Ever since Lithuania gained independence in 1990, the tourist trade in Klaipeda has grown steadily. There are many Klaipeda must do’s that make this one of the best places for tourists to visit, regardless of their age. Here are some of the things tourists must do when holidaying in this Lithuanian city.

1. Curonian Spit

Tourists must visit this 98-km long stretch of curved sand dune, which splits the Curonian Lagoon and the Baltic Sea coast that is situated in south-east Lithuania, Russia and Kaliningrad Oblast. This has taken place on account of marine sand being transported by winds and waves. The Curonian Spit has been added to the list of UNESCO World Heritage sites. This important site, which was formed about 5,000 years ago and today, stands at a height of around 35 meters. Some of the dunes along the spit are approximately 60 meters in height.

2. Sea Museum

Located in Kopgalis, at the northernmost part of the Curonian Spit, is the Sea Museum. The Sea Museum is home to a varied number of fish from the Baltic Sea, fresh waters, and also tropical seas. In addition to this, there are organized samples of marine fauna displayed here. The museum has outdoor pools near the building with the aquarium, where there are Baltic Sea seals, sea lions and penguins. Another complex in the Sea Museum is the dolphinarium, where visitors can see and interact with these sea creatures.

3. Old Town

Another must-visit site for tourists in Klaipeda is the Old Town which is situated on the southern bank of the Dane River. It is one of the most picturesque areas in the town and offers visitors an insight into the past. Here you can find many small half-timbered houses that give the Old Town its unique character. There are also some houses built in German architecture. Tourists must visit Teatro Aikste (Theatre Square) which is in the Old Town. This area has been named after the Neoclassical styled theatre that is towards the north of the square.

4. Clock Museum

The Clock Museum is one of the most important attractions in Klaipeda, and tourists must visit it during their stay in the town. It is made up of three parts: the Picture Gallery, an exhibit on the progress of watch and clock constructions, and one about the development of watch and clock making styles. There are numerous exhibits in the Picture Gallery that tourists can browse through, including a collection from Pranas Domsaitis. This consists of 528 pieces of art that were presented to Lithuania. The museum also has a Folk Artists’ Showroom, with five halls that hold different exhibitions every two weeks.

5. Lithuania Minor History Museum

Situated at Didzioji Vandens, this museum includes a vast collection of Ethnographic, Archeological, Numismatic and Historical artifacts. These include coins, documents, postcards, old maps, and other archeological findings that provide a look into the 10,000-year-old history of this area. The museum is open from Tuesday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Admission charges are about $2 for adults, and about half that price for children.