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Quick Breakdown of the Top Tallinn Tours
1. Tallinn Walking Tour with a Local
2. Tallinn Food and Drink Tour
3. Lahemaa National Park Day Trip
Check out these great places to stay in Tallinn:
1. Budget: Red Dragon Hostel
2. Mid-range:
3. Luxury:
Tallinn is the capital city of Estonia in the Baltic region of Northern Europe. The city is a real hidden gem and there are lots of wonderful things to do in Tallinn from exploring the magnificent medieval old town to its city walls, cobbled streets and churches.
I’ve visited Tallinn on many occasions, usually on my way to either Russia or Finland as there are excellent connections from the city. That being said, there are plenty of fun places to visit in Tallinn to keep you occupied for at least a week.
The city has been attracting visitors for years with its mix of medieval charm, modernity, and a vibrant cultural scene. Whether you’re a history buff, a foodie, or an art enthusiast, Tallinn has something for everyone.
Best Things to Do in Tallinn, Estonia
Below you’ll find a wide selection of things to do in Tallinn from exploring the charming old town, the town square with all its restaurants and cafes, the medieval walls and scenic Toompea Hill. There are also some great day trips from the city.
1. Explore the Old Town
Tallinn’s Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the best-preserved medieval towns in Europe. Stroll through the narrow cobblestone streets, admire the Gothic architecture, and visit the many shops, cafes, and restaurants.
This half-day walking tour with a local is the best way to explore the city and one of the best things to do in Tallinn for first-time visitors. You’ll get to see the top landmarks as well as some hidden gems that only a local knows about. Click here to book your tour.
2. Climb Toompea Hill (One of the Best Things to do in Tallinn)
Toompea Hill is the highest point in Tallinn and offers stunning views of the city. Climb up the hill and visit the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, a beautiful Russian Orthodox church. This is my favorite part of the city as it offers stunning views across the rooftops and the Gulf of Finland.
The hill is just above the old town and next to the pleasant Toompark which is a great place to escape the crowds and have a picnic or just take time out admiring the gorgeous views. Toompea Hill is definitely one of the best places to visit in Tallinn for the views.
Address: 10133 Tallinn, Estonia. Click here for directions.
3. Visit Toompea Castle
The impressive Toompea Castle is an iconic landmark in Tallinn that houses the Estonian Parliament. The castle dates back to the 13th century and is a great place to learn about Estonia’s history. The building as you see it today with its Baroque facades dates to 1773.
Toompea Castle is open year-round from Monday to Friday and you can visit by booking an appointment on the website. You can take a free guided tour (in English or Russian). Check the website for more details and to book your spot.
Address: Lossi plats 1a, 10137 Tallinn, Estonia. Click here for directions.
4. Walk along the Tallinn City Walls
The Tallinn City Wall dates back to the 13th century and is one of the best-preserved medieval city walls in Europe. Take a walk along the wall for stunning views of the city. You’ll notice lots of people dressed up in medieval gear, and you can even have a go at archery here.
The walls stretch for just over a mile around the old town and include 26 defensive towers and two large gates. There are lots of interesting places to check out around and inside the walls from the Long Leg Gate Tower to the Sauna Tower and Nun’s Gate.
The old city walls are one of the top places to see in Tallinn and shouldn’t be missed.
5. Check out the view from St. Olaf’s Church
St. Olaf’s Church is a medieval church that was once the tallest building in the world. Climb to the top of the tower for incredible views of Tallinn’s skyline from the observation deck. Climbing the tower is one of the best Tallinn things to do for visitors to the city.
The church tower is 406 feet (124 metres) tall and there are 242 steps to the viewing platform, so you’ll need to be in relatively good shape to get to the top.
The church is open from 10am to 6pm every day and there is no entrance fee, making this one of the best free things to do in Tallinn.
Address: Lai 50, 10133 Tallinn, Estonia. Click here for directions.
6. Visit the Kadriorg Palace
The Kadriorg Palace is a beautiful baroque palace that was built for Catherine I of Russia. The palace houses the Estonian Art Museum and is surrounded by stunning gardens. This is one of the best places to visit in Tallinn to escape the crowds in gorgeous surroundings.
Address: A. Weizenbergi 26, 10127 Tallinn, Estonia. Click here for directions.
7. Explore the Kumu Art Museum
The Kumu Art Museum is one of the largest art museums in the Baltics and houses a vast collection of Estonian art. The museum is a must-visit for art enthusiasts.
Address: xxx. Click here for directions.
8. Relax at a Spa
Estonia is known for its spa culture, and Tallinn has many excellent spas where you can relax and rejuvenate. Check out the luxurious Aqua Spa or the budget-friendly Kalev Spa.
Address: xxx. Click here for directions.
9. Visit the Estonian Open Air Museum
The Estonian Open Air Museum is an open-air museum that showcases traditional Estonian life. Visitors can explore old farmhouses, windmills, and churches and learn about Estonian culture. Wander around constructed fishing villages and explore the many walking trails at this interesting, immersive experience. This is one of the top things to in Tallinn for families.
Address: Vabaõhumuuseumi tee 12, 13521 Tallinn, Estonia. Click here for directions.
10. Visit the Seaplane Harbour Museum
The Seaplane Harbour Museum is a maritime museum that showcases Estonia’s naval history. Visitors can explore old submarines and ships and learn about Estonia’s seafaring traditions.
Tickets cost €15 for adults and €8 for children aged 9 to 17 (8 and under go free). The tickets include access to the maritime museum, temporary exhibitions and the seaplane hanger and ships. The museum is open from Monday to Suday 10am to 7pm.
Address: Vesilennuki 6, 10145 Tallinn, Estonia. Click here for directions.
11. Try traditional Estonian Food
Estonia has a rich culinary tradition, and Tallinn has many excellent restaurants where you can try traditional Estonian dishes. Check out Rataskaevu 16 or Vanaema Juures for delicious Estonian food.
There are lots of excellent restaurants in the old town with prices a lot cheaper than elsewhere in Europe. You can try everything from venison jerky with a beer to trout, pickled herring and many other interesting dishes.
I love checking out Tallinn’s food scene and always enjoy eating at one of the streetside restaurants, especially on the square. Look out for the waiters and waitresses in traditional medieval gear trying to entice you into their establishments. Click here to book a Tallinn Food and Drink tour.
12. Visit the Tallinn Botanic Garden
The Tallinn Botanic Garden is a beautiful botanical garden that features thousands of plant species. The garden is a great place to relax and enjoy nature.
Address: xxx. Click here for directions.
13. Take a Bike Tour
Tallinn is a great city to explore by bike, and there are many bike tour companies that offer guided tours. Explore the city’s parks, neighborhoods, and historic sites on two wheels. Cycling is one of my favorite pastimes and this is a great way to explore the city and surrounding areas. Click here to book your cycling tour.
14. Enjoy the Nightlife
Tallinn has a vibrant nightlife scene, with many bars, clubs, and music venues. The Old Town is the hub of nightlife in Tallinn, with many bars and pubs lining the streets. Check out the trendy Telliskivi area for live music, craft beers, and a lively atmosphere.
This food and drinks tour includes three local speciality drinks. Click here to book now.
15. Take a day trip to Lahemaa National Park
Lahemaa National Park is a beautiful national park that is just an hour’s drive from Tallinn. Visitors can explore old manor houses, hike through forests, and enjoy the stunning scenery. This 7-hour guided tour from Tallinn is a great way to see the stunning national park.
Get picked up from your accommodation in the heart of the city and spend the day exploring the stunning lakes, waterfalls and beaches. You’ll get to see a traditional Estonian fishing village, walk through pristine forests and see the impressive Jagala Waterfall. Book your day-trip to Lahemaa here.
Tallinn in One Day – A Walkthrough
Start in the medieval town square of Raekoja Plats and walk up the winding lanes to Toompea hill. You will pass along the medieval city walls where you can have a go at archery and other activities.
Stop and admire the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral with its whitewashed walls and shimmering black/blue onion domes. This is one of the landmarks of Tallinn and makes for a great photo opportunity (Instagram selfie anyone).
As you walk further past the embassy district you will soon come to the main viewpoint overlooking the city and Gulf, one of Europe’s finest vistas!
Follow the park in a south-easterly direction and take one of the side streets, filled with shops selling Baltic amber, back to Raekoja Plats for a traditional Estonian lunch.
Tallinn in One Day – Perfect for walking
After lunch visit one of the many little museums that can be found in the old town (for fans of the macabre, I recommend the medieval torture museum just to the south of the main square) or just wander around exploring side-streets, galleries and amber jewelry.
Stop for a tankard of beer and dried reindeer meat (like biltong or jerky) and choose one of the many bars or restaurants to while away a few hours in the evening.
If you have more than one day then there is plenty to keep you occupied including some stunning beaches not far from the city. You could also do a day trip to Finland over the water with the ferry taking less than 2 hours (see below for more info on the Tallinn to Helsinki ferry).
Need accommodation in Tallinn? Check out Booking.com for prices and locations.
How to Get to Tallinn
Citizens of the EU, USA and Australia do not need a visa to enter Estonia for up to 90 days. You can check the situation with your own country’s visa rules here.
There are multiple ferries everyday that go the short distance from nearby Helsinki. See my articles on the Helsinki to Tallinn Ferry or Tallinn Helsinki ferry for more information and current timetables.
It is also possible to take the ferry from Stockholm. The overnight journey takes 17.5 hours.
Flixbus offers cheap, modern and comfortable coaches to Latvia, Lithuania, Belarus and Russia. The coaches have screens in the back of the headrest with movies, music and games; free headphones and water are provided on board and the service is excellent.
Interested to see more of Eastern Europe? Check out some hidden gems in my list of European places off the beaten path!
Tallinn Things to Do FAQs
Tallinn is definitely worth visiting for its gorgeous old town, historic buildings and magnificent views across the Gulf of Finland.
Tallinn is one of the cheapest places in Europe with hostel beds for under €15 per night, cheap transport and cheap food and drinks if you stay away from the tourist restaurants in the old town.
Two to three days is enough to see the main tourist attractions in Tallinn. However, if you want to take some interesting day trips to places like Laheema National Park or nearby Helsinki then a week is better.
Tallinn is best known for its quaint old town, harbor on the Gulf of Finland and medieval architecture.
Final Thoughts
These are just some of the many things to do in Tallinn. Whether you’re interested in history, art, nature, or food, Tallinn has something to offer. With its unique mix of old-world charm and modernity, it’s a city that is sure to capture your heart. So, pack your bags and head to Tallinn for an unforgettable experience!
About the author:
Steve Rohan is a writer from Essex, England. He has traveled to over 60 countries, lived in Armenia, China and Hong Kong, and is now living the digital nomad life on the road.
Steve prefers “slow travel” and has covered much of the world by train, bus and boat. He has been interviewed multiple times by the BBC and recently featured in the documentary Scariest Places in the World. See the About page for more info.
Where I am now: Yerevan, Armenia 🇦🇲