MileHacker Logo
What to Pack & Bring

What to Pack & Bring

Estonia

Warm Weather Attire

Summer (June-August): Pack lightweight and breathable clothing like cotton or linen. Days get warm, but evenings cool down.

Summer Essentials

  • Bring a Light jacket, cardigan, or sweater for cooler evenings.
  • A light rain jacket or Umbrella is useful for occasional showers.
  • Comfortable walking shoes are main due to the Old Town's cobblestone streets.

Cool & Cold Weather Attire

Spring (April-May) and Autumn (September-October): Layers are important. Pack medium-weight sweaters, Long-sleeved shirts, and a Waterproof and windproof jacket.

Winter & Transitional Essentials

  • A Scarf and light Gloves are useful for cooler days, specifically in early spring and late autumn.
  • Winter (November-March): Pack the warmest clothing possible. Thermal base layers, fleece mid-layers, and a heavy, waterproof, and windproof Winter coat are necessary.
  • A hat, warm gloves, and a scarf are useful. Woolen Socks provide warmth.

Footwear & Dress Code

All-Season Footwear

Comfortable, Supportive walking shoes are necessary for navigating the cobblestone streets. Choose shoes with good arch support.

Essential for comfort

Winter Footwear

Waterproof, insulated boots with good grip are necessary. These prevent slips on ice and snow and keep your feet warm and dry.

Grip for ice and snow

Cultural Dress

No specific dress code applies for tourists in Tallinn Old Town. Casual wear is generally accepted. Modest dress (covering shoulders and knees) shows respect when visiting churches.

Respectful attire

Essential Documents

Documents for Travel

Keep your travel documents organized and secure.

  • Passport and visa documentation: Carry your original passport and any necessary visas. Store digital copies on a cloud service and keep a physical copy separate from the originals. This protects you if originals are lost or stolen.
  • Travel insurance policy information: Have your policy number and the emergency contact details for your insurer readily available. Keep both digital and physical copies.
  • International driving permit (IDP): Not generally needed for exploring the Old Town. If you plan to rent a car for excursions outside Tallinn, an IDP along with your national driving license is necessary for non-EU citizens.
  • Vaccination records and health documentation: While not necessary for entry, having a record of routine vaccinations is a prudent measure. If you have chronic conditions or allergies, a doctor's note detailing your medications and conditions is advisable.
  • Printed and digital copies of reservations: Keep copies of your accommodation, flight, and tour bookings. Digital copies on your phone and email, plus a few printed copies, give redundancy.
  • Emergency contact information: Compile a list of family or friends, your embassy's details, and local emergency numbers (112 for Estonia). Keep this list accessible, perhaps in your wallet and on your phone.
  • Student/senior/press IDs for discounts: An International Student Identity Card (ISIC) offers student discounts. National senior or press cards may give reduced entry fees at some attractions. Check if these are accepted before relying on them.
  • General Advice: This assists with customs checks and refills if needed.

Technology & Electronics

Power & Connectivity

Modern travel benefits from technology. Pack these items to stay connected and powered.

Essentials

  • Estonia uses Type F (Schuko) and Type C plugs. The standard voltage is 230V, and the frequency is 50Hz. A Power adapter and Universal travel adapter is highly recommended for travelers from non-European countries.
  • Mobile phone compatibility and SIM card options: Estonia uses the GSM network. Your phone should be unlocked to use a local SIM card. Estonian mobile operators offer Prepaid SIM cards.
  • Portable chargers and power banks: These are useful for keeping devices charged while exploring, especially with heavy map or camera usage. A Portable power bank with at least 10,000mAh capacity provides multiple charges for a phone.

Photography & Apps

Tallinn Old Town is highly photogenic. A versatile camera with a good Wide-angle lens is useful for capturing architecture and narrow streets.

Recommendations

  • A Telephoto lens can capture details from viewing platforms. Consider a Lightweight tripod for night photography.
  • Recommended apps: Navigation (Google Maps, Apple Maps), Public Transport (Pilet.ee), Translation (Google Translate offline Estonian language pack), Communication (WhatsApp).
  • Backup solutions for important data: Use cloud storage services like Google Drive or Dropbox for backing up photos and copies of important documents. This protects your memories and information if a device is lost or damaged.

Data Security & Backup

Cloud Storage

Use cloud services like Google Drive or Dropbox to back up photos and important documents.

Digital Copies

Keep digital copies of all travel documents (passport, visa, insurance) on your phone and in cloud storage.

Device Security

Lock your devices with strong passwords or biometrics. A VPN Service like ExpressVPN is useful on public Wi-Fi.

Health & Wellness Items

Personal Medications

Pack a basic kit for minor health issues. This assists in managing common ailments on the go.

Essential Meds

  • Destination-specific First aid kit: Include standard items like pain relievers (ibuprofen, paracetamol), adhesive bandages, antiseptic wipes, blister treatment, and any personal prescription medications.
  • Prescription medications (with documentation): Carry all prescription medications in their original packaging. Bring a copy of the prescription or a doctor's note, especially if they are controlled substances.
  • Over-the-counter medications: Pack small quantities of medications for common issues like headaches, colds, upset stomach, or allergies.

Outdoor Protection

Prepare for different outdoor conditions during your visit.

Seasonal Protection

  • Insect repellent: Not typically needed within the Old Town, but advisable if you venture into parks or forested areas due to ticks and mosquitoes. LifeStraw has related products.
  • Sun protection: Sunscreen, Sunglasses, and a hat are important, specifically during summer due to long daylight hours and reflective cobblestones.
  • Water purification options: Not necessary. Tallinn's tap water is safe to drink.

Specific Health Concerns

Tick-borne Diseases

  • Ticks carry Lyme disease and tick-borne encephalitis, especially in forested areas outside the Old Town.
  • Wear long sleeves and pants in parks or nature reserves.
  • Check for ticks on your body and clothing after outdoor activities; remove promptly.

Cold & Slipping

  • Icy conditions in winter create hazardous walking surfaces on cobblestone streets.
  • Wear appropriate footwear with good grip to prevent slips and falls.
  • Cold/Flu are common in winter. Pack layers and stay hydrated.

Activity-Specific Equipment

Walking & Hiking

Tallinn Old Town has pedestrian-friendly areas. For excursions outside the city, specific gear assists.

  • Sturdy, comfortable walking shoes are necessary for the cobblestone streets and any trails outside the city.
  • Comfortable layers for changing weather.
  • A small backpack for daily essentials.
  • Extra water and snacks for longer excursions.

Photography

Capture the beauty of Tallinn Old Town with the right equipment.

  • Extra camera batteries and memory cards.
  • Versatile camera with a wide-angle lens for architecture.
  • Telephoto lens for distant details from viewpoints.
  • Lightweight tripod for night photography.

Winter Sports

If planning winter sports outside Tallinn, consider rental options.

  • Skiing equipment for local resorts.
  • Snowboarding gear for trails.
  • Fat bikes for specialized winter riding tours on snow.
  • Rental locally is a choice over bringing your own.

Equipment Decisions

Advantages of Renting

  • Avoids baggage fees and hassle of transporting bulky gear.
  • Access to current model equipment tailored for local conditions.
  • Lessens overall travel weight.
  • Cost-effective for short-term use.

Considerations for Buying

  • Higher initial cost.
  • Transport can be cumbersome.
  • Only justifiable for frequent use.
  • May not suit varied conditions.

Miscellaneous Must-Haves

Comfort & Security

These items improve comfort and security during your travels.

Travel Comfort

Sustainable Travel Items

Contribute to sustainable tourism with these items.

Eco-Friendly Choices

Smart Packing Additions

Reusable Water Bottle

Tap water is safe; carry one for refills.

Reusable Shopping Bag

Convenient for markets and souvenirs.

Small Padlock

Useful for hostel lockers and bag security.

Universal Adapter

Necessary for charging electronics.

Regional Necessities

Essential Gear

  • Comfortable walking shoes are the most important item for Tallinn Old Town's cobblestones.
  • A small backpack for daily excursions to carry water, snacks, and layers.
  • Extra camera batteries and memory cards to capture sights.

Seasonal Considerations

  • A light rain jacket or umbrella for summer showers.
  • Waterproof, insulated boots with good grip for winter.
  • Warm hat, gloves, and scarf for cold months.

Packing Pro Tips

Pack light to ease movement on cobblestone streets. Consider a packing cube system to organize your luggage.

Always check the weather forecast closer to your travel date for last-minute adjustments to your packing list.

← Previous
Best Times to Visit
← Back to Tallinn Old Town
Next →
Getting There & Away

Next Up: Getting There & Away

Continue to Getting There & Away