What budget for activities and outings Estonia?

In Tallinn - the Tallinn Card. This card is sold at tourist offices, airports, passenger ports, selected hotels and travel agencies. It entitles the holder to free admission to around 50 museums and attractions, the loan of an audio guide or iPod with French commentary (or the free download of an audio guide onto your device), free use of public transport and a number of discounts in the city's restaurants (including the famous Olde Hansa) and stores. These cards are valid for 24h (€43 adults, €25 children), 48h (€63, €32) and 72h (€66, €39). Information: www.visittallinn.ee/eng/visitor/tallinncard

In Vilnius - the Vilnius Pass. From €37 for adults for 24 hours, it gives free access to many museums, free cafés, discounts on activities... For more information: www.govilnius.lt/visit-vilnius/get-vilnius-pass

In Rīga - the Rīga Pass. From €15 with no time limit. Gives access to many museums free of charge or at reduced prices. Hop-on, hop-off bus tour included in the "Light" package (€25). For information: rigapass.lv

Tip: in Lithuania, and particularly in Vilnius, why not rent a bike and then enjoy a free daily tour of the city?

In Vilnius: VELOTAKAS BIKE & TOURS (Stulginskio 5, +370 618 45727, www.velotakas.lt - [email protected])

Open seasonally, see website. A local agency that rents bikes, organizes city bike tours, provides maps and information on cycling in the city.

In Rīga: BICYCLE RENTAL (Pils iela 14, +371 291 33 867, www.bicyclerental.lv - [email protected]) The entrance is on Rīdzenes iela. Open Monday to Saturday from 10am to 7pm, Sundays until 6pm. The largest and oldest bike and Segway rental in Old Rīga since 2009. Guided tours of Rīga. Rentals from €7 for two hours and €13 per day. Rent a bike to explore the city and its surroundings. Advice and route maps are provided free of charge. Guided bike tours lasting 2-3 hours are also available.

In Tallinn: CITY BIKE (33 Vene tn. +372 511 1819, www.citybike.ee - [email protected]) Open daily from 10am to 6pm. Bike hire: €8 for up to 3 hours, sliding scale for 6 hours or more. This young team of cycling enthusiasts will accompany you on a multi-day tour of the city's secrets and beyond.

For amber, we prefer, if we can, the Neringa peninsula in Lithuania, where it is abundantly harvested. If you can, avoid buying it in Estonia.
Credit cards are widely accepted in the capital cities, but don't forget to bring cash for the countryside.

Going out doesn't have to be expensive in the Baltic States. Alcoholic beverages, in particular, are much cheaper than in France. Nevertheless, moderation is the order of the day.

What budget to eat Estonia?

Estonia. Tallinn's restaurants have multiplied at a dizzying pace, and you'll find all the world's cuisines here. However, don't miss the chance to sample real Estonian cuisine in the capital's restaurants. Local produce and authentic culinary know-how will surprise even the most demanding palates. Prices are reasonable, but higher than in the other two Baltic capitals. However, it's the price of wine that makes all the difference, as bottles vary from very expensive to extremely expensive, depending on the restaurant. If you stick to beer, the bill will be much lower.

Latvia and Lithuania. Restaurants are plentiful and you can eat at a lower cost, especially in Latvia. Gourmet restaurants, in particular, are much less expensive than in France, for example.

As with restaurants, tipping is not compulsory, but it's a good idea to leave around 10% of the bill if you're satisfied with the service.
As for drinks, prices are slightly lower than in France, or even similar in Estonia (inflation due to the Russian-Ukrainian conflict has passed).
Outside the major cities, remember to withdraw cash, as credit cards are not accepted everywhere.

What is the budget for accommodation Estonia?

The development of tourism in the Baltic States means that all kinds of accommodation are now available in both town and country. There are hotels to suit all budgets, as well as youth hostels, homestays, campsites and university beds. The downside of this development is that prices, although not totally in line with those in France, have risen in line with the choice and equipment of the Baltic hotel stock. Expect to pay a minimum of €50 per person for a bed in capital cities and tourist areas, and €40 in the countryside. In low season, however, it is often possible to negotiate the price of hotel rooms or camping pitches. As a general rule, winter prices are almost half those of summer. If you're not afraid of the cold (but winter in the Baltic States is magical), you'll be able to make some excellent bargains.

In Latvia. Rīga remains the cheapest of the three capitals. The 2008 crisis hit the country hard, forcing hoteliers to lower their prices and even slash them in off-peak periods. Even if the inflation of 2021-2022 has come and gone, hotels are still very affordable, with 3-star prices hovering around €50 a night.

Estonia. In Tallinn, accommodation is often of the highest quality, with certification criteria that are stricter than the European average. The vast majority of hotels accept all major credit cards. Prices are quoted per room, and include taxes and often breakfast. During the summer months, it is extremely difficult to find rooms for less than €60, as the city center is generally very expensive.

In Lithuania. In Vilnius, a wide range of accommodation is available to suit all budgets, in the old town in the heart of the capital. Despite the crisis, prices have changed very little, and in summer a 3-star room usually costs around €55-75.

Travel budget Estonia and cost of living

Since independence, the changeover to the euro, and inflation partly caused by the Russian-Ukrainian conflict, prices have risen considerably. For tourists, a stay here can be relatively expensive, and even more so for Baltic residents, whose average monthly salary remains low. Some prices (luxury goods, hotels, leisure activities, etc.) are equivalent to those in capitals such as Paris or London. However, basic necessities and food remain less expensive.

Lithuania. This is the least expensive of the three Baltic states, although prices have soared in recent years. It's still possible to eat here at fairly low prices, unless of course you choose prestigious or very recent addresses. Prices vary widely within the country, depending on whether you're in the capital, a tourist area or the countryside. Like any self-respecting capital, Vilnius is the most expensive city in the country. Outside the capital, prices drop by 30 to 40%. As a general rule, accommodation will be the most expensive item, but you can always find good deals if you look hard enough (hostels, camping sites, homestays, apartment rentals, etc.). Food is 20% cheaper than in France. The cost of domestic transport by bus and in some trains is really economical (other long-distance trains like the more modern Klaipėda-Vilnius, on the other hand, are much more expensive). Access to museums, and generally to all cultural events, is inexpensive. The ISIC international student card entitles you to discounts at many museums, cultural venues and hostels.

Latvia. Prices in Latvia are nothing like they were after independence; life has become expensive. For tourists, food is still cheap except in a few upmarket places in the capital, but hotel prices have risen sharply, even if they are still lower than in Vilnius and Tallinn. Bus and train fares, on the other hand, are derisory and should encourage you to discover the country by public transport. In Rīga, leisure and consumer prices tend to be very close to those in Western European capitals.

Estonia. Unquestionably the most expensive of the Baltic states. The cost of living is almost on a par with Western European countries. It's hard to find a hostel for less than €20 a night or a hotel for less than €60 in Tallinn. During the summer months, hotels in the center of Tallinn fill up. It's worth booking in advance. There are generally no nasty surprises in the accommodation on offer: it's clean and the staff speak English. For accommodation for 4 people or more, it's a good idea to rent an apartment. As a general rule, the apartments on offer are well-equipped and close to the center, and prices are reduced from the second day of rental. To save time when you arrive, don't forget the tourist office (Niguliste 2), whose staff will be happy to help you.

Inflation. Inflation is a factor to be taken into account before any stay in the Baltic States. The prices given in this guide are for information only.

As a general rule, accommodation will be the most expensive, but you can always find a good deal if you look hard enough and book in advance (the summer period is particularly popular with Scandinavian and German tourists).

Tight budget: 60 €/day/person.

Medium budget: €90/day/person.

Higher budget: between €90 and €150/day/person.

While cash was long the norm in the Baltic States, Covid has changed many things. Credit cards are now accepted in the vast majority of shops, restaurants, hotels and on buses. You can use Maestro debit cards and Visa, MasterCard and EuroCard credit cards (American Express much less so). But remember to carry some cash with you.

There are cash dispensers in every town. But beware: even if the situation is changing with the introduction of bank terminals, villages generally have no place to change or withdraw money. It's best to plan to withdraw sufficient sums to ensure you don't run out of money when traveling within the country. If you pay by credit card or withdraw cash in a euro zone country, bank charges will be the same as in France.

Tipping. Service is included in the bill. Tipping is therefore by no means compulsory, but it is much appreciated in hotels, restaurants, bars, checkrooms and cabs. The relatively high cost of living and the generally low level of remuneration mean that tips make a significant contribution to staff income.

Haggling. There is little haggling in the Baltic countries, except in markets where you can try to get a good price for several items purchased.

Taxes. All prices are inclusive of tax. There are no products for which it is necessary to add tax.