Things To Do
in Palanga

Palanga is Lithuania's premier Baltic Sea resort renowned for its expansive beaches and lively promenade. The town centers around a long sandy coastline, a historic wooden pier, and the charming Basanavičiaus Street with shops and cafes. It blends seaside leisure with cultural attractions like the Amber Museum and Birutė Park.

Visitors come for summer sun, family-friendly activities, and easy access from Klaipėda and the surrounding coast.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Arrival and Relaxation
morning
:

Arrive in Palanga and check into your seaside hotel. Take a leisurely stroll along the beach, breathing in the fresh sea air and listening to the waves. Spend the rest of the morning unwinding from your journey with a refreshing drink at a beachside cafe.

afternoon
:

Explore the beautiful Palanga Botanical Park, home to stunning gardens and the impressive Tiskeviciai Palace. Take pictures of the rich flora and enjoy the serene atmosphere. Grab lunch at a nearby restaurant, savoring traditional Lithuanian dishes.

evening
:

As the sun sets, head to the Palanga Pier for a picturesque view of the horizon. Enjoy a romantic dinner at one of the waterfront restaurants, where you can taste fresh seafood dishes. Stroll along the lively promenade, soaking in the vibrant nightlife of Palanga.

day 2
Cultural Exploration
morning
:

Visit the Amber Museum located in the heart of the botanical park. Discover the fascinating history of amber and its significance in Lithuanian culture. After the museum tour, enjoy a peaceful walk through the gardens, taking in the beauty of nature.

afternoon
:

Head to the local food market to sample authentic Lithuanian snacks and fresh produce. Engage with local vendors and learn about traditional culinary practices. Spend your afternoon visiting nearby art galleries showcasing local artists.

evening
:

Catch a cultural performance at the Palanga Concert Hall, where you can experience local music and dance. Dine at a cozy restaurant known for its artisanal cuisine. End the evening with a nightcap at a chic bar, enjoying the ambiance and mingling with locals.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$8-12
Coffee in cafe$2-4
🚌One-way public transportation ticket$1-2
🏨Mid-range hotel per night$70-120
🛒Groceries (weekly)$60-120

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Beautiful beaches and a charming promenade
  • Efficient, friendly locals and easy to reach from Klaipėda
  • Good range of seafood and Lithuanian dishes
  • Family-friendly with many outdoor activities
  • Seasonal crowds in summer
  • Some tourist areas can be pricey
  • Limited options for non-seafood oriented cuisine in some places
  • "Sveiki" - Hello
  • "Ačiū" - Thank you
  • "Prašau" - Please/You're welcome
  • "Kiek tai kainuoja?" - How much is this?
  • "Kur yra tualetas?" - Where is the bathroom?
  • "Ar kalbate anglų kalbą?" - Do you speak English?

Places to Visit in Palanga

Visit one of these nice places.

Palanga Pier

Long wooden pier stretching into the Baltic Sea, perfect for sunrise and sea-angle shots.

Birutė Hill (Birutės kalnas) and Forest Park

Scenic hill with pine forests and views; great for landscapes and golden-hour photography.

Didžioji Kopa (Great Dune)

Iconic dune where you can shoot sweeping beach panoramas and sea horizons.

Palanga Promenade on Basanavičiaus Street

Vibrant street with wooden architecture, shops, and cafes, ideal for street photography.

Culinary Guide

Food in Palanga

Palanga’s local cuisine blends Lithuanian classics with Baltic seafood. Fresh fish, rye bread, beets, and dairy feature prominently, and summertime favours cold beet soups and light meals.

Palanga Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Cepelinai

Potato dumplings stuffed with meat, typically served with sour cream or bacon gravy.

Must-Try!

Šaltibarščiai

Cold beet soup with cucumbers and dill, usually served with boiled potatoes.

Kugelis

Potato pudding baked with onions, eggs, and bacon.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Palanga Central Market

Fresh fish, berries, bread, cheeses, and local produce from nearby farms.

Seaside Street Food Stalls

Grilled fish, sausages, potato pancakes, and ice cream along the beachfront promenade.

Climate Guide

Weather

Palanga has a humid continental climate with warm summers and cold, windy winters. July average highs around 22-25°C (72-77°F), with sea breezes; January averages near -2 to -5°C (28-23°F) with damp, snowy conditions; rainfall is spread year-round, with wetter months in late spring and autumn.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greetings

Greet with a handshake; maintain polite etiquette and modest dress in religious sites.

Visiting Churches

Dress modestly; remove hats and speak softly inside.

Quiet Evenings

Evenings are typically quieter outside the center; respect local residential areas.

Safety Guide

Safety

Palanga is generally safe; petty theft can occur in crowded areas, so keep valuables secure; follow beach safety signs and red flag warnings; emergency number is 112; sea conditions can be strong; use reputable transport and licensed taxis.

Tipping in Palanga

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

Tips are appreciated but not mandatory; 5-10% in cafes; 10% in nicer restaurants if service is good.

Payment Methods

Cash and card payments are widely accepted; contactless payments common; some small stalls may prefer cash.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Summer

Peak beach season with long days, warm sea, and lively events; expect crowds and higher prices.

Autumn

Milder temperatures; fewer crowds; good for coastal walks and amber hunting along the beach.

Winter

Chill and quiet; seaside walks with freezing winds; indoor attractions like museums and cafes are best.

Spring

Mild and blooming; walking along the coast, birdwatching, and early sunsets.

Nightlife Guide

Palanga at Night

Palanga’s nightlife centers around the beachfront and Basanavičiaus Street with a mix of bars, live music venues, and beach clubs; summer brings seasonal parties and open-air events; late nights and crowds can be common near the pier.

Hiking in Palanga

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Birutė Hill Nature Trail

Forest trails around Birutė Hill with viewpoints over the town and the sea.

Great Dune of Palanga Trail

Dune trails along the beach offering panoramic coastal views.

Airports

How to reach Palanga by plane.

Palanga International Airport (PLQ)

The closest airport, just a short drive from the town; seasonal international and domestic flights; easy transfers to town.

Riga International Airport (RIX)

Major hub in Latvia about a few hours by car or bus; good for connecting flights.

Vilnius International Airport (VNO)

National hub in Lithuania offering many international connections; longer transfer distance.

Getting Around

Walkability

Palanga’s town center and beachfront promenade are very walkable; everything from the central market to the pier is within comfortable walking distance. The main promenade is flat and well-surfaced, with bike lanes and pedestrian zones, though parking can be limited in peak season. A relaxed, car-free area is present along Basanavičiaus Street and the seafront during the day, while some stretches may require road crossings. For longer trips outside the town center, bikes or local buses are convenient.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Families

Many families visit Palanga for beach days and parks.

Local residents

Residents of the Lithuanian coast who enjoy tourism and seasonal employment.

Seasonal workers and students

People who work in hospitality or study near the coast.

Tourists

Large numbers of visitors in summer from Lithuania and neighboring countries.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Basketball

Lithuanians are passionate about basketball; you’ll see local clubs and public courts.

Sailing and windsurfing

Coastal winds make Palanga ideal for sailing, windsurfing, and boat tours.

Football (soccer)

Local leagues and parks with matches for visitors.

Transportation

Traffic

During peak season, traffic near the promenade and along major routes can increase; public buses connect Palanga with Klaipėda and other towns; ride-sharing and taxis are common; bikes are popular on the coast with dedicated lanes in some areas.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Palanga.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Many places offer vegetarian options; look for veggie plates, salads, dumplings, and sides; ask for cheese and mushrooms.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Healthcare in Palanga consists of local clinics and access to emergency services; Lithuania has a universal public healthcare system; emergency 112; for complex care, residents go to Klaipėda or Vilnius hospitals; private clinics in Palanga offer dentistry and specialist services; carry insurance and health card.

Discover Lithuania

Read more in our Lithuania 2025 Travel Guide.

Lithuania Travel Guide