Top things to do in Tallinn, Estonia’s enchanting capital

At the heart of Estonia, Tallinn is one of Europe’s most enchanting capitals, often described as a fairy-tale city. What it lacks in size, it makes up for in history, charm and oodles of atmosphere, while a combination of geography and complex history results in a curious blend of medieval and modern, unrefined and high-tech, Baltic and Nordic. Let us tell you why this Baltic gem deserves a prominent spot on your European itinerary, as we dive into the top things to do in Tallinn.

The UNESCO World Heritage Old Town is a maze of cobblestone streets, ancient buildings, and gothic spires, interspersed with the occasional Russian dome (or five) and the obligatory castle on a hill. But just a few steps on and you have creative districts packed with cool markets, street art, and hip Nordic cafes. Then there are the museums and galleries, the progressive food scene and the vibrant culture where start-ups thrive alongside a piece of history. So if you’re wondering, “is Tallinn worth visiting?” – the answer is a resounding yes! It’s the perfect city break and can even be done as a day trip from its Nordic neighbor Finland, although you’ll want to stay longer.

Explore the heart of Tallinn

Tallinn’s Old Town: a UNESCO World Heritage Site

The best-preserved medieval city in northern Europe begins as you step through the Viru Gate. The ancient streets were created by 13th-century city planners, like Katariina käik, one of Tallinn’s most picturesque lanes, built more than 700 years ago.

Peek into hidden courtyards between buildings dating back to the Middle Ages and take a circular walk around the old town walls, stopping at each of its six towers. One of them, the intriguingly named ‘Fat Margaret’, is a museum and visitor center telling the story of Tallinn’s maritime past, with a viewing platform for a stunning view over the Old Town and out to sea.

Tour Tallinn’s Town Square

At the heart of the Old Town lies the Town Hall Square, a magnificent cobblestone plaza and the city’s social and commercial center for over 800 years. The surrounding merchant houses are now restaurants, cafes, and boutique shops, forming the hub of the Old Town area.

The Gothic Town Hall, completed in 1404, dominates the square and comes alive throughout the year with seasonal markets, outdoor dining, and cultural events. In summer it hosts Old Town Days, a festival of music, street theater, art, and sports; during winter it’s the perfect backdrop for the traditional Christmas market. Feeling fit? Climb the 115 steps inside the Town Hall tower for panoramic views of the red-tiled roofs that characterize Tallinn’s skyline.

Explore the tunnels of the Kiek in de Kök fortifications

If you enjoy your sightseeing on the dark and mysterious side, head underground for a fascinating journey through the bastion passages, a network of subterranean tunnels dating back to the 17th century.

The tunnels, which start at the Kiek in de Kök Fortifications Museum, served various purposes throughout history, from military defense to Cold War-era bunkers. Today you can take a guided tour of these atmospheric passages, and hear stories of siege warfare, Soviet occupation, and the ingenuity of Tallinn’s defenders throughout the centuries.

Alexander Nevsky Cathedral: Eastern Orthodox architecture and heritage

Rising majestically above the Old Town is one of Tallinn’s most recognizable landmarks, the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral. Its five distinctive onion domes and ornate facade represent Russian Orthodox architecture at its finest, although it’s less popular with locals than tourists.

It was constructed in the late 1800s during the Russian Imperial period and stands in striking contrast with the Gothic and medieval architecture of the surrounding area. Nonetheless it represents a complex chapter in Estonian history, worth delving into for insight into the various influences on Estonia over the centuries.

Climb Toompea hill for panoramic views over the city

Make the effort to walk up Toompea hill and be rewarded with spectacular views of the Old Town’s red-tiled roofs and beautiful spires, the modern city beyond, and the Baltic Sea. This elevated position has been fortified for over a thousand years, serving as the seat of power for various rulers throughout Estonia’s complex history, and now houses Estonia’s parliament in Toompea Castle.

Visit Peter the Great’s Kadriorg Palace, park and art galleries

When you’ve had your fill of medieval treasures, Kadriorg Palace and its surrounding park is a refreshing contrast just a couple of kilometers away. Built by Peter the Great in the early 18th century as a summer residence, it’s a Baroque masterpiece reflecting the opulent lifestyle of the Russian imperial court. The palace now houses the Kadriorg Art Museum, where an impressive collection of work hangs on the walls of ornate rooms overlooking the park.

In brilliant contrast, the surrounding Kadriorg Park houses the ultra-modern Estonian Art Museum (KUMU), Estonia’s flagship contemporary art institution, set amidst 70 hectares of beautifully landscaped gardens, formal flower beds, swan ponds, and tree-lined pathways perfect for leisurely strolls.

Unique experiences in Tallinn

Soak up the artistic scene at Telliskivi Creative City

Tallinn’s most vibrant creative district and the center of contemporary culture is just 20 minutes’ walk from Tallinn’s main square. Telliskivi Creative City is what happens when you transform a former industrial complex into a thriving contemporary arts scene. It’s a bustling hub of galleries, artists’ studios, design shops and restaurants, and hosts regular markets, pop-up events, and festivals that attract both locals and visitors. Telliskivi has some of Tallinn’s hippest cafes, restaurants, and coffee shops, perfect for a break between exploring and sightseeing.

Check out Fotografiska, a modern international photography museum and exhibition, and take your own photos of some of the surrounding street art. And while you’re in the area visit nearby Kalamaja, one of the oldest neighborhoods in the city known for its colorful wooden houses and bohemian atmosphere.

Step back in time at the Masters’ Courtyard

The Masters’ Courtyard offers a glimpse into history via artisan craftspeople who demonstrate traditional techniques like glassblowing and ceramics to create authentic medieval-age products. You can watch the creative process and purchase unique handmade items, or make your own by taking part in one of the workshops and learning a traditional craft.

Experience the historic Town Hall Pharmacy

Tallinn is home to one of the most intriguing attractions of any capital city. The Raeapteek, or Town Hall Pharmacy, is the oldest continuously operating pharmacy in Europe, dating back to 1422, where people went to buy medicine and seek health advice and spiritual assistance.

You’ll find everything from mummified animals used in ancient remedies to beautiful apothecary jars and scales. What’s extraordinary is that it still functions as a modern pharmacy, but you’ll have more fun doing a marzipan workshop, tasting claret, or learning to make herbal teas, salts or spiced sugar in the cellar.

Tasty Tallinn: savor the flavors of the capital

Estonian cuisine reflects the country’s location at a geographic crossroads, blending Nordic, German, and Russian culinary influences and traditions. There’s a budding gastronomic scene with a slew of innovative chefs exploring Estonia’s tradition for seasonal and foraged ingredients to create farm-to-table dishes. This could be your opportunity to try Baltic herring, or fried perch with forest mushrooms and blackcurrant leaves.

Fine-dining foodies won’t be disappointed, but the city remains at the very affordable end of the spectrum catering for all budgets as well as tastes. Traditional restaurants abound, some serving game, like elk and moose and smoked fish, and traditional soups, like pea soup and sauerkraut soup. Everything is served with ‘black bread’ – made with rye flour and tastier than it sounds when spread with local salty butter.

Tallinn has embraced the Nordic tradition of coffee and baked goods, and sweet-toothed travelers should seek out local marzipan, which was invented in the capital. The city’s confectioners still create elaborate marzipan sculptures and traditional sweets to enjoy for dessert. Meanwhile the craft beer scene in Tallinn has exploded in recent years, with local breweries creating unusual new blends and many restaurants offering craft beer pairings with traditional Estonian dishes. Cheers! Or as they say in Tallin, terviseks!

Make like a local and take a sauna

Estonia’s original social network comes a little hotter than most, usually around 180 degrees Fahrenheit. Just like the Finns, Estonians take the ritual of sauna seriously, marking high days and holidays with a sauna, but it’s also part of daily life and most homes have their own sauna. After a day of sightseeing, take advantage of one of Tallinn’s many historic saunas and let the hot steam (or leil) work its magic on your aching joints.

Transportation tips for getting around Tallinn

Tallin is wonderfully compact, and walking is the best way to explore the city with most major attractions located within reasonable walking distance of each other. The relatively flat terrain and growing network of cycle paths mean cycling is increasingly popular with locals, and renting a bike is an easy and fun way to explore both the historic center and surrounding areas.

For longer distances, public transport is excellent, with regular buses, trams, and trolleybuses which will ferry you to the surrounding coast, including the attractive Pirita promenade and the nearby beaches. If you’re here for a couple of days or longer, buy a Tallinn Card for unlimited public transport plus free or discounted admission to many attractions.

The best time to visit Tallinn

Summer (June through August) is warmest with average temperatures of 63-72 degrees Fahrenheit (17-22 degrees Celsius) and the longest daylight hours, with the famous White Nights phenomenon delivering nearly 19 hours of daylight in June. However, summer also brings the cruise ships, which can make the old town feel crowded and claustrophobic.

Spring (April–May) and fall (September–October) are ideal. While the weather can be on the cooler side, shoulder season means fewer crowds and it’s a better time to see Tallinn’s attractions. Taste your way around seasonal menus and capture spring flowers in Kadriorg Park or autumnal colors framing the Old Town’s medieval architecture.

Winter transforms Tallinn into a magical wonderland, complete with a Christmas market in Town Hall Square and an ice rink, the medieval atmosphere enhanced by snow and fairy lights. Christmas festivities here date back to 1441 when the Brotherhood of Blackheads are thought to have erected the world’s very first Christmas tree! Cozy up in one of the local restaurants, enjoy a glöggi in a tiny local bar, or head for one of the city’s cool cocktail bars and speakeasies.

Make it happen

Fairy-tale Tallinn is the perfect place to spend a few days, whether you’re just touring Estonia or stopping by as part of a multi-country tour of Europe. If you’re interested in discovering more things to do in Tallinn, our locally-based travel agents are more than happy to help. Get in touch with them today to start planning a personalized adventure!