Things To Do
in Klaipėda

Klaipėda is Lithuania's third-largest city, situated on the country's northeastern coast along the Baltic Sea. Known for its rich maritime history, the city features a charming old town with German-style architecture and a vibrant port area. Klaipėda serves as a gateway to the stunning Curonian Spit, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its unique landscapes.

With a blend of cultural influences and modern amenities, it offers visitors a diverse experience of Lithuanian culture.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Day 1: Exploring the Old Town and the Sea
morning
:

Start your day with a visit to the Old Town, wandering through the quaint streets and admiring the architecture. Don’t miss the iconic Theatre Square with its famous statue of Ann from Tharau.

afternoon
:

Visit the Klaipėda Sea Museum to learn about maritime history and see the unique exhibits featuring local marine life. Afterward, take a leisurely stroll along the harbor promenade.

evening
:

Enjoy dinner at a local seafood restaurant, such as 'Meridianas', followed by a walk to the illuminated Klaipėda Castle.

day 2
Day 2: Nature and Culture
morning
:

Take a ferry to the Curonian Spit and explore the beautiful sand dunes at Nida. Spend time at the stunning beaches or hike through the pine forests.

afternoon
:

Visit the local galleries and art exhibitions in Nida, and enjoy lunch at a cozy café with a view of the sea.

evening
:

Return to Klaipėda and enjoy a night out at one of the city’s bars or clubs, experiencing the local nightlife.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍽️Meal at a restaurant$10-20
Coffee$2-4
🏨Hotel (mid-range)$50-100 per night
🚍Public transport ticket$1
🥖Bakery item$1-3

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Rich maritime history and culture.
  • Beautiful natural surroundings, including the Curonian Spit.
  • Vibrant local food scene.
  • Limited public transportation options outside the city.
  • Some tourist attractions may have limited hours in off-peak seasons.
  • Weather can be unpredictable, especially in spring and autumn.
  • "Labas" - Hello
  • "Ačiū" - Thank you
  • "Prašom" - Please
  • "Kiek tai kainuoja?" - How much does this cost?
  • "Kur yra tualetas?" - Where is the bathroom?

Places to Visit in Klaipėda

Visit one of these nice places.

Klaipėda Castle

A beautiful historical site that provides a great backdrop for photos, especially at sunset.

Curonian Spit

The stunning landscapes and unique sand dunes make this a must-visit spot for nature photographers.

The old town's colorful buildings

The charming and colorful architecture of the old town streets is perfect for capturing the essence of Klaipėda.

Culinary Guide

Food in Klaipėda

Klaipėda offers a vibrant culinary scene that reflects its coastal heritage and local traditions. Seafood is a highlight, with many dishes featuring fresh catches from the Baltic Sea.

Klaipėda Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Šaltibarščiai

A traditional cold beet soup, served with sour cream, boiled potatoes, and often garnished with dill.

Must-Try!

Dried Fish

A popular snack in Klaipėda, often enjoyed with beer, featuring various types of locally dried fish.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Klaipėda Central Market

A bustling market where you can find fresh produce, local cheeses, and street food vendors offering traditional pastries and snacks.

Climate Guide

Weather

Klaipėda has a temperate maritime climate, characterized by mild summers and cold winters. Summer temperatures average between 20-25°C (68-77°F), ideal for beach activities. Winters can drop below 0°C (32°F) with snowfall, making it a picturesque but chilly season. Rain is common in autumn and spring, so visitors should be prepared with appropriate clothing year-round.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greetings

A firm handshake is the standard greeting; maintain eye contact while greeting someone.

Dining Etiquette

Wait for the host to start the meal before you begin eating; it's polite to say 'Bon Appétit' before starting.

Dress Code

Dress conservatively when visiting religious sites, and it’s best to avoid beachwear in the city.

Safety Guide

Safety

Klaipėda is generally a safe city for tourists, with low crime rates. However, standard precautions should be taken, such as avoiding poorly lit areas at night and keeping personal belongings secure in crowded places. Emergency services can be contacted by dialing 112.

Tipping in Klaipėda

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Culture

Tipping is generally expected in restaurants, with around 10% being standard if service is not included.

Payment Methods

Credit cards are widely accepted, but it's good to carry some cash, especially for small purchases in markets.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Spring

Spring brings mild weather, making it a great time for outdoor activities and exploring gardens and parks.

Summer

Summer is warm and ideal for beach visits and outdoor festivals, with many events happening in the city.

Autumn

Autumn offers beautiful foliage, and it's a quieter time to visit without the summer crowds; perfect for a peaceful retreat.

Winter

Winter can be cold and snowy, but the city has a charming festive atmosphere, especially during Christmas time.

Nightlife Guide

Klaipėda at Night

Klaipėda's nightlife scene is lively and diverse, with numerous bars, clubs, and live music venues. The old town has a range of pubs offering local craft beers, while the waterfront features trendy clubs with DJs and dance floors. Many venues host themed nights and live performances, attracting both locals and tourists. The atmosphere is generally friendly and welcoming, making it a great place to socialize and enjoy the night.

Hiking in Klaipėda

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Nida to Parnidis Dune Trail

A scenic trail that takes you through beautiful landscapes and offers breathtaking views of the Curonian Lagoon and the Baltic Sea.

Smiltynė to Nida Trail

A lovely coastal walk connecting Smiltynė and Nida, featuring picturesque views and opportunities to see local wildlife.

Airports

How to reach Klaipėda by plane.

Palanga Airport

Located about 30 km from Klaipėda, Palanga Airport is the nearest airport, offering flights to several European cities and seasonal charter flights.

Getting Around

Walkability

Klaipėda is very walkable, especially in the Old Town where most attractions, shops, and restaurants are located within a short distance. The flat terrain and well-maintained sidewalks make it easy to explore on foot. Biking is also popular, with designated bike paths throughout the city and along the waterfront.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Lithuanian Natives

Lithuanians make up the majority of the population, with a rich cultural heritage and a strong sense of national identity.

Russian Speakers

A significant number of residents speak Russian, reflecting historical ties and a diverse community.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Basketball

Basketball is the most popular sport in Lithuania, and Klaipėda has several local teams and facilities for playing and watching games.

Football (Soccer)

Football is also popular, with local clubs hosting matches and training sessions that attract community support.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic in Klaipėda is manageable, with most locals using cars or bicycles for transportation. The city has a reliable public transport system, including buses that connect key areas. Congestion can occur during peak hours, but overall, the city is easy to navigate.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Klaipėda.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian/Vegan

While traditional Lithuanian cuisine is meat-heavy, you can find vegetarian options at many restaurants, and larger places may accommodate vegan requests.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Healthcare services in Klaipėda are of good quality, with several hospitals and clinics available for both locals and tourists. Emergency services can be reached via 112, and it’s advisable for travelers to have travel insurance covering health care needs. Pharmacies are widely available for over-the-counter medications.

Discover Lithuania

Read more in our Lithuania 2025 Travel Guide.

Lithuania Travel Guide