The Ultimate Estonia Travel Guide: Best Places to Visit & Tips for Tourists

Estonia was the second stop on my journey through Finland and the Baltics. Before arriving, I knew next to nothing about the country – in fact, I couldn’t name two facts about it. I entered completely blind, unsure of what to expect. What surprised me most was how distinct Estonia felt compared to its Baltic neighbors, Latvia and Lithuania. While the latter still carry echoes of the post-Soviet era, Estonia has a more ‘Nordic’ vibe, giving it a unique cultural flavor that sets it apart.

Brief History of Estonia

Estonia’s history is like a rollercoaster ride of invasions, independence, and resilience. For most of its early history, it was caught between powerful neighbors: the Germans, Swedes, and Russians all had a hand in shaping the country. By the 13th century, it was controlled by the Livonian Order, then later passed to the Swedish Empire, and finally, Russia took charge in the 18th century.

In 1918, Estonia declared its independence after World War I, only to have it short-lived as the Soviet Union took over in 1940. Then came Nazi occupation during WWII, and after the war, Estonia was absorbed back into the USSR, where it stayed until 1991.

The big moment came in 1991, when Estonia broke free from Soviet control and regained independence after decades of occupation. Since then, Estonia has embraced its freedom, becoming a modern, tech-savvy nation with a strong cultural identity, often seen as a European success story. Despite its small population of just 1.3 million, it’s responsible for some of the world’s most successful companies – Bolt, TransferWise, Skype.

Getting to Estonia

A large number of travelers visit Estonia from Finland, and the journey is incredibly easy. While you can fly directly from Helsinki to Tallinn, many opt for the direct ferry. The ferry ride feels more like a luxury cruise than just a quick trip. With lightning-fast Wi-Fi, a spacious lounge, a cafeteria, duty-free shopping, and plenty of room to relax, it’s the perfect way to ease into your time in Estonia.

Many travelers also take a bus from Latvia, which is about four hours from the capital of Riga.

What is there to see and do in Estonia?

I spent three days in Estonia, all of which were in Tallinn, the capital. I considered venturing outside the city, but with it being December, many of the attractions beyond Tallinn cater more to summer visitors, so I decided to stay put.

1) Christmas Market

If you’re visiting in December, the main draw will be its Christmas market. Located in the UNESCO-listed Old Town, Tallinn’s market is known for its festive vibe, hot drinks, and gingerbread cookies.

The most popular holiday drink across Estonia and all Nordic countries is glögi. Glögi a traditional Nordic winter drink, similar to mulled wine. It’s made by heating red wine or fruit juice with spices like cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, and orange peel.

You can enjoy it both alcoholic (with wine or vodka) or non-alcoholic (made with fruit juice). The drink is often served hot with almonds and raisins added as garnish and is commonly enjoyed during the holiday season, especially at Christmas markets.

2) Old Town

This is the highlight of the country and a must see! Tallinn’s Old Town is one of the best-preserved medieval cities in Europe and is a UNESCO World Heritage site. This pleasant area, with its cobblestone streets, medieval architecture, and colorful buildings, takes you back in time to the Middle Ages.

The Old Town is quite small, so you can cover all of it in anywhere from 3 to 6 hours, depending on how deep you want to go. Town Hall Square (pictured above) is the most photogenic place and is home to many restaurants, cafes, and vendors.

Alexander Nevsky Cathedral is another gem. This Russian Orthodox cathedral is one of the most iconic buildings in Tallinn.

St. Olaf’s Church is another place to check out. It was once the tallest building in the world from 1549 to 1625. This church offers incredible views from its tower (if you’re up for the climb). The church’s medieval architecture and impressive interior are also worth seeing.

Kiek in de Kök is a medieval defense tower and a fascinating place to learn about Tallinn’s history and military past. The name means “peek in the kitchen,” as it was used to watch over the town. You can visit its museum to explore artifacts, weapons, and get a glimpse into the city’s medieval defense system.

3) St. Brigitta’s Convent

Just a short distance from Tallinn’s Old Town, the Pirita Convent is an old, atmospheric ruin that’s definitely worth checking out. Built in the 15th century by the Bridgettine Order, the convent was destroyed during the Livonian War and left abandoned ever since. Today, the roofless Gothic church and crumbling walls create a hauntingly spot.

How many days are needed?

Estonia is a small country, and truth be told, the Old Town is pretty much the highlight of the country, and that town alone is quite small. I think two full days is more than enough time to get a feel for most of the country, especially if you’re traveling outside the summer season. If you have extra time, check out Lahemaa National Park, which I hear is quite the scenic place.

Tips

Estonia is super payment-friendly; you can use Apple Pay everywhere. There is no need to exchange your local currency for Euros, as cards will work everywhere. Uber and Bolt both work here too, so getting around is quite simple. I recommend staying in a hotel in the Old Town or nearby; there is a beautiful Marriott property right in the city center if you’re willing to spend a bit extra.

Avoid the KGB museum—it is a MAJOR disappointment. If you’re doing a Baltic tour, just wait until you arrive in Vilnius, Lithuania, and visit the KGB museum there.

Thoughts on Estonia?

Estonia is a nice country, no doubt about it. It’s quiet, calm, peaceful, and highly developed. The vibe feels like a unique blend of Scandinavian cool and Soviet-era remnants, which gives the country a character all its own. Tallinn, especially, has this interesting mix of old-world charm and modern sophistication, making it a fascinating city to explore for a few days.

But here’s the thing: while I appreciated my time there, I can’t say there was anything that would make me rush back. There wasn’t that one experience or spot that had me thinking, “I have to come back here.” Estonia offers a lot of beauty, but it’s the kind of beauty you see once and don’t necessarily feel the need to revisit.

Would I return? Probably not, but I guess you never know. Sometimes a place grows on you after a second visit or offers a different side you didn’t see the first time around. For now, though, Estonia feels like a place I’ve enjoyed, but don’t need to return to.