Riga sits at the mouth of the Daugava River, the largest and most cosmopolitan of the Baltic capitals. Its pedestrian-only Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, unfolds in a maze of cobbled lanes, church spires, and wooden buildings that open onto lively Livu Square with its cafes and shops. Beyond the medieval core, the city is celebrated as a capital of Art Nouveau, with several hundred ornately decorated facades gracing its boulevards.
Food lovers gravitate to the Central Market, one of Europe's largest, housed partly in a series of former zeppelin hangars near the riverside. Culture and history run deep here, from centuries-old guild halls to a modern gallery scene. The Old Town lies within easy walking distance of the pier, making Riga's medieval heart readily accessible on foot for those who arrive by ship.
Pavlus Recommendations
How our planners would spend a day in Riga.
Admire Art Nouveau Facades
Wander Alberta iela and nearby boulevards to see the ornate carved facades that make Riga a capital of the style; a self-guided stroll takes about an hour beyond Old Town.
Browse the Central Market
Explore the vast market housed in converted zeppelin hangars near the river, sampling smoked fish, rye bread, and local produce among Europe's largest indoor-outdoor markets.
Day Trip to Rundale Palace
Venture roughly an hour outside the city to this baroque palace, often called a Baltic Versailles, with lavish state rooms and formal gardens; book ahead given the distance from port.
Cruise Lines That Call Here
Click a cruise line to see its Riga sailings and Pavlus pricing.
