Lithuania's third-largest city and main seaport has a well-preserved old town, lively cafe culture, and active nightlife. Explore the Clock Tower and city wall remnants.
Klaipėda, Lithuania's third-largest city and only seaport, is known for its maritime atmosphere and cultural offerings. In the Old Town, you'll find cobblestone streets lined with German-style architecture. The city's harbor is active with ships and ferries. You can take a short ferry ride to the Curonian Spit, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Klaipėda has several museums, including the Lithuanian Sea Museum, and hosts events like the Sea Festival. The city is also close to Baltic Sea beaches, making it a good base for exploring Lithuania's coast.
Exploring Klaipėda's Old Town
As you walk through Klaipėda's Old Town, you'll notice many half-timbered buildings from the 18th century, a style called Fachwerk that's uncommon in other parts of Lithuania. The streets are laid out in a grid pattern. At the center is Theater Square, where you'll see the Drama Theater building and the statue of Annchen von Tharau. In the Sculpture Park, which used to be a cemetery, you can view over 100 stone artworks spread throughout the grounds.
Maritime Heritage and Port
Klaipėda's main role is as Lithuania's primary seaport. In the Castle Harbor area, you can learn about the city's seafaring history. Some historic ships, like the Meridianas, now serve as restaurants. Walking along the Danė River promenade, you'll see fishing boats and larger vessels coming and going. The Lithuanian Sea Museum is located in a 19th-century fortress. Inside, you can visit aquariums, watch dolphin shows, and learn about the Baltic Sea's ecosystem.
Visiting the Curonian Spit and Beaches
From Klaipėda's Old Town, you can take a ferry to the Curonian Spit. This narrow peninsula is known for its large sand dunes and long beaches. If you drive about an hour from the ferry terminal, you'll reach the town of Nida. Here, you can see fishermen's houses and visit Thomas Mann's summer home. Closer to Klaipėda is Smiltynė Beach, where you can sunbathe and swim during summer months.
Trying Local Food
In Klaipėda, you can eat both coastal and traditional Lithuanian dishes. At restaurants like Stora Antis, you can try cepelinai, which are potato dumplings often filled with meat. For seafood, there are waterfront restaurants such as Meridianas, located on the sailing ship mentioned earlier. Many places serve smoked fish, which is popular in the area. You can also taste Lithuanian beer at the city's pubs.
Getting Around Klaipėda
You can easily walk or bike around Klaipėda because it's not very large. The Old Town and main sights are close to each other. For longer trips, you can use the city's bus system. Taxis and ride-sharing services are also available. To get to the Curonian Spit, go to the Old Ferry Terminal. Passenger ferries leave frequently throughout the day.
