How to Spend Your Time in Estonia During a Cruise of the Baltics

Estonia is a small but fascinating country located on the eastern shores of the Baltic Sea. As part of most Baltic cruises, you’ll likely have the chance to explore its picturesque medieval capital of Tallinn as well as some of the country’s natural beauty. With only a limited time in port, it’s important to plan ahead and make the most of your visit. Here are some tips on how to best experience Estonia during your Baltic cruise.

Visa Requirements

Citizens of the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and most EU countries do not need an Estonia visa for stays of up to 90 days in Estonia. You’ll just need a valid passport. Double-check the visa policies before your trip, but for short visits on a Baltic cruise, you likely won’t need to worry about this.

Explore Tallinn’s Old Town

Spend at least half a day wandering Tallinn’s incredibly well-preserved medieval Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Walk along the ancient defensive walls, browse the shops and artisans’ studios, and gaze up at the red rooftops from scenic viewpoints. Don’t miss landmarks like the 15th-century Town Hall Square, the onion-domed Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, and Toompea Castle. Give yourself time to lose yourself in the cobblestone streets and soak up the medieval charm.

Sample Estonian Cuisine

Be sure to try some classic Estonian dishes during your visit. Look for crepes called pirukas stuffed with meat, cabbage, carrots or curd cheese, served from street food carts. Estonia has a strong beer culture – sample the local brews. Rye bread, pork, potatoes, and preserved fish are also staples of the cuisine. In Tallinn, dine at a medieval-style restaurant like Olde Hansa to taste traditional dishes by candlelight with costumed servers.

Explore Estonia’s Nature

Estonia has miles of unspoiled natural beauty. Many cruises offer excursions to places like Lahemaa National Park, just an hour from Tallinn. Here you can experience Estonia’s pristine forests and stunning coastline. Visit the grand 18th-century Palmse Manor, go kayaking or canoeing on the rivers, and see wildlife like moose and beavers. Alternatively, venture out to the islands of Saaremaa or Hiiumaa to experience more of Estonia’s diverse landscapes.

See Estonia’s Castles

In addition to the castle in Tallinn, consider a day trip to other medieval castles around the country. Just an hour from the city, Padise Klooster is a striking monastery-castle dating to the 14th century. Or head south to visit Otepää Castle, perched on a hilltop surrounded by lakes. Further afield, Narva Castle sits right on the border with Russia along the Narva River. These immersive historical sites provide insight into Estonia’s past.

Experience Local Culture

For an authentic local experience, head to the laid-back student neighborhood of Telliskivi in Tallinn. Wander the creative commune, browse the quirky shops, relax at a cafe, and get a taste of Estonia’s youth culture. Visit Kalamaja, another emerging neighborhood with a popular food and fish market in the Balti Jaam rail station. And if you happen to be visiting during a Song Festival year (the next one is 2025), try to catch this beloved nationwide musical event.

With careful planning, you can see the top sights, taste the local flavors, and immerse yourself in Estonian culture during your day in port. Focus on Tallinn’s Old Town, add a side trip to Lahemaa National Park or a castle, and you’ll get the most out of your limited time in this beautiful Baltic country.