Best Places to Visit in Estonia

Top Attractions in Estonia

Estonia is a country with a rich past, breathtaking scenery, and cutting-edge technology. From historic towns to pristine natural parks, these are the nation's top tourist destinations:

1. Tallinn's Old Town

   A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Tallinn's Old Town is a medieval gem filled with red-roofed towers, church spires, and historic merchant houses. The Town Hall Square hosts vibrant events like Medieval Days and one of the world's most beautiful Christmas markets. Cosy cafés, hidden courtyards, and stunning viewpoints from Toompea Hill make it a must-visit.

2. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral

   This striking Orthodox cathedral, built in 1900, symbolises the era of Russian rule in Estonia. It is a masterpiece of architecture with its elaborate mosaics, golden domes, and 11-bell ensemble, which includes Tallinn's largest bell. For the Moscow Patriarchate's Estonian Orthodox Church, it continues to be a significant place of worship.

3. Lahemaa National Park

   Located along the Gulf of Finland, Lahemaa National Park showcases Estonia's finest landscapes, from dense forests to sandy beaches. Its 725 km² of land is home to a variety of wildlife, such as lynx, moose, and migratory birds. Lahemaa, renowned for its sustainable ecotourism, is regarded as the ideal getaway for those who enjoy the outdoors.

Best Places to Visit in Estonia for Local Festivals and Events

Estonians love to celebrate their country and culture through music, dance, and food festivals. The following festivals and events are worth seeing in Estonia:

• Tallinn Music Week: Held in April, Tallinn Music Week (TMW) is the largest indoor music festival in the Nordic and Baltic regions, featuring nearly 200 artists from various genres. It also includes a restaurant festival and an art program, offering a full cultural experience.
• XXVIII Song Celebration and XXI Dance Celebration: Estonia's choral and dance heritage will be powerfully showcased at this UNESCO-listed festival in July 2025. Tallinn's Song Festival Grounds host tens of thousands of performers and spectators for a once-in-a-lifetime event. 

Places to Visit in Estonia for Shopping

• Balti Jaam Market, Tallinn: This vibrant three-story market hosts nearly 300 traders, offering everything from fresh fish and meat to street food and antiques. While the first floor features Estonian design, crafts, and vintage finds, the ground floor is a center for local produce.
• Nõmme Market: Known for its local specialties and seasonal, fresh produce, Nõmme Market is a historic shopping destination that was founded in 1908. During the warmer months, visitors can find fresh fish, dairy products, sausages, and homemade canned goods from Estonia, as well as flowers and plants.

Best UNESCO Sites to Visit in Estonia

Despite its small size, Estonia is rich in culture, heritage, and biosphere reserve. Here are some UNSESO-recognised sites in the country:

• Struve Geodetic Arc: Named after astronomer Friedrich Struve, this 2820 km-long measurement chain helped determine the Earth's shape in the 19th century. Added to the UNESCO list in 2005, Estonia has three of its original station points in Võivere, Simuna, and Tartu Observatory. Commemorative plaques mark these historic locations.
• The West Estonian Archipelago Biosphere Reserve: This UNESCO-listed reserve includes Estonia's western islands, known for their untouched landscapes and biodiversity. The cuisine, artwork, and handicrafts of the area are shaped by the sustainable way of life that the locals have maintained. While indulging in traditional organic cuisine, tourists can explore forests, coastlines, and the lively island culture.

Best Cities to Visit in Estonia

Estonia offers a mix of historic charm, modern culture, and scenic coastal beauty. Here are a few well-known cities to visit:

• Tartu: Known as Estonia's cultural heart, Tartu is home to over 20 museums, a thriving arts scene, and a vibrant student population. As the 2024 European Capital of Culture, it gained international attention for its creative spirit. The city's compact size makes it easy to explore.
• Tallinn: Tallinn, the capital of Estonia, is well-known for mixing its medieval charm with a modern feel. You can wander around the lovely Old Town and explore the hip neighborhoods. There are plenty of great restaurants, a lively culture, and the city center is easy to walk around, making it a spot you should visit.
• Pärnu: Pärnu is a fantastic summer spot in Estonia, thanks to its sandy beaches, spas, and lively nightlife. This charming resort town mixes modern buildings with cozy wooden villas and a touch of medieval history. In the summer, visitors love hanging out at beachside cafes, strolling along the scenic promenades, and enjoying the fun seaside festivals.
• Narva: Narva has a lot of history, influenced by Vikings, Danish rule, and Russian takeovers. Hermann Castle is home to the Narva Museum, and close by, the Ivangorod fortress shares tales of old battles.

Lesser-known Places to Visit in Estonia

• Kaleste Beach: Kaleste Beach is a quiet paradise mentioned in Tõnu Õnnepalu's book Paradise.The soft sand and calm water make it a great choice for families wanting a nice, quiet place to swim.
• Muhu Island: Muhu Island often gets ignored while people flock to Saaremaa, but it has a lot to offer in terms of history and local culture. You can check out the cute village of Koguva with its stone fences, take in the views from the Üügu cliffs, and visit St. Catherine's Church, which has some interesting pagan tombstones.
• Ruhnu Lighthouse: Standing tall on Håubjärre Hill since 1877, this red metal lighthouse was designed by an engineer associated with the Eiffel Tower. At 39.5 meters high, it offers breathtaking views 65 meters above sea level. This lighthouse in the Baltic Sea area is a really interesting part of maritime history.

This was a guide to help you travel to Estonia in a safe and secure manner. You can explore a plethora of options when in Estonia. The trip will become hassle free once you have a valid travel insurance policy with you.