But as you would do your due diligence before visiting any other foreign country, you’d do
yourself a favor by taking care of the following before your trip:Study Up on the Culture
The three countries are independent states with different cultural heritage and language. In
fact, all three managed to retain their independence in 1991, and they are very much
proud of their heritage.

While each is unique in their own right, Estonia arguably shares the closest resemblance
to Finland. Indeed, it implies a higher standard of living, so factor this in your expected
living costs

Decide on the Best Time to Visit

While a large part of the decision will be based on whatever your schedule allows for, the
consensus is that the optimal time for visiting is between April and September. Unless you
prefer the winter’s cold grip, this is when the weather is at its finest.

During summer, expect the temperatures to linger around 25 degrees. The winters, on the
other hand, tend to be harsh and not for the faint-of-heart.

Check Your Transport Options

Unless you have a local friend, and you’ve agreed to have them drive you around, you will
need to rely on public transport. So check the bus routes in advance and plan accordingly.
Hitch-hiking is not that popular in the Baltics, but the distances between cities are pretty
short (from Vilnius to Riga 4 hours in a bus, for example), so trains and buses should
suffice.

There is always the option of calling a taxi, but compared to trains and buses, it will cost
you a lot more. If you’re no stranger to handling foreign apps, there is always the option of
hailing a cab via one of the local ride-sharing apps. In Estonia, Uber is a big one, but there is also Bolt, its local variant.

Have a Way to Break the Language Barrier

While you might hear Latvians, Lithuanians, and Estonians speaking Russian, do not
make the mistake of confusing them with being one. Although they have a Russian-
influenced history, their culture is unique to their nation.

Either way, it’s almost a given that you’ll find someone speaking English in all three
countries. Even so, if you don’t know a word of their language, a good trick is to install a
translation app that can translate spoken language on the fly.

Check the Local Wi-Fi Coverage and Data Plans

Whether you’re going to be taking some of your work with you or not, having a way to
access the world wide web is a must in this day and age. The best practice is to pick up a
local SIM card with a generous data package to enjoy your favorite online content without
worries.

To save a bit of money, check where you can expect to find local Wi-Fi hotspots. Do bear
in mind that every time you decide to connect to public Wi-Fi, you are exposing your
sensitive private data to interception and theft. Therefore, educate yourself on what is a
VPN and install one on your smart devices before you take off.

Visit a Currency Exchange

While you can always exchange your money at the airport when you arrive, try to take care
of this in your own country to see if they offer you a better exchange rate. Baltic countries
belong to the European Union, and thus they use euros, so it shouldn’t be much of a
problem.

Get Your Visa Sorted out

Unless you’re a European citizen (all of which get to stay for as long as they like), you will
need to get the appropriate visa for your type of trip. Depending on the purpose of your
visit, there are all sorts of permits, and the regulations may change every couple of
months, so it’s imperative to check the current state of affairs and get one that has you
covered.

Do bear in mind that, even as a European citizen, you’re still going to need to register your
stay if its duration exceeds three months.

Book Your Accommodation

There is the old wisdom of always booking your hotels and trips in advance if you want to
secure the best prices, so be sure to keep this in mind. While you’re unlikely to run out of
options upon the day of your arrival, the costs will always reflect it and may, in some
cases, even double.

For hotels, booking a week or two in advance should suffice. Airbnb is available in the
Baltics too, and if you travel alone and want to meet locals, you can always try
Couchsurfing.

Stock Up on Entertainment

Let’s get this out of the way right now to avoid disappointment later: the Baltics are not into
football all that much. Basketball is the sport of choice for Lithuanians (their second
religion, as they say), and Latvians love their ice hockey.

So if you’re big on sports in general, keep in mind the local scene may or may not deliver
what you want. The workaround, of course, is to stock up on other forms of entertainment;
whether it be a Netflix subscription, books, or movies, be sure to take some with you.

Conclusion

From stunning architecture to tongue-twisting local cuisine, the Baltic countries offer
something for all tastes and preferences. So do take the time to visit and enjoy everything
they have to offer – you won’t regret it!

A melting pot of contemporary wonders and ancient culture, Tallinn, Estonia’s beguiling capital is one of Northern Europe’s most fascinating travel destinations. A renowned gem of the Baltic, the capital holds within a UNESCO Heritage Site, Tallinn’s famous Old Town, that has exquisitely preserved its medieval past and rich, colorful history. Plus, a creative city that will take you deep into the heart of Estonia’s artistic prowess.

Needless to say, Tallinn is a destination worth booking. 

Cure the bite of the travel bug, but not with a quick stop when the city deserves a meaningful exploration. As such, you need the right accommodation of pocket-friendly options, without compromising on the much-required secure and comfortable stay. Yes, traveler, we’re talking hostels. To guide you to the best ones in the city, check out our top picks of the best hostels in Tallinn, from the cheapest to the most-reviewed.

RELATED POSTS:

• Best hostels in Vilnius, Lithuania
• Best hostels in Riga, Latvia
• What to do in Vilnius
• Best Schengen travel insurance

WHAT TO LOOK FOR A HOSTEL IN TALLINN

You’re either the sociable backpacker or a solo traveler looking to savor your Tallinn experience in your own terms. Whichever the case, the hostel of your choice should be secure, clean, comfortable, and fitted with essential amenities at reasonable rates.

Look for a hostel that is located close to the city’s main interest points, with options for hassle-free transportation. Let’s give bonus points for complete facilities, activity areas, dedicated hang-out spots, in-house bar, social potentials, and friendly and helpful staff to seal the deal.

Location

If you’re a first time visitor in Tallinn, stay at a hostel in the Old Town or city centre. These are prime locations to get you easily towards the city’s popular landmarks. Budget-oriented hostels dot the area, as well as bars and clubs if you’re looking to experience Tallinn’s nightlife. If you’re traveling with family, the hostels in the Kadriorg area (located east of the city centre) brings you close to the Baltic Sea.

Definitely, a day at the beach is something the whole gang will enjoy. Then there’s the Kalamaja neighborhood if you want to stay in a cool vibe, a hip area highlighted by the colorful street art of the Culture Kilometer.

Old Town in Tallinn, Estonia

Price

If you’re looking to book a dorm room, the rate can go from $10 – $18, with an average Tallinn hostel price at $14. Meanwhile, if you’re more comfortable in a double private room, then you will shell out an average of $34, with a price range of $22 – $58.

Public Transportation Access

Tallinn’s public transport network is efficient and accessible, consisting of buses, trams, and trolleys. The network operates from 6 AM – 11 PM. Popular routes start from 5 AM until midnight. Bus routes are numbered from 1 – 73 and almost all of them go through the centre.

Bus stops with most routes include Viru Keskus, Kaubamaja, Estonia and Freedom Square. Trolley routes will take you from Balti Jaam railway station and the city centre to Tallinn’s western suburbs.

Type of Hostel

To give you an idea of what type hostel best suits your needs and preferences, know that there are 7 to choose from cheap hostels, if you’re on a shoe-string budget; homestay for that home away from home, laid-back setup; boutique hostels with the upscale design and feel; party hostel, you guessed it – where the party happens.

Traditional youth hostels, with big dorms and common areas primarily for big groups (e.g. team-building, school excursions); activity hostel aka backpacker hostel, usually situated close to main activity areas; and the 5-star hostels where local value meets high-end facilities. 

Reviews

Before fully committing to your hostel of choice, it doesn’t hurt to first go through the reviews of the establishment’s previous guests. Make sure that the reviews are recent. Guest feedback will give you as much information as you need such as quality of accommodation, available amenities, extra charges, staff hospitality, and other insider knowledge that should contribute to your booking decision.

HOSTELS IN TALLINN – COMPARISON TABLE

To get a quick grasp of the hostels in Tallinn that are listed on this post, check the comparison table and find out yourself which you think is the best fit for you. These are traveler-favorite properties with great reviews, excellent staff, and a promise of an overall great stay.

CHEAPEST HOSTELS IN TALLINN

If you are on a budget, here are the hostels in Tallinn that you want to check out and book. Keep in mind that maybe they are the cheapest because they are not in the best location or it’s a hostel that needs renovating. If you book one of these hostels, don’t go expecting a 5-star experience. You can always go to other hostels to hang out and meet people.

if you are lucky enough, there are hostels that are super affordable and amazing at the same time.

United Backpackers Hostel

Cost per dorm bed: $9

Saving the bucks for more Tallinn eats, souvenirs, and activities? These well-rated hostels offer the cheapest options yet are also among traveler-favorite properties with great reviews, excellent staff, and a promise of an overall great stay.

From sightseeing to shopping, to nightlife activities, the United Backpackers Hostel makes Tallinn’s must-check-out spots easily accessible, either by wheels or on foot. This three-story hostel is equipped with a self-service laundromat, entertainment area, computer corner, shared self-service kitchen, full-size pool table, and a common area that used to be a bomb shelter!

All rooms are heated and come with personal lockers and lots of electrical sockets. How about this for a cool touch – your bed comes with a reading light!

Best Features:

• great location! Near Old Town, airport, bus station, and supermarkets. 
• common area used to be a bomb shelter
• free coffee and tea from 7-11AM

Cons:

• not enough sofas and chairs in the common area 

Imaginary Hostel

Cost per dorm bed: $10

The Imaginary Hostel gives you real value for your money with a perfect location that’s right in the heart of central Tallinn. The hostel has a small outdoor terrace overlooking the red-tiled roofs of the medieval Old Town, shared lounge that’s great for meeting and socializing with other guests, a shared, well-equipped kitchen to store, prep, and cook your meals, and clean rooms fitted with comfortable beds and desks, and with heating, too.

There are enough toilet and shower facilities so no waiting game during your stay.

Best Features:

• free wifi
• great location, close to Old Town, with a passenger terminal nearby
• friendly staff

Cons:

• comfy but squeaky beds

Knight House

Cost per dorm bed: $11

Undoubtedly, the Knight House’s most attractive selling point is that this 700-year old building is actually a UNESCO listed monument. Get pocket-friendly rate for great historical value and quality accommodation that this hostel bed and breakfast offers.

The Knight House’s rooms are decorated in themes, with large windows and wooden floors. The free pancakes for breakfast are all the rave with guests. There’s a common kitchen, dining area, and a large lounge that leads to the terrace for a relaxing spot to hang out and catch up with other guests.

Best Features:

• a 700-year old building is a UNESCO listed monument
• free wifi
• free breakfast, great pancakes!

Cons:

• limited shower areas
• mixed reviews on bed comfort

PARTY HOSTELS IN TALLINN

If fun is what you seek, party fun is what you’ll get in these top party hostels in Tallinn. Old-world charm meets modern party vibe in these popular stays packed with travelers and locals looking to meet new people and make the most out of their Tallinn vacation.

Monk’s Bunk

Cost per dorm bed: $11

From dusk ‘til beer o’clock, the Monk’s Bunk Party Hostel is all about giving their guests an unforgettable stay. Theme nights range from beer pong tournaments, dress up parties, to their famous Wizard challenge.

You can also join movie nights and pub crawls that will connect you to Estonian locals who are all about painting the town red. In terms of amenities, Monk’s Bunk is fitted with custom-made beds, shared bathroom facilities, heating, shared kitchen, shared and lounge area.

Best features:

• free welcome shot at the bar
• free wifi, free luggage storage
• great location in the city centre

Cons:

• won’t accept guests above 40 years old

Tallinn Backpackers

Cost per dorm bed: $10

Looking for a perfect blend of good time and a good night’s rest? Then Tallinn Backpackers is the hostel to book. Both a great place for solo travelers and a fantastic party hostel, Tallinn Backpackers exudes a lively yet cozy atmosphere that makes for an ideal social place for its guests.

Nightly group programs and parties are organized, ending no later than midnight to give you a restful snooze. The hostel’s facilities are designed for comfort, with modern amenities such as brand new showers, spacious dorm rooms, and a shared kitchen that’s furnished for easy meal preparations.

Best features:

• renovated historic building
• great location in the city centre
• free wifi

Cons:

• no designated smoking areas

MOST REVIEWED HOSTELS IN TALLINN

These most reviewed hostels heap praise from their previous guests, and all for good reasons. Great accommodation makes for a great experience, and to give you an idea which best hostels in Tallinn are enjoying all the awesome ratings, we took the liberty of putting together the top 3 notable stays, calculated based on the buzz they make for excellent overall service.

Note: These hostels earn their spot on our list based on the accumulated number of reviews plus rating from both Booking.com and HostelWorld, B+H = X out of 20.

Fat Margaret’s

Fat Margaret’s excellent location near the picturesque Tallinn Bay and at the gate of the Old town is complemented by its friendly and helpful staff, cozy, heated, and well-equipped rooms, and clean common spaces.

Inside you’ll find an indoor pool that’s open all year round, a sauna, bar, shared lounge area and a shared kitchen. The relaxed atmosphere makes it an ideal place to share a good conversation with fellow travelers from all over the globe.

Cost per dorm bed: $18

Total number of reviews: 6,097

Rating: 17.2 out of 20

Best features:

• great location, close to Old Town, Ferry station, train station, Tallinn Bay
• free access to sauna and pool in the mornings
• free wifi

Cons:

• not the cheapest option

Red Emperor Bar & Hostel

The vibrant Red Emperor Bar & Hostel is well-reviewed for its cleanliness – from rooms, bathrooms, down to its common areas. The rooms are colorful and exude an air of creativity. The shared kitchen is fully equipped to make your self-prepared meals a breeze.

This laid-back hostel in the morning turns into a fun, social place to hang out at night as the bar welcomes patrons and guests looking to top off the day with a cold, cheap beer. There is, too, a common lounge where a giant Jenga and pool table is readily available to give guests more options for fun activities.

Cost per dorm bed: $14

Total number of reviews: 2,678

Rating: 17.5 out of 20

Best features:

• organized parties and sightseeing trips
• great location in the city centre
• free wifi

Cons:

• no free breakfast

Old Town Hostel Alur

Located right around the corner of the Town Hall Square, this relaxed-vibe hostel boasts of spacious, clean toilets, newly-renovated rooms with comfortable beds and free linens. Old Town Hostel Alur gathers guests for social nights with movies, games, and just have a straight-up fun time with the group.

The hostel has a shared kitchen, common room, and a terrace. You can use irons, hair dryers, and luggage storage without charge. And here’s a great addition – the hostel provides a discount at a nearby restaurant, souvenir shop, and popular pub.

Cost per dorm bed: $10

Total number of reviews: 2,901

Rating: 16.8 out of 20

Best features:

• free coffee or tea in the morning
• free luggage storage
• discounts at nearby establishments
• close to Old Town

Cons:

• no parking space

You’ll find many great options for accommodation in Tallinn. With this guide and bit more of research, you will no doubt book an unforgettable stay that can give you comfort, good time, and the best impression of Tallinn’s hospitality to make your visit to Estonia’s economic, historical, and cultural hub all the more worthwhile. I hope we helped you choose the best hostel in Tallinn for your visit.

If you have any questions, let us know in the comment section below.

ARE YOU ON PINTEREST? SAVE THIS FOR LATER READ: