Estonia is an enchanting place you might not know about. Found in northeastern Europe along the Baltic Sea, this small, forested nation feels like the backdrop for a modern-day fairy tale.
Estonia is famous for its charming, unique-sounding language, a mix of Eastern and Nordic cultures, and vast, untouched forests and protected lands. It’s a dream destination for travelers looking to explore somewhere off the beaten path.
While it may not be the least expensive place to visit, Estonia’s closeness to popular European capitals, budget-friendly accommodations and food, and breathtaking nature make it a great spot for cost-conscious travelers.
About half of Estonia’s land is covered in forests and natural landscapes. Back in 2016, Yale University’s Environmental Performance Index gave Estonia a perfect score for its biodiversity and habitats, recognizing the country for protecting both local and global species and environments.
So, what does this mean for you as a budget traveler? It means there are plenty of stunning landscapes to hike, kayak, canoe, and explore — and most of these activities are free!
You can use Visit Estonia’s resources to find a list of national parks, nature centers, reserves, and protected areas throughout the country. Choose the type of park you want to visit and the region, ensuring you select options marked as free.
If hiking isn’t your thing, there’s still plenty to do without spending much. Wander through outdoor art galleries and museums, tour ancient castles, visit historical churches, and enjoy free festivals. Food lovers will have fun at the annual Grillfest Festival in Pärnu each June.
Tallinn, Estonia’s capital, is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a must-see. The Old Town features medieval houses and remains of the ancient city wall, showcasing centuries of history and architectural styles. If you’re visiting Tallinn on a budget and need ideas, the Tallinn Free Tour is a great option. It starts every day around noon and, though it’s free, don’t forget to tip your guide!
Reaching Estonia from other parts of Europe is relatively straightforward. It’s a short ferry ride from Finland and Sweden, a bus trip from Warsaw and Berlin, and an overnight train from Saint Petersburg. For flights, ferries, or bus tickets, check Visit Estonia’s travel and transportation page.
Once in Estonia, getting around on a budget is easy. Larger cities like Tallinn have extensive networks of trams, trolleys, and buses, extending to smaller towns as well. A single ride with a paper ticket costs about USD $2 (exact change needed), or you can load a plastic card with the credit you’ll need to travel.
In Tallinn, consider getting a Tallinn Card for unlimited free public transportation, free entry to over 40 attractions, and other discounts. The card costs about USD $34 for 24 hours, USD $45 for 48 hours, or USD $55 for 72 hours.
Internal bus fares start at just USD $2, and train tickets range from USD $1 to USD $13, depending on distance. Many Estonian towns are small, so walking is often feasible. Biking is also a popular and eco-friendly way to travel, with the entire country being bikeable in just two weeks.
For affordable accommodations, think like a local. Skip hotels and choose guesthouses, Airbnbs, or bed and breakfasts, starting at around USD $10. If you like camping, visit in the summer when the weather is mild. Campgrounds are inexpensive, starting at USD $5 per night.
Other affordable lodging options include holiday houses (around USD $30), hostels (USD $10 to USD $30), and guest apartments (upwards of USD $30). Tourist farms and holiday villages offer various dwellings and activities at reasonable prices, like the Kakulaane Tourist Farm, which starts at USD $5 per person.
When booking accommodations, remember that summer has the best weather, but you might find deals in spring and fall.
Food in Estonia is both affordable and diverse, perfect for budget travelers, especially those who love trying local cuisines. A medieval-inspired meal in Tallinn is often much cheaper than similar meals in other European capitals.
Estonian food has influences from Russian, German, and Scandinavian cuisines. Some top-reviewed, budget-friendly restaurants in Tallinn include III Draakon, Kompressor, and Bogapott, offering unique Nordic dishes.
If you prefer cooking, Estonian supermarkets have everything you need. Budget-friendly options like dumplings can cost about USD $1 and are available in stores or cafeteria-style restaurants. You’ll also find fresh, affordable chanterelle mushrooms, which are considered a delicacy in Western Europe.
Don’t miss trying handmade black bread, smoked ham and sausage, elk meat soup, Kalev chocolates, and Estonian dairy products.
A final tip: When in Estonia, embrace the local lifestyle. Use public transportation, savor local food, and explore the magical woodlands and medieval streets. This will make your trip memorable and easy on the wallet.