The so-called cool holidays have become increasingly popular in recent years, and as heat waves scorch much of Europe, they become even “cooler” – in every sense of the word.
For a long time, Scandinavia dominated this topic, but in recent years the Baltic countries have been gaining more attention, especially due to relatively affordable prices.
Although visiting all three capitals – Vilnius in Lithuania, Riga in Latvia, and Tallinn in Estonia – is a popular tourist route, each of these cities is also perfect for a separate weekend trip.
“Since Vilnius is about 300 kilometers from the sea, and Tallinn is located by the Gulf of Finland, Riga – by the Gulf of Riga, it is more accurate, in my opinion, to compare the latter two cities,” writes Dianne Apen-Sadler, a Euronews correspondent who visited here.
– Having visited both in the summer of 2025, I would say that Tallinn seemed more “touristy.” Perhaps partly because the UNESCO-protected old town is smaller, so the crowds seem denser.”
According to her, both cities are very walkable, but in Tallinn she had to use public transport more often than in Riga.
“Estonia is generally known for its widespread digitalization and a large number of technology companies. My overall impression is this: compared to Riga, Tallinn seems a bit more modern. Linguistically and culturally, Estonia is closer to Finland, as the Estonian language belongs to the Finno-Ugric language group, while Latvian and Lithuanian are Baltic languages,” the article states.
However, there are more similarities here than differences, and both cities have a lot to offer.
Riga, Latvia
Riga is an excellent choice for architecture lovers. In the city center, you can see buildings of various styles – from medieval to modern times.
Near the “Three Brothers” you will find the oldest medieval residential houses in Riga. One dates back to the 15th century, and the second and third to the 17th century. Today, these three buildings house the Latvian Museum of Architecture, where you can learn more about the country’s most famous architects.
Moving to the late 19th and early 20th centuries, it is worth mentioning that about a third of the buildings in Riga’s center were built in the Art Nouveau style. Here you can find several of its directions, including the national romanticism typical for Latvia, with many examples in the so-called Quiet Center. The Art Nouveau Museum on Alberta Street also allows a glimpse of how such apartments once looked inside.
Returning to the 21st century, one of the most striking landmarks in Riga is the Latvian National Library. To better understand the details hidden in the building designed by the famous Latvian architect Gunārs Birkerts, you can book a tour in English or choose a self-guided route on the library’s website.
The Riga skyline is marked by several church towers, the tallest of which is St. Peter’s Church. You can climb it and enjoy arguably the best view of the city. The weathercock has become one of Riga’s symbols – it adorns more than one church, including St. Peter’s Church, where such a symbol has stood since 1491, although the current weathercock was installed in 2009.
As expected, the city is not short of tourist souvenirs featuring this early crowing bird, but the sugar weathercock is also a traditional treat that can be purchased.
Speaking of food, Riga Central Market – one of the largest in Europe – offers fresh products, meat, fish, and more in five pavilions. Each of them was formerly a military airship hangar.
“I really liked the Āgenskalns market – a historic building from 1898, which after a four-year renovation was revived in 2022. Downstairs you will find vendors selling dairy products, fruits, vegetables, and other delicacies, and upstairs there is a food area where you can taste local dishes,” the article states.
The wider Riga metropolitan area reaches the Gulf of Riga, but the part of the city where you are most likely to spend time is further from the sea, along the Daugava River, so don’t expect beaches. Instead of the usual red tourist buses found in almost every tourist city, here you can choose a cruise on the Riga Canal and the Daugava.
Tallinn, Estonia
Like Riga, Tallinn’s old town, whose origins date back to the 13th century, is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. And like Riga, Tallinn was once an important Hanseatic League city.
You can learn about this history in various places: Toompea Castle, which can be visited from Monday to Friday during a free pre-booked tour, the “Kiek in de Kök” defensive fortifications museum, and the Great Guild building, which now houses the Estonian History Museum.
To get acquainted with the city’s history and enjoy the views, it is worth visiting Tallinn Town Hall. It has a 64-meter-high tower that you can climb for an additional fee.
Another option is two observation decks on top of Toompea Hill: Kohtuotsa and Patkuli. However, it is best to come early in the morning or late in the evening, as there can be many people when cruise ship passengers arrive.
It is also worth visiting the Kalamaja district, located by the Gulf of Finland. The main attraction here is the Estonian Maritime Museum, but walking further from the old town you can find many restaurants, cafes, bars, and shops.
“My trip to Tallinn coincided with the Song and Dance Festival, held every five years, but the impressive festival area can be visited year-round. Estonians have always loved to sing, but these festivals also became a form of protest: national songs were performed against the backdrop of messages approved by the Soviet authorities. Eventually, this grew into the Singing Revolution, after which all three Baltic states restored independence,” shares the journalist.
This history is best explored at the Vabamu Museum of Occupations and Freedom, which tells about the Nazi and Soviet occupations, as well as the KGB prison cells.
As mentioned, the Baltic capitals are often chosen to be combined into one larger trip. But from Tallinn, Helsinki can be reached by ferry in just two hours.
