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BEGINNERS GUIDE TO PICKING A CRUISE LINE

Sunday, 17 November 2024

When we think of cruise holidays, the assumption has always been that they are holidays catered for families or retirees. Although this is a popular cruising demographic, there are now plenty more options and types of cruises to suit every traveller. If you’re interested in taking a cruise in 2025 but not sure which company is right for you, I’ve broken it down for you below.



Royal Caribbean

Royal Caribbean has 29 different ships, making it the largest cruise company on this list. Having sailed on two of their ships at age 15 and 28, I can say that their cruises are family oriented but there are activities to cater for everyone. For the adventurous, they have signature activities such as a Zip Line, FlowRider surf simulator, Ultimate Abyss and RipCord. For adults they have daily quiz shows, adult themed game nights and karaoke. Of course on most cruises you will also find a 18+ casino and nightclub. Their newest cruise ship is Utopia of the Seas, which first sailed this year.

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Dining at RC has your usual all day buffet ‘WindJammer’ available, as well as speciality dining options that you can pay extra for. If you like to drink, then there are several drink packages available, the ‘Soda Package’ , ‘Refreshment Package’ and the ‘Deluxe Beverage Package’. At the moment the deluxe drinks package would cost you $567 for a 6 night cruise, but this changes depending on your itinerary and length of stay.

Royal Caribbean have itineraries all around the world, and they even have an Ultimate World Cruise which sails for 274 nights across 60+ countries.

Should I cruise with Royal Caribbean?

If you’re looking for a trusted cruise company, and are travelling with your family or partner and want a variety of adventurous and fun activities for everyone, choose Royal Caribbean.

Virgin Voyages

Virgin is relatively new to the cruise scene but it has quickly gained popularity for being the ‘cruise for millennials’. They currently have 3 cruise ships; Valiant Lady, Scarlet Lady & Resilient Lady.


There are two things that set a Virgin cruise apart from the others, firstly they are adults-only cruises and secondly, there are no buffets onboard but instead you get access to 20+ restaurants and eateries included in your fee. So if you’re a foodie like me, this is definitely the cruise you want to book! On every ship you’ll find a Korean BBQ restaurant, an italian, mexican and steakhouse.

Unlike most other cruise lines, there is no drinks package available as they try to keep their prices fair onboard. Looking at their menu a standard cocktail or spirit mixer is $11. You can prepay a bar tab and usually there are offers online where they’ll give you extra money towards it. The rooms are also very modern and the balcony rooms also come equipped with your own hammock.

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Itineraries usually focus around the Caribbean and Europe, and last between 4 - 11 night voyages.

The price point for a Virgin Voyages cruise is higher than that of Royal Caribbean or Carnival, but considering that all dining, Wi-Fi and gratuities are included, I think it’s worth it.

Should I cruise with Virgin Voyages?

If you’re travelling with your partner or with a group of friends and enjoy good food and looking for a more ‘sophisticated’ cruising experience, choose Virgin Voyages.

Carnival

Carnival is known for being the ‘party cruise’ to most Americans, and is a frequent choice for spring breakers. It falls just behind Royal Caribbean with 27 cruise ships, but you’ll also find that they are the most budget-friendly on this list.

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They are quite a laid back cruise company and have a heavy focus on entertainment and having fun. Most of their ships will have water slides, comedy shows, dance clubs and themed bars. Their rooms are quite basic and if you’ve previously been on a Virgin Voyages cruise, you’ll probably find the rooms a bit underwhelming.

Even though they have a few European itineraries, their main focus is around the Caribbean, Mexico and the Bahamas.

If you’ve come on Carnival to party, their Cheers! Drinks package ranges from $59.95 - $89.95 per day (before taxes and gratuities) and includes cocktails, beer, wine by the glass and frozen drinks. Remember that Carnival is an American cruise line, so you must be 21+ to drink alcohol onboard.

Should I cruise with Carnival?

If you’re on a budget and want a more ‘party vibe’ cruise and an affordable ‘all you can drink’ package through the Caribbean, choose Carnival.

Norwegian

NCL is known for its ‘’Freestyle Cruising” concept as unlike traditional cruise lines that have set dining times and dress codes, they allow guests to dine whenever they like, without the need for formal dress codes or set seating times.

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Their cruise ships are divided into different ‘classes’ including Breakaway Plus Class, Breakaway Class, Pride of America and Sun-Class and Jewel Class. If you’re looking for a more action-packed cruise with options such as water parks, go-kart tracks and Broadway-style shows, you’ll want to pick one of the Breakaway Plus ships (Norwegian Escape, Norwegian Joy or Norwegian Bliss) The Pride of America offers unique year-round cruises around the Hawaiian islands.

If you’re a solo traveller, Norwegian has Studio Cabins, which are designed for one person but come with a private lounge and social area for solo cruisers to meet others.

There are several main dining rooms and buffet options where you can eat for no extra charge. The buffet (often called The Garden Café) offers a variety of international options, and the main dining rooms offer standard cruise fare with a bit of variety and daily-changing menus. Drink packages on NWL are pricier than that of Carnival, costing between $99 - $139 per day (before taxes and gratuities).

Should I cruise with Norwegian?

If you’re a solo traveller or simply want a laid back cruising experience where you don’t have to stick to dining times or formal attire, choose Norwegian.


I hope this article has helped you make a more informed decision for booking your next cruise!





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THE PERFECT ITINERARY FOR 5 DAYS IN SLOVENIA.

Tuesday, 15 October 2024

Slovenia is such a beautiful place! One of the great things about it is that it isn’t a huge country, meaning that you can cover a lot of ground in a week. Its proximity to Italy, Croatia, Hungary and Austria means that it’s perfect if you want to extend your trip around Europe. You’ll also see these influences in their cuisine too! To travel around Slovenia, you could choose to rent a car or simply base yourself in Ljubljana and explore the nearby places from there. On our trip that is exactly what we did, so here is my itinerary for a perfect 5 days in Slovenia. 



Day 1 in Ljubljana 


Ljubljana is a fairly small city, so one day is perfect to see everything worth seeing. That being said, Ljubljana has so many great restaurants, so if you’re basing yourself here you’ll have plenty of chances to try out the culinary scene! I always check the Michelin Guide to see what’s good in the area. 



Morning 


Start your day by walking up to Ljubljana Castle, which will take you around 20 minutes. Some areas of the castle are free but if you want to visit the viewpoint tower, Puppetry museum or some of the other exhibitions, you will have to pay 12€. 


After exploring the castle, walk back down and one street to your right you’ll find Cafe Cokl. Which is said to have ‘the best coffee in Ljubljana’ as they import fair trade coffee from South America. If you sit outside, keep an eye out on the Puppet Theatre building adjacent as you’ll see some puppets come out of the clock tower with music on the hour. If you’re after some  hot chocolate instead, then head to Cacao!


Afternoon 


In the afternoon, I highly suggest taking a Food Tour of Ljubljana with Ljubljana Yum. You will get to try a variety of Slovenian food and drink and what I really enjoyed about it is that our guide would connect the tastings to different parts of Slovenia. One of our stops was also in a Michelin guide restaurant that was on my list to try, so I was happy this was included! 



The food tour cost 85 euros and I think it was worth the cost, as we had around 10 dishes to try (including dessert!) and 5 alcoholic drinks. We got to try more modern ‘tapas’ style dishes as well as traditional Slovenian cuisine such as the carniolan sausage (kranjska klobasa) and a barley stew (ričet). I was really a fan of the variety of liqueurs they produce in Ljubljana and I even brought back a bottle of the blueberry liqueur and also some honey, as Ljubljana has one of the highest number of beekeepers in Europe. It was also a great way to get our bearings around Ljubljana as we walked around the Old Town. 




Once you’ve finished up with the food tour, walk to the alternative district of Metelkova. This will take you around 20 minutes from the last point of the food tour. This place is worth seeing for the graffiti and the quirky buildings. I read that they usually host cultural events here in the evenings, but when we went in the afternoon there were just a few skaters hanging around but it was still cool to see! 


Evening 


If you’re still after more traditional food, then I recommend Julija or Restaurant Šestica for dinner. One Slovenian dish you need to try is their rolled dumplings. We tried mushroom & ricotta dumplings at Sestica and I also had a bowl of Goulash with homemade Polenta which was delicious. One thing I learnt in Ljubljana is to always book in advance! As some restaurants were fully booked when we tried to walk in for dinner. 


If you like your drinks with a view, then head to Nebotičnik - Skyscraper for a night cap with a great view of the city. Prices for drinks weren’t too bad here as I paid 6.50€ for a Hugo Spritz. Or for something more cosy, head to Kolibri Cocktail Bar and try one of their signature cocktails. 




Day 2 - Lake Bled


Lake Bled is just a one hour drive from Ljubljana. If you haven’t hired a car you can either get there by train or through a tour with GetYourGuide. We did the latter and found it was enough time for what we wanted to see and do. 


Firstly, our driver drove us to Bled Castle. Entry to the castle is 17€ and for me the best part about this was the view we got of the lake and Bled Island. If you're not that interested in the castle, then you can get a great view of the lake from Ojstrica viewpoint (and you won't have to pay). 



After this, you could take a ride on a pletna boat or hire a rowing boat to Bled Island. A ride on a pletna boat is 18€ per person, whereas if you hire a rowing boat it's 25€ per hour and that covers up to 4 people. You’ll only need an hour to do the roundtrip from the Island, as there’s not much to see once you’re there. 


You also can’t leave Bled without trying the Bled cream cake, a delicious layer of custard, cream and pastry. We had ours at the Park Cafe which is home to the original cake. 



If you have more time in Bled, you can go summer tobogganing on a sledding track, we didn't have time for this but it looked pretty fun. Although be prepared to queue for 45 mins when it’s busy. Another activity worth doing if you’re staying in Bled more than a day, is visiting the Vintgar Gorge as it’s absolutely beautiful. 


Day 3 - Soca Valley 


This day will take you through the beauty of the Soca Valley, but your experience might be dependent on the weather! We got quite a rainy day so the turquoise river quickly turned to white and then brown, but I suggest you Google what this place looks like in the summer as it's beautiful.


Soca Valley is located in the North West of Slovenia, and the river flows through the Julian Alps. The River Soča, which has a very picturesque emerald green colour. 


There’s a few guided walking trails you can take here, and you’ll come across viewpoints and waterfalls. It was also great to see the Alpine towns that surround the river, such as Bovec, Kobarid and Tolmin. 



Day 4 - Postojna Cave and Škocjan Caves  


Postojna Cave and Škocjan Caves are two of Slovenia's most famous and impressive cave systems. A lot of people often wonder which of the two caves is better, but I think it’s worth visiting both as they’re only a  25 minute drive from each other. If you’d rather just visit one here is a bit more information on each to help you decide:


Postojna Cave

  • 40 minute drive from Ljubljana

  • The cave stretches over 24 kilometres, and is known for its stunning formations, including stalactites, stalagmites, and other unique features. 

  • The most iconic thing about this cave is the train ride you have to take (in the cave) before starting the walking tour. 

  • You’ll also find a variety of amphibians living here!


Škocjan Caves

  • 1 hour drive from Ljubljana 

  • Škocjan Caves is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site, for its exceptional natural beauty and biodiversity.

  • The caves feature one of the largest underground canyons in the world, with a river flowing through it. In the summer this can also have turquoise waters which look beautiful when contrasted with the darkness of the cave. 


Scokjan Caves

Day 5 - Piran


An hour and a half drive from Ljubljana, you’ll find the coastal town of Piran. Piran was built under Venetian influence, and you’ll be able to see that as you wander through the narrow streets. However when you look at it from above, the birds eye view of the town reminded me of Dubrovnik in Croatia. 


To start your day here, climb up to visit St George’s Church to get panoramic views of the town and the Adriatic Sea. After this you could explore Tartini Square and stop at a local cafe for breakfast, such as Caffe Teater. 


In the afternoon, for 2€ you can walk along the town walls of Piran and you’ll be able to get some great views from above. After this you could take a walk around the Seaside Promenade and visit the Maritime Museum if this is of interest to you. 


For lunch, I suggest finding a seafood restaurant as its proximity to the sea means you’re guaranteed to get the freshed catch of the day! One restaurant I recommend is Fritolin Pri Cantini. 




As you can see there is a lot you can explore in 5 days in Slovenia, this isn’t an exhaustive list so I’m sure if you’re travelling from far and would prefer to extend your stay, there’s a lot more to explore! If you have any questions on where to stay or want more recommendations for Slovenia, feel free to reach out to me on my social accounts!




G

 


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10 BEST PIECES OF LIFE ADVICE FOR YOUR TWENTIES.

Monday, 26 August 2024

A couple of years ago I wrote a blog post titled '10 life lessons I've learnt in my 20s so far' and now that I've turned 30 I thought I'd give an updated take on it seeing as I've now officially, completed my 20s! A lot of people dread turning 30, but I've found myself excited for the next chapter of my life and I also feel like I've achieved a lot this last decade and have really enjoyed myself (despite a few silly decisions and the year we lost to Covid). So here are the 10 best pieces of life advice for your twenties. 



1. Say yes to things. 


In one of my previous posts, I wrote all about learning when to say no but saying yes to things is also good! Firstly, as you get older we all get more busy and inevitably once we start having families we see our friends less. So say yes to birthday parties, after work drinks with your new colleagues or trying out a new restaurant with your friend. Also naturally, if you're someone who also says no to plans, the harsh reality is a lot of people will stop asking you. So try and put in the effort on your side (as long as it's reciprocated).


2. Always have some money to fall back on. 


For many of us, at one point in our lives we have lived or are living at home with our parents whilst also having a full-time job. Which means really there is no reason why you can't save a % of your salary every month. Life is full of unexpected surprises, and having a savings account will save you a lot of stress when those moments come. I recommend looking into what type of savings accounts you can get with your bank, as if you get interest that will motivate you to save even more!


3. Audit your life and friendships now and again. 


When you're young it's very easy to get swept up in things when they are new or exciting. Which is why it's important to take a step back, and evaluate if what you're doing with your life and who you've spending your time with is truly fulfilling. Are you filling your spare time with things other than drinking and scrolling on TikTok? Are you spending time with people who bring out the best in you and support you and want to see you succeed? Are you investing in your future? These are all things you should be asking yourself, and if the answer is no then it's time to make a few changes. 

4. It's ok to change your mind about what you want to do with your life.  


Before I went to university, I considered doing forensic science, psychology, teaching, broadcast and journalism before I eventually decided on a degree in Events Management. Fast forward 8 years later and I'm working as a Project Manager in a gaming company. Is it what I thought I'd be doing when I finished? No, but nevertheless I'm happy with my job and where my career is going. Do I regret what I studied? No, because I enjoyed university and even though my career isn't in events, I throw some great parties. So basically, it's ok to change your path in life or do a complete 180. These are usually the years when you can afford to change your mind! 

5. Stop thinking you're never going to find anyone. 


We've all been there, and many of us have stayed in unfulfilling or toxic relationships because we think 'there's no one else left' or 'I won't meet anyone like them'. It's better to leave something bad in your twenties and spend a few months or years alone, than realise 20 years later when you have a lot more to lose.

6. Look after yourself. 


If you're someone who's not concerned with how you look, then you can skip on to the next point. For many of us, we want to look our best and for this there are 5 things I'd live by. 

1. You've heard it 1000 times, but drink your water. 
2. SPF 50 every day, even when you don't think the sun is shining. Every summer my face is 5 shades lighter than my body but a bit of concealer or tinted cream will fix that! You'll be thankful for it when you're 40. 
3. Invest in good skincare. It doesn't have to be a 5 step process. My aesthetician advised that a good cleanser, a targeted serum and a good SPF moisturizer is all you need for your day to day.  
4. Move! Whether you're into weight-lifting, running or yoga. Try and do something 3 times a week. 
5. Don't obsess over things. We all have insecurities and if you've been hung-up about something for years, it's your choice if you want to get any procedures done which will make you more confident. On the flip side, if you just want to get your lips done because 'all my friends have got it done' then you can probably hold off on that. 

7. Think of how you'd like to be remembered.


We all have our own character traits and flaws, but being a good person costs you nothing. Everyday we are presented with situations and how we react to them defines who we are as a person. If there's a new person joining your company, introduce yourself. Hold the door for people coming in behind you. Don't base your opinions on people based off what other people have said. Smile at the person with you in the lift. The scenarios are endless. 

Also, try and be on time when you've made plans with someone. It's irritating when someone is constantly late to things, because why are you ok with wasting people's time and having them wait for you? 

8. Don't be afraid to put yourself out there. 


I remember when I first started Tea With Gi 10 years ago, I didn't want people from back home to find my blog because I thought 'people are going to judge what I write' and I'm sure some people do! If I would have let that stop me, I would have never got the chance to travel to India with 29 other bloggers, or travelled the East Coast of Australia with Greyhound or eaten in lots of delicious restaurants for 'free'! If you're interested in fitness and want to start a page to inspire others - do it! If you like sharing your recipes online - do it! Don't let the fear of what other people think stop you from opening new doors. 

9. Don't compare your journey to others.


When you get to my age, everyone around you seems to be getting engaged, buying houses or having babies. Which is perfectly normal and to be expected! I've been in a 2 year relationship now and I know my time will come, as I tell my boyfriend 'there's still a few trips to be had!' before we start a family. If you're reaching 30 and you're still single, don't worry. Enjoy your time because eventually you will meet someone and get all that if that's what you want. I know people who met their partner at 35 and 2 years later got married and started a family and seem perfectly content. The same goes for jobs, you may not be happy with your role or salary now but everything could change in a year. 


10. Stop thinking 'you have time'


When I was 22, my younger cousin passed away. I remember being in my last year of university and finding it really hard but what I learnt was to stop putting things off and assuming that I had all the time in the world to do everything I wanted to do. The reality is that life is a gift. As important as it is to save money for the big 'important' things in life, it is also important to go and see the world, make memories with your friends and family and fall in love even though you might get hurt. 


I'll end this post in a similar way to my last one, remember that you're never going to look back on your twenties and think "I wish I would have had less fun" So make good choices, take risks, meet new people and don't stress about the small things! 

G





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A WEEK IN THE BALTIC CAPITALS OF LITHUANIA, LATVIA AND ESTONIA.

Thursday, 25 July 2024

A trip across the Baltics was something that had been on my bucket list for a few years now. The best part about planning a trip to Lithuania, Estonia and Latvia is that you can visit all 3 capitals in a space of a week as they're so close together and relatively small. Here is my itinerary on what to see, what to do and where to eat in the 3 Baltic capitals of Vilnius, Riga and Tallinn.


VILNIUS, LITHUANIA


Vilnius is a city that isn't on many people's radar, but a trip to the Baltic states isn't complete without visiting Lithuania too. Being the smallest of the 3 countries, Vilnius is perfect if you're looking for a weekend in a picturesque city, with few tourists and cheap eats. We literally had less than 24 hours here as Wizz Air moved our flight and we lost a whole day, but in hindsight 1 day would have been enough. 

To make the most of your day in Vilnius, you'll want to wake up nice and early and head to breakfast at one of the many choices, like Kitchen Coffee, Cafe Montmartre or Daily Poison.

After this you can walk around the Old Town, some places of interest and photo spots are:
  • St Anne's Church
  • Bernadine Gardens
  • Church St Casimir
  • Halle Market

We also walked up to the 3 Crosses which gives you the best views of Vilnius. From here you can also see the other view point at Gediminas Castle Tower which doesn't take as much work to get to. We did both so then you can see the view from both sides!


After exploring the old town and hiking up to the 3 Crosses, you'll probably have worked up an appetite. If you want to try some typical Lithuanian food, then book a table at Restaurant Lokys. We really loved the dishes we tried although some of my friends weren't a fan of the 'Cepelinai' stuffed potato dumplings because of the texture. We really enjoyed the cold beetroot soup (Šaltibarščiai) and the duck breast! To wash it down you might want to try a traditional Lithuanian alcoholic drink, Šušvės midus is a fermented drink that's made from honey. 


In the afternoon, you can take a short walk to the Uzupis district. Uzupis is one of the smallest republics in the world, covering less than 1 sq km. It interestingly has its own president, government, constitution and currency. When you enter you'll actually be able to see a list of 'rules' they have, including that 'one has the right to be happy'. You'll also find a few cool cafes and bars here to stop and have a drink at. 

The last thing we did during our day in Vilnius, is visit the Museum of Genocide Victims (KGB Museum). This is a bit further away so I recommend getting an Uber to get here. The museum is dedicated to showing artifacts and records from the 50-year period of Soviet occupation of Lithuania. For us the most interesting part of this museum, is that there is an old KGB prison you can visit on the bottom floor. This was a very eerie experience! Tickets to enter the museum were 6 euros. 


We had to leave Vilnius at 7pm to get our 4 hour coach to Riga, but if you're staying the night then some other restaurants we were recommended for dinner were Ertilo Namas and Etno Dvaras. 

RIGA, LATVIA


When we arrived in Riga, the city definitely seemed a lot livelier and atmospheric than Vilnius. We stayed at Boutique Hotel KRISTOFS which was only a short 10 minute walk from the coach station. Just bare in mind that the Old Town is cobblestoned, so if your suitcase wheels aren't very durable you might want to take a taxi! 

In your first morning in Riga, I suggest taking a free walking tour so that you can get an introduction to the city and also get your bearings for the rest of your time there. We did a Old Riga Free Tour and we learnt some interesting facts, such as how a lot of the religious buildings in the Old Town are now used for techno raves. Remember that even though the tour is 'free', you are expected to tip at the end. 


For lunch, a local recommended we try LIDO. It's a chain 'restaurant' which feels like a canteen like you see in Ikea for example. It's self-service and it's a great way to try a range of Latvian food for a relatively cheap price. I got ricotta and spinach stuffed pancakes and also a chicken schnitzel which had pineapple and melted cheese on top. I didn't think this was a local dish but I was told it was! That was definitely up my street. 


In the afternoon, you might want to stop at some of the main monuments and attractions to take some photos if you didn't get a chance during the free walking tour. Some of the main ones are:
  • House of the Blackheads (pictured below)
  • St Peter's Church
  • Livu Laukums Square - we sat here for a drink in the afternoon and tried the local liquor 'Black Basalm'
  • Powder Tower
  • The Three Brothers


For dinner, we fancied something different so we ate at the popular spot RigaRamen. If you want more traditional food then we were also recommended Domini Canes. We also ate at the food court BURZMA at the top of the shopping centre next to our hotel, and there was everything from Mexican food to sushi. 

One thing I love to do when travelling is finding a rooftop bar (where applicable) or simply having a drink with a view! After dinner we went to the Skyline Bar Riga which had the best views over the Old Town and quite a cool cocktail menu. Just expect that these drinks will start at 12 euros. For a nightcap we stopped at Bar Stock Exchange, where the drink prices vary depending on demand!



On your second day in Riga, these are some more things I suggest doing to fill up your day:
  • Bastion Park, Freedom Monument & Opera House: you can either walk 15-20 minutes out of the Old Town or grab an Uber to this area. In Bastion Park you can also take a cruise around the canal and it's quite picturesque. 
  • Corner House Museum: this used to be an ex-KGB building in the city during the Soviet era. Here you'll be able to read about the shocking acts during the period Latvia belonged to the USSR, including forced migrations to Siberia, torture and espionage. 
  • Art Noveau District: this area is perfect for your Instagram feed as the buildings are so beautiful! There is also a museum you can visit. 
  • Central Market: Riga Central Market has an outdoor area and then 5 different 'warehouses' each dedicated to something different (fish, meat, dairy etc). It's worth seeing and you can sit and eat in some of them, but I'd avoid the fish one if you're sensitive to smells!

Next up, we flew to the capital of Estonia, Tallin. If you don't mind another coach ride then it's the cheapest option (approx 15 euros) and the coach will get you there in 4 hours and a half. 

TALLIN, ESTONIA


Tallinn definitely gives the most 'city vibes' of the 3 countries. We stayed just outside the old town at CityBox. The rooms were modern and check in was done seamlessly through a machine when we arrived. You could probably spend 2-3 days in Tallinn, which includes a day trip to a National Park which I'll speak more about later on in this article. 

As in Riga, the first thing we did was take a free walking tour. Our guide was great and showed us a lot of the points of interest in Tallinn and taught us a lot about the history of Tallinn and its everchanging occupation. Some sights you'll see on the walking tour are:
  • Tallinn Town Hall
  • Alexander Nevsky Cathedral 
  • St Olaf's Church
  • Viru Gate
  • Kohtuotsa viewing platform (photo below)


For lunch we went to Balti Jaama Turg, a food market that's just a short walk outside the Old Town. Here I had some mini pancakes and then I couldn't resist getting a bacon and cheese smash burger too from another stall. 

In the afternoon, we jumped on some Bolt e-skooters and rode to the Kalamaja district where you can see traditional colourful wooden Estonian houses. From here, we went to Fotografiska (the contemporary museum of photography, art and culture) and it's definitely worth a visit! 


In the evening, we sat in the Town Square to have a drink before heading to dinner at Margherita Pizza & Trattoria and both the pizzas and pastas were delicious. Another place we went to for dinner was HARG which we saw was listed on the Michelin Guide. 


For the rest of your time in Tallinn, I recommend the following:

  • A day trip to Lahemaa National Park: Just an hour away from Tallinn, you'll find this National Park which is also home to the Jagala Waterfall. If you take a tour, you'll also get to explore an old fishing village, the seaside and walk along a forest trail. 
  • Visit the Eesti Museum: This is an interactive maritime museum, and you'll even find a pre-WW2 submarine hare and flight sumulators. Cost to enter the museum is 20 euros at the time of this article. 
  • KGB museum: if you didn't get round to visiting in the other two cities or simply fancy learning more about this time in history, then you can visit one of the two KGB sites in Tallinn. 

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If you fancy ticking another country off your bucket list, then I recommend taking the 2 hour ferry ride to Helsinki! A one way trip cost us 30 euros and the ferry felt like we were on a cruise line, as there were a few bars, cafes and a Burger King on board. 

We really enjoyed our time in these 3 cities, and found ourselves comparing the Old Towns to a few Disney movies such as Beauty and The Beast and Pinocchio. You will definitely have your pick of postcard worthy photos here! 


I hope you've found this guide useful! Although this guide is for a spending a week in the Baltic capitals, if you're short on time this trip can easily be done in 5 days. If you have any questions or want any more recommendations, feel free to reach out to me on one of my socials below! 







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