What to See in Estonia: Cities to Explore on Foot

Estonia is a small Northern European country known for its distinctive language, singing tradition, medieval history, islands, lakes and Baltic coastline. The best things to do in Estonia include exploring its cities, discovering the story of its independence and experiencing a landscape shaped by water. Neywo offers free audio guides for 5 cities in Estonia, with 265 narrated places in total and 16 walking tours.

What to see and do in Estonia

Discover Estonia’s history

Estonia’s history is marked by a long effort to preserve its identity through foreign rule. People have lived here since prehistoric times, and the indigenous population was among the last pagan societies in Europe to adopt Christianity after the Northern Crusades.

The country later passed through centuries of foreign rule before declaring independence in 1918. After invasions and occupation during the Second World War, Estonia was annexed into the Soviet Union. Its legal continuity was maintained abroad by diplomatic representatives and a government in exile, while political activity returned during the late Soviet period.

The independence movement became known as the Singing Revolution, and full independence was restored in 1991. This history remains central to Estonia’s identity: independence is understood not simply as a past event, but as the result of a determined effort to keep a national voice alive.

Explore Tallinn, the capital

Tallinn is Estonia’s capital and largest city, situated on the northern coast beside the Gulf of Finland. It is one of the country’s two largest urban areas, together with Tartu.

The city is a natural starting point for an Estonia travel guide, combining the country’s political, cultural and historical importance in one place. Neywo’s Tallinn guide includes 149 narrated places, including the Estonian Soviet Socialist Republic, Kadriorg Palace, Alexander Nevsky Cathedral and Haus Galerii.

Visit Tartu, Estonia’s university city

Tartu is one of Estonia’s two largest urban areas and an important place to include when considering the best cities to visit in Estonia. Its landmarks reflect the city’s religious, academic and botanical heritage.

Neywo’s Tartu audio guide covers 57 narrated places. Among its highlights are Tartu Cathedral, the University of Tartu Old Observatory, St. John’s Church and the University of Tartu Botanical Gardens.

The search for “Tartu Estonia” often leads travellers to this city as a way to experience a different side of the country from the capital. Tartu’s place in Estonia’s urban and cultural life makes it an essential stop.

See the border city of Narva

Narva lies in eastern Estonia and offers a strong connection with the country’s history of conflict, borders and changing political power. Neywo’s Narva guide features 23 narrated places.

Its principal sites include Hermann Castle, Narva Muuseum, the Narva Muuseumi kunstigalerii and the Battle of Narva. Together, they provide a way to explore the city’s historical setting and its role in Estonia’s past.

Spend time in Pärnu

Pärnu is one of Estonia’s cities available on Neywo. Its 23 narrated places include the Koidula muuseum, the Pärnu River, the Uue Kunsti Muuseum and Tallinn Gate.

The city also adds a different perspective to an Estonia itinerary, with places that connect culture, the river and historic entrances to the town. Discover its landmarks with the Pärnu city guide.

Explore Haapsalu

Haapsalu is another city covered by Neywo, with 13 narrated places to discover. Its main sites include Haapsalu Castle, Iloni Imedemaa, Haapsalu Advent Church and Haapsalu Alexander Nevsky Church.

The city’s selection of landmarks brings together castle history, religious architecture and cultural attractions. The Haapsalu guide helps place each stop in context as you walk.

Experience Estonia’s language and singing tradition

Estonian is the official language and the first language of most people in the country. It belongs to the Finnic family and is one of the few European languages not classified as Indo-European, giving it a distinctive place in the region.

Singing is another important part of Estonia’s cultural continuity. The earliest recorded mention dates from the twelfth century, when Saxo Grammaticus described Estonian warriors singing at night as they waited for battle. Centuries later, song became associated with the Singing Revolution and the movement against Soviet rule.

Estonian culture also includes the sauna, literature written in Estonian and artistic traces reaching back to the Stone Age. Decorated bone objects, amber pendants and figurines are among the early remains connected with the country’s cultural past. Independence Day is celebrated on 24 February, marking the declaration of independence.

Explore the coast, islands and lakes

Water is one of the defining features of Estonia. The country borders the Gulf of Finland to the north and the Baltic Sea to the west, while Latvia lies to the south and Russia to the east.

Estonia includes the mainland, the large islands of Saaremaa and Hiiumaa, and more than 2,300 other islands and islets. Its deeply indented coastline includes limestone cliffs along the northern coast. Inland, the country has more than 1,560 natural lakes. Lake Peipus lies on the Russian border, and Võrtsjärv is in central Estonia.

This combination of sea, islands, lakes and varied soils creates a rich natural setting. Estonia’s climate sits between maritime and continental conditions, with warm summers, fairly mild winters and autumn and winter weather that can bring strong winds, rain and sudden changes in temperature.

Wildlife is another reason to look beyond the cities. Grey wolves, lynx, brown bears and moose still live in Estonia, including species that have disappeared from much of Europe. The critically endangered European mink has been reintroduced on Hiiumaa, while the rare Siberian flying squirrel lives in eastern Estonia.

Understand modern Estonia

Estonia is a democratic parliamentary republic and a member of NATO and the European Union, which it joined in 2004. It later joined the Schengen Area and the Eurozone. Its parliament is called the Riigikogu, and local matters are managed autonomously by municipalities.

The country’s modern reputation is closely connected with education, technology companies and online public services. Estonia is also described as a developed country with a high-income, advanced economy, and it ranks highly for press freedom while being among the least corrupt countries in the world.

This modern, outward-looking character exists alongside a small population, a distinctive language and a landscape filled with islands and lakes.

Explore Estonia with Neywo

Download Neywo and explore Estonia through 16 walking tours covering 5 cities, with 265 narrated places in total. The app includes city guides for Tallinn, Tartu, Narva, Pärnu and Haapsalu.

Each story plays as you reach the place, at your own pace. There is no group and no schedule: walk independently and let the app explain the history, culture and landmarks around you. Narration is available in 11 languages.