Find your holiday
Holidays to Estonia offer an easy mix of city time and outdoor space – with a compact capital and plenty of nature.
Tallinn and its Old Town
Tallinn is easy to get into, with a well-preserved Old Town that feels easily walkable. Cobbled streets, historic buildings and open squares give it plenty of character, while spots like Toompea Hill and Alexander Nevsky Cathedral add to the setting. Step just outside the centre, and you’ll notice a more modern side – with creative areas, cafés and a growing technology scene.
Idyllic islands
If you want to slow things down, Estonia’s coastline and islands offer a quieter alternative to the city. There are thousands of islands – many of them sparsely populated – where the focus is on simple villages, open space and time outdoors. It takes a bit more planning to reach some of them, but you’ll get fewer crowds and a more local feel in return.
Outdoor lifestyle
A large part of Estonia is covered by forest, so getting outside is part of the experience. You’ve got national parks, wetland landscapes, coastal paths and smaller seaside towns like Pärnu to explore. Lahemaa National Park – not far from Tallinn – is one of the easiest ways to see a mix of scenery and historic manor houses in a single trip.
Best places to stay in Estonia
Tallinn
Tallinn is the main base for most trips, with its compact Old Town, restaurants and easy transport links. It’s a good all-round option if you want culture, food and walkable streets in one place, though prices can be higher in the centre.
Pärnu
Pärnu is the go-to for a more relaxed, coastal stay with its sandy beach and slower pace. It works well in summer if you want time by the sea, but outside the peak season you’ll find fewer things open.
Tartu
Tartu has a more local, lived-in feel, centred around its university and a small but growing cultural scene. It’s less about headline sights and more about cafés, museums and everyday life, often with better value than Tallinn.
Estonia highlights
MEDIEVAL OLD TOWN
Tallinn’s Old Town is one of the best-preserved towns in Europe – expect cobbled streets, colourful merchant houses and Medieval towers.
BALTIC COASTLINE
Estonia’s coastline is long and varied, dotted with quiet beaches and small seaside towns. It’s a good choice if you want fresh air and space without the higher price tags of Southern Europe.
FOREST ESCAPES
Much of Estonia is covered in forest, with national parks that are simple to visit on a daytrip from Tallinn – you'll find walking trails and boardwalks to explore.
SAUNA CULTURE
Saunas are part of everyday life here, from city spas to countryside cabins. Many hotels and guesthouses include access, which helps keep costs down if you want to try it.
Your guide to Estonia
Must-see sights
Estonia has two sides to it – modern cities set against ancient forests and well-preserved Medieval architecture.
Tallinn Old Town – A Medieval hub of cobblestones, merchant houses and defensive walls. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site straight out of a fairytale.
Lahemaa National Park – Estonia’s largest national park, featuring coastal cliffs, dense pine forests and vast peat bogs. Try walking the wooden boardwalks of the Viru Bog at sunrise – the mist rising off the dark water makes for a great photo opportunity.
Lennusadam Seaplane Harbour, – Tallinn – This maritime museum is housed in historic, concrete seaplane hangars. Don't miss the chance to climb inside the Lembit – a real 1930s submarine.
Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, Tallinn – A striking Russian Orthodox cathedral with magnificent onion domes, perched on top of Toompea Hill. Try to time your visit just before a service begins to hear an ensemble of church bells ringing across the city.
Kuressaare Castle, Saaremaa – One of the best-preserved Medieval fortresses in the Baltic region. It's located on Estonia’s largest island and requires a ferry ride from the mainland – you may want to set aside at least two full days to properly explore the castle, local windmills and meteorite craters.
History and arts
Estonia’s history and arts scene combine Medieval landmarks with museums and a growing creative culture.
KUMU Art Museum, Tallinn – Set into a limestone cliff, this modern museum is as impressive outside as it is in. Start at the top for contemporary pieces, then work your way down through Estonia’s Soviet and classical art.
Estonian National Museum (ERM), Tartu – A striking glass building on a former Soviet airfield. It covers the everyday lives of Finno-Ugric people, with interactive displays that translate automatically as you move around.
KGB Prison Cells, Tallinn – A small but powerful museum in former KGB cells. It offers a sobering look at Estonia’s 20th-century past – best paired with a lighter wander around the Old Town afterwards.
Local experiences
From everyday sauna sessions to seasonal food and small-scale events, get a relaxed feel for everyday life in Estonia.
The smoke sauna (suitsusaun) – A centuries-old tradition in southern Estonia. Expect a slow, unhurried experience in a wood-smoke sauna, with breaks to cool off in fresh air or even a cold dip.
Bog shoeing – Estonians love their wetlands. In winter, or when the bogs are too wet for hiking boots, locals strap on special bog shoes (like snowshoes) to walk safely across the spongy terrain.
Foraging in the forest – Over half of Estonia is covered in forest. Visit in late summer and autumn – when families head into the woods with wicker baskets to forage for wild blueberries, cloudberries and chanterelle mushrooms.
Festivals and events
Lively city celebrations and smaller local gatherings give you a chance to experience Estonian culture up close.
Estonian Song Festival, Laulupidu, July – Held every five years, this is one of Estonia’s biggest cultural events. Thousands of singers come together for large-scale folk performances in an open-air setting.
Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival, November – A well-known Northern European film festival that brings international cinema to the city. It’s a good time to visit if you want something to do during the darker months.
Viljandi Folk Music Festival, July – A laidback summer festival set around castle ruins. Expect live folk music, dancing and a relaxed outdoor atmosphere.
Live like a local
Local life in Estonia spans everything from secluded forest breaks to digital cities.
Embracing the e-lifestyle – Estonia is known for its digital-first approach to everyday life. You’ll notice it in practice, with fast, reliable public Wi-Fi widely available – handy for maps, bookings and staying connected on the go.
Weekend cottage escapes – Many locals swap the city for a simple countryside break at the weekend – spending time in nature, outdoor cooking and switching off in a sauna.
The Kohuke snack break – A popular local treat you’ll find in most supermarkets. It’s a small bar of sweet curd cheese covered in chocolate – often picked up as a quick snack with coffee.
Daytrips
Daytrips in Estonia are easy to plan, with coastal towns, national parks and smaller cities all within easy reach.
Tallinn to Prangli Island – Take a one-hour ferry from the mainland to this tranquil, pine-covered island. It’s a fantastic way to experience authentic fishing village life without travelling far from the capital.
Tallinn to Paldiski – A 50-minute train ride takes you to this former closed Soviet nuclear submarine base. It offers a fascinating mix of abandoned military history and dramatic limestone cliffs dropping into the Baltic Sea.
Tartu to Lake Peipus – A short drive from Estonia's second city brings you to one of Europe’s largest lakes. Drive the ‘Onion Route’ to see traditional Russian Old Believer villages and buy braided strings of golden onions.
Must-try dishes
Estonian food is simple, hearty and shaped by the seasons – expect comforting dishes made with local ingredients.
Must leib (black bread) – A staple in Estonia. This dense, slightly sweet rye bread comes with most meals and is a big part of everyday eating.
Kiluvõileib – An open sandwich made with rye bread, butter, sprats and boiled egg. It’s a common choice at celebrations and worth trying at least once.
Mulgipuder – A hearty mix of mashed potatoes and barley, usually topped with bacon and onions.
Pelmeenid – Small dumplings filled with minced meat, either boiled or fried, and often served with sour cream.
Kama – A traditional mixture of roasted grains, usually stirred into milk, kefir or yoghurt. It’s particularly popular in summer.
Local drinks
From crisp beers to herbal liqueurs and berry wines, most bars offer good value if you stick to local favourites.
Vana Tallinn – A well-known local liqueur made with rum and warming spices. Often served over ice or added to coffee, especially in cooler months.
Kali – A lightly fermented drink made from rye bread. It’s low in alcohol, slightly sweet and a bit like a softer, malty soft drink.
Craft beer – Estonia has a strong craft beer scene, with lots of small breweries producing darker styles and seasonal brews. You’ll find a good selection in bars across Tallinn and beyond.
Nightlife
Nightlife in Estonia is centred around Tallinn, where you’ll find a mix of relaxed pubs, late-night bars and a few clubs.
Telliskivi Creative City, Tallinn – A reclaimed industrial complex that serves as the beating heart of hipster Tallinn. It’s packed with craft beer taprooms, natural wine bars and live indie music venues.
Speakeasies and hidden bars – Tallinn has a growing trend of secret bars tucked away behind unmarked doors or inside restaurants, offering crafted cocktails.
Why couples love Estonia
Estonia is a good option if you’re after something a bit quieter together. You’ll find glass-walled cabins in forest settings, easy evenings wandering Tallinn’s Old Town and a great food scene that doesn't have high Scandinavian price tags.
Why families love Estonia
Estonia is compact, making travel with children stress-free. The country is incredibly safe, the beaches in Pärnu boast shallow, warm waters perfect for toddlers, and interactive museums like the Ahhaa Science Centre in Tartu provide brilliant indoor entertainment.
Why groups love Estonia
Estonia is a highly affordable destination for friends. Groups can rent large, traditional wooden houses with private saunas, enjoy the vibrant bar scene in Tallinn, or book group bog-shoeing expeditions into the national parks.
Why solo travellers love Estonia
The digital infrastructure makes independent travel effortless in Estonia. Almost everyone speaks English, public transport is easy to navigate via smartphone apps, and the café culture means dining alone with a laptop or book is the absolute norm.
Intercity buses (Lux Express)
The Lux Express is perfect for travelling between major cities like Tallinn, Tartu and Pärnu. Estonian coaches are very comfortable, usually featuring free hot drinks, reliable Wi-Fi and entertainment screens. You can book tickets via the T-pilet app.
Trains (Elron)
Trains also offer fast, smooth journeys across the country. The bright orange trains are modern and punctual. Buying tickets online in advance can offer a slight discount, and the first-class carriages provide guaranteed seating and more space.
Ferries
You’ll need a ferry to reach the western islands like Saaremaa and Hiiumaa. If you’re driving a rental car, you must pre-book your vehicle space on the ferry online during the busy summer months, or you risk waiting at the port.
Taxis (Bolt)
Taxis are available for quick, cheap trips within the cities. Bolt was founded in Estonia, so the app works seamlessly here. It’s significantly cheaper than hailing a traditional taxi off the street.
Why we love Estonia
Here are some top tips from our team
Expert recommendation
"Café culture in Tallin is big, and you'll plenty of cosy spots all over the city. Our favourite place was RØST Bakery. You'll find it in the Rotermann district of the capital, and you'll find so many delicious pastries and bread on offer. You might have to queue for a little while, but there are so many tasty treats to try, from cinnamon rolls to freshly baked sourdough – you won't regret a visit here!" – Rachel Coppenhall
Non-touristy activities
For a more local feel, head to Kalamaja. This laidback neighbourhood in Tallin is known for its wooden houses, cafés and creative spaces, with a more lived-in atmosphere than the Old Town. It’s close to Telliskivi and Noblessner, so you can easily link it all together – with coffee, shops, food and a walk by the water in one afternoon.
Free things to do
Estonia is great for free exploring, especially if you’re into nature, cool neighbourhoods and slow wandering. On the first Sunday of every month, several Tallinn museums open for free as part of Museum Sunday. Or, you can walk one of the classic Estonia bog boardwalks. Try Viru Bog, Kakerdaja Bog or Mukri Nature Trail for wooden paths, still pools and forest views.
Popular holiday types
Family holidays to Estonia
Family holidays to Estonia will focus on Tallinn – it’s compact and easy to get around with children, and there are parks, museums and seaside spots all within short distances. You won’t find big resort complexes everywhere, but that often means better value day-to-day and a more relaxed pace.
All Inclusive holidays to Estonia
All Inclusive options in Estonia are more limited than in typical beach destinations, but they do exist in some spa hotels and resorts. These can be a good way to keep spending predictable, especially if meals and wellness facilities are included.
Luxury holidays to Estonia
Luxury in Estonia tends to be quieter and more understated, with boutique hotels, spa retreats and well-designed stays rather than big, high-end resorts. You can expect good service, thoughtful design and peaceful settings, often at lower prices than more established luxury destinations. Extras like private experiences and fine dining can add up, so it's worth choosing what matters most to you.
Last-minute holidays to Estonia
Estonia can be a solid choice for a last-minute break, especially if you're flexible on travel dates and accommodation style. Flight and city stays in Tallinn are often the easiest to secure at short notice, with good transport links once you arrive. Prices can fluctuate closer to departure, so it’s worth keeping an eye on deals.
Estonia FAQs
Estonia uses the euro, and paying is straightforward. Cards and mobile payments are widely accepted, so you’ll rarely need cash – even in smaller cafés or market stalls.
Estonian is the official language, but with English widely spoken, especially in cities and in hotels, restaurants and shops, getting around is easy. You won’t usually need to learn much beyond the basics, though picking up a few words can still go down well with locals.
Yes, Estonia is very safe. Violent crime is rare, and Tallinn is routinely ranked as one of the safest capital cities in Europe. As with any travel destination, be careful with your belongings in busy tourist areas or on crowded public transport.
Summers in Estonia are mild and pleasant, with long daylight hours, known as White Nights – where the sky barely gets dark. Winters are very cold, dark and often snowy, so if you're planning to visit in winter make sure to bring proper insulated boots and thermal layers.
Tipping is not strictly mandatory, but it's appreciated for good table service. Leaving around 10% of the total bill in restaurants and cafés is the standard practice, and you can usually add the tip to the card machine when paying.
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