The Top Things to Do and See in Klaipeda
The city of Klaipeda is a cosy port and gateway to the Curonian Spit in Lithuania. In the summer months, cruise ships dock here and tourists fill the quaint old town. Formerly an important trading post with Germany, the town is dotted with beautiful half-timbered houses that are relics from the past. Klaipeda is a great stop over for a relaxing weekend or a short stay before or after an active trip to the Curonian Spit.
1. Visit the Lithuanian Sea Museum
Museum
The Lithuanian Sea Museum is situated at the northernmost tip of the Curonian Spit, across the water from central Klaipeda. Its key attraction is a dolphinarium, where you can see shows starring Black Sea bottlenose dolphins, Baltic seals and Steller sea lions – the shows are held in an annexed building and require separate tickets. In the main building, underwater walkways pass through tanks of psychedelic coral, brightly-coloured fish and spooky-looking crustaceans. There’s a small on-site cafe for refreshments.
2. Friedrich Passage
Historical Landmark
3. Walk along the river in Dane Park
Park
4. Black Ghost Statue (Juodasis Vaiduoklis)
Architectural Landmark
5. Savour drinks and snacks aboard Meridianas ship
Restaurant, Lithuanian
6. Memel Castle ruins
Museum, Ruins
7. Sculpture Park
Cemetery, Church, Park
8. Smiltyne
Museum
9. Eat at Monai
Restaurant, Northern European
Monai’s chefs perform in a shiny show-kitchen, separated from the dining room by a floor-to-ceiling glass wall. They produce some of the most artfully presented cuisine in Klaipeda, with dishes such as tuna tartar and duck dumplings displaying creative flair as well as respect for ingredients. Weekends are all about hangover-busting brunches of pancakes, bacon and eggs, accompanied by perfectly balanced mimosas. Booking a few days ahead is recommended, as everyone wants a table here.
10. Lose yourself in time at the Museum of Clocks
Museum
Housed in a country villa dating from 1820, Klaipeda’s Museum of Clocks takes a detailed look at the ingenuity with which humans have measured time over the centuries. Learn all about sundials, hourglasses, fire and water clocks on the ground floor, before moving upstairs to explore a collection of timepieces from the Renaissance through to the present day. Also check out Sundial Park, a tranquil space behind the main building with several working sundials.
Elizabeth Georgian contributed additional reporting to this article.
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