Things to Do in Liepaja, Latvija

Liepāja, Latvia's third-largest city, is a captivating coastal destination known as the 'City Where the Wind is Born' due to its dramatic Baltic Sea location and powerful maritime atmosphere. This historic port city seamlessly blends its rich cultural heritage with modern attractions, featuring stunning Art Nouveau architecture, pristine beaches, and a vibrant music scene that has earned it recognition as a UNESCO Creative City of Music. The city's unique character is shaped by its fascinating military history, including the former Soviet naval base at Karosta, now a haunting yet compelling tourist attraction. Liepāja offers visitors an authentic Latvian experience away from the crowds, with excellent museums, beautiful parks, world-class concert venues, and some of the Baltic region's most impressive sandy beaches stretching for miles along the coast.

Top Things to Do in Liepaja

Explore Karosta Military Heritage Complex

Visit this former Soviet naval base turned open-air museum, featuring abandoned military buildings, fortifications, and the infamous Karosta Prison where you can experience life as a Soviet-era prisoner. The complex offers guided tours through bunkers, military installations, and the dramatic coastal fortifications that tell the story of Latvia's complex 20th-century history.

Booking Tip: Tours cost around €10-15 per person, with prison experience tours around €25. Book online in advance during summer months. Choose evening tours for the most atmospheric experience, and dress warmly as coastal winds can be strong year-round.

Relax at Liepāja Beach

Enjoy one of the Baltic's finest beaches with its wide stretch of white sand extending for over 8 kilometers along the coast. The beach offers excellent facilities including cafes, rental equipment, and designated swimming areas, while the dramatic dunes and pine forests provide perfect spots for hiking and nature photography.

Booking Tip: Beach access is free year-round. Parking costs €2-5 per day in summer. Visit early morning or late afternoon for the best light and fewer crowds. Beach chair and umbrella rentals available for €10-15 per day during peak season (June-August).

Visit the Great Amber Concert Hall

Experience world-class performances at this stunning modern concert hall, home to the Liepāja Symphony Orchestra and host to international music festivals throughout the year. The building itself is an architectural marvel with exceptional acoustics, and guided tours reveal the sophisticated technical systems and design philosophy behind this cultural landmark.

Booking Tip: Concert tickets range from €15-50 depending on performance and seating. Book online well in advance for popular shows. Building tours cost €8 and run twice daily except during rehearsals. Check the seasonal festival schedule for special events.

Discover Liepāja Museum and Art Galleries

Explore the city's rich maritime and cultural history through excellent museum collections featuring local artifacts, maritime exhibits, and contemporary Latvian art. The museum complex includes several historic buildings and rotating exhibitions that showcase everything from ancient amber jewelry to modern installations by local and international artists.

Booking Tip: Museum entry costs €5-8 for adults with discounts for students and seniors. Combined tickets for multiple museums available for €12-15. Most museums closed on Mondays. Allow 2-3 hours for a comprehensive visit, and check for special temporary exhibitions.

Take a Baltic Sea Coastal Walk

Follow the scenic coastal promenade and nature trails that wind along Liepāja's dramatic shoreline, offering spectacular views of the Baltic Sea, historic lighthouses, and diverse coastal ecosystems. The walk connects the city center to Karosta and passes through beautiful parks, dunes, and historic neighborhoods with stunning Art Nouveau architecture.

Booking Tip: Walking is free and accessible year-round, though spring through fall offers the best weather. Guided walking tours available for €15-20 per person. Wear sturdy shoes and weather-appropriate clothing as coastal conditions can change quickly. Best times are early morning or 2 hours before sunset.

Getting There

Liepāja is easily accessible by bus from Riga (3.5 hours, €8-12) with regular daily departures, or by car via the A9 highway (approximately 3 hours). The city has a small regional airport with limited seasonal flights, mainly serving charter and private aircraft. Train connections are available but less frequent and take longer than buses. Many visitors combine Liepāja with other Baltic destinations, as it's well-connected to Lithuanian coastal cities like Klaipėda (2 hours by bus).

Getting Around

Liepāja is compact and very walkable, with most attractions within easy walking distance of the city center. Local buses connect the main city to Karosta and outer areas for €1-2 per ride, with day passes available for €3. Taxis are readily available and affordable for short distances (€5-10 for most city trips). Bicycle rentals are popular for exploring the extensive coastal paths and parks, with rental shops charging €10-15 per day. The city center and beach areas are pedestrian-friendly with good signage in Latvian and English.

Where to Stay

City Center

Seaside District

Karosta Area

Rose Square vicinity

Beach Promenade

Old Town

Food & Dining

Liepāja's dining scene celebrates both traditional Latvian cuisine and international flavors, with many restaurants emphasizing fresh Baltic seafood and locally sourced ingredients. The city center offers cozy cafes serving hearty Latvian dishes like grey peas with bacon, smoked fish, and traditional rye bread, while upscale restaurants near the beach specialize in creative preparations of local catch including flounder, herring, and salmon. Don't miss trying Liepāja's famous amber-colored beer at local breweries, and visit the central market for fresh produce, local honey, and artisanal foods. Many establishments offer outdoor seating during warmer months, perfect for enjoying the sea breeze while dining.

When to Visit

The best time to visit Liepāja is from May through September when temperatures are mild (15-22°C) and daylight hours are long, perfect for beach activities and outdoor exploration. July and August are peak season with the warmest weather and most festivals, but also higher prices and crowds. Late spring (May-June) and early fall (September) offer pleasant weather with fewer tourists and better accommodation rates. Winter visits can be magical with dramatic stormy seas and cozy indoor cultural events, though temperatures drop below freezing and daylight is limited. The city's music festivals and cultural events are concentrated in summer months.

Insider Tips

Book accommodations early for summer visits as Liepāja has limited hotel capacity and fills up during festival seasons and warm weekends

Bring layers and wind-resistant clothing year-round as the coastal location creates unpredictable weather and strong sea breezes even in summer

Many shops and restaurants close early on Sundays or may be closed entirely, so plan accordingly and stock up on essentials Saturday evening

Things to Do in Liepaja