When I was applying for my visa through Finland, an Indian living there mentioned that people regularly travel to Estonia just to buy alcohol because it’s so much cheaper. I was skeptical—what kind of price difference would make people cross the Baltic Sea for a shopping trip? I got my answer in Tallinn: racks upon racks of every kind of alcohol imaginable, all at throwaway prices. Even compared to Indian rates, big bottles of wine and liquor were available for less than ₹500! If you need a reason to visit Estonia, this is certainly a tempting one.
I spent two days in the beautiful capital city of Tallinn. While Estonia is often grouped with Latvia and Lithuania as the Baltics, it actually has a stronger Finnish and Nordic influence. My original plan was to spend one day in Tallinn and the next exploring the countryside, but Tallinn was so enchanting that I ended up staying both days in the city.
The first thing that struck me on arrival was how cheap public transport is—a three-day unlimited pass costs just 7 euros! Like many European cities, Tallinn has a picturesque old town, much of it perched on a hill, offering panoramic views of the modern city below. Estonia may be the only country in the world with black as one of the colors in its national flag. According to a plaque near the old town watchtower, black represents the struggles and sacrifices made for independence—a powerful reminder to look to the future without forgetting the past.
Tallinn’s old town is wonderfully walkable, with charming squares and cobbled streets. Don’t miss the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral or the stunning views from the Toompea Hill viewing platforms. Unfortunately, St. Olaf’s Church was closed for renovation during my visit, so I couldn’t climb to the top, but I’ve heard the view is spectacular.
While the old town is undeniably beautiful, I found the new town equally fascinating. Modern Tallinn boasts vibrant neighborhoods like Kalamaja, known for its unique architecture, as well as fantastic food plazas and local markets such as Depoo, Balti Jaama, and Tallinn Creative City. These are must-visit spots if you’re a foodie or love exploring local markets1.
As is my habit when I buy unlimited public transport passes, I hopped on random trams and buses to their final stops, just to see where the locals live. On one such ride on tram route 4, I ended up at a deserted beach—the last stop—with a train track running right along the sea. I would have loved to take a ride on that train.
Being fond of city parks, I made sure to visit Kadriorg Park, which features the beautiful Kadriorg Palace and the Parliament House. The park is expansive, dotted with water bodies and fountains—a perfect place to unwind after a long day of exploring.
And yes, if you’re looking for quality alcohol at unbeatable prices, head to one of the supermarkets near the Tallinn port. I was truly gobsmacked by the variety and the prices.
Estonia surprised me with its blend of old-world charm, modern vibrancy, and unbeatable value—a destination that’s both unique and unforgettable.