Know before you go : Estonia Edition

In this article, I’ll make an overview of everything useful to know before going to Estonia, including some travel tips.

You’ll find : 

Estonia is located in Northern Europe, bordered by the Gulf of Finland to the north, the Baltic Sea to the west, and Latvia to the south. It shares maritime borders with Finland, which is just across the Gulf of Finland.

As one of the Baltic countries, Estonia is culturally and historically connected to its neighbors Latvia and Lithuania.

The capital is Tallinn, Estonia’s largest city, situated on the northern coast along the Gulf of Finland.

As of 2024, Estonia covers about 45,227 km² and has a population of approximately 1.3 million people .

The best time to visit Estonia depends on the experiences you’re seeking. For pleasant weather and extended daylight, summer (June to August) is ideal, with temperatures typically ranging from 15°C to 25°C. If you’re interested in seeing the Northern Lights, the winter months (November to March) are the best time to visit, as Estonia’s landscapes transform into a magical winter wonderland.

During winter, temperatures can drop to -15°C or lower, so it’s essential to pack warm clothing. While summer offers milder weather, it’s still wise to bring layers, as evenings can be cool.

I visited in June, and the weather was perfect for enjoying the beautiful landscapes, as well as experiencing extended daylight. We could visit the city at 1am as it still wasn’t dark outside ! Plus in June there are not many tourists, you visit everything peacefully !

In Estonia, the currency is the Euro (€). The cost of living is generally lower than in many Western European countries. A meal at a casual restaurant typically costs around €10-15, while mid-range dining options usually start at €20-30 per person.

Credit and debit cards are widely accepted across the country, and for ATMs without fees, look for ones at bank branches.

Accommodation options vary widely, from budget hostels to mid-range hotels. Prices for budget hotels and hostels typically start at around €25-50 per night, while mid-range hotels generally range from €70-120 per night for two people in central locations.

To save on accommodation, you might consider booking an Airbnb or a guesthouse slightly outside the city center. For example, you can often find comfortable options for around €50-60 per night for two people, providing a cozy stay in a pleasant neighborhood.

I would definitely recommend Hektor Container Hotel in Tallinn, very affordable, confortable and a unique concept !

Clothing: Pack layers when visiting Estonia, as temperatures can be cool even in summer. For a visit in July or August, bring a light jacket or sweater. In winter, prepare for chilly weather with thermal layers, gloves, hats, heavy socks, and a warm coat, especially if you plan to explore the countryside. Good walking shoes are essential for exploring on foot or hiking in nature.

Rain gear : Be sure to pack an umbrella and rain jacket, for unpredictable weather in spring and autum.

Adapter: Estonia uses Type C and F power outlets. If you’re coming from outside Europe, you’ll need a plug adapter. A power bank is also useful to keep your devices charged on the go.

Estonia offers a variety of unique souvenirs to bring back home!

Traditional Items: Look for classic Estonian handicrafts, like beautifully woven woolen blankets, mittens, or scarves, often crafted with traditional patterns. Items made from juniper wood, such as coasters or cutting boards, are also popular.

Food: Bring back a taste of Estonia with black rye bread, kama (a unique Estonian grain blend used in desserts), or local berry jams. Estonian honey and handmade chocolates also make wonderful treats.

Design Goods: Estonia has a growing design scene with an emphasis on simplicity and quality. Consider Estonian ceramics, linen textiles, or sleek wooden home decor items. Hand-carved wooden utensils or locally made jewelry are also great choices for gifts or keepsakes.

In Estonia, Estonian is the official language, but English is widely understood, especially in tourist areas and larger cities

Here are a few Estonian phrases that might come in handy:

Hello: Tere [TEH-reh]

Thank you: Aitäh [eye-TAH]

You’re welcome: Pole probleemi [PO-leh PROH-bleh-mee]

I (don’t) understand: Ma (ei) saa aru [mah (ay) sah AH-roo]

Sorry: Vabandust [VAH-ban-doost]

My name is…: Minu nimi on… [MEE-noo NEE-mee on]

Yes / No: Jah / Ei [YAH / ay]

As we came from Europe, our mobile plan included internet and calls in Estonia, but if you plan on buying one on arrival, you can find Telia, Elisa, and Tele2 SIM cards at the airport for around €10.

Estonia’s public transportation is reliable and affordable, with Tallinn offering free transport for residents. For travelers, buses, trams, and trolleys operate across the city. Renting a bike is also a popular option for exploring urban areas or coastal paths.

If you’re traveling to more remote areas or want to explore Estonia’s nature, renting a car is a convenient option. As we did a roadtrip from Tallinn to Vilnius, renting a car was the easiest solution and we booked through Europcar. It was both the most financially interesting and practical option.

Be sure to check rental requirements, as credit cards are often needed.

Estonia offers a wealth of nature and sightseeing. Here are some of the best things to do in the country :

That’s it for my Estonia travel tips! To get more detailed information and pictures about these places, be sure to check out my other articles A day in Tallinn and The top places to see in Estonia.