Things To Do
in Estonia
Estonia is a Baltic country known for its pristine nature, digital-forward culture, and beautifully preserved medieval towns. From the cobbled lanes of Tallinn's Old Town to the windswept bogs and pine forests, the landscape feels intimate and wild. The coastline is studded with islands and harbors that reveal a seafaring history.
Estonia is also renowned for its strong design scene, forest hikes, and welcoming, reserved locals.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive in Tallinn and check into your charming hotel in the Old Town. Spend your morning sipping a cup of coffee at a local cafe while admiring the medieval architecture surrounding you. Don’t forget to take a leisurely stroll through the cobblestone streets to soak in the atmosphere.
Explore the historic center of Tallinn, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Visit landmarks like the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral and Toompea Castle, where you can enjoy stunning views of the city from the lookout. Take some time to browse through local shops for unique Estonian crafts.
Savor a traditional Estonian dinner at a cozy restaurant in the Old Town. Try local dishes such as rye bread, black pudding, and smoked fish paired with craft beer. After your meal, take a relaxing walk around the illuminated city square.
Set out early for a day trip to Lahemaa National Park, located just an hour from Tallinn. Begin your trip with a visit to Palmse Manor, where you can learn about Estonian nobility and explore the picturesque gardens. Afterward, hike along the coastal trails and enjoy the beautiful natural scenery.
Visit the fishing village of Käsmu, known for its maritime heritage. Enjoy a picnic lunch with local produce while soaking up the stunning views of the sea and surrounding forests. Explore the beach and, if the weather permits, take a dip in the refreshing waters.
Return to Tallinn and unwind at a seaside bar, watching the sunset over the Baltic Sea. Relish some smoked fish paired with local wine as you recount the day’s adventures. If you're feeling energetic, consider a visit to a local pub for some live music.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-15 |
| 🍽️Three-course meal for two at mid-range restaurant | $40-70 |
| ☕Coffee in a cafe | $2-4 |
| 🧊Bottle of water (0.5L) or soft drink | $1-2 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel room (per night) | $70-150 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Beautiful, walkable cities with preserved medieval charm
- Rich nature: forests, bogs, and pristine coastline
- Strong digital culture and easy, efficient infrastructure
- Friendly locals and high safety standards
- High season crowds in Tallinn during summer weekends
- Prices can be higher in tourist hotspots vs. local neighborhoods
- Language barriers in rural areas if not speaking English
- Long distances between some nature areas require planning
- "Tere" - Hello
- "Aitäh" - Thank you
- "Palun" - Please / You're welcome
- "Kus on lähim tualet?" - Where is the nearest toilet?
- "Räägite inglise keeles?" - Do you speak English?
- "Kui palju see maksab?" - How much does this cost?
- "Vabandust" - Sorry / Excuse me
- "Head aega" - Goodbye
Places to Visit in Estonia
Visit one of these nice places.
One of Tallinn’s top viewpoints to capture the Old Town skyline and the sea; perfect at sunset.
Iconic angle of Tallinn’s red-roofed townscape with spires and sprawl; ideal for wide-angle shots.
Cobbled lanes, medieval architecture, and cozy shops create timeless street photography opportunities.
Elegant Baroque gardens and the palace façade provide classic portrait and landscape photography.
Industrial history meets street art and quirky storefronts—great for colorful urban imagery.
Expansive Baltic coastlines and long sandy shores; spectacular seascapes and silhouettes at dusk.
Food in Estonia
Estonia Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Blood sausage often served with sour cabbage or mulgipuder (porridge made from barley and potatoes); a traditional dish especially around holidays.
Must-Try!
A hearty porridge made from groats and potatoes, typically served with bacon or mushrooms; comforting and common in rural and urban spots alike.
Sprat sandwich on black rye bread, a beloved Estonian snack found in markets and casual eateries.
A unique flour blend dessert or porridge mixture mixed with milk or yogurt; widely available in markets and sweet shops.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A modern market near the city center offering local produce, cheeses, fish, street food, and prepared dishes with a Scandinavian-Baltic twist.
Historic market halls with a wide selection of fish, meats, dairy, fresh produce, and traditional snacks; great for sampling local flavors.
Look for stalls offering kiluvõileib, smoked fish, and seasonal Estonian specialties, especially in summer evenings.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Estonians value punctuality; being on time is a sign of respect in meetings and social gatherings.
A firm handshake and direct eye contact are common when meeting someone for the first time.
Keep a comfortable distance in conversations; loud public displays are generally avoided.
Learn a few basic phrases in Estonian; many locals, especially in cities, speak English, but making an effort with the local language is appreciated.
Safety
Tipping in Estonia
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not compulsory in Estonia. If you’re happy with service, rounding up or leaving 5–10% at restaurants is appreciated but not required. Cashless payments are widely used, and most places accept cards and mobile payments.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Days are long (often light until late in northern Estonia); expect mild to warm temperatures, frequent outdoor events, and vibrant markets. Pack light layers, sun protection, and a rain jacket for quick showers.
Mild beginnings give way to cooler days and turning foliage; great for forest walks and photography of autumn colors. Layers and a reliable rain shell are key.
Cold, with snow in most inland areas and ice along the coast; activities include winter hikes, saunas, and cozy cafés. Bring warm, layered clothing, waterproof boots, and gloves.
A transitional season with budding nature and variable weather; expect showers and gradually warming days. Good for birdwatching and enjoying emerging greenery.
Estonia at Night
Hiking in Estonia
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Several loop and boardwalk trails through forests, bogs, and along the Baltic coast.
Famous for its 'fifth season' when floods create unique flat-water landscapes perfect for guided bog walks.
A classic forest trail near the city of Rakvere offering accessible hiking and easy navigation.
Expansive forest area with networked trails; excellent for longer day hikes and wildlife viewing.
Airports
How to reach Estonia by plane.
Main international gateway to Estonia, with flights across Europe and beyond; well-connected to central Tallinn by tram, bus, and taxi.
Major regional hub in nearby Latvia; convenient for exploring the Baltic capitals with easy connections to Tallinn and Tartu via bus or rail.
Smaller regional airport offering connections to seasonal and domestic routes; useful for travelers heading directly to southern Estonia.
Small domestic airport serving Saaremaa and nearby islands; ideal for island-focused itineraries.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Ethnic Estonians form the majority, with a strong national identity tied to language and culture.
A significant linguistic minority with deep cultural roots; bilingualism is common in urban areas.
Includes Ukrainians, Finns, Latvians, and international residents drawn to Estonia’s tech and nature.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
A popular winter sport with strong domestic leagues and seasonal enthusiasm.
Widely played and followed, with active amateur and professional scenes.
A common pastime in schools and clubs, with local leagues and events.
A favored winter activity given Estonia’s snowy landscapes and forests.
Traffic
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are widely available in most places; look for seasonal vegetables, rye bread, and local dairy-based dishes. Communicate clearly about ingredients, especially in meat-heavy traditional dishes.
Vegan and plant-based options are increasingly common, especially in modern eateries; many spots can adapt dishes upon request.
Gluten-free options are typically available; ask for bread alternatives and clearly specify gluten-containing ingredients when ordering.
Healthcare
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Estonia.