Liepāja is Latvia’s most characterful coastal city, set on the Baltic Sea in the country’s southwest and known for its windswept beaches, music scene and layered history. Once a major naval port, the city blends elegant 19th-century architecture with wide boulevards, wooden houses and striking reminders of its Soviet past. The long, sandy beach stretches north and south of the city and is ideal for bracing walks, particularly at sunset.
One of Liepāja’s most distinctive districts is Karosta, the former secret military port built for the Russian navy. Today, its monumental architecture, abandoned fortifications and the imposing St Nicholas Naval Cathedral create one of Latvia’s most unusual urban landscapes. In the city centre, visitors can explore the lively promenade, markets and cafés, as well as concert halls and galleries that reflect Liepāja’s reputation as Latvia’s music capital.
With its creative energy, historic contrasts and dramatic seaside setting, Liepāja offers a refreshing alternative to Latvia’s capital and is ideal for travellers seeking culture, coastline and character in equal measure.