Things To Do
in Narva

Narva is a picturesque city located at the easternmost part of Estonia, bordered by the Narva River and the Russian Federation. The city is known for its rich history, characterized by its medieval architecture, including the impressive Narva Castle and the nearby Hermann Castle. Narva has a diverse cultural landscape, influenced by both Estonian and Russian traditions, which is reflected in its cuisine, festivals, and everyday life.

Visitors can enjoy exploring the city's historical sites as well as its natural beauty along the riverbanks.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Day 1: Exploring Historic Narva
morning
:

Begin your day with a visit to Narva Castle, where you can explore the museum and enjoy panoramic views of the river and the Russian fortress across the way.

afternoon
:

Stroll along the Narva River promenade, visiting the beautiful Kreenholm Manufacturing Company, and then head to the Narva Art Gallery to appreciate local art.

evening
:

Dine at a local restaurant like Café Vana Tallinn, where you can savor Estonian dishes, and finish your day with a walk around the illuminated castle grounds.

day 2
Day 2: Nature and Culture
morning
:

Start with a hike in the nearby Narva-Jõesuu town, where you can enjoy the sandy beaches and coastal pine forests.

afternoon
:

Visit the historic town center of Narva, including the Town Hall and the beautiful Alexander's Cathedral, followed by lunch at a local café.

evening
:

Experience Narva's nightlife by visiting a local pub for live music and Estonian craft beers, such as at the popular Pärnu Beer House.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍽️Meal at a Mid-range Restaurant$15
Coffee$3
🍺Local Beer$5
🚌Bus Ticket$1.50
🏨Hotel Room (per night)$60

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Rich cultural history and architecture.
  • Beautiful natural surroundings and outdoor activities.
  • Affordable cost of living and dining.
  • Limited nightlife options compared to larger cities.
  • Possible language barrier as not everyone speaks English.
  • Cold winters may deter some travelers.
  • "Tere" - Hello
  • "Aitäh" - Thank you
  • "Palun" - Please
  • "Kus on tualett?" - Where is the bathroom?
  • "Ma ei saa aru" - I don't understand

Places to Visit in Narva

Visit one of these nice places.

Narva Castle

An iconic symbol of Narva, this medieval fortress provides stunning views of the river and is a perfect backdrop for photos.

Ivangorod Fortress

Located just across the river in Russia, this historic fortress offers a contrasting view and makes for a dramatic photo opportunity.

Narva River Promenade

A scenic walkway along the river, ideal for capturing sunset photos with the castle and the surrounding landscape.

Culinary Guide

Food in Narva

Narva offers a delightful blend of Estonian and Russian culinary traditions, making it a unique destination for food lovers.

Narva Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Kohuke

A sweet curd snack that comes in various flavors, perfect as a quick treat after exploring.

Must-Try!

Sült

A traditional meat jelly dish, often served cold with mustard, reflecting the Estonian love for hearty foods.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Narva Market Hall

A vibrant market where locals sell fresh produce, meats, and homemade goods, perfect for experiencing local flavors.

Climate Guide

Weather

Narva experiences a temperate continental climate with four distinct seasons. Winters (December to February) are cold, with temperatures often dropping below freezing and occasional snowfall. Summers (June to August) are warm, with average temperatures ranging from 20-25°C (68-77°F). Spring and autumn bring mild temperatures and transitional weather, making these seasons ideal for outdoor activities.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Punctuality

Being on time is highly valued in Estonia, so it’s polite to arrive at meetings or events as scheduled.

Respecting Personal Space

Estonians value personal space, so maintaining a respectful distance during conversations is appreciated.

Quiet Public Spaces

Keeping noise levels down in public spaces, especially on public transport, is a common cultural norm.

Safety Guide

Safety

Narva is generally a safe city for travelers, with low crime rates. However, it's always advisable to remain vigilant and practice common safety precautions, such as keeping valuables secure and avoiding poorly lit areas at night. Emergency services can be reached by dialing 112.

Tipping in Narva

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Customs

It is customary to leave a tip of around 10% in restaurants if service is not included in the bill.

Payment Methods

Credit cards are widely accepted in Narva, but having some cash (Euros) on hand for smaller vendors and markets is advisable.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Spring

Temperatures begin to rise, making it a great time for outdoor exploration as flowers bloom and parks come alive.

Summer

Warm weather brings tourists to the beaches and outdoor events, with long daylight hours perfect for sightseeing.

Autumn

The landscapes transform with vibrant autumn colors, and it's a quieter time to enjoy the city’s cultural offerings.

Winter

Cold temperatures often lead to snow, creating a picturesque winter wonderland, ideal for winter sports and holiday festivities.

Nightlife Guide

Narva at Night

Narva's nightlife is vibrant yet laid-back, featuring a mix of pubs, bars, and clubs. Popular spots include Pärnu Beer House for craft beers and live music, and various local bars where you can enjoy karaoke or dance to DJ sets. The nightlife scene tends to be more active on weekends, with many venues hosting events and gatherings, making it a great way to socialize and experience local culture.

Hiking in Narva

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Narva-Jõesuu Beach Trail

A beautiful coastal trail that runs along the sandy beaches of Narva-Jõesuu, suitable for hiking and enjoying the sea views.

Kuremäe Hiking Trail

A scenic trail that offers views of the lush Estonian countryside, perfect for a day hike amidst nature.

Airports

How to reach Narva by plane.

Tallinn Airport (TLL)

Located about 200 kilometers from Narva, it is the largest airport in Estonia, offering international flights and connections to various cities across Europe.

Getting Around

Walkability

Narva is quite walkable, especially in the city center where most attractions are located within a short distance of each other. The pedestrian-friendly streets and paths along the Narva River provide scenic routes for walking and cycling. However, some areas outside the center may require transportation to access, especially for outdoor attractions or nearby towns.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Estonian Ethnic Group

The predominant ethnic group in Narva, they contribute to the local cultural landscape and traditions.

Russian-speaking Community

A significant portion of Narva’s population speaks Russian, reflecting the city's historical ties with Russia and influencing its cultural dynamics.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Basketball

Basketball is very popular in Narva, with local clubs and teams participating in various leagues and competitions.

Ice Hockey

Ice hockey has a strong following, and local teams often play in winter leagues, drawing significant crowds during the season.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic in Narva is generally light, with most residents using cars for commuting. Public transportation includes buses that connect various parts of the city, and they are reliable and affordable. Biking is also a popular mode of transport, particularly during the warmer months.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Narva.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian Options

Many restaurants in Narva offer vegetarian dishes, but it's best to check menus beforehand.

Gluten-Free Choices

Some cafés provide gluten-free options, but availability may vary, so inquire with staff.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Healthcare in Narva is accessible, with several clinics and a hospital available for residents and visitors. Emergency services are efficient, and basic healthcare needs can be met at local facilities. However, it’s advisable for travelers to have health insurance that covers medical expenses during their stay.

Discover Estonia

Read more in our Estonia 2025 Travel Guide.

Estonia Travel Guide