Estonia
Europe · Tallinn · EE
Estonia is a northern European country on the Baltic Sea where millennia of Viking routes, medieval trading and a very modern digital state sit close together. Tallinn, the capital, preserves one of the best medieval old towns in Europe, its stone walls, spires and cobbled squares rising behind the modern skyline of the harbour. Beyond the capital stretch forests, bogs and a long chain of islands that have kept a quieter, older rhythm of life. The country prints its nature in extremes: white Baltic beaches, winter sea smoke, mires that swallow sound and luminous summer nights. At the same time, Estonia is one of the world's most digital societies, and its e-government, start-ups and small inventive enterprises thread through daily life in a way few visitors expect. Small, safe and genuinely innovative, Estonia is a surprising mix of old wood and new code.
Overview
Estonia is a country in Europe. Its capital is Tallinn and the international dialling code is +372. Languages commonly used in everyday life here include Estonian. Local currency is the Euro (EUR). We also list 1 city in Estonia: Tallinn.
Getting around Estonia
Estonia is small, and public transport is affordable and reliable. Intercity buses connect Tallinn, Tartu, Pärnu and the coastal towns; the train to Tartu is new and fast. Within Tallinn, trams and buses cover the Old Town and the suburbs, and the airport is just a short ride from the centre.
Ferries link Tallinn to Helsinki (~2 hours), Stockholm (overnight) and the islands (Saaremaa, Hiiumaa). Driving is on the right, the roads are good, and the €30 toll on the Via Baltica between Tallinn and the border is electronic. A car is the best way to explore the countryside and the islands.
When to visit Estonia
Summer (June–August) brings white nights, festivals and warm weather. The famous Tallinn Old Town can be crowded with cruise-day visitors, so explore early or late. September is golden, quiet and good value; winter is cold, snowy and atmospheric, with Christmas markets and the chance to hunt the northern lights in the far north.
You can see the aurora from Estonia on clear winter nights, especially in the east and north, so weather and solar activity matter — check a forecast specifically for aurora before planning the trip.
Eating and drinking
Estonian food is grounded in the forest and the sea: smoked fish, rye bread, herring, wild mushrooms, and slow-cooked soups. Traditional dishes include mulgipuder (potato-barley porridge with meat) and kama, a flour mix used in desserts. Tallinn's restaurant scene has grown fast and now blends Nordic techniques with local ingredients.
Try a local craft beer or the traditional kvass; Vana Tallinn liqueur with coffee is a classic end to a meal. Tipping 5–10% is appreciated in restaurants.
Money and local customs
Estonia uses the euro and is one of Europe's most digital countries: card payment (contactless included) works virtually everywhere, and many people use mobile ID for everything from tickets to bus passes — carry a card, not a wallet full of cash.
Estonians are reserved but kind; a "tere" (hello) opens most conversations, and silence during conversation is normal, not awkward. The sauna is a strong tradition, and being invited to a smoke sauna in the countryside is a sign of trust. Keep your passport accessible at the rural border crossings if driving to Russia.
Compare hotels, cover your trip and stay connected.
- Capital
- Tallinn
- Currency
- Euro (EUR)
- Languages
- Estonian
- Calling code
- +372
- Internet TLD
- ee
Entry requirements
Check who can enter →See which passports travel visa-free or need a visa to enter Estonia.
Which nationalities can enter Estonia?
Current visa status for tourism for the origins we cover, with links to the detailed requirements.
Cities (1)
All cities →Frequently asked questions
Do I need a visa to visit Estonia?
For the origins we track, travellers from Albania, Andorra, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina and Australia currently enter Estonia visa-free for tourism. Entry rules depend on your passport and the purpose of your trip, so check the current requirements for your own nationality with our entry requirements tool.
What is the capital of Estonia?
Tallinn is the capital of Estonia, and the country sits in Europe.
What currency is used in Estonia?
You pay with Euro (EUR) in Estonia. Exchange rates move day to day, so check the current rate before you change money or use your card abroad.
Which languages do people speak in Estonia?
The languages we list for Estonia are Estonian. A couple of greetings in the local language go a long way when you travel, even in cities where another language is widely used.
What is the international dialling code for Estonia?
The dialling code for Estonia is +372 — keep the plus sign when you save the number.
Which cities in Estonia do you cover?
Our guide lists 1 city for Estonia: Tallinn (capital).