Things to Do in Estonia

About Estonia

Estonia runs some of Europe's most successful startups from 14th-century buildings. WiFi reaches every island, yet the country moves to the slow rhythm of Nordic seasons—medieval cobblestones outside, fiber optic cables underneath. The contrasts work. Entrepreneurs code in old Tallinn cafés while folk songs play at both countryside gatherings and modern festivals. Church spires mark the Old Town skyline. Traditional recipes haven't changed much in generations. You'll find the appeal in quiet details: mist over clean lakes each morning, wildflower meadows across the countryside, candlelit taverns at night. The Soomaa wetlands offer serious silence. Worth visiting. Digital nomads and old traditions share the same space here without much fuss. It feels authentic and current at once—no need to pick between the two.

Travel Tips

Transportation: Use public transport in Tallinn with day passes at €3 covering buses, trams, and trolleys. Intercity buses with Lux Express to Tartu cost €8-15 for the 2.5-hour journey. Rent cars for €25-40 daily to explore the countryside and islands—ferries to Saaremaa cost €15-25 per car.

Money: Estonia uses euros; ATMs accept international cards with €2-4 fees. Most places accept contactless payments, even small vendors. Budget €30-60 daily for meals and activities, excluding accommodation.

Cultural Respect: Greet with 'tere' (hello) in Estonian and maintain personal space—Estonians value quiet behavior. Remove shoes when entering homes. Tipping 10% is appreciated at restaurants but not mandatory.

Food: Try black bread and Baltic herring at F-hoone Restaurant where traditional meals cost €12-20. Sample Vana Tallinn liqueur for €3-5 per shot at bars. Local craft beer from Põhjala Brewery costs €4-7 per pint. Estonian honey cake (marjakook) at cafés costs €3-5 per slice.

When to Visit

Summer (June-August) brings Estonia's magical white nights, with temperatures averaging 15-25°C and minimal rainfall (50-80mm monthly). This peak season sees 40-50% higher accommodation prices but offers endless daylight, outdoor festivals like Tallinn Music Week (March) and the Estonian Song Festival (every five years in July), plus perfect conditions for island hopping and hiking. Spring (April-May) delivers mild weather (8-18°C), blooming landscapes, and 25% lower prices, though expect occasional showers (40-60mm monthly). Autumn (September-November) enchants with golden forests, mushroom foraging season, and crisp days (5-15°C declining to freezing), while prices drop 30-35% and rainfall increases (60-90mm). Winter (December-March) transforms Estonia into a Nordic wonderland with temperatures from -5 to 5°C, perfect for Christmas markets, winter sports, and authentic sauna experiences. Accommodation costs plummet 50% off-peak, but daylight is limited (6 hours in December). Cultural ensoiasts should visit during Tallinn's Medieval Festival (July) or the atmospheric Christmas markets (December). Nature lovers will prefer late spring through early autumn, while digital nomads appreciate the year-round excellent connectivity and cozy winter café culture.