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Are the Baltic States next on your travel list?
Yes: But you can’t decide will it be Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, or all three Baltic States?
Then you’re probably wondering which are the best cities to visit: Tallinn, Riga, or Vilnius?
It’s a tough choice if you are limited with time.
One way around this dilemma is to plan 12 amazing days in the Baltics States.
This way, you’ll know before you set foot in the Baltic States, you’ll have a list of some of the best things to see and do while you are there.
And if you only have a weekend break or one day from a Baltic cruise, we’ve highlighted for you the best of Vilnius, Riga, and Tallinn.
Not only the best places to visit, but days trips from the city and new foods to try.
Plus we’ll show you 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 independence from the Soviet Union and joining 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’ll also find you can get close to nature with an abundance of National Parks and Nature Parks. To learn more, check out these websites:
Where are the Baltic States?
If you type “Baltic Sea” in google maps, you will 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.
It was 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)
- Learn the history of the Baltic Way story
- Each Baltic State has its own language
- Check the National Holidays in Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania
Getting to the Baltic States: What are your options?
Depending on how you like to travel, your options are:
- Flights
- Bus
- Train
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 your travel budget.
Getting from the Airport to the Old Cities
We are comfort budget travelers (comfybudgies 😅) so we seek out the affordable option when visiting new cities. The buses to and from the airports of Tallinn, Riga, and Vilnius were inexpensive, comfortable and reliable for the short distance.
Tallinn airport to Tallinn Old Town: take Bus 2 or Tram 4 for the old city, about 20minutes. Ticket cost €2 from the bus driver or €1 from the ticket machine.
Riga airport to Riga Old Town: take Bus 22 (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, about a 20minute journey. Tickets can be purchased from the bus driver for €1(2019).
And if you are traveling from another European country, one option is to take a bus.
Travel to the Baltic States from another European Country
We used Ecolines Bus.
Our starting point was Poland to Lithuania with Ecolines Bus leaving from Warsaw to Vilnius, Lithuania. This is a 9-hour journey with a 6.15am start.
The other option is a train from Poland crossing over 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 a little nervous we had “missed the bus.” One guy was frantically asking 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 was to 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 the matching tag. That way, no one is walking away with your bags at any bus stops 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.
What made the trip go quickly was the TV screens in the back of each chair. 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, it’s landscape, houses and its people.
Travel between the Baltic States isn’t easy
If you decide not to hire a car, then your best alternative to travel between the Baltic States is by bus, as there are no direct train services available between the capital cities.
But if you are short on time, then fly between the capital cities with Baltic Air.
Buses in the Baltic region are affordable and comfortable, easy to book online or purchase a ticket at the city bus station.
We used the free travel app Rome2rio for times and prices.
Even though the main highways between the capital cities are reasonable, you do need to allow more time for roadworks or traffic delays. And bring plenty of snacks, those toilet stops are quick.
We chose Ecolines Bus for:
- Good price
- Comfort with legroom
- Wifi
- Free coffee
- Onboard toilet
- Selection of movies, music, and games
- Secure baggage
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
Another option is 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 too short to buy any 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 direct between Riga and Tallinn, a 50-minute flight.
Allow 30minutes from Riga to the airport by bus and allow 20 minutes from Tallinn airport to the old town.
So, to enjoy the Baltic States, do you prefer sunlight or the warmth of a fire?
What is the best time to visit the Baltic States?
It depends if you like warm or cold seasons.
Our first visit was the summer month of June. Lots of sun, very warm temperatures and what seemed like endless sunlight was fantastic. Ok, well the 30deg Celsius was a little hot (unusually high for June). One reason to pack light!
The sun never seemed to let the moon have its turn. Even though the sunset at 22.30 and the dawn was at 3.45, there was still light in between. It was perfect for old town evening walks and for early morning photos before it got crazy busy with other tourists.
If you love hearty meals and snow, winter is magical, especially the Christmas markets. 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 growth or 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.
How to Spend 12 Days in the Baltic States: Estonia, Latvia or Lithuania
If you are planning to see only one Baltic State, or all three, the capital cities are the place to start. If you have time to add-on a day trip to the countryside, an island or a beach away from the capital city of Tallinn, Riga or Vilnius, there are plenty of choices.
Even though Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania are grouped as the Baltic region, each country has its own:
- culture
- language
- 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 national liberation of the Baltic States.
So, what is special about each capital city?
One Day in Tallinn, Estonia
Tallinn has one of the best-preserved medieval old towns in Europe. A UNESCO site, the medieval walls, and towers still surround the old town with entry through different medieval gates.
To get the best views of Tallinn Old town, the bell tower of St Olav’s Church tower has 360-degree views. St Olav’s 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 just what a certain plant can heal.
Wandering the small narrow streets, you’ll find plaques on many of the houses with its past history. 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 flavor 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, is free to enter (although you must be quiet, or you will get told off!) with beautiful mosaics.
Fun Fact: Skype and Transferwise were developed in Tallinn.
How many days do you need in Tallinn?
Unless you are visiting Tallinn from a cruise ship for the day, our suggestion is to stay 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 colorful 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
And getting from your accommodation to these Tallinn landmarks, take public transport.
How to get around Tallinn: the Smart Way
If you are planning to stay in Tallinn for more than one day, public transport is the best solution.
Purchase a smartcard from the bus station, airport or an R-Kiosk for €2 and load €5 for 72 hours to use on trams or buses.
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 of Estonian history, next is Riga.
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 visit the various landmarks have you crossing the River Daugava.
Although we do love history, our favorite things in Riga was the food and craft beer. The variety, flavors, and price made exploring Riga’s culinary delights so enjoyable.
One of the best places to enjoy some local food is from the enormous Central Market in four old Zeppelin Hangars.
We found Bekereja (Bake Berry) stall was great for breakfast or lunch items. Apart from the coffee, we would buy a few small pastry bread encased with meat or vegetable. So different as they were light and so tasty.
The smell of fresh strawberries was overwhelming, we had to buy a punnet or two. So tantalizing, so sweet to eat. And the local meats, cheese and bread great for lunches.
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.
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 is a popular photo stop. Evenings are special with locals playing classical music giving the square a wonderful ambiance.
A unique place for a cup of coffee or a hot chocolate (in winter) is 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 – 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 so you can imagine an antique interior with old wooden shelving and the large glass counter. But what fascinated us was the large bookshelf with a secret door which opened to reveal another cafe below.
Even if you don’t want to try the Black Balsam, you can try delicious chocolates or a range of yummy cakes too. Or to find the hidden door.
Wander near the Powder Tower
To find one of the defensive structures of the old town is the Powder Tower. Although rebuilt, the foundation stones are remnants from the Swedish invasion.
Further along the street is the Swedish Gate, named after the troops who defended Riga against the 1710 Russian invasion. The row of houses was once the army barracks.
Make sure to find Grannie’s Kitchen (Fazenda Bazars) at the end of the barracks for delicious savory pancakes and coffee for early morning breakfast. The lady is so sweet, doesn’t speak English, but cooks her dishes for breakfast and lunch.
Spend time Wandering the Local Parks
As you leave the pedestrian-friendly old town, Bastejkalns Park with the city canal running through it is another 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 in the Esplanade. 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 around the old town area, which is small, with the nearby Bastejkalns Park and Art Nouveau area.
The Art Nouveau area is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Roughly one-third of all buildings in the center of the city are Art Nouveau architecture, this is 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 designed 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 in this area of the city, great craft beer. 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 traveling from Riga to Tallinn, the one-way sightseeing bus tour is a learning experience. Travel in a mini-van with up to 8 people with stops along the way for sightseeing. Learn more here: RigaTraveller (This trip is also available from Tallinn to Riga.)
If you love gardens and baroque architecture, then a day trip to Rundale Palace and French Gardens is enjoyable.
Now you have explored Riga let’s go inland to Vilnius.
One Day in Vilnius, Lithuania
Vilnius is an interesting city to explore for one day or a weekend break. Once referred to as the Jerusalem of the North with its Yiddish language and largest Jewish population in Europe, it also has Uzupis, an ‘independent state’ in Vilnius old town.
If this is your first visit to Vilnius, and you’re keen on an early morning walk, a climb to the Three Crosses is rewarded with the best view of Vilnius.
Dukes Palace is nearby with access to the famous Gediminas Castle. It’s then an easy walk to the Vilnius Cathedral where 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. While Stikliu has the amber gallery, displaying jewelry and amber items, popular in Vilnius.
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 traveling is finding local delicacies. One place we treated ourselves was Lokys a restaurant in a 15th-century building on Stiliu street.
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 gooseberry jam with cheeses, delicious.
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 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 for 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.
But we loved the craft beer of Snekutis where 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, but not quite a day trip so Trakai is perfect for a morning or afternoon outing.
Day Trip from Vilnius
A popular day trip is Trakai and Trakai Island Castle, only 30-40 minutes by bus from Vilnius.
The town of Trakai is an ethic Crimean Karaite community since the 14th century when Trakai was the Lithuanian capital.
A walk from the Trakai bus stop to Trakai Island Castle takes you along some local landmarks.
Our favorites, the former Russian Imperial Post Office, the Dominican Monastery, the Karaite Prayer House and the beautiful wooden houses of the local residents.
An alternative is a walk 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 where you can wander the exterior. You’ll need to pay a fee to enter the castle itself.
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 capital cities Tallinn, Riga, and Vilnius (even for a weekend) is a fascinating adventure of their unique must-see landmarks, traditions, and amazing foods.
You can decide whether to fly direct to each capital city, saving you more vacation time, or take the bus to see more of each country.
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 traveling all three of the Baltic States.
Whichever you choose, you’ll return from the Baltic States with memorable experiences and suggesting your friends come visit soon.
