How to make the most of you budget in Estonia

How to get there:

From Latvia

Bus: Take the Lux Express or Simple Express bus from Riga to Tallinn (approx. 4-5 hours, $10-$20)
Train: Take the Train Estonia or Elron train from Riga to Tallinn (approx. 5-6 hours, $15-$30)

From Lithuania

Bus: Take the Lux Express or Simple Express bus from Vilnius to Tallinn (approx. 7-8 hours, $20-$35)
Train: No direct train, but take the train to Riga and transfer to Tallinn-bound train (approx. 10-12 hours, $30-$50)

From Russia

Bus: Take the FlixBus or Ecolines bus from St. Petersburg to Tallinn (approx. 7-8 hours, $20-$40)
Train: Take the Go Rail or Tolstoy train from St. Petersburg to Tallinn (approx. 8-10 hours, $30-$60)

From Finland

Ferry: Take the Tallink-Silja or Viking Line ferry from Helsinki to Tallinn (approx. 2-3 hours, $20-$50)
Flight: Take a short flight from Helsinki Airport to Tallinn Airport (approx. 1 hour, $50-$100)

When to go:

Winter (December to February)

Estonia transforms into a winter wonderland during the colder months, with snow-covered landscapes and frozen lakes. It’s an ideal time for outdoor activities like skiing, snowshoeing, and ice skating. Plus, accommodation prices are at their lowest, making it a great time for budget travelers.

Spring (March to May)

As the snow melts and the days grow longer, Estonia comes alive with color. The blooming forests and wildflowers create a picturesque backdrop for hiking and exploration. Spring also brings a range of festivals, including the Tallinn Music Week and Estonian Folk Dance Festival.

Summer Festivals (June to August)

Summer in Estonia means non-stop festivals and celebrations. The Tallinn Old Town Festival, Estonian Food Festival, and Viking festival are just a few of the many events that take place during this time. The warm weather and long days make it perfect for outdoor adventures, but be prepared for higher prices during the peak season.

Autumn (September to November)

Autumn in Estonia brings a bounty of fruits and berries, and the countryside is painted with golden hues. It’s an ideal time for exploring the great outdoors, visiting farm markets, and enjoying cultural events like the Tallinn Design Festival.

BEST ITINERARIES:

1 Week in Estonia

If you only have a week in Estonia, here’s a suggested itinerary:

Days 1-2: Tallinn – Explore the capital city’s historic Old Town, visit the Tallinn City Museum, and enjoy the city’s vibrant nightlife.
Days 3-4: Kuressaare – Head to the charming island of Saaremaa and explore its picturesque capital, Kuressaare.
Day 5: Pärnu – Visit this beautiful coastal town and enjoy its stunning beaches and scenic views.
Day 6: Tartu – Explore Estonia’s second-largest city, known for its cultural attractions and lively student population.
Day 7: Tartu – Tallinn – Return to Tallinn and spend your last day exploring any last-minute sights you may have missed.

2 Weeks in Estonia

With two weeks in Estonia, you can explore more of the country’s hidden gems:

Days 1-2: Tallinn
Days 3-4: Kuressaare
Day 5: Tartu
Day 6: Cēsis, Latvia – Take a day trip to neighboring Latvia and explore the charming town of Cēsis.
Day 7: Sigulda, Latvia – Visit this picturesque town in the Latvian countryside.
Days 8-9: Riga, Latvia – Explore the vibrant capital city of Latvia.
Day 10: Hill of Crosses & Klaipeda, Lithuania – Visit this unique pilgrimage site and the nearby coastal town of Klaipeda.
Day 11: Curonian Spit, Lithuania – Take a day trip to this stunning natural wonder.
Day 12: Kaunas, Lithuania – Explore Lithuania’s second-largest city.
Days 13-14: Return to Tallinn

1 Month in Estonia

With a month in Estonia, you can really take your time to explore the country’s natural beauty, culture, and history:

Week 1: Explore Tallinn and its surrounding areas
Week 2: Explore the Estonian Islands
Week 3: Explore the countryside and lesser-known regions
Week 4: Return to Tallinn and spend some time in nature or explore any last-minute sights

Estonian Islands Itinerary

Day 1-2: Saaremaa

Take a ferry from Tallinn to Saaremaa
Explore Kuressaare, the capital of Saaremaa
Visit the Kuressaare Castle and the Saaremaa Museum
Enjoy the beautiful beaches and scenic views of Saaremaa

Day 3-4: Hiiumaa

Take a ferry from Saaremaa to Hiiumaa
Explore Kärdla, the capital of Hiiumaa
Visit the Hiiumaa Museum and the Kärdla Church
Enjoy the natural beauty of Hiiumaa, including the Kõpu Lighthouse and the Tahkuna Nature Reserve

Day 5-6: Muhu

Take a ferry from Hiiumaa to Muhu
Explore the charming island of Muhu, known for its scenic views and traditional villages
Visit the Muhu Museum and the St. Catherine’s Church
Enjoy the beautiful beaches and scenic views of Muhu

Day 7: Return to Tallinn

Take a ferry from Muhu back to Tallinn

2 week itinerary

Do the 1 week route from above and continue here.

Day 7-8: Vormsi
- Take a ferry from Muhu to Vormsi
- Explore the charming island of Vormsi, known for its scenic views and traditional villages
- Visit the Vormsi Museum and the St. Olaf’s Church
- Enjoy the beautiful beaches and scenic views of Vormsi
Day 9-10: Kihnu
- Take a ferry from Vormsi to Kihnu
- Explore the charming island of Kihnu, known for its scenic views and traditional villages
- Visit the Kihnu Museum and the St. Nicholas’ Church
- Enjoy the beautiful beaches and scenic views of Kihnu
Day 11-12: Ruhnu
- Take a ferry from Kihnu to Ruhnu
- Explore the charming island of Ruhnu, known for its scenic views and traditional villages
- Visit the Ruhnu Museum and the St. Madeline’s Church
- Enjoy the beautiful beaches and scenic views of Ruhnu
Day 13-14: Return to Tallinn
- Take a ferry from Ruhnu back to Tallinn

TRANSPORTATION:

Types of Public Transportation

Buses: Buses are the most common form of public transportation in Estonia, and they cover most areas of the country. You can find bus routes and schedules on the Tallinn Transportation Website.
Trains: Trains are a convenient way to travel longer distances, and they’re often faster than buses. You can find train routes and schedules on the Elron Website.
Trolleybuses: Trolleybuses are electric buses that run on fixed routes in larger cities like Tallinn and Tartu. You can find trolleybus routes and schedules on the Tallinn Transportation Website.
Trams: Trams are available in Tallinn and Tartu, and they’re a convenient way to get around the city. You can find tram routes and schedules on the Tallinn Transportation Website.
Ferries: Ferries connect the mainland to the islands, and they’re a scenic way to travel. You can find ferry routes and schedules on the Vegivere Website.

You can find more information about public transportation in Estonia on the following websites:

ACCOMMODATIONS:

Meandering my way through Estonia, I discovered a secret that all budget travelers should know: the best hostels are usually the cheapest. It’s a fact I learned time and time again in country after country, from city to city, and Estonia is no exception.
I started my Estonia jaunt in the capital city of Tallinn, where I situated myself into a quaint hostel in the heart of the Old Town. For a fraction of the cost of an average hotel in town, I managed to get a cozy dorm, a kitchen ready for functioning, and a common lounge that was a hug in itself. But the biggest treasure was the hostel’s eccentric owner, Aarne, who gave sessions of Estonia’s tumultuous past and directed me toward hidden treasures that I wouldn’t find otherwise.
Going south to Tartu, I again reached a hostel that belied its humble price tag: a 19th-century building with creaky wooden floors, stained glass windows, and a sunny courtyard perfect for languid afternoons. The three members of the staff-three dynamic locals-welcomed me with open arms and shared insider knowledge on their city’s best-kept secrets.
In Pärnu, I happened upon one of those beach hostels that redefined the word budget accommodation: for a song, I got a comfortable room, use of a fully stocked kitchen, and a patio with a view of the Baltic Sea. But it was the communal vibe at the hostel that attracted fellow travelers from far and wide.
Most impressive about Estonia’s most inexpensive hostels was the relentless communal spirit. Every single evening, I joined fellow travelers for impromptu dinners or game nights, lively discussions ranging from Estonian folklore to our favorite travel mishaps.
These secret spots are not only places to lay one’s head but hangar gates to the soul of the country. One could deeply understand the culture of the area from these inexpensiveness hostels of Estonia, make contacts with other tourists that have never been forgotten, and find some secrets that would never have been noticed using expensive accommodations.
Budget hostels in Estonia prove you do not have to spend loads of money to have the best experiences of a country. If, therefore, you are planning to make a trip to this beautiful Baltic country, do not be scared to make inquiries about the cheapest options available in the country. Chances are that you will get a hostel that feels like a home and leaves you with lifetime memories.
As with any country, some of the finest hostels in Estonia happen to be some of the cheapest. It’s a little secret known only to the smartest of travelers and one which will make your journey all that more enriching in ways you never thought possible.

FOOD:

The food in Estonia harks back to its great history, geography, and cultural heritage. Hearty meat stews, aromatic bread, and fragile pastry form the core of traditional Estonian fare.
The core of Estonian cuisine is to strongly stress local ingredients such as meat, fish, potatoes, and rye bread. Blood sausage-highly rich-is one of the nation’s favorite foods and is usually accompanied with eggs, potatoes, and vegetables. Mulgikapsad are pastries filled with mashed potatoes and sauerkraut.
Because Estonia is a coastal country, fresh fish is in abundance, especially salmon, trout, and herring. Smoked fish is a delicacy, too, and at the markets and harbors, one is filled with the smell of freshly smoked fish on sale.
Bread plays an important role in Estonian cuisine. Of the many types of bread, rye is the most usual. Heavy, black, and slightly sweet, the Estonians use this rye to accompany meals or as the base for open-faced sandwiches.
Pastry is one of the sweet pleasures of life; traditional Estonian pastries, including kringel, a sweet bread, and piparkook or gingerbread, will cure any sweet tooth. But cloudberry jam, a preserve of the rare Arctic cloudberry, is a special treat.
Estonian cuisine has been influenced with the country’s cultural exchange with the neighboring countries, especially in herring salad and beef stroganoff, which bear Scandinavian, Russian, and German influences.
Today, Estonian chefs work with traditional dishes, adding modern twists and new ingredients. Be it farm-to-table restaurants or artisanal food markets, the culinary scene is very much alive in Estonia.

packer, I never imagined I could indulge in such gastronomic delights, but Estonia proved me wrong. So, fellow travelers, come and experience the wonders of Estonia – your taste buds and your wallet will thank you!

TOP THINGS TO DO:

North Estonia

Tallinn:

Old Town
Toompea Hill and Castle
Town Hall Square
Kadriorg Park and Palace
Telliskivi Creative City
Tallinn Botanic Garden (free)
Tallinn TV Tower
Seaplane Harbour
Kalamaja neighborhood
Pirita beach
Tallinn Harbour
Estonian Maritime Museum
Tallinn Zoo

Lahemaa National Park:

Hike in the national park
Visit Lahemaa Manor
Explore the coastal cliffs
Käsmu Village
Palmse Manor
Sagadi Manor
Vihula Manor
Lahemaa National Park hiking trails
Oandu Nature Reserve (free)

East Estonia

Narva:

Narva Castle
Narva River promenade
Russian border viewing point
Narva Museum
Narva Art Gallery
Narva History Museum

Tartu:

Toomemägi Hill and Cathedral
University town and museums
Tartu Market Hall
Tartu Art Museum
Botanical Garden (free)
Tartu Observatory
Ahhaa Science Centre
Estonian National Museum
Tartu University Park

South Estonia

Pärnu:

Beach and promenade
Pärnu Old Town
Pärnu Museum
Pärnu Art Museum
Sunset hike at Valgeranna Nature Park (free)
Pärnu Beach Park
Pärnu Mud Baths
Pärnu Harbour

Soomaa National Park:

Hike in the national park
Visit the Soomaa Visitor Centre
Soomaa National Park hiking trails
Explore the Soomaa bog
Soomaa Canoe Rentals
Riisa Nature Reserve (free)

West Estonia

Haapsalu:

Haapsalu Castle
Haapsalu Old Town
Coastal walks
Haapsalu Museum
Frida’s Kitchen (local eatery)
Haapsalu Railway Museum
Haapsalu Episcopal Castle

Saaremaa Island:

Explore the island’s beaches and coastal cliffs
Visit the Kaali Meteorite Crater
Saaremaa Museum
Kuressaare Castle
Angla Windmill Park
Tagula Ice Age Trail (free)
Vilsandi National Park (free)

Islands

Hiiumaa Island:

Explore the island’s coastal cliffs and beaches
Visit the Tahkuna Lighthouse
Hiiumaa Museum
Kärdla Village
Hiiumaa National Park (free)
Kõpu Lighthouse

Muhu Island:

Explore the island’s coastal cliffs and beaches
Visit the Muhu Museum
Pädaste Manor
Muhu Village
Muhu Nature Reserve (free)

Other Destinations

Rakvere:

Rakvere Castle
Rakvere Museum
Rakvere Theatre
Rakvere Citizen’s Home Museum

Viljandi:

Viljandi Castle
Viljandi Folk Music Festival
Viljandi Museum
Viljandi Lake

Otepää:

Otepää Ski Resort
Otepää Nature Park (free)
Otepää Museum
Otepää Hill Fort

Valga:

Valga Museum
Valga Castle Park
Valga Ski Resort

NIGHTLIFE:

As a broke vagabond, I never thought I’d get a taste of Estonia’s buzzing nightlife. The country is famous for its vibrant party scene, but I was determined to explore its bars, clubs, and live music venues without emptying my wallet. So, here’s my adventure through Estonia’s nightlife:

Tallinn

Telliskivi Creative City: This hip neighborhood is home to some of Tallinn’s best bars and clubs, like Telliskivi Creative City Bar and Kiviõli. Enjoy craft beers and cocktails in a trendy setting (€5-10).
Old Town: Explore the medieval streets and pop into The Monk’s Bunk for a pint of craft beer (€4) or The Old Town Pub for a lively atmosphere (€5).
Kadriorg: Head to Kadriorg Park for free outdoor concerts and festivals in the summer.

Pärnu

Pärnu Old Town: Visit Pärnu Old Town Pub for a cozy atmosphere and affordable drinks (€4).
Pärnu Beach: Enjoy live music and beach parties at Pärnu Beach Bar (free).
Rüki Maja: This alternative bar hosts live music and art events (€5).

Tartu

Tartu Old Town: Explore the charming streets and pop into Tartu Old Town Pub for a pint of craft beer (€4).
Ülikooli: Visit Ülikooli Pub for a lively atmosphere and affordable drinks (€5).
Genialistide Klubi: This alternative bar hosts live music and art events (€5).

Other

Haapsalu: Enjoy live music and a cozy atmosphere at Haapsalu Castle Bar (€5).
Otepää: Visit Otepää Ski Resort for apres-ski parties and live music (€5).

Estonia’s nightlife scene is a goldmine of experiences for broke backpackers. Whether you’re into trendy bars, lively clubs, medieval towns, or beach parties, there’s something for everyone. With these tips and recommendations, you can dive into Estonia’s nightlife without breaking the bank. Cheers to an unforgettable adventure!

BACKPACKING Estonia COSTS:

Average Day:

Accommodation: €5-10 (camping or hostel dorm)
Food: €3-5 (street food, market, or grocery store)
Transportation: €1-2 (walking or public transport)
Attractions: €0-5 (Hikes, free museums, parks, and historical sites)
Miscellaneous: €1-5 (beer, snacks, and unexpected expenses)
Total: €10-22

Average Week:

Accommodation: €35-70 (€5-10 per night for 7 nights)
Food: €21-35 (€3-5 per day for 7 days)
Transportation: €7-14 (€1-2 per day for 7 days)
Attractions: €0-35 (€0-5 per day for 7 days)
Miscellaneous: €7-35 (€1-5 per day for 7 days)
Total: €141-219