Liepāja

A lively port city on the Baltic coast known for its music scene, wide white-sand beaches and eclectic wooden and Art Nouveau architecture. The eerie Karosta military district with its abandoned prison and Naval Cathedral is a major draw.

Things to do

• Explore Karosta Prison — Tour the grim former Soviet and Tsarist military prison where you can even book an overnight 'inmate' experience.
• St. Nicholas Naval Cathedral — Visit the striking golden-domed Orthodox cathedral at the heart of the Karosta military district.
• Relax on Liepāja Beach — Enjoy the wide Blue Flag white-sand beach backed by dunes and the seaside park.
• Walk the Amber Clock and pedestrian street — Stroll Tirdzniecības kanāls and the lively central streets lined with cafés and boutiques.
• Great Amber Concert Hall — Catch a performance in the amber-hued modern concert hall, a hub of Liepāja's famous music scene.
• Holy Trinity Cathedral organ — Hear one of the world's largest historic mechanical pipe organs and climb the tower for city views.
• Admire Art Nouveau and wooden architecture — Wander the old town to see ornate Jugendstil facades alongside colorful traditional wooden houses.
• Karosta Redoubts and Northern Forts — Explore the crumbling seaside fortifications and bunkers battered by the Baltic waves.

Food to try

• Fresh Baltic fish — Try locally smoked and fried fish like flounder, herring and lamprey caught along the Kurzeme coast.
• Liepājas menciņi — Sample this regional cod dish, a hearty Kurzeme specialty of fish stewed with onions and cream.
• Grey peas with speck — Taste the beloved Latvian staple of grey peas cooked with fried bacon and onions.
• Rye bread and sklandrausis — Seek out dark sourdough rye bread and the Kurzeme carrot-and-potato tart with cinnamon.
• Craft beer and kvass — Refresh with local Latvian craft brews or traditional fermented rye-bread kvass.
• Market fare at Pētertirgus — Browse the historic Peter's Market hall for fresh berries, cheeses, honey and pickled goods.

Local customs & good to know

• City of music — Liepāja calls itself the birthplace of Latvian rock, so check for live gigs and the summer music festivals.
• Wind and weather — Known as the 'city where the wind is born,' it can be breezy and cool even in summer, so bring layers.
• Respect Karosta's history — The area was a closed Soviet naval base, so treat its abandoned buildings and memorials with sensitivity.
• Cash and small vendors — Carry some euros in cash for markets and small kiosks, though cards are widely accepted in town.

Nearby

• Pāvilosta — 44 km
• Jūrkalne Bluffs — 59 km
• Kuldīga — 78 km
• Ventspils — 105 km