Liepāja
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At a glance
- Country
- Latvia
- Region
- Kurzeme
- Population
- 66,000
- Best time to go
- June to August
- Main airport
- Riga International (RIX)
- Coordinates
- 56.50°N, 21.01°E
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Overview
Liepāja is Latvia's third city, a breezy port on the Baltic coast of Kurzeme, sometimes called the city where the wind is born. It has a long sandy beach, a seaside park and a reputation as the home of Latvian rock music.
Its most unusual corner is Karosta, the former military port, where onion-domed churches, crumbling barracks and a Soviet-era prison tell a dramatic story.
Things to see
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Photo: Unknown photographer, PD Karosta
A former naval town built for the Russian Empire, with ruined fortifications along the shore and a striking Orthodox cathedral.
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Photo: Wellstar69, CC BY-SA 4.0 Karosta Prison
A former military jail turned into a museum, with tours that recreate the harsh Soviet regime.
Tickets and tours -
Photo: MichalPL, CC BY-SA 4.0 Great Amber
A modern concert hall clad in amber-coloured glass, home to the Liepāja Symphony Orchestra.
Tickets and tours -
Photo: Sekreterare, CC0 Holy Trinity Cathedral
A Lutheran church with an ornate interior and one of the largest mechanical organs in the world.
Things to do
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Photo: Christopher Voitus, CC BY-SA 3.0 Liepāja beach
A wide stretch of white sand backed by dunes and the seaside park, a short walk from the centre.
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Northern Pier
Walk out along the breakwater at Karosta, a favourite spot for watching storms and sunsets.
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Live music
Catch a concert in a local bar or at a summer festival in the city that gave Latvia much of its rock scene.
Where to stay
City centre
Near the tram line, the cathedral and restaurants, an easy walk to the beach.
Hotels in City centreBy the seaside park
Guesthouses close to the beach and dunes, quieter and good for summer stays.
Hotels in By the seaside park
Getting around
A tram line runs through the city, and Karosta is reachable by bus or bike. The centre is compact and walkable.
Buses and trains from Riga take around three to four hours, and Riga airport is the nearest major airport.
When to go
June to August is the warmest time, with festivals and long evenings on the beach. The rest of the year is windy and cool, but the stormy sea has its own appeal.
Plan your trip to Liepāja
Guide last checked October 2026. Opening times and prices change, so check before you go.