Beaches

With a 15 minute walk from the city centre one can reach Pärnu’s famous beach that gathers thousands of sunbathers annually from the Baltic states, Finland and Russia. Because of its maritime climate Parnu has warm summers and mild winters. No wonder many Estonians think that summer is not a summer without a trip to this beach.

Spas

Pärnu is well-known for its luxurious spas and especially the Parnu Mud Baths (Ranna puiestee 1) pampers visitors in extraordinary way with its warm mud treatments. The town also features the Tervise Paradiis waterpark (Side 14) with its open-air pool and jacuzzis. A fine chance to find harmony for the soul.

Soomaa national park

Soomaa is a great site for an adventure-seeking wanderer. The area has the largest sand dunes of mainland Estonia, as well as several beautiful hiking and study trails. Visitors can also try canoeing from April until October.

Church of Jekaterina

Among the religious sites of Estonia, the Baroque Church of Jekaterina is the pride of Pärnu. It was completed in 1768 and built by the Russian tsarina Catherine II.

Tallinn gate

This gate with an embankment was known as Carl Gustav Gate until 1710. It is the only 17^th century gate of its kind to have survived in the Baltic States.

For children

Lottemaa theme park about 10 kilometres from Pärnu is the biggest of its kind in the Baltic states. It is themed around the Estonian fairytale character Lotte the dog and entertains with six houses telling the story as well as a beach for swimming.

The Mary Magdalene Guild maintains a handicraft centre at Uus tänav 5. Younger visitors can craft e.g. T-shirts or a key fob in the art workshop.

Shopping

• Port Artur is a shopping mall located in the bus station consisting of two separate buildings. The larger building has several restaurants, a bookstore as well as a food shop.
• Kaubamajakas was already the largest shopping mall of Western Estonia, and it became even bigger in 2014. There is a separate floor for restaurants.
• Lepa Keskus is an older, smaller and cheaper shopping mall than its rivals.
• The recently expanded Pärnu Keskus has a cinema as well as several fashionable boutiques.
• Ehe ja etne käsitöö sells jewelries and décor, for example kitchen items and exquisite wood creations.
• The shopping mall Kolme Karu Kaubamaja, open only in summer, sells Estonian design which you can´t get anywhere else. The selection consists of gifts and home décor made from textile, glass, clay and even concrete.
• The Akela Kotipood offers leather purses, handbags, belts, gloves, leather care products and other accessories.

Top 5 in Pärnu

1. Spas
2. Sunbathing in beach
3. Cycling
4. Lottemaa theme park
5. Trekking in Soomaa