BEST THINGS TO DO IN TALLINN ESTONIA

Tallinn is the capital city of Estonia and one of the nicest medieval cities in Europe. This charming city of over 400,000 inhabitants is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that feels like a fairytale. Visiting Tallinn’s cobbled streets, ancient churches, and photogenic squares will take you back to the 13th century. If you are planning a visit to this beautiful city, this post on the best things to do in Tallinn Estonia will help tailor your perfect Tallinn itinerary. Keep it handy as it contains all major Tallinn tourist attractions and awesome tips on what to do in Tallinn. 

There’s lots of wonderful places to visit in Tallinn. Most of these are easily accessible on foot as they stand within the walled old town. Thus, Tallinn’s old city is the highlight of what to visit in Tallinn. Expect many remnants from the city’s Swedish, Danish, German and Soviet times. Along with cozy cafes, traditional restaurants, and interesting stores. 

Nevertheless, there’s also interesting Tallinn must see spots outside the old town. Such as the city’s port, which is one of the biggest on the Baltic Sea. This clean and safe city is one of the most affordable capital cities in the EU. Therefore, is the perfect place for a weekend getaway and makes a superb base for a longer trip along Estonia. The following are the top Tallinn things to do.

Best Things to do in Tallinn’s Old Town

Tallinn’s Old Town, Vanalinn, is one of the world’s best preserved historic town centers. Thus, it’s a UNESCO World Heritage site and home to many Tallinn attractions. Within the city walls and along its cobblestone streets lie several well preserved medieval buildings. This fairytale area is extremely photogenic and contains endless churches, squares, museums, restaurants, and cafes. The following are the nicest Tallinn sights to enjoy in the old town.

1. Viru Gates

Tallinn’s Viru Gates are the 14th century twin towers at the main entrance to the city’s old town. These round stone-built towers topped with coned red roofs are part of the city’s ancient defense system of gates and towers, so you’ll find them attached to the main city wall. Although part of the towers were once demolished to allow horse-drawn traffic, they are well preserved and make a great photo spot. 

Viru Gates make a great starting point to your Tallinn sightseeing as they lead to Viru street, which is one of the busiest pedestrian lanes in Tallinn. Here you’ll find plenty of restaurants and traditional stalls selling treats and souvenirs. Thus, entering the old town through the Viru Gates is one of the best things to do in Tallinn Estonia.

2. Town Hall Square

One of the nicest places to see in Tallinn’s Old Town is the Town Hall Square, home of Tallinn’s town hall. This square has always been Tallinn’s heart and still hosts the city’s christmas market and plenty of festivals all year round. Back in the 13th century it served as a marketplace. Nowadays, it makes the perfect place to shop or enjoy a coffee surrounded by stunning medieval buildings. 

The square’s highlight is indeed the town hall. This gothic building from 1404 is the oldest standing town hall in northern Europe. It served as town hall up until 1970, and then became a convention center hosting concerts and a museum. If you are interested in old artifacts and medieval decorations, make sure to enter the town hall. It’s open from 11am to 4pm Monday-Thursday and 6pm Friday-Saturday, and the entrance fee is $5. Additionally, one can visit the town hall tower and climb its narrow staircase for awesome views over the city and the nearby islands of the Gulf of Finland.

Besides the town hall, the square hosts many colourful 15th century buildings. Among them, check out Raeapteek, one of Europe’s oldest continually working pharmacies. They have a museum on antique medical tools and will let you sample herbal blends used as healthcare remedies. One of those Tallinn activities visitors won’t forget.

3. Kohtuotsa Viewing Platform

Tallinn is famous for its viewing platforms. These make a great spot to enjoy a coffee, take cool pictures, and watch the sunset over the city’s roofs. Among them, Kohtuotsa Viewing Platform makes one of the top Tallinn places to visit as it offers unobstructed views of the city’s harbor and major sites. Including plenty of its bell towers and beautiful terra-cotta roof tiles. 

The platform is the highest point in Tallinn’s old town and is free to visit. Yet, as it makes a popular spot for street musicians and the views are certainly stunning, it gets crowded. Visit early in the morning or after sunset to have it all for yourself.

4. Aleksander Nevski cathedral 

One of the best things to do in Tallinn Estonia is witness a mass at the Aleksander Nevski Cathedral. Especially if you are not familiar with Russian Orthodox masses. The church shares its name with the main cathedral in Sofia, Bulgaria, and many churches across ex-socialist countries such as the one in Belgrade, Serbia. That’s because these honor the 13th-century Russian prince made saint by the Russian Orthodox Church. 

Tallinn’s cathedral is from 1900, when Estonia was part of the Russian empire, so many locals now see it as an oppressive symbol and ask for it to be demolished. However, from an architectural side, the building is stunning and a must on every Tallinn to do list. Make sure to admire its five black onion domes and their gilded iron crosses. Along with the church’s eleven bells, white and red walls, wooden iconostasis, glittering chandeliers, and marvelous frescoes. Spending some time at the Aleksander Nevski Cathedral is undoubtedly one of the top things to do in Tallinn.

5. St. Olaf’s Church

St. Olaf’s church is the largest and tallest medieval building in Tallinn. Thus, St Olaf is a city landmark and an unmissable spot among the things to see in Tallinn. This well-preserved church dates from 1200 and was built by the city’s Scandinavian community. It remains operational and serves a Baptist congregation. 

From the outside, its 124-meter steeple quickly catches the eye. It’s so high and pointy it attracts lighting and has been destroyed three times due to such rays. Nevertheless, and after several restorations, visitors can climb the tower for awesome views over the city. Indoors, the church hosts nice stone carvings, ornate chandeliers, and a huge organ.

6.  St. Catherine’s Passage

St. Catherine’s is a tiny street famous among the places to see in Tallinn due to its fairytale appearance. Its name honors St Catherine’s church, which used to be nearby. This scenic alley, half hidden, connects two main streets within Tallinn’s old town. 

Unchanged for centuries, it’s lined by wonderful medieval houses, workshops, and galleries. Thus, besides being one of the most picturesque streets in Tallinn, it’s the perfect spot where to buy hand-made souvenirs. Including ceramics, glassware, and textiles. Exploring every corner of St. Catherine’s passage is one of the best things to do in Tallinn Estonia.

7.  Bastion Passages

Historians wondering what to do in Tallinn Estonia will be glad to read visitors can explore over two kilometers of Tallinn’s original city wall. This is one of the best-preserved city walls in Europe and dates back to the 13th century although enlarged and restored several times afterwards. Over 20 from the original 46 towers are still standing, and visitors can enjoy them on their own for $2.  

Additionally, for an extra $5, visitors can join a guided tour of the city’s secret Bastion tunnels. The city’s defense towers, which include Maiden Tower, Tallitorn Tower, and the Gate Tower of the Short Leg, are interconnected by secret passages known as the Bastion tunnels. Exploring these mysterious passageways from the 17th century is one of the coolest activities in Tallinn.

8. Vabamu and KGB Museum and cells

While Estonia was part of the Soviet Union, the country was under control of the KGB. This was the Soviet committee for State Security, which employed surveillance techniques over its population. Nowadays, visitors can learn about KGB and their operations by visiting the KGB museum and cells in Tallin’s ld town, along with Vabamu museum. 

The KGB museum is at the old KGB’s headquarters, which are now the Viru Hotel. It displays several objects from the Soviet times, including spy equipment, surveillance devices, and uniforms. It’s only accessible via a pre-booked guided tour, which run between Tuesday and Sunday and costs $12. 

Exploring the nearby KGB prison cells, accessible for $5, is also one of the best things to do in Tallinn Estonia to learn about the country’s tragic past. Here one can experience what it was like to be held prisoner during the soviet ruling, which wasn’t great at all. 

Separately, Vabamu Museum holds a permanent exhibition on Estonia’s occupations by different countries. This includes an interactive audio guide with local testimonials and an entire section dedicated to children. It’s a great and thought-provoking way to learn about the country’s past. The museum is open tuesday-Sunday from 10am to 6pm and the entrance fee is $15.

9. Trying local cuisine

One of the best things to do in Tallinn Estonia is eating your way through the city. I strongly believe food is a big part of traveling and sampling local cuisine is a must do in every country. 

In Tallinn Estonia, local produce includes lots of fish, meat, potatoes, black bread, stews, and soups. Some of the coolest restaurants in Tallinn to try local dishes are Olde Hansa, Munga Kelder, and Lee Restoran.

Make sure to also sample some Eastonian pancakes, which are huge and filling at any time of the day. The best, either sweet or savory, are those from Kompressor pancake restaurant. If you’d like to learn more about Estonian cuisine, consider taking a Tallinn food tour. 

Last but not least, make sure to visit Kalev Chocolate and Workshop. This is an ancient store dedicated to chocolate and marzipan. Besides serving some of the world’s best marzipan, they offer workshops on how to make same. A delicious thing to do in Tallinn.

10. Toompea Hill and Castle

Toompea Hill stands 30 metres above Tallinn’s old town so it makes a great view point over the city and its port. Its prominent position is perfect for a powerful castle. Therefore Toompea Castle stands at its top and has been home to Estonia’s core power for centuries.

This baroque castle now hosts the Estonian parliament. Visitors can book a free guided tour of same, and even get to see the politicians in session. Just make sure to visit on a weekday and book the tour in advance. Or just enjoy its salmon facades and waving flag from the outside as this already makes one of the best things to do in Tallinn Estonia.

Best Things to do outside Tallinn’s Old Town

The list of Tallinn what to do and Tallinn what to see expands way beyond the city’s old town. Since medieval times, the city has grown lots and many interesting attractions have flourished past its walls. Thus, visitors should also explore the modern neighbourhoods to make the most of this city. The following are the best things to do outside Tallinn’s old town.

11. Kadriorg Park and Palace

Kadriorg Park is the largest and nicest park in Tallinn. You’ll find it 4 km east of the old town, so better get there by bus or tram. It was built in 1718 at the orders of the Russian Tsar Peter the Great as a treat to her wife Catherine. Walking alogn the park and admiring its many features is one of the best things to do in Tallinn Estonia. 

Within its 70 hectares stands stunning flower beds, a fancy swan pond, a Japanese garden, fountains, a concert area, a children’s park, and several buildings and statues from the 18th, 19th, and 20th centuries.

Among them, stands out Kadriorg Palace which was the imperial summer palace in the area. This 18th century palace resembles those in St Petersburg as it’s equally elegant and colorful. It now houses the Estonian Art Museum and makes one of the nicest examples of Baroque architecture in Northern Europe. Make sure to add it to your Tallinn visit.

12. Tallinn TV Tower

Looking for something different among the best things to do in Tallinn Estonia? Look no further. In this wonderful city you can take a high speed elevator up to the highest open viewing platform in all of Norther Europe, enjoy a super meal, and even hang yourself out of the vindown for some adrenaline. Let me explain.

The tower was was built to improve communications during the Moscow 1980s Olympics. It’s 314 meters high, which makes it Estonias’ highest building. It has an observation deck on floor 21 featuring superb views over the city and the Gulf of Finland. There’s also an onsite restaurant and a TV studio and a cinema hall projecting videos on the country’s independence. Tickets can be purchased in advance here.

13. Kalamaja District

Kalamaja is Tallinn’s bohemian quarter. You’ll reach it with a 15 minute walk from the old town and the place to go for people watching. The old town is nowadays a very touristic area, so you’ll have to leave it to see how locals actually live and mingle with them. 

This was once an industrial area and fishing village of old wooden houses. Yet, it’s been deeply renovated and now Kalamaja is a hipster hub home to many great restaurants and interesting shops. Penty of the old wooden houses are restored and now blend modern and traditional architecture. Here you’ll find community gardens, organic food, sustainable produce, handmade souvenirs, and plenty of street art.  

Additionally, many artists live in the area. Thus, here you’ll find Tallinn attractions such as the Energy Discovery Centre, the PROTO Invention factory, Fotografika Museum, or the Telliskivi Creative City. 

14. Balti Jaam Market

Balti Jaam is Tallinn’s biggest open-air market. It’s open daily from 9am to 5pm and its over 300 stalls sell all sorts of fresh produce and antiquities. Along its three levels you’ll find fish, meat, pastries, handmade goods, souvenirs, and second-hand products. 

The market is the perfect place to interact with locals and practice people-watching, one of my favorite things to do when traveling. It’s only 10 minutes walk from the old town, free to enter and easily accessible by public transport so there’s no reason to miss it when visiting Tallinn.

15. Skywheel of Tallinn

Tallinn has a modern skywheel perfect for an evening out with friends, a date, or a photograhy session. Riding one of its 42 gondolas is one of the best things to do in Tallinn Estonia as these offer wonderful views over the city and the sea. proper rival to the views one can get from a Tallin sightseeing cruise.

Particularly, its glass floors allow for unique views of the buildings below. And its location 120 metres above the sea guarantee spectacular sunset views. Prices start at $30.

Recap on the best things to do in Tallinn Estonia

Tallinn is a beautiful medieval city that delights all travellers. Here you’ll find ancient town walls, bastions, churches, and stunning viewing points. Along with museums from the Soviet times, plenty of street art, nature, and delicious meals. Thus, it makes a great spot for a city break and an excellent base to further explore Estonia, the Baltic, and/or Finland.

Bear in mind that Estonia is quite cold during the winter and that prices here are pretty inexpensive compared to the States and Western Europe. The must see Tallinn spots are Viru Gates, the Bastions, Town Hall Square, and Aleksander Nevski Cathedral. Yet, I strongly recommend exploring past the old town and venturing into Kalamaja district, Balti Jaam Market, and the city’s seaside.

Book those flights to Tallinn, jump on a ferry from Helsinki Finland or tailor that Baltic road trip across Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia. Tallinn awaits and you won’t regret visiting. Happy travels! Oh and make sure to leave a comment below or reach out via my Instagram and/or Tiktok pages with any questions.