We started our time in Vilnius by wandering through its enchanting Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site filled with cobblestone streets, colorful buildings, and inviting cafés. The city center is dotted with beautiful churches, including the striking St. Anne’s Church and the elegant Church of St. Casimir.
You’re not so typical city trip in Europe: Visiting the Cities in The Baltics
When it comes to city trips in Europe, most people immediately think of places like Rome, Barcelona, or London. But what if I told you there are cities just as beautiful, yet far less crowded?
Each has its own unique charm, and the best part is that you can easily visit not just one, but three cities in one trip (or even four, if you’re feeling adventurous, like I was)! So, join me and my best friend on this trip to the Baltic States: Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania!
You might also like: Exploring Warsaw in Poland during a 3-day City Trip
For your information, all these pictures were taken in April 2025.
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Some information about the Baltics
The Baltics, comprising Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania, form a captivating region in Northern Europe along the eastern shores of the Baltic Sea. Though small in size, these three countries boast a rich tapestry of cultures, languages, and histories shaped by centuries of foreign rule, independence struggles, and resilient national identity.
Known for their charming medieval towns, pristine forests, and vibrant modern cities, the Baltic states offer a unique blend of Eastern and Western European influences.
Since regaining independence from the Soviet Union in the early 1990s, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania have emerged as dynamic democracies and members of both the European Union and NATO, drawing visitors with their heritage, innovation, and natural beauty.
How to get to the Baltics?
Getting to the Baltic states, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania, is easier than you might think, with several travel options depending on your preferences and budget.
1 | With the plane
The fastest and most convenient way is by plane. Major European airports offer direct flights to the Baltic capitals: Tallinn, Riga, and Vilnius. Budget airlines like Ryanair, Wizz Air, and airBaltic frequently operate these routes, making air travel both affordable and efficient.
2 | With public transportation
For budget-conscious travelers, long-distance buses such as FlixBus provide an economical alternative. They connect many European cities to Riga, Vilnius, and sometimes Tallinn. Although the ride can take 20 to 30 hours, it’s a good option if you’re not in a rush and want to save money. Train connections aren’t direct but can be combined with buses, often traveling through cities like Berlin or Warsaw, for a more scenic overland experience.
3 | By car
If you’re up for a road trip, driving is also a great option. The journey from central or western Europe to the Baltics typically takes around 18 to 24 hours, depending on your starting point. You’ll pass through countries like Germany and Poland, and while it’s a long drive, it offers flexibility and the chance to explore other destinations along the way. Just be sure to check with your rental company if you plan to cross multiple borders, as this often involves additional fees.
4 | By ferry
If you’re coming from Scandinavia, taking a ferry is another great option. Ferries run regularly between Stockholm and Tallinn, or from Helsinki to Tallinn, making it easy to include the Baltics in a Nordic itinerary.
How to get around the Baltics?
Since the distances between the cities are fairly long, the best way to travel between them is by renting a car. Just be sure to inform the rental company that you’ll be crossing borders. This usually comes with an extra fee, but the flexibility it offers is well worth it. You can leave whenever it suits you and make stops along the way.
Alternatively, you can take a FlixBus or the train. While these options are more budget-friendly, they take considerably longer and may cut into your time exploring the cities.
Best time to visit the Baltics
The Baltics are a year-round travel destination, but the peak season runs from June to August, when the days are long and filled with festivals. July tends to be the busiest month, coinciding with the start of summer holidays across Europe. It’s easy to see why summer is so popular: pleasant temperatures and extended daylight make it perfect for exploring.
That said, winter has its own unique charm. With festive Christmas markets and a blanket of snow, the Baltics feel like something out of a fairytale.
I visited in April, during the spring, and it was absolutely perfect! The weather was mild and not too hot, which made it ideal for wandering around and enjoying the cities without the summer crowds.
The Baltics Itinerary
Day 1 - 2: Tallinn
I had high expectations for Tallinn and it absolutely lived up to them. It quickly became one of my favorite cities I visited in Europe. The medieval charm, which I absolutely love, is especially vivid in the Old Town, with landmarks like the Three Sisters and the Hellemann Tower standing out. Wandering aimlessly through the cobbled streets is truly a joy.
To get a different perspective of the city, we made a stop at the Patkuli Viewing Platform. It offers a stunning panoramic view of the medieval rooftops and towers, perfect for taking it all in.
If you want to immerse yourself even more in the medieval atmosphere, be sure to visit Meistrite Hoov or the Raeapteek, the historic town pharmacy. Both places feel like stepping back in time.
Tallinn isn’t just medieval, though. The city also showcases other architectural influences, like the striking Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, a Russian Orthodox church perched on a hill. It’s not only a beautiful building but also surrounded by some great places to eat!
Day 3: Daytrip to Helsinki
One of the great things about visiting Tallinn is how easily you can turn your trip into a two-in-one city break. It takes just a two-hour ferry ride to reach Helsinki in Finland. Since I had never been there before, and with ferry tickets only €25 round-trip, we didn’t need much convincing to go!
Our first stop in Helsinki was the Uspenski Cathedral, a striking piece of architecture on top of a hill. Unfortunately, it was closed when we arrived, so we couldn’t go inside. The weather was noticeably colder and greyer than in Tallinn, so we took shelter in a nearby botanical garden, which ended up being a surprisingly impressive visit.
Before heading back to Tallinn, we made a quick stop at the Temppeliaukio Church, famously built right into a rock. It’s a unique and beautiful place, though the entrance fee felt a bit steep for the limited access.
Helsinki was definitely worth the detour and made for a great addition to our trip. But after a taste of Finnish prices, we were ready to return to the more budget-friendly Baltics!
Day 4 - 5: Riga
After spending a bit more time in Tallinn following our trip to Helsinki, it was time to make our way to Riga. And from the moment my friend and I arrived, we were completely charmed. The beautiful architecture, peaceful pedestrian streets, and smaller crowds made it a wonderfully relaxed city to explore. Plus, there’s so much to see and learn!
Like Tallinn, Riga has its own Old Town, but instead of the Three Sisters, you’ll find the Three Brothers, a trio of historic houses that are even more striking in person. One of them houses a free museum dedicated to architectural history through the centuries, which is definitely worth stepping inside.
Riga is also a fantastic place to dive into its medieval past. One highlight is the House of the Blackheads, a beautifully restored historical building that reflects the city’s rich merchant heritage. Its 14th-century cellar offers an authentic view into medieval life in Riga.
But Riga’s history doesn’t stop at the Middle Ages. The city also tells a powerful story of its more recent past. We visited the Museum of the Occupation, which provides a sobering but important look at the hardships the Baltic states endured under Soviet, Russian, and Nazi regimes. It’s an eye-opening experience that adds a deeper layer to understanding the region.
Day 6 - 7: Vilnius
Next, we climbed up to Gediminas Castle for sweeping views over the city and surrounding landscape. Making this a perfect spot to take in the full charm of Vilnius from above.
Vilnius also makes a great base for day trips. Our favorite was the magical Trakai Castle, perched on an island in a tranquil lake, straight out of a fairytale.
Another great escape is Kaunas, a smaller, laid-back city known for its creativity , street art, and modernist architecture.
And if you’re arriving from or heading toward Riga, don’t miss the Hill of Crosses, which is a haunting and unforgettable site covered in thousands of crosses, full of history and symbolism.
Other citytrips to do in Europe
I love a good city break in Europe as there’s always something new and unique to discover. With so many diverse cities just a short trip away, weekend getaways never get old.
Curious for more inspiration? Check out my other blog posts on European city trips:
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Hello, I’m Ellen and welcome to this blog! I’m in love with exploring the world and hopefully I get to inspire you with these blog posts and pictures to feel the same. You will find detailed itineraries, hidden gems, tips and so much more!
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