9-Day Estonia Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Tallinn to Tartu and Pärnu

Wake up to day 2 of your road trip in Estonia. On this day, you’ll embark on an exciting expedition discovering the enchanting sights and activities of Tallinn and Kuusalu. With 2 nights to stay in Tallinn, we encourage you to seize the day and discover the unexplored beauty of the city’s surroundings!

At the top of the list of things to do today is to explore Old Town (Vanalinn), a neighborhood that captures the true essence of Tallinn. Take your time to uncover its best sides and enjoy its proximity to many of the area’s best attractions.

Tallinn Zoo is perfect for a self-paced visit during the day. This breathtaking zoo is sure to impress. Next on your list is Toompea Castle, another must-visit landmark and increasingly popular castle renowned for its culturally significant features.

While exploring and sightseeing, take time to savor the culture of Tallinn by sampling some local delicacies. When you’re ready for more sightseeing, head to Kohtuotsa Viewing Platform. This visually striking observation deck is an essential place to visit for anyone looking for the full Tallinn experience. We also recommend visiting Tallinn Town Hall, an increasingly popular city hall.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop — Kuusalu, home to many well-known sights in the region. Upon arrival in Kuusalu, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

Enjoy sightseeing at your own pace and allow yourself time to explore the beautiful surroundings. Take your self-guided tour to Viru Raba Vaatetorn, a worthwhile observation deck that everyone visiting Kuusalu should see.

When you’re done exploring the area’s best attractions, you’ll drive back to your accommodation in Tallinn.

As you are wrapping up for the day, treat yourself to a satisfying dinner at a nice restaurant in Tallinn. Enjoy a relaxing evening as you savor delicious local cuisine.

Treat yourself to a delightful dinner at 7Ürti Resto, highly recommended for tonight's dining. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, why not try Restaurant Rae? It's another excellent option with a diverse menu. Consider reserving a table at Restaurant Munga Kelder as well. Known for its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an ideal pick for tonight in Tallinn.

Keep the evening going at Old Irish, a great choice for enjoying the after-dinner hours with a drink. You could also go to Uba Ja Humal, which offers a similarly pleasant setting and great drinks. Another option is Vana Villem Pub, which provides an inviting environment for unwinding after a busy day out.

As the sun sets, rest up and recharge for the next leg of your road trip in Estonia.

On day 3 of your road trip, you'll get the chance to experience Kadrina, Palmse, and Kuusalu. At the end of the day, you'll drive back to Tallinn, where you still have 1 night left to stay.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Tallinn, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Kadrina. This drive usually takes around 1 hour 3 min.

When you're ready for some sights, head to Viitna Nature Trail, a locally appreciated hiking area in Kadrina. Explore its picturesque features at your own pace before you continue your journey.

It’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Palmse may take around 7 min. Upon your arrival in Palmse, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

Spend your afternoon discovering Palmse Manor-air Museum, an increasingly popular museum known for its history-steeped features.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Kuusalu. This car ride takes around 15 min.

One of our top recommendations for your sightseeing is Lahemaa National Park. Spend some time admiring the eye-catching features of the national park before you continue to your next stop.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll return to Tallinn and your accommodation.

After a long day of exploring, sit down for a delicious dinner at a top-rated restaurant in Tallinn. Enjoy a satisfying meal that will recharge you for tonight's adventures.

Have a fantastic dining experience at Mix, a highly recommended choice for tonight's dinner. If you're looking to mix things up, Restaurant Argentina offers an enticing alternative with its varied menu. Additionally, Mack Bar-B-Que, Rocca al Mare is worth considering. Renowned for satisfying diners, it’s an ideal option for tonight in Tallinn.

Keep the excitement of the evening going by visiting a bar or two. Barbar is an excellent place to start. You could also check out Labor Baar, offering a different kind of charm. A last recommendation for the day is Teras Beach Tallinn Indoor Beach. This bar promises an enjoyable experience with tasty drinks and a vibrant setting.

Say good night to Tallinn and look forward to another great day of your road trip in Estonia!

Dive into day 4 of your remarkable road trip in Estonia. Today you'll explore 1 destination, including Tartu. At the end of the day, you’ll unwind at one of the finest accommodations in Tartu, where you'll spend 3 nights.

Set your GPS to Tartu and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 2 hours 12 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Tartu beckons with new experiences!

Our first attraction recommendation in Tartu is University Of Tartu Botanical Gardens, a beloved botanical garden that draws attention for its mesmerizing features. Spend some time soaking in the atmosphere before continuing to St. John Church, Tartu, a culturally significant church that stands out in the city.

Time flies when you're having fun! But don't forget to stop for a bit to eat and drink between your adventures. When you're rested and recharged, head to Ruins Of Tartu Cathedral, a beloved archeological site that offers a unique experience. Be sure to also explore University Of Tartu Museum, a nearby museum, highly recommended by other travelers. End your self-guided tour at Town Hall Square, a visually striking public square and the perfect final attraction in Tartu.

After soaking up all the sights on today's itinerary, you'll be ready to head to your accommodation in Tartu. Tartu offers plenty of top-rated hotels for every travel budget. Take some time to relax before you go out again.

As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat. If you are looking to dine at a popular restaurant in Tartu, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.

Enjoy a delicious meal at JOYCE, a highly-rated dining destination in Tartu. If you're eager to try something different, consider Pahad Poisid, another top spot with a tantalizing menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Reval Café Riia mnt. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s an excellent choice to enhance your stay in Tartu this evening.

Keep the evening going at Barlova, a great choice for enjoying the after-dinner hours with a drink. You could also go to The Irish Embassy Pub Tartu, which offers a similarly pleasant setting and great drinks. Another option is Underground, which provides an inviting environment for unwinding after a busy day out.

As the sun sets, rest up and recharge for the next leg of your road trip in Estonia.

On day 5 of your road trip in Estonia, you’ll start and end your day in Tartu, but spend the day exploring what’s beyond the city. Since you still have 2 nights to spend in Tartu, there’s no need to rush. Experience Kõrveküla and Tartu to the fullest today with this curated day itinerary.

Kõrveküla is brimming with adventures.

Tagurpidi Maja (peapeal Oü) brings Tartu's character to life. This visually striking museum is a highlight of any visit in the region. Next, head over to Ahhaa Science Centre, one of the region’s most intriguing attractions, known for its picture-perfect features.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Kõrveküla. This drive usually takes around 7 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

Estonian National Museum is a worthwhile museum we recommend visiting today. Discover its standout features before continuing your self-guided tour.

Härma Müürid is an increasingly popular rock formation we recommend visiting today. Discover its gorgeous features before continuing your self-guided tour.

When you’re done exploring the area’s best attractions, you’ll drive back to your accommodation in Tartu.

Tartu is a place where the culinary landscape is as diverse as its attractions. So before the day ends, treat your palate to a taste of local cuisine at one of the best restaurants in Tartu.

Treat yourself to a wonderful meal at Vilde Ja Vine, a top-rated dining spot in Tartu. If you're in the mood for something new, try Ossu Burger, another premier location with a delectable menu. You might also want to book a table at Hansa Tall & Hansa Hoov. Known for its consistently satisfied patrons, it’s a perfect choice to elevate your evening in Tartu.

After your delicious meal, get a taste of the vibrant nightlife with a visit to Möku, known for its inviting atmosphere. Illegaard is another great option if you’re looking for a place to get the night started. Similarly, Pirogov provides a great setting to enjoy the night away.

Get a good night's sleep and look forward to another great day on the road in Estonia!

Greet day 6 of your road trip in Estonia with a smile and start your day with a hearty breakfast. You have 1 night to stay in Tartu, so get ready to make the most of your time in the region. On the agenda for this day, you’ll find only the best things to see and do in Plessi, Obinitsa, Võru, and Kostkova.

Throughout the day, make sure to take breaks to appreciate the surroundings.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Tartu and set your GPS to Plessi. While on the road, immerse yourself in your favorite road trip tunes or sample the sounds from a local radio station. This car ride usually takes around 1 hour 17 min. Upon reaching Plessi, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

Savor the day by heading to Ruins Of Vastseliina Episcopal Castle, an increasingly popular castle that draws visitors from near and far.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Plessi and set your GPS to Obinitsa. While on the road, immerse yourself in your favorite road trip tunes or sample the sounds from a local radio station. This car ride usually takes around 12 min. Upon reaching Obinitsa, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

One of our top recommendations for your sightseeing is Obinitsa Museum. Spend some time admiring the historic features of the museum before you continue to your next stop.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop — Võru, home to many well-known sights in the region. Keep in mind that your travel time from Obinitsa to Võru may take around 5 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Võru, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

Enjoy sightseeing at your own pace and allow yourself time to explore the beautiful surroundings. Take your self-guided tour to Piusa Cave Museum, an often recommended cave that everyone visiting Võru should see.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll return to Tartu and your accommodation.

Indulge in a memorable dining experience at one of Tartu's most popular restaurants, and connect with friendly locals for a true cultural experience.

Enjoy a lovely dining experience at La Dolce Vita, a popular restaurant in Tartu. This acclaimed establishment has earned the admiration of countless food lovers in the city. Alternatively, experience a taste of Tartu at Taverna Pizzeria, another great place to eat. With a menu designed to impress, it promises a journey of flavors that will leave you captivated. A third option to check out is the top-rated Krempel Kohvik. It’s yet another ideal choice to enhance your time in Tartu tonight.

After enjoying a delightful dinner, why not delve into the vibrant local bar scene? You might want to spend the evening at Pühaste Kelder, a well-loved spot among locals and tourists. Or, head to Väike Kuuba Mojito Baar. This bar boasts a welcoming environment that is perfect for winding down. You could also continue your night at Willy&rudy, another top-rated place in the area.

Relax and look forward to more memorable moments to come!

On day 7 of your exciting self-drive vacation in Estonia, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 1 destination, including Pärnu. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your chosen hotel in Pärnu, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Tartu and set your GPS to Pärnu. While on the road, immerse yourself in your favorite road trip tunes or sample the sounds from a local radio station. This car ride usually takes around 2 hours 12 min. Upon reaching Pärnu, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

Set out on a self-guided sightseeing tour at Pärnu Coastal Meadow Hiking Trail and explore the instagrammable features. Next, make your way to Pärnu Beach, another highlight in Pärnu. When you’re done exploring the beach, continue to Beach Park, a mesmerizing park.

At the end of the day, you will drive to Pärnu, where you'll have a room waiting for you at the perfect place to stay. Check in and enjoy some downtime.

After a long day of exploring, sit down for a delicious dinner at a top-rated restaurant in Pärnu. Enjoy a satisfying meal that will recharge you for tonight's adventures.

Treat yourself to a wonderful meal at Jahtklubi Restoran, a top-rated dining spot in Pärnu. If you're in the mood for something new, try Kohvik-Restoran Hea Maa - mõnus söögikoht Pärnus, another premier location with a delectable menu. You might also want to book a table at Restaurant Piparmünt. Known for its consistently satisfied patrons, it’s a perfect choice to elevate your evening in Pärnu.

Continue the enjoyment post-dinner at Aloha Surf, a cherished local gathering spot renowned for its welcoming atmosphere. Similarly, ¿qué Pasa? offers a vibrant space for indulging in well-crafted drinks and engaging conversation. You may also want to check out C.f Hahn Pub. This bar is a favorite among both locals and visitors looking for a delightful evening out filled with laughter and fun.

Raise your glass and celebrate another amazing day of your road trip in Estonia!