Pärnu walking tour & city guide
Estonia's summer capital, with a long sandy beach.
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Pärnu, on the Gulf of Riga, has been a seaside and spa resort since the 19th century, and every summer Estonians head here for its wide sandy beach, its parks and its festivals. Its small old town of wooden and stone houses is pleasant to explore at any time of year.
The beach and the resort
Pärnu Beach is a broad stretch of fine sand with shallow water, backed by a park and a promenade. The grand Pärnu Mud Baths building from 1927, now a hotel, recalls the town's history as a health resort, and villas from the early 20th century line the leafy streets nearby.
The old town
Rüütli Street, the pedestrian main street, runs through the old town past cafés and shops. The Tallinn Gate, a 17th-century gateway with a moat, is the only surviving town gate of its kind in the Baltic states, and the Baroque Saint Elizabeth's and Saint Catherine's churches stand a few streets apart.
Pärnu is about two hours by bus from Tallinn. The season runs from June to August, when the town fills with concerts and beach parties.
Top sights in Pärnu
- 1
Pärnu Beach
A wide sandy beach with a seaside park.
- 2
Rüütli Street
The pedestrian heart of the old town.
- 3
Tallinn Gate
A 17th-century gate with a moat.
- 4
Pärnu Mud Baths
A neoclassical spa building from 1927.
- 5
Saint Catherine's Church
A Baroque Orthodox church.
Food markets & where to eat in Pärnu
Pärnu Market
A covered market with local produce and smoked fish.
Rüütli Street
Cafés and bakeries along the main street.
Beach promenade
Summer cafés and kiosks by the sand.
Food to try in Pärnu
Smoked fish
Smoked flounder and perch from the Baltic coast.
Kohuke
A chocolate-covered sweet curd snack.
Strawberries
Estonian summer strawberries from the market.
Opening hours and prices change often. Please check with each place before you visit.
Plan your trip to Pärnu
Enjoyed the walk? Here is everything you need to see it for real.
- Hotels in PärnuCompare places to stay and prices.
- Tours & ticketsWalking tours, museums and day trips in Pärnu.
- eSIM for EstoniaStay online from the moment you land.
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