If you’re looking for a European adventure that’s affordable, historic, and surprisingly diverse, the Baltic states—Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia—are a dream. You can easily explore all three capitals in just over a week, with smooth travel connections and no shortage of food, culture, and charm.
Here’s my take on the perfect 9-day Baltic itinerary, plus a bonus stop in Finland.
🚍 Getting Around the Baltics
Traveling through the Baltics is surprisingly simple and budget-friendly. All three capitals—Vilnius, Riga, and Tallinn—are well connected by comfortable, affordable buses. We used intercity coach lines to move between countries, and for just a few extra euros, you can upgrade to business class seats for extra legroom, better views, and a more relaxing ride.
🚇 Local Transportation Tips
Each city has solid public transit infrastructure, but thanks to their compact size, you might not need it much—especially if you’re centrally located.
- In Vilnius and Riga, we mostly walked—but used Bolt (the local Uber equivalent) for airport transfers or getting to hotels with luggage. It was cheap, reliable, and easier than hauling bags on a bus, especially for two people.
- Tallinn is where we used public transport more regularly. It has a well-connected tram system, and best of all—you can tap your credit card directly when you board. No need to buy tickets in advance or download an app. Super convenient.
⛴️ Bonus: Ferry Travel
To cap off the trip, we hopped on the ferry from Tallinn to Helsinki. It’s not your average ferry—think of it more like a mini cruise ship, with multiple decks, restaurants, shops, and even live music. It’s a scenic 2-hour ride that adds a fun twist to the end of the trip.
🇱🇹 2 Days in Vilnius, Lithuania
Highlights: Cold beet soup, underground bistros, artsy districts, and an unexpected wedding
Start your journey in Vilnius, Lithuania’s baroque capital that mixes old-world charm with a creative, offbeat spirit. It’s walkable, relaxed, and full of surprises.
🥣 Food You Have to Try
The star of the food scene? Šaltibarščiai, or cold beet soup. It’s neon pink, creamy, and topped with dill, cucumbers, and boiled egg—served cold, usually alongside crispy fried potatoes. Weirdly refreshing, totally delicious.
Where to eat:
- 🥟 Šnekutis (Google Maps) – A traditional pub with large portions, great beer, and a cozy local feel.
- 🍲 Etno Dvaras (Google Maps) – A stylish underground bistro serving authentic Lithuanian dishes in a vaulted cellar.
🛍️ Markets and Neighborhoods
Make time for Hales Market, a buzzing mix of fresh produce, local cheese, cured meats, and Lithuanian street food. It’s one of the best spots in the city to grab lunch or browse specialties.
Don’t miss Užupis, the self-declared “independent republic” of artists. It has its own flag, president, and constitution posted in multiple languages. Expect quirky cafes, street art, and a fun break from the traditional tourist trail.
⛪ Unexpected Moments
While visiting Vilnius Cathedral, we stumbled into a wedding—yes, a real one, right in the open. We stayed to watch because it was just too surreal to ignore. One of those delightful, unplanned travel moments that makes you love slow travel even more.
🇱🇻 3 Days in Riga, Latvia
Highlights: Massive markets, buzzing bars, and art nouveau charm
Next stop: Riga, the largest of the three capitals and the one that really comes alive at night. Its compact old town is packed with architecture, affordable pubs, and a vibrant energy that’s especially appealing for stag and hen parties.
🎭 What to Do
- Explore the Art Nouveau district—some of the best-preserved in Europe
- Wander the cobbled streets of the Old Town and climb St. Peter’s Church tower
- Walk along the Daugava River or relax in Bastejkalna Park
One thing we tried (but wouldn’t recommend)? The canal boat tour. It sounded relaxing, but the experience was underwhelming. The captain didn’t say a word—not even a hello—and all the commentary was pre-recorded. You can get the same views (and more character) just by walking around the town on your own. Save your money for a few drinks in the open squares instead—much better vibe.
🧺 Market Must-Visit
The Riga Central Market is massive—one of the largest in Europe, in fact. Housed in old Zeppelin hangars, it’s a maze of food stalls, fresh produce, meats, baked goods, and more. It’s easy to spend a couple of hours sampling bites and taking it all in.
🍻 Nightlife
Riga has a dense cluster of bars and clubs within walking distance of the city center, and drink prices are noticeably lower than Tallinn. It’s a great spot to meet other travelers, try local beer, and stay out way too late.
🇪🇪 4 Days in Tallinn, Estonia
Highlights: Fairytale Old Town, tech-forward culture, and the cleanest market
Tallinn is the most picturesque and polished of the three capitals. Its walled Old Town looks like something out of a medieval fantasy—but step outside the walls and you’ll find a vibrant modern city that’s also a hub for digital innovation.
🏰 What to Explore
- Walk the old city walls and visit Toompea Castle
- Snap photos in the iconic Town Hall Square
- Check out the creative district of Telliskivi—full of shops, street art, and great cafes
🛒 Market Tip
While Riga has the biggest market, Tallinn’s market was the cleanest and had the best food options—especially for prepared meals, baked goods, and artisan snacks. It’s ideal if you’re looking for quality bites, not just raw ingredients.
💡 Overall Vibe
Tallinn feels more expensive and modern, with a startup-friendly energy and plenty of English speakers. That said, it still maintains a deep connection to its medieval roots, especially in its Old Town, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
⛴️ Bonus: Day Trip or Overnight in Helsinki, Finland
Highlights: Nordic design, ferry cruise experience, and affordable flights
From Tallinn, it’s just a 2-hour ferry ride to Helsinki, Finland—an easy way to add a Nordic twist to your trip. The ferry itself is basically a mini cruise ship, with restaurants, shops, and even entertainment onboard.
Why go?
- Flights from Helsinki are often cheaper than from Tallinn
- Spend a day exploring Finnish design stores, the Old Market Hall, or relaxing in a local sauna
- If you’re short on time, a day trip works perfectly
Final Travel Tips for the Baltics
- Currency: All three countries use the Euro
- Time zones: Same for all, but may shift slightly when crossing to Finland
- Wi-Fi & SIMs: Estonia especially is famous for free Wi-Fi everywhere; SIM cards are cheap and easy to find
- Best time to visit: May through September for warm weather and long daylight hours
Why This Trip Works
This 9-day route gives you a tasting menu of the Baltics—with time to explore, eat, relax, and even add a fourth country to your passport stamp list. Each city has its own flavor: Vilnius is artsy and underrated, Riga is social and energetic, and Tallinn is beautifully preserved and tech-forward.
Add in cheap, scenic travel between cities and you’ve got one of the most rewarding short trips in Europe.