Baltic port city with wide promenades and Art Nouveau buildings. Home to Karosta Fortress, a former prison, and Liepaja Cathedral. Parks include lakeside Culture and Rest, and Seaside with a pier.
Liepaja, Latvia's third largest city, sits on the country's western Baltic coast. This port city has a long maritime history and a vibrant cultural scene. Walk along the 8-kilometer stretch of white sand beach, explore the former military district of Karosta, climb the Holy Trinity Cathedral tower for city views, or attend a concert at the Great Amber hall. Liepaja's streets are lined with wooden houses, Soviet-era structures, and modern buildings, reflecting its varied past and present.
Getting to Liepaja
Reach Liepaja by bus or train from Riga, with the journey taking about 3-3.5 hours. If you're driving, take the A9 highway connecting Liepaja to Riga. Liepaja also has a small airport with flights to Riga. For international travelers, a ferry service runs between Liepaja and Travemünde, Germany.
Exploring the City Center
Liepaja's compact center is easy to explore on foot. Begin at Rožu laukums, the main square, then walk down Lielā iela. This street is lined with shops, cafes, and buildings featuring Art Nouveau architecture. Continue to the Holy Trinity Cathedral, where you can climb the 55-meter tower for panoramic views of the city and sea.
Beaches and Parks
Liepaja boasts an 8-kilometer stretch of white sand beach. The beach is wide and often calm, perfect for sunbathing or long walks. Adjacent to the beach is Jūrmalas Park, a large green space with walking paths, playgrounds, and sports facilities. During summer, the park hosts outdoor concerts and events.
Karosta District
North of the city center lies Karosta, a former military port with a fascinating history. This district was a closed military zone during Soviet times. Today, tour the imposing St. Nicholas Orthodox Naval Cathedral, explore Karosta Prison, or walk along the sea to spot remnants of old coastal fortifications.
Museums and Culture
Visit the Liepaja Museum to learn about the city's history and art. For a deeper historical perspective, explore the Liepaja Occupation Museum. Music enthusiasts can check out the Latvian Musicians' Walk of Fame on Zivju iela, featuring plaques honoring famous Latvian musicians. The Great Amber Concert Hall, a modern building, hosts classical and contemporary concerts.
Food and Drink
Liepaja's coastal location means fresh seafood is a staple in many local dishes. Sample smoked fish at the central market or in local restaurants. For a mix of traditional and modern Latvian cuisine, visit restaurants like Pastnieka Māja or Olive. The area around Rožu laukums has several bars and cafes for evening drinks.
Where to Stay
Liepaja has accommodation options for various budgets. In the city center, consider hotels like Līva and Amrita. For a unique experience, stay at the Promenade Hotel, housed in a renovated 18th-century warehouse by the canal. Budget travelers can check out hostels like BB Hostel or Hostel Brize.
Day Trips from Liepaja
If you have extra time, take a day trip to nearby attractions. Visit the ancient settlement of Grobiņa, just 10 kilometers away, with its Viking-era archaeological sites. About 50 kilometers south, Pape Nature Park is home to wild horses and aurochs in their natural habitat.
