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
Miles of Baltic sand, dramatic skies and some of the cleanest water in Latvia.
Find your perfect spot.
Beaches →
Karosta’s Soviet secrets, Art Nouveau architecture and a music scene like nowhere else in Latvia
Start exploring.
Things to Do →
Beachfront hotels, cosy apartments and budget-friendly options.
Find where to stay in Liepāja.
Where to Stay →
Drinks, fresh Baltic fish, strong coffee and bars that keep going long after the sun sets.
Discover the best spots.
Food & Drink →
From a Tsarist naval fortress to Latvia’s rock capital — Liepāja’s past is as dramatic as its coastline.
Learn more.
History →
Concerts, festivals, food events and cultural happenings throughout the year.
See what’s coming up.
Big Events →
European Capital City of Culture
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.
Latest from Liepāja Guide
Karosta: The Soviet City Within a City That Didn't Officially Exist
Most visitors to Liepāja know Karosta exists. Fewer have a clear sense of what they’ll actually find there. Read any travel blog from over ten years ago, and you’d wonder if the area is actually…