Uncovering the Baltic Capitals: Vilnius, Riga & Tallinn

Compact, cultured and full of surprises, the Baltic capitals of Vilnius (Lithuania), Riga (Latvia) and Tallinn (Estonia) offer an alternative to the well-worn paths of Western Europe. These three capital cities are easy to explore and rich in character, each with its own distinctive flavour. Think pastel-hued old towns, fascinating histories, and a creative energy that feels grounded and modern.

For those curious about discovering this region, this guide covers the best of each city, including standout attractions, local experiences, walking tours, and seasonal tips. Whether you're mapping out a future trip or simply searching for inspiration, here’s what to know about travelling through the Baltic capitals.

What are the Baltic capitals?

The Baltic capitals are Vilnius (Lithuania), Riga (Latvia) and Tallinn (Estonia). Each of the Baltic capitals offers a unique personality—Vilnius is artistic and historic, Riga is elegant and architectural, and Tallinn blends medieval charm with modern design. All three are compact, highly walkable, and packed with highlights.

Here’s how to experience the most of each city, from cultural icons to hidden spots and local flavours.

Vilnius, Lithuania

What to see in Vilnius

Spend time wandering through Cathedral Square, stopping to admire the 16th-century architecture of Vilnius University and the stately Presidential Palace. For panoramic views, walk or take the funicular up to Gediminas’ Tower. Another must-see is St. Anne’s Church, a Gothic masterpiece that once caught Napoleon’s eye.

Art lovers can visit the MO Museum for contemporary exhibitions or explore independent galleries scattered through the old town. Joining a Baltic city tour or local walking guide adds helpful context to the architecture and shifting political history of the city.

Those with time to spare can opt for day trips to Trakai or Kaunas. Trakai is famous for its lakeside castle, while Kaunas features a charming old town, modernist architecture and lively pedestrian streets.

Accommodation in Vilnius

Accommodation in the Vilnius old town ranges from heritage-style boutique hotels to chic contemporary stays. Many properties are set in lovingly restored mansions and offer a balance of old-world charm and modern convenience. Staying within the old town means easy access to key attractions, local restaurants and walking tours, with plenty of opportunities to soak up the atmosphere right on your doorstep.

Food in Vilnius

When it comes to food, expect hearty flavours and locally sourced ingredients. Traditional Lithuanian dishes like cepelinai (potato dumplings stuffed with meat or cheese), cold beetroot soup (šaltibarščiai), and kugelis (a savoury potato pudding) are mainstays on many menus. Modern restaurants are also embracing seasonal produce and creative twists on Baltic classics. Pair your meal with regional beers, honey mead or a glass of fruit-infused kvass for an authentic taste of Vilnius.

Riga, Latvia

Riga tourism is best known for the city’s elegant Art Nouveau architecture and its vibrant cultural life. Riga’s Old Town is a photogenic maze of cobbled alleys, medieval churches, and pastel-coloured buildings, best explored on foot. Highlights include the Dome Cathedral, the House of the Black Heads and Riga Castle.

Top things to see in Riga

Spend time walking along the city’s canal, relax in Bastejkalna Park or explore one of the many museums dedicated to Latvia’s independence and cultural heritage. Architecture lovers will enjoy Alberta and Elizabetes streets, which showcase some of the best-preserved Art Nouveau facades in Europe. The Freedom Monument, standing tall at the edge of the old town, is a powerful national symbol.

The city’s Central Market is a must-see, especially on a Riga Central Market food tour where local cheeses, rye bread, smoked fish and pastries take centre stage. Riga Central Market is one of Europe’s largest and most vibrant markets, set inside five vast pavilions originally built as German Zeppelin hangars.

A comprehensive Riga guide should also include the Latvian National Museum of Art, the Occupation Museum and the Miera Iela creative quarter, where independent cafés and concept stores reflect the city’s progressive spirit.

Where to stay in Riga

Accommodation in Riga offers a wide mix, from contemporary hotels with rooftop bars to heritage-listed buildings turned into stylish boutique stays. Staying near the Riga old town puts you close to key sights, but neighbouring areas like the quiet Centrs district or vibrant Miera Iela offer their own local charm.

What to eat in Riga

Riga food is as varied as its architecture. Traditional Latvian fare includes grey peas with bacon, smoked eel, and piragi (filled pastries), while modern restaurants are experimenting with Baltic seafood, seasonal forest produce and minimalist presentation. Try rye bread ice cream, a local dessert favourite, or sample local liqueurs like Riga Black Balsam. The café scene here is strong, blending Scandinavian simplicity with Baltic warmth.

Tallinn, Estonia

What to see in Tallinn

Spend some time navigating the narrow, cobbled laneways of the Lower Town, where colourful merchant houses and historic guild buildings sit side by side. The Town Hall Square is the heart of the action and a great place to stop for coffee or people-watching. Venture into side streets to find small museums and hidden courtyards.

For those using a Tallinn guide, don’t miss the Telliskivi Creative City, a former factory district now home to design shops, art spaces and street food markets. Kalamaja’s timber houses and seafront promenades are also worth exploring. Locals often recommend walking or cycling along the Pirita Promenade for fresh air and coastal views.

Don’t miss Kumu Art Museum, Estonia’s largest and most prestigious art gallery, along with the Estonian History Museum, for a taste of some of Tallinn’s top attractions. To sample traditional life, the Rocca al Mare Open Air Museum features reconstructed farm buildings and costumed guides showcasing rural Estonian life across different regions and centuries.

Accommodation in Tallinn

Accommodation options in Tallinn range from design hotels in former warehouses to boutique properties in medieval buildings. Staying within or just outside the old town allows easy access to major landmarks, cultural venues and public transport while offering a quieter retreat at the end of the day.

Food in Tallinn

Tallinn’s food scene is diverse and growing in reputation. Look for dishes like smoked fish, pickled vegetables and black rye bread, often elevated with modern techniques and seasonal produce. Estonian cuisine highlights ingredients from the forest and the sea, including wild mushrooms, venison, herring, and cloudberries. Local bakeries serve up rich pastries and traditional kama desserts, while many restaurants offer foraged tasting menus and excellent Nordic-inspired fare.

Walking tours and hidden gems

• A guided stroll through Vilnius’ historic core, including the Presidential Palace and Vilnius University
• A food tour in Riga old town and the Central Market
• A medieval history walk through Tallinn old town, including its underground passages

For those after lesser-known sights, there are plenty of hidden gems in Vilnius, Riga and Tallinn. In Vilnius, climb the Hill of Three Crosses at sunset for breathtaking views over Vilnius’ Old Town and surrounding hills—an especially beautiful stop on a summer evening. In Riga, the wooden homes of Āgenskalns feel a world away from the city centre. In Tallinn, the eerie Patarei Sea Fortress draws those curious about the Soviet legacy.

Best time to visit the Baltic capitals

Autumn brings fewer crowds and rich autumn colours, while spring is fresh and quiet. Winter offers a different kind of charm, with snow-covered rooftops and festive markets across all three cities.

Key cultural festivals in Vilnius, Riga and Tallinn include Vilnius Capital Days, the Riga Opera Festival, and Tallinn Music Week.

Essential travel tips for the Baltic capitals

Planning a trip to the Baltic capitals? Here are five key tips:

• All three capitals have UNESCO-listed old towns
• Walking tours are the best way to explore
• Local dishes vary but reflect hearty, seasonal Baltic cuisine
• Transport is easy with direct buses and rail links
• Visit between May–September for the best weather and events

What’s the best way to tour the Baltic capitals?

Travelling between the Baltic capitals is straightforward, with comfortable intercity buses and a new coordinated rail service connecting Vilnius, Riga, and Tallinn. 

While direct bus journeys between each pair of cities typically range from 4 to 9 hours, the newly introduced daily train service allows passengers to travel from Vilnius to Tallinn in approximately 10.5 hours, including transfers.

How to tour the Baltic capitals

The easiest way to tour Vilnius, Riga and Tallinn is with a small group or independent package that handles transport, accommodation and guides. Inspiring Vacations offers options ranging from 7 to 26 days, with flexible itineraries covering each city’s highlights.

Each of the Baltic capitals offers something distinct. From Vilnius’ baroque streets and independent spirit, to Riga’s architectural elegance and Tallinn’s blend of old and new, this trio is a rewarding introduction to Northern Europe.

If you're looking to pair the Baltics with a broader Nordic journey, Inspiring Vacations offers extended itineraries that do just that. The 23 Day Norway Winter Premium Small Group Tour with Baltic City Hop and the 26 Day Norway Winter and Southern Fjords Premium Small Group Tour with Baltic City Hop include time in Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia before continuing north. 

Prefer to keep it exclusive to the Baltic highlights? The 7 Day Premium Independent Baltic City Hop offers a standalone option with built-in flexibility and key details taken care of—just show up and we’ll take care of the rest.