Tourist information frequently asked questions

In the city centre, we recommend getting around on foot and by public transport. Most places are within a comfortable walking distance.

We recommend using Google Maps to plan your route. It helps you see whether the distance is comfortable to walk or choose a suitable transport option, such as a bus or taxi.

Public transport makes it easy to get around the city. The latest buses run until around midnight, while the earliest services start between 4 and 5 a.m. You can find the bus schedule on peatus.ee. There is also a free Kaubamajakas summer bus that follows a similar route and ends at the Kaubamajakas shopping centre.

The city offers a network of cycling and pedestrian paths, perfect for getting around by bike or scooter. There are a few larger bicycle rental companies operating in Pärnu. Many accommodation providers in rural areas also rent a limited number of bicycles. On Kihnu Island, a bicycle is an excellent way to get around, and rental companies operate right next to the harbour. 

Bolt is a popular choice for electric scooter users as well as for those looking to rent a car. Be mindful when moving around, as the city has many more pedestrians during the summer season.

Pärnu has several cycling routes. Longer cycling and pedestrian paths in the city centre run between the two main bridges along the Jaanson trail and the seafront.

There are some great cycling routes for trips outside the city:

• A marked Eurovelo 10 route runs towards Valgeranna and is approximately 15 km long. Valgeranna has a small white-sand beach, White Beach Golf Club with a restaurant, Valgeranna Adventure Park, a cafe, and walking trails through the forest.
• South of Pärnu, the Eurovelo 10 route to Uulu also passes through forest roads, goes by the Pärnu Bay Golf Links golf club and Eagle Restaurant, Lottemaa, Reiu beach and reaches Uulu Park. The historic rose garden park in Uulu is a lovely picnic spot, and nearby you can also find the Toidunaut summer seafood cafe.
• The cycling route towards Tori runs along a quieter road and is 25 km long, leading to the charming Tori municipality. In the centre of the municipality, you can find Tori Hell, Estonian Soldiers Memorial Church, the historic Tori Horse Breeding Farm and museum. In addition, Soomaa National Park with hiking trails and camping areas is located only 12 km from Tori. A great option for a two-day bike trip.

Paid parking is available in central Pärnu, while parking in other parts of the county is generally free of charge. Larger shopping centres also offer free parking or up to 2–3 hours of free parking.

In Pärnu city centre, there is a guarded parking garage (Lai 7), which we recommend using if you plan to leave your car for a longer period. 

Parking in Pärnu is divided into two zones: city centre and beach.

You can pay for parking by:

• M-parking (only with Estonian service provider numbers)
• a receipt from a parking meter
• buying an electronic receipt
• using the Pargi.ee or Flowbird app.
• Paper parking receipts are available at the R-Kiosk in the bus station (Pikk 13), Pärnu City Government office (Suur-Sepa 16), and Pärnu Beach Stadium (Ranna pst 2). Some accommodation providers also sell paper parking receipts for their guests (ask your accommodation provider for more information).

The Pärnu parking web app is available here. The web map helps you find the correct parking zone and shows the locations of parking meters and other parking-related information.

The Visit Pärnu website provides detailed information about parking conditions, zones, and payment options.

There is a plastic card system in place for public transport in Pärnu County. The same system is in use, for example, in Tallinn and Tartu. If you already have a similar card, you can use it in Pärnu as well. You can buy it at any ticket sales point (R-kiosks, post offices, Selvers – see more HERE). When boarding the bus, you must validate your card.

Buy a bus ticket for travelling around Pärnu

Taxi services in Pärnu include, for example:

• Pärnu Takso – 1222 / +372 553 9222
• Bristol Takso – 1700 / +372 5396 3020
• Elektritakso – 1918 / +372 5885 8800
• Forus Takso – 1200 / +372 634 3434

Using taxi services through the Bolt app is common in Pärnu.

Taxi fares are set by the taxi operator and are not fixed. Always confirm the fare with the taxi driver before starting the journey. Taxi fares are also shown on the rear door window, including the starting fee, price per kilometre, and waiting fee per hour.

In case of a medical emergency, please go to the emergency department of Pärnu Hospital. (Ristiku 1, phone +372 447 3393). In case of an emergency, call the emergency services at 112.

Postage stamps are sold at the Pärnu Post Office (Lai 11), R-Kiosks throughout the city, and at supermarket information desks.

Pärnu Old Market (both indoor and outdoor stalls) is located at Suur-Sepa 18.

The biggest and/or most popular second-hand shops in Pärnu are: 

• Humana (Port Artur I Centre) 
• Uuskasutuskeskus (Lai 11, Pärnu (Port Artur 2)
• Jenny Kruse Charity Shop (Akadeemia 7)
• Pärnu Shalom shops (furniture and furnishings at Riia mnt 22, clothes and shoes at Riia mnt 29)
• Sõbralt Sõbrale (Papiniidu 19)

… and you will find many other small shops around the city, with several located on Rüütli Street and nearby streets.

Larger shopping centres are generally open every day from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., while supermarkets are usually open until 10:00 p.m. Opening hours may be shorter before and during public holidays.

Smaller shops are generally open on weekdays from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and on Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. but are closed on Sundays and public holidays.

Several souvenir shops are located in the heart of the city on Rüütli Street  and in its immediate vicinity. You will also find Estonian design and handicrafts on Rüütli Street. We recommend stopping by the Mary Magdalene Guild and New Art Museum to discover unique locally made souvenirs and gift.

The Estonian Museum Card can be bought at the Museum of New Art.