• Menu
  • Menu

The Perfect 5-Day Itinerary for Exploring Estonia

5-Day Estonia Itinerary

Packing for a trip to Estonia? You’re in for a great time. This itinerary will get you the right mix of culture, history, and nature. Make sure you’re ready to enjoy and not rush through it—you’ll want time to wander.

You’ll start in the capital, see medieval towns, and enjoy some awesome nature. Let’s dive in!

Day 1: Tallinn

Explore the Old Town

Tallinn’s Old Town is something straight out of a fairy tale. It’s easy to spend an entire day here, so kick things off with a walk through this UNESCO World Heritage Site. You’ll find cobblestone streets, medieval architecture, and great cafes. Don’t miss Raekoja Plats (the Town Hall Square). Grab a coffee, take your time.

Visit Alexander Nevsky Cathedral

Right near Toompea Castle, you’ll spot the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral. This Russian Orthodox church will grab your attention with its domes and colors. It’s free to enter, so check it out for a look at the beautiful interior.

Toompea Castle and Kohtuotsa Viewing Platform

Take a walk up to Toompea Castle. It’s the seat of the Estonian government, but more importantly, it has a great view! Nearby, head over to Kohtuotsa Viewing Platform. It’s a popular spot, but for good reason: the view of Tallinn’s rooftops and the Gulf of Finland is spectacular.

Seaplane Harbour Museum

In the afternoon, head towards Seaplane Harbour. This maritime museum is fascinating, especially if you have any interest in ships or history. The submarine exhibit is a highlight. Plan to spend 1-2 hours here before heading back to the Old Town for dinner.

Day 2: More of Tallinn

Kadriorg Palace and Park

Day 2 in Tallinn starts with Kadriorg Palace. This beautiful baroque palace, built by Russian Tsar Peter the Great, is now home to the Estonian Art Museum. Take a walk around the gardens and the park after visiting the palace. If time allows, check out the nearby Kumu Art Museum for contemporary Estonian art.

Pirita Beach

If the weather’s nice, take a drive or bike to Pirita Beach. It’s one of Tallinn’s best spots to relax by the water. You can either go swimming or just take a peaceful walk along the coast. There are also some restaurants here, so it’s great for a chilled-out lunch break.

Telliskivi Creative City

Finish up your evening at Telliskivi Creative City. It’s a trendy industrial area with food, drinks, and art galleries. The nightlife here is packed with pop-up shops and cool vibes, perfectly rounding off your time in Tallinn.

Day 3: Drive to Haapsalu

Visit Haapsalu Castle

On Day 3, it’s time to leave Tallinn and head to Haapsalu, a small charming town about 1.5 hours southwest. Haapsalu Castle is a must-see. The medieval ruins are well-preserved, and they offer a glimpse into Estonia’s past. Don’t miss the sounds from the local legends about the White Lady ghost!

Walk the Haapsalu Promenade

Before you leave Haapsalu, take a stroll along the seaside promenade. The views across the bay are peaceful, and you’ll find plenty of places for a coffee or a bite. While here, check out the Kuursaal building, an architectural gem from the 1800s.

Head to Pärnu

After Haapsalu, drive down to Pärnu. It’s around 1.5 hours from Haapsalu and a cozy beach town. Even if it’s not summer, you’ll enjoy the quiet vibe and long beaches. If you arrive early enough, explore Pärnu’s cafe culture and walk along the beach.

Day 4: Explore Pärnu and Soomaa National Park

Soak Up Pärnu’s History

Start your day exploring the laid-back town of Pärnu. Pärnu’s town center is full of adorable wooden houses and wide streets. The Pärnu Museum gives a great overview of the area’s history, and visiting the Red Tower is interesting for history buffs.

Relax at Pärnu Beach

Pärnu is Estonia’s summer capital, and its beach is one of the longest in the country. Whether you want to swim, sunbathe, or just lie down on the soft sand, this beach is your go-to. If it’s chilly, simply take a long walk along the promenade.

Discover the Best Europe Tours at Tours4Fun!

Soomaa National Park: Canoeing or Hiking

In the afternoon, take a trip to Soomaa National Park. It’s about 45 minutes from Pärnu, and there’s no better spot to explore Estonia’s wetlands. The park is famous for its “fifth season” seasonal floods. You can either hike one of the park’s bog trails or rent a canoe if the water levels are high. Either way, don’t forget your camera; the landscape is peaceful and photo-worthy.

Day 5: Visit Tartu

University Town Vibe in Tartu

In the morning, head to Tartu. It’s Estonia’s famous university town and completely different from Tallinn and Pärnu. It’s about 2 hours drive from Pärnu. Once you arrive, take a walk through Town Hall Square. It’s a good introduction to the relaxed student life here.

Estonian National Museum

After you’ve wandered through the streets, visit the Estonian National Museum. It’s impressive—not only for its collection of historical artifacts but also because the architecture of the building is breathtaking. Plan to spend at least 2 hours here to get a deep dive into the culture and history of this fascinating country.

Toome Hill Park and Angel’s Bridge

For some fresh air, head to Toome Hill Park. This park is right in the middle of the city and offers both green spaces and some historical edifices to explore. Cross Angel’s Bridge while you’re walking through; there’s a local legend that if you hold your breath while crossing, your wish will come true!

End Your Trip at Aparaaditehas

Finish off your trip with a visit to Aparaaditehas, an old factory turned cultural center. Similar to Telliskivi in Tallinn, it’s full of creative spaces, galleries, and places to eat and drink. Enjoy your last dinner in Estonia while soaking up the cool, easy-going vibe of Tartu.

Final Thoughts

Estonia is small but packed with things to see. From medieval old towns to beautiful beaches and bogs, this 5-day itinerary will give you an awesome taste of what the country has to offer. It’s not too rushed, leaving plenty of flexibility to go off-the-beaten-path or take your time. Leave a little room for surprises—you’ll probably run into a hidden cafe or an art show.

Safe travels!

Leave a reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *