Looking for tips on things to see and do in Tallinn? We've travelled to Estonia several times to seek out all the gems, with guides and lots of research. Here are all our tips from shopping, restaurants, hotels, sights, what to do and much more.
Table of contents
Things to do in Tallinn
Tallinn, or Reval as it was historically known in German, Danish and Swedish, is the capital and largest city of Estonia. Tallinn is located on the Gulf of Finland in the northern part of the country and has, according to Wikipedia, around 430,000 inhabitants.
The Old Town, which is the most famous part of the city, has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997. Tallinn is one of the best preserved medieval cities in the world. Here are some tips on things to see and do in Tallinn.
1. Stroll around the old town
One of the most obvious things to do in Tallinn is to wander around the Old Town, or Vanalinn as the neighbourhood is called in Estonian. Tallinn is a true medieval city, dating back to the Hanseatic period. Strolling around the cobbled streets and reading the signs all around, you'll see that many of the houses were built as early as the 15th century.
The city has a medieval wall over 1800 metres long and amazing gates that are worth seeing. For example, the pharmacy located at the Town Hall Square was completed in 1422 - and has now been operating as a pharmacy in the same building for almost 600 years, making it the oldest pharmacy in the world! Don't miss Raekoja Plats (Town Hall Square).
2. Visit Toompea hill (Cathedral Hill)
In the western part of Tallinn's medieval city centre is the Cathedral Hill, or Toompea as it is called in Estonian. It is 20-30 metres higher than the rest of the city and is home to many of the city's most important historical buildings.
Up here you can see a lot of historic Tallinn, and the Kohtuotsa viewing platform is located on the northern slope of the Domberg, which provides the perfect view of the city below.
3. Check out the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral.
When you're in the upper part of Tallinn, make sure to check out the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral. This impressive Orthodox cathedral is named after the Russian warrior prince St Alexander. It recalls the time when Estonia was part of the Russian Empire. The cathedral is beautiful both inside and out - and after dark.
4. Guided tour in Kalamaja
A city is almost always best experienced with a guided tour, and the same goes for Tallinn. If you've never been to Tallinn before, it can obviously be interesting to take a guided tour of the Old Town. If you want to see a little more, it can be interesting to venture a step outside the most touristy areas. When we were here we tried to take a guided tour of the Kalamaja neighbourhood.
The trendy Kalamaja neighbourhood is a short walk from the Old Town. There are many beautiful turn-of-the-century wooden houses, mixed with modern houses and communist-style buildings. The lifestyle is reminiscent of Söder in Stockholm, with second-hand shops, pastry shops and a creative centre with artists and design shops.
The centre of Kalamaja is Telliskivi (the brick), and on Telliskivi 51 street you'll find the cool wine bar Shvips. Try the Estonian sparkling rhubarb wine Abavas, which is very good.
5. Visit restaurants and bars
There are plenty of nice restaurants and bars in the Old Town, and if you want to get a seat at the very best, it can be good to book a table in advance. One of the restaurants with a good reputation is Restaurant Cru, but if you don't get a seat there (which we didn't), don't despair. It can still be a nice evening!
We ended up at Restaurant Scheeli, and were surprised by 20s atmosphere, piano and a whole bunch of couples dancing in 20s clothes. Super fun! The restaurant can of course have different types of entertainment, but otherwise we were really happy with the food. For starters we chose goat cheese and for the main course duck with carrot puree and red cabbage.
Perhaps one of the most popular taverns in the Old Town is the medieval Olde Hansa. Sure, it's a bit touristy, but that's not always a bad thing!
6. Shopping is always a nice thing to do in Tallinn.
Of course, you can take the opportunity to shop when you are in Tallinn! There are several large malls, such as Viru Keskus, where you will find a lot of chains you recognise but maybe also something new.
If you wander around town, you'll find things like designer clothes, (faux) fur in every conceivable style, Baltic amber, knitted mittens, umbrellas with crocodile or skull handles and all sorts of other things ...
7. Discover the harbour of Tallinn
If you've had your fill of Old Town, you might want to explore the harbour. Here you'll also find the abandoned and windswept Linnahall Olympic Stadium, where graffiti mixes with the sound of the sea.
Along the seafront, you'll also find the 19th-century Patarei sea fortress, which later became a prison. Walking around here today feels peaceful, while at the same time evoking a sense of history.
If you continue your walk, you will arrive at the ship and icebreaker Suur Toll, which was taken into use by the Reds during the Russian Revolution in 1917. Read more about our exploration of Tallinn harbour.
8. Learn more in museums
Next time we visit Tallinn we hope to visit some of the museums. There are, among others, nine museums that are part of the museum group "Linnaeus Museum”.
Other museums that might be interesting are the Maritime History Museum, which is very popular, and the Estonian Open Air Museum, which tells about the local culture. Another museum that seems a bit special is KGB Museum, which is located in the Viru Hotel, and also right next to the Estoria Hotel, which we'll talk about below.
9. Visit the Kadriorg Palace
Kadriorg Palace is located in the Kadriorg neighbourhood, just outside the most central part of the city. This Baroque palace was built during the reign of Peter the Great as Russian Tsar, and was intended to be used as a summer residence by Empress Catherine I.
After the First World War and Estonia's independence, the castle became an art museum, then a presidential palace, and then an art museum again... Read more our visit to the Kadriorg Palace.
While you're there, there's also the KUMU Art Museum, which has everything from the 18th century onwards.
Walk 7 minutes from the Old Town to Viru Square, take bus 3 to Kadriorg Palace which takes 15 minutes.
10. Play in the Proto discovery workshop
The newly opened (2019) Proto Experience Centre in Tallinn Harbour. This really is a super fun experience for all ages. Put on your VR glasses and throw yourself into a fairytale world. Many experiences involve two people playing and helping each other. Enormous fun!
Walk 31 min and is 2.5 km or bus 73 from Vabaduse in the old town which runs every 20 min. Get off at Proto avastustehas on the Peetri 10, 10415 Tallinn
More to do in Tallinn?
29. More to do outside Tallinn?
A day trip while you're in the city, there are three things that stand out within an hour by car. Hiring a car for a day is easy and convenient and the roads are really good.
Lahemaa National Park
Experience a national park for a day, bring a packed lunch and walk the trails of the national park.
Drive towards Narva on the E20, which takes 37 minutes and is 46.1 km long.
Experience the Jägala case
The largest waterfall in the Baltics, which is 70 metres wide at its peak and has an 8-metre drop.
Take the E20 towards Narva and turn off at Laagna tee, which takes 27 minutes and is 26.2 km.
Rummu quarry
Swim or dive in the crystal clear waters of the former Soviet prison, once a quarry. A trendy bathing paradise!
Drive Keila-Haapsalu/roads 17 and 8, which takes 45 minutes and is 42.4 kilometres.
29. Staying put can also be done in Tallinn
There are of course lots of different hotels in Tallinn. We have stayed at two of them and we liked both, but in slightly different ways. Hilton Tallinn Park is the hotel for those who are looking for a modern and exclusive hotel with a large delicious breakfast buffet, gym, spa and a large casino.
We were pleased with the comfortable beds, WiFi worked great and higher up in the hotel you have really good views. The Hilton is located at Fr. R. Kreutzwaldi 23.
If you prefer a simpler, but very colourful hotel, you can choose the Estoria Hotel, located just outside the gate of the Old Town. The name "Estoria" is a mix of "Estonia" and "stories", and each room has its own story to tell about Estonia. It's nice!
We were very happy with our room here, and above all, the location just outside the Old Town is fantastic.
Travelling to Tallinn
You can travel to Tallinn either by plane or by ferry. For example, you can fly with SAS, Air Baltic or LOT Polish Airlines Stockholm (one hour flight time). Another way to travel is to take ferry to Tallinn from Stockholm.
We travelled with Tallink Silja Line and had a hugely enjoyable cruise. Peter's brother Michael and his wife Gunilla joined us in Tallinn where they spent a day, and then left us to continue around Estonia. It was both of our birthdays and they offered us an extra nice cruise. Wow! A lot of love!
The WiFi was not working well, but on the other hand the special breakfast was very good. absolutely fantastic! Starting the morning with sparkling wine, cold smoked salmon, duck liver pâté, scrambled eggs, whitefish roe and Karelian pies with egg butter is not bad!
30. Tallinn Card
If you're spending one to three days in the city, it's a good idea to buy a "Tallinn Card", as so much is included. Prices are available at the tourist office in the old town.
The tourist information centre is located in the old town at Niguliste 2.
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Facts about Tallinn
- Language? Estonian (many also speak English or Russian)
- Residents? 430 000 (2017)
- Currency? Euro
- Price point? A little cheaper than in Sweden
- Time difference? +1 hour
- Emergency number? 112
- El? Like Sweden
- Water? It may be better to choose bottled water
- Religion? Atheism or Orthodox or Lutheran Christianity
- Flag? The flag of Estonia is blue, black and white.
- National anthem? Mu isamaa, mu õnn ja rõõm (My fatherland, my happiness and joy)
- Watch out for? It is usually recommended to use taxis belonging to established companies.
- Think about? While English works well in Tallinn and other major cities, it can be difficult in rural areas.
Shopping
- Viru Keskus at Viru väljak 4/6 is a shopping centre that has everything.
Museums
- Tallinn City Museum on Vene 17
- Museum of Photography at Raekoja 4/6
- Children's museum Miiamilla at L.Koidula 21 c
- Museum in Kalamaja on Kotzebue 16
- House of Peter The Great on Mäekalda 2
- Tallinn Russian museum at Pikk 29 a
- Maritime History Museum in the marina on Vesilennuki tee 6
- Estonian Outdoor Museum at Vabaõhumuuseumi tee 12
- Conversation centre Kanut on Pikk tn 2
- KGB Museum at Viru väljak 4
- Proto experience workshop at Peetri 10, 10415 Tallinn.
Hotels in Tallinn
- Hotel Viru at (Hotel Estoria) Viru selected 4
- Hilton Tallinn Park at Fr. R. Kreutzwaldi 23
- The three sisters boutique hotel at Pikk 71/Tolli 2 from 1362 is three interconnected merchant houses. Some past guests: His Majesty Emperor Akihito of Japan, Queen Elizabeth, Prince Phillip and Sting.
- CRU Hotel at Viru 8 Tallinn City Centre
Restaurants in Tallinn
- Restaurant Borde at Pikk 71/Tolli 2 city centre Tallinn
- Restaurant CRU at Viru 8
- Depoo (Telliskivi 62) in Kalamaja
- Olde Hansa on Vana Square 1
- Scheeli on Vana torg 2
- Vegan Restoran V at Rataskaevu 12 (vegetarian food)
- Leib Resto ja Aed on Uus 31 (Estonian food)
- Tabak on Suur-Karja 4 10140 in Tallinn (Fine Dining)
- Maiasmook café at Pikk 16 is the oldest pastry shop in Tallinn dating back to 1864.
- Rae Meierei at Dunkri 5, 10123 in Tallinn
Michelin restaurants in Tallinn
- Noa Chef's hall (1 star 2022) at Ranna Tee 3 in Tallinn.
- 180 Degrees restaurant (1 star 2022) at Staapli 4 in Tallinn.
Pubs in Tallinn
- Tuba Baar at Müürivahe 15 in Tallinn (Old Town)
- Koht (moonnshine bar) on Lai 8 in Tallinn (old town)
- Pörgu at Rüütli 4 in Tallinn. Food and beer
- Pöhlala Tap Room at Niguliste 2 in Tallinn (harbour area)
- Pudel bar at Telliskivi 60a-5 in Tallinn in Kalamaja
- Sip wine and beer shop at Telliskivi 62 in Tallinn I Kalamaja.
- Whisper Sister at Pärnu mnt 12, 10146 in Tallinn
Hamburgers in Tallinn
- Veg Machine (vego) on Kopli tn 1 (Balti jaam market) in Tallinn
- Estonian burger factory at Pärnu mnt 41a next to IMAX.
- Diner on Vabaduse pst 39 next to Nömme or Olümpia hotel
- Burger box on Kopli tn 4 opposite (Balti Jaam market)
- Dereku burgers at F.R. Faelhlmanni tn 3 at Kadriorg
Travelling to Tallinn
- Flights including from Stockholm to Tallinn. Fly with SAS, Norwegian, LOT or Air Baltic.
- Ferry runs between Stockholm and Tallinn (Tallink Silja Line and St Peter Line) and between Kapellskär and Paldiski 9 hours (DFDS Seaways).
Matts Torebring says:
It looks so nice, and of course we do a trip like this, maybe every "10 years". You know it before, we are "Motorhome addicts".
17 November 2018 - 7:38
Helena says:
I know Matts, and we do agree that a motorhome is a nice way to travel 😉.
17 November 2018 - 14:32
Mr Nils-Åke Hansson says:
What fun to see and recognise the places. It is now a few years since we were there.
17 November 2018 - 8:18
Helena says:
Glad you recognise yourself! Tallinn is beautiful!
17 November 2018 - 14:32
Kenneth Risberg says:
Really like the Old Town in Tallinn but I have not been around any other places when I have been there. Dragons and Admiral I also have pictures of. So next time it might be a hotel night to explore a bit more of the city, thanks for the tips!
17 November 2018 - 9:15
Helena says:
The old town in Tallinn is really nice! But of course there is a bit more to explore if you have the time 🙂.
17 November 2018 - 14:33
BP says:
I also recognise myself in Tallinn, where we have been three times, but it was probably a few years ago. In this post I stuck to the dressing gowns in my favo colours:-) Okay then, the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral was magnificent. The breakfast too:-)
17 November 2018 - 18:19
Helena says:
We also liked the robes, a very colourful hotel 😉.
18 November 2018 - 11:07
Ditte says:
Tallinn is always nice to visit and you can do it anytime. I have been here many times and recognise myself. Very nice is if you stay a few days to rent a car and get around on your own. Estonia has so much to offer even outside of Tallinn.
17 November 2018 - 18:48
Helena says:
We would love to see more of Estonia if we could. I have been to Pärnu when I was young and travelled by train, but that was a very long time ago.
18 November 2018 - 11:08
Britt-Marie Lundgren says:
Tallinn is one of those places we've always talked about visiting but never got round to. We don't know if it's a bit too close to plan for. As a retiree, I hope to do some spontaneous travelling and Tallinn is a good place to do that.
17 November 2018 - 20:41
Helena says:
This can be the case with places that are close, but it's good to have something left to look forward to that is within a reasonable distance 🙂.
18 November 2018 - 11:10
Ann-Louise says:
I've been about to book flights to Tallinn several times in recent weeks, but have not yet managed to decide whether I should go now this winter (maybe see the Christmas market) or wait until spring and a little warmer. Either way, it will be perfect to save these tips until then! 🙂
17 November 2018 - 21:50
Helena says:
Which can be nice I think! (Depending on the weather of course)
18 November 2018 - 11:12
Elisabeth says:
I recognised myself there. Made many of your points, but it's been a while since I was last there.
17 November 2018 - 22:49
Liniz Travel says:
Love the picture of you in dressing gowns and the cups! Guess it was planned! Mem nice! Tallinn is so cosy! Got hungry for the Christmas market there but does not have time before Christmas .... will be very Canary Islands and then Thailand. Big hug
17 November 2018 - 23:08
Helena says:
They had these colourful bathrobes at the hotel, so we thought it was fun to get them in the picture 🙂 Could also imagine a Christmas market in Tallinn, but the same here, probably not enough time 😉.
18 November 2018 - 11:14
Role o Carina says:
We've never been to the eastern states, maybe it's time to go!
Take care...
18 November 2018 - 11:28
Helena says:
There is a lot to see and discover in the east! 🙂
18 November 2018 - 13:49
Lena - good for the soul says:
Talllinn was a really nice town. Was there for the first time in June this year. Since we went on a cruise, there were only five or six hours ashore. We mostly strolled around the old town and the harbour. Not bad either, but would like to return to see more. And Olde Hansa was clearly okay, we thought, despite a possible tourist trap!
Hug Lena
18 November 2018 - 13:23
Johnny Friskilä says:
I'd like to go to that 1920s place. It will be next time in Tallinn! 🙂
18 November 2018 - 13:38
Milena Lindh says:
Taulin's Christmas market is absolutely wonderful! In summer there is the beer festival with lots of good bands. Decent hotels in the Old Town at good prices. It is also easy to get there. Highly recommended! ☺
18 November 2018 - 17:17
Birgitta says:
We have travelled many times to Tallinn even though we live in Umeå.
From here there are special bus tours and the bus follows the ferry for shopping. Usually the buses run around a weekend.
We enjoy the Christmas market in the square and it has already started and will last until 7 January. Standing in the square in sub-zero temperatures and drinking their wonderful hot mulled wine is an experience.
We often buy a couple of bouquets from the flower street. Their arrangements are fantastic!
The Estonian beer is a chapter in itself. Must try, preferably the dark one!
We always try to look for places downstairs where there are nice basement vaults. It's cosy to sit there. In the summer you naturally choose somewhere near the harbour, not the ferry terminal. And finally: We have never eaten bad food in Tallinn!
20 November 2018 - 9:46
The Nomads says:
What a great post! We've been to Tallinn twice and really love the old town there but now realised we missed a few things. Thanks for the tips! 🙂
05 October 2019 - 19:17
Mats says:
Great info! Thank you.
09 December 2019 - 14:51