Everyone talks about Scandinavia — the minimalist interiors, world-class pastries and the increasingly popular concept of hygge (it translates roughly to "cosiness," but it means so much more than that).

Taking time away from the daily rush to be together with people you care about - or even by yourself - to relax and enjoy life's quieter pleasures.

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Taking time away from the daily rush to be together with people you care about - or even by yourself - to relax and enjoy life's quieter pleasures. 〰️

But what if you could get the same cozy magic without the steep price tag or tourist crowds? That’s where the Baltics come in. Often overlooked, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania offer charming city breaks, beautifully preserved old towns and vast stretches of forest and countryside designed for switching off. Think Scandinavian vibes with a subtle Eastern European flair — familiar, but refreshingly different.

If you’re starting your Baltic adventure, begin with Estonia, a country where medieval history meets digital innovation. Fly into Tallinn, and you’ll land in one of Europe’s most enchanting old towns. Protected by UNESCO, Tallinn’s medieval centre is a maze of cobblestone streets, pastel houses and ancient city walls. This is also a global tech hub, home to startups, remote workers and a forward-thinking digital culture that contrasts beautifully with its centuries-old streets.

Wander through picture-perfect narrow alleys scented with cinnamon and cardamom buns, and notice what’s missing: the crowds. Tallinn invites you to slow down and soak up the magic.

Explore Tallinn’s Old Town

Tallinn’s Old Town is compact and easy to explore — the kind of place best explored without a map or a strict plan. Get a little lost in the cobblestoned streets, pass by centuries-old houses, and trust that you’ll somehow bump into all the key sights along the way. But if you do want a loose plan to follow, here’s a simple route to guide you.

1. Start at Viru Gate

Begin at the Viru Gate, the main entrance to the Old Town. From here, you’ll step straight into medieval Tallinn.

✨ Hidden corner: Take a quick detour down St. Catherine’s Passage (Katariina käik), a narrow alley lined with medieval workshop windows and stone arches. It’s one of the most photogenic (and often missed) spots in the Old Town.

2. Town Hall Square (Raekoja plats)

Continue towards the Town Hall Square, home to the oldest surviving Gothic town hall in Northern Europe. It’s a great place to pause and take in the vibe of the square.

✨ Hidden corner: Pop into the Town Hall Pharmacy, a pharmacy dating back to 1422, which is still in use.

3. Climb to Toompea Hill

Head uphill towards Toompea, passing the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, a richly decorated Orthodox church that was completed in 1900 when Estonia was part of the Russian Empire.

4. Kohtuotsa Viewing Platform

A short walk brings you to Kohtuotsa Viewing Platform (📍exact location here), offering one of the best views over the Old Town’s red rooftops and the harbour beyond.

✨ Hidden corner: Just a few minutes away, visit the Patkuli Viewing Platform (📍exact location here), often quieter and equally scenic, with views over the city walls and green spaces.

5. Dome Church & Quiet Streets

Wander the surrounding streets of Toompea, which are noticeably calmer and more residential. Walk along Pikk jalg (📍exact location here), one of the oldest streets in Tallinn, linking Upper and Lower Town through medieval gateways.

6. Coffee & Cinnamon Bun Break

Make your way back down towards PullaBakery and treat yourself to a cinnamon bun and coffee.

7. Finish Along the City Walls

End your walk by exploring parts of Pikk Street, one of Tallinn’s oldest merchant streets, or strolling along sections of the preserved city wall, where towers and lookout points offer a quieter glimpse into the city’s past.

Find the Best Pastries in Tallinn

Tallinn’s pastry game is seriously strong — especially when it comes to cinnamon and cardamom buns, which can easily compete with the likes of Copenhagen. If you’re craving something sweet while wandering the city, here’s where to find the best treats.

PullaBakery — A must-try for the best cinnamon buns in Tallinn.
RØST — Located in Tallinn's Rotermanni Quarter, RØST has quickly risen to become one of the most popular bakeries and cafés in the city.
La Boulangerie — Superb (French-style) pastries at a reasonable price.
Bear Farm Chocolate — Absolutely huge chocolate chip cookies.

A Guide to the Best Food & Drinks in Tallinn

I didn’t really know what to expect from Tallinn’s food scene, but foodies don’t need to fear — the city is full of modern, creative, and seriously tasty spots, from hip cafés and craft beer bars to European restaurants with a local twist.

Pelmen kohvik — A wide variety of authentic pelmeni dumplings.
SAI! — Hip sandwich bar, perfect for lunch.
Restoran Spot — Modern European cuisine with a touch of Estonian flavours.
Mikkeller Tallinn Old Town — Danish craft beer bar.
Whisper Sister — Speak-easy cocktail bar with high-quality, original drinks. Call the number on the small golden plate on the door to be let in.
Pudel — Cool craft beer bar in Tallinn’s Telliskivi Creative City, an art-focused industrial venue featuring studios, galleries and theaters along with shops, cafes and bars.

We stayed at Bob W Tallinn Kesklinn, just a 10-minute walk from the Old Town — super convenient for exploring the city. The apartments are perfect if you’re planning to work remotely (after all, Tallinn is incredibly digital-nomad friendly).
Bonus points: You get free access to a nearby gym with a pool, sauna, and steam room — the perfect way to dive into the Baltic sauna culture and unwind after a day of wandering cobblestoned streets.
Tallinn is very walkable, but if your feet get tired or the weather isn’t in your favour, getting around is easy. The city is home to Bolt and rides are quick, convenient, and super affordable.
If you want to explore the countryside, rent a car (for example Sir Autorent OÜ, not too far from the Bob W Tallinn Kesklinn) for maximum flexibility.
Winter: Estonia in winter is magical — snow-dusted streets and charming Christmas markets in Tallinn. Sauna culture feels extra indulgent in the crisp air, but be prepared for cold temperatures and a sometimes snappy Eastern wind. Keep in mind that cafés and restaurants in more remote areas are often closed during the off-season.
Summer: Long daylight hours, warm Baltic beaches, and fully open restaurants make summer ideal for countryside drives and exploring the outdoors. Everything is lively and accessible, from Tallinn to the hidden gems beyond the city.
Shoulder Season (our pick: May): The beginning of May struck the perfect balance — longer evenings, still cool enough to fully enjoy a countryside sauna, and restaurants and cafés were just reopening after their winter break. You get the best of both worlds: fewer crowds, refreshing weather, and the quiet magic of Estonia coming to life.

Explore Estonia’s Beauty Beyond Tallinn

If you have more time than a weekend in Tallinn, it’s worth venturing into the Estonian countryside, where endless forests and the Baltic Sea make for a completely different pace of life. The easiest way to explore is by renting a car — I can highly recommend Sir Autorent OÜ. This gives you the freedom to stay in hidden gems, plan your own route, and stop wherever you like.

ÖÖD Mirror Houses

For a truly memorable countryside cabin escape, check out the ÖÖD Mirror Houses, tucked away in remote locations around Estonia. I can highly recommend ÖÖD Hotels Rooslepa, just a bit over 1.5 hours from Tallinn. Nestled in the wild forests of Western Estonia and only a short walk from the Baltic Sea and its beautiful beaches and sunsets, it’s the perfect blend of design, and nature.

On the way to your ÖÖD House, stock up on groceries in a bigger supermarket for breakfast, dinner and snacks. The cabins come with a barbecue, so you can grill if the weather allows. But the real highlight? The private wood-fired sauna — an absolute must for soaking up the full Baltic experience.

What to Know Before You Go

Once you’re settled, explore the surrounding countryside. Keep an eye out for wildlife like deer or moose (we weren’t so lucky, but the forests alone are stunning). For a lovely view, visit the Saare vaateplatvorm (kõrgem) observation deck — perfect for breathing in the quiet of the forest.
Tip: On the way to your cabin or back, consider a stop at Padise Monastery, a 14th-century Cistercian abbey built over 200 years with a cute neighbouring café.
- Nearby the cabin you’ll only find a tiny local shop: Dirhami Kohalik Pood
- For a local bite, stop at Över-Marsi near the cabin for lunch (check beforehand if they are open).
- Visit Dirhami to eat local, fresh fish.
- And if you’re visiting in peak summer season, stop at the nearby Roslep Brewery for craft beer.

Whether you’re chasing forest trails, Baltic sea views, or just the bliss of a wood-fired sauna, escaping Tallinn reveals a side of Estonia that feels untouched and entirely magical.

Are the Baltics Europe’s Best-Kept Secret? Sauna, Scandi Vibes & Slow Travel in Estonia

Taking time away from the daily rush to be together with people you care about - or even by yourself - to relax and enjoy life's quieter pleasures.

〰️