Klaipeda is not exactly renowned as a shopping destination, but you will definitely come across an interesting thing or two in the souvenir shops which sell antiques and object d'arts made from amber, metal, leather and wood. These shops are largely located in Klaipeda's Old Town. The Blacksmith's Shop Museum and Central Marketplace are two popular places to pick up souvenirs from Klaipeda. Lately, the outskirts of the town have seen the opening of many big shopping malls with shops and boutiques selling a wide range of fashionable clothes and jewellery.
This Klaipeda Shopping Guide provides you with some handy information about shopping in Klaipeda. Once you have purchased all your souvenirs, why not pull up a chair and enjoy some of the local cuisine at some of Klaipeda's best restaurants and cafes, as mentioned in our Klaipeda Restaurants Guide. For general information about shopping in Lithuania see our Lithuania Shopping Guide.
Klaipeda Shopping Guide
Shopping Malls
Akropolis
The Akropolis shopping centre is a favourite with both residents and visitors to Klaipeda, as it has an array of national and international shops. Practically everything you may need can be found under one roof. Akropolis was the first shopping centre to come up in Klaipeda and houses more than 200 shops, a movie theatre, an ice-skating rink and a variety of eating places ranging from cafes to gourmet restaurants. No wonder visitors from all over Lithuania come here and shop. An estimated 9 million visitors frequent the shopping centre every year.
BIG
BIG is a part of a chain of large malls fast spreading across the Baltic States. BIG caters more to the local population unlike the other shopping centres in the area. This mall also has leisure areas, a bowling alley, and a children's room.
Shopping in Klaipeda's surrounding districts
Palanga
Palanga is a seaside resort town in western Lithuania, situated by the Baltic Sea. If you are making a visit in the summer then a walk along the J. Basanavičius Street is a must. This pedestrian thoroughfare is a bustling area with plenty of restaurants, bars, rides, musical shows and other entertainment.
You can also visit the Amber Museum which is located in a beautiful botanical garden. For a relaxed afternoon you can visit the HBH-Pas Yuoza brewery restaurant, located in a picturesque spot close to Palanga, and try the unfiltered ‘live' beer and some traditional Lithuanian snacks. This place also has an amusement centre and a shopping mall.
Nida
Lithuania is famous for the amber stone and while you are here, you must pick up something made from this beautiful piece of fossil. Nida is the best place to pick up articles made from amber. They are sold in small designer shops or sometimes even on the streets. You can also bargain on the streets. Amber is quite inexpensive here compared to what you would have to pay once it gets exported. There is a wide variety to choose from. Jewellery made from amber is quite in demand and are well crafted pieces. Items such as the amber dice, chess sets and a host of other articles can also be brought home as souvenirs.
The tourist information centre at Nida also has a nice souvenir shop. Amber and silver rings are popular items with the visitors here. Honey and beeswax candles are also found here.
