travelling the baltic states

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Travelling the Baltics: Your Perfect Baltic Itinerary

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Thinking of Travelling the Baltics? Here’s a Sample Baltic Itinerary!

If you want a Baltic travel itinerary, you are in the right place! Planning a trip to the Baltics can be a challenge – even though they are so small, there is a ton to do and see in each of the Baltic States!

This is the first post about the Baltics on Penguin and Pia so we are going to be adding lots more information on the region in the future!

As a good place to start, below is a sample itinerary with the capitals, day trips, hostels, and other points of interest in the Baltic states.

In fact, all of Eric’s hostels in all three countries made our massive list of European hostels we loved staying at!

Table of Contents

Things to Consider When Travelling the Baltics

Before you dive into Baltic trip planning, you’ll want to consider a few details. From the currency they use (the Euro) to the weather, safety, and the best time to visit, we cover a few key areas below to help you prepare.

What are the Baltic States?

The Baltics (not to be confused with the Balkans, another region we absolutely love) is a small grouping of countries that are bordering the Baltic Sea in the Northeast part of Europe.

While a few of the countries that lie on the Baltic Sea can be considered Baltic countries, the Baltic States in their traditional definition are Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia.

These three countries were part of the Soviet Union until their independence in 1991. Their capitals are beautiful, and are Vilnius, Riga, and Tallinn , in order of above!

Best Time to Visit the Baltics

Realistically, the best time to visit the Baltic countries depends on the type of travel you like to do. It will also depend on the types of activities you want to.

Eric visited in the winter and while it was much colder, there was still lots to do and explore. Another perk was that there were fewer people around.

Also, he wouldn’t have been able to go bobsledding in Latvia (see below) if it was summertime! There’s a reason a few of the Baltic capitals made the list of our favourite cities in Europe to visit in the winter .

Summertime means that the national parks in Estonia are full of hikers and wildlife. Summertime also means that the beaches along the Baltic Sea (like in Klaipėda, Lithuania) are going to be full of sun-seekers.

Day trips to Trakai Castle in the summer mean beautiful lakes and water activities. The winter means walking on the lake and enjoying the cold but peaceful atmosphere. See – there is no easy answer!

For the best of all worlds, consider visiting in the shoulder seasons of April-May and then September-October.  The spring is cooler and there might be some rain but there will be fewer crowds and the snow will be gone.

The fall can also be nice because up in Estonia especially you’ll get to see beautiful coloured leaves.

Getting Around the Baltics

Getting around the Baltics is pretty easy since there are only so many large centres and they are all connected via highways (usually). This makes planning a route a no-brainer if you just stick to where the highways bring you!

We’ll get to car rentals below. As for Eric’s trip, he took the bus between all the Baltic capitals, ending in Estonia. It was awesome – we actually wrote a whole detailed post on taking the bus between the Baltic capitals from Vilnius to Riga to Tallinn .

The bus company in the region is LUX Express. He even took it from Warsaw to Vilnius to start the Baltic portion of the trip.

To be honest, after travelling with the big names like Megabus, FlixBus, ones in the Balkans like CroatiaBus, LUX was probably the cheapest and overall best experiences he has had with a bus company.

The best part about LUX Express is that tickets can be cheap but still a quality experience. You can check the timetables and latest deals on the LUX Express website .

Car Rental in The Baltics

If you are feeling like driving as opposed to the bus, renting a car is definitely a good option here in the Baltics. The thing is that these countries aren’t very big and so driving between places isn’t a huge time commitment like in other countries.

Plus, having a car means that you can adventure off and day trip if you want to see more than what you would be able to by sticking to a bus route.

In the Baltics, the highways are pretty good – regional roads between cities are paved and well-maintained. With any country, the more rural you get, the worse the roads become but that’s sort of a standard you’d come to expect.

Another big plus is that since the Baltics are all in the EU and the Schengen Zone, there are no internal borders between them. So you can drive wherever you like and cross borders without any problems!

Given that Baltic road trips are very doable, there are loads of rental car agencies available. You can compare prices from different agencies for the duration of your trip  with this handy tool . Make sure to read the fine print about additional costs in case there are any issues.

Are the Baltics Safe?

Because so little is typically known about the region – this is a popular question to ask. With a rich history and an intimidating neighbour to the east (Russia), it’s no wonder we wonder if the Baltics are safe.

In short, we think the answer is: yes, but. The Baltics themselves are politically stable and developed nations. They are in the EU – and that wouldn’t happen if the countries still needed to get their act together. With any country, however, it’s always wise to keep your guard up in an unfamiliar place.

The capitals are beautiful and can get quite touristy in the summers. As a result, you’ll want to watch your pockets in crowded areas in the Old towns of Riga and Tallinn. If you decide to hike through a National Park, remember to lock your car and/or take valuables with you.

A local connection (who took Eric for beers and dinner in Vilnius the first night he arrived) mentioned that you wouldn’t want to hang around the main train/bus station at night.

That said, is there any train station you WANT to hang around at night in any country? Not really. So, use common sense or ask locals/hotels/tour providers about what’s a good area or not!

Travel Insurance for the Baltics

When visiting the Baltic countries (or travelling in general) it’s usually a good idea to have travel insurance. This includes medical travel insurances and the coverage for things like lost baggage or delays.

If you aren’t already covered by a company plan, extended medical plan, or a credit card insurance plan, we recommend that you get private travel insurance.

Travelling the Baltics: A Sample Baltic Itinerary

If you plan on travelling the Baltics, we want to help you out with a sample Baltic itinerary.

We’ve decided to write about it in the way that Eric did it – south to north. This means that you’d start in Vilnius, Lithuania and head through Latvia to Tallinn, Estonia.

• Estimated Time to Stay: 2 nights
• How to Get There:   Bus from Warsaw, Poland is about 7 hours, could also fly into Vilnius.

Beginning the itinerary with a great first city, Vilnius is a rich city full of history around every turn. Eric explored the city on his own for most of the days he was there.

In that time, he explored the Hill of Three Crosses, Vilnius Cathedral, the Bell Tower among other attractions. If you wanted an actual guide (and not just wander as Eric did) then you can go on a Vilnius walking tour with a local guide .

When Eric stayed there, he stayed in Jimmy Jumps House Hostel . It was a great stay – the people were awesome, the staff were friendly and welcoming, the location is right in the centre of the city, and they even make you waffles for breakfast!

Accommodation for Vilnius:   Check for hotel deals  or  Hostelworld for great hostels !

Trakai (and the Castle)

• Estimated Time to Stay: Day Trip
• How to Get There:  Bus from Vilnius, car would also be easy – takes about 40 minutes.

Whether it’s the summer or the winter, a day trip to Trakai (and to visit the Castle) is definitely worth your time.

Eric went in the wintertime and even though it was super cold, it was really cool to basically have the castle to himself! The town itself is situated on the lake so it’s beautiful in the summertime as well.

Trakai Castle was built in the 14th century and remains an important place for Lithuanians as a medieval stronghold and a symbolic place of where statehood is preserved.

There are lots of different exhibits and galleries within the castle so it’s worth the admission fee. You can learn more about the town and castle here .

Nearby, the town is filled with small shops, cafes, and restaurants. These were open in the wintertime and we can’t even imagine how busy (but lively) the town must be in the summer.

If you wanted to leave the car in Vilnius, you could always take a day tour to Trakai to make the journey and guided tour super simple. If you planned on staying in Trakai in the summer, there are resorts and guest houses available!

Accommodation for Trakai:   Check for guesthouse and resort deals !

• Estimated Time to Stay:  1-2 Nights
• How to Get There:   Train, Bus, or Car – all methods take approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes from Vilnius.

Eric really only drove through Kaunas but his local friend who met him for dinner was from there. He explained that Vilnius, as the capital, was better for history and charm, whereas Kaunas was more lively with things to do for the younger crowds.

Obviously, there is a great deal of history in Kaunas with a castle, a monastery, cathedral, and many museums.

There are generally lots of cafes, restaurants, and shops in Kaunas as well as venues for music, etc. To learn more about Kaunas, check out the tourism website !

Accommodation for Kaunas:   Check Booking.com for hotel deals  or  Hostelworld for great hostels !

• Estimated Time to Stay: 1 Night, or Pass Through on the way to Šiauliai. Could also Day Trip from Kaunas if necessary
• How to Get There:  Car or Bus is best  – 2 hours on the highway from Kaunas

Heading out to the coast of the Baltic, you’ll find the port city of Klaipėda. Klaipėda is a historic city with seafaring roots that go back centuries.

The old wooden, German-style buildings along the ports serve as a charming backdrop for cruisers that arrive at the busy port.

Klaipėda is actually Lithuania’s third-largest city – and so there are lots of things to do from museums to restaurants, theatres and green space.

The National Park – Curonian Spit – is a massive sand dune located close to the city. You can learn more about visiting Klaipėda here .

Accommodation for Klaipėda:   Check for seaside hotel deals  or  Hostelworld for great hostels !

• Estimated Time to Stay:  1 Night
• How to Get There: From Klaipėda, Car is about 2 hours, Train varies from 2-3 hours, route/stops depending

As the fourth largest city in Lithuania, you might think there’s nothing left to see! That’s where Šiauliai proves you wrong.

While you’ll find many old museums in the city, the city is also a place of pilgrimage and served as a place of resistance to Soviet rule.

As a result, you’ll find the Hill of Crosses nearby to the city. On the Hill, there are over 100,000 wooden crosses that have been left there over the decades. It really is a sight to see and a place to be respected.

If you wanted to see the Hill of Crosses for yourself but weren’t planning on heading to Šiauliai on the way to Riga, consider a day trip from Vilnius for a Hill of Crosses Tour .

Accommodation for Šiauliai:   Check Booking.com for hotel deals !

• Estimated Time to Stay: 2-4 Nights
• How to Get There: Car from Šiauliai is just under 2 hours, Train from Šiauliai is just over 2 hours.

As the largest of the Baltic capitals, there is TONS to do in Riga! Eric loved the city when we did his trip – and he wants to bring Lisa there someday soon so she can experience it, too!

Riga is a fantastic mix of history with new-age shops, coffee places, restaurants, and style. You get hints of former Soviet rule mixed with progressive ideas from the young people.

Not to mention it has incredible buildings, cathedrals, monuments, and other must-see attractions (like the Space Monkey statue).

Given the amount of history to Riga (much of it being significant Soviet history) a walking  tour with an emphasis on Soviet tales might be for you! Besides that, there is lots of great food in Riga.

Eric tried the local cuisine of deep-fried bread at the traditional restaurant and beer hall. Now, if you are thinking “hmm, that would be delicious and definitely not healthy for you”… you’d be absolutely correct.

If you wanted to try other authentic cuisines, consider a food tour around Riga with a local guide who knows their stuff! We plan on writing up a whole other post on Riga soon so you’ll get lots more tips there.

As for a place to stay Eric stayed at Naughty Squirrel Backpackers . Technically a party hostel, it wasn’t as crazy as it sounds.

The staff were great, the people were nice, and the place was huge. You could lounge around or choose to socialise if you wanted. Bunks and rooms were huge and had amenities in the bunk which is always a nice detail.

Eric would definitely stay again for the tiny bar on hand and the free welcome shot of Latvian liqueur – Black Balsam!

Accommodation for Riga:   Check for great Riga hotel deals  or  Hostelworld for great hostels !

• Estimated Time to Stay:  1 Night or Day Trip
• How to Get There:  Just under an hour driving, just over an hour with the Train.

Sigulda makes a great day trip or a longer escape from the city. Known for dense forests, castles, and parks, the city has one other attraction that is well-known around the world. 

Sigulda is home to one of the world’s few operational bobsled tracks that are open to visitors – and you can ride a real bobsled down it!

Eric paid for the experience to be driven by a member of the Latvian sliding team – and WOW is it worth it!

The town itself is charming but the draw for people is the number of things to do that will excite you and keep you busy. You can learn more about Sigulda here .

Accommodation for Sigulda:   Check Booking.com for hotel deals !

• Estimated Time to Stay:  Day Trip
• How to Get There:   Train or Car both take about 40 minutes (train can be shorter or longer route depending)

If you’re done with Riga and want to check out more along the Gulf of Riga, then head to Jūrmala. This beach town is a resort city that lies just west of the capital making it a great day trip.

The city is known for its massive sandy beach that gets busy in the summers as people head there to cool off and hang out by the water.

The shore is lined with seaside villas and other shops made from wood seeming like they were plucked from another era!

There are also a few parks and wooded areas that are great for small walks and hikes. Learn more about visiting Jūrmala here .

Accommodation for Jūrmala:   Check Booking.com for hotel deals !

Pärnu + Soomaa Wetlands

• Estimated Time to Stay: 1 Night
• How to Get There:  Car or Bus are about 2 hours and 20 minutes from Riga (slightly longer from Sigulda or Jūrmala)

If you want to enjoy the Estonian version of Jūrmala, then head to Pärnu. Known for its Estonian sunshine and sandy beach, Pärnu Beach is a resort town with youthful vibes, cool art, and historical bathhouses scattered through the city. 

Pärnu is actually the fourth largest city in Estonia but the population balloons in the summertime with tourists and locals coming out to enjoy the water in Pärnu Bay.

From restaurants to nightlife there’s something for everyone. Check out more to do in Pärnu here .

Nearby, the Soomaa Wetlands are located in Soomaa National Park. The park itself is known for its high water. This makes the area great for canoeing and sighting wildlife.

Accommodation for Pärnu:   Check Booking.com for hotel deals !

• Estimated Time to Stay: 2 or 3 Nights
• How to Get There:   Car, Bus, or Train – just over an hour, 1.5 hours, or 2.5 hours, respectively, from  Pärnu

Oh, Tallinn. Such a beautiful city. Eric was lucky enough to be guided around Tallinn by his former flatmate from when he lived in Edinburgh.

Needless to say, having a local around was a great way to experience the city! It was great to have a local show Eric around – she’s even (since) written a guide on spending one day in Tallinn !

Tallinn is known for its Old Town. So, you should start off with a wander there. The bright rooftops and cobblestone alleyways transport you back into medieval times.

There is quite a bit of history and amazing restaurants, cafes, and churches in the area. We walked around with our local guide but you could hop on a bike and take a guided tour – might be lots faster and you’ll get some exercise!

If you are done with attractions in the city centre, you should visit the Tallinn Tv Tower which is located just a quick bus ride away. As the tallest building in Northern Europe, it’s a pretty great attraction that is worth the view for the price of admission!

Eric visited with his friend and even though the views were a little cloudy it was still amazing to see the countryside and the Baltic Sea! If you know you want to go in the high season – get a line skip ticket for the Tallinn Tv Tower .

As for sleeping, Eric stayed at Red Emperor Bar and Hostel.  For the price and the location, the hostel was good. There was a bar onsite (never got too crazy, just very social) with a lounge for loud and another one for quiet.

The rooms were standard – good lockers, good bunks, good bathroom facilities. The staff was very chill and you even get a beer with check-in!

The location is just outside the Old Town so like we said – it’s a good place to crash for a few nights and meet interesting people.

Accommodation for Tallinn:   Check Booking.com for hotel deals  or  Hostelworld for great hostels !

Lahemaa National Park

• How to Get There:  Car, Bus, or even a Taxi – each take about 45 minutes one way from Tallinn

With a landscape and wildlife similar to Canada (they are at similar latitudes to parts of Northern Canada), Lahemaa National Park is a nature lover’s dream.

Lahemaa is just a short distance from Tallinn yet it’s such an important forested area for conservation in Northern Europe that includes hiking to rock cliffs, waterfalls, beaches, and even moose!

If you want to learn more about Lahemaa, you can check out the official website . To make the trip even more simple, you could make the day trip a day tour to Lahemaa from Tallinn with a guide.

Optional – Day Trip to Helsinki

• Estimated Time to Stay: Day Trip or Overnight Trip
• How to Get There:  Ferry from Tallinn is 3 hours. Flying takes 30 minutes (Eric did it by accident – it’s a long story).

Ah yes, a Helsinki day trip from Tallinn. Taking the ferry to Finland is a great option if you’ve got a day to kill and you’ve seen everything in Tallinn and the surrounding area.

That said, we wrote a whole post on how to take the ferry from Tallinn to Helsinki (and back) so check that out if you are interested!

Once you get to Helsinki, there is loads to do and see. Eric only had a few hours to explore the city but really wants to return with Lisa since she’s never been. I

f you want to know what to check out in Helsinki, read the guide written by our local connection Nick about  the perfect day in Helsinki ! That said if you DID want to sleep there, check below for great places to stay in Helsinki.

Accommodation for Helsinki:   Check Booking.com for hotel deals  or  Hostelworld for great hostels !

And there you have it – a few great ideas and a rough itinerary around the Baltics. In the end, there is so much to check out in these tiny countries that you’ll end up coming back for another trip or two.

This post was just to get you acquainted with the countries and the idea of travelling the Baltics! What do you think? Have you been to the Baltics or are you considering it? We can’t wait to get back there because Eric wants to show Lisa around! We’ll keep ya posted!

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Baltics Travel Guide: Plan Your Visit to the Baltics

There are few areas of the European Union that have been explored less by international visitors than the three Baltic States of Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia. While Tallinn, Estonia has seen a massive influx of tourism in recent years due to its capacity as a cruise ship port and Riga, Latvia has increased in popularity as Ryanair began to offer cheap connections from other major European cities, the rest of the Baltics remain essentially untouched by foreign tourism. The sheer lack of tourist crowds can make travelling in the Baltics an appealing option for those looking to get truly off the beaten path in Europe.

This Baltics travel guide will cover the basic information needed for you to begin to plan your Baltic adventure. Topics including currency, transportation, budget and accommodation information, safety concerns, religious and cultural nuances, and regional cuisine are all things worth considering before you embark upon your journey through these three undiscovered countries.

Disclaimer: This guide contains affiliate links. That means if you click a link and make a purchase, we make a small commission at no extra cost to you. For more information, see our  privacy policy.

Table of Contents

Baltic Countries

Located in Northeastern Europe and bordering Poland to the south, Belarus and Russia to the east and the Baltic Sea to the north, the Baltics countries comprise the nations of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania. Distinct in culture and tradition, these countries are great to visit as one block or individually and you can easily spend months exploring and getting to know them.

If you want some country-specific information rather than a more holistic view of the region, you can browse guides and articles specifically for Estonia, Latvia & Lithuania below.

Planning a Baltics Route

Though the Baltics are only comprised of three countries, planning the perfect route through them can actually be quite a bit of an undertaking. While many of those visiting this incredible region will plan to visit only the capital cities of Tallinn, Riga and Vilnius and fail to branch further, this is also a huge mistake.

There is so much to see and experience in Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia that you really need to make sure that you put in a good amount of time to plan your route. While the capitals are lovely, dynamic and diverse and very much worth visiting, you also cannot miss the smaller cities and towns, either.

If you want to plan out the perfect Baltics itinerary to suit your travel style or are unsure which capital city to prioritise then make sure to have a look at our detailed articles below.

The Perfect Baltics Itinerary: Explore Estonia, Latvia, & Lithuania

The Ultimate 5 to 7 Days in Estonia Itinerary

Tallinn or Riga or Vilnius: The Best Baltic City to Visit

Places to Visit in the Baltics

While most notable for their capital cities, there is a lot more to the Baltic states than just the major metropolitan areas.

From second cities like Kaunas, Lithuania and Tartu, Estonia to beachy wonders like Liepaja, Latvia or the incredible Curonian Spit in Lithuania, the Baltics have so much to offer visitors beyond the capitals and top tourist sites and it is well worth taking the time to seek them out.

So if you’re trying to figure out where to go in this beautiful region and to step a bit beyond the well-trodden tourist trail, then have a browse through some of the articles below. Here we outline how to dig deeper in the capitals along with what to do in some of the lesser-visited cities!

2 to 3 Days in Vilnius Itinerary: Things To Do in Lithuania’s Capital

Things To Do In Klaipeda: Lithuania’s Charming Port City

What To Do In Kaunas: A 2-Day Itinerary

Things To Do In Liepaja: A Two-Day Itinerary

The Ultimate 2 to 3 Days in Tallinn Itinerary

A Perfect Day Trip to Lahemaa National Park from Tallinn

12 Best Things To Do In Saaremaa, Estonia

Best Things To Do In Tartu, Estonia: A 2-Day Itinerary

11 Best Things To Do In Parnu, Estonia

2 to 3 Days in Riga Itinerary: Things to Do in Latvia’s Capital

7 Things To Do In Jurmala & Kemeri: A Day Trip from Riga

Best Time to Visit the Baltics

Elsewhere in Europe we generally recommend travelling the shoulder seasons of March-May and September-October in order to get good weather while avoiding tourist crowds.

However, arguably the best time of year for Baltics travel would be in the high season months of June-August. Because the Baltic nations are so far north, they see disparate temperatures — winter highs fall well below freezing and both autumn and spring and be quite chilly and rainy as well.

If you truly want to get the most out of your Baltics itinerary, going in the summer months is highly recommended, especially if you want to enjoy the pristine coastline and white-sand beaches that rival many of those found in the tropics.

The weather is mild and never gets too hot, but be warned that there are mosquitos! We both were feasted upon while in the Baltics in July, so come armed with some bug spray if you don’t want to be covered in itchy welts for the majority of your holiday.

There aren’t huge tourist crowds in the summer, either, particularly if you venture outside of the capital cities. Another benefit to travelling in the high season vs shoulder or off-seasons is that all of the interesting tourist attractions, museums, and tours will be fully operational.

Many businesses catered toward tourists close from October-May due to a lack of crowds, so if you want to be able to experience everything the Baltic nations have to offer, travelling in summer is the best decision!

There is something to be said for visiting the Baltics in December, however. The snow-covered cities and towns look like something out of a fairytale and there are Christmas markets to rival those of Bavaria — just make sure to bundle up!

Autumn can be another appealing time to visit the Baltic States if you don’t mind a little bit of rain and cold. Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia are incredibly green countries (all three have gone through a massive period of reforestation since gaining independence from the USSR) and the fall foliage is any nature-lovers dream! Just make sure to pack appropriately.

Cost of Travelling to the Baltics

Just one point on the long list of pros for Baltics travel is that they are quite possibly one of the most affordable regions in the EU. Your money can go a long way in all three countries and the affordability of the region can allow even the most miserly of budget travellers to live a bit more luxuriously.

It is worth noting, however, that prices in the Old Towns of Tallinn and, to a lesser extent, Riga can see prices that are nearly double than what you can find in less touristy areas of the city. These are really the only areas where you might need to penny-pinch.

If you are trying to save money, we recommend staying away from the tourist centres in the capital cities where prices can be very high. Find accommodation outside of the Old Towns and search for restaurants that cater to locals rather than tourists.

This will not only help you stick to a tight budget but will also give you greater insight into how and where residents of whichever city you’re visiting live on a day-to-day basis.

Read More: Baltics Travel: How Much Does it Cost?

Currency in the Baltics

Unlike travelling in the Balkans or even through Central Europe , where most countries use different currencies, all the countries in the Baltics use the Euro! Estonia was the first to adopt the Euro in 2011 while Latvia and Lithuania followed in 2014 and 2015 respectively making exchanging and converting currency a breeze when travelling through the Baltic states!

ATMs are also prevalent and easy to find wherever you may be in the Baltics so you should have no problem withdrawing cash, and it is always preferable to go with this route rather than relying on exchange booths with their less-than-savoury rates and fees. It is recommended that you find a debit card that refunds ATM fees and doesn’t charge for foreign transactions.

Credit cards are also widely accepted in most major establishments, which eliminates the need to carry large sums of cash at all. Again, just make sure that your card doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees and you should have a seamless and affordable trip to the Baltic states!

Baltic Cuisine

Baltic food is incredibly diverse and draws significant influences from its neighbours including Russia, Poland and Nordic countries.

Plenty of dishes you’ll encounter during your Baltics travel will be very similar to other Eastern European countries such as potatoes, pelmeni (dumplings), rye bread, dairy products and soups.

What sets the Baltic states apart from other Eastern European countries is their geographic location on the Baltic Sea meaning there is plenty of fish incorporated into their diet, such as smoked salmon and pickled herring!

Apart from standard drinks such as beer and vodka, it’s worth sampling local spirits such as Black Balsam (herbal liqueur) in Latvia, Vana Tallin (rum liqueur) in Estonia and Krupnikas (honey liqueur) in Lithuania. Fermented soft drinks made from rye bread known as Kvass in Latvia and Gira in Lithuania are also worth trying and taste similar to root beer.

For those that are interested, Estonia, in particular, has a thriving craft beer scene that can rival some of the most established further west. If you are a fan of a craft brew, Estonia is the place to go for fantastic and innovative beers that can be found throughout the country.

Read More: A Traveller’s Guide To Latvian Food And Drink

Transportation in the Baltics

Whether you want to rely on public transport for the entirety of your trip or would rather have the ease and flexibility of a rental car, there are a few things to keep in mind. For instance, whilst trains do exist for some routes, generally, it is more convenient and practical to use buses when travelling between Baltic countries.

Lux Express is the main bus company that operates routes between the Baltic States and Poland. Their buses are fantastic and very comfortable and offer amenities such as individual TV screens, WIFI, hot drinks and plenty of legroom! Furthermore, as the three Baltic states are part of the Schengen Area border crossings are seamless! You can book bus tickets for the Baltics here.

It is worth noting that, especially in summer, buses can book out early so it is good practice to book at least a couple of days in advance. This can save money as well, as it is usually cheaper to book online as many travel deals are offered. If you know which days you are planning on moving from city to city, this is a great option.

When moving between cities within one country during your Baltics travel, it’s worth investigating whether buses or trains are best for your route. Buses usually have the most extensive network however in some countries, particularly Latvia, there is a great train network for moving between the major cities surrounding Riga.

Though the public transit between cities in the Baltics is frequent and reliable, if you want to venture into more rural parts of the country or just don’t want to be at the mercy of bus timetables, it can be very worth renting a car.

Accommodation in the Balkans

One minor inconvenience of Baltics travel a budget backpacker might find is that there is a lack of hostels outside of the bigger cities.

This, however, doesn’t mean that there is a shortage of budget accommodation in the Baltics. Airbnb rentals are prevalent, and there are also more traditional guesthouses and BnBs in most larger towns and cities that can be an affordable accommodation option.

One thing to keep in mind if you happen to be travelling in the high season is to make sure to book a bit in advance, especially in the capitals and coastal towns as the best places tend to book out early.

If you’re looking for accommodation in either Riga or Vilnius, then you also happen to be in luck as we have written detailed guides outlining different areas to stay and options including hostels, Airbnbs and budget, mid-range, and luxury hotels! Browse the articles below to find your ideal accommodation in these Baltic capitals.

Where to Stay in Riga, Latvia: The Best Areas & Hotels

Where to Stay in Vilnius: The Best Areas and Hotels

Language in the Baltics

Following the collapse of the Soviet Union, the Baltic countries went through a process of reinstating their national language as the official language of their country. Latvian and Lithuanian are Indo-European languages that share similarities while Estonian is more closely related to Finnish.

The second language for many people from the Baltics is Russian, particularly for older people that went to school during the Soviet occupation. In some cities, particularly those closer to the Russian border, the main language will actually be Russian rather than the Baltic equivalent.

There is a higher Russian population in Latvia and Estonia than in Lithuania and you are more likely to hear Russian being spoken in these two countries than in Lithuania, with the possible exception of the Curonian Spit, which shares a border with Russia and therefore receives a fair amount of Russian tourism.

If you do speak Russian and want to use it to communicate in the Baltics, it is worth knowing that some people might prefer that you speak English to them first . Baltic people from all three countries are very proud of their national identity and don’t necessarily want to be associated with Russia today — including in language.

Younger people and those living in the capital cities will be more likely to be able to speak some English while German will also be common in some parts of the Baltic states.

Religion in the Baltics

Though the general public and governments of the Baltic nations are largely secular, religion is a very important topic to discuss as there is a lot of diversity in the region.

The majority of people from the Baltic states subscribe to a particular form of Christianity. In Lithuania, the majority of people are Catholic, in Latvia, there is a more diverse mix of Lutherans, Catholics and Orthodox Christians while Estonia is predominately a mix of Lutherans and Orthodox Christians.

Many younger people, in particular, don’t see religion as a significant part of their lives. As an example, Estonia has one of the largest per capita populations of people who don’t believe in God.

Travelling through the Baltics is a wonderful, rewarding experience that is sure to delight all those who try it. There is so much to see, do and experience that you’re certain to be astounded by just how much these small countries have to offer.

From dynamic cities to white sand beaches to medieval castles, the Baltics can encapsulate a quintessential European experience with a fraction of the tourist crowds of Western European destinations.

Baltics Travel Itinerary: 2 Weeks in Estonia, Latvia & Lithuania (+ Map)

By Author Jurga

Posted on Last updated: January 19, 2023

Are you thinking of traveling to the Baltics, want to see all three countries – Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia – but are not sure how to plan your itinerary? Do you want to know how much time to spend in each country and what not to miss? This guide will help you plan an unforgettable trip to the Baltic region – find out!

In this article, we share a two-week Baltics trip itinerary that allows you to see the highlights of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. You will get to explore a good mixture of vibrant cities and rural areas, go hiking, relax by the beach and discover the food scene of each country.

This Baltics trip includes the famous capital cities Tallinn, Riga, and Vilnius, where you discover a bustling lifestyle and admire charming historic city centers and beautiful architecture. In addition, it also takes you to the lesser-known areas of each country. You get to spend two nights on Saaremaa, Estonia’s biggest island, explore the castles of Sigulda, Latvia, and climb the impressive sand dunes in the Curonian Spit in Lithuania .

Even though two weeks are not enough time to see everything the Baltics have to offer, this itinerary will help you make the most of your time and be sure that you don’t miss any of the ‘musts’.

Good to know: The best way to visit the Baltics is by renting a car and doing a self-drive road trip . But this trip is also doable without a car – there are excellent bus/train connections (and buses are reliable and comfortable) and for some popular places nearby, you can also take day tours from the capital cities. This itinerary is structured as a self-drive Baltics road trip but it also includes all the tips and suggestions for those who are using public transport. Take a look!

Baltics Travel Itinerary – OVERVIEW:

Days 1-2: tallinn, estonia.

• Days 3-4: Kuressaare, Estonia
• Day 5: Tartu, Estonia

Day 6: Cēsis, Latvia

• Day 7: Sigulda, Latvia
• Days 8-9: Riga, Latvia
• Day 10: Hill of Crosses & Klaipeda, Lithuania
• Day 11: Day trip to Curonian Spit, Lithuania
• Day 12: Kaunas, Lithuania
• Day 13: Trakai & Vilnius, Lithuania
• Day 14: Vilnius, Lithuania
• Assitional suggestions for a longer trip
• Practical info & tips

Good to know: This Baltics travel itinerary starts in Tallinn, Estonia, and ends in Vilnius, Lithuania, but you can easily do it the other way around – from Vilnius to Tallinn. There’s really not much difference which way you travel, and both cities have very good flight connections to various European countries.

Here’s our suggested Baltics travel itinerary:

Start your Baltics trip in Tallinn. Estonia’s capital is famous for its medieval Old Town, and during the next two days, you’ll have the chance to wander through narrow cobblestone alleys, climb the city walls and sample Estonian food.

Here are some  highlights of Tallinn  you should check out:

Town Hall Square

While walking through the Old Town, you will eventually end up at Town Hall Square . Here, you can discover lots of traditional old houses and a great atmosphere.

At one end of Town Hall Square, you can see the City Hall . In summer, you have the chance to climb to the top of the tower and enjoy the view. This is also the perfect place if you want to try Estonian food. Head to the III Draakon, a tavern in the town hall building, where you can sample elk soup, elk pastries, or lingonberry juice.

Almost opposite the town hall, you can find the Raeapteek . The Town Council Pharmacy is the oldest continuously operating pharmacy in Europe. If you go inside, you can visit a small exhibition or try claret, a wine produced here since 1467.

Toompea Hill

If you want to see Tallinn from above, you should head to Toompea Hill . Up here, you can find multiple viewing platforms that will offer fantastic views of the Old Town’s red roofs.

The Kohtuotsa lookout is the most famous platform, but it can get very busy. If you want to avoid the crowds, head to the Patkuli viewing platform instead, where you’ll run into fewer tourists. On clear days, you can even see the Baltic Sea from up here.

While up on Toompea Hill, make sure to check out the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral . The Russian Orthodox Cathedral is one of Tallinn’s most beautiful churches.

Tallinn’s City Walls

Some parts of the city wall that once surrounded all of Tallinn are still intact, and you have the opportunity to climb them in multiple places.

The first entrance is at Hellemann Tower . Here, you can walk on a piece of wall that is around 200 meters long. You have the chance to climb up into the watchtowers, too, to enjoy a very different viewpoint compared to Toompea Hill.

Up on Toompea Hill, you can find Kiek in de Kök Tower . Up here, you can also get on top of the city wall, and you can even enjoy a drink in the cafe on the wall. Your entrance ticket also gives you access to the tower. On each of the six floors, you can visit an exhibition about Tallinn, its city wall, and its history.

Additional recommendations

If you would like to learn more about the city, you can opt for this popular private walking tour with a local .

If you want to get the most of your stay and see more of Estonia, consider taking a half-day trip to Jägala Waterfall and Harju County . This area is east of Tallinn and you won’t be passing here when continuing your trip.

Where to Stay in Tallinn

For the best experience, stay in the old city center. There are many nice accommodations for all budgets here. We recommend Hestia Hotel Kentmanni.

Days 3-4: Kuressaare

If you are planning a self-drive road trip through the Baltics, it’s best to rent a car from this day on . Here you can find some of the best deals for car rental in Tallinn .

After leaving the city, travel to Saaremaa, Estonia’s biggest island . The journey takes around 4 hours, including a half-hour ferry ride. If you are driving, make sure to arrive at the Virtsu ferry port at least 15 minutes before departure (if you take a bus, you don’t have to worry about that). Here you can find the ferry schedule and more practical info (you need a ferry from Virtsu to Kuivatsu).

Without a car: There are regular bus connections between Tallinn and Kuressaare, the biggest town on Saaremaa.

On Saaremaa Island, base yourself in Kuressaare , where you can find most of the island’s attractions. Make sure to stroll through the Old Town to discover the historic buildings and traditional architecture.

Afterwards, head to the Kuressaare Episcopal Castle . The castle dates back to the 14th century, and it takes at least an hour or two to explore the exhibitions inside. Be careful to follow the arrows, as it’s easy to get lost in the maze of corridors. During your visit, you have the chance of climbing the towers. From up there, you have a fantastic view of the star-shaped moat that surrounds the fortifications.

Another highlight of Saaremaa are the Kaali Meteor Craters , which you can visit in the village of Kaali. Scientists believe that the impact happened anywhere between 6,400 and 400 BCE, and it had the same explosive force as the Hiroshima bomb blast. All trees in a radius of six kilometers burned.

If you’d rather take it slow, head to the beach or find a spa to relax. Kuressaare is famous for its spas, and many Estonians come here to unwind for a few days. So why not join them and experience some traditional Estonian sauna culture!

Where to Stay in Kuressaare

There is a big choice of accommodations in Kuressaare, but since it’s a popular resort town, be sure to book well in advance, especially if traveling during summer or popular holidays. We recommend Johan Design & SPA Hotel , or – on a slightly higher budget Arensburg Boutique Hotel & Spa .

Day 5: Tartu

Today, you have a long drive ahead of you. It takes almost 6 hours to get to Tartu from Kuresaare by car and a little longer if you use public transport. Therefore, make sure to leave Kuressaare as early as possible, so you can enjoy the afternoon in Tartu.

Tartu is a cute town in Southern Estonia that is famous for its university. While here, check out the University Museums. On top of Toome Hill, you can find the University of Tartu Museum as well as the Old Observatory . Both are worth visiting, but if you only have time for one, head to the Observatory.

In the 19th century, Friedrich Georg Wilhelm von Struve measured the length of a meridian and eventually became the first person to accurately determine the shape and size of Earth. He conducted much of his work from this observatory, which is why it is now part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the observatory, you can learn more about Struve’s work and see astronomical instruments from that time period.

While in Tartu, make sure to go for a walk through the Old Town. Town Hall Square is famous for its Kissing Students fountain, and you can discover many historic buildings around the square. Take some time to walk through the cobblestone streets and admire the architecture of Tartu. Be sure to check out the restored ruins of the Tartu Cathedral (Toomkirik). You can also climb the tower for some nice views over the city.

TIP: If you have a car and some time to spare, you could also visit Alatskivi Castle about 30-40 minutes drive north of Tartu. But if you only have half a day in the city, this will likely be too much.

Where to Stay in Tartu

Tartu is a popular tourist destination and you’ll have no trouble finding good accommodation at reasonable prices. We recommend Lydia Hotel , however, their parking is quite expensive since it’s in the heart of the city. A nice alternative (still very good location) if visiting by car is Art Hotel Pallas by Tartuhotels .

In the morning, drive from Tartu to Cesis in Latvia. The drive is about 2.5 hours and if you leave early enough, you have plenty of time to explore Cesis on this day.

Without a car: If you are traveling without a car, it’s easier to take a bus from Tartu to Riga, stay in Riga for 3 or 4 nights in total, and make day trips from there to Cesis and to Sigulda. There are also tours that visit these places from Riga in one day .

Cesis is a cute medieval town known for its two castles. You can get a combination ticket that includes entrance to both the Medieval Castle and the museum in the New Castle . As there are no electric lights in the old castle, you will need to carry a lantern. Exploring the ruins with a candle in your hand is an incredible experience you’ll remember for a long time.

After visiting both castles, take some time to stroll through Castle Park . At the edge of the park, you can see the remains of the oldest brewery in Northern Europe . Cesus Ale, the owner, has since moved the beer production to a more modern building on the outskirts of Cesis, but you can still see the old brewery.

Where to Stay

You could stay in Cesis for a night, but we suggest driving to Sigulda – the next town on this itinerary, about 30 minutes drive further. There is a bigger accommodation choice in Sigulda and much nicer hotels and you could stay here for two nights. We recommend Hotel Sigulda – it’s a nice hotel with great facilities, easy parking, and they have a very good restaurant.

Good to know: If you are really in a hurry, you could see just the main highlights of Cesis and Sigulda on the same day.

Day 7: Sigulda

Today, spend a day in one of Latvia’s most beautiful destinations – Sigulda in the Gauja National Park . Sigulda has multiple sights and attractions to keep you busy all day. You can find several castles in the area, which are all different and exciting to visit.

If you visit just one castle in Sigulda, make it Turaida Castle , a red-brick castle a few kilometers away from town. It houses a museum, and it’s part of the Turaida Museum Reserve, where you can also visit traditional houses from the area. This is the most-visited museum in Latvia!

Sigulda Medieval Castle (Castle Of The Livonian Order in Sigulda) is also nice to see. You can climb to the top of the Northern Tower from where you have a fantastic view of the valley. Just next to it, you can see the recently renovated Sigulda New Castle (Siguldas Jaunā pils) which used to serve as a city council and is now a museum.

Another place worth checking out is Krimulda Medieval Castle , which is the ruins of the 13th castle. Here, you’ll also find the beautiful viewpoint ‘Bellevue’, with great views of the bends of the Gauja River. Please note that this castle ruin is not to be confused with Krimulda Manor , which is a sort of rehabilitation center/ hotel.

TIP: One of the best ways to see the main castles is to go for a hike, from Sigulda Medieval Castle to Krimulda Castle (take the cable car to cross the valley) and then onwards to Turaida Castle. Don’t miss Gutmanis Cave , which you can find between Krimulda and Turaida. Locals have left graffiti here for centuries, and the oldest inscriptions date back to the 17th century.

If you want to take it easy, stay in the same hotel in Sigulda as the previous night. As already said, Hotel Sigulda is one of the best options here. Alternatively, you could continue to Riga already, which is about a 1-hour drive.

Days 8-9: Riga

In the morning, drive to Riga (about a 1-hour drive). With its location in the center of the country, Riga is also the perfect base for day trips to places like Cesis and Sigulda mentioned above. As already mentioned, if you are traveling without a car, it’s best to come here from Tartu (so on day 6 of this itinerary). In that case, stay in the city for 3-4 nights and make day trips either by public transport or by taking tours.

For the next two days, you have the chance of  exploring Riga . Be sure not to miss the following highlights:

Riga Old Town

It’s easy to get lost in Riga’s cobblestone streets and to spend hours wandering through the Old Town . Along your way, you should pass the Three  Brothers , a famous landmark in the city. All three houses belonged to men from the same family but date back to different time periods, so this is a fantastic place to see how architecture in Riga evolved over the centuries.

If you want to see the Old Town from above, stop by St Peter’s Church . The tower rises high above the houses, so from its top, you have a fantastic view of Riga.

House of the Blackheads

If you only visit one museum in Riga, it should be the House of the Blackheads . You’ll notice the extensively decorated building while walking through the Old Town, and if you go inside, you can learn more about the Brotherhood of the Blackheads.

This guild was an organization of merchants and craftsmen, and in Latvia, they came together in the House of the Blackheads for meetings and social gatherings. They even erected the first Christmas Tree in Europe, though it is unclear if it was in Riga or Tallinn.

Ethnographic Open-Air Museum of Latvia

If you want to see a different side of Latvia, head to the Ethnographic Open-Air Museum of Latvia , which you can find on the outskirts of Riga. Buses 1, 28, or 19 can take you here if you don’t have a car, and you’ll have the chance of seeing more than 100 traditional buildings from all over the country.

The museum grouped these houses by region, and you’ll be surprised to learn how different building styles and rural life were, depending on the area. Don’t miss the giant windmill in the middle of the park, and make sure to go inside the houses. Some are open, and in summer, you might see weavers and blacksmiths perform their craft.

Practical information: The museum is open the whole year round, but opening days and times vary per season. Check their website for more information. You could easily spend an entire day here. As a minimum, count half a day.

Where to Stay in Riga

Riga is a big city and there is no shortage of accommodations for all budgets . For the best experience, we recommend staying close to the city center. If you are traveling by car, be sure to check that the hotel has parking available! We recommend Wellton Riverside SPA Hotel .

Day 10: Hill of Crosses & Klaipėda, Lithuania

After leaving Riga, cross the border to Lithuania and head to Klaipeda. The drive is about 4 hours, and you can stop at the famous Hill of Crosses near Šiauliai on your way. It’s conveniently located for this itinerary, about 2 hours drive from Riga and about the same from Klaipeda, and a visit here doesn’t require more than half an hour. Still, be sure to leave Riga early so that you can explore Klaipeda in the afternoon.

Without a car: If you are traveling by bus, there are direct bus connections from Riga to Klaipeda, and the trip takes around 4-5 hours. It will be difficult to visit the Hill of Crosses on this day, but you may still be able to come here on your way from Klaipėda to Vilnius two days later. See day 12 of this itinerary for more details.

The Hill of Crosses is one of the most unique places in Lithuania, and you can see hundreds of thousands of crosses on this hill. The sight is almost unreal, and as you walk around, you will notice hundreds of small crosses wedged into the ground between the larger ones. Here you can find our complete guide to visiting the Hill of Crosses .

After spending time at the Hill of Crosses, continue to Klaipeda . You should arrive in the early afternoon, so still plenty of time to explore the city. While Klaipeda is Lithuania’s third-largest city, its historic center isn’t that big and you can see all the musts in half a day.

When you stroll through the Old Town of Klaipeda , you will notice that the architecture is different from anything else you’ve seen in the Baltics before, and some of it even looks German. That’s because the area once belonged to Germany, and you can still see the influence in architecture today.

Make sure to visit the History Museum of Lithuania Minor if you want to learn more about the history of the region. Don’t miss Theatre Square and be sure to check out the little hidden gem Fredericho Passage , where you can also find a restaurant serving local dishes.

Afterwards, head down to the riverside and to the harbor. The waterfront is one of the most pleasant areas to go for a walk in Klaipeda, especially in summer. During the warmer months, you can also rent kayaks or pedal boats to explore the city from a different angle.

Where to Stay in Klaipeda

Klaipeda is a harbor town and so it’s nice if you can stay close to the water. We recommend either Old Mill Hotel or Michaelson Boutique Hotel – both near each other and both excellent choices, in beautiful historic buildings. There is big public parking just nearby (the fees aren’t high) and the Old Town is within walking distance. Stay here for two nights.

Day 11: Day trip to the Curonian Spit

Today, take a day trip to one of the most beautiful places in the Baltics, the Curonian Spit . This 98km-long narrow piece of land perched between the Curonian Lagoon and the Baltic Sea is a National Park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Curonian Spit is famous for its wandering sand dunes. The biggest dune that you can climb is Parnidis Dune, just next to Nida. From here, you can see the lagoon on one side and the Baltic Sea on the other side. It might not look like it, but Parnidis is a wandering dune that moves a few centimeters every year. Over the past centuries, these dunes have even swallowed a few villages!

During your day trip, visit the nicest dunes and villages of the region, and be sure to go for a walk around Nida, the main town of the Curonian Spit. Here, you can see many traditional fishermen’s houses, several museums, and a beautiful waterfront promenade. For more information, please see our complete guide to the best things to do in Nida .

But there’s much more to see in the beautiful Curonian Spit National Park than just its biggest town! So if you are self-driving, check out our complete guide to the Curonian Spit in Lithuania . It also has all the details on how to get there by car.

Without a car: Curonian Spit is best explored by car since there are many beautiful places scattered all over the region. If you don’t have a car, you can best opt for an organized tour – see this private day tour from Klaipeda. Alternatively, take a passenger ferry from the pier north of the city center (Senoji Perkėla), and once you reach the other side, you can take a bus to Nida. Nida is a nice day trip in itself, but you won’t be able to see the rest of the area if you take a bus.

Day 12: Kaunas

Today, leave Klaipeda and head to Lithuania’s second-largest city, Kaunas. If you are driving, it’s a long but easy drive on a highway and takes about 2.5-3 hours, leaving you plenty of time to explore Kaunas.

Without a car: If you are traveling through the Baltics by public transport, it’s easier to skip Kaunas and take a train from Klaipeda directly to Vilnius (with a stop in Šiauliai for a visit to the Hill of Crosses). In that case, take a train to Šiauliai and book a private tour to the Hill of Crosses (they can pick you up at the train station and the hours are flexible). Afterwards, continue your trip to Vilnius by train. If you decide to go to Kaunas from Klaipeda and skip the Hill of Crosses, then take a bus to Kaunas – it’s much faster than by train.

There is enough to see and do in Kaunas to fill a few days, so you could easily add a night here if you have more time. But you can get a taste of the city and see some of the main highlights in half a day as well.

The best way to explore Kaunas on a short visit is by taking a walk through its main pedestrian streets that run through the entire city center – from Kaunas Castle and Cathedral in the Old Town via Vilniaus Street and all the way to St. Michael the Archangel’s Church at the far eastern end of Laisvės alėja (Freedom Avenue). If you have the time to visit one museum, check out the M.K. Čiurlionis Museum of Art . If you are looking for something more unique that you won’t find anywhere else, then don’t miss the Devils’ Museum .

Where to Stay in Kaunas

We recommend staying in the city center, close to the above-mentioned pedestrian streets. That way, you can leave your car at the hotel and explore Kaunas on foot. Check out BEST WESTERN Santakos Hotel – it’s right in the middle between the Old Town and the popular pedestrian avenue Laisvės alėja and has free private parking. Here you can find more hotels and accommodations in Kaunas .

Day 13: Trakai & Vilnius

With two weeks in the Baltics, you’ll have to make some tough choices and skip some places, so if you want to take it easy, today, we recommend that you drive to Trakai from Kaunas, and then head to Vilnius in the late afternoon.

However, if you have an entire next day to explore Vilnius and so if you find a day in the city sufficient, then you may want to visit a few other nice places between Kaunas and Vilnius. In that case, you could also visit Pažaislis Monastery and Lithuanian Folk Museum in Rumšiškės .

Both these places are just a small detour from the Kaunas – Vilnius highway and both are well worth your time. But don’t try to squeeze too much in a day or you won’t have much time to actually enjoy it.

Without a car: Take a train from Kaunas to Vilnius and spend a day in Vilnius. You can take a half-day tour to Trakai the next day. In summer, you can also opt for a full-day tour from Vilnius that visits the castle and includes canoeing on the lakes around it.

Anyway, if you are going from Kaunas to Trakai, it’s an easy drive, mostly on the highway, and it takes a bit over 1 hour. From there, it’s just a short drive to Vilnius (but can take an hour if traffic is busy), so you can spend as much time in Trakai as you like. This town is famous for its island castle, one of the must-see places in Lithuania.

Trakai Castle dates back to the 14th century, a time when Trakai was an important town in Lithuania, and – for a few years – even the capital city. The Grand Duke of Lithuania often received important visitors here. The Castle was recently restored and is the most impressive castle you can visit in Lithuania these days. Its location on an island, surrounded by lakes and forests, makes it even more special. And don’t worry, you won’t have to swim to the island – there is a nice pedestrian bridge connecting it to town.

Inside the Castle, you can visit an exhibition about the history of Trakai, and you also have the chance to learn about the Karaites, a Turkic Jewish minority that lives in the area. Lithuanians call them Karaimai .

And speaking of them, when in Trakai, be sure to try Kybyns (LT: kibinai ), traditional Lithuanian food of the Karaite ethnic minority. You can find them at most of the local restaurants in Trakai. This is the best place in Lithuania to try this traditional meat-and-onion pastry. You may also find it in Vilnius and a few other places in the region, but they are nowhere as good as in Trakai.

If the weather is nice, take a boat tour on the lake to see the castle from a different perspective. Afterwards, head to Vilnius, walk around the Old Town, and end your day with some typical Lithuanian food.

Day 14: Vilnius

Today, it’s time to explore Vilnius. Lithuania’s capital city has a lot to offer, but if you have just a day, be sure not to miss the following places:

Walk around the Old Town

Walking through the Old Town of Vilnius is the best way to get to know the city. It has such a great atmosphere and you’ll find something nice behind every corner.

Don’t miss the Town Hall Square ( Rotušės aikštė ), Vilnius University , Presidential Palace , and one of the must-see streets in Vilnius – Castle Street ( Pilies gatvė ). Also worth visiting is Literature Street ( Literatų gatvė ). This picturesque street is lined with plaques detailing names of authors who have either lived in Vilnius or written about the city.

Another must-see is the Gate of Dawn , a city gate that dates back to 1522 and was once part of the city wall. Inside, you’ll find a religious artifact, an icon of the Blessed Virgin Mary Mother of Mercy, which still attracts pilgrims today.

Stiklių Street , in the vicinity of the Restaurant Lokys, is also worth passing by. They usually have some nice decorations hanging above the street and it’s always worth seeing what kind of creations they come up with next. And the restaurant is very good too!

There are also lots of beautiful churches in the Old Town of Vilnius. They say there are 28 churches just in the Old Town… If you visit just one of them, don’t miss St. Anne’s Church – it’s a stunning example of Gothic architecture.

Cathedral Square, Gediminas Castle & Neris River

Cathedral Square is home to Vilnius Cathedral. With its many columns and a white Bell Tower , this building is one of the city’s most famous landmarks.

Just next to it, you’ll find one of the best museums in Vilnius – the Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania . If you have at least an hour to spare, definitely check it out. The Virtual Reality 3D experience is so well done and gives you a good introduction to the history of Vilnius.

Behind the Cathedral, you’ll see a hill with a tower on top. Head up there to discover Gediminas Castle Tower and to enjoy the fantastic view of Vilnius. You can walk up the hill or take a funicular which can be found on the other side of the hill, on the riverside. And once you are here, be sure to take a walk along the river.

Gediminas Avenue & Museum of Occupations and Freedom Fights

Gediminas Avenue (Gedimino Prospektas) is one the main streets of Vilnius. This is the place where you’ll find many shops, restaurants, theaters, etc.

Be sure to walk at least a part of this street, up to Lukiškės Square, the largest square in Vilnius. Here, you’ll also find the former KGB building, now the Museum of Occupations and Freedom Fights .

It’s a very interesting and eye-opening place where you can learn more about the way the Soviets treated innocent people. It will surely help you to better understand the not-so-distant history of Lithuania and the other Baltic States.

Republic of Užupis

One of the most curious neighborhoods to visit in Vilnius is Užupis (literal translation “behind the river”).

This “republic” declared its independence in 1998 as a joke by local artists. Uzupis has its own parliament, border post (bring your passport if you would like a stamp), and even a constitution. Check out the Angel of Uzupis, a statue that represents the freedom of art and expression.

While nobody recognizes the independence of Uzupis, the neighborhood is a great place to discover art galleries and cafes. As you walk around, you can also find impressive street art, so keep your eyes open and don’t forget to glance into the small alleys and sidestreets.

Where to Stay in Vilnius

There are lots of nice hotels and accommodations in Vilnius. Many people like to stay in the Old Town and if you already returned your rental car, it can be a good option. In any case, be sure to look for a hotel that has parking (or public parking nearby).

Radisson Blu Hotel Lietuva is a nice modern hotel by the river, on the other side from the Old Town, but you can easily get everywhere via a pedestrian bridge from here. It will also be easier to park here.

If you rather stay in the Old Town, take a look at NARUTIS Hotel . It’s a great choice in the heart of the city and within short walking distance to everything. They also have free parking and an indoor pool. And, of course, there are many other options all over the city center, for all budgets.

If you have a few more days in the Baltics…

Even though this itinerary is already packed with things to do in the Baltics, you can easily spend more time in the region – there are so many other nice places to see. If you have a few extra days, you can distribute them between the countries however you wish, and here are some additional suggestions:

• In Estonia, consider visiting Pärnu, a relaxed beachside town, or head to Lahemaa National Park to go hiking for a day.
• In Latvia, you could visit the seaside in Jurmala or go on a day trip to Rundale Palace.
• In Lithuania, you could stay longer on the Curonian Spit, add a day in Kaunas, and also an extra day in Vilnius.

Map of this Baltic States Itinerary

To help you plan your trip to the Baltics, we created a map indicating all the main places that we recommend visiting in Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. This map is just an overview and doesn’t contain all the details, but it will give you a better idea of where everything is and how you could adjust this itinerary if you have less or more time.

You can click on the picture below and see this map on Google Maps. The entire Baltic States road trip – as it is suggested in our itinerary and shown on the map – is about 1500 km over 14 days.

Some Practical Info for Planning Your Trip

Best time to visit.

The best time to visit the Baltics is in the summer. The weather is generally very nice, the days are long, and there are lots of events and celebrations. As a downside, it’s much busier in June, July, and August than the rest of the year and accommodation prices at the popular vacation destinations soar. For the best experience and fewer crowds, plan a trip to the Baltic states in May or in September.

The Baltics in the winter

If you want to avoid the crowds altogether, you can also travel to the Baltics in autumn or in winter. In some of the stops on this itinerary, you will barely see other travelers at all, and with a bit of luck, you’ll experience snow. However, if you are planning a self-drive Baltics road trip, don’t visit in winter if you are not used to driving in winter conditions.

If you are planning a trip in winter, then consider visiting in December. Vilnius, Riga, and Tallinn host wonderful Christmas markets! So if you visit in the winter, you’ll enjoy a great Christmas atmosphere and much fewer people than at the most famous Christmas markets in Western Europe… Here you can read more about the Christmas Market in Vilnius, Lithuania – they have the most original Christmas Trees every year.

Renting a car vs. public transport

You can easily visit the Baltic states by car. The roads and infrastructure are good and comparable to any other EU country. Traffic can get very busy around the biggest cities and at the seaside on summer weekends, but apart from that, driving in the Baltics is quite relaxed. Just be sure to follow speed limits and other traffic rules since police controls are frequent.

If you prefer not to drive, you can also visit all three Baltic countries by public transport. There are good bus connections between all major cities, so if you are mostly interested in visiting the main towns, you can easily do that without a car as well. That being said, if you want to explore the Baltics a bit deeper, it’s definitely better to rent a car.

Is it safe to travel to the Baltics?

Yes, traveling in the Baltics is safe and very comparable to the rest of the EU. In fact, you’ll likely feel safer walking around Vilnius or Riga at night than you would in London, Paris, or Brussels… Just as everywhere, use common sense, but in general, there’s nothing to worry about. If you are traveling to the Baltics in winter, you may encounter ice on the roads and on the pavements, so be careful.

Which is the best Baltic state to visit?

It’s hard to compare three countries of the Baltics and say that one or the other is better. They are all different and each is worth a visit, and if you follow this itinerary, you can get a taste of all three countries and decide for yourself. That being said, if you have the time to visit just one country, then go to Lithuania. It has everything – nice towns with a great atmosphere, interesting museums and lots of cultural events, stunning nature, friendly people, and delicious Lithuanian food . And yes, I’m biased since Lithuania is my home country, but I haven’t met one single person who didn’t love it!

READ ALSO: Best places to see in Lithuania

So, this is our suggested Baltics itinerary for two weeks. We hope that this inspired you to visit this beautiful and still very little-discovered region in Eastern Europe. Have a great trip!

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Image credits: personal collection, Toptravelsights.com , raigvi/Shutterstock.com, Wide Wings/Shutterstock.com, Chamille White/Shutterstock.com, and Depositphotos.com.

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Friday 23rd of June 2023

My friend and I are planning to visit the three Baltic states in September. around 15 days. Your guidance is the best. I think we will follow your suggestions. We plan to hire a car. Any helpful hints?

Saturday 24th of June 2023

Hi Philip, that's a very general question ;). You can find all the helpful hints in our article already. Just one thing - book your car asap and I also recommend booking accommodations in advance as well. Have a great trip!

Wednesday 1st of March 2023

Thanks for the invaluable guidance. Is March a good time to visit? Will sights and restaurants be opened? Sometimes it is good to have more people around to soak up the culture of the place.

Hi, you can really visit the Baltics at any time of the year. And yes, everything will be open as usual, except in the smaller seaside villages. In the bigger cities and towns, it's always lively, and everything is open. There are also lots of concerts, theater performances, etc. in the winter months. As for the weather in March, it's more difficult to predict. It can still be quite wintery (especially in the north), or you may get lucky and it will be warmer and a bit spring-like already. Be sure to check the weather forecast a few days before you go. In general, at this time of the year, you have to be prepared for winter conditions. Have a great trip!

Thursday 5th of January 2023

Looking to do a similar trip! Wouldn't a one way car rental be pretty astronomical? I think we need to find a way to make it a loop if we are gonna rent a car. :-/

Saturday 7th of January 2023

Hi, it really depends and a one-way rental is not always more expensive. It's quite common for travelers to start in one Baltic State and end in the other, so many car rental companies are offering quite normal prices for one-way rentals. But you'd have to check what cars/prices are available for your travel dates and decide based on that. We personally always use this website for our car hire. We're just back from a trip where we rented a car with a drop-off a few thousand kilometers away and they didn't even charge us any one-way fees. So you never know until you check. Good luck!

Monday 13th of June 2022

What an amazing trip plan!! I was planning a trip just like this but was a bit apprehensive given the war in Ukraine and proximity of Baltics to Russia. I see this was updated in May 2022. Do you know if there are any complications of border crossings, etc. due to the war. Looks TRULY amazing!

Tuesday 14th of June 2022

@Jurga, yes thank you!! Just booked my flight and will visit both. I plan on following this itinerary so many thanks!!

Hi Kari, my entire family lives in Lithuania and we are also visiting there soon, and I see no reason not to travel to the Baltics at the moment. Life is as usual everywhere there and if you just stay in Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia, I don't expect any issues. These are all EU countries so there are no border controls in between them. And they are also all NATO countries, so let's hope that's sufficient to keep things stable. For the rest, nobody can ever guarantee anything, but that is no different in the Baltics than anywhere else really. Hope this helps.

The Essential Guide to the Baltic States

Here’s what you need to know about traveling to estonia, latvia, and lithuania—and why you should be bound for the baltics on your next trip..

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Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania, has a history that stretches back to the Stone Age.

Photo by Diego Flore/Shutterstock

Strung along the Baltic Sea, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania are small nations with long and complicated histories. Nearby larger powers, especially Russia and Germany , have long shaped their cultures, politics, and commerce, but despite being part of the Russian and Soviet empires at different points, each nation has managed to maintain its distinct character and language.

The three Baltic countries also possess an appearingly paradoxical balance: Although highly urbanized in certain areas, they’re mostly forested or agricultural. Their capitals offer the appeals of other northern European cities—lively restaurant and bar scenes, galleries, museums, and shopping—while their national parks help preserve the beauty of the region, from the birch forests dotted with lakes and streams to the vast stretches of dunes occasionally interrupted by centuries-old castles.

The capital of Latvia, Riga is known for its beautiful art nouveau architecture.

Photo by Shutterstock

Occupying the northern end of Eastern Europe, the three countries have been at the center of many historic moments. While nominally independent since World War I, they remained firmly under Soviet influence long after Word War II, even though they never officially joined the Soviet Union. On August 23, 1989, 2 million protestors formed a human chain across the Baltic republics and set in motion the official withdrawal of the Red Army. In the years since, these nations, and the more than 6 million people who call them home, have seen a burst of entrepreneurial energy, making them more exciting than ever to visit.

When to Go to the Baltic States

The Baltic States are countries best visited in summer, when temperatures are mild and the sun shines for 18 hours on the longest days. Taking advantage of off-season deals may backfire: Spring is often brief and wet, fall is chilly, and winter is dark, cold, and challenging for travel, especially to rural areas. Even if you stick to the milder coastal regions (where Tallinn and Riga , the Estonian and Latvian capitals, are located), you’ll often find yourself facing snowy forecasts in the colder months.

Tallinn, the capital of Estonia, boasts a bustling restaurant and bar scene.

Getting Around the Baltic States Tallinn, Riga, and Vilnius—the capitals of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania, respectively—all have major international airports, though there are no direct flights from North America. If you intend to explore beyond the capital cities—and there are many reasons to do so—know that bus service is more extensive than train, but both are limited and a rental car will make traveling much easier. Another way to see the region is by cruise, many of which provide a great introduction to Tallinn, Riga, and Klaipėda (Lithuania’s major seaport).

Food & Drink

The cuisine of the Baltic countries has much in common with that of Russia—beets and potatoes, delicious dark breads, and a variety of dumplings are served at restaurants throughout the region. You’ll also find fish and shellfish, however, because cooks here take full advantage of the bounty of the Baltic Sea. Game is popular, too, and if you visit in the summer, you’ll get to indulge in the area’s short but spectacular growing season. Fruit wines are a favorite, so toast your adventure with a glass of cherry or black currant wine.

All three capitals have existed for centuries, with Vilnius’s history stretching back the furthest (a settlement was there as early as the Stone Age). In each city, the old towns are ideal for wandering among medieval, Gothic, and Renaissance buildings. Riga is famous for its many art nouveau structures, while Vilnius has recently begun to recognize the beauty of some of its Soviet-era architecture. Cheap flights from elsewhere in Europe have helped fuel bar, music, and restaurant scenes, though more so in Tallinn and Riga than Vilnius.

Time travel back to the Middle Ages with a visit to Lithuania’s Trakai castle.

Photo by Marek Dravnel/Shutterstock

Can’t Miss Beyond touring the historic sites in the capital cities, you’ll want to visit the medieval castles that dot both the coastlines and interiors of the Baltic States. Trakai, a castle on an island in Lake Galvė, is especially stunning, recalling the height of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania. Also worth seeing is the atmospheric Sigulda in Latvia, where 12th- and 13th-century crusaders lived while attempting to convert the Baltic region’s then-pagan population.

For culture outside the capitals, head to Lithuania’s major seaport of Klaipėda, a city strongly influenced by Germany (it was politically part of the country until 1923, when it was annexed by Lithuania). Also visit Estonia’s second largest city, Tartu, home to important history and the country’s largest university. When you’re craving nature, Lahemaa, Estonia’s largest national park, features a variety of landscapes, from forests to dunes to alpine lakes.

Practical Information

U.S. travelers to Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania do not need to obtain any special visas, but their passports must be valid for at least three months beyond the end of their planned stay. Each country has its own language and, while locals will appreciate any effort to learn a few phrases, you’ll find that most people who interact with travelers speak at least some English. All three countries are in the eurozone, with Lithuania the last to adopt the euro as its currency in 2015. C and F plugs are common in all three states and the standard voltage is 230—the adapters you would use when traveling in Western Europe will work in these countries, too.

>>Next: The #1 Reason You Need to Hit Up Latvia This Summer

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Destinations

Experiences.

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Plan Your Trip

Discover baltic bliss.

One thing I learned, as I planned my own Baltic states travel itinerary months ago, is that there are as many tours of the Baltics as there are travelers who explore this European frontier. While some people (a narrow majority, perhaps) stick to the Baltic capitals of Vilnius, Riga and Tallinn, others prefer to explore the evergreen-encrusted sandbars and boggy forests that make up the Baltic landscape.

Whatever the end goal of your trip, my blissful Baltics itinerary will provide a solid foundation for your own adventure. I have a feeling you’ll be booking a flight by the time you’re finished reading it!

Practical Matters

When to visit the baltics.

Conventional wisdom says that Baltics weather is crappy outside the summer months, but climate change has thrown that out the window. Indeed, while only about half my early September days in Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia were sunny, a friend of mine who visited nearly a month later had pristine weather the whole time. Another approach to take, when it comes to the timing of your Baltics trip, is to go during the dead of winter as I did when I traveled to Russia .

Where to Stay in the Baltics

With the exception of certain properties in Vilnius, Riga and Tallinn (properties whose luxuriousness requires you to pay handsomely, I should add), most places you stay during your Baltic itinerary will be unremarkable—and that’s being kind. Indeed, while I loved my stay at Tallinn’s Villa Hortensia , and would’ve preferred to have slept at Hotel Justus in Riga, had my plans not changed at the last minute, most of my Baltic hotels were too unremarkable to remark upon.

How to Get Around in the Baltics

My approach to Baltic transport was as eclectic as the Baltic States themselves. While I subsisted primarily on cheap Lithuania trains and buses, and traveled by bus on my only day trip from Tallinn, I rented a car in Latvia. While I’m hesitant to characterize this as a mistake (though it was certainly an expensive choice whose ROI was questionable), I’d say that for most Baltic itineraries, public transport should be sufficient for getting around.

Money, Costs & Communication

Are the Baltics expensive? In a word no, though there are exceptions to this rule. For example, while I never paid more than 10 euro for a meal in Lithuania, and had several bus fares there I could pay with small change, prices in Riga and Tallinn were more in line with those you find in the better-known capitals of Europe. Overall, I’d say that most travelers can expect to pay around 100 USD per person, per day in the Baltic States, though backpackers can probably go as low as 50; there’s no upper limit, for better or for worse.

Most every Lithuania itinerary will start in the country’s capital Vilnius , though this shouldn’t be a default decision. Rather, Vilnius’ sprawling Old Town is a thing of beauty, whether you look out onto it from Gendiminas Castle Tower at sunset, or wake up early to traipse through the courtyard of Vilnius Cathedral before anyone else gets there.

Trakai and the Hill of Crosses

There will be plenty of castles on your Baltics itinerary, but there’s no place like Lithuania’s bizarre Hill of Crosses . On the other hand, the Vermillion-roofed Trakai Castle is perhaps my favorite fortress in the entirety of the Baltic States, even if seeing it on a day trip from Vilnius (the second of my 12-day Baltic adventure) did prove a little anti-climactic.

Klaipeda and the Curonian Spit

Likewise, most people’s Baltics travel will visit the Baltic Sea at some point—the clue is the name. While beaches and islands in Latvia and Estonia have their own charm, nothing in those countries comes close to Lithuania’s Curonian Spit . A 60-mile sandbar whose wild dunes and charming Nida town are fully worth the trek to Klaipeda city, the Curonian Spit is home to the most beautiful beaches in the Baltic States.

Many travelers wonder how many days in Riga they should spend; I always answer simply: All of them. Then I follow up, explaining that since Riga is near the geographical center of Latvia, it will be their home base. They’ll sleep there every night, though most will only spend a day or two explore Old Town Riga and the Art Nouveau architecture on offer just to the north of it.

Jurmala and Liepaja

My fawning for the Curonian Spit above notwithstanding, your Baltic itinerary is likely to visit the beach in several countries; in Latvia you have two main options. If you plan to travel by public transport and simple want to see the sea, get a bus to Jurmala , which is only 30 minutes from Riga and whose name literally means “Beach.” Liepaja , on the other hand, is something of a mini-Riga (and a more Soviet-style one at that), though its beach is disappointing, in my opinion.

Cesis, Kuldiga and Rundale

Having a car, though I previously expressed regret about my decision to have rented one, greatly opens up possibilities for your Latvia itinerary . For example, while travelers dependent upon public transport could probably only fit one of the three destinations listed above into their destination, a car allows you to see the castle towers of Cesis , the wide waterfall of Kuldiga and the Versailles-like palace at Rundale in one day.

Estonia’s capital is simultaneously the most beautiful city in the Baltics region and also the most disappointing one. I don’t say this to insult Tallinn , of course, or to suggest there’s nothing to see outside its Old Town — Kadriorg Palace refutes that notion on its own. Still, I can’t help but conclude that the city shows all its cards pretty immediately, pretty as they may be. If you feel the way I do, you can always take a day trip to Helsinki .

Lahemaa National Park

The best Baltic itinerary will always include time in a swampy forest, which is why a day trip from Tallinn to Lahemaa National Park (whose star attraction is, well, a bog-filled forest) is such an iconic addition to make to your trip. The bus from Tallinn to Viru Bog takes less than 35 minutes, while the entire loop around the bog (including a trip up the not-so-high observation tower) can be done in less than two hours, all-in.

Saremaa Island

Many an Estonia itinerary will include a visit to the much-hyped (among Estonians and those familiar with the country, anyway) Saremaa Island . However, if you this includes yours, you should keep in mind that it’s not very easy to visit on a day trip from Tallinn. The island is larger than it looks on the map; buses aren’t so frequent and are also not extremely quick. Book a hotel here, if you have enough time.

How Many Days Should You Spend in the Baltics?

One thing my Baltics itinerary doesn’t specifically delineate is how long your Baltic trip should last. Personally, I found a little under two weeks—which is to say four days each in Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia—provided a sufficient balance of the culture, cities and nature that make this part of the world so special. You can adjust this up or down, depending both on the length of your own Europe itinerary , as well as whether you’re solely headed here, or to other parts of the continent.

Other FAQ About Visiting the Baltics

Which is the best baltic country to visit.

In my opinion, Lithuania is the most interesting Baltic country to visit. After you’ve had your filled of architecture and history in Vilnius, you can head to the coastal city of Klaipeda, which is just a stone’s throw from the dramatic beaches of the Curonian Split. While Riga (Lativa) and Tallinn (Estonia) are more interesting as cities than Vilnius, the rest of each of those countries are comparatively boring.

How do you travel between the Baltic States?

While buses run between major Baltic capitals, I personally find that flying is the best way to travel between Vilnius, Riga and Tallinn, particularly if you’re short on time. AirBaltic, an airline that’s hubbed at Riga Airport, makes this especially easy, assuming you put Lativa at the center of your Baltic trip (as you should).

Which is nicer, Tallinn or Riga?

While Tallinn seems more made for Instagram and is certainly a more popular destination, I actually find Riga to be a more enjoyable city. It’s much larger and less touristic; the city is as much about its Art Deco district as it is about the quasi-Soviet edificies that stand in various places around its city center.

The Bottom Line

I hope this has helped you plan the ultimate Baltic states travel itinerary, from the eclectic capital cities of Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia, to the subtle fierceness of the landscapes that define the region. Whether you fashion your Baltic trip as I did, or use my Baltic trip plan as a blueprint for your own, one thing is for certain: This oft-overlooked corner of Europe is a part of the world you’ll never forget. Make sure to consider hiring me as your Travel Coach if you get stuck planning your trip to the Baltics.

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A road trip through the Baltic States

Oct 9, 2019 • 4 min read

Alexander Nevsky Cathedral dominates the skyline in the Tallinn © kavalenkava / Shutterstock

Despite their geographical proximity, the cultures of the countries of the Baltic States are worlds apart. Lithuania , the last country in Europe to adopt Christianity, is packed with pagan history. Latvia  has incredible landscapes and many cultural layers. Estonia , with influences from nearby Finland, is known for its economic success. This road trip route starts in Vilnius and ends in the historic city of Tallinn, covering over 1000km. Each stage of driving takes around two to three hours. We recommend allowing two weeks to complete the route (although it's possible in 10 days). 

Lithuania: Vilnius, Kaunas, Klaipėda, Curonian Spit, Palanga

Start in Vilnius , the capital and most populated city in Lithuania. Here, you will want to visit the Old Town, a pastiche of baroque and Gothic architecture. Tour the atmospheric museum of art and history at the Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania and Gediminas Castle , a series of settlements dating back to Neolithic times.

Spend a few quiet hours in the quarter of Užupis . Nowhere is the city’s thriving spirit more evident that in this bohemian neighbourhood. It was here that a group of creative individuals jokingly decided to proclaim their independence, going as far as to draw up a mock constitution for their republic. The Lithuanian government has since gone along with the joke, allowing Užupis to remain independent, although the status is in name alone.

From Vilnius, make a brief stop 100km away in Kaunas , Lithuania’s second largest city, and European Capital of Culture for 2022. Kaunas Castle offers an insight into the country’s past, and the Museum of Devils , which is packed with masks and stories, outlines local traditions and folklore.  

Drive onwards to Klaipėda  (200km), which has a quiet and unassuming beauty that will immediately make an impression on you. An important point on several trading routes, this is one of the many Baltic cities that bears the mark of European merchants, especially those of German and Dutch descent. From here, take a ferry to the Curonian Spit , which separates the Curonian Lagoon from the Baltic Sea. This bewitching national park and Unesco Heritage Site is made up of sand dunes, pine forests and fishing villages. It can be visited as a day trip, but if you're keen to explore in depth, allow three days here.

The coastal city of Palanga is roughly a 30km drive from Klaipėda. It’s a popular destination for a day at the beach on the Baltic Sea, so expect the pier and cosy streets to be flooded with people.

Latvia: Ventspils and Rīga

From Palanga, cross the border into Latvia, heading towards Ventspils, nearly 200km away. It’s a classy coastal city drenched in Latvia’s past. Visit Ventspils castle, the oldest castle of the Livonian order , which has a local history and art museum.  

It’s approximately 190km from Ventspils to Latvia’s capital city, Rīga , which is cool, endlessly busy and a hotbed of activity at any hour. Bars, coffee houses, theatres and a thriving live music scene offer plenty of entertainment. Admire the art nouveau architecture at Alberta iela and be sure to grab some food for the road at Rīga Central Market . Rīga Cathedral is the largest medieval church in the Baltics, and historic Rīga Castle was first established back in 1330.

Exploring historic Rīga on a budget  

Estonia: Pärnu and Tallinn

From Rīga, head north to approx 180km to Pärnu, the Estonians’ favoured summer destination. It’s graceful and classy, and very popular with Estonian, Russian and Finnish tourists. Relax in the cafes, stroll the cobblestone streets and enjoy the dune-covered beaches.

Onwards to Tallinn , which is only 120km away. The roads pass through seemingly never-ending woodland. If you have time, take the longer route via the coastal road, allowing you to make stops at various seaside spots on the way. 

Tallinn is a stylish and lively city, packed with impressive sights such the Gothic town hall , which dominates the Town Hall Sq . Stop by the graceful Alexander Nevsky Cathedral , an onion-domed Russian Orthodox cathedral, to admire the frescoes. For a taste of traditional rural life, drive out to Estonia Open Air Museum , where you can visit historic buildings and experience activities such as blacksmithing and weaving.

While fiercely independent, there is a strong influence of Finnish culture in Estonia. Helsinki is only a ferry boat ride away from Tallinn’s shore , a trip you can make in a day if you book tickets in advance.

Tallinn by the seasons: a year-round guide to Estonia’s capital

Make it happen: driving info

Roads in the Baltic States are, for the most part, very well maintained. Traffic jams are infrequent, especially outside of the main cities. Be sure to drive on the right. There are plenty of parking spaces in the cities at both private car parks and meters. Expect to pay more for parking at meters that are closer to the city centre.

Four scenic drives in the Balkans

Contributor: Eduard Banulescu

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Baltic states

• 1.1 Other regions
• 2.1 Capitals
• 3 Other destinations
• 4.1 History
• 4.2 Religion
• 6.1 By plane
• 6.2 By boat
• 6.3 By train
• 7.1 By plane
• 7.3 By train
• 7.4 By bicycle
• 8.1 Itineraries
• 12 Stay safe

The Baltic states are three countries of north-eastern Europe , on the eastern shore of the Baltic Sea. The three small countries have a long interesting history, and an impressive cultural heritage dating back to the Hanseatic League . The region's 175,015 km 2 are home to 6.3 million people, nearly half of them in Lithuania.

Countries [ edit ]

North to south:

Other regions [ edit ]

Kaliningrad Oblast – a bizarre small slice of Russia between Lithuania and Poland that makes for an interesting addition to a Baltic trip. Entering the exclave requires a Russian visa.

Cities [ edit ]

Capitals [ edit ].

The three capitals all have UNESCO -listed old towns, Soviet concrete new towns and occasional 21st-century buildings in between.

The cities are roughly listed North to South

• 59.437222 24.745 1 Tallinn – smallest of the three but still an aspiring global-feel city and Estonia's digital industrial hub
• 56.9475 24.106944 2 Riga – the region's biggest city, Latvia's party town has much to offer
• 54.687222 25.28 3 Vilnius – Lithuania's cosmopolitan centre

Other [ edit ]

The towns and cities are roughly listed North to South

• 58.38 26.7225 4 Tartu – Estonia's second city with a relaxed student vibe
• 55.871389 26.516111 5 Daugavpils – second biggest city of Latvia
• 56.508333 21.011111 6 Liepāja – Latvian beach city known for its music and the former secret Soviet military town of Karosta
• 54.9 23.933333 7 Kaunas – second biggest city of Lithuania, with an old town and many museums and galleries
• 55.7125 21.135 8 Klaipėda – Lithuania's harbor city—belonging to Germany until World War I under the name "Memel" and still served by Baltic Sea Ferries from German ports
• 55.928056 23.316667 9 Šiauliai – Lithuanian city with odd specialist museums and the Hill of Crosses

Other destinations [ edit ]

• 58.416667 22.5 1 Saaremaa – largest Estonian island, green landscapes dotted with quaint villages and a medieval castle
• 56.9665 23.722111 2 Jūrmala – Latvian resort town on the Baltic Sea; draws a crowd in summer for the long stretch of sandy beach and cool forests
• 55.274444 20.970833 3 Curonian Spit – a sandy spit containing the largest drifting sand dunes in Europe, at the border of Lithuania and Kaliningrad Oblast
• 59.393056 27.774167 4 Sillamäe – former Soviet closed town in Estonia near the Russian border, today it is known for having a treasure trove of beautiful Stalinist architecture

Understand [ edit ]

Baltic States are diverse, and each country and region has a different history and culture. While Latvia and Estonia were under foreign dominance for centuries, Lithuania was one of the major powers in the region. The culture of the Baltic states was strongly influenced by Scandinavians, Germans, Poles and Russians. Modern history of the Baltic States has been especially shaped by various forms of Russia , since it gained control over the area during the 18th century. People of the Baltic States have strong national identities, and are today well-integrated with the Western world.

History [ edit ]

The Baltic states have had vibrant histories. Christianity , Germans and feudalism arrived together in the 13th century. Also in the 13th century, the Grand Duchy of Lithuania emerged as a major political player in Medieval Europe. The Hanseatic League dominated commerce on the Baltic, until the Danish Empire and later the Swedish Empire came to rule the Sea.

In the 16th century, the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth took over control of the area. It lasted until the late 18th century. The area of the Baltic states was then largely absorbed into the Russian Empire , with a slice of modern-day Lithuania being given to Prussia , later becoming part of the German Empire .

As part of revolutionary Russia's speedy exit from World War I in 1918, the early Soviet government relinquished claim on the region, creating the states which exist today. Germany was also considerably reduced in size after the war.

The Soviet Union rebounded and re-annexed all three states during World War II in a move greatly resented by their populations. The Nazis used anti-Soviet sentiment to help them form Baltic auxiliary police units that assisted the Nazis in wiping out almost all of the area's Jewish population (see Holocaust remembrance ) and others considered ethnic or ideological enemies (notably including Poles), though the Nazis' claims to being liberators were not widely believed for long. The Soviets yet again annexed the Baltics in 1944, in a move condemned as illegal in the West but tolerated as part of the emerging Cold War diplomacy. All three states maintained a strong sense of national identity throughout the Soviet period, with fierce resistance against Soviet rule by the local population, culminating in an independence movement known as the Forest Brothers that was active throughout the entire period of Soviet rule. In 1990–91, the Baltic states led the breaking away of the USSR's constituent republics from the central government. They all swiftly turned away from Moscow towards the West, and joined both the European Union and NATO in 2004. All Baltic states are members of the Eurozone with Lithuania being the last to do so in 2015.

The Baltic States have seen rapid economic growth since their independence, leading to them being dubbed the Baltic Tigers ; while hit hard by the 2008 financial crisis, they saw a rush of emigration, but recovered in a few years. As of 2020, they are the only former Soviet republics whose standards of living have risen to Western European standards, and the only ones to be classified as "advanced economies" (i.e. developed countries) by the IMF. In 2017, the United Nations Statistics department changed categorization of the Baltic States from eastern Europe to northern Europe.

Kaliningrad , subject of ethnic cleansing and repopulated by Russians loyal to Moscow, became an exclave of Russia after the fall of the USSR.

All three countries are home to significant ethnic Russian minorites as a result of the history of Soviet rule. These communities generally maintain close ties with Russia, making relations tense between them and their respective governments. While Lithuania granted citizenship to its ethnic Russian minority following independence, most ethnic Russians in Latvia and Estonia are stateless permanent residents; they are allowed to remain in the respective countries, but not allowed to vote in elections or claim certain welfare benefits.

Religion [ edit ]

Traditional Christian affiliations were Lutheranism in much of Latvia and Estonia, and Catholicism in Eastern Latvia and Lithuania. Communism and the general loss of religion across the Western world have heavily altered the traditional affiliations: Once a Lutheran country, Estonia is now among the least religious countries in the world, as 49% say they have no belief in God, and a further 40% claiming to be either agnostic or not being affiliated with any religion; in Lithuania, 49% say they do, and Catholicism remains a vital life force in everyday life; Latvia is evenly split between Lutherans, Orthodox (mostly among the Russian community), and irreligious. A smattering of pagan belief persists, for example the Romuva faith, perhaps because this was one of the last areas of Europe to be Christianized.

Talk [ edit ]

Each of the three countries has its own language, with Russian as a common second, or even first, language of many, particularly in the cities. English is widely spoken among the younger generation educated after independence; those born after the fall of the Soviet Union tend to be fluent, especially in Estonia. German is often understood and spoken at a conversational level. Any attempt to speak the native language is greatly appreciated.

The Estonian language's similarities with Finnish, along with Finnish cultural influences, allow much mutual comprehension. In Tallinn Finnish is spoken or understood at most places of interest for the average visitor. Some Polish is spoken in Lithuania.

Given that Russian was the language of the perceived colonial oppressor, it may not be well received. Try first communicating in the native language or in English, at least for greetings and to ask whether the person prefers to speak Russian. The negative attitude towards Russian tends to persist more strongly in Estonia and Latvia, with Lithuania having less anti-Russian language sentiment. Generally speaking, the younger generation schooled after independence is more likely to speak English than Russian. That said, all three countries have significant ethnic Russian minorities whose native language is Russian, particularly in some neighbourhoods in their respective capital cities and in areas near the Russian border. Younger ethnic Russians who were educated following independence usually speak the respective country's national language as well, though older people who were educated during the Soviet era typically do not.

Latvian and Lithuanian are related to each other as Indo-European Baltic languages. It is commonly believed that Baltic and Slavic languages are more closely related to one another than other branches of the Indo-European language family, but this is not even yet the unanimous opinion of linguists and unlikely to be of much help understanding people or recognizing cognates. Estonian is relatively closely related to the Finnish language, much more distantly related to Hungarian (about as close as Spanish and Greek are) and not related to the Baltic languages or any other Indo-European language even though there are of course loanwords.

Get in [ edit ]

All three states are part of Europe's Schengen area .

By plane [ edit ]

Generally speaking there are fairly good connections from other parts of Europe and from the western half of the former Soviet Union. Save for a few exceptions, getting to the Baltics from elsewhere always includes at least one change of planes.

Riga Airport ( RIX  IATA ) in Latvia is by a large margin the busiest airport in the Baltic countries. It is the main hub of AirBaltic , which flies to around 60 European cities (including most major cities) and has seasonal routes to the Middle East and Central Asia. When flying to the Baltic states, chances are you will pass by Riga.

Tallinn Airport ( TLL  IATA ) in Estonia is a small airport with fewer direct connections than its neighbors. However, it ranks among the best airports in the world for its excellent customer service, modern facilities, and overall efficiency. It is Air Baltic's second hub, is served by several low-cost airlines, and has flights to most major airports in northern and central Europe.

Vilnius Airport ( VNO  IATA ) in Lithuania is mostly served by budget airlines Wizz Air and Ryanair, for which it is a major hub, although a number of major carriers and charter airlines can be found as well. Vilnius also has a rather large catchment area that reaches deep into Belarus and northeastern Poland.

Ryanair also provides several connections to Kaunas Airport [dead link] ( KUN  IATA ). Palanga Airport serves as a small regional airport for the western part of Lithuania with a few routes.

By boat [ edit ]

Ferries criss-cross the Baltic . A popular route is Helsinki – Tallinn . There are also many Baltic cruises .

By train [ edit ]

Rail connections are pretty shoddy, not to say awful and even not recommended. Vilnius is the entry hub for rail travelers from Warsaw , Kaliningrad and Belarus . All three capitals have at least daily connection to Moscow and St Petersburg . Note that the trains from Vilnius to Moscow and from Kaliningrad to St Petersburg via Vilnius (do not confuse with direct train from Vilnius to St Petersburg) pass through Belarus, which might require an additional visa.

Get around [ edit ]

The capitals are all connected to each other by short flights. From Riga there are flights to Kaunas and Palanga . From Tallinn there are flights to Tartu , Kuressaare and Kärdla .

By bus [ edit ]

The international bus network is pretty well developed making for easy movement. Bus is in most cases the fastest and most practical way for intercity travel if you don't have a car.

None of the capitals have direct services between them, though each country has a usable and cheap domestic network. Most (if not all) lines radiate from the capital cities, and do not link up with each other. Riga to Tallinn can be traveled by train in one day by changing in Valga . As of Dec 2023, there is no service between Riga and Vilnius , but the Lithuanian national operator hopes to begin a direct service in 2024. [1]

By bicycle [ edit ]

The international bicycle project, BaltiCCycle may provide you with a lot of information and help.

By car [ edit ]

Your own car or a rented one is also an option, especially if you want to get to places outside major cities. Large highways are in a good shape and almost comparable to the ones in the Nordic countries , sideways and streets (in particular in smaller towns) much less so.

Two strategies may be helpful for travelers who want to explore the Baltic states by rented car. The first is to take buses or trains between major cities and rent and return a car locally. The other is to rent a car in one of the three capitals and then make a loop or figure 8 route. Returning a car to a different city or country will increase the cost by at least 50%, but usually 100%.

See [ edit ]

• The Baltic sea coast with sandy beaches, including the Curonian Spit
• Some of Europe's lowest "highest country points"; Suur Munamägi (318 m) near Võru , southeast Estonia, Gaiziņkalns (312 m) near Madona , central Latvia and Aukštojas (294 m) southeast Lithuania near the Belarusian border.
• World heritage listed old towns in all three capitals.
• Buildings and other remains from the Soviet Union .
• The Hill of Crosses near Siauliai

Itineraries [ edit ]

• Via Baltica – Goes from the Estonian capital Tallinn through Riga , Latvia and Kaunas , Lithuania and continues to Warsaw , Poland .
• Cruising the Baltic Sea

Do [ edit ]

Eat [ edit ].

The Baltic cuisine has similarities with the Nordic , Russian , and Central European cuisines. They have a wide range of bread , eaten to nearly every dish. The most traditional alcoholic beverages are beer and vodka , though kvass (a beverage commonly made from rye bread) is also common.

Drink [ edit ]

Due to their geography and history, the Baltic States are fond of hard liquors and beer. Another common drink in the area is Kvass.

Stay safe [ edit ]

Unlike their giant next-door neighbor to the east and many other former Soviet Republics, the Baltic states have never suffered from rampant criminality; they are usually safe from a tourist standpoint, and taking the basic precautions will suffice to feel comfortable. Larger urban areas do have their (marginal) share of non-violent offenses, whereas rural areas are virtually crime-free.

Nevertheless, keep the following information in mind:

• Alcoholism is a significant problem in the Baltics. Watch out for people (including tourists from the UK, Germany, and Russia) who cannot control themselves, especially in bars, nightclubs, and low-income neighborhoods. Security guards in the region have very low tolerance on the matter, and they will resort to violence to get rid of drunkards.
• Violent crimes such as aggravated assaults have occurred, but are usually limited to poor towns and areas off the beaten track. The city of Narva in northeastern Estonia, the western part of Riga, and the northern suburbs of Vilnius are notable examples of places with higher-than-average crime rates.
• In Riga and Tallinn, the Russian mafia remains present, but is unlikely to harm tourists. Both cities are also known to inhabit "gopniks", the Slavic equivalent of chavs in the UK.
• Open homosexuality is rare in the region, and same-sex couples will often be met with glaring stares by older generations, but violent reactions are unlikely, especially as the younger generations are more accepting of the LGBT community.

Go next [ edit ]

Stay on the Baltic coast with:

• Gdansk – historic Prussian port town, later home of the Polish movement Solidarity, which helped bring down communism
• Helsinki – enter the Nordic countries via the charming Finnish capital
• Stockholm – easily reachable by ferry and plane, Sweden 's capital is another excellent entry point to Scandinavia
• Kaliningrad – estranged former Soviet brother of the Baltics, Russia's westernmost outpost
• St Petersburg – a prettier way to see Russia than Kaliningrad

Or head inland to:

• Minsk – see Stalinist architecture of the 1950s at its best
• Moscow – Russia's capital is the world's northernmost city with more than 10 million inhabitants, and has a lot to see and do
• Warsaw – vibrant cultural life and good dining

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What to Know Before You Travel to the Baltic Region

Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia

When to Visit

Countries of the baltic region, the culture of the baltic region.

The Baltic Region of Eastern Europe is a unique territory inhabited by non-Slavic natives as well as ethnic Slavs. Travelers to the Baltic Region will discover the centuries-old folk culture, strong national pride, and the refreshing air of the Baltic Coast.

Visiting this region offers sights and activities not found in other countries in East or East-Central Europe. The capital cities may provide the most as far as entertainment, sights, and shopping go, but a trek into the countryside will mean the exploration of castle ruins, enjoying a day at an open-air museum, or spending a revitalizing holiday by the sea. Furthermore, villages and towns showcase interesting snapshots of life in the Baltic Region.

While most people visit the Baltics in the summer, other seasons have a wealth of options for the off-season traveler. Autumn and spring are beautiful times to visit these three countries. Winter has the remarkable advantage to visit as it is the season during which Christmas markets and related events allow visitors to participate in holiday traditions. When you dine out in the Baltics, seasonal dishes such as cold beet soup in the summer and hearty stews in the winter will be popular fair at restaurants serving traditional fare.

Nestled together on the coast of the Baltic Sea—Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia—make up the Baltic Region of Eastern Europe.

Latvia is situated between Estonia, its neighbor to the north, and Lithuania is its neighbor to the south. To get a better idea of location, look at these  maps of the Eastern European countries . Because Russia (and Belarus), Poland, and even Germany have shared borders with the Baltic Region, the Baltic countries may share some characteristics of nearby countries. Each Baltic nation has a coast on the Baltic Sea, which has provided fish, amber, and other ocean resources to Baltic Region locals.

Visiting all three Baltic countries is easy, with regular flights between the capital cities of Tallinn, Riga , and Vilnius. Short distances between the cities also mean that travel by bus is convenient, affordable, and comfortable and that seeing all three cities in one visit is possible.

Although Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia are grouped geographically as the Baltic Region, they differ from one another culturally and linguistically. The countries consistently strive to encourage the world to see them as unique nations. Locals and visitors alike can learn about the folk cultures and the evolution of languages in art and history museums in the Baltic Region. 

As far as language goes, both Lithuanians and Latvians share some  similarities of language , though the two are not mutually intelligible; Lithuanian is considered to be the more conservative of the two. Meanwhile, the Estonian language derives from the Finno-Ugric branch of the language tree, making it entirely different from both.

Festivals and markets across the region year-round also highlight unique elements of each nation's culture and history through folk dances, songs, crafts, and food. These song and dance festivals preserve this essential part of these countries' cultures, which was integral to gaining their independence during the Singing Revolution.

Countries in the Baltic Region also celebrate holidays according to local customs, so Christmas in Lithuania, while similar to​ Christmas in Eastern Europe, is definitely unique, with many special customs and traditions of its own.

Guide to the Countries of Eastern Europe

Lithuania in Spring: Weather, What to Pack, and What to See

Fall in the Baltics: Weather, What to Pack, and What to See

Major Cities in Eastern Europe

Introduction to the Baltic Capitals

After Decades of Disconnection, These 3 Countries Will Join the European Rail System

Lithuania Facts

An LGBT Guide To Tallinn, Estonia

Lübeck: Planning Your Trip

8 Latvian Dishes You Should Try in Riga

Maps of Northern European Countries Visited by Cruise Ships

Maps of Eastern European Countries

Geography and Culture of Bulgaria

Your Trip to Israel: The Complete Guide

Lithuania Christmas Traditions

Scandinavia and the Nordic Region: Planning Your Trip

• 12 Things you should know before you visit the Baltics

This article may contain links to products and services we use and recommend. We may receive compensation when you click on links to those products. For more information, see our Disclosure Policy .

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• Suur Munamägi, Estonia
• Gaiziņkalns Hill, Latvia
• Aukštojas Hill, Lithuania

The Baltic countries are proud of their national identities

While some wanted to brexit, the baltics are pro-european.

• Baltic cuisine was shaped by its history… and is delicious

What looks like a church is not always a church

There are many museums and memorials worth a visit, how much does it cost to explore the baltics, english is widely spoken (by people under 40), you have a brilliant business idea come to the baltics, itineraries for independent travellers, the baltics are pretty flat (and windy), baltic cities boast stunningly (and some less so) beautiful architecture, trolleybuses are (still) a very common mode of transport, football/soccer is not the national sport, what surprised you about the baltics, author: sandra rosenau.

Our bus suddenly grinds to a halt. Somewhere in the middle of the Lithuanian countryside , a handful of people are eagerly waiting to get on. Among them, was a guy in his 40s. Faintly resembling Jason Donovan in Neighbours days , though with a moustache, he wears acid-washed jeans and a shimmering pink, purple and teal nylon tracksuit jacket. As he takes his seat behind us, the radio starts blaring Voyage Voyage . If my SmartPhone didn’t tell me otherwise, I could swear it is the year 1989.

Exploring the Baltics often felt like travelling back… to the time the Iron Curtain fell. Maybe it is because 2019 marked the 30th Anniversary of the Baltic Way, which ultimately led to the Baltics regaining their independence. Maybe it is because austere Soviet-era apartment blocks are still as much part of the Baltic streetscape as trolleybuses. Or maybe it is because most older people we approach in English look at us blankly. But when I scramble together some rusty school Russian, they don’t stop talking.

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2019 marked the 30th Anniversary of the Baltic Way, which ultimately led to the Baltics regaining their independence

Suur Munamägi, Estonia

Gaiziņkalns hill, latvia, aukštojas hill, lithuania.

What many don’t know (we certainly didn’t): During the 15th century, the Grand Duchy of Lithuania was actually the largest country in Europe . No kidding! While Lithuania ’s rulers did a bit of land grabbing in the Middles Ages, for centuries, it was the three Baltic countries that had to endure being occupied by other forces: Germans, Danes, Swedes, Poles and Russians conquered and subdued the Baltics at one point or another (often more than once). While being part of other countries, Estonian , Latvian and Lithuanian national identities continued to evolve in the communities, through cultural traditions, poems and songs.

Being annexed by the Soviet Union in 1944, all three countries only regained their independence in 1991. It may, therefore, come as no surprise that you will see the national flags and national colours everywhere.

Lithuanian Flag on Gediminas Tower , Vilnius

Latvia flag on castle

Estonia flag on castle

Because of their history , all three Baltic states are fiercely protective of their independence, seeking NATO and EU membership as early as 2002 (and becoming members in 2004).

There are no physical borders between the three countries. You will see road signs indicating you’re leaving one and entering the other. And between Latvia and Estonia , we saw white and black wooden markers every 20 metres or so. But no one will check your passport: the Baltics are part of the Schengen area .

Another interesting fact that ties the Baltics to Europe : Europe ’s geographic centre is actually located in Lithuania – 20-odd kilometres north of Vilnius (in Radžiuliai).

Baltic cuisine was shaped by its history… and is delicious

Baltic food is hearty, with influences from the foreign forces that invaded and occupied the Baltics over the centuries: from potatoes in all variations (boiled, fried, in dumpling or pancake form), sausages (including some made with potato puree), pickles and earthy soups, all the way to cheese (including cheese made from apple and little curd cheesecakes) and rye bread (baked, fried… and in fluid form, no kidding). Make sure you try it. It’s delicious.

Cold beetroot soup in Lithuania is served with a dollop of sour cream and a side of boiled potatoes

Another reminder of the different forces shaping the history of the Baltics is its colourful churches of all denominations: you can find Catholic, Protestant and Eastern Orthodox churches everywhere. During Soviet times, practising religious beliefs was suppressed, and many churches were re-purposed for non-religious uses. While many churches have been returned to being places of worship, others are still being used as museums, art galleries and (thanks to their great acoustics) concert venues.

Speaking of museums: all three Baltic countries boast incredibly interesting museums, collections and memorials. Some are very well-curated (and even interactive). Others could use a helping hand to make them more accessible to a broader audience. Most museum staff we spoke to were enthusiastic and eager to share their knowledge. So, if something doesn’t make sense, just ask.

Our favourites were:

• Lithuania : Museum of Occupations and Freedom Fights, Vilnius
• Latvia : Peat House / Edgars Ameriks peat workshop and art gallery, Kalnciems
• Estonia : Alexander Nevsky Cathedral Entry and Guided Tour, Tallinn

The Museum of Occupations and Freedom Fights - gruesome but our favourite museum in Vilnius

Visiting the Baltic countries cost us on average EUR45.17/USD50.54 per person per day. Check out our individual country costs here:

If you speak to a person 45+ (for example, when you buy groceries) don’t take their indifference or blank look as being unfriendly (though some older folks really are grumpy… but that’s not only the case in the Baltics ). People who are Paul and my age (or older) grew up under the Soviet regime. Which means, Russian was the (foreign) language they learned at school.

If you need advice, approach a person in their 20s or 30s. Chances are they are keen to practise their English (and they speak it very well).

Home to just over 6 million people, the three Baltic states are among the European leaders when it comes to the number of start-ups per capita. Estonia is the birthplace of Skype , Wise (formally TransferWise ) and Bolt (formally Taxify ). Our email marketing provider MailerLite was founded in Lithuania . Even our short-term rental accommodation hosts in Vilnius both worked in the start-up scene.

So you are interested in travelling to one or more of the Baltic States? We have developed the ultimate three-week road and rail trip itinerary to help you explore and learn about the people, culture , food and history .

• Baltic States

The Baltics are a breeding ground for start-ups (including our email marketing provider MailerLite )

The Baltics will not be a favourite for mountain climbers (at least not to practice their climbing skills). The reason: In the Baltics , you can’t climb any higher than 318 metres above sea level. That’s as high as Estonia ’s Suur Munamägi (the highest point in the Baltics ) gets. Latvia ’s and Lithuania ’s highest peaks are 312 metres (Gaiziņkalns Hill in Latvia ) and 294 metres (Aukštojas Hill in Lithuania ), respectively.

Without larger mountains for protection, hardly a day goes by without at least some wind. Which is great to cool you down in summer and if you love kite surfing (which you can do in the Baltic Sea and on many lakes – the Baltics have more than 10,000). But it also means that it can get pretty chilly in the winter months.

Interested in learning about the countries we explore through entertainment? These inspirational travel movies will allow you to go on your own virtual tour around the world.

While many Western European cities were bombed into oblivion during World War Two, Baltic cities, towns and villages survived World War Two relatively unscathed. From Romanesque and Gothic medieval old towns to strikingly opulent Art Nouveau streetscapes, you can find it all in the Baltics , (sometimes a little too) well preserved.

Baltic streetscapes are not all about quaint medieval old towns

All three capital cities and Lithuania ’s second-largest city Kaunas have trolleybuses. The only difference between them is the age and colour choices: Our favourites by far were those in Kaunas . The city is about to replace its old trolleybuses (with new ones). To give the old ones the send-off they deserve, the city decided to turn them into street art, making the city extra colourful (what a cool idea).

Kaunas ' old trolley buses have been painted to give them a well-deserved send-off

While the Baltic states each have their own National Football Team, football/soccer is not their National Sport. Instead, Lithuanians go absolutely nuts for Basketball – the Lithuanian National Team ranks eighth in the FIBA World Ranking . Latvians go bonkers for Ice Hockey – the Latvian National Team ranks tenth in the IIHF Ranking . Estonians love both (though with less success at the international level), and sports and the outdoors in general.

What interesting and unusual things did you discover when visiting the Baltics ? Please send us an email.

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The Nomads You Know

Travel . Adventure . Experience

Baltic States , Europe · 1 February 2024

9 Days in the Baltic States: A Complete Travel Guide

Lithuania, Latvia & Estonia sit in the region of Europe known as the Baltic States. Of which we believe is one of the continents most underrated & overlooked regions. Each of these countries has it’s own story to tell, yet they all share a unique history.

We spent 9 days exploring the Baltic States, as our gateway into Northern Europe & fell head over heels in love with the region. In this guide we are going to walk you through exactly how you can make the most of your time in the Baltics, with all the best things to do & see along the way. For those of you like us & travelling on a budget, You’ll be glad to know that the Baltics are super budget friendly, in fact they’re some of the cheapest countries we’ve travelled to in Europe.

Disclaimer:  This post may contain affiliate links. At no extra cost to you, we receive a small commission on purchases made through these links. By doing so, you are supporting our blog and helping us to continue writing free travel guides for you, thank you for your continued support .

Things to know before travelling to the Baltic States

In all of the Baltic States the currency is Euros, & card is widely used. It would also be wise to carry small change for things such as public transport. The Baltic States are mostly welcoming countries & although the people may appear cold on the exterior, once you get chatting with them they can be really friendly. The native languages of the Baltic States are Lithuanian, Latvian & Estonian, however Russian is also widely spoken as well as English.

When is best to visit the Baltic States?

This part of Europe is an all year round destination. We chose to visit in Winter (November) which made for a pretty magical time with plenty of snow & festive magic in the air. Visiting in Summer also has it’s benefits, with longer days & the opportunity to head out exploring the Baltic coastline.

Travelling in off-season is our general rule for most of our adventures, this is when prices are lower & crowds fewer. Luckily the Baltic States haven’t been hugely affected by mass tourism yet, unlike other European countries. So you will likely be able to visit with little to no crowds any time of year. However, you will definitely be able to find cheaper flights & accomodation in those shoulder months (outside of summer).

How to travel in & between the Baltic States

Connections between Lithuania, Latvia & Estonia are easy to navigate & find. We travelled with Interrail passes , which were super handy for travelling on the trains throughout the Baltics. However please note that as now (January 2024), there are no inter-country trains between Latvia & Estonia. There is however a new train route that connects Vilnius in Lithuania to Riga in Latvia. This train route wasn’t available when we visited, but has since been put in place as of December 2023.

To travel from Riga – Tallinn in Estonia you will need to purchase a bus ticket. We travelled with FlixBus , the journey was smooth & very cheap at only 8 Euro per person for a 4.5 hour journey.

Day 1-3: Vilnius, Lithuania

Starting your Baltic States adventure in Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania, will give you a real taste of Lithuania as a whole even in just a few days. It is a small city that is super walkable. Moreover, after flying into Vilnius we experienced one of the easiest transfers from the airport to the city, that we have ever had. There is an airport bus located directly outside of the terminal, which will cost only 1 Euro (in cash) per person.

Where to stay in Vilnius?

There are plenty of budget options available in Vilnius starting from around £15 per night in hostels & upwards of £30 per night in a 3/4 star hotel. Which is a brilliant price for Europe. We chose to stay in an Airbnb as we found them to have more value than a hotel room, as we would get our own space with a kitchen too. Often Airbnb’s work out to be a lot cheaper when you factor in the fact that you’ll be able to cook all your own meals here.

You can find the exact Airbnb that we stayed in here . We will say that it wasn’t the best Airbnb we have ever stayed in, but for the price (£114 for 3 nights) it did the job that we needed it to. The location was also very central, around a 5 minute walk to the Old Town & Lidl was just around the corner.

Top 5 things to do in Vilnius

1. Explore the Old Town – Vilnius Old Town is beautiful & quaint. A stroll down it’s cobbled stoned streets will leave you feeling as though you’ve stepped back into a time gone by. Dotted with adorable churches & multi coloured buildings, the Old Town is certainly picturesque & a great place to take photos.

Make sure to stop by the Gates of Dawn . This is one of the gateways to the Old Town, the Gates of Dawn is also an important religious & historical monument for the Lithuanian people. The Old Town is full of pretty streets to admire, some of our favourites include: Pilies Street (picture perfect views of Gediminas tower from here) & Stikliu gatve .

2. Visit Gediminas Tower – From Pilies Street you’ll be able to spot the Gediminas Tower, it is an easy 10 minute walk up the hill to reach the tower & you’ll be rewarded with spectacular views across the city. If you don’t fancy walking it, you can also take the funicular to the top, that only costs 2 Euros each way. The Gediminas tower is the remaining tower of the fortress that once stood here. The tower is iconic to Lithuanian’s as it featured on their former currency & is mentioned in folklore as well as art.

3. Museum of Occupations & Freedom Fights – This is a must on a visit to Vilnius. The museum walks you through the occupations of Lithuania from the Germans to the more recent Soviet occupation. It is a great way to get an inside look of Lithuania’s history & understand more about the struggles that the Baltic region has faced in the not so distant past. At the museum there is also an ex KGB prison, it was fascinating yet heart breaking to learn more about Lithuania’s dark history during the Soviet era. (Entry is 6 Euros per person) .

4. Uzupis Micronation – Yep you read that right. Vilnius has it’s very own micronation in the heart of the city. Uzupis was once the cities poorest area, but after Lithuania’s independence in 1991, it became a republic. Attracting artists, creatives & those living a more bohemian lifestyle to come enjoy & live in the micronation. The tiny republic has it’s own anthem, constitution, president & bishop.

If you enjoy the quirky side to life then you will love Uzupis. Take a walk around the streets, that are lined with cafe’s & independent shops. Make sure you also stop by & read the consitution that is written on silver plaques along Paupio gatve. Uzupis has some very funny rules. Whilst you are in the neighbourhood stop by ‘Spunka Pub’ a cosy bar offering delicious craft beers for affordable prices, the atmosphere in here is lovely.

5. Take a day trip to Trakai Castle – The town of Trakai is situated 28km outside of Vilnius & easily reached via train from the city centre. The train will cost you 2 Euros each way (or free with an Interrail pass) & it will take approximately 30 minutes to reach Trakai. Once you have arrived, it is an easy & relatively flat 25 minute walk to the spectacular Trakai castle.

Trakai castle is a 15th century fortress, situated rather uniquely on an island in one of Europe’s deepest lakes, Lake Glave. The castle is also the only one in Eastern Europe of it’s kind, to be located on an island. As you approach the castle you’ll be greeted by a stunning walkway bridge, this is the perfect opportunity for a photo! & if you have a drone, make sure you bring it with you, as this spot is brilliant for it.

You could easily spend a couple of hours here, walking around the grounds & taking it all in. There is a museum inside the castle also, that costs 8 Euros per person. Just across the water from the castle there are also small souvenir shops & a café to sit back & enjoy the view from.

Day 3-6: Riga, Latvia

Riga has gained popularity over the last few years, especially with people visiting on stag & hen do’s. However, the city is still as charming as ever & definitely hasn’t fallen victim to this crowd, the same way places like Prague have. As we visited during the winter months, Riga was very quiet & our favourite activity became wandering the frozen streets at night, it was simply magic!

Where to stay in Riga?

Again, much like Vilnius there is accomodation to suit every budget. With hostels, hotels & Airbnb’s at your disposal. We would suggest finding a place that is located close by to the Old Town as this is the central district & closest area to most attractions/things to do, as well as the all important bus & train station.

We stayed in a beautiful Airbnb on the doorstep to the old town & within close walking distant to the stations. It surprisingly only cost £107 for 3 nights . The building was also super secure & it felt really safe. You can find the exact Airbnb we stayed in here.

Top 5 things to do in Riga

1. Explore the Old Town – This is the historic and cultural heart of Riga, the capital city of Latvia. Situated on the banks of the Daugava River, Riga Old Town is renowned for its well-preserved medieval architecture, charming cobblestone streets, & vibrant atmosphere. Some spots that you shouldn’t miss include: The Freedom Monument, Three Brothers, House of the Blackheads, Kramu iela, St Peter’s Church & Dome Square.

2. Grab Lunch at Riga Central Market – The market is Europe’s largest & is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site along with the Old Town. The building is made up of five pavilions, that have been constructed from hangers. Inside the market you will find a bazaar of treats to get stuck into, as well as supermarkets & convenience stores. We highly recommend that you try some Latvian sugar donuts, that were only 30 cents a piece & seriously delicious.

3. Kramu iela & Dome Square – This was our favourite section of Old Riga, Kramu iela is a beautiful street that is best photographed at night (in our opinion, see photo below). & Dome Square is just around the corner from here, with Riga Cathedral as it’s centre piece, the square is super picturesque, again especially at night time.

4. Three Brothers Building & House of the Blackheads – Both of these landmarks are iconic to Riga. The Three Brothers is a row of three buildings that form the oldest dwelling complex in Riga. It is a popular spot for photographers & is a must see on any visit to Riga. House of the Blackheads is a 15th century, ornate building located in the heart of the Old Town. Outside is also the site of where the ‘First Public Christmas Tree’ was said to have been erected.

5. Take a day trip out to Sigulda – Located approximately 50km outside of Sigulda, the town is nestled in the foothills of the Gauja National Park . We strongly recommend a day trip out here, it turned out to be one of our favourite places during our Baltic States expedition & we are about to tell you why.

You can easily reach the town of Sigulda via bus or train from Riga. Although, the buses leave more regularly from the central bus station than the trains do. The bus should only cost you around 2.80 Euros each way. If you get off the bus as you are approaching Turaida castle, you will be in the perfect position to explore the castle & surrounding national park.

Turaida Castle is an 11th century castle that sits on top of a hill, over looking the Gauja Valley. Entry into the castle complex is only 3.50 Euros per person. Make sure you climb up the tower for spectacular views & check out the onsite museum that walks you through the history of the castle, the Baltic States & surrounding area. Definitely make time to explore the grounds, as there is a church & wonderful views looking back onto the castle.

From the castle you can continue walking towards Gutmans Cave , another beauty spot in the area. It is a small cave located in a park, but is a great spot for some photos. From here, there are plenty of other walking routes to take, we chose to walk towards Paradise Hill Viewpoint , which turned out to be an insane spot to watch the sunset.

On your walk towards the viewpoint you will follow the Gauja River through the stunning Latvian wilderness, there are a couple steep sections & some mini viewpoints on the way, that look towards Turaida Castle. Then once you reach Paradise Hill Viewpoint you’ll be greeted by sweeping views across the valley, sunset is a great time to be here to catch the golden light reflecting off the trees.

The walk back towards the train/bus station from here is around 40 minutes, but is relatively flat.

TOP TIP: When visiting the Baltic States keep an eye out for a restaurant chain called ‘LIDO’ . They operate as a self serve restaurant serving traditional Baltic cuisine, for really affordable prices. We ate in LIDO on our visit to Riga & thoroughly enjoyed our meal, it was great to have a taste of the region.

Day 6-9: Tallinn, Estonia

Tallinn is most known as being the home of Europe’s best preserved medieval old town, which is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A walk through Tallinn’s Old Town is like stepping back in time, with it’s narrow laneways & towering medieval church spires. A trip to Tallinn in winter, must include a visit to the Christmas Markets which are situated in the heart of the Old Town.

Where to stay in Tallinn?

Once again, Tallinn has some very affordable accomodation on offer. It would be ideal to book somewhere close by to the Old Town as you will likely spend most of your time here. However, if you do find yourself a little further away then luckily the public transport system is brilliant. The network of trams proved to be very handy & you can also access all public transport for free with a Tallinn Card.

Much like in the other Baltic States, we decided to stay in an Airbnb a little further out from the Old Town. There was a tram station right outside & the international bus station was right across the road, which was convenient when first arriving in Tallinn from Riga. You can find the exact Airbnb we stayed in here.

Top 5 things to do in Tallinn

1. Explore the Old Town – This corner of Tallinn is definitely the most enchanting. With narrow laneways, medieval fortress towers, viewpoints, orthodox churches, cosy bars/cafe’s & boutique shops. You could easily get lost here all day long & still be hungry for more. Make sure you walk through St Catherine’s Passage , one of Tallinn’s most picturesque cobble stoned street.

2. Kohtuotsa Viewpoint – This is one of the best viewpoints over the Old Town. From here you will be able to see across the burnt orange rooftops & out to the Baltic Sea. There is also a cute souvenir shop up here to have a look around in or purchase a memento to take home with you.

3. Walk along the Old Town walls – To access the city walls, use the entry to the Old Town via Viru Gate, from there you can walk along the walk from this point here. Entry to the city walls is 4 Euros per person or free with a Tallinn Card. Walking along the walls give you a unique perspective over the city & you’ll also get the opportunity to climb inside one of Tallinn’s many towers.

4. Grab lunch at Balti Jaama Turg Food Hall & a beer in a cosy bar – If you love food halls like us, then you have to visit Balti Jaama Turg on your visit to Tallinn. The food hall is located just outside of the Old Town & has a great selection of street food to choose from. We highly recommend that you stop by Kebaboom , the kebabs here are delicious!

Tallinn also has a great selection of local bars, whilst many of the bars you will walk past in the Old Town are geared towards tourists & therefore have higher prices. We managed to find a real hidden gem (literally, as it was a struggle to find), nestled in the back streets of the Old Town. It’s called Levist Valjas , the front door is very deceiving, but once inside you will find an edgy underground bar, with the cheapest beer in town!

5. Check out Proto Avastustehas – This is more of a rain or snow day activity, which is what it was for us, but ended up being pretty fun. Proto Avastustehas is an interactive museum designed to immerse you into the world of inventions through the medium of virtual reality. You’ll be able to try different virtual reality challenges/games, some of which we had never experienced before, such as flying.

Entry to the museum costs 14€ for adults (Tue-Fri) & 18€ (Sat-Sun). They also offer family tickets & student discount. If you have a Tallinn Card you will get free entry, which is the same for most museums/attractions in Tallinn, therefore the card is well worth purchasing.

The Baltic States are currently super underrated European destinations. We were shocked at how few tourists we came across in the entire 9 days that we spent here. It was a breath of fresh air in comparison to other destinations around Europe, where we are so used to seeing crowds of tourists. If you are thinking about visiting the Baltic States, then you should run not walk before they become more popular.

As always if you have any questions please leave them in the comments section or send us a message via Instagram & we’ll be sure to get back to you as soon as possible.

& if you enjoyed reading this, you might enjoy reading some of our other Europe articles.

Happy exploring 🙂

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The Ultimate 10-Day Baltic Itinerary: How to Visit Baltics?

Wondering how to visit Baltic countries and what to see in Baltics? This article covers it all and includes a 10-day Baltic itinerary that you will want to steal.

The Baltic countries consist of Estonia , Latvia , and Lithuania and are located in Northern Europe. It used to be a true hidden gem in Europe, however, nowadays, this region has gained a lot of popularity and attracts many tourists from all over the world.

From the medieval Hanseatic League to the more recent Soviet era, the Baltics have endured and emerged as sovereign states, each with its language, traditions, and unique national character. And traveling around the Baltic countries guarantees unforgettable memories and sights.

This comprehensive Baltic guide will cover everything that you need to know before visiting Baltics. We will cover a lot of practical travel tips, like how to move around and when is the best time to visit the Baltics. And then we will dive deeper into the perfect 10 days in Baltic itinerary for first-timers.

*Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase after clicking one of these links, I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Useful information to know before visiting Baltic countries

Where are the baltic countries.

The Baltic countries, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania, are situated in Northern Europe, along the eastern coast of the Baltic Sea. Estonia is to the north, Latvia in the middle, and Lithuania to the south, collectively creating the Baltic region. 

These nations form a distinctive region with shared historical ties and a rich cultural heritage. The geographical proximity to the Baltic Sea has significantly influenced the development of these nations over the centuries.

Are Baltics worth visiting?

Yes, exploring the Baltic countries is definitely worth it. Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania offer a unique blend of rich history, diverse landscapes, and vibrant cultures.

From the medieval charm of Tallinn’s Old Town to the Art Nouveau architecture of Riga and the serene natural beauty of Vilnius, the Baltics provide an amazing travel experience.

Whether you’re interested in historical sites, cultural traditions, or simply enjoying the natural beauty of the region, the Baltics have something to offer for every traveler.

Is it safe to travel to the Baltic states?

Generally, the Baltic states are considered safe for travelers. They have low crime rates compared to many other European countries, however, like any travel destination, it’s essential to exercise common safety precautions.

While no place is entirely without risk, the Baltic countries are one of the safest places in Europe for travelers who take basic precautions and stay informed about their surroundings. Which makes it a great destination for solo female travelers as well.

Are Baltic countries cheap?

The Baltic countries, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania, are often considered more budget-friendly compared to many Western European destinations. While prices may vary depending on specific locations and your personal spending habits, the Baltics generally offer good value for money.

Accommodation, food, and transportation costs in the Baltic states are often more affordable than in Western Europe. Local markets and eateries can provide cost-effective dining options, and public transportation is usually reasonably priced.

I have to mention that over the years the Baltics have raised the prices, so if you visited these countries a couple of years ago, you might be surprised. However, you can certainly plan a budget trip to Baltic countries.

That being said, the level of perceived affordability can vary from person to person, and factors like the specific cities you visit, the type of accommodation you choose, and your lifestyle preferences will influence your overall expenses.

How to get around Baltic countries?

Getting around the Baltic countries is relatively easy, and there are various transportation options to choose from. Let’s dive in and explore the ways to get around Baltic countries.

Public Transportation: Each capital city—Tallinn, Riga, and Vilnius—has well-developed public transportation systems, including buses and trams. Public transport is an affordable and efficient way to explore these cities.

Buses: Intercity buses connect major towns and cities in the Baltic region. Several bus companies operate, providing a cost-effective means of traveling between countries and exploring different regions.

Trains: The Baltic countries have a rail network that connects major cities. Trains are a comfortable option for traveling between capitals and other notable destinations. Check the schedules and book tickets in advance for long-distance journeys.

Car Rental: Renting a car is a convenient option if you want to explore rural areas or have more flexibility in your itinerary. However, you won’t need a car to follow this Baltic itinerary.

Taxis: Taxis are available in urban areas, and ride-sharing services like Bolt operate in some cities. Taxis are a convenient option for short distances or when public transportation is less practical.

If you are planning to follow this Baltic States travel itinerary, you will use the bus to move between Baltic capitals. Make sure you check Flixbus for the most affordable prices and purchase your ticket in advance. Other great alternatives include EcoLines and Lux Express.

When you finally reach the Baltic capitals, you will be walking most of the time. Occasionally, you can hop on a public transport or book a Bolt ride. And to explore the countries beyond the capital, you will be able to use buses or trains. Or join some of the best tours.

However, you don’t have to worry about these things, because this 10-day Baltic itinerary will include all these details and all the information on how to travel between Baltic states.

When is the best time to visit Baltic countries?

The best time to visit the Baltic countries—Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania—largely depends on your preferences for weather and activities. Here’s a general overview.

Summer (June to August)

This is the peak tourist season when the weather is generally mild and pleasant. Summer brings longer days, allowing for more exploration and outdoor activities. However, popular tourist destinations can be more crowded during this time.

If you ask my personal preference, summer is the best time to explore the Baltics and make the most of your trip. 

Spring (April to May) and Fall (September to October)

These shoulder seasons offer milder temperatures, fewer tourists, and the added beauty of blooming flowers in spring or colorful foliage in fall. It’s a good compromise between pleasant weather and avoiding the crowds.

The fall foliage was one of my favorite seasons growing up in Latvia, however, you will have a high chance of rain and a cloudy sky.

RELATED : Why You Should Visit Latvia in Autumn?

Winter (November to March)

Winter can be cold, with temperatures often dropping below freezing. If you enjoy Christmas markets and winter sports like skiing, this could be an excellent time to visit, especially in Lithuania. However, many outdoor attractions may be less accessible during this period.

Chasing winter wonderland in the Baltics is a truly unique experience and overall, it is more affordable compared to Scandinavian winter destinations.

How many days in the Baltic countries?

The ideal duration for your visit to the Baltic countries depends on the depth of exploration you desire and your travel preferences. However, the Baltic itinerary for first-timers should consist of at least 10 days.

During the 10 days in the Baltics, you will be able to discover the essence of the Baltic capitals and even pick one of the best day trips to see beyond the big cities.

I have to say that this is a relatively easy Baltic itinerary for 10 days because I want you to enjoy your time not just chase sights. Also, it is very flexible, so you can easily exclude the things that you don’t want to see or visit and add other alternatives.

What is the best route to visit Baltic countries?

The best route to visit the Baltic countries often depends on your starting point and personal preferences. However, if you’re looking for a general route that covers the highlights in a logical sequence, you might consider the following.

Start in Tallinn, explore the Estonian capital and beyond. Head south to Riga, spend a few of days there, and then make a day trip to see more of Latvia. Conclude your trip with a stop in Vilnius and plan a short visit to Trakai.

You can also do the same route and start from Vilnius instead. If you have to fly back from your arrival point, plan an extra day on the route, which is not ideal, but totally doable.

The ultimate Baltic itinerary for 10 days

This is a quick overview of your Baltic itinerary for 10 days.

• 2 days in Tallinn
• Day trip from Tallinn
• 2 days in Riga (with an optional extra day)
• Day trip from Riga
• 2 days in Vilnius
• Day trip from Vilnius to Trakai.

If you are wondering how to see the best of the Baltic in 10 days, you will need to plan at least 3 day trips – one from each capital. But if you want to see other beautiful places to visit in the Baltics, you can always add an extra day.

Also, I suggest you plan a day trip, so you don’t have to worry about checking out and checking in to a different hotel every day and drag your luggage with you. This way you can base yourself in each Baltic capital for 3 days and plan a short trip from there.

As you can see there is an extra day for Riga, however, you can use it for an additional day trip from Tallinn or Riga, depending on your interests. Or you can simply enjoy a chill day in the middle of your trip. If not, this trip to the Baltics will take 9 days, but I wanted to keep it flexible.

This is truly the best way to spend 10 days in the Baltics. But let’s dive deeper and discover more details of your Baltic vacation.

The northernmost capital, Tallinn, is a blend of medieval charm and modern vitality. The heart of the city is its UNESCO-listed Old Town, where cobblestone streets wind through well-preserved medieval structures.

Tallinn’s skyline is dominated by the imposing Toompea Castle and the spires of churches like St. Olaf’s Church and Alexander Nevsky Cathedral.

It is the starting point of a 10-day Baltic sightseeing itinerary. 2 days in Tallinn is the perfect amount of time to enjoy all the essentials of Tallinn, taste unique food, and try unforgettable experiences.

In this itinerary, we will cover how to spend 2 days in Tallinn and how to maximize your time in this charming city. I will add some optional stops, so this itinerary suits different travelers and interests.

RELATED : 40 Photos to Inspire You to Visit Tallinn, Estonia

2 days in Tallinn itinerary

Day 1 in Tallinn

• Morning: Viru Gate, self-guided tour in the Old Town, Town Hall Square, Town Hall Pharmacy.
• Lunch: Pub Kompressor.
• Afternoon: Hellemann Tower, St Olaf’s church or Cafe Maiasmokk (optional), Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, Kohtuotsa viewing platform, Patkuli viewing platform.
• Dinner: Draakon or Rukkilill Cafe.

Day 2 in Tallinn

• Morning: Rotermani (optional), Kadriorg.
• Lunch: Balti Jaam.
• Afternoon: Telliskivi, Fotografiska.
• Dinner: Old Hansa or Cru.

If you want to see a detailed version of this itinerary, make sure you read how to spend 2 days in Tallinn . It includes a lot of useful tips that will help you in the planning process.

Day 3 – pick the day trip from Tallinn

The compact size of Estonia and the convenient location of Tallinn means that you can plan an amazing day trip from Tallinn and see beyond the Estonian capital. If you ask me, there are a lot of great options for nature lovers and I would focus on that, but it is up to you.

Click here to discover the best day trips from Tallinn to fill up 3rd day of your complete Baltic itinerary for 10 days. You will see that you can even go to Helsinki, but considering that you are on a mission to discover the Baltic states, let’s just focus on the places within Estonia.

Where to stay in Tallinn?

It is important to find the right accommodation for your trip, so I have prepared a list of the best hotels in Tallinn for every budget. Depending on your travel style, I am sure you will find something suitable, so take a look and decide where to stay in Tallinn.

Luxury: Radisson Collection Hotel, Tallinn

If your travel to Tallinn is focused on a luxurious experience, the Radisson Collection Hotel is the right hotel for you.

This modern and stylish hotel offers all the comforts to its guests, including a rooftop terrace on the 24th floor. Some rooms boast stunning city views, while some others even include a sauna.

Unique: Schlössle Hotel – The Leading Hotels of the World 

If you want to make your 2 days in Tallinn unforgettable, Schlössle Hotel is the place to be. Renovated in 2016, this stylish 5-star hotel is housed in 13th-century buildings in the heart of Tallinn’s Old Town. 

The wonderful atmosphere, the antique furniture, and the sauna are just some of the reasons that make Schlössle Hotel a unique place to stay for your Tallinn vacation.

Mid-Range: Citybox Tallinn City Center

Citybox Tallinn City Center is a very modern hotel that is the perfect location to visit Tallinn without giving up any comfort and without squandering your finances.

Located between the port and the Old Town, it’s perfect if you have three or two days in Tallinn.

Affordable: St.Olav Hotel

St.Olav Hotel is the perfect place to explore Tallinn if you are on a budget. The hotel is housed in an ancient palace, it offers many rooms and can keep a competitive price.

The rooms are basic but nicely decorated and the location inside the Old Town is perfect for spending a long weekend in Tallinn.

Riga, the capital of Latvia, is a city that seamlessly intertwines its medieval past with a more cosmopolitan present. The Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a picturesque maze of narrow streets, medieval buildings, and charming squares.

Riga’s rich architectural heritage is particularly notable in the Art Nouveau district, where intricate facades showcase the city’s artistic flair. The vibrant Central Market, housed in former Zeppelin hangars, is another must-visit place in Riga.

It is your next stop on Baltic States travel itinerary and you can choose whether to spend 2 or 3 days in Riga. I am originally from Riga, so want to share it through the eyes of a local and help you discover beyond the main attractions, so I suggest you plan 3 days, but that is up to you.

RELATED : 100 Photos to Inspire You to Visit Riga, Latvia

2 days in Riga itinerary

Day 1 in Riga

• Morning: Mārtiņa Beķereja, Latvian National Opera, Freedom Monument, Bastejkalna Park, Livu Square, The Swedish Gate, Three Brothers, Latvian Museum of Architecture.
• Lunch: Ezītis miglā or Petergailis.
• Afternoon: Our Lady of Sorrows Church and St. Saviour’s Anglican Church, Riga Cathedral, DOM Restaurant , House of the Black Heads, views from the St. Peter’s Church.
• Dinner: Salve Restaurant, ALA Pagrabs.

Day 2 in Riga

• Morning: Riga Central Market, Latvian Academy of Sciences .
• Lunch: Lido (either Dzirnavu or LIDO Atpūtas centrs).
• Afternoon: Riga Nativity of Christ Orthodox Cathedral, Corner House or Latvian National Museum Of Art, Art Nouveau district.
• Dinner: Riviera or Lidojošā varde, Cloud Nine.

In order to get a better look at this itinerary, please read this travel guide for 3 days in Riga . It covers the following day but you can easily turn into a day trip if you prefer. Also, you will find a lot of useful travel tips for visiting Riga.

Optional extra day in Riga

If you still want to explore Riga and discover all the hidden gems in the Latvian capital, here is a list of places you don’t want to miss.

Head to the left side of Daugava and enjoy the views on your back. I suggest you cross Vanšu Bridge and make a stop at the Vanšu Bridge Viewpoint.

After head to Agenskalns where you will find a vibrant market and the picturesque Holy Trinity Church located in Meža iela 2. Nearby, you will also find the National Library of Latvia, which is a gem of modern architecture.

You can end your day with a sunset over Riga panorama and visit AB Dambis for some of the best views of Riga.

If you prefer spending a day in nature, the Ethnographic Open-Air Museum of Latvia is a good idea to take a glimpse at the old Latvian way of life. Another hot spot to enjoy some sunny days in Latvia is Mežaparks. This beautiful modern park is one of the most loved by the locals.

If these locations don’t excite you, feel free to skip to the next day.

Day 4 – pick the day trip from Riga

Just like Tallinn, Riga offers some amazing day trip options because of its small size and convenient location. While Tallinn day trips are great for nature lovers, Latvia offers some great cityscapes to historical towns, and charming villages.

Click here to discover the best day trips from Riga and decide the next stop of your Baltic States travel itinerary. This article features some of the best cities to visit in the Baltics, however, it includes some great spots in nature as well.

Where to stay in Riga?

Riga is not a big city and you shouldn’t have any problems moving around, but there are some tips to make your weekend in Riga even more sufficient.

The old town (Vecrīga) is the most beautiful area of Riga. The city center (Centrs) is a big area in the heart of Riga, but I don’t advise you to go anywhere after Lāčplēša Street. The area near the Freedom Monument is great and very practical.

If you are looking at the map, you see that Riga is divided by a river called Daugava. And it might look close, but I don’t advise staying on the other side of Daugava. It can be trafficked and not very pleasant to walk.

Luxury: Grand Hotel Kempinski Riga

If you want to have a luxurious and romantic escape during your Baltic vacation, this is your place to go.

Grand Hotel Kempinski is one of the most popular 5-star hotels in Riga and it offers phenomenal spa facilities to make your stay unforgettable. The location in the Old Town makes it perfect to discover the best photo spots in Riga.

Boutique: Grand Poet Hotel and SPA by Semarah

Grand Poet Hotel is the best place to stay in Riga with style. This fabulous five-star hotel in Riga’s old town is the best place for relaxing and sightseeing. In fact, guests have free access to the fitness center and spa zone.

The wellness center includes a pool, sauna, hot tub, and hammam. Various massages are offered at a surcharge.

Mid-range: Wellton Centrum Hotel & SPA

Wellton stands at the entrance of the old town, in one of the most picturesque streets in the Latvian capital. The hotel is stylish and also offers a great spa to relax after a day visiting Riga.

If you want to have a quality stay, at a reasonable price this is the right spot for you.

Affordable: Allure Rooms & Coffee

If you are looking for cheap accommodation while you visit Riga without giving up the quality, look no further.

This lovely guest house is conveniently located in the old town and it even offers a romantic view of Riga. It’s the perfect place to pick to get the best of your time in Riga at an affordable price.

Vilnius, the southernmost capital, is a city of contrasts and layers. Its Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, unfolds with narrow alleys, baroque churches, and the iconic Gediminas’ Tower overlooking the city.

Beyond its historical treasures, Vilnius is a city that embraces modernity while cherishing its cultural roots. The Užupis district, often referred to as the “Republic of Užupis,” is a bohemian neighborhood that celebrates art, creativity, and free expression.

The culinary scene in Vilnius is a delightful reflection of the city’s diverse influences and traditions. From traditional Lithuanian dishes like “cepelinai” and “kugelis” to international cuisine, Vilnius offers a variety of dining experiences to suit every palate.

Just like the other Baltic capitals, you will need 2 days to see the best in Vilnius, and here are some of the best places that you absolutely have to see. 

2 days in Vilnius itinerary

Day 1 in Vilnius

• Morning: Gates of Dawn, Orthodox Church of the Holy Spirit, Town Hall Square, Literatų g.- St. Anne’s Church.
• Lunch: Etno Dvaras.
• Afternoon: St. John the Baptist and St. John the Apostle and Evangelist Church, Cathedral Square, Gediminas Castle Tower.
• Dinner: Lokys or Senoji trobelė.

Day 2 in Vilnius

• Morning: Uzpis, Biržų duona, Subačiaus apžvalgos aikštelė.
• Lunch: Paupio Turgus.
• Afternoon: Church of Sts. Peter and Paul, Three Crosses Monument.
• Dinner: Ertlio Namas or Amatininkų Užeiga.

Day 3 – day trip from Vilnius to Trakai

While there are many beautiful sights around Lithuania, a day trip from Vilnius to Trakai is a must during your Baltic itinerary for 10 days. It is a wonderful choice to explore the historical and picturesque Trakai Castle and enjoy the scenic surroundings. Trust me, you don’t want to miss it.

The centerpiece of Trakai is the majestic Trakai Island Castle, a masterpiece of medieval architecture set on an island in Lake Galve. This iconic fortress serves as the residence of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania and a symbol of the country’s medieval heritage.

Beyond the castle, Trakai town itself is a quaint and welcoming place. Visitors can stroll the charming streets, lined with traditional wooden houses, and perhaps stop in local cafes to try traditional Lithuanian delicacies.

Užutrakis Manor Estate, located near Trakai, further enriches the region’s appeal. The estate, with its elegant mansion and beautifully landscaped gardens, offers a glimpse into the life of Lithuania’s nobility. The expansive park, designed by renowned French and Italian architects, provides a peaceful retreat.

How to reach Trakai from Vilnius?

You can easily reach Trakai by using public transport since the buses regularly operate between Vilnius and Trakai. The journey takes approximately 40 minutes. The ticket will cost you 3 euro and you can buy it at the station.

Another option is to train. Trains depart regularly from Vilnius Railway Station, and the journey takes around 30 minutes. The price is 2.80 euros and you can purchase your ticket at the station.

Taxi is also a popular choice to visit Trakai from Vilnius if you have limited time. The ride will cost you approximately 20 euros depending on the traffic.

Finally, there are plenty of companies that organize daily trips from Vilnius to Trakai. This one is one of the best-rated tours and it offers a professional guide to learn more about Trakai.

Where to stay in Vilnius?

Here is a list of some of the best hotels in Vilnius for every budget and style. If you don’t like any of these options, I highly recommend that you pick a hotel near Old Town, so you can make the most of your limited time in the Lithuanian capital.

Luxury: Relais & Châteaux Stikliai Hotel

If you want to make your stay in Vilnius special, book Relais & Châteaux Stikliai Hotel. This 5-star hotel in Vilnius is housed in a historic building with Baroque and Gothic features and is located in the heart of the Lithuanian capital. The hotel boasts a sauna, an indoor pool, and a fitness center.

Mid-range: Courtyard by Marriott Vilnius City Center

If you are looking for quality accommodation without squandering your finances, make sure you check the Courtyard by Marriott Vilnius City Center. Its prime location and modern & stylish rooms are perfect for exploring Vilnius in style. The rich breakfast is also worth mentioning.

Affordable: Domus Maria

Domus Maria is definitely the best budget choice to stay in Vilnius. It is located in a former monastery in the Old Town and it’s perfect to visit Vilnius city on foot. The rooms are simple but cozy and welcoming and the value for the money is simply unbeatable.

More things that you should know before visiting the Baltics

What language do they speak in the baltics.

The Baltic countries each have their own distinct languages.

The official language of Estonia is Estonian, which belongs to the Finno-Ugric branch of the Uralic language family and it is closely related to Finnish. The official language of Latvia is Latvian, a Baltic language that is part of the Indo-European language family. Lithuanian is the official language of Lithuania. It is a Baltic language and one of the oldest languages in the Indo-European language family that is still spoken.

As a Latvian, I can say that all these languages are very different and unfortunately, we are not able to understand each other. There are some similarities between Latvian and Lithuanian, but nothing remotely close to having an actual conversation.

As a foreigner visiting the Baltics, you will notice that the older generation speaks fluent Russian and the younger generation can communicate pretty well in English. I am sure you won’t have any problems with the language during your trip, but I recommend you learn some basic phrases and surprise the locals.

What is the local food in the Baltics?

The culinary scene in the Baltic countries is a delightful fusion of traditional flavors, influenced by the region’s history, climate, and agricultural practices. Each country has its unique dishes and culinary traditions, however, you will notice a lot of similarities.

One notable dish of Estonian cuisine is “Mulgipuder”. It is a dish of mashed potatoes and groats and is a hearty staple, often served with bacon. Fish, particularly herring, plays a significant role, and “kiluvoileib,” an open-faced sandwich with smoked or marinated herring, is a popular choice.

Vana Tallinn is the most famous local drink and a great souvenir to bring home.

While in Latvia you should try “grey peas with bacon”, which is a traditional Latvian dish. “Latvian rye bread” is a staple, and garlic bread can be found in every local restaurant. But layered rye bread is a popular dessert that you will need to try.

Sklandrausis is a vegetable pie (or tart) made from rye pastry that is filled with a mixture of carrots and potatoes and eaten cold. Latvia’s proximity to the Baltic Sea influences its seafood offerings, with smoked fish, especially sprats, being a common delicacy.

And just like Vana Tallinn, Riga Black Balsam is a must-try when visiting Latvia.

Lithuanian national dish is “Cepelinai” – large potato dumplings stuffed with meat, curd, or mushrooms. “Kugelis,” a potato pudding baked with bacon, is a beloved comfort food. “Šaltibarščiai,” a cold beet soup, is a refreshing and vibrant option, especially during the warmer months.

RELATED : Where to Eat in Riga Like a Local? 10 Local Restaurants in Riga, Latvia

What is the local currency in the Baltics?

While every Baltic country used to have its own currency, nowadays, it is part of the Eurozone and the local currency in the Baltics is Euro.

Further reading for 10-day Baltic itinerary

Photography Guide: 15 Best Photo Spots in Tallinn, Estonia

20 Best Photo Spots in Riga, Latvia + Photography Tips From a Local

10 Best Day Trips from Riga, Latvia (Top Guided Tours Included!)

Plan your trip to Estonia:

• 10 Best Day Trips from Tallinn, Estonia + Top Rated Tours
• Complete Tallinn Itinerary: How to Spend 2 days in Tallinn
• How to Plan a Day Trip to Helsinki from Tallinn via Ferry
• 40 Photos to Inspire You to Visit Tallinn, Estonia

Get ready to explore Latvia:

• 100 Photos to Inspire You to Visit Riga, Latvia
• Riga Art Nouveau Guide: Where to Find Art Nouveau in Riga?
• 10 Amazing Coffee Shops and Best Cafes in Riga
• How to Spend 3 days in Riga + Riga Itinerary and Tips From a Local
• Where to Eat in Riga Like a Local? 10 Local Restaurants in Riga, Latvia
• Weekend in Riga: Perfect 2 Day Riga Itinerary and Tips From a Local
• Why You Should Visit Latvia in Autumn?

Or read more about: Riga | Latvia | Tallinn | Estonia | Baltics

Other useful tips for visiting the Baltics

🏠 Need a place to stay? Browse Booking or Agoda 💃 How about fun experiences? GetYourGuide and Viator have it all 🚗 Considering renting a car? Use Rentalcars ✈️ Looking for the best flight deals? Check WayAway 🔒 Don’t forget about travel insurance from HeyMondo

In conclusion… 

This is the end up the ultimate guide to seeing the Baltic in 10 days and I am sure that you have a great vision of how to plan your trip to the Baltic countries. 

I would love to hear your thoughts, so if you have any feedback or additional tips, leave a comment below. Also, check out my Instagram for regular travel videos and travel inspiration. Or explore other destinations on this travel blog.

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Exploring the world – one train ride at a time

Baltic states by train: a two-week itinerary across three countries.

A two-week train trip gives plenty of time to discover some of the most fascinating cities in the Baltic states. I train hopped between the capitals, Tallinn, Riga and Vilnius, stopping by at Tartu and Kaunas, too. Read on to find out more about how to discover the Baltic states by train .

What: Tallinn–Tartu–Riga–Vilnius and Kaunas by train

How: Tickets can be bought on train and online as well as at the stations (Latvia, Lithuania)

How much: around 50 euros

Highlights: Seeing five different types of Baltic cities

I have toured the Baltic states extensively by bus, as you can read from this One-week itinerary guide I have written. In December 2023, a train connection between Riga and Vilnius finally re-opened, making train travel between Latvia and Lithuania once again a more valid option. So, in early January, I jumped on a train in Tallinn and explored Tartu and Riga along my way to Vilnius, the end station of the journey through the Baltic states by train.

Operators : The Estonian train provider is Elron . In Latvia, Latvijas dzelzceļš and in Lithuania LTG Link .

Where to buy : All tickets can be bought online. Estonia has a very convenient purchasing system in place: step on the train you want to take, flash your bank card in the vending machine, and sit down. The machine will not give you a printed ticket, but the conductor will see if you have a valid ticket or not by checking your card on the system. In Latvia and Lithuania, you can also buy tickets at some stations but be careful with opening times in smaller stations. The train providers’ apps are handy to use.

Prices and durations

Tallinn–Tartu : A dozen departures per day. Prices start from 11 euros and the trip takes just under 2,5 hours.

Tartu–Riga, change in Valga : Journey time is around 4 hours + transfer in Valga (+3 hours). The price is 5 euros.

Riga–Vilnius : First class is 34 euros, second class 24 euros. One train per day leaves at 15.28 and the journey takes 4 hours and 23 minutes. 

Vilnius–Kaunas : Departures once or twice per hour, prices starting from 8 euros. The trip takes just under 1,5 hours.

Book ahead : The only train that has been booked to the rim while I’ve been travelling in the Baltic states by train has been the Tallinn–Tartu line. 

Baltic states by train

1. from tallinn to tartu.

Taking the train from Tallinn to Tartu is very easy. The railway station is located right next to Tallinn’s medieval Old Town. On the other side of the station, you’ll find Balti Jaama market hall should you like to eat or have coffee before the departure. There are also food vendors and a little shop at the railway station to buy some snacks for the train.

There is a train almost every hour from 6 am to 9 pm. The prices start from around 11 euros and the travel time is about 2,5 hours. You cannot take bikes on the express train, which takes a little bit less time (c. 2 hours and 20 minutes) and stops at fewer stations in between Tallinn and Tartu.

Book at Elron.ee .

If you want to add Finland to your Baltic itinerary, see my guide on how to take the ferry between Tallinn and Helsinki!

2. From Tartu to Riga

Tartu makes an excellent pit stop on a train tour around the Baltic states – as you can see from this mini guide I wrote . 

Travelling by train from Tartu to Riga takes a bit of patience as you have to change trains in the border town of Valga. Take the 10.01 train which arrives at Valga 1 hour and 20 minutes later (5,19€). Stroll to the town centre and have lunch and coffee in Kohvik Johanna, a cosy restaurant by the roundabout. Then walk back to the station and hop aboard the train to Riga, leaving at 14.52.

When I took this train it didn’t show on the railway station notice board and I also couldn’t ask about it from anyone, as the tills were closed. But the train was there and arrived in time to Riga at 17.47. The journey takes almost 3 hours and costs 5,22€.

Book at pv.lv .

Wondering where to stay in Riga? See these hotels I’ve tested for you !

3. From Riga to Vilnius

I stayed in Riga for four nights, exploring the wintry city with my cousin. I highly recommend visiting the Baltic capitals in winter: the Old Towns are pretty in their snowy coating and there are fewer visitors about than in the busier summer months.

The newly reopened train connection between Riga and Vilnius has been a greatly anticipated feat in these corners of the world. The line opened again in late December and when I took it in early January, everything seemed to work perfectly – even in freezing cold temperatures! There is no restaurant car but you can order from the menu for example, curd donuts (2,50€), birch sap with freeze-dried sea buckthorn (2,50€), dried rhubarb (3€), tortilla wrap bowl (4,99€) or cup of tea (2,30€).

There is only one train from Riga to Vilnius and it departs at 15.28, arriving at Vilnius 19.51. I bought the second class ticket for 24€ but there is also a first-class for 34€. 

Book at LTG Link .

4. Day trip to Kaunas from Vilnius

My train tour around the Baltic states ended with a day trip to Kaunas. The trains start to operate at 5 am and continue till after 9 pm. There are about 20 departures daily and the journey takes just under 1,5 hours so it’s easy to decide on the day, if and what time you want to make the day trip.

A day is enough to see Kaunas’s pretty Old Town, enjoy local pancakes or other delicacies and maybe pop over to the Botanical Gardens with a Palm House.

As I wanted to spend a couple of days in Tallinn at the end of my train trip around the Baltic states, and as I was running a bit out of time, I took a night bus from Vilnius to Tallinn, arriving at the Estonian capital in the morning. The bus is also a convenient way to explore the region and you can find out more about my one-week bus itinerary around the Baltic states at this link .

Bon voyage!

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Travel the baltics: guide to lithuania, latvia, & estonia.

FMTC Affiliate Disclosure: Blond Wayfarer contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I earn a commission at no extra cost to you. This disclosure pertains to all affiliate links.

Sooo you have plans to travel the Baltics soon?  You’re making some very awesome choices for your upcoming backpacking trip! These three countries, Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia, are very unique compared to other parts of Europe. Your backpacking experience will be filled with fascinating (albeit dark) history, gorgeous architecture, delicious and cheap food, and new friendships with people – who’ve likely already traveled quite a bit of the world!

And safety? Yes, the Baltics are safe for solo travelers, including women who want to go alone. No worries there. You’ll be fine!

My Experience Traveling the Baltics

I traveled solo to the Baltics in summer of 2016. I did it completely on my own, no guided tour included. Pretty cool, huh? And certainly a testament to have safe the Batlics are.

As I planned my trip, though, I had a much harder time researching as I explored the internet for accurate information regarding solo travel in this region. Believe me when I say I had no idea  what  to expect when I stepped off the plane at Vilnius Airport.

However, my trip was worth it, and I have no problem advocating the Baltics as a solo female travel destination!

Although it’s been two years, I want to share all the bits and pieces I learned on my solo trip through the Baltic States. Enjoy!

Travel the Baltics: Where are the Baltics Located?

Not sure where the Baltics are located? No worries. These countries aren’t as popular as Germany and France for travelers so the misunderstanding is a reasonable one.

These three small countries are located in the north/central part of Europe. They border the Baltic Sea, as well as the countries of Russia and Belarus. It’s actually quite easy to pair the Baltics with a quick trip to Saint Petersburg. Just make sure you have your visa sorted beforehand to avoid any issues at the border.

However, keep in mind, not everyone in Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia speaks Russian, and to assume such a thing is offensive to locals. Each country has its own unique language. In my experience, most people speak English, but of course it’s polite to learn a few phrases.

In addition, Estonia’s capital, Tallinn, is directly across the sea from Helsinki, making Finland another easy spot to pair with your Baltic vacation.

Due to the countries’ locations, summer is the best time to visit the Baltic States. The weather is usually awesome. I went on my own trip at the end of July, which resulted in extra long days and comfortable temperatures. I also experienced zero rain, although I can’t guarantee that, haha.

Travel the Baltics and Solo Travel

So why are the baltics great for solo travelers.

Oh, man, this is a loaded question that’ll take some time for me to explain. I hope you’ve some tea or snacks as you read this post.

For of all, each Baltic capital has great hostels for you to choose from. Even if hostels aren’t your thing, the social accommodation is your best method for meeting and talking to new people. What’s cool about traveling through the Baltics is you’ll meet people who are naturally adventurous.

I mean … think about it. The Baltics aren’t necessarily the first places you think of while planning a vacation to Europe. Paris? Sure! Riga? Um, less likely.

Going beyond the Baltics? Check out my 25 tips for solo female travel in Europe!

Not to mention, if you’re an older backpacker, you’ll encounter far less crazy eighteen year olds doing their first trip around Europe – which is a bonus!

A lot of travelers take the same “route” – Vilnius-Riga-Tallinn – through this part of Europe. So if you make good friends, you’ll likely stay together for the duration of your stay. Seriously, tours of the Baltics promise many wonderful bonds and friendships that are the essence of travel.

Finally, your meticulously planned tours of the Baltics are great for you as a solo traveler, because of the affordable price tag. You’ll notice a big difference in prices as a citizen of the USA, Canada, UK, and Australia. Kindness to your wallet is always a good thing.

Purchase Lonely Planet’s Baltics Guidebook for your Trip.

Backpacking the Baltics: Transportation

When i travel the baltics, how do i safely get around.

Believe or not, you can easily cover a lot of distance when you travel the Baltics. It’s not too complicated.

However, I want to give you all a quick word of warning. Train connections aren’t as frequent or quick as rail travel in Western Europe is. For example, comparing Germany’s trains to Estonia’s trains would be a pretty big mistake! Believe it or not, there are better ways to navigate the Baltic States! So forget about trains.

Instead take advantage of the many affordable bus routes that connect your destinations! On my own trip, I rode the Lux Express Bus between each of the capital cities, and had absolutely no issues with times or schedules. The buses are comfortable, offering travelers plenty of leg room, and they come equipped with clean bathrooms.

If you have time to spare, then taking ferries between countries is another available option. You’ll probably spent the night on the ferry, but I hear it’s fun. I know Busabout uses them on their trips.

Travel the Baltics: Country Is the Best?

So, which capital is the safest: vilnius, riga, or tallinn.

Honestly, I felt safe exploring all of the Baltic capitals. Sure, I felt a little nervous upon first arriving in Vilnius, but experiencing normal travel jitters doesn’t mean the area is unsafe. Each city was fine.

As a solo female traveler, I’m always aware of my surroundings and taking note of the people around me. Not once was I approached for money or fell victim to a crafty scam. Sure, you need to stay more alert at night time, but again, these are normal safety precautions.

However, I’ve heard two separate stories in the Baltics regarding safety, which I want to share here.

Occasionally, cabs will overcharge tourists especially late at night once the bars close. To avoid this problem, I had my hostel call me a cab to the bus and ferry stations, and never encountered a dishonest or aggressive driver. If you don’t feel comfortable hailing a cab on the street, then request that your accommodation make transportation arrangements for you. They know the reliable cab companies.

The second safety tip is a bit more intense. However, smart choices go a long way. A fellow backpacker tried to meet women using Tinder, and ended up at a sketchy bar far outside Vilnius’s Old Town limits and lost his passport to a strange man. Re: not the woman who he originally thought he was meeting. She never even showed up at the bar.

So my advice is if you want to meet someone through an app, please make sure you two hang out in a public place of your choosing. A legitimate person won’t feel bothered at your suggestion. After all, you’re visiting a new country and want to go someplace comfortable.

All in all, the Baltics’s capital cities were very safe. I wouldn’t hesitate to visit them again!

Travel the Baltics and Accommodation

Where should i stay when i travel the baltics.

Vilnius:   On my trip to Vilnius, I stayed at  Jimmy Jumps Hostel   which was super friendly and fun. I personally enjoyed the free pancakes for breakfast, haha. Keep in mind, if you book a private room, you’ll be in a separate building, but it’s still easy enough for you to access the common room and kitchen.

Riga: On my trip to Riga, I stayed at  Naughty Squirrel Backpackers   which is an excellent choice for solo travelers who want to enjoy a bit of a party scene! This hostel has been consistently voted as one of the best hostels in the world. The staff is VERY friendly, and they arrange a variety of events for guests. However, make sure you book your bed in advance. Naughty Squirrel Backpackers was completely sold out on my visit! Many travelers wanted to extend their stay and couldn’t do it.

Tallinn:   On my trip to Tallinn, I stayed at  Euphoria Hostel  which is perfect if you’re looking for a more relaxed atmosphere and vibe. This hostel invites musicians to perform for guests in the common room, which adds to a strong sense of community. If you’re looking for a bit more fun, then go to The Monk’s Bunk on your stay in Tallinn. Most of my friends stayed there, and lemme tell you, the Monk’s Bunk knows how to lead a quality pub crawl.

Book your accommodation in Vilnius , Riga , and Tallinn.  

Travel the Baltics: More FAQ for Your Trip

1. i’m not interested in partying. will i feel comfortable.

Hmm. I won’t lie. You’ll encounter a party atmosphere along the backpacking trail in the Baltics. The cheap price of alcohol in combination with many pub tours make drunkenness commonplace at some hostels.

However, you still will feel comfortable traveling around the Baltics. You just need to know what tours to book and what places to stay to ensure a quieter experience.

Read reviews ahead of time. Avoid staying in hostels that advertise partying.

Book yourself on some historical walking tours, day trips, or food tours to find other travelers with similar interests as you.

And remember, you can always say “no” to nights out. Cool people won’t care or make fun of you, promise.

2. What Were Some of Your Favorite Attractions?

Ahhh, I have a lot of wonderful memories, but I wish I remembered more specific sites to share with you. Honestly, my trip through the Baltics is one of the reasons I advocate for writing a travel journal on a regular basis. Your memory isn’t as strong as you think it is!

However, I do have a few suggestions for you if you’re planning to travel the capitals of the Baltics.

#1 — IN VILNIUS

Gediminas’ Tower: This gorgeous red tower is the remaining part of the Upper Castle. This brick castle was completed in 1409. Come to Gediminas’ Tower to enjoy some of the best views in all of Vilnius!

Museum of Occupations and Freedom Fights:  Previously called the Museum of Genocide Victims. Lithuania suffered greatly under the Nazi Regime and the Soviet Union. Located inside the former KGB headquarters, the Museum of Occupations and Freedom Fights is dedicated to the victims. Have a strong stomach ready. This museum is located at Aukų g. 2A, Vilnius 01400, Lithuania.

Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania: This beautiful palace was originally constructed in the 15th century for the rulers of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania and the future Kings of Poland. However, it was demolished in 1801 and took 16 years to fully re-complete it in 2018! Wow.

“Republic” of Užupis:  This self-proclaimed “republic” is the artistic district of Vilnius. What’s super cool about Užupis is it has its own president and constitution! Take a stroll here. You won’t regret it.

Three Crosses: Epic hillside monument of (you guessed it!) Three Crosses. It’s quite a hike to this monument so wear super comfortable shoes on your journey up to the very top.

Finally Vilnius has so many cool things to offer solo travelers that I can’t list them all here. Be sure to check out my Sightseeing Vilnius Guide for more in-depth information about attractions in Lithuania’s capital.

#2 — IN RIGA

Art Nouveau District: This distinct style, popular in at the end of the 19th and early 20th centuries, adorns all the buildings in this district. Take some good pictures. Instagram would be mad jealous of this neighborhood.

House of Blackheads: Travel through history when you visit House of Blackheads. This gorgeous building was built in 1334, and is one of the most popular images of Old Riga. Take a walk to the square and listen to the musicians.

Nativity of Christ Cathedral and the Freedom Monument: Nativity of Chris Cathedral is a stunning Russian Orthodox Church with incredible golden domes. Not far away, you’ll find the Freedom Monument, which honors the soldiers who died during the Latvian War of Independence that took place in 1918-1920.

Riga Central Market: An incredible market located outside of the Old Town. If you want a diverse shopping experience and delicious food for a picnic, then you need to go here. Riga Central Market is located at 7 Nēģu iela.

The Three Brothers: A building complex of  oldest medieval dwelling houses in Riga. It’s hard to take a full picture of The Three Brothers, but they’re gorgeous to see in person.

#3 — IN TALLINN

There are plenty of cool things to do in Tallinn. Here are some of the highlights from my own trip:

Alexander Nevsky Cathedral: An impressive Russian Orthodox Cathedral typical Russian Revival style between 1894 and 1900. Definitely go inside and see the spectacular interior.

Raekoja Plats (Town Hall Square): This main square of Tallinn’s old town is beautiful! Go in the late afternoon after the day trippers from Finland go home. You’ll feel as if you were transported back in time.

Telliskivi Loomelinnak: Also known as Telliskivi Creative City. This former industrial area is now excellent for shopping and dining opportunities. It’s located outside Tallinn’s Old Town, but isn’t a very far walk. You can find Telliskivi Loomelinnak at Telliskivi 60a.

Toompea Hill and Castle: This impressive stronghold makes you feel like a knight in shining armor. Take advantage of the sweeping views from near Toompea Castle, and take plenty of photos to make your friends jealous. Today the pink building houses the Parliament of Estonia.

Do you plan to travel the Baltics? Where would you like to visit? Leave all your thoughts in the comments.

Rachel Elizabeth

At 22, I took my first overseas trip to Bermuda. Took a break to follow the "American Dream." Had my self-esteem broken. Embarked on my first solo trip to Scotland at 26. The travel bug dug its way under my skin. I now book multiple trips a year.

1 thoughts on “ Travel the Baltics: Guide to Lithuania, Latvia, & Estonia ”

Hi there! I am currently looking into visiting all three cities. My biggest thing is time. How long did you stay at each destination? I don’t have too much time for my holiday, but want to make sure I can thoroughly enjoy each place. Thanks!

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Travelling the Baltics – Budget Backpacking Guide For 2024

Travelling the Baltics is an excellent way to discover some of Europe’s most charming destinations. The Baltic states are often a forgotten travel destination, with many people preferring to jet off to the Amalfi Coast or a Greek island.

However, this part of the world is truly magical and offers so much to travellers, so yes, the Baltics are definitely worth visiting! Backpacking the Baltics is one of the best ways to discover this part of Northern Europe.

If you are looking for somewhere off the beaten path with beautiful scenery, but that doesn’t attract hordes of tourists every year -this is the destination for you!

The Baltics refers to the countries of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. Each is unique in its own right, and a trip around this region isn’t complete without visiting each one.

This article will include everything you need to know when backpacking the Baltics. That includes transport, currency and of course the best places to see!

So, without further ado here are the things to know before travelling the Baltics.

Boring stuff: I have visited each of the places I recommend and give you my honest opinion, warts and all. All photos are my own unless otherwise stated and may not be reproduced without permission. Affiliate links may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Table of Contents

Where are the Baltic Countries?

The Baltics is a northeastern region of Europe that is located on the eastern shores of the Baltic Sea. It contains the countries of:

How do you Travel Around the Baltics?

When it comes to travelling the Baltics, there are a few different ways to get around.

Although it’s possible to travel around the Baltics by plane, or train, the bus is the most popular choice.

Generally, public transport is pretty cheap and convenient in this region, making most areas easily accessible.

You can also choose to go on the Ultimate Baltics road trip and hire a car. It’s often a cheap option and gives you the freedom to visit wherever you want.

Travel by Bus

The bus networks in Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania are very good, and they are a great way to travel around each country.

A lot of the buses come with wifi, plugs, and USB chargers to make your journey comfortable too which is always a bonus.

Some even come with free or low-cost meals, drinks, and a screen with movies and games!

Not only is travelling by bus cheap and comfortable but there are a variety of companies to choose from.

Some of the companies include Ecolines, Ollex, and Busturas. Eurolines also operates in the Baltics, but only in Latvia and Lithuania, not Estonia.

Another popular bus company is LUX, which operates in all Baltic countries.

Travel by Train

Trains are a reliable form of transport in the big cities and within each country.

However, when it comes to crossing the border between countries it’s best to go by bus.

Getting a train service between countries is nearly impossible, and if you can get one, they are often very unreliable.

Hiring a Car

Hiring a car is one of the best ways to travel the Baltics.

Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania aren’t very big countries so driving between them doesn’t take nearly as much time compared to other parts of Europe.

The highways are also pretty well maintained, and easy to use. Of course, as you head into more rural areas the roads become less maintained, but that’s to be expected in any country.

Travelling the Baltics this way is a great adventure and gives you plenty of flexibility and freedom. You don’t have to rely on public transport timetables and plan your trip around them.

If you do choose to hire a car, make sure you have the right insurance and driving license. There are also plenty of hire car companies located in the Baltics so do your research to find the best deals.

Border Control

Since Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania are all in the EU, there are no internal borders. That means you can drive and cross borders whenever you want, without any drama.

Baltic Ferry Cruises

The Baltic is home to ports offering passenger services around the region. There are many ferry services as well as specialist cruises that take in some of the top destinations in the region.

One of the most popular routes is the Helsinki to Tallinn / Tallinn to Helsinki ferry. Other services also include Stockholm in Sweden and St/Petersburg in Russia.

There is an overnight ferry between Stockholm and Tallinn taking 17.5 hours.

See the Direct Ferries website for more info on routes and prices.

Money in the Baltics

To make things easier, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania all use the euro. The value of the currency is of course the same, but each country has different designs on their coins.

Cards are widely accepted throughout the Baltics, especially at restaurants, hotels, and shops. However, when it comes to small markets it’s important to keep notes and smaller denominations on you, as often they won’t have much change to give you in return.

Cost of Backpacking the Baltics

Languages in the baltics.

Each country in the Baltics has its own language:

The second language for many people in the Baltics is Russian. This is especially the case for older people who were schooled during the Soviet occupation.

English is also widely spoken in the Baltics too, which is always good to know.

It’s important to remember that even though people here may know Russian, they may not necessarily want to be associated with Russia today. That’s why it’s always best to speak to people in English first if you don’t know any of the other Baltic languages!

Best Places to Visit in the Baltics

Here is a brief run-through of each country, and the destinations you need to visit.

Estonia is a wonderful country and is finally starting to get traction with travellers. This underrated gem is incredibly affordable and has a wealth of destinations to offer. With medieval cities, beautiful coastlines and scenic islands, Estonia has something for everyone!

Here are some of the top places to visit in Estonia:

• Tallinn – Estonia’s vibrant capital
• Tartu – the country’s second largest city
• Lahemaa National Park – perfect for hiking, swimming and getting back to nature
• Saaremaa Island – Estonia’s largest island
• Parnu – small, but charming city in the southwest of the country

Although not one of the most popular countries to visit in the Balkans, Latvia offers so much to tourists. With incredible cities, ancient castles, pristine beaches, and breathtaking national parks, it’s a country you don’t want to miss.

Here are some of the top places to visit in Latvia:

• Riga – colourful capital of Latvia
• Gauja National Park – home to stunning nature and a 13th Century castle
• Cēsis – castles, churches, and a quaint old town
• Jurmala – miles of sandy beaches a short train ride from Riga
• Kuldiga – a beautiful town preserved by time where the modern world seems far away

Lithuania doesn’t seem to get much publicity when it comes to travel, but it’s one of the most beautiful countries in Eastern Europe. The country is home to incredible architecture, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, beautiful scenery, and plenty of history.

Here are some of the top places to visit in Lithuania:

• Vilnius – the charming, laid back capital of Lithuania
• Klaipeda – major port city in Lithuania
• Trakai Island Castle – one of the country’s most beautiful attractions
• Kernave – the ancient medieval capital
• Kaunas – second largest city

Check out this list of 8 adventurous activities in the Baltics from Culture Trip!

The weather in the Baltics

The climate in the Baltics is influenced by the Baltic sea and the Gulf of Finland and differs depending on which country you visit.

Generally, the Baltic winters are long and cold, with the summers being short and warm.

Estonia: The warmest month to visit Estonia is July, with an average high temperature of 21°C. The coldest month to visit is February, with an average low temperature of -7°C.

Latvia: The warmest month to visit Latvia is July, with an average high temperature of 23°C. The coldest month to visit is January, with an average low temperature of -5°C.

Lithuania: The warmest month to visit Lithuania is July, with an average high temperature of 23°C. The coldest month to visit is January, with an average low temperature of -6°C.

Best Time to Visit Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania

The Baltics can be visited all year round, although it does depend on where you want to visit and the activities you want to do.

Generally, the most popular time to visit is between late June to August when the temperature is at its warmest and there is plenty of sunlight.

However, during this time locals and tourists alike flock to the coast and more popular areas of the Baltics so these places will be busier than normal.

If you don’t mind the weather being a little bit cooler, you can choose to visit in May, early June, or September. The crowds will be thinner, and the conditions are still favourable making it a great time to visit.

Accommodation in the Baltics

Travelling the Baltics is generally pretty cheap, and that goes for accommodation too. However, there are plenty of options for different travel styles.

You can splurge on a 5* hotel if you want to, or save your pennies, and go for a dorm bed instead.

Below are a few options when it comes to accommodation in Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania.

Hostels/Cheap Accommodation

Tallinn, Estonia – Old Town Hostel Alur – perfect location within Tallinn’s old town

Tartu, Estonia – Hostel Tartu – Spacious hostel with luxuries including a sauna and bar

Riga, Latvia – Old Town Hostel and Backpackers Pub – Beautiful hostel set in Riga old town

Jurmala, Latvia – Vikingu guest house – Close to the beach with an outdoor pool

Vilnius, Lithuania – Hostel Jamaika – Hostel with plenty of spacious communal areas

Kaunas, Lithuania – Hostel Liberty – Friendly hostel close to tourist attractions

Tallinn, Estonia – Hestia Hotel Kentmanni – Excellent location with a spa and wellness centre

Riga, Latvia – Boutique Hotel KRISTOFS – Located in Riga old town with beautiful interior

Vilnius, Lithuania – Hotel Vilnia – Set in a 19th-century building with a lounge bar

For other accommodation in the Baltics, you can find a wide range of choices on Booking.com , HostelWorld , and Trip.com .

To find cheap accommodation, try and search for a place to stay with cozycozy .

Wild camping is allowed and even encouraged within the Baltics, and that goes for Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania.

However, you should never camp in designated protected areas like national parks, nature reserves, or military zones. There will be signs to advise you when it comes to this.

Eurocapmings has over 100 campsites across the region (35 in Estonia, 37 in Latvia and 34 in Lithuania).

Is it Safe to Travel the Baltics?

The Baltic states are politically stable and developed nations, and so are generally very safe for tourists.

However, as with any country, petty crime is prevalent in touristy cities like Tallinn, Riga, and Vilnius.

Scams can also be quite common including being overcharged steeply by taxis and the ‘night club scam’. This is where people (especially women) if you’re travelling as a male, will encourage you to buy drinks all night, and leave you with a very expensive bill.

It may also be important to pre-plan your route slightly. If you are camping or spending a large amount of time in outdoor areas a vaccine for tick-borne encephalitis may be a good idea.

Our partners at SafetyWing provide cover for travellers, backpackers and Digital Nomads. Get a quote here and ensure you have the proper cover for your trip.

Top tips whilst Travelling the Baltics

• Whilst some nationalities don’t require visas to enter Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania, some will so it’s important to do your research first.
• The Baltic countries are incredibly proud of their national identity, and many people don’t like to be associated with Russia after the Soviet occupation. Be mindful of discussing politics with local people.
• Although the majority of places accept cards make sure you keep loose change on you. This will be needed for buses, and tips if you decide to leave one. It isn’t a standard rule to tip but it’s greatly appreciated.
• Although many of the Baltic dishes consist of meat, vegan and vegetarian restaurants are picking up popularity, especially in the big cities.
• Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania have some of the fastest wifi speeds in the world and are well ahead when it comes to free publicly accessible wifi.
• You can get a sim card that covers all the Baltic countries, which makes keeping connected incredibly easy.
• Although taking a flight across the Baltics may be quicker, travelling by bus is often the best option. It’s much cheaper and has plenty of luxuries including meals, drinks, and movies.
• Unfair pricing of taxis is still pretty common in this region, so be very mindful if you are choosing to travel around by taxi.
• When travelling the Baltics it’s important to research the climate before you visit. Even if you are travelling within just one of the countries, the weather can differ dramatically between the north and south.

Are you ready for a trip backpacking the Baltics?

Does travelling the Baltics sound like something you need on your bucket list? Well, it definitely should! Although not one of the most well-known or travelled areas of the world, the Baltics has so much to offer.

Whether you want to explore capital cities, lounge on the beach, or trek through national parks, this region has it all.

When it comes to backpacking the Baltics, there are so many incredible sights to see. And the best part? As the Baltics don’t have the popularity of other areas in Europe (although it should), you won’t have a problem with crammed tourist attractions.

With a great public transport network, cheap accommodation, and plenty of tasty dishes to try, the Baltics needs to be next on your list!

More Backpacking Guides from thetripgoeson:

Balkans Backpacking Guide

Russia Backpacking Guide

Central Asia Backpacking Guide

About the author: Steve Rohan is a writer from Essex, England. He has traveled to over 60 countries, lived in Armenia, China and Hong Kong, and is now living the digital nomad life on the road.

Steve prefers “slow travel” and has covered much of the world by train, bus and boat. He has been interviewed multiple times by the BBC and recently featured in the documentary Scariest Places in the World . See the About page for more info.

Where I am now: Yerevan, Armenia 🇦🇲

2 thoughts on “ Travelling the Baltics – Budget Backpacking Guide For 2024 ”

Steve, I found your backpacking the Baltics article extremely valuable. Thanks for sharing. I’m heading this spring for a 6 week, self guided, slow travel trip visiting all 3 countries. I especially enjoy small villages, hamlets, etc. Will I have any problem finding lodging in these areas? Any advice will be greatly appreciated. Safe travels!

Hi Rick, thanks for your comment. A 6-week trip around the Baltics sounds fantastic! I think in the smaller villages you may have problems finding accommodation, however as the three Baltic states are so small it shouldn’t be too difficult to get to the nearest town where you’ll have more options. Best, Steve

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TravelKiwis

12 Amazing Days to See the Best of the Baltic States

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Are the Baltic States next on your travel list?

Then you’re probably wondering which are the best cities to visit: Tallinn, Riga, or Vilnius. Or maybe you want to visit all three of the Baltic cities.

It’s a tough choice if you are limited with time.

But one way around this dilemma is to plan the best things to see and do while you are there. Even if you  only have a weekend break or one day from a Baltic cruise. We have highlighted the best of Vilnius, Riga, and Tallinn.

And not only the best places to visit but day trips from each city. There are new foods to try and travel options between Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania.

So let’s get started.

12 Amazing Days in the Baltics States

And they are amazing.

Since 1991, when they gained independence from the Soviet Union and joined the EU in 2004, the Baltic States have flourished. Spending a weekend or longer, there are unique things to see in Tallinn, Riga, and Vilnius.

You can also get close to nature with an abundance of National Parks and Nature Parks. To learn more, check out these websites:

• National Parks and Wildlife
• Natural Attractions in Latvia
• Natural Parks of Lithuania

Where are the Baltic States?

If you type “Baltic Sea” in Google Maps, you find it laps the shores of three countries on the eastern side: Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania.

These countries are known as the Baltic States.

Nestled with the other northern countries of Russia, Finland, Sweden, Copenhagen, Germany, and Poland. The Baltic Sea unites all these countries and forms the Baltic Loop.

But what makes the Baltic Nations a memorable place to visit?

It’s the history, the food, and the centuries-old folk traditions, especially in dance.

While we were in Croatia, we got to see an entertaining Lithuanian traditional dance. You can see more here: YouTube Clip .

So, here are some tips before you visit the Baltic States.

Baltic States: Use these Quick Tips

Before you head off to explore the charm of Tallinn, Riga, and Vilnius, here are 5 quick tips before you go:

• Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania are members of the European Union – so the currency is the Euro
• There is a time difference of plus one hour to central Europe (Paris)
• Read the history of the Baltic Way story
• Each Baltic State has its own language
• Check the National Holidays in Estonia , Latvia , and Lithuania

So, how do you get to the Baltic State cities?

Getting to the Baltic States: What are your options?

Depending on how you like to travel, your options are:

The quickest travel option is a flight to one of the capital cities of Tallinn, Riga or Vilnius.

Ryanair has flights to Tallinn and Riga, and Lufthansa flies to Vilnius.

To find the best deals, we use Skyscanner. That way, you can plan your trip to suit your vacation days and travel budget.

And here are some tips for getting from the airport to the inner city.

Getting from the Airport to the Old Cities

We are comfortable travellers (with a comfy budget), so we seek out affordable options when visiting new cities.

For a cheaper option, the buses to and from Tallinn, Riga, and Vilnius airports were inexpensive, comfortable, and reliable for short distances.

Tallinn Airport to Tallinn Old Town: Take Bus 2 or Tram 4 for the old city, which is about 20 minutes. The ticket costs €2 from the bus driver or €1 from the ticket machine.

Riga airport to Riga Old Town: take Bus 22 (a large white minivan) at Arrival E for the 30-minute trip to the old town. You can purchase tickets from the bus driver (€2) or the ticket machine for less, currently €1.15 (2019)

Vilnius Airport to Vilnius Old Town: Take the airport bus outside the terminal, which is about a 20-minute journey. Tickets can be purchased from the bus driver for €1(2019).

And if you are travelling from another European country, one option is to take a bus.

Travel to the Baltic States from another European Country

We used the Ecolines Bus.

Our starting point was Poland to Lithuania with Ecolines Bus leaving from Warsaw to  Vilnius, Lithuania. This is a 9-hour journey that starts at 6.15 a.m.

The other option is a train from Poland crossing the border to Lithuania, then a bus to Vilnius. Making it a much longer journey.

So how was the bus trip?

The Ecolines bus arrived one hour late, so a few of us were nervous we had “missed the bus.” One guy frantically asked every Ecolines Bus into the station, “Is this the bus to Vilnius?”

When the bus finally arrived, probably overnight from Riga, we were met by a tired and grumpy hostess who would be our onboard ‘help’ for the 9-hour journey. Yikes!

What made us happy was the bag security . The driver will place a tag on your bag and give you a matching tag. That way, no one is walking away with your bags at any bus stop along the route.

Don’t be surprised if the hostess takes your printed ticket information for the journey. Apparently, it was for the border crossing from Poland to Lithuania (we think, too scared to ask!)

Our Ecolines service from Warsaw to Vilnius did offer onboard food items served by a hostess. But for a healthier snack, it’s best to bring your own food and drink.

The TV screens on the back of each chair made the trip go quickly. There was a wide selection of movies, TV shows, and games.

If your preference is to slow travel , taking the bus is one way to see more of a country, its landscape, houses and people.

Travelling between the Baltic States isn’t easy.

If you decide not to hire a car, your best alternative to travel between the Baltic States is by bus.

There are no direct train services available between the capital cities.

But if you are short on time, fly between the capital cities with Baltic Air.

Buses in the Baltic region are affordable and comfortable, and it is easy to book online or purchase a ticket at the city bus station.

We used the free travel app Rome2rio for times and prices.

The main highways between the Baltic cities factor in more time for roadworks or traffic delays. And bring plenty of snacks; those toilet stops are quick.

We chose Ecolines Bus for:

• Comfort with legroom
• Free coffee
• Onboard toilet
• Selection of movies, music, and games
• Secure baggage

So what was the travel like between each Baltic city?

Lithuania to Latvia by Ecolines Bus

The Ecolines bus trip from Vilnius, Lithuania, to Riga, Latvia, is a 4-4.5-hour journey. This compares to the 6-hour train, which zigzags across the country.

With about 50% of Latvia covered in forest, the bus journey through small villages with views of wooden houses is very picturesque.

Vilnius Bus Station – Sodų g. 22, Vilnius 03211, Lithuania

Riga Bus Station  (for Ecolines) – Prāgas iela 1, Latgales priekšpilsēta, Rīga, LV-1050, Latvia

Lithuania to Estonia with Baltic Air

Our option was to fly direct from Vilnius to Tallinn with Baltic Air.

The flight takes 1.50 hours, plus the 20-minute bus ride to the airport.

Latvia to Estonia by Ecolines Bus

Direct travel between Latvia’s capital, Riga and Estonia’s capital, Tallinn, is a comfortable 4.5-hour journey taking you along the Baltic Sea.

Ecolines makes one quick stop along the route, though it is too short to buy snacks, so remember to take food with you.

Tallinn Bus Station (Tallinna Bussijaam) – Lastekodu 46,10144 Tallinn

Latvia to Estonia with Baltic Air

Baltic Air flies directly between Riga and Tallinn, a 50-minute flight.

Allow 30 minutes from Riga to the airport by bus and 20 minutes from Tallinn airport to the old town.

After deciding how to travel, what season do you prefer to travel?

What is the best time to visit the Baltic States?

It depends if you like warm or cold seasons.

Our first visit was in June, which was in the summer.

Lots of sunshine, warm temperatures and what seemed like endless daylight were fantastic.

Okay, well, the 30 degrees Celsius was a little hot (unusually high for June). Another reason to pack light!

And the sun never seemed to let the moon have its turn. It seemed like the amount of light was 24 hours a day.

With the sunset at 22.30 and the dawn at 3.45, there was still light in between.

Which meant it was perfect for old-town evening walks and early morning photos. Before, it got crazy busy with other tourists.

However, if you love hearty meals and snow, winter is magical, especially in Tallinn’s Christmas market.

You need to bring a heavy-duty coat as temperatures can get as low as -5 to -15 Celsius, and the daylight hours are shorter.

The ideal months to visit are April and May for spring and September and October for autumn tones.

During these times, the old towns are less crowded, so you can explore each city’s own unique must-see places to visit.

12 Days in the Baltic States: Visit Estonia, Latvia or Lithuania

If you plan to see only one Baltic State, the capital cities are the place to start. This way you can add on a day trip to the countryside, an island or a beach. There are plenty of choices.

And even though Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania are grouped as the Baltic region, each country has its own:

• history and
• stories to tell

The Baltic States are small compared to other European countries. The population in 2017 was:

• Estonia Population: 1.3 million
• Latvia Population: 1.95 million
• Lithuania Population: 2.8 million

But one thing they have in common is the Baltic Way , a human chain uniting all three Baltic States from Tallinn through Riga to Vilnius.

It was a peaceful demonstration of approximately two million people on 23 August 1989 to stand together for the national liberation of the Baltic States.

So, what is special about each capital city?

How to Spend One Day in Tallinn, Estonia

Tallinn is one of the best-preserved medieval towns in Europe.

A UNESCO site, medieval walls, and towers still surround the old town with entry through different medieval gates.

To get the best views of Tallinn’s Old Town, the bell tower of St Olav’s Church tower has 360-degree views. It was the tallest building in the world in the Middle Ages.

Located on Lai 50, 10133 Tallinn, it is currently closed for renovations (July 2019).

Town Hall Square , a meeting place for eight centuries, is surrounded by restaurants, except for one corner where you can find the oldest pharmacy in Europe, the Raeapteek. Take a look inside and browse through their herbal book. You’ll be surprised by just what a certain plant can heal.

Wandering the small, narrow streets, look at the plaques on many houses with details of their past history. It’s really helpful, but it does slow you down if you try to read each one.

If you need to stop for a unique beer experience, Olde Hansa for a honey beer is a refreshing flavour to drink. You can also choose an Estonian dish from the menu.

Alexander Nevsky Cathedral in front of Toompea Castle is one of the most photographed landmarks of Tallinn.

The Orthodox Cathedral was built in 1900 and is free to enter (although you must be quiet, or you will get told off!) with beautiful mosaics.

Fun Fact: Skype and Wise were developed in Tallinn.

How many days do you need in Tallinn?

Unless you are visiting Tallinn from a cruise ship for the day, we suggest staying at least three nights in Tallinn.

We visited several landmarks around Tallinn, and our pick for the best to explore nearby are:

• Kadriorg Park and Palace (with colourful summer and spring gardens)
• Food stalls of Balti Jaama Turg in Kalamaja area
• Wander the Telliskivi Loomelinnak Creative City (try La Muu ice cream)
• Maarjamae Memorial at Pirita (for lives lost during the Communist period)
• Lennusadam Seaplane Harbour (guys will love it)
• Take a return day ferry to Helsinki, Finland

To get from your accommodation to these Tallinn landmarks, take public transport.

How to get around Tallinn: the Smart Way

Public transport is the best solution if you are planning to stay in Tallinn for more than one day.

Purchase a smartcard for €2 and load €5 for 72 hours to use on trams or buses from:

• the bus station
• the airport

And when you leave Tallinn, hand in your Smartcard at a bus station or airport for a €2 refund.

Now you have explored Tallinn and learned more about Estonian history; next is Riga.

How to Spend One Day in Riga, Latvia

Riga is a fascinating city with a mix of the old town, nouveau buildings and modern architecture. Navigating your way to the various landmarks as you cross the River Daugava.

Although we make love history, our favourite things in Riga were the food and craft beer. The variety, flavours, and price made exploring Riga’s culinary delights enjoyable.

One of the best places to enjoy local food is from the enormous Central Market in four old Zeppelin Hangars. Local meats, cheese and bread.

We found the Bekereja (Bake Berry) stall was great for breakfast or lunch items. We would buy small pastry bread encased with meat or vegetables. So different as they were light and oh-so-tasty.

But the smell of fresh strawberries was overwhelming. We had to buy a punnet or two. So tantalizing, so sweet.

Beyond the central market is the prominent building of the Academy of Sciences (aka Stalin’s birthday cake). The roof terrace has views of Riga and is a cheaper option than the €11 fee to St Peter’s Church in the old town.

Around this area, old warehouses are being modernized for trendy shops and cafes.

But there is more to see in Riga other than eating its delicious food.

Walk Riga Old Town UNESCO Heritage Site

Town Hall Square was completely rebuilt after World War Two, and the beautiful facades of the House of Blackheads are a popular photo stop. Evenings here are special, with locals playing classical music, giving the square a wonderful ambience.

Especially if followed with a coffee or hot chocolate at the unique place Black Magic .

Now, don’t be put off by the name. Because if you want to know what the national drink of Latvia is, you’ll find the answer here. It’s Black Balsam.

Black Balsam is a secret recipe herbal drink added to your coffee or drunk on its own.

Black Magic Cafe was once used for alchemy. You’ll be mesmerised by the antique interior, old wooden shelving, and large glass counter. But what fascinated us was the large bookshelf. It had a secret door that opened to reveal another cafe below.

Even if you don’t want to try the Black Balsam, try the delicious chocolates or a range of yummy cakes. Or walk through the hidden door.

Wander near the Powder Tower

Make sure to see one of the defensive structures of the old town, the Powder Tower. Although rebuilt, the foundation stones are remnants of the Swedish invasion.

Near here is the Swedish Gate, named after the troops who defended Riga against the 1710 Russian invasion. The row of houses you see was once the army barracks.

Stop at Grannie’s Kitchen (Fazenda Bazars) at the end of the barracks for delicious savoury pancakes and coffee. The lady is so sweet; she doesn’t speak English but cooks her dishes with love.

Spend time Wandering the Local Parks

As you leave the pedestrian-friendly old town, Bastejkalns Park is a popular place in Riga. You can admire the National Opera House  or drink tea at the Apsara Tea House .

It’s only a short walk to the Riga Orthodox Cathedral on the Esplanade. It is a stunning church, especially in the late evening sunlight when the golden domes shine.

How to get around Riga

Riga is best explored on foot. The old town area is small, with the nearby Bastejkalns Park and Art Nouveau area close by.

The Art Nouveau area is a UNESCO World Heritage site .  Roughly one-third of all buildings in the city’s centre are Art Nouveau architecture. The highest concentration in the world.

The houses along Alberta Iela (Albert Street) and Elizabetes Iela (Elizabeth Street) are very ornate.

Visit the Riga Art Nouveau Museum at Alberta iela 12.

This is actually an apartment where the architect Konstantīns Pēkšēns lived. He designed many buildings in Riga. The unique aspect of the museum is the 20th-century interior and furnishings of the Art Nouveau period.

You’ll also find great craft beer in this city. Try Alkimikis near St Gertrude’s Church.

Day Trips and More from Riga

For a day trip away from Riga, take a local tour to Sigulda and Cesis for food, wine and access to Gauja National Park.

If you are considering travelling from Riga to Tallinn, the one-way sightseeing bus tour is a learning experience. You travel in a mini-van with up to 8 people, with stops along the way for sightseeing.

Learn more here: RigaTraveller (This trip is available from Tallinn to Riga.)

If you love gardens and baroque architecture, take a day trip to Rundale Palace and French Gardens .

Now you have explored Riga, let’s go inland to Vilnius.

How to Spend One Day in Vilnius, Lithuania

Vilnius is an interesting city to explore for one day or a weekend break.

It was once referred to as the Jerusalem of the North. The Yiddish language was spoken amongst the largest Jewish population in Europe.

If this is your first visit to Vilnius, an early morning walk up to the Three Crosses has the best view of Vilnius. You can look down on Uzupis, an ‘independent state’ in Vilnius’ old town.

Uzupis, an ‘independent state’ in Vilnius’s old town, once had a large Jewish population. Today, it’s a popular place for artists.

See the Duke’s Palace, which has  access to the famous Gediminas Castle . It’s then an easy walk to the Vilnius Cathedral. Here, you can hunt for the small pavement stone marking the start/endpoint of the Baltic Chain.

We loved wandering around the UNESCO old town streets of Pilies, Stikliu and Didzioji . Pilies Street links the Town Hall to the Royal Palace. At the same time, Stikliu has an amber gallery displaying jewellery and amber items.

While Vilnius isn’t as busy as Tallinn, you have the advantage of wandering the old town without the crowds. To admire the Baroque, renaissance and Gothic architecture.

And when you leave the old town, walk through the Gate of Dawn to see the beautiful Chapel of Our Lady of Vilnius above. However, if you enter from near the Market Hall, you can be forgiven for not even noticing the chapel.

Foods to Savour in Vilnius

One of the joys of travelling is finding local delicacies.

Lokys, a restaurant in a 15th-century building on Stiliu Street, was one place we treated ourselves.

We chose the Lithuanian Beer Snack and a Lithuanian Cheese Snack to sample local delicacies.

The cheese doughnuts were filled with soft cheese, the fried garlic bread was crispy, and the gooseberry jam with cheese was delicious. But the sliced pig ears were certainly a new item to taste.

During the day, if you need a snack, try a Kibinai from a local bakery.

A Kibinai is a small croissant made of dough but filled with meat or potatoes. Like a Cornish pasty. Very tasty.

And the foods in Uzupis are delicious too.

Things to do in Uzupis

One place to spend time in Vilnius is the independent state of Uzupis. No, you don’t need a Visa, but bring an open mind to this quirky and relaxed Bohemian area.

We booked our Airbnb in Uzupis and enjoyed its vibe, cafes and craft beer.

Visiting the local Thierry Bakery for a breakfast of croissants and good coffee was a sweet start to the day.

And we loved the craft beer of Snekutis at the end of the day. We ordered a local dish called Cepelini. Often referred to as a Zeppelin-shaped potato dumpling filled with meat.

Wow, one of those with a beer, and we were sorted.

And while you are digesting that Cepelini, make sure to read the Uzupis constitution before you leave.

It is translated into 50 languages, with 29 translations displayed on Constitution Avenue. We loved Article 1, which reads: “People have the right to live by the River Vilnelė, while the River Vilnelė has the right to flow past people.”

Uzupis is quirky.

And if you have time for a day trip from Vilnius, spend the day at Trakai.

Take a Day Trip from Vilnius

A popular day trip from Vilnius is Trakai Island Castle, which is only 30-40 minutes by bus from Vilnius.

The town of Trakai is an ethnic Crimean Karaite community. I t was once the Lithuanian capital in the 14th century. Some of the landmarks were:

• Former Russian Imperial Post Office
• Dominican Monastery
• Karaite Prayer House
• Beautiful wooden houses of the local residents

An alternative walk to the castle is along the shores of Lake Bernardinu. Just follow the local signposts.

But what makes Trakai popular is Trakai Castle on the island of Lake Galve. Built by the Grand Duke of Lithuania, Kestutis and his son Vytautas.

A bridge links the castle with the shoreline. To visit inside, you’ll need to pay a fee.

How to get from Vilnius to Trakai by Bus:

• Choose the inter-city bus (mini-bus) from Vilnius Bus Station on Sodų g. 22, Vilnius
• Purchase tickets at the bus station or from the driver (2019: 2 Euro)
• Buses are frequent in both directions

Planning your Baltic States Itinerary

Hopefully, now you are less confused and have a better idea of how to spend your 12 days exploring the Baltic States.

Discovering the best of the Baltic cities, Tallinn, Riga, and Vilnius (even for a weekend), is a fascinating adventure. Experience their unique must-see landmarks, traditions, and amazing foods.

You can decide whether to fly directly to each Baltic city, saving you more vacation time, or take the bus to see more of each Baltic State.

Either way, you can now decide whether to spend all of your time exploring one or two cities, including day trips, or spend your 12 days travelling all three of the Baltic States.

Whichever you choose, you’ll return from the Baltic States with memorable experiences and suggest your friends come visit soon.

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Everything you need to know before visiting the Baltics (Updated 2024)

I’ve spent the last couple of weeks on the sort of trip that changes you a bit, makes you re-evaluate and see things from another perspective. I started writing up my guides and reviews of various stops on the trip, but felt I needed to do an overview post to talk a bit more about my impressions, thoughts and learnings on this fascinating region of Europe in today’s political climate, before jumping in to city guides and posts.

Where are The Baltics?

The Baltics is an area of Europe covering three separate countries – Lithuania , Latvia and Estonia . They sit on the north coast of Europe, with Russia and Belarus bordering them to the North, East and South.

The route we followed on our trip took us through all 3 countries as per the map above. At the very bottom of the map you can see Kaliningrad – this is a small area of Russia below Lithuania. Then to the right you will see St Petersburg, also in Russia, with Belarus the country sharing a border with Lithuania and Latvia.

All three Baltic states are in NATO, but all three have long and complicated histories with Russia which can’t be ignored. But let’s start with the non-war related observations.

What are The Baltics like to visit?

In short, INCREDIBLE . I had an amazing time exploring the region. There were areas that felt very much on the tourist trail, and others which felt a world away from it. It was a place of similarities – to Western Europe, to each other – and a place of huge differences. It was one of the best holidays I’ve ever had, and I’d recommend it to anyone considering a trip here.

Here are my non-war and non-political related observations.

1. Each Baltic capital feels very different

Vilnius (Lithuania) felt completely off the tourist track – we heard mainly Lithuanian and were not aware of many English visitors. In Riga (Latvia), it was overwhelmingly German visitors we saw. We also saw and heard many more Russians in Latvia. In Tallinn (Estonia), it seemed largely English and felt much more Western European – firmly on the tourist trail. However, all 3 Baltic countries speak AMAZING English, so it was easy to communicate.

Away from the capital cities of Riga and Tallinn, Latvia and Estonia also felt off the tourist trail and I really enjoyed seeing more of these beautiful countries.

2. In Lithuania, people are not openly friendly

…but that doesn’t mean they’re not nice. People don’t say hello or smile in the street. There’s not really any customer service, it’s more nods and grunts if anything. People looked away if I made eye contact and smiled. It’s cultural and not at all meant to be rude. It was slightly different in Latvia and Estonia but still don’t expect enthusiastic greetings and well wishes, especially outside of the capital cities.

3. Traditional food is meat heavy

Most menus are meat heavy across the region – there are lots of vegan and vegetarian places now popping up, but traditional food is game meat and rye bread. We sampled it across the region and it was VERY heavy, but great quality.

4. The streets are clean and beautiful

All three Baltic nations are completely spotless – like not even gum on the pavements. I saw someone throw a receipt on the pavement, and 2 locals told him off! We also ‘jay walked’ (crossed the road on a red light as there were no cars) and people told us off and looked at us with complete disdain.

5. All three Baltic countries feel super safe

Not once did I feel threatened, in danger or even looked at funny. In fact the opposite; literally no-one bothered me at all.

6. The Baltic States are largely white

I didn’t see a non-white person for my entire time in Lithuania, and in Latvia and Estonia it was rare. In total in 2 weeks I think I saw 5 black people, most of whom were American tourists. I found it uncomfortable, and if I wasn’t white I think my experience in these countries could have been different (but obviously I can’t attest to that, and certainly wasn’t aware of anything but open minds and people being welcome to all visitors).

7. Travelling around is easy

Whilst there is no train network easily connecting the countries, the roads are good and easy to navigate. Within countries (i.e. Vilnius to Kaunas, Tartu to Tallinn), the trains were incredible. Very cheap, efficient, clean and with snacks offered too.

8. It’s cheaper than Western Europe, but not that cheap

We noticed a big difference in accommodation, transport and museum prices across the region vs in the UK. However food and drink was roughly the same. In the capital cities the price differential wasn’t that big, especially in Tallinn which we found to be the most touristy area. All 3 countries use the Euro.

How is the Russia/Ukraine war impacting the Baltics?

Let’s talk about the main thing affecting this area at the time of my visit. The Baltics are completely surrounded by Russia and in the living memory of most of the people here are previous occupations, oppression and mass killings of friends and family by the same country. Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia all only gained independence from the Soviet Union in 1991. The war in Ukraine is a huge focus here, with the Baltics a likely target if Russia decide to go further. This is not a new threat to the region and we can’t understand how these countries feel today without looking at the past.

Since the 1200s there hasn’t been longer than 50 years without an invasion or occupation by Russia in this region . In every single family, in every generation since the 1200s, Russian aggression is in the consciousness. 2024 is no different, meaning the threat today is history repeating itself. Yet again, as it has for the last 800+ years already.

As we travelled through the region we learnt in detail about the history.

1200s – 1918 (end of WW1)

Lithuania was formed in the late 1200s as The Grand Duchy of Lithuania and was independent/allied with Poland until 1795. During that time it fought many battles against Russian invaders. Eventually the Duchy fell and from 1795-1918, Lithuania was part of the Russian Empire right up until the end of WW1.

Latvia & Estonia didn’t have a national border or identity as countries until the end of WW1. Unlike Lithuania they formed the Kingdom of Livonia in the 1200s, which effectively meant they were ruled by the German Crusaders and power was in the hands of the Germans (hence the German links everywhere in Riga/Tallinn). Then as the Reformation swept through Europe, the Catholic Livonian Empire lost its sway and Latvia/Estonia became a battle ground for everyone – The Danish came, the Swedes were in charge for a while, the Russians continued to attack. And then, like in Lithuania, they took over for good in the 1800s, with the area becoming part of the Russian Empire until 1918.

In 1914-1918, Russia fought in WW1 and lost. After WW1, with Russia weakened, all 3 Baltic nations claimed independence following 2 years of battles. This was the first time Latvia and Estonia became recognised as countries.

1920 – today

Independence didn’t last long. Just over 20 years later, in 1940, with WW2 raging in other countries, Russia took over the Baltics yet again. By 1941, Germany had invaded and the area was under Nazi control, and then in 1944 the Russians were back and Lithuania, Estonia and Latvia were incorporated in to the Soviet Union (USSR), right up until 1991 .

It was during this period that some of the biggest atrocities happened – Estonia lost 25% of its population, for example. This was because thousands of people were forcibly sent to labour camps, killed by the Soviet forces, or sent to live in exile in Siberia for no reason (just being a teacher, or politician or farmer was enough). Virtually no families were left untouched , and the USSR economically and financially destroyed the Baltics for its own growth back ‘home’.

In the 1980s, the USSR was weakened following years of terrible economic policies, and there was rising unrest in The Baltics with calls for independence alongside the USSR’s new policy where restrictions were not as severe as they had been in the past.

Through peaceful protest, independence was restored for all 3 nations in 1991. One of the main symbols of independence was the Baltic Way – where people from all 3 countries joined hands all the way from Vilnius to Tallinn to peacefully protest for independence.

No wonder protests against the Ukraine war are strong across this region. The prospect of Russian invasion is real, every day here. In Lithuania , support for Ukraine was overwhelming – every shop we walked past was decked out in the Ukrainian colours, we saw demonstrations and concerts and public speeches on the topic of the war. Lithuania has a much lower population of Russians (5%) than Latvia and Estonia (25%), and it felt the most vocal against the war by far.

In Latvia and Estonia , the open support wasn’t everywhere like in Lithuania, but there were pockets of really strong protest. We spoke to a number of people in all 3 countries and all were vocally against the war, and fearful of Russia coming back to occupy the Baltics. Everyone we spoke to said it was now dangerous to support the war or be pro-Russian.

In Western Europe we are slightly removed, in other continents even more so. But to these people here, they have lost loved ones in previous conflict with Russia, they have a national consciousness in living memory of oppression through occupation and there is fear here. There is an active motion here to align as much as possible with Western Europe – English is the second language not Russian and there was definitely an anti-Russian feeling in areas of the region, especially in Lithuania where Russian guides had even been removed from museums for example.

I pray history doesn’t repeat itself in The Baltics, lord knows these people have endured enough already.

As I said, over the coming weeks and months I will publish multiple guides to places across the Baltics, but I wanted to start with the context as I think it’s far too important to ignore it. What do you think? Thanks for reading, stay safe and happy travelling.

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53 responses to “everything you need to know before visiting the baltics (updated 2024)”.

I visited Estonia (just Tallinn) in 2012, and Lithuania/Latvia on a joint trip in 2019. Small countries, but very beautiful, clean, and safe, as you wrote! I’m actually surprised you wrote that you didn’t hear much English in Lithuania/Latvia, as I heard quite a bit (granted, I stayed in hostels and spoke to younger locals when I was out in town, so mileage may vary). And for me, being Asian-American, I didn’t encounter any racism when out and about, not even stares that I’d otherwise gotten while living in France! The people might’ve been a bit standoffish, but culturally, I think they’re quite open to outsiders, at least for visiting. Thank you for sharing your time in the Baltics; they’re some of my favorite countries to visit, too!

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Ah that’s amazing you’ve been to all 3 countries Rebecca, they are so beautiful to visit. I did hear a lot of English in that they spoke to us in brilliant English – just most seemed to be non-native – i.e. not many tourists. It was refreshing and nice actually to feel a bit away from the crowds! I agree on the culture piece as well, such a cool region to travel through. Thanks for reading and providing your thoughts 🙂

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For some reason or other I haven’t been to any of these places yet… I think I’d like them all….

They are lovely Marie, well worth a visit 🙂

Such a great overview and way to put your travels in perspective. I’ve enjoyed following along on your stories so much!!

Aw thanks Lyssy – lots more posts on the region to come….somehow I’ve managed with posts scheduled up until November now so think I need to up my posting!!!

That’s amazing!! I can’t wait to read them all 🙂 I love having a backlog of posts, means you’ve been up to fun things!!

Wow, thank you so much for explaining all of this. I wasn’t fully aware of the history of these countries and just how many atrocities they have suffered. My thoughts are with the people of all three countries. I’m glad you were able to visit and experience all three… I look forward to learning more about them from your upcoming posts.

So glad you found it interesting Diana, I really appreciate you reading. Lots more posts on the region coming up 🙂

Looking forward to it 🙂

Very thoughtful and comprehensive overview of these beautiful countries. Beautiful photos as well! I think I’d be a bit nervous visiting now, but hopefully, in the near future, the threat will subside.

Thank you so much, really glad you enjoyed reading and hopefully one day you will get to visit when it’s all a bit calmer 🙂

A really good overview of these three wonderful countries Hannah. I’ve visited Tallinn numerous times by ferry from Helsinki and have taken short breaks in both Riga and Vilnius and enjoyed them too. I’ll look forward to more posts about your recent visit. Hope you’ve enjoyed the Jubilee weekend too.

Thank you Marion, appreciate your kind words. Brilliant you have made it to all 3 countries, and lots more posts coming up so I hope you enjoy them 🙂

I’m absolutely sure I will! xx

Really good and comprehensive overview of the Baltic states. Thanks for sharing.

Thank you so much, really appreciate you taking the time to read and comment

I must say, generally, dear Hannah, that your travel presentations are really splendid! Perhaps, a book coming? Your visit to the Baltics sounds great, and it was interesting to read about how different groups of nationalities were found in each region. I chuckled about the nods and grunts (“Hello!”), and it was great that the people take the cleanliness of their city, and adherence to rules, so seriously. Jaywalking!! haha. The history was also interesting – I certainly didn’t know that such conflicts with Russia were so long standing (since the 1200’s!). Thanks for sharing, my friend 🙂

Thank you so much Phil, you’re just too kind to me! We had a wonderful trip and learned so much – glad you enjoyed the overview and lots more to come 🙂

We had planned to visit Poland, where Richard the photographer is from, this coming summer and hoped for a few weeks to visit the 3 Baltic countries. With the Russian invasion, we have put it on hold, but hope to put the plan into action next year. Thanks for this great tour and history of the region, it makes me want to visit it more! Maggie

Ah Poland and the Baltics would have been amazing, but completely understandable you would put it on hold. We thought it was an incredible region and really hope you get to visit one day soon 🙂

I’ve never been to the Baltics before, but I’ve just added it to my travel bucket list. Happy to hear that you felt safe and that it’s easy to get around places. Looking forward to reading more about your travels across the Baltics. Thanks for sharing. Linda

Oh I’m so glad my post has given you some travel inspiration – it’s an incredible area of Europe with so much to do and see. I hope you enjoy the upcoming posts too. Thanks so much for reading Linda 🙂

An excellent and highly considered overview Hannah. I haven’t seen anything of The Baltics really, so all of this is eye-opening. I hope one day we’ll get to see a bit of it as it will be a nice alliterative accompaniment to our three months exploring the Balkans last autumn. Great work, looking forward to reading more.

Thanks Leighton, really appreciate that. It’s just such an amazing region of Europe with loads of things to offer all types of travellers. I think you’d enjoy them and agree it would be a perfect companion to your Balkan explorations. We’re heading to Bosnia (we hope) next year so will do some Balkan exploration of our own soon too 🙂

Very powerful overview of this area and everything that they have been through. I’m sure with such a history they are anxiously watching this latest struggle unfold. Looking forward to learning more about this region in your coming posts.

Thanks Meg, glad you found it interesting to read. Lots more posts coming up 🙂

Looking forward to them! 🙂

Oh, forgot to ask, how did you find the Covid restrictions to be in each country?

Very simple – there were none! We flew needing no tests or anything, just travelled there and no requirements. Once there, no social distancing or masks or anything…it was just back to ‘normal’

Very educational post. Fascinating and sad history. My grandparents are from Kaunas, Lithuania, They emigrated to the US in the 1940s. We look forward to visiting this area and will refer back to your blog. Cheers!

So glad you enjoyed it. Oh wow, so they must have left just before or after the Soviets occupied in 1940 ahead of the Nazi invasion. That must have been a tough decision to leave Kaunas and head for the unknown. Hopefully you get to visit Kaunas one day 🙂

An interesting and helpful primer – thank you. Looking forward to hearing more about your travels there.

Glad you enjoyed it – lots more posts on the region to come 🙂

Beautiful article on Baltics! Your guidence can help anyone for tour.Thanks for sharing with excellent photos and description.

Thank you so much Priti 🙂

Welcome 🙂 stay blessed 🤗🥰

When I lived in Prague, I had thought I would take a trip through the Baltic countries, but always ended up traveling to Western Europe. In Prague, I taught English to adults, and when we talked about future tense, I would ask what they thought might happen. Most people said that another country would come and take them over again. Such a sad history. I’m sure these are scary times for the Baltics. The photo of you and the Baltic Way brought tears to my eyes.

Oh that is so sad about the children in Prague – it is in the national consciousness of all the countries in the area. It is such a sad history of displacement and pain. Definitely very scary times. I felt emotional standing there…especially as at the time I could very easily have been the little girl next to me and I wondered where she was now, the same age as me….was she still in Lithuania or has she left. Thanks very much for your thoughtful comments Ruth.

I followed your trip on Instagram and I’m so glad you’re also talking about it more in depth in your blog because it seemed like a fantastic trip! I loved th eoverview of the countries and their history and I can’t wait to learn more about them! Thanks for sharing!

Aw thanks so much Juliette – really glad you enjoyed following on Instagram too – lots more Blog posts to come 🙂

By just looking at the different type of architecture, I can understand that a visit to The Baltics must be a wonderful experience (btw, great picture of the Estonian National Park). I loved it when you mentioned how clean the three countries are – it must say something about being a proud and respectful nation. Of course one have to taste the local food (but cocktails are important too 😉). Thank you for the broad history about these three countries – they all came a long and difficult way through different wars to where they are today – for which we must praise them. I’m definitely looking forward to read more about your visit and experiences in The Baltics.

Thanks for catching up on all my posts Corna. The Baltics are absolutely amazing and I’m so glad to have been to be able to learn more about the region. You’re so right about them being clean and proud, and I agree they have been through so much! Lots more posts on the Baltics will be incoming over the following weeks and months 🙂

[…] just got back from an AMAZING 2 weeks away in the Baltics region of Europe. It was one of those holidays that will stay with me for life, and I’m so grateful to have […]

[…] The Great War Museum is just outside of the centre, but easily walkable. It tells the story of Lithuania during war-time from pre-historic to modern times. There are galleries on Lithuanian wars with Russia as early as the 1600s, and then through to WW1 and WW2. It’s really interesting, and the highlight was an exhibition on the current situation in Ukraine. The Museum set up the exhibit years ago in relation to Russia’s activity in East Ukraine, and then recently expanded it following current events. You can read a bit more about the impact of the current political climate on the region in my post HERE. […]

[…] now catching up on the Latvia leg of my Baltics road trip back in May. Riga is the capital city of lovely Latvia, a Baltic country on the northern coast of […]

[…] disuse after the Great Northern War in the 1700s between Russia and Sweden (you can read my post HERE about the constant invasions and occupations of the Baltic […]

[…] off the Estonian leg of my Baltics road trip back in May is wonderful Tartu. Tartu is Estonia’s second city, famous for its neoclassical […]

[…] a 30 minute walk out of central Tallinn, and is the next installment from the Estonian leg of my Baltics road trip. is really worth a visit if you get the chance while in the […]

[…] post has been updated in Summer 2022 following my second visit to the city on our Baltic Road Trip, following on from a short weekend visit which this post previously covered in […]

[…] and he agreed we could go. And so begins the final day to conclude my series of posts from my Baltics Road Trip across Lithuania, Latvia and […]

Hannah, this is an excellent intro to the Baltics – really well done. You not only captured the essence of each country, but also the spirit and demeanor of the people. When we visited, the citizens were still reveling in their new-found freedom. Today, not so much. Excellent post. ~Terri

I’m so glad you found the post interesting, thank you for reading. Indeed, there was definitely a tense feeling across the region on our visit.

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About the author

Hi! My name is Hannah, I’m a travel blogger from the UK who fits travel around a full time (and full on) job. In this blog I share my adventures around the world and hopefully help you to find some inspiration for destinations, things to do or places to stay. Thanks for stopping by – stay safe and happy travelling.

You can also follow me on Instagram!

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BALTIC TRAVEL BLOG

Baltic tours & travel by local expert, how to travel between the baltic states, april 18, 2016 baltictravelservices comments 0 comment.

The three Baltic states have become the top destination for European travel breaks. With similar, but still diverse cultures, alive ancient traditions and new economies, the Baltic states are must visit for those who seek unique impressions and pristine experiences.

Bearing in mind the fact that travel outside of the capitals – Riga, Tallinn, and Vilnius might be difficult based on the shortage of communication possibilities and information signs in English, the Baltic countries are the best to be discovered by organized  tailor-made private tour .   For those who prefer to discover the Baltics on their own, useful will be information about how to travel between the Baltic states.

Traveling between Baltic capitals

The most frequently asked question by travelers is regarding train connections between Baltic countries.  Travelers from West Europe and other countries expect to have fast train connections between all three capitals, which is a misleading opinion. There isn`t direct train connection neither fast trains.

In a couple of years, the situation promises to improve by Rail Baltica project with a goal to connect Tallinn – Riga – Kaunas – Warsaw-Berlin and in few years time and integrate Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia in the European railway network.

The whole project is in progress and real building works will start in 2020 and to open the connection Tallinn – Riga – Kaunas already in 2025. The maximum speed for passenger trains is planned to be 240 km/h and the train trip between Tallinn and Lithuania/Poland border is estimated to be around 4 hours.

While waiting for the Rail Baltica project acquires physical proportions, there are two alternatives: coach traffic by Lux Express and Simple Express buses and well-scheduled flights by local airline company AirBaltic.

Despite the good public transportation network between Baltic capitals, the private transfer is still one of those services to consider. While scheduled buses will take travelers from one destination to another with 1-2 stops in between, private transfer is excellent option for those who would like to discover some of the most visited sights in the Baltics like Hill of Crosses, Rundale Palace, Sigulda and Turaida Castle, which are located conveniently on the way between Lithuania and Latvia and Estonia and are easy to discover by private transfer stopover in these spots.

Traveling between the local cities

The quality of local coaches between the cities is quite different and depends on the route. From Tallinn to the largest cities in Estonia like Tartu and Parnu is available already mentioned Lux Express coaches with top quality, while in other routes between local cities in Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania services are divided between different service providers and quality of the coaches might vary.

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