Estonia

Cost of living

What a month costs

Cheaper than Nordic neighbors but pricier than the rest of the Baltics.

The scores

How it rates for a moving family

See and do

Top 10 in Tallinn

1. Toompea HillThe upper old town, home to the castle and parliament.
2. Alexander Nevsky CathedralOnion-domed Orthodox landmark facing the parliament.
3. Town Hall SquareThe medieval heart, ringed by cafes and topped by Old Thomas.
4. St Olaf's ChurchClimb the tower for the classic red-roof panorama.
5. Kadriorg Palace and ParkPeter the Great's baroque palace set in leafy grounds.
6. KUMU Art MuseumEstonia's flagship gallery of Baltic and modern art.
7. Seaplane HarbourHangar full of submarines, seaplanes and ships at the Lennusadam museum.
8. KalamajaHip former fishing quarter of wooden houses and street art.
9. Telliskivi Creative CityOld factory turned into studios, bars and weekend markets.
10. Patarei Sea FortressGrim tsarist barracks and Soviet-era prison on the waterfront.

Where to go

Weekend escapes

1. Lahemaa National ParkBogs, manor houses and Baltic coast about an hour east of the city.
2. TartuEstonia's brainy university town, two and a half hours south by bus.
3. HelsinkiA two-hour ferry hop across the gulf for a Finnish day out.
4. SaaremaaThe big western island, all windmills, juniper and quiet beaches.
5. ParnuThe summer capital, a beach resort with spas and a long sandy shore.

Coffee

Best cafes

1. MaiasmokkEstonia's oldest cafe, marzipan and old-world pastries since 1864.
2. Reval CafeReliable local chain for coffee and generous slices of cake.
3. RostSerious specialty roaster in Telliskivi for coffee nerds.
4. Cafe KomeetSolaris rooftop spot known for its cakes and city views.
5. Renard Coffee RoastersSmall-batch roaster with a cozy Kalamaja bar.

Restaurants

Where to eat

1. Rataskaevu 16Beloved old town bistro, book ahead for the Estonian classics.
2. Olde HansaCandlelit medieval feasting with bear, elk and spiced ale.
3. Leib Resto ja AedSimple soulful Estonian food and famous black bread in a garden.
4. NOASeaside fine dining looking back at the old town skyline.
5. PullModern Nordic tasting menus from the team behind NOA.
6. F-hooneTelliskivi warehouse canteen with a big, cheap, crowd-pleasing menu.
7. FarmCozy old town room serving hearty farm-to-table Estonian plates.

Morning

Best breakfast

1. Kohvik SesoonBright seasonal brunch in the Rotermann quarter.
2. RØSTBakery and cafe with excellent pastries and morning coffee.
3. BoheemKalamaja neighborhood favorite for eggs and lazy weekend mornings.
4. SfaarRotermann all-rounder that does a strong daytime brunch.
5. KlausBuzzy central spot with big breakfast plates and specialty coffee.
6. Kohvik AugustCharming old town room for a slow morning bite.
7. Cafe ViennaCentral European style breakfast near the old town walls.
8. LyonFrench-leaning cafe good for croissants and morning eggs.
9. FrenchieLittle bistro-cafe turning out proper omelettes and pastries.