Planning a trip to Estonia? Whether you're heading for a long weekend in Tallinn, island-hopping between Saaremaa and Hiiumaa, or deep-diving into nature and culture, there are a few things every City Girl should know before she goes. Here’s everything we’d recommend packing, preparing for, and doing to make the most of your Estonian adventure.

Get to Know Estonia Before You Go

Estonia is one of Europe’s best-kept secrets. A digital-first, nature-loving country nestled between Russia and the Baltic Sea, it’s a place where medieval castles meet contemporary cuisine, saunas are a way of life, and wild swimming is practically a national pastime. You’ll find high-speed internet even in the middle of a forest, warm and welcoming locals, and a calm, safe vibe that’s perfect for solo and group travellers alike.

If you’re vising Tallinn, we’d strongly recommend booking a walking tour with ‘Heli likes to talk - Tours in Tallinn & more’!

Travel Tips for Your Estonia Adventure

Download These Apps

Bolt – For ride-hailing and electric scooters in Tallinn.
Google Translate – Estonian isn’t the easiest language to pick up, but a few words go a long way.

Pack for the Cool Baltic Breeze

In mid-May, we experienced everything from warm sunshine to Baltic breezes and sea spray. Estonia’s weather is famously changeable, so:

Pack layers (light knits, waterproof jacket, and a scarf)
Don’t forget swimwear (many hotels have saunas and spas!)
Waterproof walking boots or trainers are a must if you're exploring nature trails or beaches.
Invest in a windbreaker coat!

*Windbreaker coats are a great hack for staying warm in Estonia!*

Know the Basics

Hello = Tere
Thank you = Aitäh
Goodbye = Head aega
Estonia uses the Euro (€), but card is king. Even tiny market stalls accepted Apple Pay.

Safety Measures

Estonia is incredibly safe for solo travellers. Public transport is clean and efficient, walking alone at night feels safe, and locals are helpful if you need directions. Just follow normal city smarts, especially in nightlife areas.

*Sauna by a wild beach in Hiiumaa Island*

Tap Into the Sauna Culture

Saunas aren’t just a luxury here, they’re a lifestyle. From spa hotels and saunas in distilleries in Tallinn, to wild sauna cabins in the islands, we recommend:

Booking at least one traditional smoke sauna experience.
Trying a cold plunge afterwards (your skin and soul will thank you).
Reading the sauna rules if you’re new to the ritual.

Get Off the Beaten Track

While Tallinn is stunning, Estonia really shines when you head into nature or out to the islands. On our trip, we loved:

Hiiumaa: Peaceful, forested, with a beautiful lighthouse and horse riding on the beach.
Saaremaa: Home to castles, crater fields, boutique distilleries, and wild herb workshops.

Eat Like a Local

Expect hearty, seasonal dishes that reflect the land and sea. Think rye bread, pickled veg, smoked fish, and foraged berries. Some essentials to try:

Kama (Estonian breakfast blend)
Leib (Black Rye Bread)
Anything with juniper
Silgusoust (Baltic Herry)

Bookmark our ‘Foodies Guide to Estonia’ for must dishes.

Stay Connected

You’ll rarely be without Wi-Fi in Estonia. Even tiny countryside cafés and hiking lodges offer reliable internet. It’s the ideal place for a remote work escape!

Our Final Advice?

Say yes to things that feel a little wild: like jumping in a natural pool after the sauna, trying everything juniper infused, or riding a horse through pine forests. Estonia is gentle but adventurous, peaceful but full of energy. It’s a destination that surprises you in the best way.

This is part of the City Girl Guide to Estonia, which was created on a press trip with Visit Estonia.

City Girl Travel Tips for Visiting Estonia