Whether you’re a history buff, a food enthusiast, or an adventure seeker, Tallinn is an exciting city to explore.

The Best Things to See and Do in Tallinn:

1) Explore the Old Town (Vanalinn)

You can begin your exploration of Tallinn in its UNESCO-listed Old Town, where centuries of history come alive amidst cobblestone streets, medieval buildings, and charming squares.

During the summer months, the square often hosts a medieval market where vendors sell traditional handicrafts, food, and drinks.

It’s an excellent opportunity to experience the atmosphere of medieval Tallinn.

2) Estonian Open Air Museum

Journey back in time and explore historic farmhouses, windmills, and workshops, and learn about Estonia’s folk culture.

3) Alexander Nevsky Cathedral

Marvel at the majestic beauty of Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, an architectural masterpiece adorned with onion domes and intricate mosaics.

Be sure to admire the richly decorated interior of this stunning cathedral.

4) Tallinn Street Art

Explore Tallinn’s vibrant street art scene, where colourful murals and graffiti decorate building facades and hidden alleyways.

Take a self-guided tour or join a street art walking tour to discover the stories and inspiration behind these urban artworks.

5) Kadriorg Palace and Park

Escape the urban hustle and immerse yourself in the tranquility of Kadriorg Palace and Park.

Explore the elegant Baroque palace, stroll through manicured gardens, and visit Kadriorg Art Museum to admire its impressive European and Russian art collection.

6) Tallinn Botanic Garden

Home to a diverse collection of plant species from around the world.

Wander through themed gardens, tranquil ponds, and lush greenhouses, and breathe in the fragrant scents of flowers and herbs.

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7) Estonian Maritime Museum

Delve into Estonia’s maritime heritage at the Estonian Maritime Museum, housed in the historic Seaplane Harbour hangars.

Explore interactive exhibits, climb aboard vintage ships and submarines, and uncover fascinating stories of nautical adventures.

8) Tallinn TV Tower

You can head to the observation deck, which offers breathtaking views of the city and its surroundings. Better yet, why not dine on Estonian cuisine while you’re overlooking the city? You can book this two-course lunch, including an entrance to the TV Tower.

For thrill-seekers, dare to walk on the edge with the Edge Walk experience, which provides an adrenaline-pumping perspective.

9) Tallinn City Walls and Towers

Climb the ancient city walls for panoramic views of Tallinn’s skyline and discover the city’s medieval defenses at towers like Kiek in de Kök and Fat Margaret.

Gain insight into Tallinn’s military history as you explore these well-preserved fortifications.

10) Visit Kalamaja District

Indulge your senses in Tallinn’s trendy Kalamaja district, known for its vibrant street art, hip cafes, and artisanal eateries.

Wander through colourful streets, sample local delicacies, and discover hidden gems in this bohemian neighbourhood.

11) Lahemaa National Park

Embark on a day trip to Lahemaa National Park, a natural paradise just a short drive from Tallinn.

Hike through pristine forests, explore picturesque coastal villages, and admire scenic viewpoints overlooking the Baltic Sea.

12) Take a Day Trip to Helsinki, Finland

Book this popular return ferry ticket from Tallinn, and explore Helsinki for the day!

The two capital cities are just a two-hour ferry ride apart, with excellent views of the Baltic Sea.

Once you arrive in Helsinki, you will have a full day to explore the city before returning to Tallinn.

And, if you’d like to spend more time in this city, check out these top 10 things to do in Helsinki.

13) Tallinn City Museum

Immerse yourself in Tallinn’s fascinating history at the Tallinn City Museum, located in a medieval merchant’s house.

Explore interactive exhibits, archaeological finds, and multimedia displays that trace the city’s evolution from its earliest days to the present.

14) Enjoy Estonian Cuisine

Indulge in Tallinn’s culinary delights at local markets, cafes, and restaurants throughout the city.

Indulge in traditional Estonian dishes like hearty soups, savoury pies, and sweet pastries, and wash it down with a refreshing craft beer or locally distilled spirits.

Our favourite place to eat in Tallinn is Restaurant Rataskaevu 16. To taste some local specialties, check out the menu at Hell Hunt; and they serve some great beer.

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16) Tallinn City Hall

Admire the elegant facade of Tallinn City Hall, a symbol of the city’s medieval prosperity and governance.

The tower of Tallinn City Hall is one of the most recognisable features of the building. It is approximately 64 metres tall and offers panoramic views of the Old Town and beyond.

Visitors can climb to the top of the tower for a fee (around 6 – 8 EUR) to enjoy the stunning vistas.

15) Wander around Telliskivi Creative City

Discover the heartbeat of Tallinn’s alternative scene at Telliskivi Creative City. Once a forgotten industrial area, it’s now a bustling hub for creativity and culture.

Explore art galleries, design shops, and cosy cafes amidst unique architecture that blends industrial history with contemporary flair.

Take advantage of the Telliskivi Creative Hub, Fotografiska Tallinn, and many boutiques and eateries. With 800+ cultural events annually, there’s always something exciting happening.

Easily reachable by public transport and just a short stroll from the city centre, it offers a dynamic glimpse into Tallinn’s creative spirit.

Explore the historic chambers, admire the ornate ceiling paintings, and learn about the city council’s role in Tallinn’s history.

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Where to Stay in Tallinn

Most visitors usually visit Tallinn for a few days, so I recommend that the best area to stay is in or close to the Old Town, making it easy to walk to many of the best things to see and do in Tallinn.

Here are my top hotel recommendations for every budget.

Luxury: Hotel Telegraaf, Autograph Collection – An elegant and comfortable hotel in the heart of the Old Town, we highly recommend.

Mid-Range: Rixwell Collection Savoy Boutique Hotel – This hotel offers excellent value, and located in the centre of the Old Town, you can’t get a better location than this.

Budget: Meriton Old Town Garden Hotel – The hotel is situated in the Old Town, within a 2-minute walk to the Town Hall Square, while the Telleskivi area is 15 minutes away. It’s a good option for those travelling on a budget.

How to Get Around in Tallinn

Getting around Tallinn is relatively easy, thanks to its well-developed public transportation system and compact size.

Here are some of the best ways to get around in Tallinn:

Public Transportation: Tallinn has an efficient and affordable public transportation network consisting of buses, trams, and trolleybuses. You can purchase tickets from kiosks, R-Kiosks, or use the mobile ticket app. The routes cover most parts of the city.

Walking: Tallinn’s Old Town is best explored on foot due to its narrow cobblestone streets and historic architecture. Many attractions, shops, and restaurants are within walking distance of each other in the city centre. 

Cycling: Tallinn is a bike-friendly city with dedicated bike lanes and rental services available. You can rent a bike from various locations in the city and explore at your own pace. Many bike rental shops offer guided tours as well, like this recommended 2 Hour Guided Bike Tour of Tallinn.

Taxi and Ride-Sharing: Taxis are readily available in Tallinn, and you can either hail one on the street or use ride-sharing apps like Bolt or Uber. They are convenient for travelling to destinations outside the city centre or for late-night journeys when public transportation is less frequent.

Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tours: If you’re a tourist looking to explore the city’s main attractions, consider taking a hop-on, hop-off bus tour. These tours offer a convenient way to see Tallinn’s landmarks with commentary in multiple languages.

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I hope you’ve enjoyed this list of the top things to do in Tallinn, Estonia.

Why not explore the cool capital of Helsinki in Finland while you’re here? It’s just a ferry ride away!

Here are our top 10 things to do in Helsinki. Also, don’t miss this delicious list of Finland’s most popular foods.

Travel Tips for Europe

We have many travel guides and tips for Europe— an incredible continent!

Are you travelling on a budget? These ten cheapest European countries will help you plan an itinerary that lets you see as much as possible while there.

Furthermore, if you plan to travel long-term (or at least until the money runs out), these 21 cheapest countries to visit will help you make your hard-earned dollars stretch a bit further.

Delicious cuisine can be enjoyed across Europe, and our food map of Europe will inspire your culinary journey.

For food lovers, don’t miss our top 10 best countries for foodies, a couple of them are located in Europe.

Here are 8 things to know about travelling to Eastern Europe and it’s good to know these 7 misconceptions about Eastern Europe too.

These top 6 travel hacks to save money are great to read when planning your travels.

You’ll need to stay connected while travelling in Europe. We recommend eSIM. It’s easy, reliable and affordable. View eSIMs for individual European countries, or consider a regional eSIM for Europe (which covers 39 countries).

If your travels in Europe are part of a much larger global adventure, then a Global eSIM may be the answer. It connects you in 124 countries, offering data-only eSIM and data/call/text eSIM. The Global eSIM has been a game-changer; we couldn’t imagine travelling without it now.

If you want to travel with like-minded travellers, consider joining a group tour. Check out our Group Tours first for any upcoming European departures, or view Tourradar for great deals on group tours in Europe.

Check out our best-ever travel tips compiled from more than twenty years of experience.