Att göra i Tallinn - 30 sevärdheter och upplevelser

What to see and do in Tallinn? We have visited Estonia several times and at the end of November this year it was time again, for a weekend with spa and Christmas market in the capital. Here we have collected all our tips about Tallinn, from both this trip and previous trips.

Table of contents

Tallinn in Estonia

Tallinn, or Reval as it is historically known in German, is the capital and largest city of Estonia. The Old Town, which is the most famous part of the city, has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997. In fact, Tallinn is one of the best preserved medieval cities in the world.

Tallinn is located on the Gulf of Finland in the northern part of the country, and is easily reached by plane (one hour from Stockholm) or by ferry.

What to see and do in Tallinn?

So what can you see and do in Tallinn? The Estonian capital is full of history and beautiful sites, but you can also experience spas, great food and much more. Here are our top tips, all in one list.

1. Strolling in 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.

Walking around the cobbled streets and reading the signs around you will see that many of the houses were built in the 15th century. The city has a medieval wall over 1,800 metres long and amazing gates that are worth seeing.

Att göra i Tallinn - stadsmuren — The city walls at night

2. Take a look inside Europe's oldest pharmacy

The Town Hall Pharmacy (Raeapteek) was built in Tallinn as early as the 15th century and has been operating ever since, making it one of the oldest pharmacies in Europe to have been continuously in the same location. The pharmacy is documented back to 1422.

3. visit the Domberg

In the western part of Tallinn's medieval city centre lies the Cathedral Hill, or Toompea as it is called in Estonian. The mountain is 20-30 metres higher than the rest of the city, and here you will find several of the city's most important historical buildings, such as the Cathedral Hill Castle and the Parliament.

Next door, you can visit the Danish King's Garden. According to an old legend, this is the place where a flag was lowered from the sky during the Danish invasion, and it was this flag that turned the tide of battle in King Valdemar II's favour. Later, the flag became the national flag of Denmark.

Att göra i Tallinn - Danish King's Garden

4. See the view from the Kohtuotsa viewing platform

Kohtuotsa viewing platform is located on the northern slope of the Cathedral Hill and is perhaps the best viewpoint in Tallinn. From here you can take great pictures of the city below. Or why not take a selfie?

5. check out the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral

When you're in the upper part of Tallinn, take the opportunity to check out the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral. Named after the Russian warrior prince St Alexander, this impressive Orthodox cathedral recalls the time when Estonia was part of the Russian Empire. The cathedral is beautiful both inside and out.

6. see St Olav's Church

In the Middle Ages, the 14th-century St Olav's Church (Olaikyrkan) was considered the tallest building in the world. Its impressive spire is no less than 159 metres high. Lightning has struck several times and set the building on fire, but the church has been tirelessly rebuilt.

7. Take a guided tour of Tallinn

One nice thing to do in Tallinn, if you have the opportunity, is to join a guided tour. During a guided tour, history and people come to life in a completely different way. It may be most natural to take a guided tour of the Old Town, but we can also recommend experiencing places like Kalamaja and Telliskivi with a guide.

8. Discover the Kalamaja neighbourhood

Kalamaja is an area just outside the Old Town of Tallinn, known for its large, beautiful wooden houses. Today, this is a trendy and popular neighbourhood where you can find, for example, design, second-hand shops, museums, pastry shops and bohemian restaurants.

It is also in this neighbourhood that you will find the market Balti Jaama Turg and the creative sector Telliskivi Creative City. Of course, you can also experience the area via a guided tour of Kalamaja.

9. Bargains at Balti Jaama Turg

In Kalamaja, the market is located Balti Jaama Turg, where you can make some great bargains. They sell knitted hats, mittens, second-hand clothes, meat, fish, vegetables, bread and chocolate. Welcome to bargain!

10. Check out Street Art in Telliskivi

If you're a fan of street art and murals, there's a lot to check out in Tallinn. One of the best places to check out street art is Telliskivi, where you'll find a lot of really cool paintings.

There's also a lot more to discover in this neighbourhood. There are plenty of bohemian restaurants here, as well as shops and small businesses run by start-ups. Lots of bargains and discoveries can be made here!

11. See photographic art at Fotografiska

Fotografiska in Tallinn is a branch of Fotografiska in Stockholm. Here you can see various exhibitions of exciting photographic art. On the 6th floor there is also a restaurant with really good food.

12. Eat well at restaurants in Tallinn

There are many great restaurants in Tallinn, whether you prefer the charming medieval atmosphere of the Old Town or perhaps seek fine dining with a tasting menu.

Many of the city's restaurants are listed in Michelin guides, where you will find both starred restaurants and slightly less exclusive places, listed under Bib Gourmand or as "selected restaurants". Among others, we can recommend visits to Restoran 38 and Photographic Centre.

READ MORE: 7 great restaurants in Tallinn - and cafés and bars

Att göra i Tallinn - äta gott på restaurang

13. Enjoy a tasting menu at Restaurant Noa

One restaurant that deserves a separate mention is Restaurant Noa. This place is beautifully located, with large windows facing the sea, about 20 minutes by taxi from the centre of Tallinn. Here you will find both Noa Restoran (Michelin Bib Gourmand) and Noa Chef's Hall (At the restaurant you can enjoy a variety of creative dishes, or why not try Head Chef's Men, with a wide variety of dishes at the same meal.

14. Coffee at the oldest café in Tallinn

The café Maiasmokk is Tallinn's very oldest café, and perhaps the oldest in Estonia, operating since its opening in 1864. Here you can still experience the charming historical atmosphere, while enjoying a coffee and a pastry. Or why not shop for a unique hand-painted marzipan figurine, made on site? You can find the café at Pikk 16 in the Old Town.

15. Have a drink at a unique bar

What to do in Tallinn in the evening? Tallinn has several bars that offer more than a drink, they offer an experience. We can recommend this cosy place Botaanik (open Thursday-Saturday, book in advance!), the speakeasy bar Whisper Sister (google and book your place) and Depeche Mode Baarif you are a Depeche Mode fan. Really good bar experiences are promised!

16. discover the Noblessner area

Noblessner is an area located by the sea, within walking distance of the Old Town of Tallinn. The largest submarine shipyard in the Russian Empire was once created here, and between 1912 and 1917 no less than 12 modern submarines were built in the area. The name, Noblesse oblige, comes from the two businessmen who ran the shipyard: Emanuel Nobel (nephew of Alfred Nobel) and Arthur Lessner.

Today, this area is filled with modern buildings, shops, restaurants and museums. You'll find the PROTO Invention Factory here, as well as the Kai Art Centre, the Iglupark sauna park, and famous restaurants such as the Lore Bistro and 180°, the latter of which has two stars in the Michelin Guide. Of course, you can also check out various ships, such as The icebreaker Suur Toll, which was used by the Reds during the Russian Revolution in 1917.

Walk 30 min (2.5 km) or take bus 73 from Old Town. Get off at the Noblessneri stop.

17. Play in the PROTO Invention Factory

PROTO Invention Factory, located in the Noblessner area, can be described as a discovery workshop or experience centre. In this spectacular place, you can experience early technological developments such as submarines, steam locomotives and hot air balloons, almost as if they were real. With the help of virtual reality goggles, you can take amazing journeys straight into the world of imagination. Great fun for both children and adults!

READ MORE: Proto discovery workshop - experience centre in Tallinn

18. Sauna bathing in an igloo park

Also in Noblessner are Igloo park, a facility with cute little saunas right by the sea, and a charming little outdoor bar. Here you can rent a sauna and, if you wish, take a dip directly in the sea whatever the season.

19. Shop for interior design at Shishi

Shishi is an Estonian-Norwegian interior design shop selling items such as vases, candlesticks and artificial plants. At Christmas time, this shop, which you can find in Noblessner, is heaven for all Christmas lovers.

20. visit the Pop Art museum PoCo Art

Do you like pop art? Then you must not miss PoCo Art, which is housed in a slightly raw space that is perfectly suited to the purpose. In the exhibition you will find Warhol and Banksy, as well as many other famous names.

21. learn more in museums

There are many different museums in Tallinn, for example, that tell the history of the city and the country. For example, you can check out the 38 metre high gun tower Kiek in the Kök, which takes its name from the fact that hungry soldiers could peek into neighbouring kitchens from here. The museum also includes visits to the underground bastions of the city. Here are some museums that might be interesting to visit:

Kalamaja Museum (Kotzebue tn 16)
KGB Museum (Hotel Viru, Viru väljak 4)
Kiek in the Kök Fortification Museum (Komandandi tee 2)
Museum of Photography (Raekoja tn 6)
NUKU Puppet Theatre Museum (Lai 1, Nunne 4)
Tallinn City Life Museum (Vein 17)
Tallinn Maritime Museum (Lennusadam and Fat Margaret)

22. visit the Kadriorg Palace

Kadriorg Palace is located in the Kadriorg district, 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 a few years ago. Nearby you will also find the Kumu Art Museum.

Tram No. 1 or 3 from the Old Town to the stop "Kadriorg". More bus lines run, to the stop "J Poska".

23. Feel the Christmas spirit at Tallinn Christmas Market

If you're visiting Tallinn at the end of November, or in December in the run-up to Christmas, you won't want to miss the city's beautiful Christmas market. Held on Town Hall Square, in the centre of the Old Town, the market offers everything from Christmas trees and lights to stalls selling crafts, gifts, presents, delicacies, food and mulled wine. On weekends, there will also be music and dance performances.

READ MORE: Christmas market in Tallinn - a brilliant experience

24. shopping for souvenirs

One thing you might want to take the opportunity to do in Tallinn is shop for souvenirs. Popular items to buy include knitted mittens and scarves, amber and wooden crafts. If you want to buy edible and drinkable products, you can find local chocolate from Kalev, hand-painted marzipan or herb liqueur Vana Tallinn.

25. try the spa in Tallinn

Looking for something nice to do in Tallinn? Why not spend a few hours at a relaxing spa? There are several spa hotels in the city with spas, such as Telegraph Spa. It is also worth taking a taxi to Elamus Spa, located about 20 minutes from the city centre by car. It offers a fantastic environment, lots of swimming pools, several restaurants and no less than 22 saunas. In addition, you can try so-called "sauna rituals", with music or scents.

READ MORE: Sauna and spa in Tallinn - weekend of luxury and sauna rituals

26. Swimming at Pirita beach

If it's summer, you can swim at the beach Pirita, located north of Tallinn. This fine sandy beach is no less than 6 kilometres long.

27th Experience the Estonian Song Festival

Estonian Song Festival is one of the world's largest driving events. The festival is held every five years, in Kadriorg, at the Song Festival Grounds. The venue can host 15 000 singers and 100 000 spectators. The next one will be in summer 2025.

28. Take an excursion from Tallinn

If you have plenty of time, it can be interesting to make excursions in the neighbourhood of Tallinn. Here are three exciting places, which we have visited during previous trips.

Lahemaa National Park

The Lahemaa National Park is a large natural area that offers great opportunities for hiking on wooden footbridges, as well as cosy fishing villages and beautiful historic mansions.

READ MORE: Lahemaa National Park in Estonia - nature and mansions

Drive towards Narva on the E20: 37 min (46 km)

The Jägala case

Jägala Falls is the largest waterfall in the Baltic States, with a drop of 8 metres and a width of 70 metres at its widest. In spring and autumn, the water is at its peak.

Drive E20 towards Narva and turn off at Laagna tee: 27 min (26 km)

Rummu quarry

Rummu quarry is a very different sun and bathing paradise, with crystal clear waters surrounding a sunken Soviet-era prison.

READ MORE: Rummu quarry - prison turned bathing paradise

Drive Keila-Haapsalu/roads 17 and 8: 45 min (42.5 km)

29. Cruise to Tallinn

Cruising to Tallinn is popular and great when you also want to enjoy the ferry crossing, with restaurants, bars and views of the archipelago. You can cruise with Tallink Silja Line, with ships such as Victoria I and Baltic Queen. You can either experience Tallinn by day, or choose to stay a few nights.

Tallink Silja Line — Special breakfast at the Baltic Queen

30. Get the Tallinn Card

If you want to visit several attractions and museums, it may be worthwhile to get a so-called "Tallinn Card". Stop by the Tourist Office, at Niguliste 2 in the Old Town, for more information.

More to do in Tallinn?

There is of course more to do in Tallinn, in addition to all our tips above. Here are a few more things you can experience in the city:

Estonian black bread is a rye bread that is incredibly tasty.
Kalevipoeg is Estonia's national epic, with the same origins as Finland's Kalevala. Take the opportunity to learn more!
Rocca al Mare is home to Estonia's large open-air museum, with farms, mills, a school and a fire station.
Tallinn TV tower, located in Pirita north of the city centre, has an observation deck at 170 metres.

Where to stay in Tallinn?

There are of course many different hotels in Tallinn, and on our last visit we stayed at Nunne Boutique Hotel, which is an incredibly nice hotel with an excellent location in the Old Town. We stayed in a historic room with a beautifully preserved stone wall, and some other rooms have a direct view of the city walls. In addition, a really good and fresh breakfast is served here, with everything from Karelian pies to delicacies, pastries and fresh fruit.

On previous visits to Tallinn, we have stayed at the exclusive spa hotel Hilton Tallinn Park, where you will also find a delicious breakfast buffet, a fine restaurant and a large casino.

Spahotell — Peter at Hilton Tallinn Park a couple of years ago

In addition, we have tested the slightly simpler but nice design hotel Estoria, located just outside the Old Town, where each room has its own story to tell. You can read about our visit at these hotels in Tallinn here.

Things to do in Tallinn - on film

Peter has put together a film from our recent trip to Tallinn. Check it out here, for even more inspiration on what to see and do in Tallinn.

More to do in Estonia

There is of course more to see and do around Estonia. We can recommend a visit to the beach and spa town Pärnu, wooden house city Haapsalu and in the university city Tartu. There are also many beautiful islands such as Saaremaa and Dagö. Below you will find lots of different tips.

Even more to see and do in Tallinn?

Have you visited Tallinn? If so, what are your top tips on what to see and do in Tallinn?

Facts about Tallinn

Country: Estonia
Landscape: Harjumaa
Population: Just over 450 000 (2023)
Location: Tallinn is located on the Gulf of Finland, in the northern part of Estonia.

Good to know about Tallinn

Language: Estonian (many also speak English)
Currency: Euro
Price mode: Prices slightly lower than in Sweden
Time difference: +1 hour
Emergency number: 112
El: Same electrical outlets as Sweden

Hotels in Tallinn

Hilton Tallinn Park, Fr. R. Kreutzwaldi 23
Hotel Telegraaf, Vein 9
Nunne Boutique Hotel, Nunne 14
Solo Sokos Hotel Estoria, Viru väljak 4

Restaurants in Tallinn

180° by Matthias Diether, Staapli tn 4 (2 Michelin stars, 2024)
Photographic Centre, Tellaskivi tn 60a-8
Lore Bistroo, Peetri 12
Manna La Roosa, Sauna tn 1
Noah, Ranna tee 3
Noa Chef's Hall, Ranna tee 3 (1 Michelin star, 2024)
R14, Rotermanni tn 14
Restoran 38, Olevimägi 9
Scheeli Restoran, Vana Turg 2
Vegan Restoran V, Rataskaevu 12

Travelling to Tallinn

Flights from Stockholm to Tallinn, for example, with SAS or Ryanair. The flight takes one hour.
Ferry runs between Stockholm and Tallinn (Tallink Silja Line).

9 Comments

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Comment by post author

Helena says:

I know Matts, and we do agree that a motorhome is a nice way to travel 😉.

17 November 2018 - 14:32

Comment by post author

Helena says:

Glad you recognise yourself! Tallinn is beautiful!

17 November 2018 - 14:32

Comment by post author

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

Comment by post author

Helena says:

We also liked the robes, a very colourful hotel 😉.

18 November 2018 - 11:07

Comment by post author

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

Comment by post author

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

Comment by post author

Helena says:

Which can be nice I think! (Depending on the weather of course)

18 November 2018 - 11:12

Comment by post author

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

Comment by post author

Helena says:

There is a lot to see and discover in the east! 🙂

18 November 2018 - 13:49

What to do in Tallinn - 30 sights and experiences

Tallinn in Estonia

What to see and do in Tallinn?

1. Strolling in the Old Town

2. Take a look inside Europe's oldest pharmacy

3. visit the Domberg

4. See the view from the Kohtuotsa viewing platform

5. check out the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral

6. see St Olav's Church

7. Take a guided tour of Tallinn

8. Discover the Kalamaja neighbourhood

9. Bargains at Balti Jaama Turg

10. Check out Street Art in Telliskivi

11. See photographic art at Fotografiska

12. Eat well at restaurants in Tallinn

13. Enjoy a tasting menu at Restaurant Noa

14. Coffee at the oldest café in Tallinn

15. Have a drink at a unique bar

16. discover the Noblessner area

17. Play in the PROTO Invention Factory

18. Sauna bathing in an igloo park

19. Shop for interior design at Shishi

20. visit the Pop Art museum PoCo Art

21. learn more in museums

22. visit the Kadriorg Palace

23. Feel the Christmas spirit at Tallinn Christmas Market

24. shopping for souvenirs

25. try the spa in Tallinn

26. Swimming at Pirita beach

27th Experience the Estonian Song Festival

28. Take an excursion from Tallinn

Lahemaa National Park

The Jägala case

Rummu quarry

29. Cruise to Tallinn

30. Get the Tallinn Card

More to do in Tallinn?

Where to stay in Tallinn?

Things to do in Tallinn - on film

More to do in Estonia

Even more to see and do in Tallinn?

Facts about Tallinn

Good to know about Tallinn

Hotels in Tallinn

Restaurants in Tallinn

Travelling to Tallinn

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