Discover Klaipėda: Old Town, Theatre Square and day trips

• Theatre Square: The square took shape in the 19th century; its history began in 1819, when part of the castle moat was filled in and a market was established.
• Ännchen von Tharau: The fountain and Simon Dach monument were installed in 1912; a new version returned to the square in 1989.
• Old Town: Cobblestones and half-timbered houses characterize parts of the historic center; comfortable shoes are useful for longer walks.
• Crossing to Smiltynė: The Old Ferry is for pedestrians and bicycles; cars use the New Ferry.
• Sea Museum: The Lithuanian Sea Museum and Aquarium are in Smiltynė on the Curonian Spit, not in the Old Town.
• How long to spend: One day is enough to see selected places in the center; allow extra time for museum visits and a trip across the water.
• Schedules: Departures, fares and museum opening hours can change; check official information on the day of your visit.
• Coastal route: Neringa and Palanga are destinations in their own right, so check ferry and road connections before including them in your plans.

Start at Theatre Square, a central venue for cultural events and public gatherings. Its history dates back to 1819, when part of the castle moat was filled in and a new market was established. Market halls and additional trading areas were added in the 19th century. Today, the square is an easy-to-find starting point for exploring the Old Town at your own pace—and a place to return to for a city festival or concert.

The square is home to a fountain with a monument to Simon Dach and a statue of Ännchen von Tharau. The poet wrote the well-known song about the young woman; the sculpture was installed in 1912, disappeared during the Second World War and returned in a new version in 1989. The site brings together literature, local history and everyday life today. Take time to notice the details of the fountain and compare the surroundings with the neighboring streets, rather than stopping only briefly for a photo.

From here, the historic center is easy to explore on foot. In parts of the Old Town, cobblestones and half-timbered façades sit alongside later buildings and modern shops. The streets are not all equally level: if you are traveling with a stroller, walker or wheelchair, check a specific route in advance and plan for breaks. To get a broader sense of Klaipėda, combine this walk with an overview of Klaipėda as a port city.

In Klaipėda, two different ferry journeys are often relevant: the Baltic Sea crossing to the port and the short trip from the city to Smiltynė. If you are arriving by car or motorhome, choosing the right terminal is essential; if you are traveling on foot to the Sea Museum, you will need the passenger ferry. Check the route, terminal, vehicle rules and departure time with the operator before settling on your itinerary. An overview of ferries to Lithuania and information about the Klaipėda ferry port cover arrivals by different modes of transport.

The Old Ferry to Smiltynė is for pedestrians and cyclists; cars cannot board. Motor vehicles use the New Ferry. Keep your destination on the other side of the Curonian Lagoon in mind: whether you are heading to the beach, the museum or onward to Neringa, choose your departure and connections accordingly. An overview of the Curonian Lagoon and the guide to Neringa can help you fit the short crossing into a longer route.

Smiltynė is separated from the city by water and is usually reached by ferry. The Lithuanian Sea Museum, the aquarium and other exhibitions are located here; what you can visit depends on what is open on the day. The museum publishes opening hours by season and may offer certain activities or demonstrations seasonally. Check the current monthly calendar before coordinating your crossing with a timed booking.

Treat your museum visit as a separate activity and allow time for the journey, getting around on site and the return trip. If your main reason for going is the water, compare the beaches on the Spit with the easily accessible sights in the city. Information about beaches in Lithuania and the Curonian Spit can help you distinguish a museum visit from time spent on the coast. For a broader overview of exhibitions around the country, see the page on museums in Lithuania.

For a first impression, set aside a day for Theatre Square, the Old Town and a selection of historic sights. Start at the central square, wander through the old streets without rushing, and check whether any museums are open. If you have a shorter stay, avoid trying to cover the city center, Smiltynė and a coastal town all at once: schedules, waiting times and seasonal opening hours can affect your plans.

With two days, you can combine a day in the center with a ferry trip and a museum visit. A third day leaves room for a separate coastal excursion. The official Klaipėda visitor guide also groups suggestions into one-, two- and three-day itineraries; plan the order around the weather, museum opening hours and your interests. For a longer seaside trip, compare Lithuania’s Baltic coast and the resort town of Palanga rather than treating every destination as part of one city walk.

If you are combining Klaipėda with the coast, check at each stage whether you will be crossing on foot, by bicycle or by car. A trip to Neringa and a beach day call for different time buffers. Check for last-minute changes with the ferry operator and museums; general travel information is no substitute for a current-day timetable.

Comfortable shoes are a good idea in the historic center, as some routes run over uneven cobblestones. If you need a more accessible walk, check up-to-date information about surfaces, construction work and possible detours in advance; conditions can vary from street to street. Also plan an alternative in the city center in case of changeable coastal weather, such as a museum or exhibition, and make sure it is open on the day of your visit.

Events at Theatre Square and museum offerings change throughout the year. For events, special exhibitions and demonstrations, rely on the organizers’ latest information rather than a general city-walking guide. If Klaipėda is just one stop on your trip, you can combine it with the nearby coast; for a broader regional perspective, see the overview of Klaipėda, Neringa and Palanga.

What should I see first in Klaipėda?

Theatre Square and the surrounding streets are a convenient introduction to the Old Town. If you have more time, add a museum visit or a ferry trip to Smiltynė.

How long do I need in Klaipėda?

One day may be enough to visit selected places in the center. Allow more time for the Sea Museum, Smiltynė and additional coastal destinations, and check opening hours and ferry schedules.

How do I get to the Lithuanian Sea Museum?

The museum is in Smiltynė on the Curonian Spit. The passenger ferry is intended for visitors traveling on foot or by bicycle; check in advance which connection works best with the rest of your itinerary.

Can I drive to Smiltynė?

The Old Ferry does not carry cars. The New Ferry is for motor vehicles; check current rules, schedules and fares with the operator.

Is the Old Town suitable for strollers and wheelchairs?

Some streets have cobblestones and uneven sections. Check a specific route before your visit and, if you have particular mobility needs, confirm the latest information with the tourist information office.

Can I combine Klaipėda with Neringa or Palanga?

Yes, but both destinations need their own travel and visiting time. Plan the connection according to your mode of transport, ferry times and the season; the coastal overview can help you compare the destinations.