Haapsalu City Guide

Local dishes include black bread, smoked fish, and traditional soups. Some European cuisine is available. Vegetarian options exist but vegan places are rare. Late-night food options are limited outside summer.

Nightlife is quiet, mostly small pubs and relaxed bars. No clubs or late-night venues.

Good local cafes with decent coffee. Not much specialty or third-wave coffee scene.

Tipping is appreciated but not required. Rounding up the bill or 5-10% in restaurants is common.

SIM cards can be bought at kiosks, supermarkets, or mobile provider stores. Main providers are Telia, Elisa, and Tele2. eSIMs are also available. ID or passport registration is required.

The town is clean with regular waste pickup and recycling.

Limited 24/7 services. Few late-night pharmacies and minimarts. Emergencies handled at hospital.

Supermarkets like Maxima, Coop, and Rimi have a decent range of products. Local fresh markets run on certain days. Most stores open from around 8-9 AM to 9-10 PM, including Sundays but sometimes with shorter hours.

Card payments are widely accepted. Cash is rarely needed for daily use.

ATMs are available but may charge fees for international cards. Check with your bank before traveling.

Schools teach mainly in Estonian. International schools are in Tallinn. Admission depends on residency.

Very small remote work community. Limited meetups or co-living options.

Abundant parks, promenade, and shaded walking areas suitable for outdoor activities.

Safe and scenic running routes along the promenade and parks. Good air quality and local running groups exist.

A sports center and some hotel gyms serve fitness needs.

Tennis courts at Haapsalu Sports Centre with possible equipment rental and local coaching.

Padel courts are not common here.

Some yoga classes at local fitness facilities. Drop-in options may be limited and English-speaking instructors rare.

Limited martial arts offerings at local sports clubs with mainly general fitness classes.

No ski resorts. Closest small hills are hours away, mainly for beginners when snow is present.

Good for kayaking, paddleboarding, sailing, and windsurfing especially in summer. Rentals and guided tours available.

Limited traditional surfing. Shallow bay is better for beginners in windsurfing or kitesurfing during summer.

Limited diving with low visibility and few dive centers locally. Some wreck diving possible elsewhere in Estonia.

Haapsalu has a hospital with limited English-speaking staff. For specialized care, travel to Tallinn may be needed. Pharmacies are widely available with standard hours.

Tap water is safe to drink in Haapsalu.

Playgrounds, kid-friendly cafés, and family attractions like Haapsalu Castle and Railway Museum.

General acceptance growing but smaller town means fewer dedicated venues. Legal protections exist.

Pet-friendly with veterinary services and green spaces. Some accommodations and restaurants accept pets.