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Destinations
Riga

Quietly Wonderful Riga awaits

UNESCO World Heritage Site, Art Nouveau Capital, Green Oases and so much more

The most cosmopolitan of the Baltic capitals, Riga is a modern city with a historical heart that offers a variety of natural, tasty, cultural and spectacular charms. In Riga, you can feel the magic synergy between the historical heritage, preserved for more than 820 years, and the modern creative urban diversity. This beautiful city boasts fantastic cultural and artistic life, great cuisine, modern entertainment and sports venues, lots of greenery and accessible waterfront.

While the excellent tourism and cultural offer of the city is appreciated by cruise passengers, the Port of Riga that provides reliable, safe and fast service is highly valued by cruise line operators. Cruise ships get moored in the very centre of the city from where it is just a short walk to the medieval Old Town, the beautiful parks and the Art Nouveau streets.

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What you need to know

Riga is the capital of the Republic of Latvia and the largest city in the Baltics.

City charter granted: 1201

Area: 304 sq. km

Population (2021): 614 618

Time zone: GMT + 2

International dialing code: +371

Political system: Republic; parliament

Member of the EU and NATO since 2004

Distance to the city center

Cruise berths (max LAO 300 m) are located in the city center.

Language

Tours are available in English, German, French, Italian and other languages.

Attraction points

Please check: https://www.liveriga.com/en https://www.latvia.travel/en

Currency

Since 2014, the official currency of Latvia is the euro.

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Christmas market in Riga © RITA
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Panorama of Riga © RITA
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Important Port Matters

Both historically and geographically, the port is an integral part of the city of Riga. It occupies 11% of the territory of the city of Riga on both banks of the River Daugava and stretches for 15 km from the Vanshu Bridge in the very center of the city to the mouth of the river in the Gulf of Riga.

Its convenient location, providing the closest access to the sea from a large Eurasian land area, has made it possible for the city of Riga to become an important crossroads of trade routes and a thriving port throughout all centuries of its history.

Today, the strategically advantageous geographical location, well-developed connections for all transport modes and diverse logistics solutions provide the Port of Riga with the status of a multimodal transport hub.

The Freeport of Riga features 3 terminals and 10 berths, available for cruise ship handling.

Berthing policy: Information available here

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Riga Passenger Port

Max LOA: 300 mMax depth: 10,3 m Type of berth (passenger, cargo, bulk traffic): PassengerBollard strength: 392-618 kn Info on tides: No tides Learn more
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KS Terminal

Max LOA: 320 mMax depth: 13 mType of berth (passenger, cargo, bulk traffic): General cargoBollard strength: 617.4 knInfo on tides: No tides Learn more
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Riga Central Terminal

Max LOA: 240 mMax depth: 10,5 mType of berth (passenger, cargo, bulk traffic): General cargoBollard strength: 735 Kn at berths EO-6 and EO-7 510 Kn at berth EO-8Distance to the city center (in Kilometers): 2.5 km Learn more
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Covid-19 Information

There are currently no COVID-19 restrictions in any of the 31 Cruise Baltic destinations. If the situation changes, this section will be updated with the necessary information regarding each port and destination.

Port Fees

Harbour dues (Currency/GT)

See link below

Passenger dues (Currency/PAX)

See link below
Additional information

Services available for guests

Always available
Available in some cases
Download PDF with an overview of services available at all Cruise Baltic destinations.
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Pier
Personal welcome
Musical welcome and/or farewell
Free local food samples
Shopping
Shops open on Sundays
Shops accept credit card payment with no lower limit
City Cards for sale in city centre
Port
Independent guest reception and help
Local life and events with locals
Signed walking route from pier to city centre and/or public transport
Tourist information
Destination collaboration/shore excursions
Local cruise network
Authorized guides
Education of tourism partners on the cruise guest
Destination video available for Cruise Lines
Attractions offer flexible opening hours for cruise guests
Transport
City centre within 1 km from pier
Publicly regulated taxis
Bike rental including map or GPS
Hop on/hop off services in port area
Credit cards accepted in taxis
Turnaround facilities
Airport less than one hour drive from port
Airport less than one hour drive from city centre
Free Wi-Fi in airport

Destination Highlights

Riga is an amazing cruise destination through tender summers, bright autumns, crispy winters, and hopeful springs. 

The Old Town of Riga

Enjoy an unforgettable atmosphere of the old town of Riga, accompanied by a great variety of architectural gems and countless restaurants for all tastes. In 1997, the historical center of Riga was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Art Nouveau

Riga is known as the European capital of Art Nouveau. Today, approximately 800 of the city’s buildings feature Art Nouveau facades, which include characteristic motifs such as stylized plants, floral and marine life, screaming and laughing masks, and sculptures depicting the female form.

Latvian National Opera and Ballet

During the season, which runs from September to May, in addition to more than 200 performances and symphonic music concerts, on average 6 new performances are staged at Latvian National Opera and Ballet , maintaining a balance between the opera and ballet genres.

Open Air Ethnographic Museum

You don’t have to travel far in Riga to escape the urban bustle. Located right on the city’s doorstep, the Open Air Ethnographic Museum is a luscious lakeside park where fine examples of vernacular architecture from all over Latvia have been lovingly preserved. Step back in time!

House of the Blackheads

The House of Blackheads has been delighting citizens and guests of the city for almost 700 years. This is one of the most luxurious buildings in Riga, which preserves both the unique historical heritage of the legendary Blackheads Brotherhood and the history of Riga.

Local Specialties

Riga Central Market is one of the largest and oldest Europe’s markets. There you can have a taste of and purchase locally grown and homemade products, exotic fruits and spices, as well as acquire a wide variety of manufactured merchandise.

Freedom Monument

The central landmark of Riga, the 42.7 m tall granite and copper work of art is a symbol of the Latvian nation's striving for freedom and independence. The monument was unveiled in 1935 and financed entirely from public donations.

Latvian National Museum of Art

Riga is rich in cultural and historical heritage which is evident in the city`s architecture and cultural life. The building of the Latvian National Museum of Art is a national architectural monument and is one of the most impressive historical buildings.

Motor Museum

Located beside a racetrack in suburban Riga in a building resembling the front of a car, the museum houses many magnificent examples from motoring history, from Model T Fords to vehicles once owned by Stalin, Khrushchev and Brezhnev.

Exciting extras

Christmas Market

Did you know that medieval Riga was actually among the first European cities to decorate a Christmas tree back in 1510? Christmas markets in Riga are open every day from the beginning of December to January 1st.

Organ Music Concert

Almost as old as Riga itself, Doma Cathedral is the city's, spiritual heart. For many centuries, Riga Cathedral has been one of the main venues for concerts in Riga. Don’t miss a performance on the famous organ, built in 1884 and still considered today to be one of the finest instruments in the world!

Jurmala

Jurmala, a seaside resort within 30 min drive from Riga, is well known for its natural resources - curative mud, mineral waters and pine forest. Furthermore, Jūrmala is home to one of the largest heritage sites of historical wooden architecture in Latvia. Nowadays, it is difficult to imagine that Jūrmala was a fishing village only a couple of decades ago. Discover the hidden treasure of the Open Air Museum, located in the beautiful pine forest of Ragakāpa Nature Park.

Sigulda

Although Sigulda is located just an hour long drive away, it feels a world away and is often called the Little Switzerland of Latvia. This charming town is surrounded by lush forests, Devonian sandstone cliffs and caves, as well as a surprising amount of adrenaline-pumping adventure opportunities. You can visit Sigulda at any time of the year, however, the most spectacular views of bright red and yellow coloured trees await during the fall season.

Rundale Palace

Being one of Latvia’s most exquisite monuments of Baroque and Rococo art, Rundale Palace was built as the summer residence of the duke of Courland, Ernst Johan Byron, and it was designed by the outstanding Italian architect Francesco Bartolomeo Rastrelli. The construction of the palace ensemble took place between 1736 and 1740

Boat Tour

Riga has historically emerged close to the water – it is washed by the Gulf of Riga, the impressive Lake Ķīšezers and the country's second longest river – the River Daugava – are located here. A great way to explore the city from a different angle is by taking a trip by boat along Riga Canal or the River Daugava.

What’s on right now in Riga?

25 May 2023
1 Jan 2025
Events in Riga
Place:
Category: Other
Link: https://www.liveriga.com/en/visit/events
Please check all the actual events in Riga on Live Riga webpage!
25 May 2023
1 Jan 2025
Events in Latvia
Place:
Category: Other
Link: https://www.latvia.travel/en/events-latvia
Please check all the actual events in different regions of Latvia on Magnetic Latvia wepbage!
More events in Riga

Excursions – on and off the beaten path

Get inspired by a great variety of what to see and what to do in Riga: www.liveriga.com

Don’t hesitate to get in touch

Freeport of Riga Authority
Jeļena Burdastova
Cruise Business Support Specialist
jelena.burdastova@rop.lv Mobile: +371 28 68 39 59
12 Kalpaka blvd
1010 Riga, Latvia