Why Tallinn, Riga, and Vilnius are perfect for an experience without the crowds
A city experience is a breath of fresh air, a recalibration, a chance to jigger your system back to normal after weeks or months of life. This is most easily done in a peaceful setting where crowds don’t gather, and things move a touch more slowly. Tallinn, Riga, and Vilnius are three off-the-beaten-path capitals that offer just the right thing: immense beauty, culture, and diversity yet at a slower, more measured pace. Here’s what to do—and how to do it.
Being Baltic takes a mind shift. In part, it has to do with calming your mind and acting deliberately. But it also comes from the fabric of these cities itself. Baltic capitals are designed for so much more than sightseeing: they demand curiosity, spontaneity, and a more immersive way of traveling. Chuck the itinerary for the itinerant. Pause at a quiet Vilnius courtyard, let yourself stumble upon a jazz bar in Riga, discover Tallinn’s creative hubs that bustle in repurposed industrial zones. Explore the rich mixture of ancient buildings and deep heritage with the modern innovation that’s now at the heart of the region.
Tallinn: a marriage of medieval and modern
Tallinn’s famed Old Town is a fairytale vision of narrow streets, medieval towers, and the light of candles in the windows of ancient taverns. The city is a hub for creativity and innovation in art, industry, and technology. Telliskivi Creative City, built at a ruined industrial plant, is one such center for all things creative, bringing together the best of local music, art, and sumptuous dining, all in the unique vibes of a city that has roots stretching back more than a thousand years.
Vilnius: an effortless mix of the ancient and contemporary
Vilnius is the inviting capital that offers so much. Its mix of Old Town, medieval charm, Soviet-era brutalism, and bohemian neighborhoods make for a city that’s deeply textured and authentic. From boutique hotels that exude understated luxury to Michelin-quality dining for a fraction of the price, in Vilnius there are experiences around every corner. Whether it’s an open-air art exhibit or festival like Vilnius Culture Night or a wine bar housed in a centuries-old cellar, you’ll remember your trip to this Baltic capital.
Riga: a city vibrating with life
Like Tallinn, the grandeur of Riga comes from its gorgeous architecture, in this case, its Art Nouveau buildings. But the city’s energy comes from its youthful zeal. Underground speakeasies and churches transformed into nightclubs are commonplace. A creative undercurrent of design, fashion and music runs deep around the city, especially during events like the Riga Performance Festival, a mix of performance art and cross-disciplinary expression. Riga embodies the way heritage can be preserved while also reimagined to make it feel fresh and vibrant.
