This Tiny Country Is Europe’s Hottest New Gay Destination

Estonia is having a moment. The tiny first former Soviet republic along the Baltic Sea was the first to legalize same-sex partnerships and host Baltic Pride, and it’s become increasingly welcoming to LGBTQ+ travelers. Its capital, Tallinn, combines medieval charm with cutting-edge tech culture, while offering surprisingly affordable luxury compared to Western European capitals.

The Gay Scene: While smaller than scenes in Berlin or Amsterdam, Tallinn's LGBTQ+ community is vibrant and growing. X-baar, the city's main gay club in the Old Town and the oldest gay bar in the country, hosts regular drag shows and themed parties. The annual Tallinn Pride, though smaller than other European Prides, transforms the UNESCO-listed Old Town into a rainbow-filled celebration. The event is in August, but next year’s dates haven’t yet been released.

Things to See & Do:

• Explore Tallinn's Old Town, a perfectly preserved medieval city with winding cobblestone streets

• Visit the hip Telliskivi Creative City, full of street art and indie boutiques

• Take a food tour through the three floor Balti Jaam Market

• Relax at Kalma Saun, a historic public sauna popular with local LGBTQ+ folks

• Day trip to Lahemaa National Park for stunning coastal views

Where to Stay: The stylish Hotel Telegraaf in Old Town offers boutique luxury in a historic building (rooms from €150/night). For a mid-range option, try the LGBTQ-friendly Kreutzwald Hotel, near the trendy Rotermann Quarter (from €85/night).

What to Eat: Estonian cuisine combines Nordic and Eastern European influences, with particular expertise in foraged ingredients and seafood from the Baltic. Must-try dishes include black bread (a dense, dark sourdough that's a national treasure), Baltic herring prepared various ways, wild mushroom dishes in autumn, and 'kiluvõileib' (sprat sandwiches on black bread that are perfect after a night out).

Getting There: Getting to Estonia is surprisingly budget-friendly, with round-trip flights from NYC running $500-600 (usually connecting through Helsinki or Warsaw) and West Coast fares around $650-800. Pro tip: Book through Helsinki and take the 2-hour ferry (€20-45) to Tallinn – it's often cheaper than flying direct and you get two cities for the price of one.

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