22 Best Things to do in Tallinn Estonia

When I meet people who have visited Tallinn, they often go for the day as a port stop on a cruise or a day trip from Helsinki or Riga. But Tallinn is worth spending so much more time in! There are so many great things to do in Tallinn!

When you think of a medieval town, do you picture a walled city, ramparts, castles, and narrow, winding cobblestone streets? If so, you’re describing Old Town Tallinn to a t. The best things to do in Tallinn begin with things to do in the Old Town and move outside the Old Town walls. Check them out below:

Best Things to do in Tallinn

Old Town Tallinn

Historic Tallinn is best described as an upper town and lower town. Initially inhabited by the upper class, the upper town (Toompea Hill) is home to government offices and embassies. Castle buildings remain. 

Viru Gate

Viru Gate serves as an entry into Old Town Tallinn. It was part of a system of walls and gates built in the 14th century to protect Tallinn. A flower market and eateries greet visitors.

Free Walking Tour

Free walking tours are my #1 recommendation upon arrival in any city. Tallinn is no exception. You’ll learn where all the main sights are located, the history of the town and its people. Guides also provide suggestions of other places to visit. 

The company is highly rated and offers multiple additional tours as well. You can have one geared towards the communist occupation, a market visit and food tasting, or even a medieval feast. If you want a cultural immersion, check out this tour company.

Alexander Nevsky Cathedral

This Russian Orthodox cathedral sits atop Toompea Hill. The church is as beautiful on the outside as on the inside. The five onion-shaped domes shine in the sun, making a spectacular shot at sunset. Don’t miss a visit inside the church, where you’ll see well-preserved mosaics and icons. 

Kiek in de Kök Fortification Museum

This museum consists of three interconnected parts, and you can choose to visit some or all:

• Kiek in de Kök artillery tower
• Underground Bastion Passages and Carved Stone Museum
• The three towers: Maiden’s Tower, Stable Tower, and Gate Tower

These fortifications have survived from the 14th century. The exhibits document the history of Tallinn and Estonia. 

The Bastion Passages are underground and used as bomb shelters during the world wars. The Maiden’s Tower is used as a museum for bakers (Lonely Planet does not recommend it). 

Kohtuotsa Viewing Platform

One of the best spots for a photo is this platform in the upper town. You’ll have red rooftops in the background and gothic towers. If you’re lucky, you’ll even spot the Insta famous #stevenseagull, who will happily pose for his moment of glory.

St. Olaf’s Church

Built in the 12th century, St. Olaf’s Church was dedicated to King Olaf II of Norway before Denmark conquered Tallinn. The gothic steeple has an observation platform. Adults pay 5 Euros to climb the 262 steps to the top. While the church is not that spectacular, the view is worth the effort.

Town Hall

Established in 1322, the Tallinn Town Hall is the oldest in Northern Europe. The town hall is open to visitors during the summer and by appointment only during other times. The bell tower balcony is open to visitors during the summer for an additional fee. There are 115 steps that become narrower and higher near the top, so it is not recommended for everyone. 

Town Hall Square

Town Hall Square has been the center of Old Town and the heart of the lower town since the 13th and 14th centuries, where every visitor will want to find themselves at some point. Not only will you find the Town Hall, the oldest pharmacy, and several restaurants here, but during the summer, you’ll see vendors and people enjoying the beautiful weather. 

Raeapteek

Raeapteek is the oldest continually running pharmacy that has remained in its original location in Europe. Records show that by 1422, it was already on its third owner! Today, in addition to providing traditional and modern medicines, the pharmacy also houses a museum. Marzipan was considered a cure for the pain of love and memory. Buying a love cure is an ideal souvenir to bring back from Estonia.

Balti Jaama Turg

A mixture of eateries, shops, and markets cohabiting this mixed inside/outside space. You’ll find street food stalls. On the third floor, clothing and antique dealers share spaces. Or purchase local food products such as honey and caviar.

Depoo

Street food and boutiques converge on this former train depot. Especially on warmer evenings or weekends, this is a fun place to meet with others and hang out.

The wooden homes in the Kalajama district, surrounding Balti Jaama Turg and Depoo, feature carved and painted doors. While other cities might have intricate doors, Tallinn’s doors are unique in that there doesn’t seem to be rhyme or reason to them. They showcase a variety of materials, shapes, and colors. Just enjoy them!

Visit Kalma Saun

If there is one thing that Estonians take pretty seriously it is their sauna. Even my Airbnb had a sauna. Kalma Saun is one of the city’s oldest, opening in 1928. If you want to experience an original sauna with no frills, then Kalma Saun is the place to go. There are separate male and female saunas.

Kadriorg Park & Palace

This art museum is housed inside a palace and surrounded by a park. I was captivated by the castle’s look and failed to notice that it was not a museum dedicated to palace living. Instead, the museum exhibits various artworks. It is away from the old town area so unless you’re interested in the exhibition, skip this spot.

Hotel Viru and KGB Museum

During the Soviet occupation, the Hotel Viru was where all foreigners stayed. Rooms were bugged, and the KGB had an active presence. Fast forward to today, and the hotel has become an updated version of its past. Don’t miss the KGB Museum on the secret 21st floor. It was one of the best purchases I made on my trip – informative and humorous! A bar opened on the 21st floor during the summer of 2022, so check it out for some incredible views.

Tallinn TV Tower

At 314 meters, the Tallinn TV Tower is similar to other TV towers. Yes, there is an observation deck. Yes, there is a restaurant (which you should always book around sunset time and includes entry to the observation deck). Yes, the restaurant is rotating.

But do you know what is unique about this particular tower? You can take an edge walk where you are anchored to the building with a safety harness. Over 30 minutes, you’ll experience a 360-degree walk around the platform’s edge. Not for the faint of heart!

Seaplane Harbor Maritime Museum

This maritime museum traced naval history from the earliest to the present. The museum exhibits sea mines. A special exhibit described the sea mining of Tallinn and the tragedy of Juminda in the summer of 1941, when an estimated 15,000 people lost their lives. 

The outside of the museum includes the steam Icebreaker Suur Tõll as well as other exhibits and special events during the summer. Try their cafe – the food is pretty good! This is a decent place to try the Spicy Sprats Snacks, and the chicken was good.

St. Catherine’s Monastery

This Dominican Monastery dates back to 1246, making it one of the oldest buildings in Tallinn. Some buildings survive today, serving as concert halls and other community purposes.

Cromatico Sculpture

Located on the Tallinn Song Festival Grounds, this cement sculpture consists of 12 pieces that make sounds as visitors walk through them. They reflect the 12 notes of an octave. How cool is that!

Skywheel of Tallinn

Located in the Mall of Tallinn, on the fourth floor, the sky wheel is not in the older part of Tallinn, but lots of people enjoy going on these, so I couldn’t leave it off the list!

Is the Tallinn Card Worth it?

You should consider what activities you’re interested in seeing and whether purchasing the Tallinn Card will result in savings. Since I traveled during the off-season when several attractions were closed, it was not a good option.

Where to Stay in Tallinn

Luxury: Hotel Telegraf, Autograph Collection: Huge fan of Autograph Collection Hotels here. Guests who have stayed here raved about the location and attention to high service. 

Mid-range: Rixwell Collection Savoy Boutique Hotel: Guests love the location near the Opera in Old Town. The stylish building and rooms have been modernized, and the service is excellent.

Affordable: Citybox Tallinn: Located outside of Old Town but just a short walk away, this hotel is a great way to save some money in Tallinn. Located near the ferry terminal, this modern hotel is surrounded by a shopping mall and many eateries.