Which Baltic Capital Should You Visit? Tallinn, Riga, or Vilnius?

One thing that was really surprising about our recent trip to the Baltic region was the unique aspects of each capital city. We visited Tallinn (Estonia), Riga (Latvia), and Vilnius (Lithuania) – and each one had its own charm. So which one was the best? While we think all three are worth visiting, we know you might only have time to visit one or two. Here’s a breakdown of each city to help you decide which one is best for your next trip. These are presented in the order we visited them, not by preference, which is entirely up to you!

1. Tallinn for the Storybook Old Town

There are some serious historical vibes in the old town of Tallinn, Estonia  — and the city definitely plays it up with folks in costumes and restaurants with medieval themes, like Olde Hansa and Ill Draakon. Is it touristy? Yes. But it’s also a lot of fun and the old town is so picturesque and beautiful. 

Go for a short climb to see the city from above and get some great photos. 

There’s also so much more to Tallinn than the old town, with its thriving arts district and tech community. We really enjoyed visiting Telliskivi, the Fotografiska museum, and even a visiting Banksy exhibit.

We also got amazing tattoos!

You should note that Tallinn is an easy day trip by ferry from Helsinki, Finland, so it might be the most convenient Baltic capital to visit, depending on your itinerary. (Click here for our recommendations in Helsinki.)

You can read about our top places to eat and drink in Tallinn here.

2. Riga for the City Vibes

We had one of our most memorable high-end meals ever in a casual environment in the heart of Riga. You absolutely must try 3 Chefs when you’re there. 

We enjoyed the old town, the greenery in the parks, the museums, the spa at our hotel, and the big city vibe.

We also hear that Riga has an amazing nightlife scene. 

If you want to go further afield in Latvia, Rundale Palace is an easy day trip from Riga and feels so much like Versailles in Paris without the crowds. 

So, in Riga, while you get the old town and historical experience, you also get a little more hustle and bustle than we saw elsewhere in the region — and that makes sense, since Riga is the most populated city. We definitely want to explore more of Riga in the future. 

Read our top 10 recommendations for Riga here. 

3. Vilnius for the Local Feel and Affordability 

The lovely capital of Lithuania also has a thriving old town and plenty of options for travelers — there’s just something more local about its charm.

We explored an outdoor Saturday market, wandered through the quirky Užupis neighborhood, and had an unforgettable dinner at Ertlio Namas, which featured Lithuanian classic dishes with modern, sophisticated spins. We found this restaurant in the Michelin guide, but it cost so much less than restaurants of its caliber elsewhere, including in the other Baltic capitals. 

Speaking of affordability, our hotel was also super posh for a $100/night Hilton Garden Inn — brand new, spacious, cozy, and complete with dressing gowns, slippers, and chocolates.

If you have time for a little trek further afield, check out Trakai Castle Island for a memorable lunch.

Read our Vilnius suggestions here. 

What’s the Verdict?

We loved all three capital cities so much, we truly don’t have a favorite. The one you chose really depends on how it fits into your itinerary and what experience you’re looking for on your journey.

If you’re planning to visit all three, be sure to read our post on how to get around the region. 

Have you been to the Baltics? Which capital city was your favorite? Are you planning a trip there? What’s at the top of your list? Let us know in the comments.