Estonia Travel Guide: Tallinn Old Town & Baltic Charm

Discover Estonia, a captivating Baltic nation blending medieval history with modern innovation and beautiful natural landscapes. Explore the stunningly preserved medieval Old Town of Tallinn (UNESCO World Heritage site), wander through pristine forests and bogs in national parks like Lahemaa, relax on the islands of Saaremaa or Hiiumaa, or visit the vibrant university city of Tartu. Known for its digital society and charming atmosphere, Estonia offers a unique and accessible European escape. This guide covers the essentials for UK travellers.

Navigate this guide:

Best Time to Travel
Getting There (Flights)
Top 10 Places & Activities
Accommodation in Estonia
Why Book With Me?
FAQ About Traveling to Estonia
Plan Your Estonian Trip

Best Time to Travel to Estonia

Estonia experiences four distinct seasons:

Summer (June to August): Warmest months with long daylight hours (almost 19 hours mid-summer). Ideal for exploring islands, coastal areas, national parks, and enjoying outdoor cafes/festivals in Tallinn. Peak tourist season.
Autumn (September to October): Beautiful autumn foliage, crisp air. Pleasant temperatures for sightseeing, especially in September. Fewer crowds than summer.
Winter (November to March): Cold, often below freezing, with snow common. Short daylight hours. Tallinn’s Old Town is magical with snow, especially during the Christmas market period (late Nov-Dec). Good value outside holidays.
Spring (April to May): Temperatures gradually warm up, snow melts. Nature comes back to life, good time for birdwatching (Matsalu NP). Fewer crowds, pleasant for city breaks.

Getting There (Flights from UK)

Lennart Meri Tallinn Airport (TLL) is the main international gateway.

Airports: Tallinn (TLL). Tartu (TAY) has limited connections.
Flights from UK: Direct flights operate year-round from London airports (e.g., STN, LGW, LTN) to Tallinn (TLL). Airlines typically include Ryanair and Wizz Air, sometimes easyJet or Air Baltic (via Riga). Seasonal flights or connections may exist from other UK airports.
Flight Times: Direct flights take around 2.5-3 hours.

Top 10 Places & Activities in Estonia

Tallinn:** The captivating capital. Explore the incredibly well-preserved medieval Old Town (Vanalinn – UNESCO site) including Town Hall Square (Raekoja plats), Toompea Hill (castle, Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, viewpoints), medieval walls and towers. Visit Kadriorg Palace and Park, Telliskivi Creative City (hip area with shops/restaurants/street art).

Best Hotels in Tallinn: Budget (Monk’s Bunk Hostel £15-£25/dorm), Mid-Range (Hotel Telegraaf Autograph Collection £120-£200), Luxury (Hotel Schlssle – The Leading Hotels of the World £180+).

Tallinn for Families, Solo Travellers & Wheelchair Users: Excellent for solos (compact Old Town, safe). Families enjoy medieval theme, museums (Seaplane Harbour). Old Town has challenging cobblestones/hills for wheelchairs; newer areas/Kadriorg more accessible.

Top things to do Tallinn: Explore Old Town & Town Hall Square, walk Toompea Hill (views, cathedral), visit Kadriorg Palace & Park, Lennusadam Seaplane Harbour museum, explore Telliskivi Creative City.

Where to stay Tallinn: Inside Old Town (atmospheric, potentially noisy), just outside Old Town walls (convenient), Kalamaja/Telliskivi area (trendy).
Lahemaa National Park:** Estonia’s largest national park, east of Tallinn. Explore diverse landscapes: coastal areas, forests, unique boglands (Viru Bog boardwalk trail), historic manor houses (Palmse, Sagadi), fishing villages (Ksmu, Altja).

Access: Easy day trip or overnight stay from Tallinn (car hire recommended for flexibility).
Tartu:** Estonia’s second city and intellectual hub (home to oldest university). Visit the Town Hall Square (kissing students fountain), University of Tartu main building, St John’s Church (terracotta sculptures), Estonian National Museum (ERM), AHHAA Science Centre.
Saaremaa Island:** Largest Estonian island, reached by ferry from mainland (Virtsu to Kuivastu on Muhu island, then causeway). Visit Kuressaare town (well-preserved medieval castle), Kaali meteorite crater field, windmills (Angla), coastal cliffs (Panga Pank).
Hiiumaa Island:** Neighbouring island to Saaremaa, quieter and more forested. Known for lighthouses (Kpu – one of world’s oldest operational), beaches, relaxed atmosphere.
Soomaa National Park:** Known for its vast peat bogs and floodplain forests. Famous for its ‘fifth season’ when spring meltwaters flood the area, allowing canoe trips through forests. Bog shoeing possible year-round.
Prnu:** Estonia’s ‘summer capital’ – popular seaside resort town on the west coast with long sandy beach, spas, relaxed atmosphere.
Viljandi:** Charming small town in southern Estonia known for its castle ruins overlooking a lake and annual folk music festival (July).
Narva:** Easternmost city on the border with Russia. Visit Hermann Castle facing the Russian Ivangorod Fortress across the river. Unique border town atmosphere.
Estonian Cuisine & Drink:** Try local black rye bread (leib), sprats (kilu), blood sausage (verivorst – winter), kama (roasted grain dessert), craft beers, Vana Tallinn liqueur.

Accommodation in Estonia

Good quality and value options available:

Budget: Excellent hostels (especially Tallinn/Tartu), simple guesthouses (kodumajutus), campsites (£15-£30 dorm/basic room).
Mid-Range: Comfortable hotels (local & international chains like Radisson, Hilton in Tallinn), apartments, spa hotels (Prnu, Saaremaa), tourist farms (£50-£120).
Luxury: High-end hotels (mainly Tallinn), historic manor house hotels (Lahemaa), boutique properties (£120-£250+).

Why Book With Me?

From medieval Tallinn to Baltic islands and bogs, Travelistry designs your Estonian experience.

Personalised Service: Itineraries for Tallinn city breaks, exploring national parks, island hopping, Baltic multi-country tours.
Expert Knowledge: Best ways to explore beyond Tallinn (car hire, buses), ferry schedules for islands, national park highlights, booking unique stays (manor houses).
Stress-Free Planning: We handle flights, accommodation, car hire, ferry tickets, key tours and activities.
Value for Money: Finding good value flights and accommodation in this relatively affordable EU destination.
Support: Assistance for your Baltic journey.

FAQ About Traveling to Estonia

Do I need a visa to travel to Estonia from the UK? No, as Estonia is part of the Schengen Area, UK citizens do not need a visa for short tourist stays (up to 90 days in any 180-day period). A valid passport is required.
What is the currency? The currency is the **Euro (Û)**. ATMs are widespread. Card payments are very common, even for small amounts.
Is Estonia expensive? Estonia is generally more affordable than Nordic countries or Western Europe, but more expensive than some parts of Eastern Europe. Tallinn prices are highest. Overall, offers good value.
Is it safe? Estonia is a very safe country with low crime rates. Take normal precautions against petty theft, especially in Tallinn’s Old Town tourist areas. Check FCDO advice.
What language is spoken? Estonian is the official language (a Finno-Ugric language, related to Finnish). English is widely spoken and understood, particularly by younger generations and in Tallinn/tourist areas. Russian and Finnish also spoken/understood by some.