Baltics
Tucked away in a corner of Europe is the dynamic Baltic region, which still today feels undiscovered compared to much of the continent. Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia are all more diverse than you may think, with intriguing cities and a sense of reinvention.
From the immediate charm of Vilinius to Estonia’s charming forests and coastline, the Baltic countries are a surprising adventure for anyone willing to give the region their time. Discover the best Baltic travel guides below.
Start With These Guides 👇🏾:
Top Experiences in the Baltics
Lithuania Hot Air Balloon Ride
Glide above the Lithuanian countryside on a glorious golden evening.
Vilnius
The coolest city in the Baltic region, and one of Europe’s absolute must-visits.
Tallinn
Estonia’s capital city is much more than its postcard-perfect Old Town and a thriving startup hub.
All My Baltic Travel Tips
Discover all my tips for travel in Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia, written with first-hand experience from my trips through the Baltic countries.
My Thoughts on the Tallinn Card After Trying It for 72 Hours
Bruxx: Trying New Belgian Cuisine in Tallinn
Guide to Tartu: 13 Fun Things to Do in Estonia’s Cultural Hub
Explore the Baltics
If you’re looking for tips on a specific destination, you can choose the specific country you want to explore via the map below.
A Region Like No Other
The Baltic countries are places that many people know exist, but be honest—how much do you know about each of them?
Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia are very unique compared to the rest of Europe. They each have their own cultures and official languages, and unlike Scandinavia, none of their languages are mutually intelligible. But at the same time, these countries have a lot of similarities.
When visiting Lithuania and Estonia, in particular, you will feel a sense of reinvention and innovation. Creativity and tech are thriving in this part of the world, but at the same time, each country holds its traditions dearly.
Lots to Offer the Curious Traveler
Regardless of when you visit, the Baltic countries are full of experiences that will reward your curiosity. Local cuisines focus on fresh local produce, and with hearty comfort food that’s perfect for braving the winter cold.
Each major city in the Baltic region is full of surprises, too. While many tourists flock to Tallinn’s Old Town (sometimes on a day trip from Helsinki), the Estonian capital has lots of unique things to do elsewhere—such as in the trendy Kalamaja district.
Meanwhile, Tartu—Estonia’s second-biggest city—is worth a detour and a stopover on the way to Riga. It’s a relaxed place with some of the country’s brightest minds.
Elsewhere, Riga and Vilnius will wow you with their charm. Vilnius, in particular, is a city that’s very easy to fall in love with.
Useful Information for Your Trip
Here are some quick tips to help you plan a memorable trip to the Baltic region…
Here are some more quick tips to help you plan your Stockholm trip more effectively:
- Money: All three countries use the Euro (EUR). Card payments are widely accepted, but keep some physical cash handy for smaller establishments. Compared to the Nordics, the Baltic countries are very affordable. Estonia is generally the most expensive, followed by Latvia and then Lithuania.
- Weather: The Baltic countries have warm summers with long days, and very long, dark winters. Summer can be very humid, with higher temperatures than you might expect.
- Visas and Entry Requirements: Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania are all in the EU and the Schengen Area. Travel between the three countries is straightforward. Many nationalities, including the UK, and the US, can visit for up to 90 days visa-free. Some nationalities, however, may need a Schengen Visa.
- Safety: All three Baltic countries are very safe, even in their capital cities. Pickpocketing can be an issue in touristy spots and around the main train stations. Normal precautions will keep you safe.
- Accommodation: You will find all kinds of accommodation in the Baltics, from hotels to hostels and countryside stays. Even higher-end hotels tend to be more affordable than many other parts of Europe.
