Baltic Weekend

[jennynwilko]

A few friends and I are all taking a 4night break to riga (as its cheaper and far more fun than all meeting up from our various parts of the UK)

We were planning to spend two nights in Riga, a further night in either Tallinn or Vilnius and then head back to Riga for the final night!

Can anyone suggest which destination out of Tallinn or Vilnius is more worthy of a visit?
I gathered the easiest and cheapest way to get ot these cities is eurolines which is around €34 return. DOes anyone know how to get a student price? Is it best to prebook now or buy tickets the day before?

Any other info abour Riga also welcome?
Anyone recommend a hostel?

Thanks so much!!!

Jenny

[tumblezweedz]

We lived in Vilnius for two years, so I'm partial to it, though it's a bit of a long ride for just one day. It's much bigger than old town Tallinn or Riga, and requires more time to explore. Tallinn is much closer, more compact and is also really interesting. Very different from either Riga or Vilnius. I think it would be a better choice for such a short visit.

Look up travel guides for Riga and Tallinn on-line at www.inyourpocket.com, but buy a copy when you arrive in Riga, the hard copies are much more extensive and contain all the info you could possibly require for a short stay. The restaurant reviews are generally accurate, particularly the scathing ones. You should be able to get one for Tallinn at bookstores or info centres in Riga.

The bus is probably the easiest way to go, check out the Eurolines website for schedules, but you should be able to buy the ticket when you arrive in Riga - do get a ticket in advance though, the buses can get pretty crowded.

The Baltics are a great place to hang out, have a great time.

[mbo108]

I'm getting to Tallinn near the end of June but I don't have any experience with those cities now. I've heard nothing but good things about them all though. I would love to hear a review of Riga when you return.

[tumblezweedz]

One recommendation of what to see in Riga is the Occupation Museum. Gives quite some insight into what life was like in Soviet times. Sobering.

[joe7f]

I think the Riga trip is going to happen (just a bit later) so thanks for the tip

And Matt, I think I am going to be in Talinn around June 23rd or thereabouts to travel to St Petersburg and Moscow

All of the above is contingent on visas coming through

--Joey

[mbo108]

We have June 26-27 targeted Joey...I dont think we could move it up any unfortunately

[worldwidemike]

I've been to both Vilnius and Tallinn, though my time in Tallinn was one day from a Baltic cruise. Both are nice cities, with cool town squares, lots of interesting old buildings, castles -- you name it. Vilnius has the advantage of tons of really cool churches, if you're into architecture (plus, Tpunker tumblezweedz lived there and can give you detailed advice). Tallinn has the advantage of it being an old, walled town with these really cool towers spaced along the length of it.

Check out my travelogs from each on my website below and see if any catches your interest more than the other. Feel free to ask any questions about my trip, as well...

worldwidemike

[mbo108]

Thanks, appreciate it Mike