Tallinn, Estonia

Tallinn is tantalizing in its contradictions. Well-preserved medieval fortifications surround an old town that wears its former trading might as a mantle of architecture and stories. Old Town Tallinn is more than medieval beauty; however, Wi-Fi is readily available throughout Tallinn, and its nightlife is fully modern.

If you’re looking for locally produced souvenirs from Estonia, Tallinn doesn’t disappoint. Artisan shops selling handicrafts and jewelry can be found along its main drags or hidden within courtyards. Wool products, wooden kitchen utensils, leatherwork, and even chocolate are produced by hand by local craftspeople. Estonia also manufactures alcoholic beverages, including the thickly sweet Vana Tallinn, a liqueur that can be enjoyed straight, added to coffee, or used in cocktails.

Tallinn’s restaurants cater to diverse tastes, ranging from cozy cellar establishments serving traditional dishes like sauerkraut and sausages to upscale venues where exceptional service and sophisticated presentations of food are the norm.

Riga, Latvia

Riga sprawls from its old town into an art nouveau district and beyond. Those who spend time in Riga will find that no matter how carefully they plan, experiencing it all may prove challenging. Old Town Riga is a small section of the city, but it holds a wealth of sights, alongside a vibrant selection of restaurants, bars, and clubs.

Beyond Old Town lies the art nouveau district, characterized by its stately buildings in pastel hues, embellished with fanciful angels, partially clothed caryatids, and stylized vines. An art nouveau museum showcases how the residences were furnished during that era.

Riga is known for its lively nightlife, which attracts stag parties and students alike. Beer bars, wine bars, and cocktail lounges cater to diverse preferences and budget ranges. When visiting, be sure to try Riga Black Balsam, a distinct black liqueur that often evokes strong opinions among those who taste it.

Vilnius, Lithuania

Vilnius stands out as the least touristy of the Baltic capital cities. Unlike Tallinn and Riga, Vilnius was not part of the Hanseatic League. However, Old Town Vilnius is one of the largest and best-preserved in Europe, featuring a blend of various architectural styles, from the reconstructed Gediminas Castle Tower to the neo-classical Vilnius Cathedral and Town Hall. It’s easy to spend all your time in Old Town and still overlook parts of its charm.

Vilnius is a great place to buy amber, which washes up on the Baltic shores and is transformed into exquisite jewelry creations. Linen and ceramics are also popular, with Lithuanian artisans utilizing traditional methods to craft functional and aesthetically pleasing items that fit a modern lifestyle.

Lithuania takes pride in its beer culture, thus cozy pubs serving local beer brands or microbrews are plentiful. Vilnius also boasts numerous wine bars. Restaurants offering Lithuanian cuisine, emphasizing potatoes, pork, and beets, are found easily in Old Town, alongside opportunities to sample international flavors, such as those from Central Asia and Eastern Europe.

Whether you choose to visit one of the Baltic capital cities or all three, you will discover unique characteristics that set them apart from each other and other regional capitals.