What are the Baltic States? Why You Should Visit and What to Expect
If you keep hearing people talk about “doing the Baltics” and quietly nod while thinking “I’m not totally sure what that means”, you’re very much not alone. The Baltic States sit on the eastern side of the Baltic Sea, blending medieval old towns, pine forests, sea air and extremely modern café culture across three compact countries. For visitors, they feel like a bridge between Northern and Central Europe: cobbles and church towers on one side, street art, craft beer and tech start-ups on the other.
The first time I flew into Riga, I remember being surprised by how normal and relaxed everything felt. No mysterious “Eastern Europe drama”, just friendly service, solid buses, card payments everywhere and a city that was very serious about coffee and cake. This guide is here to do the same for you: clear up what are the Baltic States, which countries are included, what they feel like on the ground and how to start plotting a simple first-timer route. You don’t need to be a history nerd, just curious, respectful and vaguely prepared for weather. 🌲
The Baltics: Quick Facts at a Glance
| Thing | At a glance |
|---|---|
| What the Baltic States usually refers to | Three neighbours on the east coast of the Baltic Sea in Northern Europe |
| Countries included | Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania |
| Capital cities | Tallinn (Estonia), Riga (Latvia), Vilnius (Lithuania) |
| Typical mid-range daily budget | Around €110–€150 per person (~£95–£130 / $120–$165), including a private room, meals, local transport and normal sightseeing |
| Best general times to visit | May–September for long days and outdoor trips; late November–December for Christmas markets and cosy city breaks |
| Ideal first-trip length | 7–10 days for the three capitals, 10–14 days if you add coast or forest |
| Who they suit best | City-break fans, culture lovers, budget-conscious travellers, winter city-break people, slow travellers and public-transport nerds 🚆 |
🔹 Tinker’s Tip: Screenshot this table before you go and keep it in your phone’s favourites; it’s the perfect “explain to a friend in 30 seconds” summary when you’re persuading someone to come with you.
🔥 My Recommended Tour to get you started in the Baltics: Tallin: Behind the Iron Curtain Soviet Secrets Guided Tour
Quick Baltic's Q&As
A few short answers for the questions people always end up typing into Google at midnight.
What are the Baltic States in simple terms?
The Baltic States are three small countries in Northern Europe on the eastern shore of the Baltic Sea: Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania.
Which countries are in the Baltic States?
The term almost always means Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, each with its own capital, language and distinct culture.
Are the Baltic States safe to visit?
Yes, they’re generally considered safe, with crime levels similar to or lower than many Western European cities, as long as you use normal big-city common sense.
Are the Baltic States expensive for travellers?
They’re usually cheaper than Western Europe, with especially good value in Riga and Vilnius; Tallinn can feel slightly pricier in the old town, but still gentler on the wallet than many Nordic cities.
How many days do you need for a first trip to the Baltic States?
Around 7–10 days is ideal for a simple three-capitals route, and 10–14 days lets you add coast, forests or islands without rushing.
Is it cold all year in the Baltic States?
No. Summers are mild to warm with long evenings, but winters are properly cold and dark, so think layers, good footwear and a strong hot chocolate game. ❄️
👉 Good to know: If you mainly travel in short bursts from work, a long weekend in just one Baltic capital is still absolutely worth it and won’t feel “not enough”.
What are the Baltic States, really?
So, what are the Baltic States when you strip away the geography lesson and think like a traveller? In practice, it’s a handy nickname for three friendly neighbours that fit together into one really satisfying trip. Estonia sits at the top, facing Finland; Latvia stretches through the middle with a long sandy coastline; Lithuania anchors the south, closer to Poland and inland Europe. All three are in the EU, all three use the euro, and all three have capitals that feel surprisingly easy-going when you arrive.
The first time I wandered Tallinn’s old town, I remember thinking it felt like a film set that someone forgot to over-commercialise. You get proper history, but also Wi-Fi in practically every café and locals going about their lives. That balance runs through the region: you can visit Soviet-era museums in the morning and end the day with speciality coffee and a plant-based dinner.
Three core countries: Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania
Shared Baltic Sea coastline and relatively flat landscapes
Euro currency, Schengen free-movement and very normal European logistics
Trio that makes sense as a single loop by bus, train, car or a mix 🚍
💡 Fact: Although people often talk about “the Baltics” like a single block, each country has its own language, traditions and identity, so you’ll notice real differences as you move south.
🗺️ Just incase you are confused: Baltic vs Balkans: Unveiling the Hidden Gems of Europe’s Lesser-Known Regions
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Where are the Baltic States and which countries are included?
On a map, picture north-east of Poland and directly south of Finland, facing Sweden across the sea. That small stretch is where you’ll find the Baltic States. They get lazily lumped in with “Eastern Europe” sometimes, but geographically they’re more northern, and they’re definitely not the same group as “the Nordics” or “Scandinavia” that cover countries like Norway, Sweden and Denmark.
The term “Baltic States” almost always means three countries and nothing else:
Estonia – the most northerly, with ferries up to Helsinki and a cool, techy capital, Tallinn
Latvia – in the middle, with a long sandy coastline and the lively capital, Riga
Lithuania – the southernmost, with lakes, forests and the baroque-leaning capital, Vilnius
They cooperate a lot on infrastructure and politics, but when you travel you’ll notice local flavours in architecture, language, food and how people spend their weekends.
- Neighbours include Finland over the water, Poland to the south and Central Europe within a night train or short flight
- Shared Baltic Sea but different coasts, islands and national parks
- All three are in the EU and Schengen, so border crossings are pleasantly boring 😄
🔹 Tinker’s Tip: If you struggle with mental maps, drop all three capitals into your own Google My Maps and draw a triangle; that visual makes planning a route feel instantly less abstract.
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Why the Baltic States should be on your travel list
If you’re tired of Paris–Rome–Barcelona being the default, the Baltic States are a refreshing sideways step. Tallinn, Riga and Vilnius are big enough to feel like “proper” cities, but small enough that you can cross the centre on foot without needing a nap afterwards. You get atmospheric old streets, city walls, church towers and riverside walks, but also modern food halls, craft beer bars and bright street art in ex-industrial districts.
From a value point of view, it’s a very appealing region. In cost comparison studies, Riga and Vilnius often land among Europe’s best-value city breaks. A weekend for two with a mid-range hotel and a couple of paid attractions might come out around £250–£260, which is roughly €290–€305 / $320–$335, depending on flights. If you’re used to London prices, Baltic restaurant menus can feel almost suspiciously gentle.
Why they’re worth your time:
- Great value for city breaks compared with much of Western Europe
- Atmospheric, walkable capitals with rich history and evolving neighbourhoods
- Easy to combine into one simple trip with short distances
- Solid food, café and bar scenes plus growing creative districts
👉 Good to know: The Baltics are also a brilliant “first step east” if you usually stick to Western Europe, because the logistics feel familiar but the vibe still feels new.
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Landscapes and weather in the Baltic States
When people ask me what are the Baltic States like beyond the cities, I always picture three things: flat horizons, pine forests and big skies over the water. Estonia has over 2,000 islands and islets, plus national parks with bog boardwalks that look unreal in early morning mist. Latvia brings long sandy beaches backed by pine trees around Jūrmala and river scenery further inland. Lithuania serves up lakes, forests and the Curonian Spit, a long sandbar of dunes and fishing villages that feels almost otherworldly on a quiet morning.
The climate is very “four seasons”. Summers usually mean mild to pleasantly warm days, with temperatures often in the high teens to mid-twenties Celsius and long evenings, especially further north. Spring and autumn bring a mix of bright, crisp days and wetter spells, with fiery forest colours in late September and early October. Winter is properly cold, quite dark, and can be snowy, especially inland, but that’s exactly why candlelit cafés, hot drinks and steaming soup taste even better. 🌨️
Good times to aim for:
- City breaks: May, June, September and December
- Nature and road trips: May to September for long days and fewer closures
- Christmas markets: Late November to late December in the capitals
💡 Fact: In the depths of winter, some northern parts of the region get only around six hours of daylight, which sounds dramatic but can feel surprisingly cosy if you plan one big outdoor outing in the middle and keep the rest of the day for museums and cafés.
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Culture, languages and everyday life in the Baltic States
Day to day, life in the Baltic States feels calm, modern and quietly confident. You’ll see commuters on trams scrolling their phones, students chatting in cafés and families at weekend markets, just like anywhere else in Europe. There’s a strong café culture, plenty of laptop-friendly spots, and a growing wave of independent restaurants and small creative businesses. In the cities you’ll usually find menus in English, and younger people in particular tend to speak excellent English.
Each country has its own language. Estonian is related to Finnish, while Latvian and Lithuanian form their own small Baltic branch, so a “one phrasebook fits all” approach doesn’t really work. You don’t need to speak the local languages, but learning hello, please and thank you goes a long way. You’ll see history layered in the architecture: medieval townhouses, art nouveau facades, Soviet-era blocks and shiny glass offices all sharing the same skyline. Everyday culture blends that heritage with a very 21st-century attitude to work, travel and design.
Cultural notes:
- Public transport tends to be quiet; loud phone calls will stand out
- Sauna and spa culture is big, especially for winter and weekend trips
- Card payments are widely accepted; mobile payments are normal too
- Markets remain important for fresh food, crafts and seasonal treats
🔹 Tinker’s Tip: Try to join at least one local experience, like a sauna session, food tour or market walk; booking small tours can be a relaxed way to understand daily life without feeling like you’re in a classroom.
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Are the Baltic States safe to visit?
Safety is one of the reasons I often recommend the Baltics to people planning their first “slightly less obvious” trip. Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania are generally low-crime and well-organised, with crime against visitors mostly limited to things like pickpocketing, bag snatching and the occasional dodgy bar in nightlife areas. It’s the same kind of risk profile you’d expect in other European capitals.
Usual city habits apply. Keep your bag zipped and in front of you on trams and in busy markets. Be wary of very pushy bar staff or strangers trying to steer you into specific venues, especially around nightlife streets in Riga and Vilnius. Use licensed taxis or ride apps, avoid walking home via very quiet backstreets at 3am, and don’t leave phones or wallets on café tables on the pavement.
Simple safety tips:
- Use cross-body bags or inside pockets in crowded spots
- Stick to well-lit streets at night and avoid very drunk crowds
- Use official taxi ranks or apps rather than random cars
- Keep passport and spare cards locked in your room safe
Here’s a clear snapshot using two things:
- Global Peace Index (GPI) for an overall “peacefulness” score
- U.S. State Department advisory level for practical travel safety
Estonia 🇪🇪
Global Peace Index 2024:
- Score: 1.615 (lower = more peaceful)
- Rank: 24th out of 163 countries
- Source: Global Peace Index data for Estonia
U.S. State Department travel advisory:
- Level 1: “Exercise normal precautions”
- Source: Estonia Travel Advisory
Plain-English take: Estonia scores as a peaceful, low-risk European destination, with standard big-city common sense needed in Tallinn.
Latvia 🇱🇻
Global Peace Index 2024:
- Score: 1.661
- Rank: 30th out of 163 countries
- Source: Global Peace Index data for Latvia
U.S. State Department travel advisory:
- Level 1: “Exercise normal precautions”
- Source: Latvia Travel Advisory
Plain-English take: Latvia is also classed as low risk overall. Biggest things to watch are classic city issues like pickpockets in busy Riga spots.
Lithuania 🇱🇹
Global Peace Index 2024:
- Score: 1.672
- Rank: 31st out of 163 countries
- Source: Global Peace Index data for Lithuania
U.S. State Department travel advisory:
- Level 1: “Exercise normal precautions”
- Source: Lithuania Travel Advisory
Plain-English take: Lithuania also sits in the “generally safe” bucket, with normal European city caution advised, plus a bit of extra awareness near the Belarus border given current tensions.
👉 Good to know: A decent travel insurance policy is still worth it; it’s more about cancelled flights, lost bags or a twisted ankle on ice than serious crime.
Budget and costs: how far your money goes in the Baltic States
From a money point of view, the region hits a nice midpoint. It isn’t “dirt cheap”, especially in Tallinn’s most touristy streets, but it’s usually much kinder than London, Paris or the Nordics. In recent cost surveys, Riga and Vilnius have shown up as some of Europe’s best-value city breaks. A weekend trip for two with a mid-range hotel, a couple of attractions and meals out often lands around £250–£260 (roughly €290–€305 / $320–$335) before flights, if you book sensibly.
For day-to-day budgets, many mid-range travellers find that around €120 per person per day works as a planning figure, which is roughly £100 / $130. That would usually cover a comfortable private room, three meals (including at least one sit-down restaurant), local transport and simple sightseeing. Dip below that by using hostels and supermarket lunches, or nudge it higher with boutique hotels and fancy tasting menus.
Example mid-range daily spend (per person):
| City | Typical mid-range spend (per day) | Rough in GBP | Rough in USD |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tallinn | €120 | ~£100 | ~$130 |
| Riga | €120 | ~£100 | ~$130 |
| Vilnius | €120 | ~£100 | ~$130 |
Rough price points:
- Mid-range doubles: around €60–€120 per night (~£50–£100 / $65–$130)
- Restaurant mains: roughly €10–€20 (~£8–£17 / $11–$22)
- Single metro or bus tickets: often under €2 (~£1.70 / $2.20)
💡 Fact: Because accommodation is usually the biggest cost, booking early via Booking.com or Hotels.com can shave a surprising amount off your total spend.
🗺️ Try Our Itinerary Generator: The Travel Tinker Itinerary Generator
Getting around: buses, trains, flights and ferries
Arriving is usually the easy bit. All three capitals have international airports with regular connections to the UK and major European hubs, and you’ll often spot very wallet-friendly fares if you’re flexible. I still remember paying less for a return flight to Vilnius than I once did for a London to Manchester train, which felt slightly outrageous. ✈️
Within the region, intercity buses are the current workhorses, running multiple times a day between Tallinn, Riga and Vilnius with Wi-Fi and comfy seats. Trains are improving and already handy on some routes, with a through service connecting the three capitals in one long run if you like the idea of a slow travel day. Ferries link Tallinn and Helsinki in around two hours, and there are longer routes between Baltic and Nordic ports if you enjoy overnight ships. For more rural spots, a few days of car hire gives you pure freedom.
Getting around options:
- Buses: most frequent and usually cheapest between capitals
- Trains: best for specific routes and slower scenic days
- Ferries: perfect for tying in Helsinki or Sweden
- Car: great for national parks, islands and small coastal towns
🔹 Tinker’s Tip: A popular pattern is to do the capitals by bus or train, then rent a car for 2–4 days in the middle of the trip to explore national parks or the coast, returning it before you hit the next city.
🗺️ More guides: Travel Entry Requirement Checker
Seasons in the Baltic States: summer light, golden autumn and deep winter
The season you choose will completely change the mood of your trip. From late spring into early autumn, the region feels bright and outdoorsy. Terraces spill onto squares, parks fill with picnics and you can still be out in daylight at 10pm at the height of summer, especially further north. This is prime time for islands, beaches and national parks. 🌞
Autumn leans into cosy mode. Forests go golden, city parks feel like crunchy-leaf film sets, and cafés become even more tempting. Winter flips the script again. Days are short, temperatures drop below freezing more often, and you’ll meet icy pavements and snow in some areas, but you also get Christmas markets, steaming cups of hot wine, sauna evenings and ridiculously atmospheric old towns after dark. Spring, finally, feels like a reset button: not always pretty, but cheaper, quieter and great for museums and food.
Seasonal ideas:
Summer (May–Sep): islands, coastal towns, lake swims, outdoor bars
Autumn (Sep–Oct): forest hikes, parks, slower city days, cosy food
Winter (Nov–Feb): Christmas markets, spa hotels, sauna nights, city lights
Spring (Mar–Apr): lower prices, fewer crowds, city cafés, museums
👉 Good to know: For a classic “first impression” of what the Baltic States are like, I usually suggest June or early September; you get long days, a decent shot at pleasant temperatures and more manageable prices than peak July.
Food and drink: what you will actually eat and drink
Food in the Baltics makes so much more sense the moment you feel the winter wind. Traditional dishes are hearty: think potatoes, stews, dumplings, soups, smoked fish, pork and rye bread that can genuinely keep you going for hours. Markets in Riga and Vilnius stack up cured meats, cheeses, pickles and seasonal berries, while Tallinn’s old town throws in a few theatrical medieval-themed taverns for fun.
At the same time, the restaurant and café scenes have shifted fast. You’ll find modern bistros, veggie and vegan spots, sushi, burgers and everything you’d expect from a contemporary European city. Coffee culture is strong, pastries are generally dangerous, and there’s a lively craft beer and small-batch spirits scene, especially in the capitals. In winter, keep an eye out for hot wine stalls and cosy bars doing local twists on glögg. 🍷
Expect to find:
- Hearty mains based on potatoes, pork, fish and seasonal veg
- Rye bread, pickles, smoked fish and cold cuts in markets
- Great coffee and cake in independent cafés
- Local beers, herbal liqueurs and warming winter drinks
💡 Fact: In many mid-range restaurants, a main course lands around €15–€25 (~£13–£22 / $16–$28), which makes a “proper” sit-down dinner far more realistic than in a lot of Western capitals.
Sample first-time Baltic States itineraries
Once you’re sold on the idea, the next question is how to string everything together. A very easy starting point is a “three capitals” loop: Tallinn, Riga, Vilnius. The first time I did this, I was surprised by how little time I spent actually in transit; you get that satisfying feeling of “three countries!” without spending the whole week on buses.
Below is a simple 9-day option that keeps the travel days under control. You can do the whole thing on public transport, or add a little car hire for the national parks and lakes. Feel free to shuffle days around based on flights and interests.
Three capitals at a glance
| Day | Base | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| 1–3 | Tallinn | Old town walls, viewpoints, creative districts, day trip to Lahemaa National Park |
| 4–5 | Riga | Art nouveau quarter, central market, riverside walks, bar scene |
| 6–7 | Vilnius | Old town, Užupis district, hilltop viewpoints, museum time |
| 8 | Side trip | Trakai castle from Vilnius, or a coastal day trip from Riga |
| 9 | Back to base | Last coffee, brunch and a slow wander before flying home |
Easy extensions:
Stretch to 12–14 days with the Curonian Spit or Estonian islands
Add a Helsinki day trip by ferry from Tallinn
Swap in smaller towns like Cēsis (Latvia) or Kaunas (Lithuania) for a slower feel
Who the Baltic States are perfect for (and who might not love them)
The Baltics suit certain travel personalities incredibly well. If you love wandering pretty streets, ducking into cafés, mixing museums with local markets and then escaping to lakes or forests, you’ll feel very at home. It’s also a brilliant region for people who care about value and atmosphere more than ticking off “big name” attractions. Solo travellers and couples often rave about how manageable the capitals feel, and digital nomads like the internet speeds and growing creative communities.
On the flip side, if you absolutely hate cold weather or need high-energy nightlife every night of the week, you might need to choose your season and bases carefully. Outside weekends and peak summer, some places can feel more low-key than lively. Families, slow travellers and small groups tend to do well, especially if they build in plenty of café stops, playground time and green spaces.
Best matches:
- City-break fans who enjoy walking tours, cafés and local history
- Budget-conscious travellers who still like comfortable beds and good food
- Solo travellers who want small, safe-feeling capitals
- Nature lovers happy with moody forests, dunes and lakes rather than tropical beaches
FAQs about the Baltics
What are the Baltic States in terms of countries?
The Baltic States are Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, three independent countries in Northern Europe on the eastern coast of the Baltic Sea.
Is it easy to travel between the Baltic capitals?
Yes. There are frequent buses, a growing train connection and short flights between Tallinn, Riga and Vilnius, and most overland journeys between capitals take around 4–9 hours.
Do you need a car to explore the Baltic States?
You don’t need a car for a basic capitals trip, because buses and trains do the heavy lifting, but a few days of car hire is brilliant if you want to dive into national parks, islands or smaller coastal towns.
Are the Baltic States good for solo travel?
Absolutely. The capitals are walkable, public transport is easy to use, English is widely spoken in tourist areas and there are plenty of hostels and small hotels where it’s easy to meet people.
How long do you need for a first trip to the Baltic States?
Seven to ten days is ideal for a simple three-capitals loop, and ten to fourteen days gives you enough time to add coast, forests or islands without feeling rushed.
Ready to plan your Baltic adventure?
Hopefully the phrase “what are the Baltic States” now feels a lot less like a geography test and a lot more like “three easy, interesting neighbours I could actually visit soon.” From Tallinn’s watchtowers and indie cafés, to Riga’s art nouveau streets and markets, to Vilnius’ creative corners and lakeside castles, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania are incredibly doable for a first-time trip.
Save or bookmark this guide for later, and start playing with dates, routes and day trips. When you’re ready, you can line up stays on Booking.com or Hotels.com, add a few nights in hostels if you want the social side, book car hire for the wilder corners, sort an online eSIM and lock in travel insurance so you can relax.
When you do make it to the Baltics, come back to The Travel Tinker, check out more Europe guides and Baltic itineraries, and share your own stories in the comments so the next slightly-confused traveller has a friendly roadmap to follow too.👇💬
Adventure on,
The Travel Tinker Crew 🌍✨
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Claire Taylor
I am a storyteller, podcaster, and global explorer deeply intrigued by the nuances of unconventional living. I transitioned from conforming to conventional norms to embracing a life that defies the ordinary
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