Baltic cities must visit
Places to visit

in the Baltics

Plan to visit the Baltics? Perhaps you’ve been to this part of the world before or prefer to venture deeper than a country’s capital and top attractions. We’ve got you covered with our tips on things to do in the Baltics. Keep in mind, Baltic Nature Travel is always happy to arrange a bespoke tour, should you wish to explore specific areas or themes such as Soviet architecture, local design, military heritage or residential neighbourhoods.

Smaller cities in the Baltics are not all sleepy and quaint

Baltic people have a great taste for culture. No matter the size of the town or city, you’ll often find it has at least one events venue and a jam-packed cultural agenda. Try:

Latvia

Cesis

Home to a purpose-built concert venue and host to the annual Cesis Art Festival. This medieval gem of a town has welcomed the likes of Lithuanian filmmaker Jonas Mekas, Icelandic singer songwriter Högni and Inese Galante – the Latvian opera talent of New York Met and La Scala fame. Nearby is the town of Ligatne with its secret Soviet bunker. Read more here.

Things to do in Baltics
Latvia

Kuldiga

With its very own coffee roastery, one of Latvia’s top 30 restaurants and a selection of holiday apartments which wouldn’t look out of place in Wallpaper magazine, Kuldiga has become a favourite among Latvian weekenders. They’re happy to share this gorgeous town with travellers interested in architecture, history and the arts. Annual highlights include the Design Film Festival and the town fair. Read more here.

Things to do in Baltics
Latvia

Liepaja

World class performers frequent the stages of the stunning Great Amber Concert Hall. After an evening of culture, join the locals hanging out at Juliannas pagalms (Julianna’s Courtyard) creative quarter. During the day, explore the eerie former military prison and sea forts in the Karosta area, which tell of Latvia’s history from Tsarist times in the late 19th century through the Soviet years. Read more here.

Things to do in Baltics
Lithuania

Klaipeda

Well worth spending a few days in the charming port city before a trip to the popular Curonian Spit. Get a true feel for the city’s maritime history and architecture at Friedrich’s Arcade and on a stroll along the Dane riverfront. In February, Klaipeda hosts its annual Festival of Lights. Read more here.

Baltic Nature Adventure
Lithuania

Kaunas

Kaunas was once Lithuania’s capital and will be the European Capital of Culture in 2022.

The city’s modernist architecture is a big draw. Roam the streets and drop by Kaunas Photography Gallery or Mykolas Zilinskas Art Gallery for exhibitions by local and international artists. Read more here.

Things to do in Kaunas
Estonia

Tartu

Estonia’s second largest city and a students’ favourite. The Aparaaditehas (The Widget Factory) creative quarter houses two galleries. After exploring, browse the nearby design shops. In August, city visitors should definitely attend the darling tARTuFF love film festival taking place outdoors. Read more here.

Things to do in Tartu
Estonia

Viljandi

Viljandi’s world-renowned Folk Music Festival and medieval fair draw visitors every year. The town is known for its wooden architecture and scenic lakeside. Read more here.

Things to do in Viljandi

Creative quarters in the Baltics - a hive of activity

Urban regeneration is in full swing in the Baltics. A number of entrepreneurial visionaries have given a new lease of life to previously derelict spaces such as Soviet era factories by transforming them into creative quarters, which host events like arts and crafts markets, street food festivals and gigs. Get a feel for the local creative scenes at spots including:

Estonia | Tallinn

Telliskivi Loomelinnak

Formerly used for fixing locomotives. Nowadays, the rejuvenated industrial area is one of the trendiest hangouts for creatives young and old. Housing design shops and studios, bars and world cuisine restaurants, there’s never a dull moment at Telliskivi whose hotspots are also host to concerts during the annual Tallinn Music Week festival. Make sure to check out the nearby Kultuurikatel creative hub for pop up events such as crafts markets as well. Read more here.

Must see in Baltics
Latvia | Riga

Kalnciems Quarter

A cosy enclave of lovingly restored wooden buildings from the 19th century. Every Saturday, farmers and craftsmen gather here from all over Latvia to sell their wares. In summer, this is the place to be seen on Wednesday and Thursday nights when the courtyard hosts street food and live music events. Read more here.

Lithuania |Vilnius

Uzupis

Not quite a quarter, but rather a whole neighbourhood or republic as its bohemian residents have declared! Uzupis even has its own constitution, which you can read on the wall panels lining Paupio Gatve. The area is often compared to Christiania in Copenhagen thanks to its liberal spirit. Look out for events taking place here! Read more here.

Independent tours

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What travelers say about us

Giovanni Paolo Palamara
Giovanni Paolo Palamara
2023-01-07
Very interesting trip. Definitely worth it!
Eddie Mantle
Eddie Mantle
2022-12-05
Very professional. Valdis, guided a group of 8 around Mangasala, Riga, giving us a fascinating insight into the military history there. Looking forward to the next tour.
Zijian Hua
Zijian Hua
2022-11-02
Valdis is an experienced guide, a local from Riga. He has a wealth of knowledge and is always able to tell you interesting history along the way. The route plan of the hiking is also reasonable. In autumn, the fallen leaves near Sigulda are also very beautiful. If you are planning to do an outdoor hike in Latvia too, then don't hesitate to join a walking group organized by Valdis.
bllhmn
bllhmn
2022-10-31
I took the tour in Lilaste. The train ride was very relaxing. The lakes and coast were amazing. It is great exercise and a fun way to spend a Saturday afternoon.
John B
John B
2022-10-30
Great hike at Lilaste. Friendly tour guide. Definitely looking forward to the next hike. Highly recommended for those who want a short break from the daily routine.
Rachel Pamplin
Rachel Pamplin
2022-10-18
I enjoyed I enjoyed my tour of Cesis: Medieval Heritage and Natural Treasures! I loved being able to do a little of many things. Exploring the old city, touring a medieval castle, and a walk through a national park. The scenery was amazing and my guide was knowledgeable and helpful! As a single female, I felt safe the entire time and and would recommend to others!
Colleen Bramanis
Colleen Bramanis
2022-10-11
We have enjoyed 2 days with Valdis who has shown us around Riga Old Town and a tour out to Sigulda. A very friendly tour guide who tailored the days to our needs with no fuss. Valdis is easy to get along , has a good sense of humour and is extremely knowledgeable. Fortunately for us Valdis is also very fluent in English. I can highly recommend him as a tour guide.
Barry Toward
Barry Toward
2022-09-18
We have just spent 9 days travelling through the Baltic countries with Valdis as our guide. Although the itinerary and accommodation had been pre-arranged Valdis supported our trip brilliantly, bringing to life the individual countries with city walking tours, nature trails and visits to other sites. He is great fun, extremely knowledgable and became an integral part of our small group. His contribution to our holiday played a key part in making it a great and enjoyable experience (and he recommends good places to eat!)

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Baltic Nature Travel
Baltic Nature Travel
Baltic Nature Travel