Cruises offer us the opportunity to see some of the most beautiful places and the most fascinating cities around the world. Unfortunately, these cities aren’t always easy to reach, and sometimes the trip from the pier to the city center is extremely long.
How good your visit will be largely depends on where the cruise terminal is located. In some ports, it sits right in the heart of town; in others, it’s tucked into an industrial zone, well away from all tourist attractions.
As you know, time in port during a cruise is very limited, and a city that is easy to reach and fully walkable is absolutely perfect for the needs of cruise passengers.
You’ll save a lot of time, you don’t have to think about transport and tickets, and of course, you’ll save money.
With this in mind, let’s take a look at the 10 best ports that can be fully explored on foot.
Palma de Mallorca (Spain)
Palma is one of the Mediterranean’s most popular cruise ports, so popular that the government is even considering limits on the biggest ships.
The good news: you can basically see the whole city on foot. Palma has two main cruise piers, one slightly closer to downtown and one a bit farther out.
In recent years, most ships dock at Portopí, which is about 3.7 km (just over two miles) from Palma Cathedral (one of the main attractions).
It’s a bit of a long walk, but a beautiful one along the seafront. You might consider walking if the weather is nice, or you can take a taxi to the city center and from there explore everything easily on foot.
Juneau (Alaska)
Juneau in Alaska is one of those ports you can explore entirely on foot. The cruise ship docks right in the heart of town, and as soon as you step ashore you will find small shops, restaurants, and bars waiting for you.
If you are not booking a shore excursion, you can enjoy a pleasant stroll along the waterfront; there are plenty of inviting spots along the way and the walk itself is lovely.
Another option is to head up Mount Roberts. You could hike to the top, but I honestly would not recommend it, the trail is very tough and not for everyone. Far better to hop on the handy tramway that carries you quickly to the summit, where you’ll enjoy an unforgettable view.
Bari (Italy)
Another port that’s easy to explore on foot is Bari. It’s only about one kilometer from the cruise terminal to the Basilica of St Nicholas.
Walk a few minutes more and you’re in the heart of Bari Vecchia, the city’s charming old quarter where you can see local ladies making handmade orecchiette.
PRO TIP: If you’ll walk a lot, remember to bring comfortable shoes. In summer, heat and sweat can quickly turn into painful blisters.
Valletta (Malta)
Malta’s capital is a well-known Mediterranean cruise stop. The ship docks roughly a 20-minute walk from the Old Town, where all the shops and main attractions are located.
Please note that the climb up to town is steep. Take the elevators just outside the port, they’re absolutely worth the 1€ fare (that was the price when I visited a couple of years ago).
Nassau (Bahamas)
If your cruise heads to the Bahamas or the Caribbean, Nassau is almost a guaranteed port of call.
It’s a true paradise: dream beaches, tropical climate, and everything is close enough to cover on foot. The streets outside the port are lined with shops, and several beaches are nearby. For example, Junkanoo Beach is roughly 0.6 mile (1 km) from the pier gate. An easy, flat walk of about 10-15 minutes.
If you prefer history and art, a 15-minute walk also gets you to Parliament Square, the National Art Gallery of the Bahamas, and the Heritage Museum.
Barcelona (Spain)
Barcelona is another gem for walkers, as you’ve probably gathered, most European cities are easy to explore on foot.
The stroll from the port to La Rambla takes about 30 minutes. It’s pleasant, with plenty of benches if you need a break, but remember you’ll likely keep walking once you hit La Rambla itself, so don’t get too tired.
Just outside the port, you’ll find a shuttle bus that will drop you right at the start of La Rambla for only 3€ (4.50€ round-trip). I recommend taking it, and then you can explore the city on foot once you get closer to the city center.
San Francisco (California)
Among American ports, San Francisco is one of the easiest to explore on foot.
As you probably know if you’ve already been there, most cruise liners tie up at Pier 27 on San Francisco’s Embarcadero, so within easy strolling distance of the city’s waterfront highlights.
In about 15 minutes on foot you can reach Fisherman’s Wharf and lively Pier 39, where you’ll find old-style wooden boardwalks, countless restaurants and bars, and a clutch of shops.
I’m not sure if you like seafood, but it’s definitely a star on many restaurant menus here, so you can enjoy a great seafood lunch or dinner.
If you still have time and energy, you can keep walking towards Ghirardelli Square for some famous chocolate treats. After that, a short uphill walk leads to Lombard Street, the city’s famously crooked road. It’s a relaxed route with plenty to see without ever needing a ride.
Naples (Italy)
What can I say about Naples? A worldwide famous city bursting with history, culture, and sights you can easily explore on foot.
The port sits close to many highlights. Walk straight for five minutes and you’re in the Spanish Quarter, with Piazza del Plebiscito not far beyond.
If you decide to explore Naples on foot remember to watch out for the scooters weaving through the narrow streets.
Ibiza (Spain)
From the cruise pier to Ibiza Town there’s a pleasant pedestrian route. The walk takes a bit over 30 minutes, but it’s really enjoyable.
Last time I did it I walked to town and took a taxi back for about €10 (since we are all more tired on the way back).
Just remember that Ibiza is very touristy. Be sure to check out the common scams that target cruise passengers so you know what to watch out for.
Vancouver (Canada)
A large port that is located right in the center of the city is Vancouver Port in Canada. It’s both used as a departure point for Alaska Cruises but also as a port of call for other itineraries.
In just 10 minutes you’ll reach Gastown, this historic neighborhood with cobblestone streets, unique shops, and the famous Steam Clock.
From there in about a 30 minutes you’ll reach the Stanley Park, a beautiful urban park with nice trails, gardens, and the Vancouver Aquarium.
As an alternative, starting near the cruise terminal at Canada Place, you can follow the Vancouver Seawall, a waterfront path that offers stunning views.
You probably don’t know it, but Vancouver is also often ranked among the best cruise ports in the world. You can see the full updated ranking in the list of the 10 Best and Worst Cruise Ports of 2025.
I have tried several of them but these are the most durable and sturdy.
