tallinn tourist office

Tallinn Tourist Information Centre

Welcome to the Tallinn Tourist Information Centre! The Tourist Information Centre provides information about Tallinn's museums and attractions, tours, events, as well as restaurants and shopping possibilities. The helpful staff at the Tourist Information Centre can provide up-to-date tourist information about Tallinn, both on-site and via telephone, email and web chat. It is possible to buy the  Tallinn Card  and a  Tallinn public transport ticket  and city maps at the Tourist Information Centre.

Tourist Information Center opening hours during the holiday period:

24.12 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM

25.12 CLOSED

26.12 CLOSED

31.12 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM

01.01 CLOSED

TripAdvisor® Traveler Reviews

based on 95 reviews

Great advice

We have a week in the city and on our first day in old town we stopped in and received maps and valuable event information.

Very useful and great 2 hour free guided tour

The center was very helpful, staff spoke great English and cared doing about their job well. Lots of info there. Best of all, every hour (I think 10-2) there is a free 2 hour guided tour which... Read more comments

Travel help

I stopped here for information. The line wasn’t long although it moves slowly because they provide so much information. A good travel resource.

Map of Estonia

Estonia's laidback capital city is a perfect holiday destination for those wanting to combine modern comforts, medieval charm, and coastal vibes.

Though tallinn may be over 700 years old, it is looking towards the future. .

In the morning, you can wander the streets of Old Town and marvel at buildings dating back to the Middle Ages . Then in the afternoon, you check out an avant-garde art exhibition in what used to be an old submarine factory. Thanks to Tallinn's compact footprint, old and new mix in every part of the city. 

The walkable city center is one of the city's most attractive features.

Old Town may be the main draw, but lively neighborhoods with diverse  dining and entertainment options are only steps away.

Don't let Tallinn's size fool you, though. It may be tempting to think you can cross it off your list in a day, but you'll have only just scratched the surface. The vibrant cultural scene, excellent fine dining, and fascinating history will make you want to spend a day or two (or more!) in Tallinn. 

Tallinn's Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Tallinn is one of Northern Europe's best-preserved medieval cities and was added to UNESCO's list back in 1997. As part of the influential Hanseatic League , Tallinn was home to wealthy merchants who left their mark on the city's architecture. The city's iconic skyline is dotted with church spires and red-roofed towers. Professional photographers and amateur Instagrammers will find endless options for the perfect backdrop, while history buffs can spend hours, even days, working their way through Tallinn's museums. 

Source: Kaupo Kalda

Source : visit estonia

Coastal vibes... 

Tallinn has an alluring urban coastline. In the past, Tallinn's seaside development was limited largely to industrial and military endeavors. However, the city has opened up to the sea, and now scenic promenades and bustling seaside areas are popular with both locals and visitors. For example, Paljassaare Peninsula was once a restricted militarized zone; now, it's a haven for nature lovers who can go forest bathing and wild swimming without having to leave the city. In the opposite direction, you'll find a promenade linking Kadriorg to Pirita's long sandy beach.

...and great food 

Estonian food is known for its focus on seasonal ingredients and modern takes on traditional techniques. Tallinn is home to Estonia's only MICHELIN-Starred restaurants and one of Estonia's three Green Star restaurants. If you're looking for something quick and casual, indulge in the city's bakeries and coffee shops. Regardless of the venue, menus often change with the season, as many restaurants make an effort to offer freshly procured ingredients from local sources.  

To find out more about what Tallinn has to offer, go check out Visit Tallinn, the city's official tourism website.

Get to know Tallinn's different neighborhoods

Tallinn Town Hall Square

Architecture and history

Noblessner seafront quarter

Telliskivi Creative City

Local convenience stores

Kadriorg Palace

Rotermann Quarter

Põhjala Factory

Pirita promenade

This former submarine factory is now one of the city's trendiest places to hang out.

One of Europe's top Christmas markets

This year, Tallinn's Christmas market will be open from November 22nd to December 27th.

Looking for something to do in Tallinn?

Tallinn's summertime white nights

Tallinns TOP museums and must-see attractions

Tallinn's best restaurants

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11 Top Attractions & Things to Do in Tallinn, Estonia

Written by Joni Sweet Updated Dec 24, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

With surprises around every corner, Tallinn bursts with charm like no other European city. The capital of Estonia is steeped in history, yet has all the modern offerings tourists expect from a destination in the 21st century.

The city is exceptionally photogenic, especially during the midnight sunsets in the summer. And if you want to see the city at its very best, plan your visit during the Estonian Song Festival. It brings together 30,000 of the best singers in Estonia onto one stage every five years to create music that vibrates throughout the city. The next festival is scheduled for July 3-6, 2025.

Tallinn's Old Town has managed to preserve its medieval heritage throughout centuries of domination by foreign rulers, rightfully earning a UNESCO World Heritage Site designation. You can still strut through the ivy-covered Viru Gate, explore the gothic Town Hall, and walk along the town walls like others have done for hundreds of years.

But you should spend equal time exploring Tallinn's modern-day offerings, as well. The city boasts Scandinavian-inspired restaurants, viewing platforms, lush parks, and sweets shop s.

Plan your sightseeing around this alluring city with our list of the things to do in Tallinn.

1. Tallinn's Old Town

2. estonian maritime museum, 3. tallinn tv tower, 4. toompea castle, 5. aleksander nevski katedraali, 6. kadriorg park, 7. kumu art museum, 8. estonian open air museum, 9. kalev chocolate shop and workshop, 10. st. olaf's church, 11. telliskivi creative city, where to stay in tallinn for sightseeing, map of attractions & things to do in tallinn, estonia, tallinn, estonia - climate chart.

Tallinn's Old Town encompasses endless treasures for history buffs and culture hounds alike. Known for being one of the world's best-preserved Hanseatic town centers , the vibrant village-like area features cobblestone streets , lively cafés , and architecture from long-ago centuries.

Start your experience at the Town Hall Square. While you might be tempted to keep your eyes cast up at the colorful buildings, look down until you find the distinctive circular stone marked with a compass. Standing atop it gives you the unique vantage point to see the steeples of five historic churches around Tallinn. Then, make your way inside the church-like Town Hall. Erected in 1404, the oldest town hall in Northern Europe boasts magnificent Gothic arches and precious artworks .

Then, head across the square to one of Europe's oldest continually running pharmacies, Raeapteek. The establishment celebrates its history with a mini museum focusing on antique medical tools and early healthcare techniques. You can also sample herbal tea blends created from local ingredients in the pharmacy's basement.

Another prominent spot in Tallinn's Old Town is the Viru Gate. Once part of the city wall's defense system, this 14th-century structure features fairy-tale-esque, round towers topped with coned roofs fit for a princess. Nearly two kilometers of the original city wall is still standing. You can get a good look at this historic structure from the Patkuli viewing platform on Toompea Hill.

With more than 2,300 islands in its territory, Estonia has developed a strong maritime culture, and there's no better place to visit to experience it than at the Lennusadam Seaplane Harbour exhibit at the Estonian Maritime Museum.

This fascinating museum exhibit invites tourists to step inside Submarine EML Lembit , a 1930s-era vessel that is one of the few remaining submarines of its time. You can also hop aboard the Suur Tõll icebreaker and explore the powerful steamer's captain's cabin, crew rooms, and officers' mess hall. Hundreds of other artifacts displayed throughout the museum continue to tell the story of maritime history in Estonia.

The structure of the museum itself is just as interesting as its contents. Originally built to house seaplanes in Peter the Great's Naval Fortress, the hangar features "the world's first columnless thin-shell concrete domes of such volume." It remained in use until World War II. It's amazing that the cavernous space requires no vertical supports to hold its weight.

Address: Vesilennuki tänav 6, Põhja-Tallinna linnaosa, Tallinn

Official site: http://meremuuseum.ee/lennusadam/en/

Proudly standing 314 meters in the clouds, the Tallinn TV Tower is a must-visit attraction in Estonia. A visit to the observation deck on the 21st floor –the highest open viewing platform in Northern Europe–is one of the most popular things to do. Tourists can get panoramic views of Tallinn and the Gulf of Finland. You won't want to forget your camera when sightseeing here.

Craving an adrenaline rush? Check out the Tallinn TV Tower's Walk on the Edge experience. It will strap you into a harness and let you walk along the ledge of the tower's outdoor terrace. You can even dangle your feet over the 175-meter drop. Don't look down!

This Tallinn attraction also features a number of other less fear-inducing attractions that prove fun for every type of traveler. There's a high-speed elevator that whisks tourists to the observation deck in just 49 seconds. Try out a career in broadcast journalism and record your very own news clip at the TV studio on the first floor. Enjoy multi-course meals in the clouds at the TV Tower Restaurant. And learn more about the history of Estonia's tallest building , including its construction for the 1980 Summer Olympics, at the TV Tower history exhibition.

Buy your tickets online in advance to avoid wasting time in a long line.

Address: Kloostrimetsa tee 58a, Pirita linnaosa, Tallinn

Official site: https://www.teletorn.ee/en/

Toompea Hill has always been the core of power in Estonia. Various rulers of Estonia have changed the Toompea Castle to their liking over the last 800 years, starting with the initial stone structure built by the German Knights of the Sword in the 13th century and eventually turning into a tickle-me-pink Baroque palace, courtesy of Catherine the Great. It's now home to the Riigikogu (Estonian parliament), which commemorates the country's independence by raising the national flag atop the 14th-century Tall Hermann tower every morning.

Tourists can take free guided tours of the Toompea Castle in English, Russian, or Estonian on weekdays, with advance reservations. You'll get to explore the inside of the rosy building, hear about its storied past, and learn about the structure of the Riigikolu.

After your tour, walk 500 meters northeast to the Patkuli viewing platform for an epic panoramic vista of Tallinn. From here, you can see straight down to the port .

Address: Lossi plats 1a, Kesklinna linnaosa, Tallinn

Official site: https://www.riigikogu.ee/en/visit-us/toompea-castle/

Take one look at the Alexander Nevski Cathedral, and you might think you've somehow stumbled into St. Petersburg. The 120-year-old cathedral, located directly across from the Toompea Castle , exudes sacred Russian Orthodox style, with five bulbous onion domes crowned by gilded iron crosses and an ornate brown and white exterior. It also houses 11 bells, including the largest one in Tallinn, which clocks in at a whopping 15 tons. You can hear their sounds ringing through the city throughout the day.

While beautiful and well-maintained, the cathedral hasn't always received a warm welcome from Tallinn. Many Estonians saw it as an oppressive symbol from Russia in the early- to mid-20th century and demanded it be demolished. However, that proposal didn't move forward, and the cathedral still stands today.

Address: Lossi plats 10, Kesklinna linnaosa, Tallinn

Aleksander Nevski Katedraali isn't the only remaining artifact of Russian influence in Tallinn. You can also see it at Kadriorg Park and the palace within it, both commissioned by Czar Peter the Great for his wife Catherine, in 1718.

About four kilometers east of Tallinn's Old Town , the lush 70-hectare expanse is the go-to place for a heavy dose of nature therapy in the city. Tourists will see blooming flower beds laid out in geometric patterns , a luxurious swan pond, a serene Japanese garden , and an English landscape park with an oak grove.

More than just nature, the park is also home to a few impressive structures, the most notable of which is the Kadriorg Palace. Built as an imperial summer palace in the early 18th century, the elegant three-level building was inspired by Italian palaces of the time and now houses the Estonian Art Museum 's collection of foreign works from the 16th to the 20th centuries. North of the palace, you can see the Office of the President of the Republic , a salmon-pink, Neo-Baroque building where the Estonian president works.

Address: August Weizenbergi tänav 10, Kesklinna linnaosa, Tallinn

Official site: http://www.kadriorupark.ee/park-eng/areas-of-the-park

After you've had your fill of Kadriorg Park, stroll over to the Kumu Art Museum, an award-winning institution that serves as the headquarters of the Estonian Art Museum. It houses a vast collection of contemporary art and serves as a multifunctional space for educational programs and events.

The main permanent exhibition on the third floor offers tourists the opportunity to see Estonian art classics from the 18th century to the conclusion of World War II. Featured artists include Johann Köler, Kristjan Raud, and Konrad Mägi . The works are laid out in such a way that tourists can see how local art styles changed in parallel with the Estonian mentality.

On the fourth floor, a more recently opened part of the permanent exhibition focuses on Estonian Art during the Soviet Era . The collection dives into the many complexities of producing creative works under the strict rules of the Communist Party, as well as the changes that occurred as restrictions on art eased toward the 1980s.

You can also see how Estonian art evolved in the 1990s after the fall of the Soviet Union in another permanent exhibition on that floor.

The permanent collections give tourists plenty to ponder, but should you want an even deeper immersion in local art, check out the museum's fascinating temporary exhibits, which explore a variety of mediums and expressions.

Address: August Weizenbergi tänav 34, Kesklinna linnaosa, Tallinn

Official site: https://kumu.ekm.ee/en/

Experience the lifestyles of Estonians from hundreds of years ago at the Estonian Open Air Museum. Located in the seaside area Rocca al Mare , a 20-minute drive from the heart of Tallinn, this year-round, outdoor, educational attraction includes 14 farms that recreate the way rural Estonian villagers and fishing communities lived from the 18th century to the 20th century.

Tourists can wander through many of the 74 buildings scattered around the 72-hectare property. You'll see a traditional school house, seaside fishing sheds, historic homes, a fire station, and windmills, many of which were plucked from their original villages and brought to Tallinn.

When you work up an appetite, head to the authentic inn to refuel with heritage dishes, like wild mushroom soup, rye bread with salted herring and cottage cheese, and mashed potatoes with pan-fried meat and groat (hulled kernels of cereal grains). Tourists can also take part in fun activities from yesteryear, including folk dances, midsummer bonfires, and horse and cart rides.

Address: Vabaõhumuuseumi tee 12, Haabersti linnaosa, Tallinn

Marzipan, as with many traditional foods, has a disputed history. While some point to Germany as the birthplace of the almond sweet, others believe it was invented in Tallinn by a man who worked at the Raeapteek pharmacy.

What's not up for debate, however, is the best place to try marzipan in Estonia today: Kalev Chocolate Shop and Workshop. Located in the historic Rotermann Quarter , this sweets shop puts together tempting gift boxes of marzipan and handmade chocolates, along with quirky marzipan figures in animal shapes.

The shop also invites tourists to strap on an apron and try their hand at making their own treats in the workshop. This is a fun thing to do in Tallin if you have the time. The two-hour hands-on classes are guided by a master confectioner who will show you how to make chocolate truffles and mold and paint marzipan using centuries-old techniques. Don't be surprised if you eat as many sweets as you end up taking home at the end of this creative experience.

The Kalev Chocolate Shop and Workshop is just a short walk from the Port of Tallinn. If you're just visiting the Estonian capital on a cruise or day trip from Helsinki , you can easily squeeze in a class at the sweets shop, making your short experience even sweeter.

Address: Roseni tänav 7, Kesklinna linnaosa, Tallinn

Official site: https://kalev.eu/#73382

With its 124-meter steeple, St. Olaf's Church is Tallinn's tallest medieval structure . But more than just an eye-catching site, the attraction also has a fascinating history. It is believed to have been built in the 12th century as the center for the city's Scandinavian community before Denmark took control of Tallinn around 1219.

Fast forward a few centuries to the Cold War, and the church took on a new purpose as a radio and surveillance center for the Soviet KGB . Historical records also note that the church has been struck by lightning a whopping 10 times, three of which set the structure ablaze. A Baptist congregation now uses the church for regular services.

Tourists are welcome to visit the modest Gothic interiors and get great views of the city from its observation platform. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes to climb the 232 steps to the top of the steeple!

A 15-minute walk northwest of Tallinn's Old City brings you to one of the coolest places to visit in Estonia: Telliskivi Creative City. Located in what used to be Tallinn's industrial area, this "town within a town" brims with more than 200 businesses across its 10 buildings .

The Creative City's indie shops offer something for just about everyone, including sustainably-made leather bags, locally thrown ceramics, chic homewares, and vinyl records. You can also visit popular cultural attractions, including the Fotografiska photography museum; Sõltumatu Tantsu Lava contemporary dance theater; and the Juhan Kuus Documentary Photo Centre , which focuses on Estonian documentary film and photography.

Before leaving, be sure to grab a scoop or two from La Muu Ice Cream Shop. It offers more than 20 flavors of organic ice cream, including cookies and cream, peppermint stracciatella, and vegan brownie.

Address: Telliskivi 60a, 10412 Tallinn

Luxury Hotels:

• Right in the heart of Tallinn, where the downtown meets the medieval old town, the Savoy Boutique Hotel by TallinnHotels is a great 5-star pick if you're looking for an intimate boutique sleep. The hotel has an elegant vibe throughout, and the rooms are comfortable and spacious. Staff is very attentive. Amenities include a restaurant, free Wi-Fi, airport transport, and a concierge.
• At one time serving as an Estonian Telegraph Company exchange station, today the Hotel Telegraaf is a charming 5-star hotel. The building dates back to 1878, and the ambience is old-world European. Rooms and suites have plush furnishings and high ceilings with chandeliers and crown molding. Amenities here include a day spa and a restaurant serving Russian fare. The location in the heart of Old Town is also excellent, and this is the only property in this area to have an underground parking lot for guests.
• The Schlössle Hotel is another luxury option. On cobbled Holy Spirit Street between the old harbor and Old Town Square, the hotel has a historic ambience and features elegantly outfitted rooms and suites. Breakfast is included in the rate, and there is an on-site restaurant. In the summer there is live music in the courtyard terrace area. This property is also pet-friendly should you be traveling with a dog, but you must pay a pet fee and a deposit.

Mid-Range Hotels :

• Centennial Hotel Tallinn is an excellent mid-priced option. The hotel is located about seven minutes by foot from Old Town and is a new property. The rooms and suites are decorated in Nordic minimalist style and have mural accent walls. Amenities here include a free breakfast, sauna, and 100-seat restaurant. The Centennial Hotel is also kid-friendly.
• Next to Freedom Square, the 4-star Palace Hotel dates back to 1937. Designed by a famous Estonian architect, today it has a historic facade and a modern interior design. On-site amenities include a restaurant, steam bath and sauna center, and a fitness center. There is also an indoor swimming pool.
• Hilton Tallinn Park is another mid-range choice. It is located at the edge of Politseiaia Park and has great views of the Old Town and harbor from its modern rooms and suites. The property is family-friendly, and amenities include a restaurant, indoor swimming pool, and workout room. There is also a spa on-site and a sauna and steam room.

Budget Hotels :

• With a very affordable price point, the Hestia Hotel Seaport is a popular budget choice. Located next to the Port of Tallinn and not far from Old Town, it has cozy rooms with eco-friendly cork floors. Breakfast is included, and there is a restaurant and sauna on-site. Car hire can also be arranged here.
• Also try the Dorell Hotel for a budget option. The hotel has tidy rooms with blackout curtains. It is also kid-friendly with family rooms. Amenities include free breakfast, an outdoor swimming pool, sauna, and free Wi-Fi.

• 1.1 History
• 1.2 Present day
• 1.3 Districts
• 1.4 Climate
• 1.5 Tourist office
• 2.1.1 From Helsinki
• 2.1.2 Other regular ferry routes
• 2.1.3 Passenger ferry terminals in Tallinn Port
• 2.1.4 Using your own boat
• 2.2 By plane
• 2.3 By train
• 3.1 By public transport
• 3.2 By taxi
• 3.3.1 Car rental
• 3.3.2 Parking
• 3.4 By bicycle
• 3.5 On foot
• 4.1.1 Toompea Hill
• 4.1.2 Vanalinn (Old Town)
• 4.1.3 Outside the Old Town
• 4.1.4 Kadriorg quarter
• 4.3 Põhja-Tallinn
• 4.4 Haabersti
• 5.1 Beaches
• 5.3 Film festivals
• 5.4 Music festivals
• 8.1 Department stores & shopping malls
• 8.2 Boutiques and souvenirs
• 8.3 Markets
• 8.4 Records
• 9.1.1 In the Old Town
• 9.1.2 Near the Old Town
• 9.1.3 Around the market Balti Jaama Turg
• 9.1.4 East of the old town around the Coca-Cola Plaza
• 9.2 Mid-range
• 9.3 Splurge
• 10.2 Nightlife
• 10.3.1 In old town (vanalinn)
• 10.3.2 Out of old town
• 10.4 Nightclubs
• 11.1.1 Hostels
• 11.1.2 Hotels
• 11.2 Mid-range
• 11.3 Splurge
• 12 Stay safe
• 15.1 Embassies

Tallinn is Estonia 's capital and largest city. Tallinn is an important port of the Baltic Sea, with the busy passenger section of the port reaching the foothill of the picturesque medieval Old Town, which has been astonishingly well preserved and was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1997.

On the shore of the Gulf of Finland, it is a city of over 450,000 inhabitants (2023). It is home to a third of the country's population, and is also the capital of Harju County in Northern Estonia .

In a striking contrast to its Old Town, its immediate outskirts are filled with a cluster of modern office towers, with intermittent architectural monuments to the Soviet era . Further out, you will find a bewildering variety of historic and modern neighbourhoods, religious, civic, industrial and maritime heritage. This all provides for the city seeing very sizeable tourist traffic given its size, which in turn means the infrastructure is robust and extensive.

Tallinn is a historic city dating back to medieval times. The first fortress on Toompea was built around 1050 and Tallinn was possibly first recorded on a world map in 1154. In 1219, the city was conquered by Valdemar II of Denmark and it became a member of the Hanseatic League in 1285. The city, known as Reval at the time, prospered as a trading town in the 14th century, and much of Tallinn's historic centre was built at this time.

Tallinn then became a pawn in the geopolitical games of its big neighbours, passing into Swedish hands in 1561 and then to the Russian Empire under Peter the Great in 1710. By World War I and the ensuing brief Estonian independence (starting 1918) Tallinn's population had reached 150,000.

Estonia was occupied by the Soviet Union in 1940, conquered by Nazi Germany (1941–44), and then retaken by the Soviets. In World War II , the city was quite extensively bombed by the Soviets, although luckily the medieval town remains. The Soviet Union undertook a program of massive East Slavic migration, and just over 40% of Tallinn's current inhabitants are Slavic (compared to an average of 28% for the entire country). On 20 August 1991, Estonia declared independence and Tallinn became its capital once again.

Present day

Today Tallinn is a bustling, gleaming city. However, among the tall glassy buildings and corporate headquarters, Tallinn retains an inner charm seldom found elsewhere. Estonia considers itself a Northern European/Nordic country, with very close ethnic, linguistic and cultural ties to Finland and cultural ties to Scandinavia, and visiting Tallinn you will find a mix of at least three architectures in this very visual city—old Europe (the city walls with rustic buildings and charming living areas with well-preserved and colourful wooden houses of bourgeois taste of 1920s), Soviet brutalist (concrete apartment blocks), and modern Europe (including McDonald's next to the city walls!)

Tourism is important for Tallinn and this is especially visible in the old town where almost every door leads into a souvenir shop, restaurant or bar. Unsurprisingly the majority of visitors are day trippers from Finland. The neighbours from across the bay usually know their way around without a map and have already seen the sights of Tallinn a couple of times. They come to enjoy low prices on practically all goods and services from restaurant meals to fuel and even plastic surgeries, not to forget as much alcohol as the customs regulations allow you to bring into Finland!

• Visit Tallinn tourist information.

Tallinn is made up of 8 administrative districts ( linnaosa ), which are further divided into numerous quarters ( asum ). Most of the points of interest to tourists are located in the seaside districts. The districts of Tallinn are:

• Kesklinn - literally meaning "city centre" and being just what the label says, this district includes the main part of the Port of Tallinn, the Old Town ( Vanalinn ), Tallinn's central business district with its skyscrapers and many other tourist attractions in the quarters surrounding them, including the Kadriorg park and palace and most of the coastline of Lake Ülemiste except for the part immediately adjacent to the airport
• Haabersti - the westernmost district with the extensive coastline holds the Estonian Open Air Museum, the Tallinn Zoo and the Saku Suurhall Arena
• Põhja-Tallinn - literally meaning "north Tallinn", extends north of the railway line and includes the industrial part of the Port of Tallinn, as well as many monuments to its military heritage, the Maritime Academy and the quarter of Kalamaja known for its wooden houses
• Pirita - the least populous district of Tallinn stretches along the eastern part of its coast and includes both a popular beach and a forest. This is one of Estonia's most desirable places to live, in single-family houses, for the affluent, and home to some tourist attractions as well, including Tallinn's TV Tower or the Botanic Gardens
• Lasnamäe - the most populous district of Tallinn holds over a quarter of its inhabitants in the large Communist-era blocks of flats, but apart from the airport it has little of interest to the tourists
• Nõmme - formerly an independent town founded as a leisure/summer residence, Nõmme remains green and sparsely inhabited, with rich architectural heritage and many private villas. It ranks as one of the country's most affluent areas.
• Kristiine and Mustamäe are residential districts southwest of the centre.

At these latitudes winters are dark and cold and temperatures under -20°C are not unheard of from December to February. Thankfully, the sea moderates the winter temperatures a bit compared to continental cities with similar temperatures like Moscow .

Spring is the driest season and while there are often sub-zero temperatures at night until well into May, the snow usually disappears towards the end of March and the days are getting gradually warmer. Summer months are pleasant with day temperatures between +20°C and +30°C in July and August, however if it's raining, temperatures are lower. The summer is the best time of the year to visit Tallinn. Although Tallinn doesn't experience the Midnight Sun, in the middle of the summer it doesn't get really dark at night.

Usually you will need your jacket again towards the latter half of September. The autumn is the "rain season" and with both temperatures and the leaves falling, Tallinn doesn't look very attractive this time of the year. However the greyness is covered up by the snow that usually arrives in early December. Visiting Tallinn in December when the Old Town is beautifully covered in snow and Christmas decorations is not a bad idea.

Tourist office

• 59.43649 24.74437 1 Tourist Information Centre in Old Town , Niguliste 2 / Kullassepa 4. , ☏ +372 645 7777 , [email protected] .  

From Helsinki

The most common ferry route is from Helsinki , Finland to Tallinn Port, which has upwards of 20 departures daily. Depending on the ferry, journey time is 1½-3½ hours. Prices average €16-30 one way, depending on operator, season (summer costs more), day of week (Fridays and Saturdays cost more) and time of day (to Tallinn in the morning and back in the evening is popular and hence more expensive). Particularly popular are day cruises , which can go for as little as €10 return. All ferries also carry cars, from €25 one way. Bicycles can be taken for around €5 one way. Bikes on car ferries must go through vehicle check-in, which closes earlier than passenger check-in, so plan for extra time.

The following companies operate ferries between Tallinn and Helsinki:

• Eckerö Line , ☏ +372 664 6000 , [email protected] . Operates only one ship, the 2000-passenger Finlandia (3 times daily, travel time 2½ hr). Often has the cheapest fares. If you take the morning sailing to Tallinn and the evening sailing back you will have about eight hours in Tallinn. ( updated Feb 2019 )
• Tallink Silja , ☏ +372 640 9808 , [email protected] . Up to 6 departures daily on large Shuttles Star and Superstar (2 hr). They also operate the MS Baltic Queen (3½ hr), a 2,800-passenger cruise ship for easy overnight stays in Tallinn. Discounts are available to Eurail pass holders. As this company has more departures you will have more flexibility planning your day trip. ( updated Mar 2015 )
• Viking Line . Large Viking XPRS ferry (2½ hr). Departs Helsinki midday and late in the evening. The day departure from Helsinki is very late (11:30) so you will have less than four hours to spend in Tallinn (you need to be back on board half an hour before departure) before the ship sails back. On Sundays the ship leaves even earlier. If taking this boat you would better stay overnight in Tallinn if you want to do any serious sightseeing.  

Eckerö and Viking usually have the cheaper fares, as they are more geared towards day-trippers and the party crowd who come to have a great time on board and tend to spend more in the bars, restaurants and shops on board. Tallink is more geared towards frequent travellers such as Estonians working in Finland.

Other regular ferry routes

• Tallink also offers a year-round daily overnight service from Stockholm taking 16 hr.

See also Baltic Sea ferries and Cruising the Baltic Sea for details on travelling in by ferry.

Passenger ferry terminals in Tallinn Port

All ferries dock at Reisisadam port, to the north of the center. Tallink uses 59.4434 24.7673 1 Terminal D at the south-eastern side of the bay and Eckerö and Viking the 59.4447 24.7619 2 Terminal A/B at the northwestern side. At Terminal A/B you can grab a useful free city map just before exiting the terminal. From there, city bus #2 and commercial bus #90K operate to the city centre (A. Laikmaa stop), inter-city bus station (Autobussijaam stop) and the airport (Lennujaam stop). Or, you can take a leisurely 15-min walk toward the Old Town that is easily visible from the terminals. View a map of route 2 [dead link] .

The journey from the port to the city centre is not all that impressive but don't be shocked - this isn't the real Tallinn! As of late 2015, construction of a new, glitzy shopping area is underway, something that will cover much of the ugly sand and mud fields (on the downside these buildings will reportedly partially cover the view to the old town).

If you are travelling with your car on the ferry, the traffic in the harbour can be a bit chaotic as everyone tries to get out from the area as quickly as possible and lanes are not clearly marked, especially around Terminal D.

Using your own boat

You can sail with a yacht to Old Town Marina [dead link] , the special harbour for recreational vessels.

Getting there/away :

• Taxis to the old town should cost €7–10. The Bolt app is more popular than Uber (it's Estonian after all!)
• Tram 4 is closed for construction until 2024. Bus 15 will be stopping at Tallinn Airport, at the same place where the tram used to stop. This bus stops at the bus station (bussijaam) and finishes near the old town.
• Bus #2 [dead link] departs roughly every 15 min. The journey to Balti Jaam (Baltic Station, the Central railway station close to the old town) takes approximately 20 minutes. Both inbound and outbound line #2 buses stop on the Tartu highway (about 5 minutes walk from the terminal). To get to the city, catch the bus travelling towards "Balti Jaam", and not towards "Mõigu", which is a residential area on the outskirts of the city. Tickets are €2 and you can buy a ticket from the driver, use your contactless payment card (at the front-most ticket reader only), purchase a ticket online or purchase a rechargeable "green card" from the R-Kiosk located in the terminal building (see Transport ). View a map of route 2 [dead link] .

You can also hop on one of the hourly Sebe buses to Tartu . They stop in front of the terminal. Tickets can be bought from the driver or from the ticket machine installed on the ground floor of the terminal building. Buses to other Estonian destinations depart from the city bus station (see below) and do not stop at the airport.

• 59.4272 24.7738 5 Intercity Bus Station ( Bussijaam ) ( on Tartu mnt. halfway between the city centre and the airport ). You can easily walk here from the Old Town in 20 min, or use public transport (buses #2, 17, 23; trams #2, 4). ( updated Jan 2020 )

Frequent buses operate between Tallinn and other cities in Estonia . Domestic bus schedules and prices can be found at Tpilet.ee and Peatus.ee (a good trip planner as well).

International buses run frequently between Tallinn and Riga , Latvia (4½ hr) with continuing service to Vilnius , Lithuania and the rest of Europe. Another popular route is between Tallinn and St. Petersburg , Russia (€25-30, 8 hr). Free Wi-Fi is usually available on board.

The following bus companies operate international bus service to/from Tallinn:

• Lux Express

The Old Town is best navigated on foot, not that you have much choice. A network of buses, trams and trolleybuses covers the rest of the city. There is an abundance of relatively cheap taxis. Before you jump in a random taxi car make sure you check the price on the window of the car. In Tallinn there are more than 20 taxi companies and some can be a rip-off.

By public transport

Due to massive road works in the summer of 2023, temporary routes are in use in the centre. Check latest information and be prepared for problems caused by traffic jams.

TLT operates frequent bus, trolley and tram services daily 06:00-23:59. Timetables and maps are available in English.

Põhja-Eesti Public Transport Centre is a local authority which organizes public transport in Harju County, the province surrounding Tallinn.

Public transport is comparable cheap in and around Tallinn, compared to overland prices of the same distance, due to the zone structure of Tallinn. Thus, many sights even an hour away from Tallinn (e.g. Jägala Falls ) are highly affordable, as long as they are within the zones. Information about zone boundaries and ticket prices are available.

Public transport is free for residents of Tallinn.

Unless you are registered as a resident, remember to buy your ticket. From driver the price is €2, no change given; the ticket is valid for exactly one trip, no transfer.

It is possible also to use a contactless payment card (Mastercard, Maestro, Visa and Visa Electron) to buy one-hour (60 min) ticket for €1.50, then you must use public transport front door. As you board a public transport vehicle, you will be required to validate your trip every time by swiping the payment card at the rectangular orange validators in the front of the vehicle. If you see a green light, your trip has been validated. The system tracks your daily usage and automatically bills your bank account for the cheapest ticket you are entitled to for the day, meaning the maximum you will pay in a single day for an unlimited amount of trips is the price of a one-day ticket (€4.50).

Rechargeable "green card" (Ühiskaart), which is a brand new, cash-free, and smart way of payment. Use your card to touch a bright orange box every time you enter the bus: a single 1-hour ticket (€1.50, transfer allowed) will be charged automatically and on each day individual tickets will total until the price of the day ticket (€4.5) is reached (as of March 2020). Alternatively, the card can be charged for unlimited travel for 3 days, 5 days, or one month. Get this card from one of the abundant R-kiosks for €2, a refundable deposit which is only refundable in limited locations. Refund is available at the R-Kiosk of the Tallinn Airport, Old City Harbour Terminal A and D, Balti jaam and the service desk of bus station ( details ). You can charge the card immediately or do it later on-line (major credit cards accepted).

If you have internet access, you can purchase a single ride for €1.50 or day ticket for €4.50 online by debit/credit cards (multiple rides/passengers can be purchased at the same time) using Pilet.ee website or mobile app. After payment, you will receive a QR code which can be scanned at the bright orange box only on the front door of the bus/tram as proof of payment. You can also load pilet.ee mobile app to buy tickets.

The Tallinn Card includes unlimited use of public transport.

Bus, trams, and trolleybuses form an extensive network with the major bus hub at Viru Hotel (underground bus station). Some trolleybuses terminate at the nearby stop Kaubamaja , which is adjacent to the main department store (Kaubamaja). Vehicles may have different colours depending on their age and model: some old trolleybuses from the time of the USSR can be still seen in the streets of Tallinn. The level of comfort varies greatly. If you want to avoid steps, look out for special yellow markings in timetables: these denote newer vehicles that are friendly to baby prams and people with reduced mobility.

Tallinn has many different taxi companies and independent taxis. There is no standardised base price or price per km. Some tourist scam taxis have absurdly high prices, and as long as those prices are displayed on the sticker in the window and on the dashboard, they are completely legal. The locals never take those taxis: their sole modus operandi is to prey on innocent tourists. Do as the locals do, and order a taxi by phone.

Do not accept offers from taxi drivers waiting at the harbour or train station. Do not accept offers from taxi drivers who approach you at the airport. The same goes for any taxi that looks shabby or does not carry the logo of one of the reputable companies. Also be wary of taxis that look overly luxurious: large Mercedes, TV-screens inside, usually only a very small and vague logo on the door. If you're obviously drunk and are taking one of those questionable taxis from the harbour, you might be driven to some bar or strip club the taxi driver is collaborating with. Usually you will proceed to have a few drinks there without asking for the price and will then be presented with a huge bill . Taxis hanging out in front of nightclubs often have the highest prices.

Ride-hailing services (Bolt, Uber, Yandex.Taxi) are very common in Tallinn, see Estonia#By taxi .

Some reputable local taxi companies are (rates as of July 2020):

• Takso24 – A taxi company owned by Tallink, which practically offers all the same amenities as Tallink Takso, but the price is clearly cheaper (during the day €0.60/km and at night €0.75/km + €2.95 ride start fee)
• Sõbratakso – "Economy" taxis with a mixed car fleet, somewhat cheaper than the competition (price per kilometer €0.49/km + €2.29 as the starting fee for the ride). Unlike many other economy taxis, the cars are clean and the drivers competent.
• Tulika Takso [dead link] – By no means from the cheapest end (during the day €0.79/km and at night €0.89/km + €3.85 ride start fee), but the availability is good and the cars are clean. Usually white Toyota Avensis.
• Tallink Takso – Certainly one of the most expensive taxi companies in Tallinn (during the day €0.99/km and at night €1.10/km + €3.95 ride start fee), but the cars are clean and their availability is also good. Yellow Mercedes B-class, Audi A6, Skoda Superb or Hyundai I30 Wagon (not to confuse with Tallinn Taxi, who also have their cars painted yellow).

Other taxi companies (rates as of July 2020):

• Amigo Takso – daytime €2 + €0.40/km, nights €2 + €0.40/km
• Krooni Takso – daytime €2.50 + €0.50/km, nights €2.50 + €0.55/km
• Marabu [dead link] – daytime €2.50 + €0.50/km, nights €2.50 + €0.50/km
• Q-Takso – daytime €2 + €0.50/km, nights €2 + €0.50/km
• Reval Takso – daytime €2.29 + €0.49/km, nights €2.29 + €0.49/km
• E.T.X. Takso – daytime €2.90 + €0.55/km, nights €2.90 + €0.70/km
• Välk Takso [dead link] – daytime €3.20 + €0.60/km, nights €3.20 + €0.70/km

Massive road works in the summer of 2023 makes driving in the centre difficult, including getting to some of the ferries.

The road rules and driving style in Tallinn can be confusing to tourists. The one and two way roads change frequently and some signposts are not descriptive. Another peculiarity to be found are roads with three lanes where you need to be a local to know if the lane in the middle is meant for traffic going in your direction or in the opposite direction. Traffic jams in Tallinn clear very quickly, however. The speed limit in Tallinn is 50 km/h, except some major streets such as Laagna tee, Pärnu mnt., Paldiski mnt., Peterburi tee etc., which have a speed limit of 70 km/h.

CityBee and Bolt Drive offer freely accessible vehicle rental services in Tallinn. Cars can be picked up and dropped off in public car parks.

There is an abundance of parking, but you have to pay for it. In some cases you can park free of charge for 15 minutes, but for an average traveller that is of course not enough. To find a cheaper parking area, Parkopaedia mobile app generally helps, with up-to-date prices mapped for most central parking locations; it won't tell the current availability, though. €1.50 per hour, €5 for 24 hr at Europark within walking distance from the downtown is a somewhat typical cost.

The locations of ticket machines, and other methods for paying for parking, aren't always obvious. The ticket machines are the easiest way of paying for your parking. With the ticket machine, just pay the price for the time you wish to park, push the green button, take the ticket and put it inside the windscreen where the parking attendant can see it. Prepare coins in advance, as credit cards and paper money are only accepted by parking machines in large indoor parkings, while breaking money can be difficult to find nearby. Mobile phone payment is popular with locals, but requires a local mobile contract to use it. For tourists the mobile app "PARGI.EE" can be used to find prices and pay for parking either for street parking or for some of the most popular parking garages.

For a rental car, a few helpful tips to avoid being fined are:

• Each rental car should come with a plastic mock clock on the dashboard that should be clearly visible from the outside of the car. This clock is used to indicate when you first park at a location. For example if you park at 05:30, your plastic clock should be set to show 05:30. You can then park for free until 05:45.
• Find a bright-orange vested parking inspector in order to determine what type of parking ticket you need. To ask for a parking ticket, say "Palun, üks parkimispilet" in Estonian .
• Scratch the correct date and length of time you'll be parking. In kiosks and some grocery stores you can buy parking tickets that look like lottery tickets. The ticket is split into sections and they are written in both Estonian and English. Scratch off the date of usage. Then scratch off the time you wish the ticket to start . Make sure it is clearly visible next to the clock on the dashboard.

Signs prohibiting parking are not always well visible, one example is the area between the Terminal D in the port and the Norde Centrum shopping centre. Look out for signs with the word Eramaa - this is Estonian for "private" and means that parking is either prohibited or available for a fee.

There are more than 180 km of bicycle roads in Tallinn. The Eurovelo international route goes from west to east, giving you a good chance to ride comfortably through the city. Many bicycle roads are in green parts of the city and are meant more for recreation, although suitable for commuting. You can ride on every road, and use the sidewalk, though you must heed the pedestrians. Many hostels have bike rentals for their guests.

• 59.439459 24.748599 2 City Bike , Vene 33 ( 500 m from Viru Street, McDonald's corner ), ☏ +372 511 1819 , [email protected] . Oct-Apr 10:00-18:00, May-Sep 10:00-19:00 . Over 140 bicycles and lot of extra gear. Real cyclist centre with experienced staff, opened in 2003. Tours, good recommendations for day-routes in Tallinn and self-guided tours in all over Estonia. €10-13 / 24 hr .  

The Old Town of Tallinn is very comfortably covered on foot.

Audio guides in several languages are available for small charge at the tourist centres.

The Tenet tour is a showcase of sets of the 2020 film Tenet . The Tallinn history tour is a walk through the city's long history.

Kesklinn (city centre)

Toompea hill.

According to myth, the hill was built on top of the grave of legendary Estonian king Kalev, but more historically, its solid limestone and the site of the Danish castle that founded the city in 1219. Toompea was the home of the Danish and later Baltic German aristocracy and relations between the toffs and the plebs were often inflamed, which is why it's surrounded by thick walls and there's a gate tower (1380) guarding the entrance. Check out the viewpoints , some of which give great views over the city. There's also a cluster of amber ( merevaik ) shops around here (no Estonian origin but popular among cruise tourists).

• 59.43572 24.73931 2 Alexander Nevsky Cathedral , Lossi plats 10 , ☏ +372 644 3484 , [email protected] . A classic onion-domed Russian Orthodox church, built 1894–1900, during the Russification period when Estonia was part of the Russian Empire. In 1928, when Estonia was independent, it was argued that the church is a symbol of oppression and architecturally non-suitable, therefore should be demolished. But it survived also the Soviet times, and now is used by the Estonian Orthodox Church of Moscow Patriarchate.  
• 59.43697 24.73911 3 St. Mary's Cathedral ( Tallinna toomkirik ), Toom-Kooli 6 , ☏ +372 644 4140 , [email protected] . The oldest church in Tallinn, built as a Catholic church in 1229 but renovated and expanded many times since then. It became a Lutheran church in 1561.  
• 59.43836 24.74026 4 Stenbock House ( Stenbocki Maja ), Rahukohtu 3 . Today, the Stenbock House is the seat of Estonia's government, but it was built as a courthouse in late 18th century, at the behest of the erstwhile Russian authorities. The Russian treasury eventually found itself unable to pay for the building, so the Count Stenbock, who erected the edifice, was left with it as his personal residence. The treasury was only able to buy it more than a century later, when it finally became the courthouse it was intended to be.  
• 59.43711 24.74014 5 Estonian Knighthood House ( Eestimaa rüütelkonna hoone ), Kiriku plats 1 . The green Renaissance revival building was erected in mid-19th century as the fourth consecutive home of the Estonian Kinghthood, a congregation of essentially German nobles who pratically controlled Estonia up to its independence in 1920s. Since 1920s, it played host to the Foreign Affairs Ministry, National Library, and the art collections on display at Kumu . As of 2014, it is home of the Estonian Academy of Arts. The building is not open to the public as it is used for instruction and faculty work.  

Vanalinn (Old Town)

The medieval Old Town ( Vanalinn ) of Tallinn was built in the 15-17th centuries, and is excellently preserved. It contains a large part of Tallinn's sights and is the only UNESCO world heritage site entirely in Estonia. As clichéd it may sound — you can't say you've been to Tallinn if you haven't visited the old town. This compact area is best explored on foot.

• 59.43656 24.75028 6 Viru Gate ( Entrance to the Old Town via Viru Street ). This section of town is known as All-Linn or "Lower Town", as it's where the merchants and artisans of old Tallinn lived. Today, Viru is still Tallinn's trendiest shopping street and the entire All-Linn is the busiest (and most touristy) bit of Tallinn.  

• 59.43738 24.74553 7 Town Hall Square ( Raekoja plats ). The square in the heart of the Old Town, just next to medieval Town Hall ( Raekoda ), ringed with cafes and restaurants. The square was used as a marketplace.  
• 59.43699 24.74532 8 Town Hall ( Raekoda ), Raekoja plats 1 , ☏ +372 645 7900 . Tallinn Town Hall, built at the turn of the 14th and 15th centuries, is the oldest town hall in the Nordic countries and Baltic states . Its heavy stone structure dominates the square. Nowadays it's used as a museum where smaller concerts are held. The weather vane on top of the spire is called Vana Toomas ("Old Thomas") and it has become a symbol of the city.  
• 59.44136 24.74786 9 St. Olaf's church ( Oleviste kirik ), Lai 51 . Built in the 12th century. Today it is a Baptist church and probably the most visible landmark on the northern end of the Old Town. When Estonia was part of the Soviet Union the tower was used as a radio tower and a surveillance point. Tower €3 . ( updated Sep 2017 )

• 59.43591 24.74269 10 St. Nicholas church ( Niguliste kirik ), Niguliste 3 . W-S 10:00-17:00 . St.Olaf's lookalike is at the other end of the Old Town. Heavily damaged in World War II and a fire in the 1980s, it is now an art museum and houses Bernt Notke's famous Danse Macabre from 1633. adults €3.50, concessions €2 .  
• 59.43254 24.73943 11 Vabamu ( Museum of Occupations and Freedom ), Toompea. 8 , ☏ +372 668 0250 , [email protected] . Daily 11:00-18:00 . Educates and involves the people of Estonia and its visitors and encourages everyone to think about the recent past, to sense the fragility of freedom, and to stand for freedom and justice. Adult €11; concession €7; family €23 . ( updated Feb 2020 )

• 59.43924 24.74227 12 City Wall . A section of the City Wall can be climbed from the corner of Suur-Kloostri and Väike-Kloostri, with entry into three towers possible. Quite frankly, the views from up on Toompea are better, and the spiral staircases are steep and somewhat claustrophobic. €1.25 .  
• 59.43829 24.74564 13 Estonian History Museum ( Great Guild ), Pikk 17 , ☏ +372 6968 690 , [email protected] . Daily 10:00-18:00 (1 May - 30 Sep); Th-Tu 10:00-18:00 (1 Oct - 30 Apr) . The History Museum's main location is the medieval Great Guild Hall. Here, the permanent exhibition takes you through 11,000 years of Estonian history by means ranging from striking exhibits of artifacts to interactive "time capsules". Topics covered include a surprisingly wide range, from coinage and wine to the history of the Great Guild building itself. On top of that, there are always some temporary exhibitions which usually serve as a link with present-day Estonia and Tallinn. €4; Free entry on the last Thursday of every month and on the International Museum Day, 18 May .  
• 59.4425 24.7496 14 Estonian Maritime Museum ( Fat Margaret ), Pikk 70 ( Trams 1/2 and bus 3 to Linnhall ), ☏ +372 6 200 550 , [email protected] . May–Sept: daily 09:00 – 18:00; Oct–Apr: Tu–Su 10:00 – 18:00 . The Maritime Museum dates back to 1935 and is housed inside the largest of the Tallinn city wall towers, aptly named "Fat Margaret" ( Paks Margareta ). Visiting the museum allows one not only to see the potpourri of maritime-themed artifacts, but also the 16th-century cannon tower and experience the view from the cafe on its roof. While the museum is the original location of the Meremuuseum , you absolutely cannot miss their second location in the Seaplane Harbour, where the ships and airplanes are stored (see below). €5, combined ticket with Seaplane Harbour - €14 . ( updated Jul 2019 )
• 59.44056 24.74761 15 Ex-KGB Headquarters , Pikk 61 . Now the Interior Ministry and not generally open to the public, this is where the KGB detained and tortured suspected dissidents. A Soviet-era joke says that this was the tallest building in Estonia: even from the basement, you could see Siberia. Interrogations were indeed conducted in the basement and you can see even today how the windows were crudely bricked up with concrete to mute the sound.  
• 54.897 24.743 16 City Train for kids ( Thomas the Train ), Kullassepa 5 , ☏ +372 5887 7742 . Departs every 20 minutes; so takes the round trip. adult €6, child €4 .  

Outside the Old Town

• 59.43371 24.74407 18 Freedom Square , Vabaduse väljak . The Freedom Square is one of the main squares in Tallinn, featuring the simple and elegant St. John's Church from the 1860s and the contemporary Victory Column, erected in 2009 to commemorate the Estonian War of Independence of 1918-1920. The square looks especially spectacular at nighttime, when the column is lit up.  
• 59.43877 24.75595 19 Rottermann Quarter . An industrial district between the city and the Tallinn Port. The buildings are from the 19th and 20th century, with motifs of Art Nouveau and Historicism. New and stylish apartment buildings with shopping centre have now been built there widely regarded as architectural masterpiece in Tallinn.  

• 59.44662 24.75354 20 Tallinn Linnahall , Mere pst. 20 ( stop: Linnahall Bus 3 or #90K (Airport bus) to stop 7 and then a 5-min walk to the Linda line terminal past the Domina Inn Ilmarine hotel ). A fine example of Soviet Brutalist architecture designed by Raine Karp and Riina Altmäe and built for the 22nd Moscow Summer Olympic Games in 1980 for sailing events held in Tallinn. Scale the exterior of this crumbling monumental eulogy to mass culture and marvel at the fact that beneath its crumbling exterior lies a 5,000-seat amphitheatre (that last held a concert in 2008) and a 3,000-seat ice rink. It is closed to the public as negotiations regarding its redevelopment continu. It is maybe a last chance to see part of Tallinn's overlooked architectural heritage in its current form. Linda line run their catamaran service to Helsinki from offices adjacent to/underneath the helipad.  
• 59.43511 24.76388 21 Estonian Firefighting Museum , Raua 2 , ☏ +372 53 028 404 , [email protected] . M–Th 09:00 – 17:00, F 09:00 – 15:30 .  
• 59.445043 24.751293 22 Contemporary Art Museum of Estonia (EKKM) ( Eesti Kaasaegse Kunsti Muuseum ), Põhja pst. 35 ( coming from the old town, just walk towards Linnahall; the museum is located just after the small road that is behind Kulturikatel ), ☏ +372 53305449 , [email protected] . April to December: Tu–Su 12–19 (you may want to double-check online) . Already when entering, this place plays with what a museum should look like: you enter into a café. The exhibition rooms are diverse, as they make use of old industrial space. The shows are prepared by artists, hence the place builds a bridge between the upcoming and the established scene. free admission, donations very welcome . ( updated Oct 2018 )
• 59.58384 24.74915 23 Peter the Great's Naval Fortress ( Peeter Suure merekindluse suurtükipatarei ) ( on the Aegna Island, 14 km north ). In the 18th century, the coastal protection batteries, part of the larger Peter the Great’s sea fortress system, were built in the island.  

Kadriorg quarter

A beautiful and rich seaside resort district with mostly wooden buildings from the 18th to 20th centuries, and 20th-century Art Deco and Functionalist structures. It also includes the baroque pearl of Estonia, the Kadriorg Palace and Garden.

• 59.4384 24.791 24 Kadriorg Palace , Weizenbergi 37 . An imperial Russian summer residence built by Italian architect Niccolo Michetti for Tsar Peter the Great in 1718. It is in a 90-ha (222-acre) park in the eastern part of the city. The Tsar, a classic and mysterious Russian soul, preferred to stay in a modest house nearby. This event signified the beginning of Tallinn's fame as a summer resort for noble and rich Russians for most of the 18th and 19th centuries. The palace houses some painting collections and other art. A portion of the complex is now occupied by the Office of the President and not available to the public. €6 (for the palace) .  

• 59.4362 24.79614 25 National Art Museum KUMU , Weizenbergi 37/Valge 1 ( stop: Kumu ). Opened in February 2006, this is the largest government-built building since the liberation and it is an almost 50,000 m² (538,196 ft²). The museum, whose architecture is by itself enough to justify the visit, houses a cyclopic house, partly cut out of limestone rock. Permanent exhibition is obviously focused on Estonian art in a wide interval of time. Quality of many pieces is very good and well worth a visit. Also very interesting is the (not too spontaneous) turn of interests of artists toward socialist themes during the USSR period. Exhibitions of modern art, mixed with net/social applications, are often surprising and amusing. Not to be missed or overlooked.  
• 59.44438 24.80794 26 Song Festival Grounds ( stops: Oru, Lasnamägi, or Lauluväljak ). A huge Modernist structure where the All Estonian Song Festival, which is held every five years, features 34,000 singers and dancers in addition to a massive audience.  

Includes forest parks, Botanic Gardens and Metsakalmistu (the last resting place of well-known Estonians). A few km east of the city centre along the seaside road.

• 59.47127 24.88738 27 Tallinn TV Tower , Kloostrimetsa 58a ( stop: Motoklubi ). A 314 m high, free-standing structure with an observation deck on the 21st floor which, with its 170 m, is the highest in Northern Europe. It offers spectacular views across Tallinn and, on a clear day, you can see Finland. €10 .  
• 59.4688 24.88073 28 Tallinn Botanical Gardens ( Bus no: 34A or 38 stop: Kloostrimetsa ). The Tallinn Botanic Garden is in the eastern outskirts of Tallinn, 10 km from the city centre and 3 km from the Pirita Sailing and Recreation Centre.It is a must see destination for nature and plant lovers. The "greenhouse" located near the ticket office houses variety of plants, flowers, trees, cactus family and lot more. Spring temperature is maintained always inside the greenhouse, even during winter season. The outdoor garden is vast and has varied flower collections.  
• 59.47159 24.8712 29 Metsakalmistu Cemetery , Pirita ( stop: Metsakalmistu, Bus no 34A or 38 ). Tallinn's most famous cemetery, housing Estonia’s presidents Konstantin Päts and Lennart Meri, as well as chess player Paul Keres. If you're not there to see the graves of Estonian celebrities, it's a peaceful experience to just stroll among the trees.  
• 59.46658 24.83597 30 Holy Birgitta Monastery ( Pirita beach area, 5km from the city centre ). A monastery of Scandinavian female saints, as well as a landmark of 16th century catacombs and ruins. It includes a guest house operated by the nuns.  

Põhja-Tallinn

• 59.44563 24.73456 31 Kalamaja Quarter ( north west from Old Town ). The oldest suburb of Tallinn, dating back to the 14th century. It was probably inhabited by fishermen ( Kalamaja means "Fish house") and mostly houses workers. The current wooden buildings are from the 19th century.  
• 59.45012 24.74182 32 Patarei (Battery) Prison , Kalaranna 2 , ☏ +372 504 6536 . Built by Tsar Nicholas I in 1820 as a fortress to protect the city from the sea-born attacks, it was turned into a notorious KGB prison in 1920. The prison ceased operations in 2004. ( updated Aug 2019 )

• 59.4517 24.7386 33 Seaplane Harbour ( Lennusadam ), 6 Vesilennuki ( No immediately adjacent public transportation stop - you need to walk at least 1 km from either the Linnahall (bus 3, tram 1/2) or Kalamaja (bus 3) stops. ), ☏ +372 6 200 550 , [email protected] . May-Sep: daily 10:00 to 19:00; Oct – Apr: Tu-Su 10:00 to 19:00 . Lennusadam , literally "air port", was constructed in 1916 for the purpose of serving the seaplane fleet with a spectacular, three-domed concrete hangar. Today, it serves as an outpost of the Maritime museum, serving its large collection of complete ships, airplanes and maritime and military equipment too large to fit the Fat Margaret . Inside the hangar, the highlight is the complete submarine Lembit, whose interior can be visited as well, a shipwreck from the 16th century and a collection of smaller boats and seaplanes. The crown of the collection moored outside in the harbour is the steam-powered icebreaker Suur Tõll. Throughout the museum, a number of state-of-the-art technologies and solutions are employed for a more engaging and enjoyable visit, and the museum has a wide range of activities and tours on offer. As the Seaplane Harbour is a bit out of the way, those getting peckish can enjoy a meal at the museum's restaurant Maru inside the hangars. €14 (combined ticket with Fat Margaret - €16) .  

• 59.42153 24.6607 35 Tallinn Zoo , Paldiski mnt. 145 ( Bus stop: Zoo, trolleybus 6 or 7 ). This is an enormous area. Among its live exhibits, you'll find the world's best collections of mountain goats and sheep, which means there are a lot of them! Tallinn Zoo defies the realities of a relatively modest town -- it features all the elephants and crocodiles a visitor would expect to see in a larger zoo, as well as a breathtaking maze of lake-size ponds that host birds in summertime. It also has pets that children can cuddle in children’s petting zoo. Adult €8, child €5, family €20 . ( updated Jul 2020 )

Also, check out other sights within North Estonia , which could allow for a day trip from Tallinn.

• 59.4373 24.7447 1 Medieval Days ( Keskaja Päevad ), Raekoja plats ( in the Old Town ), ☏ +372 660 4772 , +372 518 7812 (Estonian Folk Art and Handicraft Union), +372 5364 8854 (Costume rental) , [email protected] . July . Come and experience the medieval atmosphere of the historic Hanseatic City! You can find workshops and market with traders, participate in tours and witness exciting tournaments.  
• 59.444214 24.751362 2 Kultuurikatel ( creative hub ) , Põhja pst 27a , ☏ +372 56 2011 15 . Formerly an industrial site, this is now Tallinn's main creative hub, site of many events (see website). ( updated Oct 2018 )
• 59.44408 24.75015 3 Energy Discovery Centre ( for youngsters ), Põhja pst 29 , ☏ +372 620 9020 , [email protected] . Daily 12:00–18:00, public holidays 12:00–17:00 . ( updated Jul 2020 )
• 59.451845 24.730352 4 PROTO Invention Factory ( PROTO Avastustehas ), Peetri 10 , ☏ +372 627 6661 . Indoor amusement park where amusements take place with the help of VR glasses. ( updated Jun 2021 )
• 59.440109 24.751269 5 Kalev Spa , Aia 18 , ☏ +372 649 3300 . One of the largest water parks in Northern Estonia. ( updated Jun 2021 )
• 59.507931 24.827524 6 Atlantis H2O Aquapark , Randvere tee 11, Viimsi ( Buses 1A, 114, 174 ), ☏ +372 666 7045 , [email protected] . The water park has several fun water equipment: a wave pool, a flow pool and eight different slides, the longest of which is over 120 m. For toddlers, there is a separate area with two smaller slides, a climbing area and a 0.20-m-deep swimming pool.  
• 59.227995 24.709268 7 Vembu-Tembumaa , Keskuse tee 2, Kurtna, Saku ( Bus 219, 2 km walk from Kiisa railway station ), ☏ +372 671 9155 , [email protected] . The oldest and largest amusement park for the whole family. €18 .  

A flag system that regulates swimming. A green flag means it is safe swim, a yellow flag means you can swim, but it isn't recommended and a red flag means swimming is not advised, go in at your own risk.

• 59.47194 24.8305 8 Pirita Beach ( Pirita rand ) ( take bus 1A, 8, 34A or 38. to stop "Pirita", or walk by the sea 5 km northeast of centre ). A large sandy beach which in summer is full of locals and tourists.  
• 59.44236 24.68381 9 Stroomi Beach ( Stroomi rand, Pelgurand ) ( take bus 40 to stop "Supelranna" ). The water is clean and warm, and it is the gay friendliest beach of Tallinn.  
• 59.41421 24.63208 10 Lake Harku ( Harku järv ) ( take trolley 6, 7 or bus 16, 36 to stop "Väike-Õismäe" ). Small lake that draws a lot of people. The lake gets dirtier by the year and swimming is not always recommended. Watch out for the vipers on the shore!  
• 59.4505 24.57589 11 Kakumäe beach ( Bus 21 from Balti jaam (where the trains arrive), bus 21A from Väike-Õismäe. Stop Landi (21) or Sooranna tee (21A & 21B); from Landi stop keep walking (1 km) until Sooranna tee stop, there you'll find helpful signs ). The water is one of the purest in all of Tallinn beaches.  
• 59.47334 24.72515 12 Pikakari Beach . The water quality is fairly good and it gets deep quite soon when you go in. The huge waves coming from the ships break on shore for the joy of all swimmers. The historical Katariina Pier is nice to walk on.  
• Football: The men's national soccer team play home games at Lilleküla Stadium (sponsored as A. Le Coq Arena), capacity 14,300, 2 km south of city centre. City clubs playing soccer in Meistriliiga, the country's top tier, are Levadia , Flora , Nõmme Kalju and Tallinna Kalev. FC Tallinn and Legion play in Esiliiga the second tier. The domestic playing season is March-Nov.
• 59.42596 24.64731 13 Simpel Session . Summer/Winter . International skateboarding and BMX event.  
• Tallinn International Horseshow . Spring/Autumn . Biggest international horse riding competition in Baltic states, includes showjumping and dressage. Takes place in Saku Suurhall.  

Film festivals

Music festivals.

• 59.44455 24.80651 14 The Estonian Song Celebration ( Laulupidu ). 4-7 July 2019 . First held in 1869, takes place every five years. In 2014, 35,000 choral singers gathered to perform for an audience of 90,000 people. It is recognised by UNESCO as a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity. ( updated Aug 2018 )
• Tallinn Music Week . Spring . Showcase festival, aiming to stage the best and most outstanding Estonian talent on two nights in Tallinn's most vibrant live venues, as well as a networking event for the music industry professionals.  
• Tallinn International Festival Jazzkaar . April . In addition to Tallinn jazz concerts also take place in Tartu and Pärnu.  
• 59.43734 24.74505 15 Tallinn Old Town Days . May/June .  
• 59.4664 24.8363 16 Birgitta Festival . August . Music and theatre festival, held at the ruins of the historical Pirita (St. Bridget's) convent.  

• 59.4261 24.6474 17 Saku Suurhall . Rocca al Mare. Estonia's largest concert and exhibition space, the venue for the 2002 Eurovision Song Contest. The hall and its facilities include an excellent shopping centre that can easily be reached by trolleybus 6.  

• 59.3948 24.6707 3 Tallinn University of Technology Summer School , Ehitajate tee 5 , ☏ +372 620 2002 , [email protected] . TUT offers every summer courses in English (TOEFL) and Nordic Culture  
• 59.4388 24.7719 4 Tallinn University Summer School , Narva mnt 25 , ☏ +372 6409218 , [email protected] . Tallinn University offers a Summer School to learn Eesti.  
• 59.43456 24.75251 5 Estonian Academy of Arts , Estonia pst 7 , ☏ +372 626 7301 , [email protected] . 17:00-20:40 . Open Academy for everybody interested in arts. Wide range of courses and interactive creativity from €75 .  
• 59.4394 24.7719 6 Baltic Film and Media School , Narva mnt 25 , ☏ +372 619 9909 , [email protected] . Runs a training program and several other activities in the film & media sphere and has a cooperation with Apple  

English language teachers with TEFL certificates or equivalent are in demand. Especially during periods of Summer School and/or TOEFL test times, teachers have good opportunities.

Jobs for non-Estonian speakers are less common in other fields, although several IT companies (e.g. Skype) have English based job openings. Compared to Finland or other Scandic countries salaries are lower, so it could make sense to utilize job opportunities in nearby areas. Estonia is part of the EU and Eurozone, so work permits are easy for EU member states and associated countries. All other will need to apply for work permits.

Digital nomads may take advantage of the several coworking spaces, with new ones still popping up from time to time. Among the bigger ones are, for example, Spring Hub and Lift99 (the latter being application-only and strongly connected to the local startup scene). The national library [dead link] , which is a few hundred metres south of the city centre, offers plenty of space and good free internet connectivity during opening hours.

Tallinn may be cheap compared to other major European cities, but it is no longer the bargain deal it once was. Though not overtly touristy, it is much more expensive than the rest of the country. If you come here for an authentic Estonian and inexpensive experience, this is the wrong place. Prices can be comparable to Munich and Milan.

Department stores & shopping malls

• 59.43695 24.75664 1 Viru Keskus , Viru väljak 6 . 09:00-21:00 . In and around the landmark Viru hotel, it is very busy as the bus terminal is below this mall. It is still in walking distance from the port but serves tourists and locals as well.  
• 59.43775 24.75846 2 Foorum Keskus , Narva maantee 5 .  
• 59.43486 24.7567 3 Kaubamaja , Gonsiori 2 . Opened in 1960, this is the grand old department store of Tallinn. Unsurprisingly a lot has changed since the Soviet times.  
• 59.43518 24.75459 4 Melon Kaubanduskeskus , Estonia puiestee 1/3 , ☏ +372 630 6500 .  

• 59.43167 24.7609 5 Stockmann , Liivalaia 53 , ☏ +372 633 9539 . Part of the Finnish department store chain, here since 1996. Close to the port and popular with Finnish tourists.  
• 59.42639 24.65165 6 Rocca al Mare kaubanduskeskus ( Take trolley 6 or 7, bus 21, 41 or 42 ), ☏ +372 6659 345 , [email protected] . A few kilometres west of the old town along Paldiski maantee. Consists of a Prisma hypermarket and tens of smaller, mostly fashion boutiques. Also restaurants.  
• 59.42212 24.79438 7 Ülemiste Keskus ( Near the airport; take tram 4 or bus 2 to Ülemiste linnak ).  
• 59.42697 24.7206 8 Kristiine Keskus , Endla tn 45 ( Take trolleybus 3 or bus 21, 23 or 42 ), ☏ +372 665 9100 , [email protected] . One of Estonia's biggest malls with dozens of clothing and shoe outlets, nearly 20 cafés and restaurants, and countless other shops and services.  
• 59.43851 24.7544 9 Rotermanni Kvartal . Rotermann's Quarter is a downtown shopping area with clothing and department stores and restaurants between Viru Keskus, Tallinn port and the Old Town. If you are walking from the harbor towards Viru Väljak the quarter is on your left hand side. One place to find bargain clothes is the Rotermann Kaubamaja situated right at Mere Puiestee. The Kaubamaja also has a combined cafe and restaurant on the third floor which seems to be surprisingly empty even as they have reasonable prices.  

Boutiques and souvenirs

For boutiques and souvenirs, your best choice is Viru street in the Old Town and its side streets. There are many stalls selling traditional items like woolen pullovers, crystal and amber. Be prepared to bargain in order to get a reasonable price, however bargaining is only accepted at some places. Even though Baltic amber and Russian matryoshka dolls are widely available in souvenir boutiques, neither are related to Estonia or its culture and are sold in Estonian souvenir boutiques mainly because they sell well to tourists.

• 59.439738 24.728562 10 Telliskivi — indie shops , Telliskivi 60a ( use tram 1 or 2 towards Kopli and get off Teliskivi, pass by Depoo into Teliskivi street ), [email protected] . Former industrial, now creative/entrepreneurial district Telliskivi is home to many small boutiques selling nice goods ranging from arts, to clothes and interior. A book shop and a record shop are also welcoming you. You will find all shops on the website. ( updated Oct 2018 )
• 59.43531 24.74631 11 Ivo Nikkolo , Suur-Karja 14 . Fashion-interested people can visit the main store of Estonia's first Post-Soviet designer brand Ivo Nikkolo.  
• 59.453004 24.87539 12 Geek Shop Estonia , Narva mnt 19 , ☏ +372 555 31 000 , [email protected] . M–Sa 11:00–20:00 . Pop culture collectibles and gaming store, which sells toy figures, board games, clothes, accessories and other geek stuff.  

• 59.44094 24.73588 13 Jaama Turg ( Baltijaama turg ), Kopli 1 . A market place next to the train station. Overrated and overpriced, gourmet food at three times the price of regular market places. For tourist and rich locals.  
• 59.43024 24.76653 14 Keskturg , Keldrimäe 9 . Market place 500 m from the bus station. They sell food and clothes.  
• 59.43744 24.74499 15 Jõuluturg , Raekoja Plats . The Christmas Market on the Town Hall square is open from late November to early January. They sell knitwear, various wooden objects for use and decoration, Christmas tree decorations, gingerbread and such. It's not all about shopping, the Christmas tree in the middle is worth taking a photo of and there's a stage when they sing carols. Of course you can occasionally run into Santa at the market. Don't forget to try a mug of hot glögg, sold at many stalls.  
• 59.43754 24.75303 16 Vana Turg , Mere Pst . The name translates to "old market" and is located on a small square just outside the old town. Vana Turg is a place to buy clothes and decoration items often Estonian-made and sometimes sold by the makers themselves: knitted pullovers and caps, gloves, belts and slippers are examples of what you can find here.  
• 59.4438 24.7579 17 Sadamarket , Kai 5 . Daily 08:00-19:00 . Shopping daytrippers who arrive with Viking Line or Eckerö Line and can't be bothered to walk far from the terminal usually end up at this large indoor market. Three floors of clothing, bags, food and souvenirs plus some restaurants on the second floor. And of course also alcoholic beverages at a third of the Finnish prices. ( updated Oct 2015 )

• 59.443435 24.759972 18 Sadama Turg , Sadama 25-4 , ☏ +372 56650770 , [email protected] . Another market near the ferry terminals, selling quality Estonian handicraft, food, and alcoholic beverages at cheap prices. ( updated Jan 2020 )
• 59.436968 24.747486 19 Biit Record , Viru 3 . Tu-F 13:00-19:00 . A music shop covering all major media types, with somewhat of a focus on vinyl. They especially have great indie and electronics offerings, can at the same time help find great local music and also other common genres. Located in an upper floor, the store has a special atmosphere to it. Offering secondhand and a wide variety of new records.  
• 59.428571 24.724214 20 Rockroad Record , Endla 38 . Mainly metal and rock/pop/blues also. Owner knows about Estonian and Russian rock music. Carries many Melodia label records.  
• 59.428571 24.724214 21 Raamatukoi Grammofon Records , Voorimehe 9 . Good selections. Classical, jazz, Estonian, pop-rock and so on. Furthermore, they sell postcards and stamps.  
• 59.43993 24.7297 22 World Clinic record shop , Telliskivi 60a/3 1st floor ( located at the northern end of in the Telliskivi creative area (<10 minutes walk from the central train station) ), [email protected] . a small but very friendly and diverse record shop ( updated Oct 2018 )

The Old Town is packed with restaurants claiming to offer authentic Estonian food, particularly on and around Raekoja plats . Prices at restaurants near the Raekoja Plats are generally more expensive, yet offer the same quality of food, as restaurants off this main square. Prices are steep by Estonian standards, but still much cheaper than neighbouring Helsinki, which explains why on weekends they're always packed with day tripping Finns.

In the Old Town

• 59.43836 24.7457 1 Maiasmokk , Pikk 16 , ☏ +372 64 64 079 , [email protected] . 09:00 to 21:00 mostly . The oldest still operating café in Tallinn, dating back to 1864. Coffee, tea, chocolate and various sweet and savoury pastries at quite cheap prices. Spacious with stylish decor. Next door is the Maiasmokk confectionery shop, which sells good quality Estonian chocolates. ( updated May 2022 )
• 59.437497 24.743138 2 Pub Kompressor , Rataskaevu 3 . Very tasty and varied pancakes. There are also other dishes. Fantastic place with great food and drinks, especially kvass! ( updated May 2022 )
• 59.437 24.745637 3 III Draakon , Raekoja plats . If you'd like to scoop nostalgia. Very interesting to eat in a special way. They have a small menu to offer but very good and very typical. The waitress plays at having the character of a sour waitress but with humor. A memorable experience. ( updated May 2022 )
• 59.43574 24.747118 4 Pizza Grande , Väike-Karja 6a . Very cozy place. Delicious pizza, affordable prices, pleasant service. Great environment. ( updated May 2022 )

Near the Old Town

• 59.43257 24.74649 5 Loca , Tatari 1, Tallinn ( Located near Vabaduse väljak, right next to Söögiplats ), ☏ +372 555 15 235 . 11:00-07:00 . Pizza, falafel, hummus, soup, beer. Fast food joint with wild staff and increasing customer service. €3-8 .  
• 59.4331 24.74782 6 Mr. Mauruse Pub ( Estonia pst 8 ) ( Near the city library. ). A great local pub, featuring cheap food with hearty portions. ( updated May 2022 )

Around the market Balti Jaama Turg

• 59.439635 24.729219 7 F-hoone , Telliskivi 60a/F , ☏ +372 5322 6855 , [email protected] . M-Sa 9-24, Su 9-22; kitchen closes 1 hr earlier . Used to be an industrial hall, now made a great bistro/bar which tends to become very busy in the evenings (book if you can, but as it's big you might well be lucky and find the one spare table. Good value for price. ( updated May 2022 )

East of the old town around the Coca-Cola Plaza

• 59.43708 24.76361 8 Kohvik Narva , Narva mnt 10 , ☏ +372 6601786 . M-F 08:30-20:00, Sa 10:00-20:00, Su 10:00-18:00 . Cafe Narva long boasted an old-style interior preserved from the Soviet area; today's chic interior seems questionably authentic. Ladies at the counter are somewhat brusque (still) and mostly Russian-speaking, although this should not prevent you from enjoying traditional food of Soviet workers as well as delicious pastries baked on the premises. Cake per kg €8.50-12, pastry pieces €0.70, solyanka €3, pancake €2.50-3.50, pasta carbonara €6, schnitzel €7, potato fritter €3-5, Pelmeni €5 . ( updated Sep 2017 )
• 59.4246 24.7934 9 Puffid bakery , Peterburi tee 2 ( on the first floor of T1 and Kristiine Center ), ☏ +372 58500408 , [email protected] . Puffid bakery offers snacks for every taste, curd pockets, a special children's set, croissants, baguettes and salads with different fillings. ( updated Feb 2024 )
• 59.4372 24.74285 10 Aed ( Embassy of Pure Food ), Rataskaevu 8. , ☏ +372 626 9088 , [email protected] . M-Sa 12:00-00:00, Su 12:00-18:00 . Excellent organic, biodynamic and Demeter food, also full vegan options. Beautiful interior, very charming and romantic, wonderful service. Lower-than-tourist prices .  
• 59.43547 24.7614 11 Aserbaijan Restaurant Shesh-Besh , Gonsiori 9 , ☏ +372 661 1422 , [email protected] . This dim and blandly decorated Azerbaijani bar-restaurant "Shesh Besh" offers genuine Azerbaijan cuisine. Although a namesake, it has nothing to do with a branch of Azerbaijan restaurants in Russia. Mains: €6-8 .  
• 59.43765 24.74829 12 Controvento , Vene 12/Katriina Käik . A very nice little Italian restaurant stashed away in a small side passage in the Old Town. Offering genuinely excellent food at reasonable prices with good service. Its only "flaw" is that it's hard to get into and is most often completely full, even on off-season week nights. You may want to call ahead and make a reservation. Pizzas and pasta dishes are around €10.  
• 59.4246 24.794 13 Crudo Resto , Peterburi tee 2 ( in the shopping and entertainment center T1 ), ☏ +372 58777770 , [email protected] . 10:00 - 21:00 . Italian cuisine, pizzas, pastas and a variety of Italian appetizers (antipasti), salads, soups, carefully selected wines, classic cocktails and Italian desserts. ( updated Feb 2024 )
• 59.438308 24.729358 14 Frenchy bistro , Telliskivi 60a/5, hall B , ☏ +372 5604 8262 . M 17-23, Tu-Th 12-23, F-Sa 12-24 . French food bistro in a hip vintage-industrial-modern setting. Has cheap daily offers. ( updated Oct 2018 )

• 59.438412 24.751491 15 Guru , Aia 10 , ☏ +372 5301 7828 . A new Indian restaurant in central Tallinn, just outside the old town. Easy to find as it's on the same street as the Kalev Spa. Offers authentic Indian cuisine with plenty of spices. Try the Indian tea for dessert. Mains €12-20 . ( updated Dec 2019 )
• 59.439582 24.717268 16 Kaja Pizza Köök , Õle 33 , ☏ +372 6601611 . Tu - Su 11:30 till Out of Dough (they will make a given amount of dough every day, so if it's very busy they will close "early") . pizza baked in a wood oven, with the choice of topping being aligned to traditional south Italian pizza. Small place, just one big table everybody shares. Combining traditional elements and a rather modern/hip atmosphere. pizza 5-8 Euro + 1 Euro per additional topping . ( updated Oct 2018 )
• 59.43601 24.74681 17 Karja Kelder , Väike-Karja 1 , ☏ +372 644 1008 . 11:00-00:00 or later . Pleasant and affordable tourist trap in basement. Located in the middle of Old Town. Main courses €4.50-8 .  

• 59.4451 24.7478 18 Kohvik Moon , Võrgu 3 , ☏ +372 6 314 575 , [email protected] . 12:00 - 23:00 mostly . A rather small restaurant with a nice, minimalistic decor. Serves traditional Estonian food with a Russian influence. Voted best restaurant in Tallinn in 2010. Very popular among tourists, and as such it is usually quite full. Prior reservations are recommended but not mandatory. Main courses €10–20 .  
• 59.4374 24.74317 19 Kompressor , Rataskaevu 3 ( Just few minutes walk from Raekoja plats. ). This place offers an assortment of huge and delicious pancakes. Don't give in to the temptation to order two portions, one pancake is usually enough. This place used to be less touristic, but is now. Pancakes from €4.50, Beer €3 .  
• 59.43368 24.75787 20 Madissoni Grill & Baar , Rävala Puiestee 3 ( next to the Radisson Blu Hotel ). This open kitchen type restaurant serves good flame-grilled food at decent prices, especially popular for its daily lunch specials, King Club sandwich and burgers.  
• 59.43694 24.74759 21 Oliver , Viru 3 , ☏ +372 630 7898 , [email protected] . 10:00-00:00 . A traditional restaurant in the heart of the Tallinn Old town. The menu is centered on various kinds of steaks, but there are also pastas and vegetarian dishes available. Main courses €15–23. ( updated Nov 2015 )
• 59.43669 24.74685 22 Restoran Peppersack . A middle ages-themed restaurant one block away from the city hall square - even the names of the dishes are medieval themed. Outdoor seating available in the summer, when they also played medieval (what else?) music on a small outdoor stage, and they seem also to have sword fight and oriental dance performances. Probably the main competitor of Olde Hansa and a bit touristy indeed but fun.  
• 59.39254 24.67387 23 Pirosmani , Üliõpilaste tee 1 , ☏ +372 639 3246 . 10:00-24:00 . Georgian food as it is done in Georgia. It's well out of the way, but that's a good thing. Almost everyone at this restaurant is local (although the menu has English), and tourists are not in sight, so the food here is good and great value. Try the Khinkali or the Harcho.  
• 59.43733 24.74596 24 Troika , Raekoja plats 15 . Offers generous portions of Russian food. In the warm summer months, people dine on the terrace. In winter, they head down to the warm cellar. To fill up, get a small zakuski (which is anything but small) appetizer plate. It's big enough for three and costs €9, then dip your pelmeni dumplings (costing €6) in smetana or the other sauces provided and wash it down with a shot of vodka (€5).  
• 59.445745 24.749621 25 [formerly dead link] Umami , Kalasadama 8 , ☏ +372 600 1035 , [email protected] . 12:00-20:00 mostly . Considered among the best restaurants in Tallinn. Originally located in Mustamäe, the restaurant came under threat of closing down in March 2019 when the building housing it was demolished. Instead of closing down, it opened in new premises in Kalamaja in northern Tallinn. Umami offers Estonian-style cuisine with an international twist, as well as a diverse wine list. The restaurant has a spacious terrace and is a short walk away from the ferry terminal. The burger of the day is worth trying. Main courses €11.50-21.50 . ( updated Jun 2019 )

• 59.43716 24.74262 26 Vanaema Juures , Rataskaevu 10/12 , ☏ +372 626 9080 . Translates as "At Grandma", which gives you an idea of the warm welcome you can expect here. Friendly and attentive staff are happy to explain the traditional dishes. Excellent value for money. It's a tiny place, so reservations are essential in the high season. Try the meatballs or the pork with sauerkraut and don't miss the kama porridge for dessert. ( updated Feb 2020 )
• 59.43624 24.74479 27 Bar Fish and Wine , Harju 1 , ☏ +372 662 3013 . M-Th 11:30-23:00, F Sa 11:30-24:00 . The name pretty much says it. This is a modern cocktail bar and restaurant serving vodka and caviar, fish dishes and a wide range of wines.  
• 59.43992 24.74777 28 Bocca , Olevimägi 9 , ☏ +372 611 7290 . M-Th 11:30-23:00, F Sa 11.30-24:00, Su 13:00-22:00 . One of the trendiest restaurants in Tallinn. Features Italian cuisine by Nicola Tanda. It also has a nice bar to enjoy cocktails and snacks. This is one of the busiest restaurants in Tallinn. Reservations are highly recommended. €30 .  
• 59.44011 24.74798 29 Chedi ( chedi ), Olevimägi 11 ( next to restaurant Bocca, in old town ), ☏ +372 646 1676 . M-Th 11:30-23:00, F Sa 11:30-24:00, Sun 13:00-22:00 . Modern Asian kitchen supervised by Alan Yau from Hakasan, London. Modern and warm interior to give a retro Asian impression. Reservations recommended for the weekend and during summer holidays. €20 .  
• 59.43707 24.74344 30 [dead link] Kuldse Notsu Kõrts , Dunkri 8 , ☏ +372 628 6567 . Daily 12:00-23:00 . Good traditional Estonian restaurant close to the main square. Try the house beer or vodka and fresh buckthorn and honey apertif with your blood sausage or the famous pork knuckle with extra spicy mustard. The traditional desserts are also worth a try. Live traditional music Sep-May F Sa nights. €20-30 including drinks and desert .  

• 59.43644 24.74284 31 Musi , Niguliste 6 , ☏ +372 5663 6211 . 17:00-24:00 . This is primarily a wine bar, but it has light meals as well. From the outside it looks like a cosy oasis, and you might think the place is one little rustic room on display but there is more tables behind the wine bar. Welcoming staff and a good selection of wine by the glass. A good place for a relaxed meal, or with your friends before or after dinner. Glass of wine: €4; Small dishes: from €5 .  
• 59.43668 24.74599 32 Olde Hansa , Vana turg 1 . The ruling king among Tallinn's purely touristy restaurants with some of them trying to copy its style. The place is simply medieval, not just in terms of food but also in the sense of performance - no electricity, no music except live and authentic, no modern inventions. The house special is bear meat "marinated in rare spices and cooked over a fire in honour of Waldemar II, the brave King of Denmark" costing €40+. Try one of the extraordinary beers, such as the honey beer. It is not likely that you will meet any locals here.  
• 59.43895 24.75443 33 Restaurant Ö , Mere pst. 6E ( close to old town, near harbour ), ☏ +372 661 6150 . M-Th 12:00-23:00, F Sa 12:00-24:00, Su 13:00-22:00 . Reopened and two new chefs Martin Meikas and Ranno Paukson with focus on Modern Estonian kitchen. Good view of old town. €20 .  
• 59.43779 24.74735 34 Tchaikovsky , Vene 9 , ☏ +372 6000 610 . M-F 12:00-15:00, 18:00-23:00; Sa Su 13:00-23:00 . As the name suggests, it is a Russian restaurant, but don't expect wooden benches, traditional food, and folk music. On the contrary, you will find a selection of Russian delicacies ranging from pancakes with caviar to pelmeni with pork and wild mushrooms, along with fusion-style cuisine (rabbit with Jerusalem artichoke being a good example). Expect delicious food and very high prices, but if you are looking for typical Russian fare, try to find another place for dinner. Mains start from €20 .  

There are plenty of nice cafés, especially in the centre. Among the interesting ones:

• 59.435309 24.73116 1 Café Mademoiselle ( Kohvik Mademoiselle ), Toompuiestee 27 / Paldiski mnt 4 ( in the Kelmiküla district; at the Meriton Grand Conference & Spa Hotel ), ☏ +372 62 88 155 , [email protected] . Daily 08:00–22:00 . A café with the high quality confectionery products. ( updated Jun 2023 )
• 59.434252 24.744304 2 Wabadus Kohvik ( Café Wabadus ), Vabaduse väljak 10 , ☏ +372 6604019 . M-Th 9-23; F 9-1; Sa 11-1, Su 11-22 . located just next to the freedom square, this café has good drinks as well as dishes. The interior is a great blend of classical styles of prior decades with the modern times. ( updated Oct 2018 )

Tallinn's crazy nightlife is out of proportion to the city's small size. The days of armed mafiosos are over and these days any drunken fights tend to involve stag parties. Exercise some caution in choosing your venue, as some strip clubs and regular clubs make their money by fleecing tourists who come in for a drink. In local places, beers cost €2.50-4.

Bars and pubs

In old town (vanalinn).

• 59.43684 24.74369 3 Beer House , Dunkri 5 . Plenty of beers to choose from in this large authentically styled and decorated Bavarian Beer hall, including 5 of their own beers made on site. Try the Medovar Honey beer.  
• 59.434981 24.746536 4 The Dubliner , Suur Karja 18 , [email protected] . 11:00-midnight (03:00 at the weekend) . Popular Irish pub on one of the nightlife axes. Attracts younger people and is relative new, so no pub crawlers puke in front of the door.  
• 59.43544 24.74814 5 Drink Baar , Väike Karja 8 , ☏ +372 644 9433 . Su-Th 12:00-23:00, F Sa 12:00-03:00 . The widest selection of beers of any pub in town including many quality imports from Brewdog and Mikkeller. Good English-style pub-grub, featuring award winning fish and chips. Monthly comedy nights from the "Comedy Estonia" and quiz nights.  

• 59.43936 24.74676 6 Hell Hunt , Pikk 39 . The name means "the gentle wolf" in Estonian. A comfortable and homey pub in the Old Town and offers a wide selection of beers (including two of their own brews) and some pretty decent food. Don't miss the spare ribs.  
• 59.43655 24.74893 7 Helsinki Karaoke Baar , Viru 18 , ☏ +372 641 6164 , [email protected] . Su–Th 13:00–01:00, F 13:00–03:00, Sa 10:00–03:00 . A legendary gathering place for Finns. This bar, also known as Lokaal Helsinki , is a popular destination for both locals and tourists who crave a cozy atmosphere and Finnish music.  
• 59.43427 24.74482 8 Kuku klubi , Vabaduse väljak 8 . Founded 1935 by local art community and claiming to have had the best accessible cuisine in the former USSR since 1958 during the Russian occupation.  
• 59.43561 24.74626 9 Lab Bar , Suur-Karja 10 . Laboratory themed bar known for its shots in test tubes. You should definitely try the "Brain Scan".  
• 59.44009 24.74837 10 Levist Väljas , Olevimägi 12 . A cozy alternative bar in Old Town with a small dance floor.  

• 59.43604 24.74621 11 Nimeta Baar (The Bar With No Name) , Suur-Karja 4 . Really fun place, popular with tourists.  

• 59.434658 24.743135 12 100 õlle koht , Harju 6 , ☏ +372 5884 9729 . M-Sa 12:00-20:00 mostly, closed Sundays . The name means "the place of 100 beers" and the establishment indeed serves over 100 different types of beer. Traditional Estonian pub snacks also available. It's in an underground cellar so it's not suitable for people with limited mobility. ( updated Mar 2020 )
• 59.43966 24.7469 13 Texas Honky Tonk & Cantina , Pikk 43 , ☏ +372 631 1755 . 12:00-23:59 . Texas-style cantina is a casual place for a Corona or, if you must, a Bud, or even to try out the frozen margaritas churning in the electric mixer behind the bar. More serious drinkers can try the "tequila flights": 3 or 5 shots of different tequilas to give you a sampling, not that you're likely to remember which was which next time around.  
• 59.43727 24.74284 14 Von Krahli , Rataskaevu 10 . An avant-garde theatre/bar.  

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Tallinn (Estonia) – What to Visit: 1 day itinerary (map included)

• November 13, 2022

Home > Estonia > Tallinn (Estonia) – What to Visit: 1 day itinerary (map included)

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After Riga, Estonia’s capital was probably the city I most enjoyed visiting on my roadtrip through the Baltic countries. Tallinn, despite being quite small, is very charming and well worth a visit! So, keep reading to find out what you can visit in Tallinn.

Tallinn’s historic centre has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997, so it will be hard not to be surprised by what you will visit!!! 😊

However, this guide also includes other places to visit around Tallinn (see end of post), such as Helsinki , Viru Bog , Rummu Underwater Prison , among others.

What is the best time of year to visit Tallinn?

Being a city in Northern Europe, you can expect very harsh winters with lots of snow. That’s why it’s best to visit Tallinn when temperatures are more inviting, such as from May to October . These will also be the busiest times, but if you go on May or October you can slightly avoid the crowds.

Given Tallinn’s longitude, June is one of the best months to explore the city as the days are very long and you can visit more sights in one day. On the longest day of the year, the sun rises at 04:03 am and sets at 10:42 pm. On the other hand, in winter, the days are much shorter, with the sun setting as early as 3:19 pm.

Moreover, although it is already quite cold (on average, lows of -5°C and highs of 1°C), I also suggest visiting Tallinn between the end of November and December as the city is also known for its annual Christmas Market.

How many days does it take to visit Tallinn?

Like the other capitals of the Baltic countries ( Riga , Vilnius ), Tallinn is a small city. We easily walk through its streets and manage to visit the city in just one day.

However, if you have more time available, 2 days is the ideal length to enjoy the city more calmly or even, who knows, to visit other points of interest located less than 1 hour from Tallinn (more information at the end of the post).

How to get to Tallinn?

Here is a list of European cities with direct flights to Tallinn (as of november 2022):

• Austria (Vienna, Salzburg)
• Denmark (Billund, Copenhagen)
• Italy (Milan, Rome, Naples, Venice)
• United Kingdom (Liverpool, London, Edinburgh)
• Germany (Berlin, Düsseldorf, Munich, Frankfurt)
• France (Paris)
• Spain (Barcelona, Malaga)
• Belgium (Brussels)
• Netherlands (Amsterdam)

Accommodation in Tallinn

When I visited Tallinn, I chose to stay 3 nights in an Airbnb in the Kalamaja district (not available anymore). The price was quite nice (108€ for 2 people, 3 nights) and the flat was cosy. However, the flat was located in a typical wooden house, quite old and the entrance was a bit scary.

Anyway, there are other quite interesting options in Tallinn:

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What to visit in Tallinn?

To start off, here is a map version of what to visit in Tallinn :

» Town Hall Square (Raekoja plats)

We start this itinerary with one of the most charismatic places in the city. The Town Hall Square is located right in the heart of the Old Town and, as the name suggests, here we can find the Town Hall – built in 1322.

I recommend stopping for a moment to appreciate the beautiful tones of the facades of the various buildings or even to have a drink or a snack at one of the many terraces available there. However, for more complete meals, try to avoid this square as the prices are quite inflated since it is one of Tallinn’s main tourist attractions.

If you visit in summer, you will probably find that this is a square that is full of life all day long. If you visit in winter, you will certainly find the square emptier, but still charming! Special mention also goes to the Christmas Market that is held at the Town Hall Square every year.

» Toompea Hill and Castle

It is from Toompea Hill that we find some of the best views of Tallinn’s historic centre. Here you can also visit Toompea Castle , which was built in the 18th century on what remained of the city fort.

Today Toompea Castle also serves as the Estonian Parliament building.

💡 EXTRA TIP: It is possible to visit the Castle through guided tours, which are free of charge. Visits must be booked in advance and are available from Monday to Friday. You can consult all the updated information here .

» Kohtuotsa Viewpoint

Whether it’s sunny or snowing, one of the best viewpoints in the city is the Kohtuotsa viewpoint. It is one of the most Instagrammable places in the city (this is where the famous wall with the phrase “The Times We Had” is located).

Furthermore, from here we can see the top of some of the most important buildings in the city, with special attention to St. Olaf’s Church.

» Patkuli Viewpoint

A few metres from the previous viewpoint, we have another platform that also offers some of the best views of the city of Tallinn. Get ready for a few more photos of the Old Town, including its wall and towers.

» Piiskopi Viewpoint

And because there is no shortage of viewpoints in Tallinn, I also recommend a stop at the Piiskopi viewpoint, with views over Pelgullin and Kalamaja. 

» St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral

The Orthodox Cathedral St. Alexander Nevsky is probably one of the most beautiful churches in Tallinn. It was built in the early twentieth century when Tallinn still belonged to the Russian Empire.

It was even considered to be demolished in 1924, as it was considered by many to be a symbol of the oppression of the Estonian people. However, this did not happen and this is one of the monuments that you really must visit in Tallinn.

📝 USEFUL INFORMATION: Entrance to the Cathedral is free and its interior can be visited from 8 am to 6 pm (7 pm on Saturdays).

» St. Nicholas Church

Another church worth visiting in Tallinn, is the church dedicated to the patron saint of fishermen and sailors – St. Nicholas.

Although it was built in the 13th century, St. Nicholas Church was destroyed during the Second World War, and was subsequently rebuilt in the 1980s. Currently, it also functions as a sacred art museum.

📝 USEFUL INFORMATION: The entrance ticket costs 8€ (free with Tallinn Card ). Its opening hours vary depending on the time of year and can be found here .

» St. Mary’s Cathedral

Located in the centre of the Toompea hill, St. Mary’s Cathedral is a medieval church with various architectural styles. In addition to visiting its interior, you can also climb to the top of its tower. 

» St. Catherine’s Passage (Katariina Käik)

St. Catherine’s Passage is clearly one of the most magical places in Tallinn. Located next to the old Church of St. Catherine, this passage connects Vene Street to Müürivahe Street.

In the summer, we find several terraces and many tourists all along the street. In addition, we can also find handicraft shops, where there are usually workshops of the most varied arts and crafts.

» St. Olaf’s Church

We head to yet another church, this time dedicated to King Olav II of Norway (also known as Saint Olav). Besides visiting the church, it’s also possible to climb to the top of its 124 meters high tower 😊 From there we’ll have another superb view of Tallinn’s historical centre.

📝 USEFUL INFORMATION: The visit to the church is free, but to climb the tower you have to pay a symbolic fee of 3€. If you have a Tallinn Card , you can go up for free.

» Town Wall of Tallinn

Tallinn’s town wall currently stretches for almost 2 km, has over 26 towers and 2 gates (the most famous being Viru Gate)!!! It is a real trip into the past with some parts of the wall dating back to the 13th century.

One of the best places to view what is one of the best preserved walls in Europe is at the Patkuli viewpoint , mentioned earlier.

In addition, we can also walk on the wall and climb the Hellemann Tower , built in the 14th century. Entrance costs 4€, but is free for Tallinn Card holders.

» Telliskivi Creative City

Slightly outside the historic city centre, we find the creative town of Telliskivi. Located in a former industrial complex, here we find a bit of everything: from local shops, to companies or even restaurants, bars and cafés.

There, you can also find the Tallinn Museum of Photography and many walls filled with street art.

📝 USEFUL INFORMATION: Take the opportunity to get to know the Kalamaja district better (where Telliskivi Creative City is located). Considered one of the coolest areas of Tallinn, here you can see the traditional Estonian wooden houses.

Other things to visit in Tallinn

If you have a few extra hours in your itinerary, you can also include one or more of these other points of interest in the city:

• Kadriorg Museum of Art and Park
• Lennusadam – Maritime Museum
• Estonian Open Air Museum
• Tallinn’s Botanical Garden
• Pirita Convent Ruins

What to visit near Tallinn ?

One of the best options for those with a few extra days available in Tallinn is to visit Helsinki .

The Finnish capital is merely a 2 hour ferry ride from Tallinn, so it’s entirely possible to go and return in the same day. This is exactly what I did in 2019 when I visited Tallinn 😊

Find out everything you can visit in Helsinki with this 1-day city itinerary ! In the post, you will also find all the necessary information about the available ferry services.

» Viru bog (Lahemaa National Park)

Visiting Estonia should always include a trail in one of its famous bogs. Many of these bogs were formed thousands of years ago. Some say 1/5 of Estonia is covered in bogs and Viru Bog is one of them 😊

Located in the Lahemaa National Park , Viru Bog is one of the most accessible bogs in the region. Next to the bogs it is possible to walk a trail on a kind of wooden planks. The trail is 3,5km (one way) and takes about 1h30 to 2 hours to complete (both ways).

💡 EXTRA TIP: For those who do not wish to walk the entire route from start to finish, it is possible to walk to the observation tower and back. In this case, the total route is shortened to 2,8 km.

This is certainly a very different activity from what we find in the historical centre of Tallinn and it is only 40 minutes away by car or 1h20 by public transport .

» Jägala Waterfall

Located just a 30-minute drive from Tallinn’s historic centre, the Jägala waterfall is the largest waterfall in Estonia at 8 metres high. Whether in summer or in winter with the waterfall completely frozen, it is truly worth a visit.

It is also possible to get here by public transport, however the journey takes about 1 hour ( see Google Maps for available routes ).

» Rummu Underwater Prison

Although a less touristy place, the underwater Rummu prison is another interesting spot we can visit near Tallinn (about 50 minutes by car).

What was once a Soviet Union prison and a limestone quarry is now a place that attracts a few people. Abandoned since the end of the Soviet occupation of Estonia in the early 1990s, today it is possible to do various activities (such as snorkeling, paddle or canoeing) in these crystal blue waters.

📝 USEFUL INFORMATION: You must pay 5€ to visit the place, which is only open from June to August from 10 am to 8 pm.

» Hara – Abandoned Submarine Base

Located 55 minutes drive from Tallinn, we have yet another abandoned place to visit that takes us back in time.

Built in the 1950s by the Soviet Union, this underwater station was used until the early 1990s when Estonia regained its independence.

It is a sui generis space, to say the least, often used for urban art, such as graffiti, and currently you have to pay 6€ to visit.

Disclaimer : this post may contain some affiliate links, which means I get a small commission if you buy something through my links. This doesn’t represent any additional cost to you and you’ll be supporting my work here on the blog😊

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I am Mariana from Porto, Portugal . I am truly passionate about traveling and all things travel related. And that’s exactly what led me to create this page: so I can inspire others to travel and help plan all those trips with my tips and itineraries.

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Top 10 Things To Do And See in Tallinn, Estonia

Estonia ‘s capital is a cultural hub known for its active nightlife, while its location on the Gulf of Finland makes it a good spot for a swim in the Baltic sea. Read on for our guide to the top 10 things to see and do in Tallinn.

Raekoja Plats (Town Hall Square)

Every visitor to Tallinn should pass through Raekoja Plats, the center of the Old Town since medieval times. It is, unsurprisingly, the location of the Tallinn Town Hall, the oldest town hall in the Baltics and Scandinavia: there was a building there as early as 1322, though it was rebuilt in its current form at the turn of the 15th century. Even now Raekoja Plats is at the heart of the city’s cultural life–it becomes filled with little cafés in the summer, and hosts many a market and festival.

Toompea Hill

A large part of the Old Town sits on a hill known as Toompea, closely linked to Estonia’s history and legends. Today it is the center of the country’s government and the location of its Parliament (Riigikogu)—it is even referred to as Toompea just as the American president’s administration is sometimes called the White House. But beyond its political significance, Toompea Hill is simply a beautiful place to visit: most of the buildings date from the 18th and 19th century and the elevation makes for breath-taking views of the rest of the city, especially from the specially arranged viewing platforms.

1. St Alexander Nevsky Cathedral

St alexander nevsky cathedral.

A part of Toompea Hill that requires particular attention is the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, a richly decorated orthodox church whose architectural style forms a riveting contrast with the rest of the city. Built in 1900, when Estonia was part of the Russian Empire, it is Tallinn’s largest orthodox cupola cathedral. Its beautiful exterior is imposing but it’s also worth visiting for its outstanding mosaics and icons. Try to get there before a service to hear the bell ensemble, including Tallinn’s largest bell.

Address: St Alexander Nevsky, Lossi plats 10, Tallinn, Estonia

2. Seaplane Harbour Museum

Seaplane harbour museum.

Housed in impressive seaplane hangars, this museum presents exhibits of Estonia’s maritime history from its humble beginnings to Soviet times and beyond. What’s really great is being able to actually visit the ships, including a 1936 submarine and a replica of a pre-World War II seaplane. There’s also a range of activities that make the visit perfect for kids too, including aviation simulators and old uniform replicas visitors can try on. The outdoor area contain even more historic ships. The museum is extremely modern, notably in its adoption of a clever system for time-pressed visitors: everyone gets a card they can swipe on every display to get the explanations emailed to them.

Address: Seaplane Harbour Museum, Vesilennuki 6, 10415 Tallinn, Estonia , +372 620 0550

The district the Seaplane Harbour Museum is in is Kalamaja, a formerly downtrodden part of Tallinn now shaping up to be the city’s trendiest neighborhood, not unlike Berlin’s Kreuzberg. Locals know Kalamaja is where the best cafés, galleries, and bars are, surrounded by charming wooden houses and rehabilitated industrial buildings. The Telliviski factory complex is full of such buildings—a derelict industrial park, it now houses thrift shops, a second-hand bookshop, performance spaces and cafés. Finish exploring Kalamaja by walking along the ‘Culture Kilometer’, a seaside promenade showing the area’s mix of urban decay and artistic re-conversion.

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Patarei Prison

Also in the Kalamaja district, this 19th-century sea fortress was used as a prison from 1919 to 2004. It’s probably the best place in the world to get an idea of what a Soviet prison was like. It is dark, gloomy, and more than a little oppressive, but surprisingly emotional. Visitors can go on their own but booking a tour makes the experience all the more affecting thanks to the guides’ in-depth knowledge of the prison’s history, as well as the possibility of accessing parts of it single visitors aren’t allowed in. For something a little different, book an escape game at Patarei Prison, for example with Blue Drum.

3. Cathedral of Saint Mary the Virgin (Dome church)

Cathedral of saint mary the virgin (dome church).

Located on Toompea Hill, mainland Estonia’s oldest church , also known as the Dome church, was established in the 13th century but repeated modifications have turned it into a fascinating mix of architectural styles; for instance, a baroque spire was built in the western part of the nave in the late 18th century. From that very 69-meter spire visitors can admire a stunning view of Toompea and the Old Town, especially of the Alexander Nevsky orthodox cathedral.

Address: Cathedral of Saint Mary the Virgin (Dome church), Toom-Kooli 6, Tallinn, Estonia , +372 644 4140

Kunstimuuseum (‘Art Museum’), or Kumu for short, is the largest art museum in the Baltics and so well worth a visit. Opened in 2006, it met with immediate acclaim, earning the European Museum of the Year award in 2008. The main collection features Estonian works from the 18th century onward, while temporary exhibitions focus on modern and contemporary art from all over the world. But the building itself is arguably as remarkable as the art: it’s a seven-story circular, ultramodern glass building that is somehow in harmony with its historical surroundings.

Address: Kunstimuuseum, Valge 1, Tallinn, Estonia , +372 602 6000

Go to the beach

Though the Baltic sea is barely visible from the Old Town, Tallinn is a coastal city; tourists and locals alike enjoy the easily accessibly seashore. The busiest is Pirita, which sometimes attract thousands of visitors a day. And for good reason: the 2km strand has great facilities like playgrounds for children, lockers, and equipment rental but also an amazing view of the Gulf of Finland. Another option is Kakumäe, the furthest and therefore quietest beach reachable with bus 21. Swimming is entirely possible…for those who don’t mind water temperatures around 20° Celsius.

Go on top of the TV Tower

For more great views of the city and the Gulf of Finland, climb (not literally—there’s an elevator) to the 21st floor of the TV Tower near the Pirita suburb. It’s the tallest building in Tallinn and its viewing deck, 170 meters above the ground, offers an astonishing 360 degree panorama, enabling visitor to see the city in a new light. Make sure to visit on a clear day, as the view isn’t nearly as impressive otherwise. There’s also a restaurant , so why not have coffee or a meal above the city?

Address: Tallinn TV Tower, Kloostrimetsa 58a, Tallinn, Estonia , +372 680 4057

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A weekend in Tallinn: travel guide, things to do, food and drink 

Explore the excellent eateries, unique accommodation and picturesque sights of Estonia’s capital

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Why you should visit Tallinn

At the juncture between Eastern Europe and Scandinavia, Estonia is a geographic and cultural meeting place – and nowhere is this more evident than in its capital.

70 best holiday ideas for your travel bucket list 42 of the best luxury hotels and resorts to book in 2023

Tallinn is a city of dualities, embracing both the old and the new. Its mediaeval character is “impossibly lovely”, said Forbes , but it’s “home to more start-ups per person than America’s Silicon Valley”, said EuroNews , earning Estonia the title of the world’s most digitally advanced society at one time.

The vibe is “lively yet peaceful”, said Lonely Planet . It is “absurdly photogenic” and “bursting with wonderful sights” – step into “ancient churches, mediaeval streetscapes and noble merchants’ houses” to get a feel of the city’s rich history.

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Tallinn is also an affordable European destination that has dodged the stag and hen-do “bullet”, unlike less fortunate Prague or Budapest , said Suitcase magazine. And if you’re looking to travel further into Estonia, there’s no better place to start your trip.

While many visitors stop only briefly in Tallinn while on a cruise through Scandinavia, there’s plenty on offer for a longer sojourn.

Tallin’s top attractions and things to do

Get lost in Tallinn’s Old Town, exploring the winding streets and monuments; history buffs will enjoy visiting the Town Hall or Guild Hall museums. In the centre, Toompea Hill gives visitors “a potted architectural history of Estonia in a single winding walk”, said The Times . Climb up above the government buildings, castle and churches for views across the city. “Come early or late to avoid crowds from the cruise ships.”

Tallinn is home to “a vibrant and evolving art scene”, said ARTnews . Stop by the Contemporary Art Museum or Kumu, the city’s largest gallery housed in a “futuristic” seven-storey building, said Lonely Planet. Or there’s Fotografiska – if the excellent photography exhibitions don’t tempt you, then its Michelin green starred restaurant just might…

There are plenty of green spaces to wander through, too. Toompark is tucked just below the castle, or cast your net a little further with a visit to Vabaõhumuuseum, an “immersive, open-air museum”, said The Guardian . At Kadriorg Park, you’ll find the Kadriorg Palace in its grounds, a baroque building which hosts a branch of the Art Museum of Estonia.

A short walk from the Old Town, Telliskivi is “one of the liveliest areas” of the city. Popular among locals, there’s “a sense of creative rebelliousness” in this former factory hub, which has a bustling array of cafes, restaurants, shops and galleries to enjoy, said The Times. The Balti Jaama Turg market offers opportunities for vintage and antique shopping, and tempting “street eats”.

Saunas are “deeply embedded in Estonian culture”, and you won’t struggle to find somewhere to experience one for yourself. From hotels to breweries, they crop up all over the city.

Where to stay in Tallinn

Schlössle Hotel Tallinn is a “magnificent 13th-century merchant’s house” that has seen its “fair share of royal visitors over the years”, said The Luxury Editor . With “tasteful and sumptuous interiors”, guests can unwind from a day’s sightseeing in the “spacious” spa and sauna facilities, or “in the basement cigar lounge next to the huge open-fire hearth”.

For “five-star romance, elegance and charm” and an “impressive swimming pool and spa”, stay at Hotel Telegraaf . It has 84 rooms set across two wings, the travel site continued, with one side “representing the new and the other the historical”. Guest rooms are filled with “luxurious touches”, and its Old Town location makes exploring a doddle. Book into the hotel’s Restaurant Tchaikovsky to sample “French tastes, Russian traditions and Estonian ingredients”.

The Igluhuts at Iglupark are “self-contained cabins” looking across the bay at Port Noblessner, said The Times. With “uninterrupted views, a private sauna and outdoor hot tub”, this is a perfect pick for “summer nights when it never gets fully dark”. Hektor Container Hotel is another unique option – each room is a shipping container that has been “around the world at least once”. They have been kitted out with comfortable amenities and “soundproofing will guarantee an excellent night’s sleep”.

Tallinn’s top restaurants and bars

If you only have time for one meal out in Tallinn, book Restaurant Rataskaevu 16 . This top-rated eatery “truly deserves the recognition it’s getting”, said Culture Trip . Enjoy Estonian staples served in a fresh, modern setting – and there’s “plenty of options for vegetarians”. Round off the feast with a glass of the restaurant’s own schnapps.

The Danish have “hygge” and the Estonians have “lee”, said Condé Nast Traveller , “an archaic word which means to gather around a fireplace, exchange stories and share food”. Experience it in the “fine-dining setting” of Lee Restoran , where the regularly changing menu showcases “local, seasonal ingredients”. Go for the “surprise” set menu “to discover the full extent of the talent in the kitchen”. For a “more easy-going” option, try the sister bistro Lore , restaurateur Kristjan Peäske recommends on The Local Tongue .

Among Peäske’s other recommendations are Salt , “a busy, underground, 30-seat bistro” with “no-borders thinking”, fusing “influences from South America all the way to Africa”. 180° and Noa Chef’s Hall “should always be mentioned” when talking about fine-dining in Tallinn. The former is “the place to go” for a “perfectly executed” fish dish – and the latter offers food that’s “more than just the best ingredients and the most complex techniques” in its “unexpected” creations.

For beer fans, the “state-of-the-art” Pohjala Beer brewery carries 24 different beers, said The Times. Sample some in the taproom, take a tour of the brewery or you can even book into its sauna. Telliskivi’s Sveta Baar is where the “trendiest crowd channel their rebellious spirit”.

Whisper Sister is “one of the coolest bars in Tallinn”, said The Guardian. An “underground speakeasy”, it’s “not easy to find” – but your efforts will be rewarded with “excellent” cocktails.

Transport: how to get to Tallinn

There are direct flights to Tallinn from London airports Stansted, Gatwick and Luton several times a week. Alternatively, catch a short ferry from Finland’s capital Helsinki, or travel by car or take a train from Latvia’s capital Riga to reach Tallinn in less than five hours.

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Julia O'Driscoll is the engagement editor. She covers UK and world news, as well as writing lifestyle and travel features. She regularly appears on “The Week Unwrapped” podcast, and hosted The Week's short-form documentary podcast, “The Overview”. Julia was previously the content and social media editor at sustainability consultancy Eco-Age, where she interviewed prominent voices in sustainable fashion and climate movements. She has a master's in liberal arts from Bristol University, and spent a year studying at Charles University in Prague.

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16 Things to See and Do in Tallinn, Estonia

Tallinn, the capital of Estonia , is a medieval city nestled against the Baltic Sea. With its picturesque historic Old Town that dates back to the 13th century, it has been drawing in tourists since the fall of the Soviet Union.

Cheap flights, cheap prices, and the beauty of Prague without the crowds have made Tallinn an appealing weekend getaway for Europeans.

I visited the city on a trip from Finland — there’s a frequent ferry service between the two cities — and was enamored by it. It was a blend of Nordic and Baltic culture with plenty of things to see and do.

Best of all, it was super affordable!

Though the city has become a bit more crowded and expensive in the last couple of years, it’s still one of my favorite places in the region. It’s peaceful and wonderful: the people are open and relaxed and the country is super tech-forward (they offer e-residency services specifically for digital nomads).

To help you make the most out of your trip, here are the best things to see and do in Tallinn — from the super touristy to off the beaten trail!

Table of Contents

1. Take a Free Walking Tour

2. estonian maritime museum, 3. glehn park & castle, 4. tallinn town hall & square, 5. tallinn museum of photography, 6. estonian open-air museum, 7. ichthus art gallery, 8. epitaphs of the cathedral of saint mary, 9. estonian architecture museum, 10. tv tower, 11. telliskivi creative city, 12. bastion tunnels, 13. toompea castle & alexander nevsky cathedral, 14. soviet statue graveyard, 15. kgb museum, 16. take in the view, get your in-depth budget guide to europe.

Not only will it give you a solid introduction to the city but you’ll get access to a local guide who can answer any and all questions you might have.

EstAdventures has a few different free tour options, including general walking tours, tours focused on the city’s communist past, and street art tours. Just make sure to tip your guide!  

Founded in 1935 and located inside a historic 500-year-old building, this museum highlights the history of Estonia’s maritime culture. The main attraction is the interactive Seaplane Harbour exhibition, which includes a Short 184 seaplane as well as the steam-powered icebreaker Suur Toll.

And don’t miss the 1936 submarine Lembit, the only surviving Baltic warship from before WWII (and one of only two submarines in Estonian naval history). There’s also an aquarium, ship miniatures, and a flight simulator. It’s a fun and educational place for adults and kids alike.

Vesilennuki tee 6, +372 6200 550, meremuuseum.ee. Open Tuesday–Sunday 10am–6pm; closed Monday. Admission is 20 EUR.  

Glehn Park, located on the Nomme hillside, is home to medieval-style Glehn Castle. Built in 1886, both the park and castle were created by Nikolai von Glehn, a rich and eclectic man known for his unusual taste in decoration (such as tables and chairs carved like figurines, large statues, and an obelisk in front of his house marking the grave of his favorite horse).

Unfortunately, most of the castle was looted during World War I, so none of the unique pieces of furniture he created remain. However, you’ll still get to see the statues he built on the grounds of the park. There’s also an observatory tower and palm house, which has a gorgeous mosaic rooftop. It’s a good place to relax, go for a walk, or go skiing during wintertime.

Vana-Mustamäe 48, +372 652 5076, ttu.ee/organisatsioonid/glehni-loss. The building isn’t open to the public as it is now used for events (weddings, conferences, receptions, etc.).  

You can climb the spire to 34 meters (111 feet) from May through September. The interior of the Town Hall is open to visitors as a museum only during July and August; inside, you’ll get to see colorful designs on the walls, intricate wood carvings, and stunning arched ceilings as you learn about the city and its history.

The surrounding plaza is a great place to people-watch and it hosts lots of activities and markets throughout the year.

Don’t miss the annual five-day Tallinn Old Town Days festival held in May. It’s dedicated to the cultural heritage of Tallinn and includes themed days such as Medieval Day and Children’s Day, as well as numerous workshops, music, and theater performances.

Raekoja plats, Kesklinna linnaosa (City Center), +372 645 7906, raekoda.tallinn.ee/. Open weekdays from 10am-4pm. Advance reservations required. Admission is 7 EUR.  

Hidden amidst the cobblestone streets of Tallinn, this small museum is tucked away inside a 14th-century prison. It focuses on Estonia’s history of photography with a permanent exhibition including antique photos and cameras from 1840 — when photography first made its way to Tallinn — to 1940.

You can also check out contemporary photography from modern-day artists in many of the museum’s rotating exhibits. It’s a very small museum, but super interesting even if you’re not a huge photography buff.

Raekoja 4/6, +372 644 8767, linnamuuseum.ee/fotomuuseum. Open Saturday, Wednesday, and Friday from 10am–5pm, Thursdays from 12–8pm, and Sunday from 11am–4pm. Closed Monday and Tuesday. Tickets are 12-17 EUR.  

Located 15 minutes from the city center by car, this open-air ethnographic museum recreates what life was like in Estonia’s rural countryside. It’s a life-sized rural village composed of farms, a wooden chapel, a school, fire station, shop, and an inn that highlights how families from different social classes lived during the 18th and 19th centuries.

There’s plenty to do, from eating a traditional Estonian meal to riding a horse to taking a workshop. It’s open all year round, but you might want to go during the summertime when it’s warm! It’s also one of the best things to do in Tallinn with kids. Download the mobile app Numu for a free audio guide while you’re at the museum.

Vabaõhumuuseumi tee 12, +372 654 9100, evm.ee/est/avaleht.Open daily from 10am–5pm. Admission is 16 EUR in summer and 12 EUR in winter. Free entrance with a Tallinn Card.  

This is one of Tallinn’s best-kept secrets. It’s tucked away in the depths of St. Catherine’s Dominican Monastery, which dates back to 1246. On arrival, turn right toward steep steps that take you into the cellar. The confined space used to contain three wings, called the Claustrum, that housed monks in the 13th century.

Today, the space is used by artist Aleksandr Savchenkov, who sells his original artwork from the cellar. As you wander about you’ll also see the ‘Energy Pillar’, which is located in the ancient monastic chambers and is said to be a source of spiritual well-being.

Müürivahe Tänav 33, +372 5559 5920. Admission is free; however, donations are accepted.  

The grounds of this church date back to the 13th century, though the current building itself is from the 17th. What makes it unlike most other churches is that coats-of-arms epitaphs hang on the walls of the church instead of more traditional religious artwork or decorations.

Historically, these were used as headstones for people of importance, such as nobles and knights. They reflect the people of status who were buried on the grounds.

In fact, the first man who ever led a Russian voyage around the world, Admiral Adam Johan von Krusenstern, is buried here. Climb the 69-meter (226-foot) bell tower to get a beautiful view of the city.

Toom-Koolitänav 6, +372 644 4140. Open Tuesday–Sunday 10am–3:30pm, closed Mondays. Admission is 5 EUR for adults and 3 EUR for children. Dress respectfully as this is a place of worship.

The Estonian Architecture Museum was established in 1991 during the fight for Estonian independence. The museum is located in the Rotermann Salt Storage building, which was built in 1908 (and then reconstructed in 1995 with multiple additional floors for the museum).

Its galleries now feature drawings from the 1920s, as well as over 11,500 archived items (such as drawings and sketches) and some 18,000 items in their photo collection. There are always some interesting rotating exhibits here too.

Ahtri tänav 2, +372 625 7000, arhitektuurimuuseum.ee. Open Tuesday–Sunday 11am–6pm, closed Mondays. Admission is 8 EUR.  

The TV Tower was constructed when Tallinn was chosen as a host city for sailing during the 1980 Moscow Olympics. It closed in 2007 for renovations and reopened in 2012. It has floor-to-ceiling windows (not ideal if you’re afraid of heights) so you can really soak in the view as well as touch-screen information panels so you can learn about the tower and the city.

The tower hosts many events, such as music concerts and the annual Stair Run to mark the anniversary of its reopening.

Kloostrimetsa tee 58 A, +372 686 3005, teletorn.ee. Admission is 17 EUR and the Walk on the Edge costs 39 EUR.  

The Telliskivi Creative City is a workplace for over a thousand people, with artist’s studios, a radio station, rehearsal spaces, and NGO offices, all situated throughout ten repurposed factory buildings. Telleskivi hosts a flea market every Saturday, and there are over 600 cultural events throughout the year, including dance performances, music concerts, and improv theater.

There are colorful murals on many of the buildings and you’ll also find restaurants and bars full of locals and tourists alike. Make sure you eat at Peatus (“Stop” in Estonian) for a really unique experience: it’s located inside two old Soviet railcars (and the food is great too!).

Telliskivi tänav 60a, Pohja, Tallinna linnaosa.  

These tunnels were initially built in the 17th century as an addition to the Kiek in de Kök ( Peek in the Kitchen ) tower, and were intended for storage. They later held prisoners and then were used as shelters against air raids during World War II.

In more modern history, thieves and rebels used them for shelter since the police usually avoided the tunnels. They were cleaned out and opened up to the public in 2004. If you’re brave enough, you can explore the winding maze of the dark, damp tunnels on a guided tour when you visit the tower.

Komandandi tee 2, +372 644 6686, linnamuuseum.ee/kiek-de-kok. Open Tuesday–Sunday 10am–5pm (Thursday until 8pm), closed Monday. Admission is 8 EUR.  

You can also visit the nearby Alexander Nevsky Cathedral. It opened in 1900 during the Czarist Empire and is home to Tallinn’s largest bell (it weighs 15 tons). The impressive exterior showcases Russian Revival architecture with its onion-shaped dome. The interior is decorated with colorful mosaics and stained-glass windows and has three ornate altars.

Toompea Castle: Lossi plats 1a, +372 631 633, riigikogu.ee. On Thursdays at 11am, there’s a 45-minute English-language tour of the castle. Admissions is free though you need to reserve your spot in advance.

Alexander Nevsky Cathedral: Lossi plats 10, +372 644 3484, cathedral.bg/en/home. Open daily from 7am-7pm. Admission is free. Dress respectfully as it is a place of worship.  

The Soviet Statue Graveyard, located near Maarjamäe Castle, contains a collection of discarded statues, such as those of Joseph Stalin, Vladimir Lenin, and Mikhail Kalinin. After the Soviets left Tallinn, they were dumped here and ignored.

You’ll find large statues of heads (a classic Soviet statue trend) and others that tower over three meters (ten feet) tall. It’s a surreal place to visit — especially when you realize it hasn’t even been 30 years since Estonia achieved independence and these statues were left to fade into history.

Pirita tee 56, 10127, ajaloomuuseum.ee/exhibitions/permanent-exhibitions/noukogude-aegsete-monumentide-valinaitus. Open Tuesday–Sunday 10am–6pm, closed Monday.  

Rooms previously used by spies during the Soviet era sit on the top floor of the stylish Hotel Viru, located on Viru Square. They house listening and recording equipment (some cleverly disguised), dial telephones, uniforms, and a typewriter.

Few people ever knew these rooms existed, and they were only exposed in the 1990s when the KGB fled the city. They shed light on just how controlling and subversive the Soviet government was during the occupation.

Viru väljak 4, +372 680 9300, viru.ee/en. Open daily from 10am–5pm. The guided tour begins in the hotel lobby. Tickets are 14 EUR.  

For the best view in the city, head to Kohtuotsa viewing platform. It’s on Toompea Hill and offers the best view of the city and harbor. You’ll also often find buskers here, making it a nice place to end your day and watch the sunset.

Tallinn remains one of my favorite destinations in Europe . It’s a fun and lively city home to quirky museums, hidden art exhibits, and beautiful architecture.

My detailed 200+ page guidebook is made for budget travelers like you! It cuts out the fluff found in other guides and gets straight to the practical information you need to travel while in Europe. It has suggested itineraries, budgets, ways to save money, on and off the beaten path things to see and do, non-touristy restaurants, markets, bars, safety tips, and much more! Click here to learn more and get your copy today.

Book Your Trip to Estonia: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight Use Skyscanner to find a cheap flight. They are my favorite search engine because they search websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is left unturned. Start with Skyscanner first though because they have the biggest reach!

Book Your Accommodation You can book your hostel with Hostelworld as they have the biggest inventory and best deals. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

• Safety Wing (best for everyone)
• Insure My Trip (for those over 70)
• Medjet (for additional evacuation coverage)

Looking for the Best Companies to Save Money With? Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use to save money when I’m on the road. They will save you money when you travel too.

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Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above may be affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. I recommend only products and companies I use and the income goes to keeping the site community supported and ad free.

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