10 Must-See Estonian Cities Beyond Tallinn

So, you’ve done it. You’ve navigated the charming, sometimes confusing, cobblestone streets of Tallinn’s Old Town. You know where to get the best craft beer in Kalamaja and have your favorite spot in Kadriorg Park. But a little voice in your head is starting to whisper, “What else is there?”

As fellow expats, we’ve all been there. Tallinn is a fantastic introduction to Estonia—a digital nomad's dream wrapped in a medieval fairy tale. But to truly understand this incredible country, to feel its diverse heartbeat, you need to venture beyond the capital’s magnetic pull. Estonia is a country of vibrant university towns, serene coastal retreats, and resilient border cities, each with its own unique character and story.

Forget the day-trip mentality. We’re talking about places you could genuinely see yourself spending a weekend, a season, or even putting down new roots. Here are 10 must-see Estonian cities beyond Tallinn that deserve a spot on every expat’s exploration list.

1. Tartu: The Intellectual Heartbeat

If Tallinn is Estonia's sophisticated capital, Tartu is its brainy, bohemian younger sibling. Home to the prestigious University of Tartu (founded in 1632), the entire city buzzes with youthful energy, intellectual curiosity, and a creative spirit. It's no surprise it's been named a 2024 European Capital of Culture.

Why You'll Love It: The vibe here is noticeably more relaxed than in Tallinn. It's a city built on a human scale, where you can walk or bike almost anywhere. The Emajõgi River, which flows through the center, is lined with parks and cozy cafes, perfect for long summer evenings. For expats in tech, science, or academia, Tartu is a major hub with a thriving startup scene (often called "the garage" where new ideas are born).

Don't Miss:

• The Kissing Students Fountain: The iconic heart of the Town Hall Square.
• The "Soup Town" (Supilinn): A historic district of colorful, slightly wonky wooden houses with street names like "Potato," "Bean," and "Melon."
• The Estonian National Museum (ERM): A breathtaking piece of modern architecture that delves deep into the Estonian soul.

Expat Practicalities:

• Vibe: Academic, youthful, creative, and laid-back.
• Cost of Living: Significantly lower than Tallinn. Rent, in particular, is more affordable, making it a popular choice for those looking to stretch their euros.
• Connectivity: Excellent train and bus connections to Tallinn (around 2-2.5 hours).

2. Pärnu: Estonia's Summer Capital

When the summer sun finally makes a grand appearance, Estonians flock to one place: Pärnu. This coastal city boasts a long, white-sand beach, a charming historic center, and a reputation as the country's ultimate resort town.

Why You'll Love It: During the summer, Pärnu is electric. The beach promenade is alive with people, outdoor cafes spill onto the streets, and festivals seem to happen every weekend. It’s a place to unwind and embrace the slow life. But it’s not just a summer fling; Pärnu is also known for its spa culture, with numerous hotels and wellness centers offering treatments year-round.

Don't Miss:

• Pärnu Beach: Walk the famous pier at sunset and enjoy the shallow, warm waters.
• Rüütli Street: The main pedestrian thoroughfare in the old town, packed with boutiques and restaurants.
• The Pärnu Mud Baths: A stunning neoclassical building and a historic symbol of the city's spa heritage.

Expat Practicalities:

• Vibe: Resort town, relaxed, seasonal (vibrant in summer, very quiet in winter).
• Cost of Living: Moderate. Housing prices can spike in the summer months, but off-season living is quite affordable.
• Connectivity: Regular bus services connect Pärnu to Tallinn (under 2 hours) and even Riga, Latvia.

Cost of Living Snapshot: Tallinn vs. The Alternatives

To give you a real-world idea, here's a rough comparison of key monthly expenses. Keep in mind these are 2025 estimates and can vary.

Source: Estimates based on data from Numbeo and expat forums, projected for 2025.

3. Narva: A City at the Crossroads

Narva is unlike any other city in Estonia. Located on the very eastern edge of the European Union, it sits directly across the Narva River from the Russian city of Ivangorod. The two cities stare at each other, their medieval fortresses a powerful symbol of a complex, shared history.

Why You'll Love It: To visit Narva is to experience a different side of Estonia. It's a predominantly Russian-speaking city, offering a unique cultural immersion. The city is undergoing a fascinating transformation, with creative hubs like the Kreenholm Manufacturing Company—a massive, historic textile mill complex—being repurposed for art and culture. It's a place for expats interested in history, geopolitics, and witnessing urban renewal firsthand.

Don't Miss:

• Narva Castle (Hermann Fortress): Stand on its walls and look directly across at the Ivangorod Fortress.
• Kreenholm: Explore the imposing, post-industrial landscape of this former factory island.
• The River Promenade: A beautifully renovated walkway perfect for a stroll along the EU's edge.

Expat Practicalities:

• Vibe: Post-industrial, culturally unique, resilient, and forward-looking.
• Language: While Estonian is the official language, Russian is predominantly spoken in daily life.
• Connectivity: A direct train line connects Narva to Tallinn in about 2.5-3 hours.

4. Haapsalu: The Romantic's Seaside Escape

Known as the "Venice of the North" (a charming, if slightly exaggerated, nickname), Haapsalu is a small, romantic seaside town famous for its wooden architecture, narrow streets, and healing sea mud. It was once a favored summer spot for the Russian aristocracy, and it has retained that air of gentle, old-world elegance.

Why You'll Love It: Haapsalu is pure tranquility. It’s the kind of place you go to read a book by the sea, walk along the picturesque promenade, and forget the stresses of modern life. The town is filled with tiny galleries, artisan shops, and cozy cafes. It’s an ideal spot for writers, artists, or anyone seeking a peaceful and inspiring environment.

Don't Miss:

• Haapsalu Castle: Explore the ruins and listen for the legend of the White Lady, a ghost said to appear in a window during the August full moon.
• The Railway Museum: Housed in the stunningly ornate former station building built for the Tsar.
• The Tchaikovsky Bench: Sit on the bench dedicated to the famous composer and listen to his music.

Expat Practicalities:

• Vibe: Romantic, tranquil, artistic, and historic.
• Community: A tight-knit community, very welcoming to those who embrace its peaceful pace.
• Connectivity: About a 1.5-hour bus ride from Tallinn.

5. Viljandi: The Capital of Folk

Nestled among the rolling hills and lakes of Southern Estonia, Viljandi is the cultural soul of the nation. It's a small city with a huge reputation, primarily thanks to the Viljandi Folk Music Festival, which transforms the town into a massive, joyful celebration of traditional and modern folk music every July.

Why You'll Love It: Beyond the festival, Viljandi has a creative, almost magical atmosphere year-round. The University of Tartu Viljandi Culture Academy ensures a steady stream of artists, musicians, and performers. The stunning castle ruins overlooking the lake offer one of the best views in the country. It’s a haven for anyone who values creativity, nature, and a strong sense of community.

Don't Miss:

• Viljandi Castle Ruins: The perfect spot for a picnic with a panoramic view.
• Lake Viljandi: A beautiful path circles the entire lake, ideal for a walk, run, or bike ride.
• The Viljandi Folk Music Festival: An absolute must-experience event if you're in Estonia in July.

Expat Practicalities:

• Vibe: Folksy, creative, nature-loving, and community-focused.
• Lifestyle: An active, outdoor lifestyle is central to life here.
• Connectivity: Connected by train and bus to both Tallinn and Tartu.

6. Kuressaare: The Island Capital

To get to Kuressaare, you first have to get to Saaremaa, Estonia's largest island. This journey, involving a drive and a ferry, is part of the magic. Kuressaare is the island's capital, a peaceful town known for its incredibly well-preserved medieval castle and its abundance of spas.

Why You'll Love It: Life on Saaremaa moves at a different pace. Kuressaare is the hub of this island life. It feels safe, clean, and deeply connected to nature. It's a place where you can enjoy the sea, explore juniper fields, and then relax in a modern spa, all in the same day. For expats tired of the mainland hustle, island life here offers a genuine escape.

Don't Miss:

• Kuressaare Episcopal Castle: Arguably the best-preserved fortress in the Baltics. You can spend hours exploring its rooms and museum.
• The Town Centre: Full of beautiful stone and wooden houses, cafes, and local craft shops.
• Kaali Meteorite Crater Field: A short drive from the city, this is a truly unique natural wonder.

Expat Practicalities:

• Vibe: Insular, peaceful, nature-centric, and historic.
• Getting There: Requires a drive and a 30-minute ferry from the mainland, or a small plane from Tallinn.
• Community: Strong local identity; a great place to integrate if you make an effort.

7. Rakvere: The Quirky Castle Town

Dominated by its mighty castle ruins, Rakvere is a quirky town in northern Estonia that doesn't take itself too seriously. Where else would you find a giant statue of a bull (a Tarvas) and a police museum in the same town?

Why You'll Love It: Rakvere blends history with a modern, slightly offbeat charm. The castle isn't a stuffy museum; it's an interactive theme park where you can try your hand at archery and alchemy. The town has a modern main square, a great theatre, and is the gateway to Lahemaa National Park, Estonia's largest and most beautiful nature reserve.

Don't Miss:

• Rakvere Castle: A fun, hands-on historical experience for all ages.
• The Tarvas Statue: An impressive sculpture celebrating the town's legendary auroch.
• Aqva Spa: One of Estonia's most renowned spa and water parks.

Expat Practicalities:

• Vibe: Historic, quirky, and family-friendly.
• Proximity to Nature: The perfect base for exploring the forests, bogs, and coastline of Lahemaa National Park.
• Connectivity: On the main Tallinn-Narva train line, about an hour from the capital.

8. Otepää: The Winter Wonderland

While Pärnu holds the title of "Summer Capital," Otepää proudly calls itself the "Winter Capital." This small town in the hilly south is the epicenter of Estonia's winter sports scene.

Why You'll Love It: If you love snow, Otepää is your paradise. The landscape of rolling hills ("kuppelmaastik") is perfect for cross-country skiing, and the Tehvandi Sports Center is a world-class facility for biathlon and ski jumping. In summer, the same hills and lakes are perfect for hiking, cycling, and swimming. It’s the ultimate destination for active, outdoorsy expats.

Don't Miss:

• Tehvandi Ski Jump: Climb to the top for a staggering view of the surrounding landscape.
• Lake Pühajärv: Considered one of Estonia's most beautiful lakes, with a great hiking trail.
• Otepää Winter Marathon: A major event on the cross-country skiing calendar.

Expat Practicalities:

• Vibe: Sporty, outdoorsy, seasonal.
• Lifestyle: Life revolves around the seasons and outdoor activities.
• Location: A bit more remote, best accessed by car, though buses run from Tartu.

9. Paide: The Heart of Estonia

Located smack in the geographical center of the country, Paide's nickname is "Eestimaa süda"—the Heart of Estonia. It's a small, historic town that has played a big role in the nation's history.

Why You'll Love It: Paide is for the expat who wants to experience authentic, small-town Estonian life. It's unpretentious and quiet. The central square is dominated by a beautifully restored town hall and the imposing Vallitorn, the main tower of the old castle. It’s also home to the Arvamusfestival (Opinion Festival) each August, Estonia’s version of a democratic brainstorming and debate festival, which fills the town with fascinating people and ideas.

Don't Miss:

• Paide Castle and Vallitorn: Climb the tower for a view over the town and the surrounding plains.
• Wittenstein Time Centre: A fun, interactive museum inside the castle tower.
• Arvamusfestival: If you're here in August, it's an unmissable cultural and intellectual event.

Expat Practicalities:

• Vibe: Quiet, historic, and authentically Estonian.
• Cost of Living: Very low, offering a very affordable lifestyle.
• Connectivity: Its central location means it's relatively easy to get anywhere else in Estonia.

10. Kärdla: The Humble Island Hub

If Saaremaa is the big, popular island, Hiiumaa is its quieter, more reserved little sister. Kärdla is the island's only town, and it feels more like a sprawling garden village than a bustling capital.

Why You'll Love It: Kärdla is about pure, unadulterated nature and silence. Life is simple here. The town is filled with gardens, low-slung houses, and the air smells of pine and the sea. It's the ultimate digital detox location. For an expat truly looking to disconnect and integrate into a small, self-sufficient community, Kärdla and the island of Hiiumaa are a unique choice.

Don't Miss:

• The Lighthouses of Hiiumaa: Explore the famous Kõpu, Tahkuna, and Ristna lighthouses.
• Kärdla's Cafe Culture: The town has a surprising number of lovely little summer cafes.
• The Hiiumaa Nature: Just step outside. The forests, beaches, and bogs are your playground.

Expat Practicalities:

• Vibe: Slow, peaceful, nature-focused, and remote.
• Lifestyle: Requires self-sufficiency and a love for quiet living.
• Getting There: Involves a longer (1.5-hour) ferry ride than Saaremaa, reinforcing its sense of remoteness.

Your Estonian Adventure Awaits

Living in Estonia is about more than just one city. It's about discovering the intellectual buzz of Tartu, the summer joy of Pärnu, the quiet romance of Haapsalu, and the quirky spirit of Rakvere. Each of these places offers a different flavor of Estonian life, a different pace, and a different community to connect with.

So, the next time you have a free weekend, buy that bus or train ticket. Go get lost in a town you can't yet pronounce. The real adventure of expat life in Estonia begins the moment you decide to explore beyond the familiar walls of Tallinn.

Which city are you most excited to check out first? Let us know in the comments below