Baltic Road Trip
Estonia
The three Baltic capitals and everything between, Tallinn's perfectly preserved Hanseatic old town (a UNESCO World Heritage site), the Art Nouveau boulevards of Riga (more Art Nouveau than any other city on earth), the Hill of Crosses in Lithuania, and Vilnius's extraordinary Baroque old town. A drive from the medieval to the Baroque through three of Europe's most underrated capitals.
Explore on the interactive map →Stops along the route
- Tallinn
The best-preserved medieval city in Northern Europe. Toompea hill, the Raekoja Plats square, and complete city walls all survive intact inside a UNESCO-listed old town. Estonia's startup culture makes it the most forward-looking medieval capital on earth.
- Pärnu
Estonia's summer capital, a resort town of Art Nouveau villas and a long sandy beach. Tallinn empties here in summer; the Baltic mud-spa tradition is unique to this stretch of coast.
- Riga
More Art Nouveau buildings than any other city on earth, concentrated along Alberta iela and Elizabetes iela. The Central Market occupies five former zeppelin hangars; the medieval old town is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
- Hill of Crosses
Over 100,000 crucifixes planted as an act of national defiance. Soviet bulldozers cleared the hill three times between 1961 and 1975; the crosses were replanted within days each time.
- Vilnius
A UNESCO Baroque old town of 65 Catholic churches and the Gate of Dawn's miraculous icon. The Republic of Uzupis declared independence on 1 April 1997 and has its own constitution printed on mirrors.
Where to Eat
- Rataskaevu 16European
A cozy restaurant in Tallinn's Old Town, known for its warm atmosphere and delicious European dishes.
- EdelweissGerman
A charming German restaurant in Pärnu, offering hearty meals in a rustic setting.
- LidoLatvian
A popular Latvian chain in Riga, serving traditional dishes in a buffet-style setting.
- Senoji TrobelėLithuanian
A traditional Lithuanian restaurant in Vilnius, offering authentic local cuisine in a homely atmosphere.
- ŠnekutisLithuanian
A casual spot in Vilnius known for its local beers and traditional Lithuanian snacks.
Things to Do
- Tallinn Old TownHistoric Site
A UNESCO World Heritage site, featuring medieval architecture and cobblestone streets.
- Pärnu BeachBeach
A popular summer destination with sandy shores and vibrant nightlife.
- Riga Central MarketMarket
One of Europe's largest markets, housed in old Zeppelin hangars, offering a variety of goods.
- Trakai Island CastleHistoric Site
A picturesque 14th-century castle located on an island in Lake Galvė near Vilnius.
- Gediminas' TowerHistoric Site
The remaining part of Vilnius' Upper Castle, offering panoramic views of the city.