Where the Wind Begins…

Your Guide to Liepāja

Latvia’s most surprising city

Liepāja is a Baltic port city on Latvia’s west coast — the country’s third-largest city and its 2027 European Capital of Culture. It has 12km of sandy coastline, a former Soviet naval fortress open to visitors, Art Nouveau streets, and a music scene that punches well above its size. Three hours from Riga. Largely undiscovered by international tourism. That’s changing.

12km

Sandy coastline

2027

European Capital of Culture

67k

Residents

3hrs

from Rīga

Best for: Coolation (cooler European summer vacations) · History and dark tourism · Baltic beach breaks · Budget city breaks · Independent travellers · ECoC 2027

Worth knowing: Liepāja sits on an exposed Baltic coastline — wind is a permanent feature, not occasional weather. Pack layers even in June.

Six ways to make Liepāja work for you

liepaja beach at sunset with the sun reflecting off the baltic sea and golden sands

Miles of Baltic sand, dramatic skies and some of the cleanest water in Latvia.

Find your perfect spot.

Beaches →

the great amber concert hall

Karosta’s Soviet secrets, Art Nouveau architecture and a music scene like nowhere else in Latvia

Start exploring.

Things to Do →

the promenade hotel is a place to stay in liepaja and also has a top class restaurant "Piano"

Beachfront hotels, cosy apartments and budget-friendly options.

Find where to stay in Liepāja.

Where to Stay →

Restaurant on Liepaja beach showing food in the foreground and sand and the sea in the background

Drinks, fresh Baltic fish, strong coffee and bars that keep going long after the sun sets.

Discover the best spots.

Food & Drink →

The bridge joining Liepaja with Karosta

From a Tsarist naval fortress to Latvia’s rock capital — Liepāja’s past is as dramatic as its coastline.

Learn more.

Karosta →

Prata Vetra concerts in Daugavas Stadions is one of the things to do in Liepaja every other year or so.

Concerts, festivals, food events and cultural happenings throughout the year.

See what’s coming up.

Big Events →

European Capital City of Culture

Liepāja 2027

Explore Liepāja 2027 →

Opening

April 2027

3

Partner regions

(un)rest

The programme

Countdown

Days

Hours

Where to stay in Liepāja

Liepāja has accommodation to suit most budgets — from seafront hotels in the city centre to quiet holiday cottages in Bernati, 30km south along the coast. The main hotel cluster sits within walking distance of the beach and Old Town. For a longer stay or a quieter experience, self-catering options in Bernati offer pine forest, dunes, and significantly lower prices.

Best for: City centre hotels · Beachfront access · Bernati cottages · Budget guesthouses

Book ahead: Summer weekends and the Liepāja 2027 programme period fill fast — especially beachfront properties.

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