Top 10 Things to Do
Introduction
Tucked away on the northeastern edge of Europe, the Baltic States — Latvia, Estonia, and Lithuania - are among the continent’s most rewarding yet underrated destinations. Compact in size but overflowing with cultural treasures, these three countries are easy to combine on a single trip. Each capital city offers a unique character: Riga’s elegant Art Nouveau boulevards, Tallinn’s medieval walled charm, and Vilnius’ baroque skyline dotted with church spires. Beyond the cities, you’ll find sandy coastlines, vast national parks, atmospheric castles, and vibrant festivals that bring centuries of history to life.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor planning a city break or a seasoned traveler returning for more, the Baltics deliver an extraordinary mix of history, nature, and modern European culture. To help you plan, we’ve gathered the top 10 things to do in the Baltics — from must-see sights in Riga, Tallinn, and Vilnius to unforgettable experiences in the countryside and along the Baltic Sea.
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1. Wander Riga’s Art Nouveau District
Latvia’s capital, Riga, is often called the Art Nouveau capital of Europe, and for good reason: over a third of the buildings in its city center are built in this ornate architectural style. Stroll along Alberta iela and Elizabetes iela, where you’ll find rows of richly decorated façades featuring sculpted faces, floral motifs, and intricate balconies. These buildings date from the late 19th and early 20th centuries, when Riga was booming as a trading hub, and today they stand as one of the city’s most distinctive highlights.
Riga’s Art Nouveau is not just about façades — step into the Art Nouveau Museum on Alberta iela, a perfectly preserved apartment that shows how the wealthy lived during the city’s golden age. Afterwards, continue your walk toward the Freedom Monument and the city’s Old Town, where medieval streets and lively squares blend seamlessly with elegant cafés and restaurants.
If you’re staying overnight, consider basing yourself near the city center, within walking distance of both the Art Nouveau district and Riga Old Town.
2. Walk the Medieval Walls of Tallinn
If you’ve ever dreamed of stepping into a storybook medieval town, Tallinn will exceed your expectations. Estonia’s capital is renowned for having the best-preserved medieval Old Town in Northern Europe, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that feels like a living museum. Cobblestone streets wind past merchant houses, guild halls, and centuries-old churches, all enclosed by impressive stone walls and watchtowers.
Begin your visit in Town Hall Square, where colorful façades surround the Gothic Town Hall — one of the oldest in Europe. From there, head up to Toompea Hill for panoramic views of the red-tiled rooftops and spires. Don’t miss a walk along the city walls, where several towers are open to visitors, including Kiek in de Kök, which offers a fascinating glimpse into Tallinn’s military past.
Tallinn is also a city that thrives after dark, with cozy taverns, craft beer bars, and modern restaurants blending tradition with innovation. Whether you’re here for a day or several nights, the Old Town is compact and easy to explore on foot.
3. Explore Vilnius’ Old Town and Baroque Churches
The Lithuanian capital of Vilnius charms visitors with its rich blend of Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque architecture. Its Old Town, another UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the largest in Europe and is best explored slowly, by wandering its winding lanes and leafy courtyards.
A must-see is Gediminas’ Tower, perched on a hilltop overlooking the city. From here, you’ll get sweeping views of Vilnius’ skyline — a sea of red rooftops punctuated by church spires. Speaking of churches, Vilnius is known for its extraordinary collection of Baroque masterpieces, with St. Anne’s Church and the Church of St. Peter and St. Paul standing out as highlights.
Beyond its history, Vilnius is full of energy. You’ll find a lively café culture, excellent restaurants, and the quirky Užupis district, a self-declared “republic” beloved by artists and free spirits. For travelers staying overnight, the Old Town is the most convenient base, offering easy access to all the major sights as well as restaurants and nightlife.
4. Visit Latvian National Parks
While the Baltic capitals are brimming with history and culture, Latvia’s national parks offer some of the region’s most beautiful landscapes. Just an hour outside Riga lies Gauja National Park, often called the “Switzerland of Latvia.” This vast protected area is known for its sandstone cliffs, dense forests, and the ruins of medieval castles that once guarded the Gauja River Valley. The towns of Sigulda and Cēsis make perfect bases for exploring the park, with hiking trails, cycling routes, and river rafting in summer, plus skiing and bobsleigh in winter.
Closer to the coast, Ķemeri National Park is famous for its wetlands and raised bogs, best explored via the Great Ķemeri Bog Boardwalk. This surreal landscape of moss, pools, and stunted pines looks especially magical at sunrise. For birdwatchers, Slītere National Park on Latvia’s northwest coast offers unique coastal habitats and untouched nature.
Reaching these parks is easiest with a car, giving you the freedom to explore at your own pace.
5. Discover Baltic Castles & Manor Houses
Few regions in Europe have such a rich collection of castles and manor houses as the Baltics. These fortresses and noble residences tell stories of knights, dukes, and centuries of shifting borders.
In Latvia, Turaida Castle in Sigulda is one of the country’s most visited sites, with its restored red-brick towers rising above the Gauja Valley. In Lithuania, the iconic Trakai Island Castle sits dramatically on an island in Lake Galvė, accessible by wooden footbridge — a fairytale setting just 30 minutes from Vilnius. Estonia also boasts impressive fortifications, including Kuressaare Castle on the island of Saaremaa, one of the best-preserved medieval fortresses in the region.
Many of these castles host museums, cultural events, and seasonal festivals, making them as lively as they are historic. Guided day tours are widely available from all three capitals, providing easy access without the need to drive.
6. Relax on Baltic Sea Beaches
The Baltic coastline may not be as famous as the Mediterranean, but it has its own unique charm. Wide sandy beaches, pine forests, and charming seaside towns make the region a fantastic summer destination.
In Latvia, the resort town of Jūrmala is just 30 minutes from Riga and offers endless stretches of golden sand, lively cafés, and spa hotels. Estonia’s Pärnu is considered the country’s “summer capital,” with shallow waters perfect for families, plus vibrant festivals and nightlife. Lithuania’s Palanga and the nearby Curonian Spit, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, combine natural beauty with cultural attractions.
Beach season runs from June to August, but spring and autumn are also peaceful times for long walks along the coast. For a complete experience, many travelers combine beach time with spa and wellness retreats available throughout the region.
7. Sample Baltic Cuisine & Craft Beer
Food is one of the best ways to connect with a culture, and the Baltics offer hearty, authentic flavors shaped by centuries of tradition. In Latvia, you’ll find dark rye bread, smoked fish, and the comforting grey peas with bacon. Lithuania is known for cepelinai (potato dumplings) and cold beet soup in summer, while Estonia’s specialties include elk stew, black bread, and a thriving craft beer scene.
Each capital has vibrant markets where you can taste local specialties — Riga Central Market, Tallinn Balti Jaam Market, and Vilnius Hales Market are all worth visiting. Food tours are an excellent way to sample regional dishes while learning the history behind them. For travelers who enjoy a drink, local beers, ciders, and homemade herbal liqueurs provide a true taste of the Baltics.
8. Experience Winter Magic in the Baltics
Winter transforms the Baltics into a snowy wonderland filled with festive charm. December is particularly magical thanks to Christmas markets in Tallinn, Riga, and Vilnius, where you’ll find wooden stalls selling handmade crafts, hot mulled wine, and traditional treats. Tallinn’s Christmas market, held in Town Hall Square, has even been named one of the best in Europe.
For winter sports, head to Sigulda in Latvia or the ski slopes of Lithuania’s Alytus region, where you can try skiing, snowboarding, and even bobsleighing. Estonia also offers opportunities for cross-country skiing and ice skating in natural settings.
Even if you’re not into sports, winter is the perfect time to enjoy cozy cafés, spa resorts, and cultural events. With fewer crowds, the capitals feel more intimate, making it a rewarding time for a quieter city break.
9. Attend Festivals and Events
The Baltics are alive with music, art, and cultural celebrations throughout the year. In Latvia, the Riga Opera Festival each June draws international talent to the city’s stunning opera house. In Estonia, the Song and Dance Celebration — held every five years in Tallinn — is one of the largest choral events in the world, with thousands of singers performing in unison. Lithuania’s Vilnius Festival showcases classical music, while summer brings open-air concerts, folk celebrations, and film festivals across the region.
Many towns also host local fairs and midsummer celebrations, where bonfires, dancing, and traditional food create an unforgettable atmosphere. If you want to immerse yourself in Baltic culture, planning your trip around a festival is one of the best ways to connect with locals and experience authentic traditions.
10. Take Easy Day Trips from the Capitals
One of the great advantages of visiting the Baltics is how compact the region is. From each capital city, excellent day trips let you explore beyond the urban centers without long journeys.
From Riga, popular options include the resort town of Jūrmala, the castles of Sigulda, or the peaceful countryside of Gauja National Park. From Tallinn, you can venture to Lahemaa National Park, dotted with manors, forests, and a rugged coastline. From Vilnius, the fairytale Trakai Island Castle is just 30 minutes away, while the Hill of Crosses in northern Lithuania makes for a powerful cultural stop.
Organized tours are widely available and save the hassle of transport, though renting a car also gives freedom to discover hidden gems along the way.