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• Old Town Where Tallinn's heart beats
• City centre Modern Tallinn
• Kadriorg Elegant park & fine art
• Kalamaja & Pelgulinn Bohemian & trendy
• Pirita Seaside greenery
• Rocca al Mare Lively & traditional
• Nõmme Village within the city

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No longer the plaything of greater powers – Danish, Swedish, Polish, German and Soviet – Tallinn is now a proud European capital with an allure all of its own. It's lively yet peaceful, absurdly photogenic and bursting with wonderful sights – ancient churches, medieval streetscapes and noble merchants' houses. Throw in delightful food and vibrant modern culture and it's no wonder Tallinn seems in danger of being loved to death, especially after a few cruise ships dock. But it's one of those blessed places that seems to cope with all the attention.

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Attractions

Must-see attractions.

Niguliste Museum

Dating from the 13th century, the imposing St Nicholas' Church (Niguliste kirik) was badly damaged by Soviet bombers in 1944 and a fire in the 1980s, but…

Estonian Open-Air Museum

This sprawling ethnographic and architectural complex comprises 80 historic Estonian buildings, plucked from across the country and resurrected in…

This futuristic, Finnish-designed, seven-storey building is a spectacular structure of limestone, glass and copper that integrates intelligently into the…

Tallinn Town Hall

Completed in 1404, this is the only surviving Gothic town hall in northern Europe. Inside, you can visit the Trade Hall (whose visitor book drips with…

Great Guild Hall

The Great Guild Hall (1410) is a wonderfully complete testament to the power of Tallinn's medieval trade guilds. Now a branch of the Estonian History…

Kadriorg Art Museum

Kadriorg Palace, a baroque beauty built by Peter the Great between 1718 and 1736, houses a branch of the Art Museum of Estonia devoted to Dutch, German…

Seaplane Harbour

Kalamaja & Telliskivi

When this cavernous, triple-domed building was completed in 1917, its reinforced-concrete shell-frame construction was unique in the world. Resembling a…

Telliskivi Creative City

Once literally on the wrong side of the tracks, this set of abandoned factory buildings is now Tallinn's most alternative shopping and entertainment…

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This Underrated European City Is One of the Best Places to Travel in 2024 — Here's What Not to Miss

Tallinn, Estonia, is known for its incredibly well-preserved medieval Old Town, but from hipster neighborhoods full of art to award-winning fine dining, there are plenty of new reasons to visit.

Nina Ruggiero is Travel + Leisure's senior editorial director and the co-founder of Be A Travel Writer , an online course for aspiring travel journalists. A New Yorker based in Los Angeles, she has a special interest in beach destinations, outdoor adventures, unique hotels, pet-friendly travel with her golden retriever, @travelswithcali, and all things Italy.

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Emerging from the intense heat of the smoke sauna, I run across the wooden deck and plunge into the notoriously brisk Baltic before I can change my mind. I feel the cold sea pierce my hot skin from the soles of my feet upward, like ice water blanching a steamed vegetable from root to stem.

When I come to the surface, my travel companions are bobbing about, screeching and laughing so hard they can barely stay afloat. After flying thousands of miles and working on different time zones, our weary crew of journalists has been injected with pure, visceral energy. 

Back in Los Angeles, where I live, the sauna-cold plunge one-two punch has become a recent wellness trend, with influencers recreating the setup in their backyards and TikToking from their tubs. But in Estonia, this has been a way of life for centuries — even securing a spot on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity list . 

Iglupark , in the Noblessner district of Tallinn, Estonia’s capital city, offers the most modern way to experience the age-old tradition: groups can book private sessions and sweat in sleek, black saunas with buckets of beer on ice, or chill in Adirondack chairs beneath glowing string lights. But while the scene may be curated for the social media set — every last piece of wood aesthetically stacked — the intention of the practice remains the same. 

Nina Ruggiero/Travel + Leisure

“There is no wrong way to go to the sauna,” said Elin Priks, project manager behind The Year of the Sauna, an initiative to share one of the oldest living Estonian cultural traditions far and wide. Most Estonian homes have saunas — even many urban apartments — with one sauna for every 10 people throughout the country, she tells me. Estonians head to the sauna seeking stress relief and mental wellbeing, Priks said, calling it an “impressive natural pharmacy.”

Although Estonia’s sauna culture earned its UNESCO status in 2014 (years before world-famous Finland’s), a new documentary that delves into its meaning to Estonian women, “ Smoke Sauna Sisterhood ,” put it in the spotlight this year, making the 2023 film festival circuit and earning award nominations from Sundance and San Francisco to Munich and Hong Kong.

Top 5 Can’t Miss

Iglupark : A chic, modern sauna park on the Baltic Sea

180° by Matthias Diether : Inventive fine dining at Estonia’s only Michelin two-starred restaurant

PoCo Art Museum : Pop and contemporary art by Andy Warhol, Banksy, David Hockney, and more 

Nunne Boutique Hotel : The newest hotel in town, with views over Towers Square 

Song and Dance Festival : Estonia’s biggest musical event, occurring every five years

Less officially, this was also Estonia’s year of fine dining; 180° by Matthias Diether — minutes from Iglupark and also within Noblessner — became the country’s first Michelin two-starred restaurant. The 2023 Michelin Guide calls it stylish, futuristic, and ambitious, and the same could be said for the Noblessner. Once an industrial shipyard area, it’s now a trendy neighborhood with upscale apartments, waterfront bars, and more than one buzzy restaurant, its defunct submarine factories filled with art galleries and museums.

Another Tallinn industrial-area–turned-hot-spot is Telliskivi Creative City, known as a hipster hangout with startup offices, striking street art, artisan coffee shops, galleries, independent design boutiques, and vintage stores. Its art scene is anchored by Fotografiska , the world-renowned contemporary photography museum, but its smaller galleries offer endless surprises, from the Vaal Gallery to the Juhan Kuus Documentary Photo Center . According to Visit Estonia , more than 800 cultural events are hosted in this part of the city every year.

Still, first-time visitors to Tallinn will want to start in Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site lauded as an “ exceptionally complete and well-preserved” medieval city — an incredible feat for a country that’s been conquered by so many nations throughout its history. Bleary-eyed on the first morning of my trip, my gaze shifted in one dreamlike moment from colorful flower vendors to the Viru Gate, the site of Tallinn’s two best-preserved stone defense towers and the most iconic entrance into the real-life fairy tale that is Old Town. 

“Unlike the busy old towns in big cities, Tallinn's Old Town is calm and great for relaxing walks,” said Jana Kutšinskaja, head of international media for Visit Estonia. “Locals themselves often cherish visiting the historic area."

Stepping into Old Town feels like traveling back in time, but there are modern accommodations within its medieval walls, including Hotel Telegraaf, Autograph Collection , one of the city’s most luxurious places to stay, and the new Nunne Boutique Hotel , which opened in August with views over Towers Square . 

Staying here means waking up to winding streets dotted with churches and Gothic houses, hidden courtyards, and cobblestone squares that conjure images of 13th-century merchants trading their goods. We ascended the limestone hill to Upper Old Town for an up-close look at the pink Toompea Castle , and to take in sweeping views over the city. But first, we paused in front of the ornate, Russian Orthodox Alexander Nevsky Cathedral , a stark reminder that Estonia was under Soviet rule from 1940 to 1991. 

"Being nearly 50 years under Soviet regime serves as a constant motivator today to stay vigilant and innovating," Kutšinskaja told me, pointing to the fact that today, Estonia is a nation with a "strong emphasis on digital innovation, education, and global connectivity" — and a thriving startup scene.

Jana Kutšinskaja

Being nearly 50 years under Soviet regime serves as a constant motivator today to stay vigilant and innovating.

It's also a nation with some of the highest literacy and secondary education rates in Europe, particularly among women, and one that prioritizes the arts. "Estonian brains are almost our only natural resource," Kutšinskaja quipped, paraphrasing former Estonian president Kersti Kaljulaid. "We have no oil or gold."

The entire country’s population is just 1.3 million, but annual theater visits average 1.2 million, and museum visits have topped 3.5 million in recent years. There are plenty of options just within Tallinn: the city boasts more than 50 art institutions. Its newest, PoCo Art Museum , is a who’s-who of the pop and contemporary art worlds, with work by Andy Warhol, Banksy, David Hockney, Jean-Michel Basquiat, and more. Meanwhile, Tartu, a university town reachable in 90 minutes from Tallinn by train or car, was just named the 2024 European Capital of Culture. (Tallinn took the title back in 2011.)

Perhaps the most quintessentially Estonian art form, however, is song. Historically, Estonians have used music to hold onto their national identity in spite of impositions from outside nations, and it's still common to hear snippets of choruses streaming out of churches, concert halls, and music schools while walking through the city. "Music can be found all year round and everywhere in Estonia," Kutšinskaja said, but of all the festivals (and there are many, from Tallinn Music Week to Viljandi Folk Music Festival ), the Song and Dance Festival is the one not to miss.

Up to 100,000 people gather for the event, Kutšinskaja said, to listen to choirs and orchestras, and watch dance troupes perform. Of course, there's plenty of partying and dancing in the crowds as well. The next Song and Dance Festival won't take place until July 2025, but we don't suggest waiting that long to visit Estonia. Get to know this country of song and it will stick in your mind like a catchy lyric, calling you to come back and sing along.

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Tallinn , Estonia’s compact, buzzing capital, with its enchanting heart surrounded by medieval walls, has been shaped by nearly a millennium of outside influence. While the fairytale Old Town has become the ideal weekend getaway for city-break tourists, the Estonian capital’s growing importance as a regional centre for business, arts and technology has provided it with a go-ahead contemporary feel coupled with bags of hedonistic energy.

Aegna Island

Church of the holy ghost and st nicholas’s church, estonia’s song festival, kadriorg park, kiek-in-de-kök and bastion tunnels, the maritime museum, the museum of occupations, drinking, nightlife and entertainment, pikk and around, raekoja plats, st olaf’s church, telliskivi creative city, the air harbour, the city walls, the cultural kilometre and patarei prison, the tallinn card, toompea and the aleksander nevsky cathedral.

The heart of Tallinn is the Old Town , still largely enclosed by the city’s medieval walls. At its centre is the Raekoja plats , the historic marketplace, above which looms Toompea , the hilltop stronghold of the German knights who controlled the city during the Middle Ages. East of the city centre there are several places worth a visit, such as Kadriorg Park , a peaceful wooded area with a cluster of historic buildings, and the forested island of Aegna .

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City hopping in Finland and Estonia

Helsinki enchants with its blend of modernity and nature, entertainment and tranquility accessible everywhere and all the time. Turku, in turn, was the first capital of Finland, and has a lot to teach about the Finnish History. Tallinn, the capital of Estonia, is not behind in terms of heritage.

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Enjoy introductory tours and ample free time to suit your interests. In ten days, relish local accommodations, UNESCO town walks, quirky neighborhoods, and private guide tours, delving into the region's history and customs. Start your Baltic States adventure now for independent exploration.

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Uncover both renowned attractions and hidden gems across the Baltic States and Southern Finland. Explore UNESCO sites, serene villages, and sandy dunes. From the capital cities of Vilnius, Riga, Tallinn and Helsinki to the beaches in Klaipeda in Pärnu.

An hour’s boat ride (May–Sept Mon & Wed–Fri 2 daily, Sat & Sun 3 daily; double-check timetable with tourist office; €6 return) from Pirita harbour (bus #1, #34 or #38 from the underground stop at the Viru Centre), tiny peaceful Aegna is an excellent day-trip destination. Its forest-covered interior and clean beaches attract locals who camp here in the summer.

The fourteenth-century Church of the Holy Ghost (Puhä Vaimu kirik; Mon-Sat: May-Sept 9am-6pm; Oct- April 10am-3pm; €1) on Pühavaimu is the city’s oldest church, a small Gothic building with stuccoed limestone walls, stepped gables, carved wooden interior, a tall, verdigris-coated spire and an ornate clock from 1680 – the oldest in Tallinn.

Contrasting sharply is the late Gothic St Nicholas ’ s Church (Niguliste kirik; Tues–Sun 10am–5pm; museum €5), southwest of Raekoja plats. Dating back to the 1820s and rebuilt after being mostly destroyed in a 1944 Soviet air raid, the church now serves as a museum of church art, including medieval winged altars and the haunting Danse Macabre (“Dance With Death”) by Bernt Notke. It also hosts free organ recitals (Sat & Sun 4pm).

The Lauluväljak at Narva maantee 95 ( w www.lauluvaljak.ee ), just to the northeast of Kadriorg Park, is a vast amphitheatre which is the venue for Estonia’s Song Festivals . These gatherings, featuring a 25-thousand-strong choir are held every five years, and have been an important form of national expression since the first all-Estonia Song Festival held in Tartu in 1869. The grounds were filled to their 45,000-person capacity in summer 1988 when people assembled here spontaneously to sing patriotic songs- in protest against Soviet rule, in what became known as the “ Singing Revolution ”. The next Song Festival is in July 2019.

Kadriorg Park , a heavily wooded area 2km east of the Old Town along Narva maantee, was laid out according to the instructions of Russian tsar Peter the Great. The main entrance to the park is at the junction of Weizenbergi tänav and J. Poska (tram #1 or #3 from Viru väljak). Weizenbergi cuts through the park, running straight past Kadriorg Palace , a Baroque residence designed by the Italian architect Niccolò Michetti, which Peter had built for his wife Catherine. The palace houses the Kadriorg Art Museum (May–Sept Tues & Thurs–Sun 10am–5pm, Wed 10am–8pm; Oct–April closed Tues; €5.50), with a fine collection of Dutch and Russian paintings.

Estonia's Song Festival

The Lauluväljak at Narva maantee 95, just to the northeast of Kadriorg Park, is a vast amphitheatre which is the venue for Estonia’s Song Festivals . These gatherings, featuring a 25,000-strong choir, are held every five years, and have been an important form of national expression since the first all-Estonia Song Festival held in Tartu in 1869. The grounds were filled to their 45,000-person capacity in summer 1988 when people assembled here spontaneously to sing patriotic songs in protest against Soviet rule, in what became known as the “ Singing Revolution ”. The next Song Festival is in July 2019.

Marking the eastern end of Kadriorg Park is the immense, futuristic-looking KUMU (April-Sept Tues & Thurs–Sun 11am–6pm, Wed 11am–8pm; Oct–April closed Tues; €6), a must-see for anyone interested in twentieth century Estonian art. It’s certainly a wide-ranging collection: surrealism, pop art and abstraction flourished during the Soviet period, despite official hostility to such modernist excesses.

The imposing Kiek-in-de-Kök tower , (Tues–Sun: March–Oct 10.30am–6pm; Nov–Feb 10.30am–4.30pm; €6; joint ticket with Bastion Tunnels €10), dating from 1475, stands on Komandandi tee. It houses interactive displays on the development of the town and its fortifications throughout its history. Below the tower lies the entrance to a network of seventeenth-century bastion tunnels , originally built for defence by the Swedes but most recently used as bomb shelters during World War II. Guided tours (Tues–Sat 10.30am–6pm; frequency depends on demand; book in advance on T644 6686 or at Kiek-in-de-Kök; €6;) initiate you into the tunnels’ history and legend; bring warm clothes as the temperature tends to be a cool 6–8°C even in the height of summer.

The sixteenth-century Great Sea Gate , which straddles Pikk at its far end, is flanked by two towers. The larger of these, Fat Margaret Tower, has walls 4m thick and now houses the Estonian Maritime Museum (Tues–Sun 10am–7pm; €4), a surprisingly entertaining four floors of nautical instruments, scale models of ships and antique diving equipment: some displays have English captions.

South of Lossi plats, on Toompea 8, the airy and modern Museum of Occupations (daily : June–Aug 10am–6pm; Sept–May 11am–6pm; €6) brings to life the personal experience of Estonians under Nazi and Soviet occupation through use of interactive exhibitions, and displays of artefacts from 1940 to 1991. It’s well worth taking time to sit and watch some of the documentary films commemorating the anti-Soviet "Singing Revolution" of 1987–91.

Most of Tallinn’s popular clubs cater for a mainstream crowd. More underground, cutting-edge dance music events change location frequently and are advertised by flyers, or try asking around in the city’s hipper bars; expect to pay €4–10 admission.

Pikk tänav, running northeast from Pikk jalg gate and linking Toompea with the port area, has some of the city’s most elaborate examples of merchants ’ houses from the Hanseatic period, including the Great Guild at Pikk 17, headquarters of the German merchants who controlled the city’s wealth; the House of the Blackheads , Pikk 26, with a lavishly decorated Renaissance facade; and the Three Sisters , a gabled group at Pikk 71. Supremely functional with loading hatches and winch-arms set into their facades, these would have served as combined dwelling places, warehouses and offices. Take the parallel street of Vene to the outstanding Tallinn City Museum at no. 17 (Mon & Wed–Sun: March–Oct 10.30am–6pm; Nov–Feb 10.30am–5.30pm; €4), which imaginatively recounts the history of Tallinn from the thirteenth century through to Soviet and Nazi occupations and Estonian independence.

Raekoja plats , the cobbled market square at the heart of the Old Town, is as old as the city itself. On its southern side stands the fifteenth-century Town Hall (Raekoda), boasting elegant Gothic arches at ground level, and a delicate steeple at its northern end. Near the summit of the steeple, Vana Toomas , a sixteenth-century weather vane depicting a medieval town guard, is Tallinn’s city emblem. The well-labelled and informative museum inside the cellar hall (late June to Aug Mon-Sat 10am-4pm; rest of the year closed; €5) depicts Tallinn town life through the ages. For an expansive view of the town square, climb the spiral staircase of the Town Hall Tower (Raekoja Torn; May- to mid-Sept daily 11am-6pm; €3).

The first thing to do when you go to an Estonian sauna is get completely naked, though in mixed saunas wrapping a towel around you is at your own discretion. Once you get used to the heat, scoop some water onto the hot stones; it evaporates instantaneously, raising the temperature. Once everyone is sweating profusely, some might gently swat themselves or their friends with birch branches; this increases circulation and rids the body of toxins. Don’t overdo it – ten minutes should be long enough, but get out immediately if you start to feel dizzy. Locals normally follow up with a plunge into a cold lake, although a cold shower will suffice. A good place to start is Kalma at Vana-Kalamaja 9a (Mon–Fri 11am–10pm, Sat & Sun 10am–11pm; public sauna for men only €9–10; private sauna for both sexes €14–20/hr); t627 1811) – Tallinn’s oldest public bath (built in 1928), containing private saunas for rent as well as men’s and women’s general baths (complete with swimming pool).

At the northern end of Pikk stands the enormous Gothic St Olaf ’ s Church (Oleviste kirik; daily 10am–6pm; free), first mentioned in 1267 and named in honour of King Olaf II of Norway, who was canonized for battling against pagans in Scandinavia. The church is chiefly famous for its 124-metre spire, which you can climb for a spectacular view of Old Town and the port (daily 10am–6pm, July & Aug until 8pm; €3).

Ten minutes’ walk north of the Old Town, a former engineering works on the far side of the Balti Jaam station now houses the Telliskivi Creative City , a cluster of creative companies and artists’ studios. It is also home to an assortment of cafés, restaurants and art-and-design shops, plus a popular Saturday flea market.

The Cultural Kilometre terminates outside Estonia’s most astounding museum attraction, the Air Harbour (May–Sept daily 10am–7pm; Oct–April Tues–Sun 11am–7pm; €14; Wlennusadam.eu) ,a huge hangar built by the Russians in World War I to house a fleet of sea planes. A masterpiece of modern construction, this cavernous concrete space was reopened in 2012 as an extension of the Maritime Museum. A system of raised walkways takes you past the exhibits – including fishing boats, mines, a replica World War I biplane and naval guns. The pièce de résistance is the Lembit submarine, built for the Estonian navy in Barrow-in-Furness in the 1930s. Outside, ice-breaker Suur Toll and several other ships are moored.

The 4km-worth of walls that surrounded the Old Town were mostly constructed during the fourteenth century. Today, 1.85km of them still stand, along with 20 of the original 46 towers. One of the most dramatic stretches can be found along Laboratoriumi (subsequently Gümnaasiumi), where three of the oldest towers – Nunne, Kuldjala and Sauna – can be entered from Gümnaasiumi 3 (June–Aug: daily 11am–7pm; Sept–May daily except Thursday 11am–4/5pm; €2).

Just north of the Old Town, the Cultural Kilometre (Kultuurikilomeeter) is a footpath that runs through an intriguing stretch of post-Soviet, post-industrial Tallinn. It begins beside the Kultuurikattel (“The Culture Boiler”), a former power station now converted into a concert venue. The power station’s iconic chimney is where Russian film director Andrei Tarkovsky shot key scenes of his existential classic, Stalker . From here the path heads west past a small fishing harbour, and the Estonian Design House at Kalasadama 8 (westoniandesignhouse.ee), where young designers display and sell their wares. The path continues past the atmospheric old houses of the Kalamaja district before arriving at Patarei Prison Museum (May–Sept daily noon–7pm; €3), a nineteenth-century fortress that was turned into a jail in 1920. Abandoned in 2004, it remains in pretty much the same state it was left in, providing an eerie, unsettling experience for visitors.

To do a lot of sightseeing in a short time, it can be worth buying a Tallinn Card (€32/42/52 for 24/48/72hr), which gives you unlimited free rides on public transport as well as free entry to a plethora of attractions and discounts in shops and restaurants. Check website for details.

Toompea is the hill where the Danes built their fortress after conquering what is now Tallinn in 1219. According to legend, it is also the grave of Kalev , the mythical ancestor of the Estonians. Approach through the sturdy gate tower – built by the Teutonic Knights to contain the Old Town’s inhabitants in times of unrest – at the foot of Pikk jalg. This is the cobbled continuation of Pikk, the Old Town’s main street, that climbs up to Lossi plats, dominated by the impressive-looking Aleksander Nevsky Cathedral . This imposing onion-domed structure was built at the end of the nineteenth century for the city’s Orthodox population – an enduring reminder of the two centuries Tallinn spent under tsarist rule.

At the head of Lossi plats, the pink Toompea Castle stands on the site of the original Danish fortification. Rebuilt many times, the building is now home to the Riigikogu , Estonia’s parliament.

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Estonia Travel Guide

Last Updated: April 29, 2024

Tucked away in the Baltics, Estonia has become a popular destination thanks to cheap flights, beautiful cities, a wild nightlife, and the country’s stalwart support for digital nomads and remote workers (it’s also a popular spot for cruisers since many ships stop there as well).

I loved my time here. Unlike the stereotypes many people have about Eastern Europe, Estonia is a modern, organized, and tech-forward country. It has more start-ups than Silicon Valley and everything is done online here.

With more than 1,500 islands, swaths of untouched old-growth forests, and historic castles and churches, Estonia seamlessly blends old and new. Be sure to get out of Tallinn, too. There’s more to the country than just its capital.

This travel guide to Estonia can help you plan your trip, save money, and make the most of your time in this underrated European destination!

Table of Contents

• Things to See and Do
• Typical Costs
• Suggested Budget
• Money-Saving Tips
• Where to Stay
• How to Get Around
• How to Stay Safe
• Best Places to Book Your Trip
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Top 5 Things to See and Do in Estonia

1. Party in Tallinn

Estonia’s historic capital city Tallinn is a cultural melting pot on the shores of the Baltic Sea. Here you can explore one of the best-preserved medieval cities in Northern Europe. Wander along the cobblestone streets while taking in historic architecture of the Old Town. While it has a lot of history to offer, it’s also ripe with bars, pubs, nightclubs, and cheap drinks. If you love live music, you’ll be impressed with Tallinn. There’s a vibrant party scene here that’s both fun and affordable.

2. Visit Pärnu

Overlooking Pärnu Bay is the resort city of Pärnu. Perched over the Baltic Sea, it’s a lovely place to relax for a few days. In the warmer months you can walk 20 minutes from the town center to the expansive Blue Flag beach with soft sand and calm water that is perfect for swimming and sunbathing. It makes for a perfect jumping-off point for anyone wanting to do any sailing while in Estonia. When you’ve had your fill of sand and saltwater, pamper yourself with a mud bath at the seaside 1920’s era spa. Like everywhere in Estonia, there’s some incredible historic architecture, like the old Russian style Transformation of Our Lord Church. Divided by the Pärnu River, the city is known for its 19th-century timber villas as well as the relaxing beaches of Pärnu Bay.

3. Get lost in Vanalinn

For the perfect mix of medieval and modern, venture into Tallinn’s Old Town, Vanalinn. This part of the city was built between the 13th and 16th centuries and was granted UNESCO World Heritage status in 1997. The original architecture is unbelievably well preserved — even after aggressive World War II bombings. Within the historic town square, you’ll find the 13th century Gothic Town Hall complete with a 64-meter-tall (209 feet) tower. It’s full of cobblestone streets and gothic architecture and makes for stunning photos and fun people watching.

4. Relax in Saaremaa

Home to the medieval castle Kuressaare (which dates to the 16th century), the island of Saaremaa is a beautiful place for hikers and bird watchers to escape into nature. Saaremaa is known for its beaches and traditional villages. Archeologists believe the island has been inhabited since 5000 BCE. The island is home to Vilsandi National Park, which spans 238 square kilometers (91 square miles) and is home to almost 250 species of birds. The climate makes it a hotspot for all types of flora and fauna. You can also visit the site of the Kaali meteorite strike (which happened over 3,000 years ago) with its huge craters and a unique museum full of chunks of the meteor.

5. Visit Lahemaa National Park

Located one hour east of Tallinn, this park showcases Estonia’s incredible natural beauty. The park was established in 1971 to protect the region, and it remains one of the main tourist attractions in the country. Spanning 750 square kilometers (289 square miles), it’s a wonderful hiking spot perfect for nature lovers thanks to the many large mammals living in the forests, including deer, wolves, bears, and lynx. About 70% of the park is covered in forest and there are a few incredible hiking trails to explore. Raised bogs are another interesting feature, especially Laukasoo Reserve which is believed to be 7000 years old. Those interested in architecture will love exploring the historic manors within the park, including the famous Baroque masterpiece Sagadi Manor. Admission is free.

Other Things to See and Do in Estonia

1. spot wildlife in soomaa national park.

Soomaa National Park is one of the most magical natural landscapes in Estonia. Spread out over 359 square kilometers (138 square miles), the park is home to elk, deer, boar, lynx, wolves, beavers, bears, and more. Located 140 kilometers (87 miles) south of Tallinn, the park is a popular getaway for hikers. The nearby Raudna River and Parnu Basin also offer the opportunity to kayak and canoe. Much of the park floods in the spring, giving you the chance to explore the forests via canoe/kayak. Admission to the park is free. Canoe and kayak rentals cost 27 EUR. Guided tours cost around 50 EUR.

2. Go skiing in Otepaa

A much-loved hiking and mountain biking destination during the summer, in the winter Otepaa transforms into the winter capital of Estonia. There are a couple of kilometers of mountains here and 8 different lifts that offer access. It’s one of the most budget-friendly places to ski in Europe . Lift passes cost around 38 EUR. Expect to pay another 35 EUR for a one-hour ski lesson and 15 EUR per day for ski rentals.

3. Explore Kuressaare Castle

Located on Saaremaa Island in western Estonia, Kuressaare Castle is the best-preserved castle in the Baltics. Built in the 14th century, the castle and its moat were constructed on the grounds of the original castle that dated to the 13th century. The current castle was constructed in the late Gothic style and consists of a large square building surrounding a spacious courtyard. A 36-meter (121-foot) defensive tower and traditional medieval portcullis make up the castle’s defenses. There’s a museum inside that sheds light on the castle’s history, including when the Nazis used the castle to execute dissidents. Admission to the castle is free while the museum costs 10 EUR. Bike rentals cost 4 EUR an hour and rowboats cost 10 EUR per hour.

4. Hang out in Tartu

Tartu holds the title of the intellectual (and hipster) capital of Estonia. Located two hours south of Tallinn, here you’ll find the country’s most prestigious university (University of Tartu), a historic citadel, and the ruins of the city’s cathedral (which dates to the 13th century). Be sure to explore Soup Town (a neighborhood composed of old wooden houses), see the 18th-century town hall (which stands out because it’s pink and red), and spend some time people-watching at a café in Raekoja Square, the city’s historic main square.

5. Visit the Estonian National Museum

Founded in 1909, this museum is located in Tartu. It was expanded in 2016 and moved into a massive new building. There are tons of exhibitions on Estonian history, with a detailed gallery on the Russian occupation of the country (which lasted from 1940-1991). The museum provides a solid historical and cultural foundation to help you better understand Estonia’s past and present. Admission is 14 EUR.

6. Visit Kaali Meteorite Crater Field

Located on Saaremaa Island, this site is where a giant meteorite hit over 7,500 years ago. There are 9 craters in total, with the largest crater spanning 110 meters in diameter (360 feet) and reaching depths of 22 meters (72 feet). All kinds of animal bones have been found here and there is a stone wall built around the area (dating to the Bronze Age), leaving archaeologists to surmise that the area was used for some kind of cult or religious ceremonies after the craters were made. Admission is free, though the small museum nearby costs 1.60 EUR to enter.

7. Enjoy an open-air festival in Viljandi

For summer festivals and live music, head to Viljandi. Located in the middle of the country, the town’s medieval castle is used for concerts and music festivals (especially traditional folk music). While you’re here, be sure to spend some time relaxing at Lake Viljandi where you can swim and enjoy the beach. Lake Võrtsjärv, the largest inland lake in the country, is also nearby.

8. Visit the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral

The Alexander Nevsky Cathedral is in the heart of Tallinn’s Old Town. Standing 45 meters tall (150 feet), it was built between 1894-1900 in the Russian Revival style. It was left to decline under Soviet rule, however, once Estonia gained independence it was restored to its former glory. As well as the elaborately decorated bells (the largest weighing almost 16 tons) there are some beautiful religious mosaics inside and incredibly detailed stained glass windows. Admission is free but it’s a place of worship so dress respectfully.

9. Try windsurfing

With so much of the country surrounded by water, Estonia is a perfect destination for windsurfing. There are windsurfing shops on the west coast and in the north that offer rentals for 25-40 EUR and lessons from 66 EUR per hour. If windsurfing isn’t your thing, you can also enjoy stand-up paddleboarding, wakeboarding, or water skiing. Expect to pay around 20 EUR for those activities.

10. Visit the KGB Museum

Located on the top floor of Tallinn’s luxurious Hotel Viru are the KGB’s former spy rooms (the KGB was the Soviet Union’s secret police). The rooms were discovered after the KGB fled Estonia in the early 1990s. The hotel owners decided to keep the rooms exactly the way they were. Inside are listening and surveillance equipment that looks like something straight out of a vintage spy movie. The museum is only accessible as part of a guided tour that can be booked from the hotel lobby. The tour costs 12 EUR.

11. Go birding in Matsalu National Park

This is one of the best places to spot endangered species like the white-tailed eagle or watch the migrating cranes. Established in 1957, the park was created to protect the nesting and migrating birds. It’s located on the west coast of the country, spanning almost 500 square kilometers (192 square miles). Every year, between 10,000-20,000 cranes and upwards of 40,000 ducks visit the park as they migrate. Admission is free.

12. Wander Linnahall

Commissioned by the Soviet Union to accommodate the 1980 Moscow Summer Olympics, Tallinn’s Linnahall sports complex is now a giant, imposing, concrete ghost town. An amphitheater that seats 5,000 was unable to be utilized once the Olympic-sized crowds had departed so it now lies crumbling (construction was rushed and was done poorly so the buildings are falling apart). Over 66 countries boycotted the games due to the U.S.’s disapproval of the Soviet-Afghan war. Today, the venue is not in use so you’re free to wander and explore. Its location above the city makes it a great lookout spot. It’s an interesting place to wander around if you have a spare few hours.

13. Visit the Estonian Open-Air Museum

Hidden amongst the trees and forests just outside of Tallinn, this open-air museum is a reconstruction of an 18th-century rural village. It’s home to all kinds of traditional Estonian buildings. There are actors dressed up in historical garb as well as traditional professions on display, such as basket weaving and blacksmithing. There are over 80 wooden buildings you can visit, including a church, school, tavern, and farmhouse. Admission is 10 EUR.

Estonia Travel Costs

Accommodation – Hostel dorms start at 10 EUR per night for a bed in a 10-20 bed dorm. A smaller dorm with 6-8 beds costs 15 EUR per night. For a private room in a hostel, expect to pay at least 30 EUR per night. Free Wi-Fi is standard and most hostels have self-catering facilities. A few include free breakfast.

Budget hotels start at 40 EUR per night for a double or twin room that includes free breakfast and free Wi-Fi.

Airbnb is available around the country with private rooms starting at 20 EUR per night. For an entire home or apartment, expect to pay at least 35 EUR per night (though prices average double that).

For anyone traveling with a tent, Estonia is one of the best places in Europe for wild camping. Wild camping is permitted on government land (though some of the national parks do have restrictions). Here’s a list of the places you can wild camp in Estonia .

Food – Estonian food has a mix of influences from Russia, Germany, and Scandinavia. Dishes are commonly based around meat and potatoes as well as seasonal vegetables. Soups are a common main course as well. Pickled foods like beets, cucumbers, and fish, as well as rye bread and herring, make up the basis of much of the local cuisine. As in Scandinavia, open-faced sandwiches are a quick to-go snack. Verivorst and mulgikapsad (blood sausage and sauerkraut) are two of the most popular national dishes.

For an inexpensive meal at a café or restaurant, expect to pay between 6-13 EUR. A traditional sausage or stuffed pancake costs just under 3 EUR while fast food meals (think McDonald’s) cost around 7 EUR.

A multi-course meal at a restaurant with table service costs around 40 EUR, including a drink. Expect dishes like grilled salmon, lamb ribs, and roasted pork or duck. For something like Thai or Indian food (which is only really available in Tallinn and Tartu), expect to pay around 12-15 EUR for a meal.

Beer costs around 5 EUR. A latte/cappuccino is 3 EUR while bottled water is 1.50 EUR.

If you are planning to cook your own food, you can expect to spend around 30-40 EUR for a week’s worth of groceries. This includes basic staples like pasta, rice, seasonal produce, and some meat or fish.

Backpacking Estonia Suggested Budgets

On a backpacking budget of 35 EUR per day, you can stay in a hostel dorm, cook your meals, limit your drinking, take public transportation to get around, and do mostly free or cheap activities like free walking tours and visiting national parks. If you plan on drinking, add 5-10 EUR per day to your budget.

On a mid-range budget of 110 EUR per day, you can stay in a private hostel room or Airbnb, eat out at cheap restaurants serving traditional cuisine, drink more, take the occasional taxi to get around, and do more paid activities like museum visits or ski trips.

On a “luxury” budget of 225 EUR or more per day, you can stay in a hotel, eat out anywhere you want, drink as much as you want, rent a car to get around, and do more paid activities and guided tours. This is just the ground floor for luxury though. The sky is the limit!

You can use the chart below to get some idea of how much you need to budget daily, depending on your travel style. Keep in mind these are daily averages – some days you’ll spend more, some days you’ll spend less (you might spend less every day). We just want to give you a general idea of how to make your budget. Prices are in EUR.

Estonia Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

Estonia is a perfect destination for anyone on a budget. It’s not as cheap as it was years ago but there’s still a lot of value here — and still plenty of ways to reduce your costs! Here is how to save money during your visit:

• Take a free walking tour – Tallinn offers a handful of free walking tours which are great ways to get familiar with the city and the culture. Most hostels offer them and there are even some that have a special focus (such as the city’s Communist past). Just be sure to tip your guide at the end!
• Wild camp – If you really want to save money in Estonia, bring a tent. Wild camping is legal here so you can pitch your tent on public land throughout Estonia. Just make sure to pick up your trash when you’re done.
• Cook your own meals – Many hostels have kitchen facilities so you can cook your own meals. Buying your own groceries may not be as glamorous as going out to eat but it does save you money.
• Stay with a local – Staying with a local via Couchsurfing will get you a free place to stay while connecting you with a local who can share their insider tips and advice.
• Walk everywhere – All the major cities in Estonia are walkable so skip the public transportation if you want to save a few extra euros.
• Enjoy the free spaces – There are plenty of free parks as well as many free hiking trails around the country. If you’re on a tight budget, enjoy the outdoors.
• Bring a water bottle – The tap water in Estonia is safe to drink. Bring a reusable water bottle to avoid having to buy single-use plastic. LifeStraw is my go-to bottle as it has a built-in filter to ensure your water is always clean and safe.

Where to Stay in Estonia

Budget accommodation in Estonia is plentiful. Here are some of my favorite hostels in Estonia:

• Old Town Mukenof (Tallinn)
• Looming Hostel (Tartu)
• Hostel Louna (Parnu)
• Kalda Talu Puhkekeskus (Valga)

How to Get Around Estonia

Public transportation – In most smaller towns and cities in Estonia, it’s possible to walk everywhere. However, in larger cities like Tallinn, you may want to use public transport to get around. In Tallinn, you can purchase QR-code tickets or load money onto a Smartcard (a pre-paid bus card). There is an extensive network of trams, trolleys, and buses that service the city and surrounding suburbs.

Public transportation prices vary by city but expect to pay around 1.50 EUR for a standard 1-hour adult ticket.

Train – The trains in Estonia are reliable, cheap, and fast. Many even have free Wi-Fi. You can take an express train to Tartu from Tallinn in just two hours for 8-12 EUR each way. The two-hour journey from Tallinn to Viljandi is 10-12 EUR while the seven-hour train ride from Tallinn to Riga, Latvia starts at just 15 EUR.

Bus – Many people favor train travel over bus travel in Estonia because the prices are similar and, in many cases, the trains are faster. However, there are more scheduled buses per day than trains so the bus might better fit your schedule.

Buses start at just 5 EUR. To get from Tallinn to Tartu takes 2.5 hours (just 30 minutes longer than the train) and costs around 10 EUR. The bus from Tallinn to Saaremaa Island takes around 4 hours and costs 11 EUR while the journey from Tallinn to Viljandi takes just over 2 hours and costs 9 EUR. Expect to pay around 16 EUR for the 5.5-hour bus to Riga, Latvia.

To find bus routes and prices, use BusBud .

Flying – Although there are domestic flights within Estonia, they’re prohibitively expensive and won’t save you any time as a high-speed train is almost as fast when you include check-in time. Skip flying.

Car rental – Car rentals cost as little as 28 EUR per day. You need an International Driving Permit (IDP) in order to rent a car here. For the best car rental prices, use Discover Cars .

When to Go to Estonia

The summer months of June-August are the busiest of the year (though busy in Estonia is far less busy than cities in Western Europe). During this time, the days are longer and the temperatures hover around 20°C (68°F). Almost all of Estonia’s festivals are held during these months.

To beat the crowds, visit between April-May or September-October. During these months, the temperatures are cooler, making it the perfect time to get outdoors and camp or hike. Plus, the peak tourist season is over so the crowds are thinner and things are a little cheaper.

During the winter, temperatures plummet and the country is blanketed in snow. Visiting Estonia during the winter can be a magical experience if you are interested in skiing or Christmas markets. Be warned though — temperatures can drop to -10°C (15°F).

How to Stay Safe in Estonia

Estonia is a safe country with a low crime rate. Within Tallinn, petty theft (including pickpocketing) is possible in the heavily-touristed areas, as well as on crowded public transportation and in busy bars/clubs. Keep your valuables out of sight and watch out for people (especially younger children) trying to distract you.

Solo female travelers should generally feel safe here, however, the standard precautions apply (never leave your drink unattended at the bar, never walk home alone intoxicated, etc.).

If you’re heading out to enjoy Tallinn’s famous nightlife, leave your valuables at home. Avoid walking alone at night and stick to the main roads. Muggings are rare, but they can occur. Travel in pairs or groups if possible and avoid walking alone at night if intoxicated, just to be safe.

One thing to be aware of is that reflectors are required by law to be worn by pedestrians at night. You can pick them up in most supermarkets cheaply and you just need to attach one to your jacket or bag when out after dark.

Scams here are rare but you can read about common travel scams to avoid here.

If you do experience an emergency, dial 112 for assistance.

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance protects you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. You can use the widget below to find the policy right for you:

Estonia Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

• Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
• Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
• Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
• HostelPass – This new card gives you up to 20% off hostels throughout Europe. It’s a great way to save money. They’re constantly adding new hostels too. I’ve always wanted something like this and glad it finallt exists.
• Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
• The Man in Seat 61 – This website is the ultimate guide to train travel anywhere in the world. They have the most comprehensive information on routes, times, prices, and train conditions. If you are planning a long train journey or some epic train trip, consult this site.
• Rome2Rio – This website allows you to see how to get from point A to point B the best and cheapest way possible. It will give you all the bus, train, plane, or boat routes that can get you there as well as how much they cost.
• FlixBus – Flixbus has routes between 20 European countries with prices starting as low 5 EUR! Their buses include WiFi, electrical outlets, a free checked bag.
• SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
• LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
• Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
• Top Travel Credit Cards – Points are the best way to cut down travel expenses. Here’s my favorite point earning credit cards so you can get free travel!

Estonia Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more info? Check out all the articles I’ve written on Europe travel and continue planning your trip:

The 6 Best Hotels in Copenhagen

The 6 Best Hotels in Florence

The 7 Best Hotels in Madrid

The 6 Best Hotels in Vienna

The Best Walking Tours in Barcelona

How to Be a Digital Nomad in Europe

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16 awesome things to do in tallinn [estonia] in 2024.

Tallinn is the medieval, vibrant, capital city of Estonia and is bursting with history, culture and wonderful things to do and see. Brad and I had the chance to explore Tallinn with Visit Estonia and we quickly fell in love with this beautiful city. 

So, if you need inspiration on what to do in Tallinn, then read on for my full guide on the best things to do in Tallinn.

What I REALLY love about Tallinn, is that the majority of all the best tourist attractions are located in the Old Town (or close to it) which means it’s easy to access all the best places to visit in Tallinn by walking.

Brad and I spent a full day seeing all the best sights in the Old Town and we didn’t need anything other than our 2 feet!

Travellerspoint

When is the best time to visit Tallinn?

Like many other places in Europe , we found that autumn was a wonderful time to visit Tallinn.

It’s still quite busy following the summer tourists, but the autumn colours are in full bloom and Estonia in autumn is an amazing scene. With what resemble Indian spices in orange, red and yellows, it’s the perfect backdrop to the city attractions. 

However, I’ve heard great things about Tallinn during winter and the Christmas season, so I think it would be a great time to visit too. 

What is the best way to get to Tallinn?

Since Tallinn is the capital city, it’s super easy to fly here! You can get cheap flights across mainland Europe, and you can visit from international destinations too. I suggest you use Skyscanner to find the best deals on flights to Tallinn. 

Or, you can do what Bradley and I did and road trip to Tallinn. Estonia is a small but mighty country with beautiful sights to see. 

We picked our Tinggly campervan from Lithuania and travelled north to Estonia through the Baltics.

Or, if you're coming from the north, you can get the direct Helsinki to Tallinn ferry . We did this the other way around and it's very straightforward.

How long should you spend in Tallinn?

Tallinn really is one of the most beautiful cities in Eastern Europe , and is the perfect place for a city break. So I suggest you spend at least 3 nights there! You could spend more, but no less or you’ll miss out on all the best things to do in Tallinn. 

If you fancy exploring more of what Estonia has to offer in general, then it’s a great idea to rent a car for a couple of days after you’re done exploring all the best tourist attractions Tallinn has to offer and head out and explore the country! 

Tartu is another great Estonian city that is worth visiting.

The top things to do in Tallinn 

1. check out jagala waterfall .

If you decide to rent a car and explore the surrounding areas of Tallinn, then I recommend you check out Jagala Waterfall. 

It’s Estonia's highest natural waterfall and it actually looks pretty cool. It’s only about 30 minutes outside the city centre of Tallinn, but it’s worth it to drive on the Estonian roads lined with beautiful Autumn colours. This waterfall can also freeze and a frozen waterfall looks super cool (if you haven’t seen one before). 

One of the more unique things to do in Estonia , but worth it if you’re there for a few days. 

2. Visit the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral 

This is one of my favourite spots in all of Tallinn because this cathedral is a work of art, both inside and out! It’s easy to find and it’s free entrance. 

You can get a good shot of this cathedral from every angle, but really stand and appreciate the beautiful architecture on show. 

3. Explore the Kadriorg Art Museum 

This Art Museum is just as famous for its outside as well as inside! This spot is a real treat in the summer when the gardens are in full bloom with beautiful colours. It’s a restored palace that houses some brilliant art, and it was built when Estonia was part of Russia. 

You can easily access the area by walking from the Old Town (which will take about 35 minutes), or you can opt for public transport to get you there. 

4. Visit Toompea Castle 

Toompea Castle is worth visiting and it’s very beautiful. But it’s no longer a castle as such, as it’s used as the Estonia Parliament (pretty cool spot for government). 

Free tours can be arranged in advance, and you can watch sessions of parliament from the public gallery is you’re interested to see how the government insides work! 

5. Dine in the Old Town

The Old Town of Tallinn is bursting with amazing places to eat and dine. When we were walking around, we were spoilt for choice and couldn’t decide on where to eat. There are lots of options of authentic Estonian food, which is actually a blend of different foods into one! 

We ended up eating in a restaurant that was located in a cellar. It was calld Munga Kelder and it was awesome. The vibe was amazing, the food was reasonably priced and tasted great!

Another popular place to eat in Estonia is Olde Hansa which is quite expensive, but you’re paying for the experience too, so if you want medieval dining, then I suggest you head there!

TOUR: Feeling really hungry? Then indulge in a Tallinn food tour! Book yours here. 

6. Visit the Danish King’s Garden 

The Danish King's Garden is one of the weird, yet wonderful sights in Tallinn. The area is the birthplace of the danish flag. The garden remains an area where locals honour the role Denmark played in Estonia's history.

There are spooky looking monks dotted over the place too, and if you’ve seen Harry Potter, you’ll see a resemble to dementors. 

It’s a totally free area to explore too, so again, a great spot for those looking for the best places to visit in Tallinn on a budget! 

7. Check out St Catherine's Passage 

This has to be one of the most picturesque spots in all of Tallinn! This winding road is half hidden walkway that leads to what was once St Catherine's church.

There is a collection of workshops located in the area, but the ambience of the passage is what you really seek. You’ll feel it as you walk through, trust me! 

If you’re looking for an awesome “Instagram Worthy” spot, then this is one of the best places to visit in Tallinn. 

8. Visit the Tallinn town hall 

The Tallinn Town Hall stands proud as the oldest city call in Northern Europe and the only one that’s preserved in Gothic style (my favourite style!) During August and July the Town Hall is open for visitors who can visit the whole area, including the attic and basement.

Prices start at 5 euro entrance, and you can visit at other times but with prior request I believe. 

9. Get your picture at Viru Gate 

Viru Gate feels like the grand entrance into the Old Town and it’s a really cute spot because it’s lined the florists. Brad bought me a red rose and that made my day! I don’t think it’s very expensive, so you can delight your partner with a rose too by the gate if you wish :P 

Which is a good time to mention that Tallinn is a great spot for couples, there is a very romantic vibe about the place. 

10. Visit St Olaf's Church 

Considered one of the symbols of Tallinn, this iconic church is very beautiful and a great picture spot. You can actually check out the amazing view from the top via 232 steps to the observation platform.  The viewing platform is only open in the summer months, not winter. 

TOUR: You can take a walking tour of the Old Town if you’d like to learn more about the history of the sights you’re seeing. Check this one out. 

11. Explore the KGB Prison Cells 

This was a super unique experience and something I was looking forward to seeing. I’ve studied the KGB extensively in my history lessons in high school and in university and I was intrigued to learn more about the tragic ongoings of the KGB prison cells.

These are the actual prison cells, which is a harrowing, harsh reality as you walk through. 

It’s not a very big museum as such, but it’s more than enough to show you what it was like to be a prisoner during those times- horrific. Each exhibition is in an old cell and it was a truly insightful experience I think you should visit! 

One of the top things to do in Tallinn for sure! 

It’s a 5 euro entrance fee for adults and you can pay card. 

12. Explore the city’s defensive walls 

The oldest parts of the walls of Tallinn were actually built in the 13th century, which means they have a long history! For just a couple of euro, you can climb up the walls and walk along them in one section.

It’s a short tour, but it does give some beautiful views and with learning a little bit about the history of the walls. 

13. Check out the KGB museum located in a hotel 

So this was one of the first things Brad and I checked out when we got to Tallinn, but we didn’t get past the door. Basically, we didn’t realise you can only access via guided tour, and when we visited, the next guided tour in English wasn’t until 3 hours away. We had our day planned meticulously, so we couldn't fit it in. 

But, I think this is an excellent spot. It’s located in the Hotel Viru and I believe it’s the only hotel that holds a museum. You’ll get an insight into the KGB history, and of course the role that this hotel played in all that.

Just book your tickets in advance, it was super busy when we arrived! 

Definitely one of the more unique Tallinn tourist attractions on offer! 

14. Check out Tallinn TV tower

Tallinn TV tower is located outside the main area of the city, so it’s not really walking distance. It’s northern Europe's highest viewing tower and on a clear day, you’ll be treated to some awesome views! 

You can actually “walk on the edge” of this TV tower if you’re feeling brave for only 30 euro, and looking for something truly unique to do in Tallinn. Or, you can dine at their restaurant which boasts amazing views (I’m not surprised!) 

It’s 13 euro to enter the tower for adults. 

You can purchase a fast track ticket right here! 

15. Pop into the Tallinn Creative City 

This is one of the spots Brad and I didn’t go to, but I think is worth mentioning. This is the largest creative hub in all of Estonia, consisting of creative companies, studios and offices of NGOs.

Basically it’s a buzzing place and it hosts over 600 events that take place. There is lots of street art, unique eating spots and photo galleries, it's a great place to spend an afternoon. 

16. Wander the cute streets of the Old town 

The Old Town of Tallinn is filled with cobbled streets and corners that you’ll find cute cafes, delicious eateries and cute souvenir shops. I suggest you just wander around without a map and just see what you discover.

I ended up going into a cute shop located underground and wanted to buy everything in there! In the end I just got a shot glass for my collection, but there are lots of gifts you could bring back to family and friends. 

A tour can be a great way to find the best spots, check this one out!

Is Tallinn expensive? 

Not overly, for a capital city, I think it’s quite well priced, however in comparison to the rest of Estonia, the prices in Tallinn are higher. But it’s far cheaper than most European capital cities and it’s great value for money. 

But, if you're looking for ways to visit Tallinn on a budget, then I suggest you eat outside of the Old Town. You’ll find better deals. 

Getting around Tallinn 

Like I mentioned before, one of the great things about Tallinn, Estonia, is the fact that most of the best sites in Tallinn are within walking distance from any accommodation located in/near the Old Town. 

However, another option is to use the classic sightseeing Hop on Hop off bus, it’ll take you to the best things to do in Tallinn and you can hop on and off as you need too. 

You can book your ticket ahead of time here too. 

CityBee is also an electric scooter rental company and you can download the app and pick up a scooter and take it for as long as you need, then simply leave it within the Old Town for the next person to pick up. We used them in Lithuania , and it’s a brilliant way to sightsee, so using it in Tallinn, is a great idea too. 

So there you have it! My guide to the top things to do in Tallinn. I hope you’ve enjoyed this post and I hope it’s inspired you to do all these amazing things in Tallinn! If you’ve got any other suggestions to add to the list of Tallinn attractions, then simply drop a comment below.

A big thank you to VisitEstonia for hosting us for our stay in Tallinn at their StoryTellers Nest! 

For more help planning your trip in Estonia, check out our other guides:

• Our 2 Week Baltic Road Trip
• The 13 Best Things To Do In Estonia

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Estonia is compact, which makes it easy for tourists and locals alike to get around. The transportation infrastructure is well-developed, so you can travel by car, bus, bike, plane, or train or just simply walk!

Distances between major towns in Estonia don’t usually exceed three hours of driving.

Estonia has right-hand traffic and an extensive road system. The speed limit in the countryside is 90 km/h and 50 km/h in urban areas unless specified otherwise. In the summer season, some highways allow a maximum speed of 110 km/h. Passengers are required to wear seat belts, and lights must be switched on at all times. Estonia has zero tolerance for driving under the influence.

Estonia recognises driving licenses from countries around the world. 

Foreign vehicles must have third-party liability insurance in Estonia. Vehicles registered in an EEA country can only be insured in that specific country of registration. Vehicles registered in the following countries must be covered by a Green Card as proof of insurance: Albania, Andorra, Azerbaijan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Israel, Iran, Macedonia, Morocco, Moldova, Montenegro, Serbia, Tunisia, Turkey, Ukraine, Belarus, and Russia. 

As an alternative to the Green Card, you can purchase cross-border insurance. Those vehicles not registered in EEA or the countries listed above must be covered with valid cross-border insurance upon arrival to Estonia.

Parking in Estonia

Photo: Martti Volt, Visit Estonia

Travel by car

Photo: Stigo

LuxExpress is the most common cross-country travel transport company and offers multiple connections across the country.

You can buy tickets directly from www.tpilet.ee and bus stations. You can also buy tickets here for a travel card (Ühiskaart). 

LuxExpress bus interior

Photo: Hendrik Osula

LuxExpress bus

Travel by bus

Photo: Patrik Tamm, Visit Estonia

Balti Jaam train station  is the central train station in Tallinn. From here, you can take a train to Tartu, Viljandi, Narva, Rakvere and numerous smaller towns in between. A ticket can be bought at the station or on the train with a card or cash from the ticket collector.

Most trains have Wi-Fi and charging points. Some offer the option of debit/credit card payment, but it is wise to carry at least €20 cash just in case. The C-wagon is in the middle of each train, where you can easily enter the coach with a wheelchair, bicycle, or baby stroller.

Train stop in Nõmme

Photo: Tallinn City Tourist Office & Convention Bureau

You can comfortably fly to two of Estonia's biggest islands,  Saaremaa  and Hiiumaa . The flight from Tallinn to Kuressaare lasts 45 minutes, while it takes about 30 minutes to fly to Kärdla.

Photo: Hugo Christopher Saar

For those travelling by car, taking a ferry is the most convenient way to tour local islands. Regular ferries operate between the mainland and most of the larger islands, including Saaremaa, Hiiumaa, Vormsi, Kihnu, Ruhnu, and Aegna. Passenger ferries operate between Tallinn and the smaller Prangli and Naissaare islands.

Several tour operators offer custom trips to smaller islands. Purchasing an e-ticket ahead of time allows you to change the travel time. All the information about ferry schedules is available via veeteed.com , tuuleliinid.ee ,  praamid.ee , and liinilaevad.ee .

You can also do island hopping while visiting Tallinn ( more information about ferry traffic in Tallinn ).

View from the ferry

Photo: Tuuli Elstrok, Visit Estonia

Ferry to Muhu island

Photo: Alexander Gu, Visit Estonia

During the summer season, Estonia tends to be a popular cross-country cycling destination. The Eurovelo route that passes through Estonia starts at the Latvian border, runs along the coast, through the islands, passes Tallinn, and heads to the Russian border via the northern coast. Additionally, there are local and regional bike routes.

Travelling through Estonia on a bike is a whole new experience; meadows and forests alternate with villages, and it is common to stop at the nearest farm to ask for a glass of cold water. A number of tourism companies around the country offer bicycle tours and rentals.

From April to October, you must buy a bicycle ticket for the train. There are a limited number of bicycle spaces on every train, so arrive at the station early or purchase your ticket ahead of time online. The ticket costs half the price of the passenger's fare.

In general, long-haul buses are required by law to take up to two bicycles if they have space in their luggage compartment. However,  Lux Express  offers a free bicycle ticket; up to five bicycles can be booked for each trip (have to be booked in advance during the last step of online ticket sales). Please arrive 10 minutes before the departure, so the bicycle can be secured by the bus driver. 

If you are just looking to tour Tallinn , then look for Citybike rental spots in the city center. Tartu , on the other hand, has a fully established city e-bike system .

Cycling in Estonia

Photo: Jaanus Ree, Visit Estonia

Viks, an Estonian bike

Photo: Marek Metslaid, Visit Estonia

Riding a bike in Tallinn

Photo: Siiri Kumari, Visit Estonia

A caravan or camper van is a great option if you decide to get closer to nature. Of course, the best time for a caravan trip to Estonia is in the summer, when most of the camping sites are open.

Camping sites are especially common in Western and Northern Estonia and on the country’s biggest island, Saaremaa . Remember that your car headlights need to be kept on all day at all times. When towing your caravan, you will need to keep its backlights on.

Travelling by caravan van

Photo: Merelaiu, Visit Estonia

Urban public transportation

The Public Transport Card ( Ühiskaart ) is an electronic contactless card.

If you have an Ühiskaart, you can:

• identify your transportation rights for public vehicles
• use as travel fare, valid with an identity document
• load e-tickets to the card
• buy tickets by loading money on the card
• use Park-and-Ride parking

You can purchase a Ühiskaart from sales points for 2€. In Tallinn, you can also use all Mastercard, Maestro, Visa, and Visa Electron bank cards with contactless interfaces in public transport.

Travel cards are interchangeable throughout Estonia and on intercity lines regardless of the place of purchase (except for Tartu travel cards, which cannot be used in Kohtla-Järve). 

A pilot project for demand-based transport services began in Estonia on 19 July 2021. The project aims to understand people's actual transport needs and eventually combine conventional and demand-driven public transport, ultimately giving people a more convenient and efficient service.

Today, almost all rural public transport is based on regular routes with fixed routes and timetables. Of course, in sparsely populated areas, these fixed routes don't reach all residents, and they may not always meet people's actual needs. This is why demand-based transport is being brought to Saaremaa . This will be further developed based on the feedback from local residents and the service provider. The goal is to test out the implementation of demand-driven public transport to gain insight into how and to which target group would benefit the most from this kind of service.

Accessible public transport

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Bus schedule in Tallinn

Trolley bus in Tallinn

There are several shared driving services in Estonia. Bolt and Uber are currently the most popular taxi apps, where you can easily order taxis and verified private drivers. You have the legal right to ask for a receipt when using taxi services at all times. Taxi rates vary by company. The yellow sticker in the right rear window of each vehicle will give you an overview of prices, including price per kilometer.

How to get around Estonia

Get inspired.

Estonia's TOP museums off the beaten track

Some of the best science, natural, children’s, art & history museums are also the smallest and most quirky. Explore off-the-beaten-path exhibitions!

TOP 10 hiking trails

Hiking is a great way to discover the flora, fauna, and scenery of Estonia. These 10 trails are the most popular on the Visit Estonia website.

TOP interactive museums for family-friendly fun

Discover everything from medieval strongholds to modern inventions. These interactive museums are guaranteed to be fun for the whole family!

Tips for hiking the Baltic Coastal Trail

Nicknamed by Lonely Planet "Europe's longest meditation," this long-distance hiking route connects Estonia's coastline with the rest of the Baltics.

A romantic winter weekend in South Estonia

What could be more romantic than discovering a new place with your loved one? Escape the ordinary in charming and scenic South Estonia.

TOP Instagrammable places in Estonia

The best part about Estonia's most photogenic spots? You don't have to muscle through a crowd to get a great shot!

Bikepacking in Estonia

Estonia is a biker's paradise! It's flat and scenic with plenty of campsites and sustainable accommodation options. Start planning a bike trip here.

TOP 10 islands to visit this summer

These islands are quiet places for hiking, camping and enjoying seafood delicacies this summer.

At 45,227 square kilometres, Estonia is just a little bigger than Denmark, Switzerland, or the Netherlands. Culturally, it is located at the crossroads of Northern, Western and Eastern. Travelling via the country's developed road network and timely train and bus connections, you can cross Estonia in just a few hours, and almost every village has cosy farmstays and inns.

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Is Tallinn Safe? Crime Rates & Safety Report

Estonia : Safety by City

Tallinn is the capital of Estonia and is located on the southern coast of the Gulf of Finland, only 70 km south of Helsinki.

The majority of tourists only scratch the surface of the city and hardly venture out of the old town, but there are districts like Kalamaja and Teleskivi which are among the hippest of hipster areas in the world.

One thing that gives that extra charm to this Baltic country is Tallinn’s medieval old town that was built by German crusaders in the Middle Ages and is, to this day, kept in great condition, with the medieval city walls and towers intact.

It is actually, according to many, one of Europe’s best-preserved medieval towns.

• Warnings & Dangers in Tallinn

OVERALL RISK: LOW

Tallinn is a very safe city to visit. Its crime rates are relatively low, but it is advised to remain vigilant at all times, keep your valuables in a safe place and be very careful when involved in traffic.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: MEDIUM

Transportation is a major issue in Tallinn, due to many reckless drivers. There is a worrying number of deaths due to traffic accidents per year. Also, the biggest trap to tourists in Tallinn is getting ripped off by taxi drivers, Your best bet is to arrange a ride with a taxi company such as Tulika Takao.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: HIGH

Petty crime exists in Tallinn, especially in Viru Street and areas like the Old Town, especially the Town Hall Square, called Raekoja Plats and the Central Market. Never let your guard down and never leave your valuables in plain sight.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: LOW

There are no threats of natural disasters in Tallinn, apart from occasional flooding and storms.

MUGGING RISK: MEDIUM

There have been reports of foreigners being mugged or attacked by drunken people near bars and clubs. The most dangerous places at night are the neighborhoods Kopli and Lasnamäe, though crime here is still less of an issue than in some larger countries like America.

TERRORISM RISK: LOW

Even though there haven't been any terrorist attacks in Tallinn's recent history, they shouldn't be ruled out, so be aware of your surroundings at all times.

SCAMS RISK: MEDIUM

Tallinn is a city where you could get scammed, so you should check your change twice and never let your credit card out of sight. Be wary of people trying to distract you by offering you unwanted help since it might be a trick to steal from you.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW

Tallinn is generally safe for women traveling solo. Just follow the rules of common sense such as avoiding deserted and poorly lit streets and areas, and your trip should go smoothly.

• So... How Safe Is Tallinn Really?

Tallinn is pretty safe to travel to but there are many areas to avoid, pickpockets, mugging or other types of assault are not common.

This capital city truly can get a bit dangerous, like any other major city in Europe.

You can expect very low prices of alcohol and with that many roaming groups and bands of drunken or intoxicated men causing fights and initiating verbal assaults.

With this, there is also the risk of getting ripped off in the strip clubs along Viru Street and other local bars run by shady, organized crime gangs.

Be prepared for astronomical entry fees or bar tabs at such places, just because you are a tourist.

The biggest issue in Tallinn is the first and foremost petty crime and the most dangerous places are around the Baltic Rail Station and the Port area in the City Center.

Pickpockets are active throughout the most populated areas during the day – Old Town, around Viru Keskus, Hobujaama street.

Hobujaama street, being a dark curved one as it is with a few blind pockets, used to be a hotspot for robbers during the night, so watch out there.

Another thing to keep in mind in Tallinn, when it comes to safety, is the recklessness during driving.

In this country, there is about 80 – 110 people killed and 1300 people injured per year.

• How Does Tallinn Compare?
• Useful Information

Many countries do not need a visa to enter Estonia, for any stays shorter than 90 days. Any longer than that, you might need to acquire a visa. Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months past your planned date of return. If you are not sure about your visa status, contact your local Estonian embassy for further information.

Euro is the official currency in Tallinn and most of Europe. ATMs are available throughout the city and credit cards are widely accepted in most establishments. Tipping is expected.

Tallinn has a temperate and mild climate with warm summers and severe, harsh winters. It is often breezy, chilly and humid in Tallinn due to the proximity of the Baltic Sea.

Tallinn Airport often referred to as the Lennart Meri Tallinn Airport is the largest airport in Estonia, located 5.0 km southeast of the center of Tallinn, on the eastern shore of Lake Ülemiste.

Travel Insurance

Just like anywhere else, we recommend getting travel insurance when traveling to Tallinn, since it covers not only the costs of medical problems but also theft and loss of valuables.

Tallinn Weather Averages (Temperatures)

• Average High/Low Temperature

Estonia - Safety by City

• Where to Next?

5 Reviews on Tallinn

I didn’t know much about Tallinn until i read this, good stuff

One of the safest European cities we’ve stayed in

If you ever have the chance, book a city break to Tallinn, you won’t regret it. I planned a quick getaway with my sister because we wanted some chance of scenery but we didn’t expect to be blown away. The people, the food, the streets, the buildings, we were in awe. Pair common sense with a sense for adventure and you will get to explore the best this city has to offer.

I went there in October 2022 with my son, we had no issues at all. But it was low season, there were no crowds, evan hardly any people. Felt very safe, even late at night.

Transport Risk LOW

Transport and Taxis risk should be rated “Low”. – Tallinn is home to Bolt, Europes version of Uber. Impossible to get scammed – Public transport is safe and accessible – The entire city is walkable, and there are electric scooters for rent all over

There’re no strip clubs on Viru. Low risk.

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Article Contents

• Tallinn : Safety by City
• Overall Risk
• Transport & Taxis Risk
• Pickpockets Risk
• Natural Disasters Risk
• Mugging Risk
• Terrorism Risk
• Women Travelers Risk
• Weather Averages (Temperatures)
• User Reviews
• Share Your Experience

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The Man in Seat 61

How to travel by train from

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Train travel UK & Ireland...

Train travel in europe..., train travel in asia..., train travel in africa..., train travel in america..., train travel in australasia, uk to estonia without flying.

There's no need to fly to reach Estonia.  You can travel to Estonia by train+ferry via Copenhagen & Stockholm, or by Eurostar and connecting trains to Rostock in Germany then cruise ferry to Helsinki and on to Tallinn, or overland all the way by train+bus via Brussels, Berlin, Warsaw, Vilnius & Riga.  The journey from London to Tallinn takes 3 nights, and is a great adventure with lots to see on the way.

On other pages

Useful country information, london to tallinn.

There are several options for travel between the UK and Estonia:

Option 1, by Eurostar & onward trains to Hamburg, train to Stockholm, ferry to Tallinn .  Take Eurostar & connecting trains to Hamburg on day 1, stay overnight, then take a train to Copenhagen and onwards train to Stockholm on day 2.  Enjoy a night & day in Stockholm, then take the overnight Tallink ferry from Stockholm to Tallinn arriving in the morning of day 4.  This takes 3 nights, including a night & day in Stockholm.  Runs daily.  Times, fares, information for this option .

Option 2, by Eurostar & onwards trains to Rostock in Germany, ferry Rostock to Helsinki & ferry Helsinki to Tallinn .  This is a straightforward and comfortable option, shown in dark blue on the map above .  You take Eurostar & onward trains to Rostock, then a Finnlines ferry from Rostock or Travemünde to Helsinki and another ferry on to Tallinn.  The whole trip takes 3 nights.  Times, fares, information for this option .

Option 3, overland all the way by train & bus via Brussels, Berlin, Warsaw, Vilnius & Riga.  This involves long bus journeys in parts of the Baltic states where there are now no trains, and one or two overnight hotel stops making it the longest journey, at least 4 nights.  But you get to see a lot on the way.  Information for this option .

Option 1:  London to Tallinn via Copenhagen & Stockholm

The journey takes 3 nights, with a night and day to explore in Stockholm.  Departures are daily.  On the route map above it's the red line from London to Stockholm, then the pale blue dotted line to Tallinn.

London ► Tallinn

Days 1-3, travel from London St Pancras to Stockholm as shown on the Sweden page .

You can leave London on any afternoon or evening Eurostar you like on Day 1, stay overnight in Brussels, take daytime trains to Hamburg on Day 2 then the SJ EuroNight sleeper to Stockholm, arriving in the morning of Day 3.  Or use any other option shown on that page.

Day 3, sail from Stockholm to Tallinn by overnight ferry run by Tallink, sailing from Stockholm Värtahamnen terminal every second day at 17:30, arriving in Tallinn at 10:45 next morning (day 4 from London).

A range of comfortable en suite cabins is available.  You can check sailing dates, times & fares at www.tallinksilja.com . 

To reach the Värtahamnen terminal in Stockholm, take a transfer bus from the Cityterminal (the bus station next to Stockholm Central Station ).  Buses leave at 14:45 and 15:50 to connect with the ship (check these times with Tallink).  Alternatively, the Värtahamnen terminal is an easy well-signed 1km 12-minute walk from Gärdet metro station.  A taxi from Central Station to the terminal will cost about £20.  Map of Tallinn showing ferry terminal .

Tallinn ► London

A range of comfortable cabins is available.  You can check sailing dates, times and fares at www.tallinksilja.com .

In Stockholm, take a taxi from the port to central station or walk 550m to Gärdet metro station for the metro to Central Station.  Enjoy a few hours in Stockholm. You now have the rest of day 2 free to explore Stockholm.

How much does it cost?

For fares between London & Stockholm, see the London to Sweden page .

How to buy tickets

See the London to Sweden page for detailed step-by-step instructions on how to buy train tickets from London to Stockholm.

Then book the Stockholm to Tallinn ferry at www.tallinksilja.com or use the Direct Ferries website .

Tips for using www.tallinksilja.com :  If you want the cheapest option, one bed in shared 4-berth or 2-berth cabins, you'll need to open the 'shared places' section when the cabin choice page appears.  (1/4) means 1 berth in a 4-berth cabin.  You'll be offered lots of optional meals and hotels, just click through unless you want to pre-book dinner and breakfast on board - not a bad idea!  You'll be issued a self-print ticket.

What's the journey like ?

1. London to Brussels by Eurostar

Eurostar trains link London & Brussels in just 2 hours, travelling at up to 300 km/h (186 mph).  There are two bar cars, power sockets at all seats and free WiFi.  Standard Premier and Business Premier fares include a light meal with wine (or breakfast, on departures before 11:00).  There's a 30-minute minimum check-in as all border formalities are carried out before you board the train.  More about Eurostar & check-in procedure .  St Pancras station guide .   Brussels Midi station guide & short cut for changing trains in Brussels .

2. Brussels to Cologne by ICE3

Germany's superb ICEs have a bistro-restaurant car, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.  In 1st class, bistro orders are taken at your seat.  50 minutes after leaving Brussels the ICE calls at Liège, where you can admire the impressive station designed by celebrity architect Santiago Calatrava.  As you approach Cologne Hbf you'll see the twin towers of Cologne Cathedral on the right, next to the station.  More about ICE3 trains .  Brussels Midi station guide .  Cologne Hbf station guide .

4. Hamburg to Copenhagen by Intercity train

As from June 2023, Hamburg-Copenhagen trains are operated by former German Railways intercity cars like this, shown in the timetable as IC for Intercity .  This is only temporary, as brand-new trains being built for DSB will be delivered in 2024.  These ex-DB intercity cars have power sockets at all seats (although no WiFi).  There's no catering car, so bring your own food & drink.  See more photos, tips & information about the Hamburg to Copenhagen journey .

On 17 June 2023, the first Copenhagen to Hamburg train to use the 'new' German intercity cars is boarding at Copenhagen.  Photo courtesy of Peter Kincey .

2nd class seats in are almost all open-plan like this.  There are a handful of 6-seat 2nd class compartments in one of the coaches.

The 1st class car has 6-seater compartments like this. Larger photo .  Larger photo .

Crossing the Little Belt ( Lillebælt in Danish) from Jutland (mainland Denmark) to Funen, the island on which Odense is located.

5. Copenhagen to Stockholm by X2000

These Swedish 200km/h (125mph) tilting trains link Copenhagen & Stockholm in just a few hours, centre to centre.  They cross from Denmark to Sweden over the Oresund Link, a combined tunnel and bridge.  On the bridge section you seem to be flying just feet above the water. More about X2000 trains .

6. Then cruise overnight from Stockholm to Tallinn by Tallink ferry.

Back to top

Option 2:  London to Tallinn via Rostock-Helsinki ferry

See the Finland page for details of journeys from London to Helsinki via the Finnlines ferry from Rostock to Helsinki.

Then take any of the regular ferries from Helsinki to Tallinn.  Operators include www.tallinksilja.com and www.vikingline.fi , Helsinki to Tallinn is a 2 hour crossing and costs around €29.

Option 3:  London to Tallinn via Berlin , Warsaw, Vilnius, Riga

This is the all-overland option, London to Tallinn via Brussels, Berlin, Warsaw, Vilnius and Riga.

Days 1-3, see the London to Lithuania page for information on the journey from London to Vilnius

It's possible to leave London in the early evening on Day 1, staying overnight in Berlin & Warsaw, reaching Vilnius early evening on Day 3.

Day 4, it's then possible to go from Vilnius to Riga and Riga to Tallinn by bus in a day, check times & buy tickets at Omio.com .

Or see the Vilnius to Riga by train page and the Riga to Tallinn by train page .

Train travel within Estonia

Moving on from estonia, european rail timetable & maps.

Rail Map Europe is the map I recommend, covering all of Europe from Portugal in the west to Moscow & Istanbul in the east, Finland in the north to Sicily & Athens in the south.  Scenic routes & high-speed lines are highlighted.  See an extract from the map .  Buy online at www.europeanrailtimetable.eu (shipping worldwide) or at www.amazon.co.uk (UK addresses).

G uidebooks

My own book, an essential handbook for train travel to Europe based on this website called " The Man in Seat 61 ", was published in June 2008, and is available from Amazon with shipping worldwide.

Find hotels in Tallinn

Backpacker hostels.

www.hostelworld.com :  If you're on a tight budget, don't forget about backpacker hostels.  Hostelworld offers online booking of cheap private rooms or dorm beds in backpacker hostels in Paris and most other European cities at rock-bottom prices.

Travel insurance & other tips

Always take out travel insurance.

You should take out travel insurance with at least £1m or preferably £5m medical cover from a reliable insurer.  It should cover trip cancellation and loss of cash & belongings up to a reasonable limit.  These days, check you're covered for covid-19-related issues, and use an insurer whose cover isn't invalidated by well-meant but excessive Foreign Office travel advice against non-essential travel. An annual policy is usually cheapest even for just 2 or 3 trips a year, I have an annual policy with Staysure.co.uk myself.  Don't expect travel insurance to bail you out of every missed connection, see the advice on missed connections here .  Here are some suggested insurers, I get a little commission if you buy through these links, feedback always welcome.

Get an eSIM with mobile data package

Don't rely on WiFi, download an eSIM with a European mobile data package and stay connected.  Most newer mobile phones can download a virtual SIM including iPhone 11 & later, see device compatibility list .  There's no need to buy a physical SIM card!  Maya.net is a reliable eSIM data retailer with a 4.5 out of 5 Trustpilot rating and a range of packages including unlimited data .

Get a Curve card for foreign travel

Most banks give you a poor exchange rate then add a foreign transaction fee on top.  A Curve MasterCard means no foreign transaction fees and gives you the mid-market exchange rate, at least up to a certain limit, £500 per month as I write this.  The money you spend on your Curve card goes straight onto one of your existing debit or credit cards.  And you can get a Curve card for free.

How it works:   1. Download the Curve app for iPhone or Android .  2. Enter your details & they'll send you a Curve MasterCard - they send to the UK and most European addresses.  3. Link your existing credit & debit cards to the app, you can link up to two cards with the free version of Curve, I link my normal debit card and my normal credit card.  4. Now use the Curve MasterCard to buy things online or in person or take cash from ATMs, exactly like a normal MasterCard. Curve does the currency conversion and puts the balance in your own currency onto whichever debit or credit card is currently selected in the Curve app.  You can even change your mind about which card it goes onto, within 14 days of the transaction.

I have a Curve Blue card myself, it means I can buy a coffee on a foreign station on a card without being stung by fees and lousy exchange rates, just by tapping the Curve card on their card reader.  The money goes through Curve to my normal debit card and is taken directly from my account (in fact I have the Curve card set up as payment card on Apple Pay on my iPhone, so can double-click my phone, let it do Face ID then tap the reader with the phone - even easier than getting a card out).  I get a little commission if you sign up to Curve, but I recommend it here because I think it's great.  See details, download the app and get a Curve card , they'll give you £5 cashback through that link.

Get a VPN for safe browsing.  Why you need a VPN

When travelling you may use free public WiFi which is often insecure.  A VPN encrypts your connection so it's always secure, even on unsecured WiFi.  It also means you can select the geographic location of the IP address you browse with, to get around geoblocking which a surprising number of websites apply.  See VPNs & why you need one explained .  ExpressVPN is a best buy with a 4.7 out of 5 Trustpilot ranking which I use myself - I've signed up as an ExpressVPN affiliate, and if you go with expressvpn.com using this link you should see a special deal, 3 months free with an annual subscription.  I also get some commission to help support this site.

Carry an Anker powerbank

Tickets, reservations, hotel bookings and Interrail or Eurail passes are often now held on your mobile phone.  You daren't let it run out of power, and you can't always rely on the phone's internal battery or on being near a power outlet.  I always carry an Anker powerbank which can recharge my phone several times over.  Buy from Amazon.co.uk or Buy from Amazon.com .

Touring cities?  Use hill walking shoes!

One of the best things I've done is swap my normal shoes for hill-walking shoes, in my case from Scarpa.  They're intended for hiking across the Pennines not wandering around Florence, but the support and cushioning for hiking works equally well when you're on your feet all day exploring foreign cities.  My feet used to give out first and limit my day, now the rest of me gives up before they do!

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Travel to Estonia

• New York City

Scandinavian Airlines: Newark – Tallinn, Estonia. $425 (Basic Economy) / $525 (Regular Economy). Roundtrip, including all Taxes

This site is part of an affiliate sales network and receives compensation for sending traffic to partner sites, such as CreditCards.com. This compensation may impact how and where links appear on this site. This site does not include all financial companies or all available financial offers.

A good sale to Tallinn

Matrix Airfare Search by ITA Software will price this at $437 (Basic Economy). Use those dates on  Scandinavian should reprice to $425 (Basic Economy) / $525 (Regular Economy).

The $525 fare includes one checked bag each way.

The $425 fare is a Basic Economy / Economy Light fare with restrictions. Scandinavian Airlines Basic Economy / Economy Light fares :

• DO NOT include checked bags – they are $75 each way if you buy 22 hours before checkin. It will be $105 at airport checkin
• DO NOT allow for changes
• DO NOT allow for cancellations – so if you cancel after the 24 hour risk free period, the Basic Economy version will have no value for future purchase
• Most online travel agencies are not displaying Scandinavian Airlines Basic Economy / Economy Light fares as such.

Sign up for our Real Time Newsletter to receive economy class deals for your city about an hour before they are even posted on our website and social media channels - all for about a nickel a day.

Interested in Business Class, First Class or Premium Economy deals? Signup for our Premium Newsletter for about a quarter a day.

Tallinn, Estonia – Photo: Alejandro via Flickr , used under Creative Commons License (By 2.0)

Sample Travel Date:

• October 8th – 15th
• This is just ONE SAMPLE travel date, for more availability, please follow the “Fare Availability” and “How to Search for Availability” instructions below

Fare Availability:

• Valid for travel from in early October or November – early December or January 2025 – February 2025. A Sunday stay is required. Availability is limited. Must purchase at least 28 days in advance of departure
• Please note that while this fare is valid at time of posting, if this post is more than two days old, the fare is likely gone.

How to Search for Availability:

• This is just to search for availability. To buy your tickets, scroll down to “How to Buy” section of this post
• Origin: EWR
• Routing Codes : sk sk
• This is instructing Matrix Airfare Search by ITA Software to search for the Basic Economy / Economy Light fare. Use those dates on Scandinavian   and you will be presented with the option to upgrade to a regular economy fare.
• Destination:   TLL
• Extension Codes : f bc=L ; maxconnect 400
• (Click on Advanced Codes link to enable advanced routing code input)
• Select “See calendar of lowest fares”
• Duration “3-10” (This is just a sample, you can use any 7 day date range like 3-10, 7-14 etc)
• Beginner’s Guide on How to Use Matrix by ITA Software
• How to Read Airfare Rules and Use It to Your Advantage
• The Matrix Airfare Search by ITA Software search page should be like below when all values are inputted

• You cannot buy tickets using Matrix Airfare Search by ITA Software. To buy, follow our instructions in the “How to Buy” section below.

Fare Class:

• EWR- ARN (Stockholm) – TLL (Tallinn) – ARN – EWR
• Not permitted
• How to Take Advantage of a Stopover
• Miles Flown: 8,318 miles or 5.1 cents per mile (Basic Economy) / 6.3 cents per mile (Regular Economy)

Scandinavian is currently a member of the Star Alliance and United partner. On, September 1st, 2024, Scandinavian will be moving to the SkyTeam Alliance and becoming a Delta partner. Mileage earning for how it will be credited to various SkyTeam members are unknown at this time.

How to Buy:

• Book on Scandinavian Airlines with dates found on Matrix Airfare Search by ITA Software.

Accommodations

• TripAdvisor - One of the leading hotel meta-search engines. Find the lowest hotel prices from 200+ sites.

Car Rentals

• Rental Cars - One of the world’s leading car rental agencies. Includes all the major brands like Hertz, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise etc.

Activities and Tours

• Viator – The world's largest marketplace for destination activities and tours

Background Information:

• Visa: US Citizens – not required. Other nationals, check the TIMATIC Visa Database
• Currency: Euro (EUR). $1USD = 0.93 EUR

Tips for saving when using credit cards at international destinations:

• No Foreign Transaction Fee Credit Cards  to save on international purchases
• Don’t get hit with  Dynamic Currency Conversion
• Get your  taxes refunded when shopping
• How to Avoid International Data Roaming Charges

For more of the latest cheap New York Flight Deals:

• Go to the The New York Flight Deals page

* The Flight Deal will receive a commission if you use the accommodation, car rental, activities, or travel insurance affiliate links to make a booking or apply and is approved for a credit card using our link above. Thank you for your continuing support.

To make sure you receive our latest deals, LIKE our The Flight Deal Facebook Page , follow us on Twitter @TheFlightDeal , Threads @TheFlightDeal or The Flight Deal WhatsApp channel or subscribe to The Flight Deal RSS Feed or Subscribe via Email (Once a Day)

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United / All Nippon Airways: Newark – Bangkok, Thailand. $503. Roundtrip, including all Taxes

American: New York – San Andres Island, Colombia. $302. Roundtrip, including all Taxes

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• International edition
• Australia edition
• Europe edition

Higher costs and cramped conditions: the impact of Europe’s housing crisis

Affording a home has become a political issue as rents and prices soar and supply plummets

• Fix Europe’s housing crisis or risk fuelling the far-right, UN expert warns
• ‘Everything’s just … on hold’: the Netherlands’ next-level housing crisis

Decades in the making, Europe’s housing crisis is being felt from the Netherlands to Portugal, Greece to Germany, and in Britain. Prices and rents have soared, availability and affordability have plunged and housing has become a political issue.

Between 2010 and 2022, property prices across the 27-member bloc surged by 47%, according to a 2023 Eurostat report . In some countries they almost trebled: Estonia recorded a 192% rise. Only in two member states, Italy and Cyprus, did they decline.

Rents, meanwhile, rose by an average 18% over the same period, increasing in every single EU member state except Greece (where they have risen by 37% since 2018). Some of the biggest hikes were in the Baltic state of Lithuania, up 144%, and Ireland, up 84%.

Partly as a consequence, the proportion of households whose total housing costs account for 40% or more of their disposable income – known to policymakers as the housing cost overburden rate – which fell during the pandemic, is climbing steadily.

In Germany, where just over half the population live in rented accommodation – one of the highest proportions in the EU – the federal statistics office calculated last year that one in five households were spending at least two-fifths of their net income on rent.

Germany alone is currently short of more than 800,000 apartments , the country’s statistics office has estimated, a figure that is growing steadily. Meanwhile, more than 9.5 million people, often single parents and their children, live in cramped conditions.

In many EU cities the wait for social housing is 10 years or more; couples in countries such as the Netherlands, which is short of about 400,000 homes, are postponing major life events such as starting a family, or are being forced to live together after separating.

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Getting a foot on the property ladder has become exponentially harder. According to a report by Eurofound , the EU’s social policy agency, last year, home ownership is sliding across the bloc, down by three percentage points or more in some countries.

In Ireland, the median age of buyers is now 39, compared with 35 in 2010. And generation Z is leaving the family home later than its predecessors: between 2007 and 2019, the age by which at least 50% of young Europeans were living independently rose from 26 to 28.

Unsurprisingly, housing looms large among people’s chief worries, particularly young people. A 2022 Eurobarometer poll found that for more than 20% of 25- to 34-year-olds in more than a third of EU member states, housing was one of voters’ two biggest concerns – rising to 40% in Ireland.

• Europe's housing crisis
• Cost of living crisis

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