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Estonia is the northernmost of the three small countries commonly called The Baltics. While still a relatively young country, regaining independence after Soviet occupation on 20 August 1991 (and beating neighbouring Latvia by just one day), present-day Estonia has been inhabited for over 10,000 years. If you are looking for an itinerary that shows you not only cities steeped in history and a beautiful National Park but also introduces you to one of Estonia’s indigenous peoples and gives you a taste of island life in the Baltic Sea, this one-week Estonia itinerary is for you.
Map of Accommodation, Points of Interest, Eateries and Transport
Below is a map of the recommended accommodations, points of interest, eateries, and transport terminals or stops mentioned in this article.
Three reasons why you should visit Estonia
- Estonia has everything – from history and the great outdoors to the unusual (for example, a meteorite crater and an upside-down house).
- Estonia also has a flourishing start-up scene. Skype (now retired), Wise and Bolt were born here. The country makes it easy to establish an online business with its e-residency program. So, if you’re an online entrepreneur or digital nomad, it might be time to check out Estonia (in person).
- While it shares historical and culinary aspects with Latvia and Lithuania, Estonia has a slightly more Scandinavian feel, and listening to Estonians, you might even think you’re in Finland.
If you ever wondered what happened to the torn-down Lenin and Stalin statues head to Maarjamäe Castle near Tallinn | Image courtesy of Kate Sobol
Itinerary Overview and Logistics
Our itinerary starts in Tartu and ends in Tallinn, with overnight stays in Tartu (2 nights), Tallinn (3 nights) and Kuressaare (2 nights):
| Duration | Destination |
|---|---|
| 2 days | Tartu (and Setomaa) |
| 3 days | Tallinn (and Lahemaa National Park) |
| 2 days | Kuressaare (Saaremaa) |
Getting to Estonia
While Tartu has an airport (IATA Code: TAY), it’s only serviced by FinnAir (from/to Helsinki). If you’re travelling from elsewhere, it’s best to fly to Tallinn (IATA Code: TLL) and then take a direct bus to Tartu (around 2 1/4 hours).
If you are planning to explore Latvia as well, you can travel to Tartu by train (or bus) from Latvia.
In either case, your departure airport is Tallinn (IATA Code: TLL).
Getting around Estonia
All three overnight destinations can be reached by public transport very easily:
Where to buy train/bus tickets
Train tickets can only be purchased online on the Estonian Railway website or app (train stations in Estonia don’t have ticket offices or ticket machines).
You can buy intercity bus tickets through the Tpilet website, which lists connections of all the providers covering a specific route. Lux Express offers bus connections between
- Tartu and Tallinn (as an alternative to trains – including from Tallinn Airport to Tartu),
- Tallinn and Kuressaare (on the island of Saaremaa, which includes the ferry ride from/to the mainland), and
- many other routes (including intercountry options between all three Baltic countries).
Highlights of Tartu
Tartu is Estonia’s second-largest city and the Baltics’ oldest city (first mentioned in 1030). It was also the (joint) Capital of Culture in 2024.
Situated on the banks of the Emajõgi River, it is very walkable, with many parks and outdoor cafes to rest and watch the world go by. If you do need to take the bus to get from A to B, you can pay by tapping your debit/credit card or mobile wallet on the validator upon entry (which buys you a one-hour ticket).
Walking Tour
Speaking of walking: To get your bearings, we suggest starting your visit to Tartu with a free, insightful and engaging walking tour with Stanislav (Stas), a Ukrainian who’s been living in Tartu for many years. The meeting point is across the river by the Arch Bridge [Google Maps location].
If you prefer to discover Tartu’s treasures at your own pace, pick up the excellent Stroll in Tartu brochure (also available in other languages) at the Train Station when you arrive [Google Maps location] or at the Tourism Office inside the Town Hall [Google Maps location]. Combining the two routes described in the brochure takes you past all the interesting sites Tartu has to offer: Toomemägi Park, the Cathedral ruins, the Old Town, and more.
'The Kissing Students' sculpture and fountain in front of the Town Hall is one of the most recognised symbols of Tartu
Tartu is a university city with a young and vibrant feel, even though the university is actually the oldest in Estonia. Founded in 1632 by King Gustav Adolph of Sweden as the Academia Gustaviana in the then-Swedish province of Livonia, it is the oldest university in Estonia.
The university has had a tumultuous history, being moved to Tallinn and Pärnu (and even closed intermittently) during wars and famine in the 17th and 18th centuries. It produced not only a Nobel Prize Laureate and several prime ministers (including the first female prime minister of Estonia). Today, the University of Tartu is the Alma Mater of almost every Estonian doctor, dentist, pharmacist, judge and prosecutor. We personally met a PhD student who had done her Master’s in Biomedicine in Tartu, during a street food tour in Marrakech.
Tartu University was actually the brainchild of Johan Skytte - a sculpture in the shape of a stamp commemorates him
Tartu Museums worth a visit
As the intellectual capital of Estonia, Tartu boasts many interesting museums. We recommend a visit to one (or two) while you’re in town (all of them are very interactive).
Those interested in learning more about Estonia’s history and culture will find the Estonian National Museum [Google Maps location] hits the spot. A (history) museum of a very different kind, the A. Le Coq Beer Museum [Google Maps location] will suit (not only) lovers of the amber nectar. The Estonian Sports and Olympic Museum [Google Maps location] might be for you if you love sports (Paul certainly learned a thing or two). If you’re more into science than sports, check out the AHHAA Science Centre [Google Maps location], the largest science centre in the Baltics.
Snail Tower, Tartu’s tallest building, with the interactive AHHAA Science Centre
Tartu Architecture
If you are interested not only in history but also in modern (and quirky) architecture, Tartu has a few interesting examples for you:
- You can’t miss the Snail Tower [Google Maps location], Tartu’s tallest (apartment and office) building, conveniently located next to the AHHAA Science Centre. Both were built between 1997 and 2011 (by architects Künnapu and Padrik).
- We already mentioned the Estonian National Museum. But did you know that it was built on the runway of a former Soviet military airfield (by the Parisian architectural firm Dorell Ghotmeh Tane)?
While no architectural masterpiece, just across the road from the latter, you can challenge your senses in the Upside Down House [Google Maps location]. Ever wanted to walk along the ceiling? Here, you can.
Built into the runway of a former military airfield, the Estonian National Museum is both an architectural marvel and a place of learning | Photo on Wikimedia Commons
After all this exploration, you will be hungry. Thankfully, as a university city, Tartu has plenty of affordable dining options. One of our favourites was Kohvik Crepp [Google Maps location], a French café serving delicious galettes (savoury pancakes) with a small salad.
Performing Arts
With so many students, you won’t be short of evening entertainment either. Finish your days in Tartu with an organ concert at St. John’s Church [Google Maps location], held 3-4 times a month, or a performance at the Estonian National Theatre [Google Maps location].
Alternatively, head to Genialistide Klubi [Google Maps location] to meet friendly locals and enjoy some incredible acts, or check what’s on at Aparaaditehas [Google Maps location], an old widget factory turned culture centre in the Karlova neighbourhood.
As a university city, there is plenty of evening entertainment for you in Tartu | Photo on Wikimedia Commons
Day Trip from Tartu – Setomaa
After you’ve explored Tartu, we’re inviting you to visit the Land of the Seto (Setomaa in Estonian), an indigenous Finno-Ugric people who have lived in the area (on both the Estonian and Russian sides of the border) for over 8,000 years. The Seto’s polyphonic singing tradition is even a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage.
Start in Obinitsa, where the Obinitsa Museum [Google Maps location] introduces Seto women’s lives, handicrafts, folk costumes and leelo (their style of singing). Then continue to the Värska Farm Museum [Google Maps location], an open-air museum showcasing a wealthy 1920s Seto farm, complete with smoke sauna, workshops, farm buildings and local craft traditions.
For lunch, stop at Seto Tsäimaja [Google Maps location] beside the museum in Värska, where you can try Seto dishes, including Sõir (a farmhouse curd cheese), and other local specials.
NOTE Both museums are open daily during the summer (but are closed on Sundays and Mondays at all other times).
A day trip from Tartu takes you to Setomaa, the ancestral land of a Finno-Ugrid people who've lived here for millenia | Photo on Wikimedia Commons
For this day trip, you will need to hire a car (as public transportation in this corner of Estonia is limited). Expect to drive around 220km / about 3 hours (plus time at each stop).
How to find the best deals on rental cars
While we use public transport wherever possible, occasionally hiring a car or scooter makes it easier or gets us to places we couldn't reach otherwise. Whenever we do hire a vehicle, our first point of call is local providers. A quick Google Maps search shows who's near us. We then check the reviews and only contact those other travellers who had good experiences with. If we can't find anyone we're comfortable with, we search for car rental deals on Booking.com. They partner with trusted brands like Hertz, Avis, Budget or Europcar (and, in some locations, local providers, too).
Car rental companies with good reviews in Tartu include:
Important Note If you do not hold a EU or UK driver’s licence, bring an International Driving Permit (IDP).
Museums in Obinitsa and Värska introduce visitors to the Seto culture and way of life | Photo on Wikimedia Commons
Highlights of Tallinn
Like Tartu, Tallinn’s city centre (where most of the sights are) is easily walkable. If you need to use a (trolley)bus or tram, you can pay your fare by tapping your credit/debit card (physical or stored in your mobile wallet) upon entry. You can then travel for up to an hour, and you’ll never pay more than the cost of a one-day ticket (as long as you use the same payment method throughout the day).
Day 1
Tallinn’s Old Town (Vanalinn in Estonian) is one of Europe’s best-preserved medieval urban centres and has been on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1997. Its origins date to the 13th century, when Tallinn grew into an important Hanseatic trading city, and its historic split between Toompea (the upper town) and the merchant-filled lower town still shapes the city today.
To get a good understanding of Tallinn’s history and its many medieval buildings, including Europe’s oldest continuously operating pharmacy, established in 1422 [Google Maps location], we recommend joining a Free Walking Tour. If you prefer exploring Tallinn at your own pace, we can also recommend this self-guided option.
The free walking tour takes you all around Tallinn's Old Town including the medieval Town Hall Square
If you’ve never been on a submarine (but always wanted to), head to the Seaplane Harbour after lunch. The Estonian Maritime Museum [Google Maps location] is in an old seaplane hangar, a masterpiece of engineering in its own right.
After the museum visit, stroll back towards the Old Town, past the many wooden houses in the Kalamaja district [Google Maps location] and the Balti Jaama Market [Google Maps location]. And make sure you stop for a drink (or two, three, …) and a bite to eat at one of the many cafes and bars at the Depoo [Google Maps location] and/or the Telliskivi Creative City [Google Maps location].
The Telliskivi Creative City and nearby Depoo are great to enjoy a chilled drink and a bite to eat
Day 2
If you happen to be in town on a Saturday, head to St Mary’s Cathedral [Google Maps location] for the Organ Recital at 12:00. Afterwards, enjoy the views over Tallinn from the bell tower. Speaking of views, Tallinn’s Old Town has several vantage points from which one can enjoy views over the city and towards the Baltic Sea. Our favourite was the Patkuli viewing platform [Google Maps location].
If you haven’t visited the equivalent museums in Vilnius or Riga, check out the Vabamu Museum of Occupations and Freedom [Google Map Location] to learn more about life under the Soviet regime, about Estonians living in exile and about Estonia’s struggle for independence from the perspective of ordinary Estonians.
Tallinn's old town has several great viewpoints over the city and towards the Baltic Sea | Image courtesy of Kate Sobol
If you’re a lover of the Arts, head to Kadriorg Park in the afternoon. The park is home to two art museums, housed in buildings from two different eras (and stunning pieces of architecture in their own right):
- Kadriorg Palace [Google Maps location], Estonia’s only Baroque Castle (built as a summer residence for Czar Peter the Great in the 18th century), is home to foreign Old Masters (including works by Pieter Brueghel the Younger, Hieronymus Bosch and Ivan Shishkin), and decorative art (including many statues and busts).
- The Estonian National Art Museum – KUMU [Google Maps location]. Designed by Finnish architect Pekka Vapaavuori and opened in 2006, its curved, partly underground form was created to fit sensitively into the park (and its historic neighbours). The KUMU exhibitions focus on Estonian art from the 18th century to today.
Originally built as a summer residence for Czar Peter the Great, Kadriorg Palace is now home to an Art Museum for foreign masterpieces
Want to learn more about the Baltics?
Wonder what the food is like in the Baltics? Check out our article about the Traditional food and drinks you must try when visiting the Baltics. Want to learn some interesting facts about what makes Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia unique? We've collated 12 surprising insights from our travels through the Baltics.
Day Trip from Tallinn – Lahemaa National Park
Today’s day trip takes you east of Tallinn to Lahemaa National Park. Founded in 1971, Lahemaa was created to protect the region’s forests, wetlands, coastline, historic villages and manor landscapes.
Start at Jägala Waterfall [Google Maps location], the widest natural waterfall in Estonia. Then continue to the Viru Bog Nature Trail [Google Maps location], one of the country’s most accessible bog walks. If time allows, continue deeper into the park for a glimpse of fishing villages (for example, Altja or Vergi) and manor estates (for example, Sagadi or Palmse).
For lunch, stop at the Altja Tavern [Google Maps location] or at Mere38 in Võsu [Google Maps location].
An easy day trip from Tallinn, Lahemaa National Park protects wetlands like Viru Bog | Photo on Wikimedia Commons
While all sights are reachable by bus from Tallinn, we recommend hiring a car for the day. Reputable hire companies in Tallinn include:
- Amrent [Google Maps location]
- RED AutoRent [Google Maps location], and
- Sir AutoRent [Google Maps location].
Alternatively, join one of these organised day tours from Tallinn:
Highlights of Saaremaa
Want to get away from the city for a few days and experience island life? While Estonia has close to 40 inhabited islands, we (chose and) recommend visiting Saaremaa, Estonia’s largest island, for its variety of things to see and do and its relative ease of access from Tallinn.
Getting to Saaremaa
For your visit to Saaremaa, we recommend basing yourself in Kuressaare. To get to Kuressaare, you have two options:
- Take one of the frequent, comfortable coaches from Tallinn’s Bus Station [Google Maps location]. The journey takes just under 4 hours (including ferry crossing), and a ride costs from EUR12 one-way.
- Fly from Tallinn Airport (IATA Code: TLL) to Kuressaare Airport (IATA Code: URE). NyxAir services the route multiple times a day. Flights take around 40 minutes, and airfares start at EUR36 one-way.
Lux Express is one of the companies servicing the Tallinn-Kuressaare route - the ferry ride is included in your fare
Getting around Saareemaa
While Saaremaa has a public bus network, to explore the sights on the island (outside of Kuressaare), we recommend to hire a car for a day.
How to find the best deals on rental cars
While we use public transport wherever possible, occasionally hiring a car or scooter makes it easier or gets us to places we couldn't reach otherwise. Whenever we do hire a vehicle, our first point of call is local providers. A quick Google Maps search shows who's near us. We then check the reviews and only contact those other travellers who had good experiences with. If we can't find anyone we're comfortable with, we search for car rental deals on Booking.com. They partner with trusted brands like Hertz, Avis, Budget or Europcar (and, in some locations, local providers, too).
- Rendi Autorent (which drops the car off at/picks it up from your accommodation); and/or
- Alme Auto [Google Maps location].
Important Note If you do not hold a EU or UK driver’s licence, bring an International Driving Permit (IDP).
Want to get away from the city and experience island life in the Baltic Sea? Head to Saaremaa.
Travel anti-clockwise along a circular route.
Kaali Meteorite Crater
Your first stop is Kaali, home to the Kaali Meteorite Craters [Google Maps location], a 20 km/20 minutes’ drive from Kuressaare. Crater number one is the biggest, most prominent and best-known one. You can check out the others, though, too. If you don’t want to walk through fields searching for barely noticeable craters, crater number six is by the roadside towards Angla (and marked), so you can’t miss it. And don’t forget to pop by the Kaali Meteorite Museum [Google Maps location].
The largest of nine meteorite craters in the village of Kaali measures 110 metres in diameter
Koigi Bog
Instead of continuing up the road to Angla, drive along road number 10 (back towards the ferry). Near the village of Koigi (40 km/35 minutes from Kaali) is Saaremaa’s largest swamp. Explore the Koigi Bog [Google Maps location] along a 5km-long loop trail of forest paths and board walks.
Explore Koigi Bog, Saaremaa's largest swamp, along its 5 kilometre walking trail
Angla Windmill Park and Karja Church
From Koigi, head north-west to visit the Windmills in Angla [Google Maps location] and Karja Church [Google Maps location] – both are only approximately 2km away from each other (and 35 km/30 minutes from Koigi).
The Angla Windmill Park has the most extensive collection of windmills that once dotted the island. It comprises several post mills and one Dutch windmill. You can explore the inside of a few of them, and learn about milling and the local area. There is also a small museum with old but well-maintained machinery in the main building.
Nearby Karja church is open daily during the Summer (and there are services every other Sunday). If it’s closed when you visit, peek through the keyhole of the church portal (you can see the altar with the stained glass window behind it) and explore the surroundings (which are beautiful, too).
Angla Windmill Park on Saaremaa showcases the largest remaining set of windmills that once dotted the whole island
Panga Cliff, Karujärve Lake (and Sõrve Lighthouse)
Continue your journey westwards along the coast to Panga Cliff [Google Maps location] (35km/30 minutes from Angla). At a height of 20 metres, it’s Saaremaa’s highest sea cliff. From Panga Cliff, head 35km/30 minutes south(west) and stop at Karujärve Lake [Google Maps location] for a swim or a stroll. The abandoned houses along the road to the lake belonged to the Soviet Army stationed here during the occupation.
From the lake, return to Kuressaare (27km/25 minutes) or head south to the Sõrve Lighthouse [Google Maps location], Saaremaa’s southernmost lighthouse (60km/50 minutes from Karujärve Lake).
The loop around the island is approximately 190km long without the lighthouse, taking just under 3 hours to drive (plus stops). The trip to/from the lighthouse adds approximately 90km or 75 minutes of driving to your overall journey.
If you’re visiting Saaremaa outside of Summer (peak season), bring a picnic, as there won’t be much open along your route.
Saaremaa's southernmost lighthouse is actually closer to the Latvian coast than to Kuressaare
Kuressaare Castle, Spas and Dining Out
If you have time in the afternoon (on your arrival day), we recommend visiting Kuressaare Castle [Google Maps location]. The castle and fortifications were restored a few years ago and are quite the sight. The place overflows with exhibits, and it’s a bit of a maze, so make sure you ask for a floor plan to guide you through the collection in chronological order.
Kuressaare is a spa town (in the early 1900s, nearby mud was found to have healing qualities). So, why not spend the afternoon (after your drive) being pampered with a relaxing treatment at one of the spa hotels? Meri Spa offers specials for non-guests.
Kuressaare Castle is not only impressively looking but a treasure trove for those interested in local history
With the sea at your doorstep, you’ve got to taste some fish during your island visit. We recommend Restoran Särg [Google Maps location] – though do be aware that opening hours during Winter are limited – and Restoran Hafen [Google Maps location] – closed Sundays (and Mondays for dinner).
Where to stay in Estonia
With accommodation making up around 30% of your travel costs, make sure to shop around. We tend to book our stays via Booking.com, looking for locally-owned, well-located apartments where we can self-cater (and with public transport and grocery stores nearby). If your travel style is similar, here are our recommendations for Tartu, Tallinn and Kuressaare:
| Name | Property Features | Location | Book Now |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arte Golf Apartment | Apartment near Kuressaare Beach with patio, garden access, free private parking, shuttle service, and free Wi-Fi. | Kuressaare | Book Now |
| Family Garden Apartments | Apartment with kitchenette, private bathroom, patio, garden views, barbecue facilities, and free Wi-Fi. | Kuressaare | Book Now |
| Stuudio 17 | Apartment a short walk from Kuressaare Beach with free Wi-Fi, free parking, a large bed, desk, streaming service, and TV. | Kuressaare | Book Now |
| Luxury Toom Kuninga Residence | Apartment with city views, free parking, free Wi-Fi, air-conditioning, and a kitchenette with a refrigerator, oven, stovetop, microwave, and kitchenware. | Tallinn | Book Now |
| Old Town View Apartment | Central apartment with free Wi-Fi, air-conditioning, kitchenware, a coffee machine, and easy access to the port and Old Town sights. | Tallinn | Book Now |
| Cozy Little Penthouse | One-bedroom penthouse with self check-in, free private parking, free Wi-Fi, and outdoor space including a balcony, terrace, and garden. | Tallinn | Book Now |
| FortuCity Apartment | Apartment with city views, free parking, free Wi-Fi, air-conditioning, and a kitchenette with a refrigerator, oven, stovetop, microwave, and kitchenware. | Tartu | Book Now |
| TartuKodu Riia 22-21 | One-bedroom apartment with a balcony, patio, kitchenette, air-conditioning, free Wi-Fi, and free private parking. | Tartu | Book Now |
| Turu 15 Apartment | One-bedroom apartment with a living room, fully equipped kitchenette, washing machine, and free Wi-Fi. | Tartu | Book Now |
Travel Budget Estonia Tips
What is the currency of Estonia?
Estonia uses the Euro, and has been since 1 January 2011 (before that, it was the Estonian Kroon – EEK). Estonia was the first of the three Baltic States to adopt the Euro.
How expensive is Estonia (and how to make your trip more affordable)?
When it comes to affordability, a trip to Estonia is slightly cheaper than a trip to Latvia (and slightly more expensive than Lithuania). Expect to pay EUR50-75 per person per day if you stay in a small, centrally located apartment, mostly self-cater, use public transport, and are mindful about the things you see and do (many of the sights on our itinerary are free or cost very little).
What else is worth knowing?
Tipping is not mandatory in Estonia, but if you’ve experienced exceptional service in a restaurant or café, your servers will be happy to accept a 5-10% tip.
Like elsewhere in Europe, expect to have to pay for the use of public bathrooms (EUR0.30-0.50), usually in cash. Use the bathroom in cafes, restaurants and museums (usually free) wherever possible.
Which brings me to your cash needs: Estonia is the most cashless country of the three Baltic States. You can pay by card almost everywhere. Just bring EUR20-30 (in smaller denominations, including coins) as a back-up.
What other suggestions do you have for a first-time visitor?
I wrote this Estonia Itinerary and travel guide based on our own experience. If you have been to Estonia recently and have something to add, please feel free to contact me.
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