Need ideas on the top things to do in Estonia on your next trip? The exquisite small Baltic country with its medieval cities, its unspoiled nature and progressive culture, is one of the most exciting and the most accessible European countries. You are a creative professional in need of an enriching escape, a cultural adventurer, or just wanting to find a quiet corner to rejuvenate, then Estonia will provide a smooth convergence of experiences.
Whether you like cobbled streets or want to see the non-developed islands of Estonia or admire the national parks, Estonia has something to offer. You are able to design your visit according to your own speed and tastes. Here, you are going to learn about the top attractions, authentic experiences, and helpful travel tips that will assist you to plan a trip with exclusive confidence.
What to do in Estonia? We will discuss the top activities to enjoy as you design a trip that is memorable, energizing and draws you closer to this wonderful Baltic nation.
Why Visit Estonia?
So, before we jump into the top things to do in Estonia, it’s worth understanding that what makes this Baltic city so popular among professionals and tourists hoping to use an escape as a point of self-discovery.
Estonia is a unique combination of medieval values and modern convenience. In Tallinn, there is a perfectly preserved Old Town and the latest high-tech centers, as well as a popular cafe culture. Outside the capital you can roam in primeval forests, spend time unwinding in coastal spa towns, or sail to tranquil islands that seem a million miles away from your daily life.
Estonia also has one of the best infrastructures in Europe and one can find good transport system and the English language is widely spoken. It has a high digital infrastructure, and thus it is easy to remain connected hence a good place for professionals who have to juggle between work and discovery.
Whether you’re planning a cultural city break or a nature-filled retreat, Estonia’s affordability, safety, and welcoming spirit allow you to travel with confidence while discovering hidden gems across this beautiful country.
Top Things to Do in Estonia
Tallinn is the first thing that comes to mind when naming the best activities in Estonia. The capital is a mixture of medieval charms and modern creativity and an ideal beginning to your trip to Estonia.
Tallinn Old Town
The Old Town of Tallinn is a fairy-tale tangle of cobbled streets, colorful houses and cathedrals, which is UNESCO World Heritage Site. Walk in the Town Hall square, admire the medieval St. Olafs Church, scale up to the Toompea hill where you can have a bird view of the red-tiled houses and the Baltic sea.
Telliskivi Creative City
Telliskivi, located just outside the Old Town is the heart of Tallinn that deals with art, design, and food. Its streets are covered with colorful street art, chic little stores, and small cafes, where a professional can find a little corner to spend a working day and spoil yourself with local pastries and coffee.
Seaplane Harbour Museum
To have an exclusive experience, go to the Seaplane Harbour, which is an award-winning maritime museum located inside a historic hangar. It has interactive displays, a submarine with which to play and a sense into the history of maritime Estonia.
Tallinn Best Viewpoints
Capture the essence of Tallinn from its iconic viewpoints:
Kohtuotsa Viewing Platform on Toompea Hill
Patkuli Viewing Platform for a classic postcard shot
St. Olaf’s Tower for an aerial perspective (seasonal climb).
Eating in Tallinn
The food of Tallinn combines the latest Nordic delicacies with Estonian traditions. The local flavors can be ordered at restaurants such as Rataskaevu 16 or try the F-Hoone in Telliskivi to enjoy a creative atmosphere.
Discover Estonia’s Islands
Visiting the islands is one of the top things to in Estonia to perform just in case you want to find peace and nature and true local culture without crowds.
Saaremaa
Saaremaa is Estonia biggest island that is famous by its windmills, juniper fields, and the medieval castle Kuressaare Castle. It is also a spa paradise which is ideal to professionals seeking to rejuvenate themselves by indulging in wellness therapies amidst relaxing island rhythm.
Hiiumaa
Hiiumaa is a more quiet alternative with pine forests, lighthouses and rough coasts. Kopu Lighthouse is one of the oldest functioning lighthouses in the world and must-see attraction which offers a panoramic view of the Baltic Sea.
Muhu Island
Muhu, connected with Saaremaa by a causeway, combines village lifestyle with a modern comfort. Go to the Koguva Village to get a sense of the Estonian culture or stay at the Padaste Manor, a unity of nature and luxury.
Getting There
Ferries operate regularly from the mainland to Saaremaa and Hiiumaa, with connections easy to manage even for day trips. For a smoother experience, consider guided island tours that handle transportation and local insights, allowing you to focus on enjoying your journey.
Estonia’s islands let you step into a slower rhythm, offering peaceful landscapes and authentic cultural experiences. Adding an island escape to your itinerary is one of the best things to do in Estonia if you want to experience the country’s nature, wellness, and heritage in a meaningful way.
Nature and Outdoor Activities
Exploring the outdoors in Estonia is also one of the most enjoyable things to do in Estonia, especially by many travelers. More than half of the nation is covered with forest, and nature lovers can find more than enough opportunities to become again closer to the nature.
Lahemaa National Park
Lahemaa is the largest national park in Estonia, and because Lahemaa is only an hour drive away of Tallinn, it is a perfect place to explore. Bog walks, ancient pine forest, old manor houses. Viru Bog Trail boardwalk and observation tower are best suited to an easy nature hiking and photography.
Soomaa National Park
Soomaa is famous with its so-called fifth season, during which the lands are hit by floods and are navigated by canoe and kayak. It is a surreal experience of being on the wild side of Estonia as well as being intimate with nature.
Hiking and Forest Bathing
Estonia’s well-marked trails, like those in Otepää Nature Park and Kõrvemaa, provide options for both short walks and multi-day hikes. For professionals seeking a digital detox, forest bathing (“metsakümblus”) offers a calming retreat into Estonia’s serene woodlands.
Wildlife Watching
Lynxes, bears and wolves can be found in Estonia and guided wildlife tours take people to a chance at seeing these animals in an ethical, responsible manner.
The outdoor activities in Estonia allow you to enjoy the untouched beauty of the country, besides rejuvenating yourself both mentally and physically, exploration of the nature makes it among the most magnificent things to do in Estonia among professionals who require balance in their lives.
Day Trips from Tallinn
If you’re based in Tallinn but want to explore beyond the capital, taking day trips is among the best things to do in Estonia to diversify your experience without complicated logistics.
Tartu
Estonia’s second-largest city and intellectual hub, Tartu offers street art, cozy cafés, and the historic University of Tartu. Explore the bohemian Aparaaditehas Creative City, the Estonian National Museum, or stroll along the Emajõgi River.
Rakvere
A 1.5-hour drive from Tallinn, Rakvere is home to a medieval castle where you can try archery and explore exhibits showcasing medieval life. The modern town center also offers local dining and cultural spots.
Haapsalu
Known for its wooden architecture and serene seaside promenade, Haapsalu is a charming spa town perfect for a relaxing day by the water. Visit the Haapsalu Castle and explore small local cafés for fresh pastries.
Pärnu
Estonia’s summer capital, Pärnu offers long sandy beaches, wellness spas, and a lively cultural scene. Stroll along the beach promenade, visit the Pärnu Museum, or enjoy a leisurely seaside lunch.
These day trips allow you to experience Estonia’s diverse cities and natural landscapes while keeping Tallinn as your comfortable base. Whether you’re seeking culture, history, or relaxation, adding these destinations to your itinerary is one of the best things to do in Estonia to deepen your connection with the country.
Food and Dining in Estonia
Trying out local food is certainly among the top things to do in Estonia as it opens up some insight into local culture and traditions and delivers amazing dining experiences to professionals who like quality food.
Estonian Traditional Cuisine
Begin your Culinary adventure with a slice of black rye bread which you should find on every table. Turn to verivorst (blood sausage) in winter or mulgi kapssad (stewed sauerkraut) and you will get a hearty local treat. Other popular items in the Estonian kitchen include fresh fish, elk and wild mushrooms.
Modern Estonian Food
Estonian chefs found in cities such as Tallinn and Tartu are combining the Nordic with local ingredients to produce new Estonian foods. Rather than concentrating on the vintage dishes, restaurants like the NOA Chef Hall and the Leib Resto in Tallinn offer seasonal, farm-to-table restaurants, transforming typical ingredients into exceptional flavors.
Café Culture
The cafe culture in Estonia is lively, and these cozy spots are ideal places where working professional can take some time off or simply an empty corner where they can complete some tasks. There are coffee shops such as Kohvik August (in Tallinn) or Werner Cafe (in the city of Tartu), where you can enjoy coffee with pastry such as kringel (sweet braided bread).
Dietary Options
Estonia is also a vegetarian/ vegan friendly country with most restaurants serving dishes made of local ingredients.
Practical Travel Tips for Professionals
Best Time to Visit
The best weather, long daylight hours and lively cultural events are experienced in May to September. During winter time visit (days are shorter and it will be cold) Winter visits offer magical atmosphere especially to Tallinn Old Town.
Transportation
Estonia is a small country, which is easy to navigate. Tallinn public transport is well established, and intercity buses will take you to Tartu, Parnu, and farther. Rentals are also flexible, particularly in visiting islands and national parks.
Connectivity
Estonia is a highly technological country and there is also free internet access via Wi-Fi around the streets so one cannot be out of touch with the world. Data-heavy SIM cards are cheap and can be obtained without difficulty.
Safety and Manners
Estonia is friendly, clean, and secure. In major cities, English is spoken widely and locals are pleasant but personal space is respected.
Work-Friendly Environment
Many cafés and co-working spaces cater to remote professionals, making it easy to balance exploration with productivity during your stay.
Final Thoughts
Estonia is a place where medieval streets, island breezes, and peaceful forests come together in a way few destinations can match. Whether you’re planning a short escape or a deeper journey, Estonia promises experiences that inspire and refresh. When you’re ready, Estonia will be ready to welcome you.
Contact Vytis Tours Now!
At Vytis Tours, we make you feel the Baltics, Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia with perfectly designed tours where cultures, history, and nature come alive. Be it a guided trip, a tailor-made individual experience, or a smooth cross-country travel, our local knowledge will handle everything so that you relax and have a good time.
Whether you want to experience the tails of medieval towns, discovering secret paradise coastal spots, or bright capitals, we tailor the tours according to your pace and preferences.
Contact us today to begin planning your unforgettable adventure:
Call us at (800) 778‑9847
Email: info@vytistours.com
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