General information about Estonia, Latvia & Lithuania

  Estonia Latvia Lithuania
Capital Tallinn Riga Vilnius
Territory km² 45 227 64 573  65 300
Population 1 318 700 1 950 000 2 800 000
Population density: inhabitants per km² 28 30 43
Forest area (%) ~50% ~52% ~34%
Language Estonian.
Inhabitants also speak English, German or Russian.
Latvian.
Inhabitants also speak English, German or Russian.
Lithuanian.
Inhabitants also speak English, German or Russian.
Currency EUR EUR EUR
Country code +372 +371 +370
Local time GMT + 2 hours GMT + 2 hours GMT + 2 hours

Good to know:

•    There are Tourist Information Centres in cities, towns and many rural villages. They offer maps, guidebooks, guide services and advice to tourists. 
•    Major payment cards in use: Cash and card payments are accepted in shops. When visiting the countryside, it is advised to be prepared for using cash as card payments might not be accepted in all places. ATMs are easy to find in cities and towns.
•    People in cities and young people usually speak English as their first foreign language. In the countryside, older generations might not speak any foreign language. Even if so, out of their natural hospitality they will always do their best to understand visitors and take good care. 
•    Prepaid SIM-cards are available from grocery stores and other distributors.
•    There is a good Wi-fi network coverage, however, in some remote rural areas internet might not always be available. 
•    Driving is on the right side of the road.
•    European C-type sockets.
•    Tap water is drinkable.
•    Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania are considered to be a safe destination.
•    National speed limits: Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania - 50 km/h in built-up areas and 90 km/h outside if no other speed limit is signposted. In Lithuania motorways have a speed limit of 110/130 km/h.

The capital cities

Tallinn

Tallinn is a medieval Hanseatic town situated side by side with the 21st century city of modern glass buildings. The Old Town of Tallinn is an outstanding and exceptionally well preserved example of a medieval northern European trading city and a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Tallinn Tourist Information Centre:
Niguliste 2, 10146 Tallinn, Estonia
Phone: + 372 645 7777
www.visittallinn.ee

Riga

Riga is the metropolis of the Baltics, featuring a picturesque medieval old town, a UNESCO World Heritage Art Nouveau architecture, and a modern city that has maintained its’ close connection with the nature. Many parks within the city, river Daugava, woods and lakes of the region makes it a destination of every interest.

Riga Tourist Information Centre:
Rātslaukums 6, Riga, Latvia
Phone: +371 6703 7900
www.liveriga.com

Vilnius

Vilnius has many historic buildings representing the the Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque, and classical style. The historic centre of Vilnius is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Vilnius is the cultural centre of Lithuania with art gallery, theatres and museums. 

Vilnius Tourist Information Centre:
Pilies 2, LT-01124 Vilnius, Lithuania
Phone: +370 5 262 9660
www.govilnius.lt/