The Baltic States offer a mix of culture, history, and natural beauty within a compact region. This makes it easy to explore. Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania each have their own character. Tallinn’s medieval streets, Riga’s Art Nouveau architecture, and Vilnius’s historic lanes provide a window into centuries of history. Beyond the capitals, islands, forests, rivers, and coastline invite discovery at every turn. Travellers can experience the region in all seasons, with options for city breaks, countryside walks, coastal visits. It is also a playground for more active adventures such as hiking and kayaking, all connected by accessible transport links. This Baltic States travel guide highlights what to see in each country and how to make the most of a first trip to the Baltics.

Best Time to Visit the Baltic

The Baltic countries each offer something different depending on the time of year. Summers bring long daylight hours, making it easy to explore cities, forests and coastal areas without it feeling rushed. In Estonia, the islands and beaches are lively, while the capital is full of outdoor cafés and markets.

Autumn brings cooler temperatures and quieter streets. Estonia’s forests take on rich colours, while Riga and other towns in Latvia feel more relaxed once the summer crowds leave. In Lithuania, the countryside shows it’s harvest season, with small towns revealing local traditions and markets. This period works well for those who prefer to combine cultural visits with walks through forests, national parks and historic towns, making it an ideal time to follow a Baltic States Itinerary.

Winter in the Baltics has a different appeal. Tallinn’s Old Town looks striking under a dusting of snow. Riga’s streets are lively with Christmas markets and Vilnius offers festive events and decorations. Spring brings a new start with towns and countryside opening up after winter. Nature trails in Estonia and Latvia become accessible again, and Lithuania’s lakes and parks start to fill with activity, making it an ideal time for walks, cycling or exploring small towns before the main tourist season begins.

Estonia: Nature, Culture and Hidden Gems

Estonia has a way of balancing medieval charm with striking natural landscapes. Tallinn’s Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is filled with cobbled lanes, Gothic spires and a lively café culture. It feels timeless, yet the capital is only the beginning of what Estonia has to offer.

Over half of Estonia is covered in forest, rich in wild landscapes and with six national parks. Hike through Lahemaa National Park, which is just a short car journey from Tallinn. If wildlife is what you are after, Matsalu is a bird watchers paradise, spot beavers in Soomaa or bear watching in Alutaguse.  The Baltic coastline unfolds into quiet beaches and windswept islands such as Saaremaa and Hiiumaa. Away from the coast, towns like Tartu, Haapsalu and Pärnu add their own flavour, shaped by spa traditions, university life and wooden seaside villas. Estonia’s small size and good connections make it easy to experience a mix of city, coast and countryside in any season.

Latvia: Riga, Coast and Regional Character

Latvia is often introduced through its capital, Riga, where Art Nouveau architecture lines the boulevards and the old town buzzes with markets and cafés. The city offers a strong cultural mix, with museums, churches and lively nightlife.

Outside the capital, Latvia opens up to beaches, wetlands and forest trails. Jūrmala’s wooden villas and sandy shoreline attract visitors in summer, while Gauja National Park is a landscape of sandstone cliffs, castle ruins and riverside paths. The UNSECO town of Kuldīga, with its cobbled centre and nearby waterfall, captures the quieter side of the country. Each of Latvia’s regions carries its own traditions and landscapes, making travel here as varied and rewarding.

Lithuania: Vilnius and Diverse Landscapes

Lithuania blends historic architecture, adventure and coastal landscapes. Vilnius is the heart of the country, it’s baroque Old Town is a maze of churches, courtyards and cobbled lanes. The bohemian district of Užupis adds a playful feel, while Gediminas Castle and the city hills give sweeping views across the rooftops.

Beyond the capital, Trakai Castle rises from a lake, a reminder of Lithuania’s medieval past. Kernavė carries traces of the country’s earliest capital, while the forests and parks create opportunities for hiking and cycling. Along the Baltic coast, the Curonian Spit stretches out in a sweep of dunes and beaches, given drama and serenity all at once. Across the city and countryside, Lithuania has a variety that keeps travellers exploring.

Connecting the Baltics: Tailored Itineraries for Every Traveller

Exploring the Baltic States is made even more accessible and enjoyable through thoughtfully designed itineraries that cater to a variety of interests and travel styles.

For those seeking a luxurious experience, the this tour offers a week-long journey through Vilnius, Riga, and Tallinn. This itinerary combines private transfers, five-star accommodations, and guided city tours. This allows travellers to immerse themselves in the rich history and culture of each capital city in comfort and style.

Adventure enthusiasts might opt for the Guided Cycling Tour. This 11-day tour covers approximately 25 to 58 km daily, combining cycling with coach travel. Explore the diverse landscapes and historic sites of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania, a core route for those following a Baltic countries itinerary. With a maximum group size of 16, it provides a good balance of activity and relaxation. This is suitable for those looking to experience the Baltics at a more active pace.

For nature lovers and hiking enthusiasts, take a trip to Gauja National Park for the ultimate hiking experience. This is a seven-day exploration of Latvia’s National Park. The journey includes visits to Sigulda, Ligatne, and Cēsis, offering a blend of cultural heritage and natural beauty. The moderate 15 km daily hikes are designed to showcase the park’s diverse landscapes, from river valleys to medieval towns.

Each of these itineraries offers a unique way to experience the Baltic States, ensuring that every traveller can find a journey that aligns with their interests and preferences. MNT can also tailor make a Baltic adventure to your specific needs.