Riga

Gateway to Riga Old Town (UNESCO), Art Nouveau district, Central Market.

Photo: PIERRE ANDRE LECLERCQ, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The short answer

Most ships dock at the Riga Passenger Terminal, a short walk from the Old Town, so it is a walking port. If your ship uses the KS cargo terminal, you need a shuttle or taxi (30-40 minutes). Taxis must be booked ahead. Don't miss the Art Nouveau streets just outside the center.

Getting ashoreShip docks
Distance to townPassenger Port: 'a few minutes' walk' to the Old Town (Freeport of Riga; exact distance not stated). KS Terminal: 30-40 minutes by road.
Gateway forRiga Old Town (UNESCO), Art Nouveau district, Central Market.
Walk to Old TownA few minutes' walk (Freeport of Riga); exact time not confirmed · Free
On the chart

Where Riga lies

Where your ship docks

Most ships moor at the Riga Passenger Port (Riga Passenger Terminal, Eksporta iela 3A) in the city center, berths up to 300 m (MK-3, MK-4). Riga also lists JPS-1/2 (280 m) and RoPax berths EO-6/7/8 (240 m). Very large ships may use the KS Terminal, a cargo terminal about a 30-40 minute drive from the center.

Shuttle. None mentioned by the port for the Passenger Terminal. If docked at the KS Terminal, check your planner. Taxis must be booked in advance.

From the gangway

Getting to the sights

The wayTimeCost
Walk to Old TownA few minutes' walk (Freeport of Riga); exact time not confirmedFree
Walk or taxi to Art Nouveau district (Alberta iela)not confirmedFree walking

Walk to Old Town

Time A few minutes' walk (Freeport of Riga); exact time not confirmedCost Free
  1. Walk south along the river into the Old Town.

From the KS Terminal, use the ship shuttle or a pre-booked taxi (30-40 minutes).

Walk or taxi to Art Nouveau district (Alberta iela)

Time not confirmedCost Free walking
  1. Walk northeast through the parks.
Worth the trip

What to see

House of the Blackheads and Town Hall Square

Ornate rebuilt guild house.

How
Walk.
Time
30 minutes
Tickets
Unverified

St. Peter's Church tower

Elevator to a city view.

How
Walk.
Time
45 minutes
Tickets
Unverified

Art Nouveau district

Some of Europe's best Art Nouveau buildings.

How
Walk/taxi.
Time
1 hour
Tickets
Free

Central Market

Huge market in old Zeppelin hangars.

How
Walk.
Time
45 minutes
Tickets
Free
A day ashore

Your day, hour by hour

Planned for a typical call. Check your ship's all-aboard time and be back an hour early. The ship will not wait.

  1. Walk to Old Town.
  2. Squares, St. Peter's tower.
  3. Art Nouveau district.
  4. Central Market lunch.
  5. Back 30-45 minutes early.
Wise counsel

What goes wrong, and how to avoid it

Beware

  • Cobblestones.
Practical matters

Fees, money and access

Accessibility

Old Town is flat but cobbled.

Money

Euro (EUR). Cards are widely accepted. Carry a little cash for small cafes, toilets, and markets.

Onward

More of the The Baltic Capitals

Sources & what we could not confirm · 2 sources · checked 2026-11
Still being confirmed
  • Exact walking times
  • Attraction prices
  • Which berth each ship uses