Best things to do in Estonia

• Capital: Tallinn
• Language(s): Estonian
• Currency: Euro (EUR)
• Dial Code: + 372

Estonia Travel Guide: Top Attractions, Things to Do, and Places to Visit in the Digital Fairy Tale of Northern Europe

Welcome to Estonia, where medieval charm meets digital innovation, and pine forests are just as plentiful as free public Wi-Fi. Nestled in the Baltic region of Northern Europe, Estonia is like that quiet, mysterious friend who turns out to be cooler than everyone else at the party. It’s small, yes, but packed with personality, and this travel guide is here to prove it.

Estonia borders the Gulf of Finland to the north, the Baltic Sea to the west, Latvia to the south, and the Russian Federation (plus the shimmering Lake Peipsi) to the east. With just 1.34 million people spread across 45,227 km², this compact country is a treasure trove of places to visit and things to do, whether you're into old castles, bog hiking, or cutting-edge digital services (they even vote online!).

Tallinn: Where Fairy Tales and Startups Coexist

First stop on your Estonian adventure? Tallinn, the capital and biggest city, where Gothic towers and modern tech parks live in perfect harmony. The Old Town of Tallinn is one of the best-preserved medieval cities in Europe and a top attraction that no visitor should miss. Expect cobblestone streets, pastel-colored buildings, and the kind of Instagrammable charm that makes your friends immediately regret not coming with you.

Things to do in Tallinn include:

• Climbing to the top of Toompea Hill for sweeping views of the city

• Visiting Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, an ornate Russian Orthodox masterpiece

• Walking along the ancient city walls and imagining you're guarding the town from invaders

• Stopping by one of the many quirky cafés or rooftop bars that make Tallinn surprisingly hip

Tech tip: Estonia is one of the most digitally advanced countries in the world. You’ll find free Wi-Fi just about everywhere—even in the middle of forests!

Tartu: The Brainy Sister City

Next on our travel guide is Tartu, Estonia’s second-largest city and the intellectual heart of the country. Home to the University of Tartu (founded in 1632!), this place is brimming with students, museums, and clever street art.

If you're looking for places to visit that are a little more off-the-beaten-path but still brimming with culture, Tartu delivers. You’ll find:

• The Estonian National Museum, where history meets tech in seriously cool exhibitions

• The Leaning House of Tartu—move over Pisa!

• The vibrant Town Hall Square, perfect for people-watching and pastries

It’s ideal for travelers who want a mix of history, academia, and just enough quirkiness to keep things interesting.

Lahemaa National Park: Forests, Bogs, and Coastal Bliss

Now let’s get out of the city and into Estonia’s secret weapon: its natural beauty. Just an hour from Tallinn, Lahemaa National Park is one of the best places to visit in Estonia if you want to see moose, waterfalls, and wooden manors that look straight out of a Nordic storybook.

Top attractions in the park include:

• The Viru Bog Trail, a wooden boardwalk through a stunning marsh landscape (you’ll feel like you're walking through a fantasy film set)

• The Jägala Waterfall, Estonia’s largest (and yes, it freezes over in winter!)

• The Palmse and Sagadi Manor Houses, grand reminders of aristocratic Estonia

Whether you're into birdwatching, hiking, or simply breathing in fresh pine-scented air, this is a must on any Estonia sightseeing itinerary.

Saaremaa: Estonia’s Island Getaway

Feel like escaping to an island without leaving the country? Saaremaa is the largest of Estonia’s 2,222 islands (yes, you read that right), and it’s as charming as they come.

Here’s what you can do:

• Explore the Kuressaare Castle, a well-preserved medieval fortress that looks like something from a fantasy novel

• Wander along windswept beaches with barely another soul in sight

• Relax in spas, taste local beer, and enjoy the slower pace of island life

Saaremaa is perfect for travelers who want to experience the peaceful, rural side of Estonia—with just enough mystery to make it magical.

Pärnu: The Summer Capital

When summer hits, Estonians flock to Pärnu, a cozy beach town on the Baltic Sea. This is where you’ll find sandy beaches, seaside promenades, and spa hotels galore.

Some things to do in Pärnu:

• Bask in the sun at Pärnu Beach (yes, Estonia has beaches!)

• Walk or bike along the Pärnu Promenade

• Visit the Pärnu Museum to learn about the city’s Viking past

In July, the town turns into a lively hub with music festivals, beach parties, and ice cream stands on every corner.

Soomaa National Park: Canoes and Floating Forests

For a truly unique nature experience, head to Soomaa National Park, home of Estonia’s famous "fifth season"—when spring floods turn the park into a canoeing paradise.

Sightseeing here includes:

• Canoeing through flooded meadows and forests (don’t worry, it's safe and peaceful)

• Taking a bog shoeing tour—yes, it’s a thing, and yes, it's weirdly fun

• Spotting wildlife like beavers, wild boar, and even lynxes if you're lucky

Soomaa is proof that Estonia knows how to turn even a seasonal flood into a tourist attraction.

Why Estonia Deserves a Spot on Your Bucket List

Sure, Estonia might not be the biggest country in Europe, but what it lacks in size, it makes up for in charm, variety, and surprises. With its rich cultural heritage, fascinating history, and cutting-edge digital scene, Estonia is a mix of old-world elegance and new-world convenience.

And did we mention how clean, safe, and affordable it is? You’ll feel welcome, comfortable, and maybe even a little enchanted. Whether you’re exploring medieval cities, wandering through misty bogs, or soaking up the summer sun on an island, Estonia has a way of stealing your heart quietly—but completely.

Plan Your Estonia Trip

Need more reasons to add Estonia to your travel guide? Here’s a quick wrap-up:

• Amazing mix of top attractions in nature and city

• Excellent public transport (and again, free Wi-Fi!)

• Friendly locals who won’t judge your attempts at speaking Estonian (but will love it if you try)

• A perfect stop on a Northern Europe itinerary, especially if you’re also visiting Finland, Sweden, or Latvia

So what are you waiting for? Estonia is calling—and it’s definitely not just for tech nerds or history buffs. It’s for curious travelers, adventurous souls, and anyone looking for a destination that flies under the radar but over-delivers on experience.