Riga, Latvia
Medieval spires, a whole neighborhood of Art Nouveau facades and a market in old zeppelin hangars, all close to where your ship ties up. Here’s how to plan your day in Latvia’s capital.
The Baltic’s grand capital
Riga is the largest city in the Baltic states and one of its most rewarding cruise stops. It was founded in 1201 and grew rich as a Hanseatic trading port, and its historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Inside the old walls you’ll find cobbled lanes, church spires and guild halls; just beyond them sits one of the finest collections of Art Nouveau architecture in Europe.
The good news for a port day is that the Old Town is close to the ship, so you can spend the day in the city itself or head out on a tour to a Baroque palace, the beach resort of Jūrmala or the castles of the Gauja Valley. Below are the cruise line favorites and the details that keep the day easy.
Where you’ll dock
Cruise ships use the passenger terminal on the Daugava. Confirm your berth on your itinerary a few days before you arrive.
Riga Passenger Terminal
The terminal sits on the east bank of the Daugava, about a mile north of the Old Town, and the sail up the river is a pleasant way to arrive. The edge of the historic center is roughly a 15 to 20 minute walk away, and some lines run a shuttle into town. Check your cruise planner the week before you sail.
Used by: Princess, Norwegian, MSC, Holland America, Oceania, Regent, Silversea, Viking, Cunard, Azamara, Seabourn and Windstar.
Cruise line favorites
Book these in your cruise planner. Ship-sold tours cost a bit more, but the ship waits for you if the tour runs late.
- Old Town & Art Nouveau walk. A guided walk through the medieval center and the Art Nouveau streets around Alberta iela, where the facades are covered in faces, vines and mythical figures. Expect cobblestones and a fair amount of walking.
- Rundāle Palace. The Baroque summer palace designed by Rastrelli, with gilded state rooms and formal French gardens. It’s more than an hour’s drive south of Riga each way, so this is a long day best booked through the ship.
- Jūrmala. Latvia’s seaside resort town, with miles of sandy beach on the Gulf of Riga and streets of carved wooden summer villas. Usually about a half day.
- Sigulda & Turaida Castle. A drive to the Gauja National Park for the red-brick Turaida Castle, its museum reserve and views over the river valley. Plan on most of the day.
Exploring without a tour
Prefer to explore at your own pace? These are the highlights to know, wherever your day takes you. Keep an eye on the clock.
The Old Town
Town Hall Square and the ornate House of the Blackheads, Riga Cathedral, the Three Brothers medieval houses, the Swedish Gate and St. Peter’s Church, whose tower has an elevator up to a viewing platform (costs extra).
Art Nouveau district
Alberta iela and Elizabetes iela, lined with richly decorated early 1900s apartment buildings, plus the Riga Art Nouveau Museum in a restored apartment (costs extra).
Central Market
One of Europe’s largest markets, set in five former German zeppelin hangars. Come for smoked fish, rye bread, honey and local cheese, and keep an eye on your belongings in the crowds.
Before you go ashore
- All-aboard is firm. If you explore on your own, plan to be back at the ship an hour before all-aboard. Ships do leave without late guests.
- Dress for the weather. Baltic summers are mild, but rain can roll in any time and it can feel cool on the river. Bring a light rain jacket and a layer.
- Wear good walking shoes. The Old Town is almost all cobblestones. Traveling with mobility needs? Tell your advisor before you sail; our accessibility specialist can help.
- Latvia is in the Schengen Area. Your cruise line sets the documents you need, and a valid passport is required. Carry the ID your ship asks for when you go ashore.
- Plans can change. Times in Baltic ports are sometimes adjusted before sailing, and local operators can cancel for weather or guide availability. Check your cruise planner for the latest schedule.
Sailing to Riga
Baltic itineraries call here from May through September, usually round trip from Copenhagen or between Copenhagen, Stockholm and Helsinki, often paired with Tallinn, Gdansk and Klaipeda.Find a cruisePlan with Harr Travel
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