Cruise port · Latvia · Baltic Sea
Riga cruise port guide
Riga, Latvia’s capital, pairs a medieval Old Town with one of the world’s greatest concentrations of Art Nouveau buildings. Ships dock on the Daugava River about a 15- to 20-minute walk from the center, so you can explore on foot, browse one of Europe’s biggest markets and still have time for a trip to the seaside or a baroque palace.
- Art Nouveau architecture
- Markets
- Medieval history
- Walking tours
Photo: Diego Delso, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
- Country
- Latvia
- Region
- Baltic Sea
- Type of stop
- Cruise port
- Language
- Latvian. Many people speak English, and Russian is also widely spoken.
- Currency
- Euro (€). Cards are accepted widely; a few small stalls prefer cash.
- Best time to visit
- June–August
- Average highs
- 29–72°F through the year
About Riga
Riga is the largest city in the Baltic states and feels it: grander and more cosmopolitan than Tallinn, with wide boulevards, parks along a canal and a lively café scene. Its UNESCO-listed center combines the twisting lanes and church spires of the Old Town with an Art Nouveau quarter of fantastical facades, sculpted faces and towers.
Most cruise visitors walk the Old Town, admire the Art Nouveau streets and graze through the Central Market in pavilions built from old zeppelin hangars. Fewer ships call here than at Tallinn, so it often feels less crowded. It’s ideal for architecture lovers; if you want medieval charm in a single compact package, Tallinn is more immediate.
Where cruise ships dock in Riga
Cruise ships dock at the Riga Passenger Terminal on the Daugava River, about a mile (1.5 km) north of the Old Town. Walking takes 15 to 20 minutes along the riverfront, and taxis and some shuttle buses are available. The Old Town is compact and walkable, and the Art Nouveau district on Alberta and Elizabetes streets is another 15 to 20 minutes on foot. The Central Market sits just south of the Old Town near the train station. Allow a full day to see the city at a comfortable pace.
Best things to do in Riga on a cruise
- 1
Riga Old Town
history
Start at Town Hall Square with the ornate House of the Blackheads, a merchants’ guild hall rebuilt after World War II. Then wander to the Three Brothers, a trio of medieval houses, the Swedish Gate and the Powder Tower. Climb St. Peter’s Church tower, by elevator, for views across the rooftops.
- 2
Art Nouveau district
culture
Around a third of central Riga’s buildings are Art Nouveau, and Alberta iela is the showcase, lined with facades by architect Mikhail Eisenstein, full of masks, sphinxes and peacocks. The Riga Art Nouveau Museum, in a restored apartment, shows how wealthy residents lived around 1900.
- 3
Riga Central Market
food
One of Europe’s largest markets fills five huge pavilions built from repurposed German zeppelin hangars. Separate halls sell meat, fish, dairy, vegetables and smoked goods. Sample smoked fish, rye bread and honey, or grab lunch at the stalls. Keep an eye on your belongings in crowded areas.
- 4
Riga Cathedral
history
Riga’s Lutheran Dom Cathedral, founded in the 13th century, is the largest medieval church in the Baltic states. Its 19th-century organ was among the biggest in the world when built. Short organ concerts are sometimes held in the daytime in summer.
- 5
Freedom Monument and the canal
history
The Freedom Monument, topped by a figure holding three stars, is a symbol of Latvian independence and stands at the edge of the Old Town. From here, stroll the Bastejkalns park along the city canal, or take a short canal boat ride.
- 6
Jūrmala
beach
Latvia’s seaside resort, about 30 to 40 minutes by train or car, has a long sandy beach backed by pine forest and elegant wooden villas. Walk the pedestrian street Jomas iela and the shore. It’s a peaceful half-day in summer.
- 7
Rundāle Palace
history
A baroque and rococo palace designed by Bartolomeo Rastrelli, the architect of the Winter Palace, with lavish state rooms and formal French gardens. It’s about 1.25 hours south of Riga, so it works best as a ship or private tour.
Riga weather by month
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F (°C) | 29-1 | 320 | 404 | 5010 | 6116 | 6921 | 7122 | 7222 | 6418 | 5111 | 405 | 331 |
| Low °F (°C) | 22-5 | 24-4 | 29-2 | 352 | 457 | 5412 | 5814 | 5714 | 5111 | 425 | 352 | 27-3 |
| Rain in (mm) | 2.665 | 2.050 | 1.744 | 2.051 | 1.949 | 2.665 | 3.487 | 3.178 | 2.256 | 2.769 | 2.666 | 2.358 |
| Daylight (hrs) | 7 | 9 | 12 | 14 | 17 | 18 | 17 | 15 | 13 | 10 | 8 | 7 |
What to eat and drink in Riga
Latvian cuisine is hearty and rustic. Try grey peas with bacon, dark rye bread, smoked fish and pīrāgi, bacon-filled buns. In summer, cold beet soup is bright pink and refreshing. Finish with Riga Black Balsam, a bitter herbal liqueur often mixed with blackcurrant juice. The Central Market and the Old Town’s many cafés are good places to eat, and prices are lower than in Scandinavia.
Tips for your port day
- Walk from the ship along the river; it’s a pleasant 15 to 20 minutes and easier than waiting for taxis.
- Carry a little cash for small market stalls, though cards are widely accepted.
- Watch your bag in the Central Market and crowded Old Town squares.
- Wear sturdy shoes for Old Town cobblestones.
- If you want both the Old Town and the Art Nouveau district, start early and allow a full day.
Cruise lines that visit Riga
Often on the same itinerary
Riga cruise FAQs
How far is the Riga cruise terminal from the Old Town?
About a mile (1.5 km), or a 15- to 20-minute walk along the river. Taxis and some shuttles are also available.
Is Riga worth visiting on a cruise?
Yes, especially for architecture lovers. The Old Town and Art Nouveau district are among the most impressive in Northern Europe, and it’s usually less crowded than Tallinn.
What is Riga famous for?
Its Art Nouveau architecture, medieval Old Town, Central Market in former zeppelin hangars and Riga Black Balsam liqueur.
Is Riga safe for tourists?
Yes, generally. As in any busy city, watch for pickpockets in markets and crowded squares and use licensed taxis.
Can you visit Rundāle Palace from Riga on a cruise stop?
Yes. It’s about 1.25 hours each way, so book a ship or private tour and expect a half to full day.
Updated November 2026 by the BookMyDreamCruise editorial team. How we research and fact-check.
Sources: Wikipedia, Wikidata, NASA POWER climate data.