
Half-timbered port town and the gateway to the Curonian Spit
Lithuania's only seaport keeps a German-influenced old town of half-timbered houses, and the ferry to the Curonian Spit leaves from the centre.
Official city tourism siteCultural highlights
Theatre Square
Home of the small Ännchen von Tharau fountain and the summer festival stage.
Curonian Spit ferry
A short crossing to dunes, pine forest and cycling paths.
Sea Museum & Smiltynė
An old fort turned aquarium on the spit side.
Travel tips
- Check ferry timetables in shoulder season — sailings thin out.
- The sea wind is cold even in July; bring a layer.
- Sea Festival (late July) fills every bed in town — book far ahead.
Getting around
To the Curonian Spit
Walk-on ferry from the Old Ferry Terminal to Smiltynė, then bus or bicycle to Nida.
Onward
Buses to Palanga every 20–30 minutes; trains to Vilnius take about 4 hours.
Between cities
Intercity buses are the backbone (autobusubilietai.lt); trains (traukiniai.lt) are cheaper and comfortable on Vilnius–Kaunas–Klaipėda.
Tickets
Buy bus and train tickets online or from the driver. City buses accept a contactless bank card tapped on the validator.
Taxis & apps
Bolt is the default app in every city and costs a fraction of Western European taxi fares.
Driving
Dipped headlights on at all times. Winter tyres are compulsory 10 Nov – 1 Apr. City parking is paid by app (mPay) or meter.
Opening hours
Curonian Spit ferry
Old ferry (passengers) runs every 30 minutes through the day; the New ferry carries cars and runs hourly off-season.
Shops
Weekdays roughly 10:00–19:00, Saturday 10:00–16:00. Many small shops close Sunday.
Shopping centres
Usually 10:00–21:00 or 22:00, seven days a week.
Supermarkets
Maxima, Iki, Rimi and Lidl typically 08:00–22:00 daily; some Vilnius and Kaunas stores run 24h.
Museums
Usually 10:00–18:00, closed Monday and often Sunday afternoon. Last entry is 30–45 minutes before closing.
Restaurants
Lunch menus (pietūs) 11:00–15:00 on weekdays. Kitchens often stop at 22:00, earlier in small towns.
Pharmacies
09:00–19:00 typically; every larger city has at least one 24-hour pharmacy.
Banks & post
Weekdays 09:00–17:00, closed weekends. Cash machines are everywhere.
Public holidays
Most shops and museums close on 1 Jan, 16 Feb, 11 Mar, Easter, 24 Jun, 6 Jul, 1 Nov and 24–25 Dec.
Typical hours — always check the venue's own page before travelling.
Practical info
Getting around
Walkable centre, then the passenger ferry for the spit; bikes rent cheaply.
Money
Euro (€). Cards are accepted almost everywhere, including buses and markets.
Emergency
112 for police, ambulance and fire — English is understood.
Useful Lithuanian
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