Old Town Klaipeda,
Lithuania
Overview:
Klaipeda, Lithuania is an
interesting port in the Baltic. Located on the Baltic
between Latvia and Russia, Klaipeda is the only year
around, ice free port in the entire Baltic. As the third
largest city in Lithuania, Klaipeia has a diverse
culture dating back to the 16th century. Its historic
"Old Town" is in direct contrast to its vibrant and
industrial port activity. The local currency is the
Litas, which consists of 100 cents, much like the
dollar. It is necessary to change currency into Litas,
as many of the sights will not accept dollars or euro.
One U.S. dollar is worth approximately 3 Litas.
Cruise
Port Location and Information:
Welcome to Klaipeda
Since
Klaipeda does not have a substantial number of ships
calling on it, the Klaipedians go out of their way to
let passengers know that they are welcomed amd happy
that they are there. Ships are met with music and dance.
Docked in Klaipeda,
Lithuania
Ships dock
right in the main harbor and it is a quick ten-minute
walk from the ship.
Exploring on Your Own:
The Map of Klaipeda
Klaipeda
is easily explored on your own and fun to do. English is
understood by most of the merchants and Klaipeda is
small enough that you will not get lost. There is a
tourist information office in Old Town at 7 Turgads
Street that offers tons of information on the local
sights.
Shopping Tips:
Klaipeda Old Town and
Shops
There are
numerous shops, boutiques and galleries along with open
air market kiosks to enjoy. While the prices in the
stores are pixed with no negotiating, one can negotiate
with the street cart vendors.
Locally Manufactured
Jewelry
Look for
bargains on amber and amber jewelry, wood carvings,
local Lithuanian crafts, ceramic pieces, local foods and
clothing.
More Street Vendors
Exploring
the entire Old Town area uncovers a wealth of shopping
opportunities. There is also a large mall (Akropolis)
that offers stores one would find in any mall anywhere.
Open every day except Sunday, this is a great place to
pick up items that you may need on your cruise.
Port
Highlights:
Old Town Square
Certainly no visit to Klaipeda would be complete without
visiting Old Town. Its charm is evident everywhere.
Klaipeda Drama Theater
Located
right in the heart of Old Town on the main square is the
Klaipeda Drama Theater. This is where Hitler gave his
famous speech during the German occupation of Klaipeda
in 1939. He spoke from the balcony to a square full of
Lithuanians who had just given up their freedom.
Nese Pramogu Bankas
Hotel and Casino
The
Nese Pramogu Bankas Hotel and Casino is located downtown
and is the first casino to open in Klaipeda. It is well
located and is also a great place to exchange currencies
if you happen to be in Klaipeda on Sunday.
Klaipeda Sidewalk Cafe
Throughout Klaipeda there are numerous sidewalk cafes
and restaurants.
Nude Bikers
One of
the exciting benefits about traveling is that you get to
see things that you probably wouldn't see at home. While
enjoying a Lithuanian beer at the sidewalk cafe pictured
above we were treated to a motorcycle group riding their
Harleys around town.....nude. Yes, I did say nude. These
guys were stark naked and they rode around town for at
least a couple of hours and no one thought anything of
it.
The Canals in Klaipeda
Klaipeda has canals that penetrate the city that are
home to some wonderful homes and yachts. Several
restaurants make good use of the waterfront, as well.
Klaipeda Wood Carving
Klaipeda offers several museums. The Clock and Watch
Museum, the Blacksnith Museum, the Castle Museum and the
Lithuania Minor History Museum are all located
conveniently in Klaipeda.
The Ferry Terminal to
Buy Tickets to the Curonian Spit
One of
the most fun things to do in Klaipeda is to take the
ferry over to the Curonian Spit.
The Curonian Spit Ferry
and Ferry Terminal
You
will need the local currency (Litas) to buy your ticket
(be sure to purchase a round-trip ticket to avoid lines
on the spit) Ferries operate about every hour or so and
costs approximately one dollar each way.
The Beach on Klaipeda's
Curonian Spit
Curonian Spit is a 100 kilometer long peninsula made up
of sand dunes and beaches. It parallels the Lithuanian
coast just offshore and is a pristine environment for
wildlife and flora. When one arrives by ferry, you cross
the sand dunes on a wooden trail and end up on the
Baltic Sea side of the Spit. The beach goes for miles.
The highest sand dune in Europe is found here as well as
the quaint fishing village known as Neringa.
The Cruise Ship
Terminal as Seen From the Ferry
On your
return ferry ride you are treated to an excellent view
of your cruise ship docked in Klaipeda.
Jonas Hill
Once a
fortification during the seventh century Jonas Hill is
now a wonderful place to relax and walk. Found on the
east side of Klaipedia, it is within easy walking
distance from Old Town.
Off the
Beaten Path:
The Beaches of Palanga
Palanga,
about 30 kilometers north of Klaipeda is well worth a
visit. It is the preferred summer vacation spot of
Lithuanians and it becomes very crowded during cruise
season. Be sure to read the review of Palanga that
follows this review. Click
HERE to read the
review.
Dining
and Drinking Suggestions:
The Wine Restaurant
We
enjoyed a wonderful lunch at the Wine Restaurant. Not
only did they serve an extensive list of wines, but we
enjoyed some excellent fish for lunch.
Look for This Sign
The
restaurant was located about one block off of the main
canal back a couple of blocks from the harbor.
Wine Restaurant
Interior
While I
am sure that there are several other excellent
restaurants in Klaipeda (you see them everywhere) I
would make it a point to return to the Wine Restaurant
because it was exceptional. If you like wine and fish,
this is the placve to go as far as I am concerned.
A Klaipeda Bar
Klaipeda also has several bars that are fun to visit.
While the preferred drink in Lithuania is either beer or
vodka, I found the Lithuanian beer to be excellent and
that wine was commonly served, as well. All in all,
Klaipedia's strenght is in its diversity and excellent
dining and drinking establishments.
Must Do
List:
I would
give a visit to Old Town a must do for any cruise
passenger. It is easy to get to from the ship and
entertaining.
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