Top 10 Things to See and Do in Klaipeda, Lithuania

Klaipeda Port, Volungevicius @Wikimedia

Exploring Klaipėda promises a blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Here are the top 10 things to see and do in this charming Lithuanian city:

1. Old Town: Wander through the narrow streets of Klaipėda’s Old Town. See Klaipėda Castle, the Chain Bridge & Black Ghost, the tall ship Meridianas and the Old Mill Hotel.

2. Klaipėda Castle: Visit the iconic Klaipėda Castle, originally built in the 13th century, which now houses a museum offering insights into the city’s history and maritime heritage.

3. Theatre Square: Take a stroll through Theatre Square, the heart of Klaipėda’s cultural scene, surrounded by elegant buildings, cafes and hosting various events and performances throughout the year.

4. Curonian Spit: Explore the nearby Curonian Spit, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its pristine sand dunes, picturesque villages, and serene beaches perfect for outdoor activities like hiking, cycling and birdwatching.

5. Palanga: Take a day trip to the Palanga Manor (Tiškevičiai Palace) & Amber Museum. Walk the Promenade to the Pier in this popular resort town, known as the “summer capital” of Lithuania.

Meridianas, Klaipeda, leonid927 @Pixabay

6. Clock and Watch Museum: Visit the Clock and Watch Museum to discover a fascinating collection of timepieces, from ancient sundials to modern clocks.

7. Lithuanian Sea Museum & Aquarium: Delve into Klaipėda’s maritime history at the Sea Museum, where exhibits display historic ships, artifacts and interactive displays highlighting the city’s seafaring past. Enjoy the aquarium exhibits and a dolphin show.

8. Smiltynė Beach: Relax on the sandy shores of Smiltynė Beach, located on the Curonian Spit and offering breathtaking views of the Baltic Sea, ideal for sunbathing, swimming, and beachcombing.

9. Amber Museum-Gallery: Learn about Lithuania’s amber heritage at the Amber Museum-Gallery. Displays showcase stunning amber jewelry, fossils and artifacts. Gain insight into the country’s rich geological and cultural history.

10. More Day Trips: Take a day trip to Plunge. Visit the abandoned Soviet Nuclear Weapons Site and Oginski Palace. Alternately, travel to Kretinga to visit the Manor Mansion and the Church of the Annunciation.

Day Trips from Klaipeda

Curonian Spit: Curonian Spit Ferry, Smiltynės Beach & Dunes, Lithuanian Sea Museum & Aquarium, Amber Bay, Black Shore, Nida Lighthouse, Witches Hill, Dead Dunes

Palanga: Palanga Promenade & Pier, Tiškevičiai Palace Manor & Amber Museum

Plungė: Soviet Nuclear Weapons Site, Oginski Palace

Kretinga: Kretinga Manor Mansion, Kretinga’s Church of the Annunciation

Tiškevičiai Palace, Palanga, Diliff @ Wikimedia

Klaipeda Black Ghost, Otrębski @ Wikimedia

Visit Klaipeda, Lithuania

Palanga Pier, Scotch Mist @ Wikimedia

Klaipėda, Lithuania’s third-largest city and the only port city in the country, sits proudly on the Baltic coast. The city offers a unique blend of maritime charm, cultural richness, and historical significance. With a history dating back to the medieval era, Klaipėda’s Old Town showcases a fascinating mix of architectural styles, from Gothic and Renaissance to Baroque and German Fachwerk. Stroll along its cobblestone streets, and you’ll encounter well-preserved buildings, including the iconic Klaipėda Castle, which once guarded the city against invasions. The picturesque Theatre Square serves as a focal point, hosting lively events and performances amidst a backdrop of elegant facades and bustling cafes. Beyond the Old Town, the city’s modern districts beckon with contemporary art galleries, vibrant markets, and waterfront promenades, providing a glimpse into Klaipėda’s dynamic present.

Klaipėda’s maritime heritage is woven deeply into its identity. The city’s Sea Museum offers insight into its seafaring past, showcasing historic ships, maritime artifacts, and interactive exhibits that bring the maritime history of Klaipėda to life. Along the scenic coastline, sandy beaches beckon sunseekers and water enthusiasts. The Curonian Spit, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, stretches majestically along the coast, offering pristine dunes, lush forests, and tranquil lagoons for exploration. Whether delving into its history, soaking in its maritime ambiance, or enjoying its natural beauty, Klaipėda promises a memorable experience for visitors eager to discover the charm of Lithuania’s coastal gem.

Best Time to Visit Klaipeda

The summer months of June, July and August are the best time to visit Klaipeda. The annual Sea Festival is held the last week of July. Winter is very cold, but it’s a good time to avoid the busy summer tourist season and experience the Christmas Market.

Getting to Klaipeda

By Air: You can fly into Palanga and then drive a half hour to Klaipeda. If you fly in to Vilnius you can expect to spend another 3.5 hours by car to reach Klaipeda.

Rail or Bus: With no rail connections from Lithuania to Poland or Latvia, the bus connections into Lithuania have become quite well established. Riga in Latvia is about 5 hours away by bus while Warsaw is closer to 13 hours. With these lengthy travel times, you can expect that most international travellers will be arriving by plane instead.

Cruise Ship and Ferry: Many major cruise lines stop in Klaipeda on their summer Baltic itineraries. You can walk off the ship into the old town. Ferries from Sweden and Germany also stop in the port of Klaipeda.

Klaipeda Public Transit

Klaipeda Public Transit is very inexpensive. Contactless payment was introduced in 2023 which makes it easy to get around the town. You can use buses to travel the fairly short distances between the old town, the train station and the beach. You can also use local transit to reach Palanga and Kretinga.