Things to Do in Klaipėda

Klaipėda sits at the mouth of the Curonian Lagoon on Lithuania's Baltic coast, and it's actually the country's only major seaport. The city has this interesting maritime character that sets it apart from Lithuania's other destinations - you'll find a compact Old Town with German-influenced architecture (the city was called Memel for centuries), alongside working port areas and some genuinely pleasant waterfront spaces. The cobblestone streets and half-timbered buildings give you a sense of the city's complex history, while the nearby Curonian Spit - a UNESCO World Heritage sand dune peninsula - makes Klaipėda a natural base for coastal exploration. What's nice about Klaipėda is that it feels authentically Lithuanian rather than overly polished for tourists. The Old Town is walkable and atmospheric without being precious about it, and the local food scene has some solid seafood options that make sense given the location. It's also surprisingly well-connected, with ferries to the Curonian Spit and decent transport links to other Baltic cities.

The food scene centers around seafood, obviously, with several good restaurants in the Old Town serving fresh Baltic fish and traditional Lithuanian dishes. Senoji Hansa and Stora Antis are reliable choices for local cuisine, while the central market offers excellent smoked fish and local produce. You'll find the usual international options, but it's worth sticking to places that emphasize local ingredients - the smoked fish here is genuinely excellent, and many restaurants source directly from local fishing boats. Prices are generally reasonable, with good meals available for 15-30 euros per person.

May through September offers the warmest weather and longest days, with July and August being peak season for both weather and crowds. June and September might actually be ideal - you get decent weather with fewer tourists and lower accommodation prices. Winter can be quite harsh with limited daylight, though the Old Town has a certain atmospheric quality during the colder months. If you're planning to visit the Curonian Spit, definitely aim for the warmer months when ferry services run more frequently and the dunes are at their most impressive.