5 Days in the Baltic States: Visiting Vilnius, Riga, and Tallinn


A tour through the Baltics makes for a very culturally enriching vacation. Since everything is so close together, you’ll be able to experience a variety of unique countries in a short period of time. If you’re looking for culture, art, and history and you can only make one trip, opt for a tour through Vilnius, Riga, and Tallinn. You’ll be experiencing the best of what the Baltic States have to offer, and you’ll be able to do so in a relatively short period of time.

What To Do in Vilnius

Old Town is one of the best ways to experience the essence of Lithuania. Full of old world splendor, this humble town boasts plenty of excellent eateries and shopping opportunities. You’ll be able to see the works of local artists and sample some of Lithuania’s own wines. The town is lined with antiquated cathedrals, for those who enjoy the charm of classical architecture.

One of the unique draws to Vilnius is its peculiar tourist attraction: themed “Escape the Room” games. Escape The Room games are mystery puzzles that are usually reserved for an online platform, but Vilnius has a number of themed real-life escape the room puzzles. Prepare yourself for one of the most surreal experiences of your life.

What To Do in Riga

Riga’s Old City, Vecriga, combines all of the histories of Latvia in a way that’s easy to explore. It’s an art nouveau paradise. The streets are adorned with statues, and the buildings are immaculately stylized. The Old City is home to a large number of museums, as well as a market that offers local produce, meats, and prepared food at its numerous stalls.

You can become acquainted with a wealth of Latvian history by visiting the Ethnographic Open Air Museum. This museum is not a building with individual exhibits, but rather a large forest that is home to 200 longstanding structures that show the evolution of the lifestyle of a native Latvian. You’ll be able to tour the forest at your leisure, exploring a variety of homesteads.

What To Do in Tallinn

Estonia’s Old Town is located in Tallinn. This medieval town is remarkably well preserved, a does a fantastic job of showcasing Estonian culture. Its busiest street, Long Street, is paved in cobblestones. Along the path, you’ll see tons of architecture that evoke fairytale nostalgia. Old towers and castle type buildings appeal to the traveler who is romantic at heart.

While you’re in the area, the Lennusadam Seaplane Harbour museum is a must-see. This museum is full of artifacts that capture the history of Estonia’s naval forces and is stylized similar to a movie set. Visitors will be presented with an opportunity to tour a real naval submarine, which is the oldest surviving submarine used during World War 2. Inside, you’ll find smaller exhibitions and simulations of what a typical trip in a war submarine was like for a member of the Estonian armed forces. It’s an experience you won’t find anywhere else.
The Baltic States are beautiful, and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by a number of things you’ll want to explore during your day. While there are tons to do, it’s important to remember that the states are also small. If you keep moving, you’ll definitely be able to hit the major must-dos in all three states before your flight home.

 

About the Author

Mary Frenson is a Marketing Assistant at Checkdirector.co.uk, a new source of information on UK companies. Mary is always happy to share her marketing ideas and thoughts on business issues. In her free time, she enjoys handicrafts.