Estonia is a former Soviet republic located in the Baltics. Today, Estonia is an EU member country and is distinguished by its leading role in cyber security and is a popular stop on any Baltic sea tour. It has become a popular tourist destination because of its many well-preserved castles and fortresses dating back to as early as the 13th century, its 2,000+ islands, and excellent museums and galleries.
I was fortunate enough to spend a month in Estonia and visit several small towns and villages in addition to Tallinn. Estonia itself is stunning, but what has stuck with me the most isn't the medieval old town or castles, it's the heart-wrenching history and stories of Estonian resiliance. If you're a history lover - definitely make Estonia a priority to visit.
Official Language(s) – Estonian; English and Russian are also commonly spoken.
Currency – Euro (EUR)
Capital City – Tallinn
Outlets – C & F
Taxi Apps – Bolt
Popular SIM Card Providers – EMT, Elisa, Tele2. You can pick up a SIM card at any service provider's store or at convenience stores at the register.
Estonia is an EU country whose tourism is fairly well-developed. As such, the prices in Estonia are among the highest of other post-Soviet countries, but not as exhorbitant as you might find in western Europe. Take a look below at the average prices of various expenses in Estonia's capital, Tallinn, in 2023. Note: These prices are for one person.
❖ Mid-range accomodation: €40
❖ Mid-range meal: €13
❖ Cappuccino: €3.30
❖ Glass of wine: €6
❖ Taxi: €5.5 to start + €1.1 per km
❖ Single-ride bus ticket: €2
❖ Museum ticket: €7-15
❖ Glass of wine: €3.30
Depending on what your priorities are for traveling, each season in Estonia has something magical to offer. The most popular, and therefore crowded, time to visit is definitely in the summer. The average temperatures in Tallinn in the summer months, June/July/Aug., are, respectively 14.5°C/17.7°C /16.6°C. July and August get the most sunlight, while August sees the most rain. Visiting Estonia in the summer months also has the added bonus of being there during national holidays like Walpurgis Night (May 1st), Midsummer Day (June 24th) and Day of Restoration of Independence (Aug. 20th).
Spring and Autumn are both great times to visit as their temperatures are a bit cooler and there are less tourists. The average temperatures in Tallinn in April and May are 5.1°C and 10.3°C with minimal rain. Sept. and Oct. average at about 12.2°C and 6.6°C with a decent amount of rain. I visited in Winter and it was quite cold (Jan. and Feb. hover around -3°C), but the Christmas markets and blanket of snow that hugged Tallinn's old town was a sight to behold.
Yandex.Weather
The recipes of traditional Estonian dishes that are served today have been passed down through generations going back to the medieval period. Estonian cuisine has been influenced by the numerous cultures and empires that have fought over control of the region going back centuries, but ultimately reflects its Baltic roots. Staples of Estonian cuisine include rye bread and potatoes, pork and lamb, and stews and soups. And of course - being on the coast - fish.
приятного аппетита!