Cruise holidays seem to be having their moment in the shimmering sun right now, with so many seeking the unrivalled escape of the open seas after several years of turbulence and turmoil.
And whilst the vast expanses of water are certainly part of the draw of holidays onboard a floating hotel (imagine all that musing you can do as you look out to sea!), it’s also the diversity of the dry land on offer that keeps the punters coming back for more.
If you’re looking for a holiday that combines the fascinating diversity of urban centres with the open oceans, then a Baltic Sea cruise might be right up your shipping lane. With that in mind, here are 9 city ports to savour on your Baltic Sea cruise.
Gothenburg, Sweden
Though Stockholm is Sweden’s capital, anyone who knows will you tell you that Gothenburg is the hip, happening heart of the Scandinavian country.
With its compact centre of elegant squares, gardens and canals, Gothenburg represents a manageable, convenient port of call, as everything is within walking distance and there’s loads going on within close proximity. Head for the sweet-smelling central park, Trädgårdsföreningen, where the Palm House stands among manicured lawns and the perfume of over 5,000 roses; bliss.
The centre is a tight grid of smart streets buzzes with a vibrant café culture, intriguing food markets, impressive museums and a great selection of restaurants – six with coveted Michelin stars and one more with the more affordable alternative, the Bib Gourmand. The seafood in the city is particularly brilliant and synergetic with your choice of travel, we think.
If succinct Scandi design interests you, then make sure you head to the Röhsska Museum for displays of Scandinavian design classics, particularly that iconic, globally renowned 20th-century modernist furniture.
The Swedes are also adept at showing class on canvas; the Art Nouveau paintings of Carl Larsson and more modern watercolours on display at the Nordic Watercolour Museum on Tjörn Island are certainly worth your attention. The island is just a 45 minute train journey from Gothenburg.
Copenhagen, Denmark
Copenhagen ticks all the boxes for a fulfilling, fun place to dock. It’s a compact, easily accessible city, with a welcoming vibe and English spoken everywhere. Public transport runs smoothly (though you’ll barely need it) and most of the key sites are easily walkable.
Yep, the Danish capital has it all; canals (if you fancy more boats), a cycling culture which makes for super clean air, and some of the most satisfied residents on the planet. Laid back, Scandi cool is defined here, as well as that famed hygge, so expect cosiness and charm in bucketloads.
One of the best parts of a quick trip here is most certainly food, with Copenhagen being one the world’s leading foodie destinations. Check out our IDEAL foodie guide to 48 hours in Copenhagen here for the ultimate weekend of eating.
Tallinn, Estonia
Tallinn, the capital of Estonia, is a city that effortlessly blends the old with the new. Its medieval Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a labyrinth of cobblestone streets, charming squares, and ancient churches. Yet, just a stone’s throw away, you’ll find a thriving tech scene, trendy cafes, and cutting-edge design shops.
Tallinn’s food scene is equally diverse, with traditional Estonian fare served alongside innovative, modern cuisine. Don’t miss the chance to try the local black bread, a hearty, slightly sweet staple that’s been part of the Estonian diet for centuries.
Tallin’s size means its port doesn’t confidently receive the juggernaut cruise ships that define more expansive expeditions, but there are plenty of excellent luxury small ship cruises that make the city a port of call.
Helsinki, Finland
Helsinki, the capital of Finland, is a city that’s both cosmopolitan and close to nature. Its design district is a hub for Finnish design, with shops, galleries, and museums showcasing the country’s world-renowned aesthetic. The city’s food scene is equally impressive, with a focus on locally sourced, seasonal ingredients. Its coffee culture, too, is some of the most devoted in the world.
Helsinki’s archipelago, with over 300 islands, offers a unique opportunity for exploration and relaxation. Whether you’re interested in historical sites, nature trails, or simply enjoying a picnic by the sea, there’s an island for you.
Riga, Latvia
Riga, the capital of Latvia, is a city that’s rich in history and culture. Its Old Town, another UNESCO World Heritage site, is a treasure trove of medieval architecture, with the House of the Blackheads and Riga Cathedral being must-see landmarks.
Riga’s food scene is a reflection of its history, with influences from Germany, Russia, and Scandinavia. Be sure to try the local rye bread, smoked meats, and the traditional dessert, Riga Black Balsam, a herbal liqueur that’s both bitter and sweet.
Gdansk, Poland
Gdansk, on Poland’s Baltic coast, is a city that’s been shaped by a tumultuous history. Its Old Town, painstakingly rebuilt after World War II, is a testament to the city’s resilience and determination (come on UNESCO, let’s be having you!).
Gdansk’s food scene is hearty and comforting, with dishes like pierogi (dumplings), bigos (hunter’s stew), and gołąbki (cabbage rolls) taking centre stage. Pair your meal with a glass of Goldwasser, a traditional herbal liqueur that’s been produced in Gdansk since the 16th century. We could drink it all evening!
Bornholm, Denmark
If your cruise includes docking at the Danish island of Bornholm (not a city, we accept, but too damn beautiful to neglect), then you know the trip was planned by someone who knows how to write an itinerary. 200km east of Copenhagen, residents of Denmark and visitors alike head here to catch some rays; it’s known as the sunniest place in the country and is even nicknamed the Sunshine Island. Though that’s all relative in this darker part of the world, Bornholm is blessed with dramatic, rugged scenery and pine forests aplenty.
The island’s fishing villages mean meals here lean heavily on seafood, and that’s just fine by us. There’s even a Michelin starred restaurant on Bornholm, Kadeua, which surely has some of the finest, most interrupted sea views of any eatery out there; without hyperbole, this is one of the lightest, most beautiful dining rooms in the world. Be sure to try the local figs, known as Bornholm’s Diamond, as part of Kadeua’s superb tasting menu.
Klaipeda, Lithuania
Back on board and onwards to Lithuania, the hugely underrated destination on the southeastern shores of the Baltic Sea. Being the only port in the country, Klaipeda is your key to unlocking the untapped beauty of the Land of Storks. The post and beam, timber framed houses dotting the banks of Dane river which flow through the town make for a picture-perfect snapshot of quaint, laid back life here.
That said, Klaipeda gets busy in summer, particularly in the run up to (and the hangover from) the Sea Festival, which sees 500’000 people descend on the town each 1st July. So, if you’re making holiday arrangements well in advance, be aware that Klaipeda sees a huge surge in visitors during the height of summer. Though it’s heaving, and despite its name, the Sea Festival is about as much fun as you could possibly have on dry land. Go get it!
Stockholm, Sweden
Just as the world is round, so this article is cyclical, so we end where we began, in Sweden. This time, though, we’re in Stockholm, the capital of the country, and a city that’s as vibrant as it is beautiful. Spread across 14 islands, it’s a city where water is an ever-present feature, adding to its charm and appeal.
The city’s Gamla Stan, or Old Town, is a maze of narrow, winding streets, filled with colorful buildings, historic sites, and charming boutiques. Don’t miss the Royal Palace and the Nobel Museum, both located in this historic heart of the city.
Stockholm’s food scene is a gastronomic delight, with a range of options from traditional Swedish meatballs and herring, to innovative New Nordic cuisine. The city boasts several Michelin-starred restaurants, but equally appealing are its food markets, where you can sample a wide range of Swedish delicacies.
The Bottom Line
In the end, a Baltic Sea cruise is more than just a holiday; it’s an immersive experience that offers a unique insight into the rich history, vibrant culture, and diverse cuisine of the region. Each port of call is a new adventure waiting to be discovered, a new story waiting to be told, and we’re very much all ears to it.
Whether you’re a history buff, a foodie who loves a city break, a design enthusiast, or simply a lover of beautiful landscapes, these nine city ports have something to offer you. And if you can’t find inspiration in the above, then maybe your heart is colder than the Baltic seas you’ll be traversing.
