10 Totally Walkable Cruise Ports That Don’t Need an Excursion

Cruises provide us the chance to see among the most stunning locations and essentially the most fascinating cities world wide. Sadly, these cities aren’t at all times straightforward to achieve, and typically the journey from the pier to town middle is extraordinarily lengthy.

How good your go to will probably be largely relies on the place the cruise terminal is positioned. In some ports, it sits proper within the coronary heart of city; in others, it’s tucked into an industrial zone, properly away from all vacationer points of interest.

As you recognize, time in port throughout a cruise may be very restricted, and a metropolis that’s straightforward to achieve and absolutely walkable is totally excellent for the wants of cruise passengers.You’ll save a number of time, you don’t have to consider transport and tickets, and naturally, you’ll lower your expenses.

With this in thoughts, let’s check out the ten greatest ports that may be absolutely explored on foot.

Palma de Mallorca (Spain)

Palma is likely one of the Mediterranean’s hottest cruise ports, so well-liked that the federal government is even contemplating limits on the most important ships.

The excellent news: you possibly can principally see the entire metropolis on foot. Palma has two important cruise piers, one barely nearer to downtown and one a bit farther out.

In recent times, most ships dock at Portopí, which is about 3.7 km (simply over two miles) from Palma Cathedral (one of many important points of interest).

It’s a little bit of a protracted stroll, however a gorgeous one alongside the seafront. You would possibly take into account strolling if the climate is sweet, or you possibly can take a taxi to town middle and from there discover the whole lot simply on foot.

Juneau (Alaska)

Juneau in Alaska is a kind of ports you possibly can discover fully on foot. The cruise ship docks proper within the coronary heart of city, and as quickly as you step ashore you’ll find small outlets, eating places, and bars ready for you.

If you’re not reserving a shore tour, you possibly can get pleasure from a pleasing stroll alongside the waterfront; there are many inviting spots alongside the best way and the stroll itself is gorgeous.

An alternative choice is to move up Mount Roberts. You possibly can hike to the highest, however I actually wouldn’t suggest it, the path may be very powerful and never for everybody. Much better to hop on the helpful tramway that carries you shortly to the summit, the place you’ll get pleasure from an unforgettable view.

Bari (Italy)

One other port that’s straightforward to discover on foot is Bari. It’s solely about one kilometer from the cruise terminal to the Basilica of St Nicholas.

Stroll a couple of minutes extra and also you’re within the coronary heart of Bari Vecchia, town’s charming outdated quarter the place you possibly can see native girls making handmade orecchiette.

PRO TIP: Should you’ll stroll quite a bit, keep in mind to convey comfy sneakers. In summer time, warmth and sweat can shortly flip into painful blisters.

Valletta (Malta)

Malta’s capital is a well known Mediterranean cruise cease. The ship docks roughly a 20-minute stroll from the Previous City, the place all of the outlets and important points of interest are positioned.

Please be aware that the climb as much as city is steep. Take the elevators simply exterior the port, they’re completely definitely worth the 1€ fare (that was the value after I visited a few years in the past).

Nassau (Bahamas)

In case your cruise heads to the Bahamas or the Caribbean, Nassau is nearly a assured port of name.

It’s a real paradise: dream seashores, tropical local weather, and the whole lot is shut sufficient to cowl on foot. The streets exterior the port are lined with outlets, and a number of other seashores are close by. For instance, Junkanoo Seashore is roughly 0.6 mile (1 km) from the pier gate. A simple, flat stroll of about 10-Quarter-hour.

Should you desire historical past and artwork, a 15-minute stroll additionally will get you to Parliament Sq., the Nationwide Artwork Gallery of the Bahamas, and the Heritage Museum.

Barcelona (Spain)

Barcelona is one other gem for walkers, as you’ve most likely gathered, most European cities are straightforward to discover on foot.

The stroll from the port to La Rambla takes about half-hour. It’s nice, with loads of benches should you want a break, however keep in mind you’ll probably hold strolling when you hit La Rambla itself, so don’t get too drained.

Simply exterior the port, you’ll discover a shuttle bus that can drop you proper initially of La Rambla for under 3€ (4.50€ round-trip). I like to recommend taking it, after which you possibly can discover town on foot when you get nearer to town middle.

San Francisco (California)

Amongst American ports, San Francisco is likely one of the best to discover on foot.

As you most likely know should you’ve already been there, most cruise liners tie up at Pier 27 on San Francisco’s Embarcadero, so inside straightforward strolling distance of town’s waterfront highlights.

In about Quarter-hour on foot you possibly can attain Fisherman’s Wharf and energetic Pier 39, the place you’ll discover old-style wood boardwalks, numerous eating places and bars, and a clutch of outlets.

I’m unsure should you like seafood, nevertheless it’s positively a star on many restaurant menus right here, so you possibly can get pleasure from a terrific seafood lunch or dinner.

Should you nonetheless have time and power, you possibly can hold strolling in the direction of Ghirardelli Sq. for some well-known chocolate treats. After that, a brief uphill stroll results in Lombard Avenue, town’s famously crooked highway. It’s a relaxed route with lots to see with out ever needing a experience.

Naples (Italy)

What can I say about Naples? A worldwide well-known metropolis bursting with historical past, tradition, and sights you possibly can simply discover on foot.

The port sits near many highlights. Stroll straight for 5 minutes and also you’re within the Spanish Quarter, with Piazza del Plebiscito not far past.

Should you determine to discover Naples on foot keep in mind to be careful for the scooters weaving by way of the slender streets.

Ibiza (Spain)

From the cruise pier to Ibiza City there’s a pleasing pedestrian route. The stroll takes a bit over half-hour, nevertheless it’s actually pleasurable.

Final time I did it I walked to city and took a taxi again for about €10 (since we’re all extra drained on the best way again).

Simply keep in mind that Ibiza may be very touristy. Make sure to try the widespread scams that concentrate on cruise passengers so you recognize what to be careful for.

Vancouver (Canada)

A big port that’s positioned proper within the middle of town is Vancouver Port in Canada. It’s each used as a departure level for Alaska Cruises but additionally as a port of name for different itineraries.

In simply 10 minutes you’ll attain Gastown, this historic neighborhood with cobblestone streets, distinctive outlets, and the well-known Steam Clock.

From there in a few half-hour you’ll attain the Stanley Park, a gorgeous city park with good trails, gardens, and the Vancouver Aquarium.

Instead, beginning close to the cruise terminal at Canada Place, you possibly can comply with the Vancouver Seawall, a waterfront path that gives gorgeous views.

You most likely don’t understand it, however Vancouver can also be usually ranked among the many greatest cruise ports on the earth. You’ll be able to see the total up to date rating within the checklist of the ten Greatest and Worst Cruise Ports of 2025.