Baltic states trip

Hello everyone.

I was looking at going to the Baltic state capitals in early September. I would start in Vilnius then Riga then Tallinn.

I’m looking at 2-3 days in each (and taking the bus to get to Riga and Tallinn). I know that’s not enough time to experience the whole of the city and I accept that. I really just want to get a nice experience and as much culture as possible but time is a limiting factor. So I also want to see as much as I can (plus costs and taking vacation from work is limiting).

I’d plan on going to some shows like an opera or ballet if available, a few museums, but want to do a lot of walking around the cities, sampling food, and just seeing stuff.

I was thinking of two full days for Vilnius and Riga and four for Tallinn as I heard that is “the” Baltic capital to go to. Longer in Tallinn would also let me do a 12 hour day trip to Helsinki.

I love being active and going place to place. Rushing is okay with me within the city and I’ll be out doing stuff for 12-14 hours easy.

I’m also interested in doing some hiking nearby (at least a 10km hike to make it “worth it” for the travel out of the city). Which areas near which city would be best to do that?

I will also be relying exclusively on public transit or ride side.

Does anyone have recs for mid budget hotels? I’m trying to stay around 50-60 €/night.

The flights I’m looking at go to Vilnius and then the return has a long layover in Copenhagen (7 hours) which could let me do a quick 3 hour trip into the city for a little sight seeing and getting a nice meal and some famous Danish pastries to take home.

While the stays in each country are very short the appeal of doing five countries (even with Denmark being a 3 hour quick lunch from the airport) is appealing. The fast pace to me is fun.

Any pointers or comments on how to improve or refine?