What to see in Tallinn
Last updated on February 27th, 2026.
I have a secret love affair with countries in Eastern Europe.
A region that isn't as popular as its western and southern neighbors, the travel potential here is immense.
And after a winter trip to the intriguing city of Warsaw, we decided to see what Tallinn was like in spring.
A city full of good surprises, this travel guide outlines what to see in Tallinn. Listing 15 of the must-see sights, it also includes additional information on each attraction.
Tallinn: the basics
Where is Tallinn?
Tallinn is the capital of Estonia, and is situated in the north of the country. It sits on the shore of the Gulf of Finland allowing easy access between the two countries.
Estonia borders several countries, namely Russia to the east and Latvia to the south. It’s also one of several countries surrounding the Baltic Sea, with Sweden situated to the west.
Tallinn also holds the title of being the largest city in Estonia and is the country’s political and financial center.
What languages do they speak in Estonia
Alongside Estonian, much of the population can also speak Russian as well as Finnish.
Most of the people we met in Tallinn spoke a good level of English.
It's typically younger people that speak well but you shouldn’t have any problems in general in communicating on your trip.
The main international airport in Tallinn
Tallinn Airport (Lennart Meri Tallinn Airport) is the largest airport in Estonia and is most likely where you’ll be flying into.
As airports go, it’s modern, very clean and a pleasant welcome to the country.
Great transportation in Tallinn
Transportation to the center is excellent and varied. The trams and buses are regular and can take you to the city center for €2 ($2/£1.74) per person.*
Even for travelers on a tight budget, getting around by taxi service, Uber, is very reasonable. We paid around €5 ($5.59/£4.36) for a 22-minute ride to the city center.
Compare this to the over €40 ($45/£35) fare that we paid for our Uber ride during a weekend in Marseille.
Extra tips: we took the no.4 tram on our return to the airport. But, take note as there’s no physical tram stop. Instead, the trams pass through the middle of the road.
So, when you see the tram arriving, do as the locals do and cross the traffic to board. Just like Moses parting the Red Sea, the moving traffic comes to an ordered halt and lets pedestrians pass through.
Lastly, you can pay on board directly to the driver but try to have the right amount. It speeds up the process and also means you can spend more time enjoying the ride.
What to see in Tallinn in 3 days
Visit Tallinn Old Town
The Old Town of Tallinn is my favorite of all the Eastern European old towns that we’ve visited.
As well as being one of the best-preserved medieval cities in Europe, it also holds a UNESCO World Heritage title.
What’s more, Tallinn Old Town draws you in even before you land, with views of church spires visible from the plane.
Free and historic
Taking a trip to the Old Town is also one of the best free things to do in Tallinn. Meander through the cobbled streets and admire the Scandinavian-style architecture as you go.
There’s also something reminiscent of Stockholm for me in Tallinn, which isn’t that surprising considering the country’s historical connection.
Churches to visit in Tallinn Old Town
As someone who grew up in the Catholic faith, I’m always intrigued to see different Christian denomination churches.
There are several spectacular ones in Tallinn Old Town and I encourage you to see them all if you’ve time.
Map: what to see in Tallinn
Alexander Nevsky Cathedral Tallinn
Alexander Nevsky Cathedral is one of the most striking in Tallinn for two reasons: its size and design.
You’ll notice a clear Russian influence in the architectural style the second you lay eyes on the structure. The church was built in a traditional Russian Revival style during a time when Estonia was still part of the Empire.
Worshipers that pray at Alexander Nevsky Cathedral are Russian Orthodox.
St. Olaf’s Church
St. Olaf’s Church, on the other hand, showcases a completely different architectural style.
Built in the 12th century, it draws on Scandinavian influences and was dedicated to King Olaf II of Norway.
The church’s main draw is its 405ft (124m) tower, which you can climb to reach the observation deck.
Plenty of steps ahead
While the views may be Insta-worthy, bear in mind the number of steps you’ve to climb to reach the top. There’s an entrance fee of €3* ($3.35/£2.62), but it’s a small price to pay for the views waiting ahead.
St. Mary’s Cathedral Tallinn
It's not possible to write about what to see in Tallinn Old Town without mentioning St. Mary’s Cathedral. One of the oldest in the city, it dates to the 13th century.
The church was originally a Roman Catholic cathedral before becoming Lutheran in 1561. Today, it belongs to the Estonian Evangelical Lutheran Church and is also the seat of the Archbishop of Tallinn.
Toompea Castle — Parliament of Estonia
Standing atop Toompea Hill is a castle that’s been in use since the 9th century.
The decision to build the structure on a hill was a strategic one; its elevated position made it easier to defend against invaders.
The parliament building was built in 1918 after the Estonian Declaration of Independence. You can see from its exterior that’s it’s ‘newer’ compared to other structures in Tallinn Old Town.
More inside
Visiting Toompea Castle is also one of the best free things to do in Tallinn. Guided tours in Estonian, English and Russian are free and open to the public.
Inside is a space, that exhibits Estonian art, along with a parliament reading room and archives. Visit the website for the most up-to-date opening hours and visitor information.
Tallinn town hall
It's impossible to miss visiting Tallinn Town Hall when traveling to the city.
Situated next to Town Hall Square, it's the oldest town hall in Scandinavia and the Baltic region.
Its tower measures around 64m (210ft) in height. Its, vane, the Old Thomas, has been at the top of the tower since 1530.
Plan ahead
You can only visit the town hall on weekdays by making an advanced appointment, preferably 3 days in advance. The timetable varies, so check the website before you visit.
Speaking of Town Hall Square (Raekoja Plats), this grand plaza is a central hub in Tallinn Old Town.
Concerts and small festivals often frequent the square, and come Christmas, it transforms into something festive and magical.
Eat medieval in Tallinn
Just a short walk from Town Hall Square is the medieval restaurant, Olde Hansa. An impressive building from the exterior, it’s the place to visit if you’re intrigued about medieval cooking.
Remnants of a medieval period hit you the second you step inside. Imagine large wooden beams and candlesticks on the ceiling, and being served by staff in period dress.
In truth, Olde Hansa is a little on the touristy side given its medieval novelty. But, it’s also a big selling point of the restaurant and makes for a unique foodie experience.
Because of this, the restaurant is one to visit when talking about what to see in Tallinn.
Olde Hansa food menu
On the menu is everything the population would’ve eaten during medieval times — and potatoes are nowhere in sight. Even for a curious foodie, I’d no idea what to order.
In the end I took a salad with smoked herring and salmon and a forest mushroom soup. My husband ordered the game sausages made from bear, elk and wild boar. All dishes come with traditional freshly baked bread, which made the perfect side accompaniment.
Another selling point at Olde Hansa are the choice of ales and the large clay mugs in which they’re served. I ordered the dark honey beer. A light and slightly sweet beer, it perfectly complemented my dishes.
Alternative Tallinn — Telliskivi
We move from the medieval to the contemporary for this must-see area in Tallinn.
If you’re a hipster, or a curious traveler, make sure to add Telliskivi to your list. Named after a street in Tallinn, it's an area that's hard to miss.
A different perspective
As you move further into the center, you notice a change in the surroundings.
Sides of buildings plastered in symbolic street art sit alongside retro bars and foreign restaurants. It reminded me of the Shoreditch area in the east end of London or a trendy neighborhood in Brooklyn, New York.
It’s fitting then that Telliskivi is also the home of the creative center of Tallinn.
Telliskivi Creative City is a former industrial complex, home to studios, creative companies and even NGO offices. It’s where you'll find photo galleries next to small designer shops.
A flea market also takes place on the grounds every Saturday, attracting hipsters and locals alike.
Balti Jaama Turg
I love everything about this former railway storehouse turned market. They sell everything here from fruits, vegetables and fish, to vintage clothes and antiques.
Balti Jaama Turg is for anyone that adores markets, and browsing everything there is on offer. Depending on whether you buy anything, this market’s one of the best — and free — things to do in Tallinn.
Peatus bar
Two vintage railway carriages form the unique bar/restaurant that’s Peatus.
Achingly hipster in feel, we stopped here for a cold beer and to experience a mix of nostalgia and modern. There’s also an outdoor terrace, which I’m certain is popular come summertime.
While Peatus is labelled as a restaurant, we only saw a drinks menu. Saying that, if you plan to eat here, check in advance whether it’s serving food that day.
It's definitely one of the most unique attractions in what to see in Tallinn.
Visit an exhibition about Estonia’s Soviet past
This next must-see in Tallinn is unfortunately time relevant, given it was an exhibition on at the time. The ‘Back in Time’ exhibition delivered exactly as its name suggested, showing you a glimpse of life under Soviet rule.
Incredibly interesting, it was a harsh reminder of the bleak living conditions that many Estonians faced.
Bananas were seen as ‘exotic’, chewing gum was the number one thing all kids wanted, and TV commercials were nonsensical.
While the exhibition won’t be there forever, you can check Visit Tallinn for anything similar that may be on.
Visit the Memorial to the Victims of Communism
Bringing to light the reality of Soviet rule is this moving tribute to the many Estonians who lost their lives.
The coastal town of Pirita is home to the Memorial to the Victims of Communism. It’s a must see in the city and one of many free things to do in Tallinn.
This grand space overlooking Tallinn Bay consists of two parts. ‘Journey’ lists all the names of the Estonians that died on a plaque stretching across a black wall.
‘Home Garden’ is the informative text and stone tablets in the park that mark where the events happened.
It’s an open space meaning you can visit at any time. We went in the early evening, which was ideal as there were only a few people around.
Watch the sun set in Pirita
The coastal town of Pirita is a favorite among the locals in Tallinn.
It doesn’t feature in that many travel guides I came across but it’s worth seeing. By car, it takes around 10 minutes from the city center.
A sandy beach meets the shores of Tallinn Bay, which becomes packed once the temperatures heat up. However, I’m here to share with you the mesmerizing sunset from Pirita beach.
What makes it so special is that there’s nothing — and no-one — to distract you from the view.
If visiting during spring, sunset doesn’t happen till around 8.30pm. Even then, the colors continue to dance around each other, before merging into one.
What to see in Tallinn wouldn't be complete, in my opinion, without seeing this spectacular sunset.
Fine dining at Tuljak
If you're looking for a Tallinn restaurant with fine dining and sunset views on the menu, look no further than Tuljak. Also based in Pirita, the food, wine and service here are excellent.
Its building is an example of Estonian Modernist architecture, and has also been recognized as a well-restored monument.
Pay attention to parking
One important thing you should note, is where to park at Tuljak. We unfortunately parked in the wrong place and received a ticket.
There are free parking spots for Tuljak on Pirita Tee (26E and 28E), or paid parking at Pirita Tee 25.
Finally, when making your booking at Tuljak, be sure to request a window table. It’s a scenic way to spend an evening, and also watch the sun set over Tallinn.
Head to the beach
It doesn’t take long to get out of Tallinn and into the surrounding counties. By car, we were already driving into forests and remote roads after just 20 minutes.
My number one recommendation for a Tallinn day trip is to visit some of the beaches along the coast.
Given Tallinn’s location, driving west brings you past several pretty, and very local, beaches. Some include the beaches at Vääna-Jõesuu, Kloogaranna and Laulasmaa.
Depending on the time of year, and weather pending, there’s a high chance you’ll have these beaches all to yourself.
Visit another country
Time pending, it’s also possible to visit Helsinki in Finland on a day trip from Tallinn. It’s a journey than many Estonians and Finns regularly make, and takes around 2 hours by ferry.
Again, the timing can depend on several factors, such as which ferry service you choose, the weather etc.
Extra tip: If you want to visit Helsink from Tallinn, book a return ferry in advance. We found the ticket prices too expensive as we were looking at last minute trips.
Where to stay in Tallinn
Right in the heart of Tallinn Old Town are 2 luxury boutique hotels, ideally located for a short Tallinn break.
Hotel St. Petersbourg and Schlössle Hotel may belong to the same hotel group, but they’re totally different in style.
The former embraces a modern decor design, while the latter is more traditional luxury. There are 27 and 23 rooms and suites respectively in each hotel, and bookings go quickly.
If you’re ready to book, you can check dates and availability for Schlössle Hotel and Hotel St. Petersbourg.
What do you think of this travel guide listing what to see in Tallinn? Does it look like a city you’d like to visit? Let me know in the comments below.
*Prices correct at time of publishing
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This post brought back so many great memories of Tallinn. You've covered everything there is to see! Great guide!
Thank you! We really loved it and I'd love to go back 🙂
What a beautiful city! I'm hopeful that we'll be able to visit in late November and take in the Christmas Market. This was a great read and I'm even more exciting!
Aw thanks Kevin. I really hope you'll get to visit too. It's such an enchanting city 🙂
I enjoyed this Lisa. You went out of the usual confines of blogs I read on Tallinn. And sold it so Well.
Aw thanks John! So glad you enjoyed it.
How adorable does the Old Town of Tallin look? I love learning about the history of new countries, the Memorial to the Victims of Communism and exhibition about Estonia’s Soviet past, would be super interesting for me. Tallin is so on my list!
Aw I hope you visit soon Vanessa, it's a really beautiful city, and country too
Tallinn has just been added to my bucket list! I love medieval cities like this, with the narrow streets and cobbled roads. And that sunset too - it's stunning!
It's so pretty in Tallinn; I really hope you visit soon!
We've yet to visit Estonia but this place looks amazing and love the cobbled streets and the architecture!
It's very pretty and also great for families too!
You surely had a glorious time in this charming city. I wish I am lucky enough to visit there soon.
You won't be sorry, there's really so many great things to see here
I didn't realise just how much there was to do in Tallinn! The buildings are absolutely beautiful. I'd love to be able to experience the city for myself one day.
It's very beautiful, and family friendly too 🙂
Tallinn seems very cool! I gotta add this to my travel list!
You should, it's a great city to see
Oh! My! God! Love this, it reminded me of Split and walking down the streets while touching the stones, it truly is a time travel experience! Thanks for sharing!
I can imagine, I'm sure there are similarities too
Tallinn is definitely a nice place to visit. Been there twice and enjoyed it both times. Now I want to see that in summer, probably will go there on September to run, your guide is very useful even to me
Thanks Lyosha, that's very kind of you to write. I'd like to return in summer, I bet it's even prettier
It looks like a breathtaking place to be. I would love to try the food, it looks like an amazing experience.
Seriously consider visiting, it's so incredibly pretty
Never been to Estonia, but Tallinn sounds beautiful!!! I'm going to save this post as I love to travel to new places 🙂
That's great to read, you'll love it there!
I have never been to Estonia, in fact its not even as place I would think of to see (I have no idea why) but it looks lovely. Tallinn looks stunning!
It's really pretty and the country is so green and great for outdoor people too
Ok so I definitely need to go back to Tallinn because I missed pretty much everything on this list outside of the city centre! I've heard the hipster area is really cool, and the restaurants/bars you brought up sound perfect for my tastes.Would love to go back to Tallinn and travel more around the Baltics, too!
Yes, it's such an awesome city, and so progressive too! I can definitely see you chilling in Telliskivi, it's very cool!
What a beautiful city with great architecture! Definitely have to plan a trip here soon!
You must, it's such an amazing city to see!
Woah! This place is so instagrammable. I had no idea that this beautiful view/ background is available in Tallinn. Hoping to get a chance to visit in the future and try their local dishes.
It's a gorgeous city, and I encourage you to visit one day soon!
Enjoyed reading your post with stunning pics. Excited to visit this amazing destination.
I'm sure you'll love it!
I really enjoyed reading your blog post! Seeing all your photos in Tallinn I can tell that it's one of the great place in Europe! So GORGEOUS and they have amazing foods! Definitely I'll add this to my bucket list!
I'm so thrilled to read that! It's really a gorgeous place to visit. Definitely go and see it!
Tallin? What country tallin is? Sorry I never heard that place or country. But I want to visit that place because that place is amazing. All the building is so incredible and si amazing and so artistic.
It's the capital city of Estonia 🙂 You must visit, it's very special
The first photo with red roofs of Tallinn has won me over and it really looks like a worth visiting place. Tallinn Townhall looks grand and the nearby area is good for strolling. Also, I would love to see 13th century's St Mary’s Cathedral Tallinn.
It's truly a must-see city to see!
Estonia already attracted me, I love the countries of the East, but now you have totally and completely convinced me!
That's great to read Cristina, it's really a must-see city!
I've never considered to visit Tallinn yet, but the place seems to be quite interesting.
Good to know that the locals speak English, which makes things a bit easier.
The churches are fascinating. Being in East, it has quite a bit of Russian influence in architecture.
Medieval style eating would be intriguing. But I'm pretty sure there wouldn't be any veggie option there!
There are actually plenty of veggie and vegan places to eat in Tallinn! Think about visiting one day 🙂
We visited Tallinn 18 years ago and absolutely adored it, I loved reading your post, it brought it all back and your photos in particular really made me smile. We loved the old town, with its medieval heart and the very varied architecture of different eras in history. As an ex history-student I also appreciated being able to learn more of the communist era history too. We too had some really excellent eating and drinking experiences there, like yours at Olde Hansa. I don't recognise much of Telliskivi so this looks like a newer trendy area to explore next time, love that kind of vibe.
Aw I'm so happy to bring back happy memories for you! It's really a lovely city, and we're so happy we had the chance to visit. Telliskivi is very trendy, but is accessible for all, even non-hipsters!
Tallinn is lovely! A trip to the Old town and eating in the Olde Hansa is like travelling back in time.The food looks delicious too! I'll definitely include Tallinn in my list when I plan my next European tour. Thank you for sharing this!
Medieval eating is really good there, and an interesting experience 🙂
I would love to spend some time at The Old Town of Tallinn. The history and architecture there are amazing. I laughed so loud when I read about the crowds parting “like Moses parting the Red Sea”. I’d like to see that too!
Lol thank you! It's exactly how we felt when we crossed to board the tram 😀
I have never been to Tallinn but it looks and sounds like a wonderful place to visit either on a short stay or longer to explore more
It's really that kind of destination!
Tallinn looks beautiful. I'd never considered it as a holiday destination before now
You should! Plus, it's good for families too
I haven't made it to Talin yet but I heard nothing but praise for the Estonian capital. It's one of the greenest and most sustainable cities in Europe and it's just surprising how much the city has progressed, having in mind that it was a part of the Soviet Union. Thank you for sharing this lovely guide and keep up the great work.
Thanks Daniel, I really appreciate the feedback. There's so much rapid progress going on in Tallinn, it's so impressive!
Such a great guide to those who are going to visit this place and it sounds like Tallinn is a wonderful place to visit. Thanks for sharing!
You're welcome!
Love all your shots. When we visited Tallinn it was a miserable grey and it just didnt put the city in good light. I am now wishing we had stayed overnight at least to check out that Kloogaranna beach. Might need to head back for a little do over.
That's such a shame, but I completely understand. We were lucky with the weather, and the beaches are wonderful
Estonia is a delightful country and Tallinn seems straight out of a fairy tale. There is so much to see and experience in Tallinn. But my attention was especially riveted by Telliskivi. Sounds to be a really quirky place. Would love to see its street art some day.
It's very trendy, but not in an over-the-top kind of way! I hope you make it there one day
I have never head or been to Tallinn before but it looks gorgeous from your pictures. Thanks for sharing
It's a great city to visit, you should think about seeing it one day
You are seriously like my travel go to guide! I have never been to Tallinn before but it looks incredible. Especially all of the little landmarks! I'm so grateful you share all the places you go because I definitely usually have no idea where to start when I'm deciding where I wanna travel to!
You're so welcome! I'm happy to share my tips in the hope others will find it useful.
Great tips! I am planning to visit to Tallinn this summer while we are in Finland, and I am looking into what we should see and do there. I am originally from Finland, but last time I did that visit from Helsinki to Tallinn must of been over 10 years ago. I'm so looking forward to going back.
That's very cool! We're sad we didn't make it, but at the same time really wanted to see as much of Tallinn and Estonia and possible
I can't believe I've never even heard of Tallinn before! What a gorgeous place, I would so love to visit there some day!
You really must; it's such an incredible city!
That's great to read! You really won't regret visiting 🙂
I don’t know much about Talinn so your post has been a real eye opener! Love the look of Pirita.
Pirita is beautiful, it's really a great city to visit
Wow I have never heard of Tallin before but your photos look so beautiful! I love how you captured the essence of the place and you're writing took me right along with you
Thank you so much, I'm glad you enjoyed it!
What a great tourist spot! I remember seeing these street views in a storybook when I was a kid the churches and castles are so beautiful to look. The food looks good too!
It's really like a town straight from a storybook; and just so pretty for a city break too
The authentic medieval meal at Olde Hansa reminds me of the meal I had in an old tavern in Stratford Upon Avon, England. I love historic medieval towns like this. They are always so enchanting!
Indeed! And you can find it in Tallinn
Tallinn has some fine historical center! Very pretty! And there is a very nice ferry system around it so you might want to explore more
Definitely the next time, we'll be doing that 🙂
Tallin has been on my bucketlist for a few years as I do really love Eastern European cities, looks like there is a lot to do x
There really is! It's very pretty
The fact that the traffic stops and let the pedestrians cross and board the tram is something I can't imagine in my country. In India everything is chaotic. Tallinn looks like a gorgeous place. I have not visited Europe till date, but whenever I visit, I do have eastern Europe in mind. These places are so beautiful! I loved the photographs of the beach. Thanks for sharing a new place to me.
I've never been to India, so thanks for the heads up! Tallinn's very ordered and people respect the pedestrians and road signs too!
Tallinn is definitely underrated, but that's part of it's charm! Definitely one of my favorite medieval cities in Europe!
Absolutely! We had the best time there 🙂
This is such a helpful post! I am bookmarking it for whenever I can plan a trip to Estonia. In recent years, it's my sons who decide our holiday destination, though.
Aw that's quite sweet of you to let them decide! Definitely consider visiting Estonia!
I've never been to Eastern Europe really, but you make me want to explore when I move back from Seoul! I'd love to see all of these in person! x
You really must Elodie, it's a gorgeous city to visit, and interesting region too
Thank you so much fr sharing your gorgeous photographs. I felt like I was transported to Estonia by your lovely photos. The streets, buildings, and food look amazing!
Thanks Kim! It's a gorgeous city with this perfect blend of old and new 🙂
I have never thought of Tallinn as a holiday destination but reading your post surely puts this on my list with so much to see and do in this great destination. A walk in the old town would be my highlight of my trip followed by a trip to the beach . Its got it all from historic buildings to great cuisine and the magnificent Toompea Castle to top it all. thanks for introducing me to Tallinn
You're welcome, it's a fab place to visit
It sounds like a great place to visit for a long weekend.
3 or 4 nights in Tallinn is easily doable
I love seeing, hearing and experiencing new places through others blogs. Thanks for sharing!
You're welcome!
I don't know what to say!!! I've never been to Estonia but the place is GORGEOUS! I now wanna go there so bad.
I'm so happy to read that! It's truly an amazing city to visit, and exactly as the photos show
I've never heard of this location but I really love the style of the buildings and streets. The medieval style of food is a huge interest to me also! Going to have to add this to the "Places to visit" list!
That's great to know Connor. It's a pretty destination, and one I urge others to see 🙂
Honestly, walking along the old cobblestoned streets of Tallinn has been on my bucket list for quite some time now. My love affair with Eastern Europe has been going strong for a few years, so welcome to the club! I had a friend live in Estonia for a few years and he kept raving about how much it looked like a real life fairy tale. Judging by your pictures, it's safe to say that he wasn't exaggerating!
Aw then you really have to go! It's so pretty, with plenty to photograph, and still not as busy as other capitals
Never been here myself, but love the look of Estonia itself . That sunset is gorgeous!
It's so spectacular, I wish I took a video!
Top tip about the tram, I can imagine so many look for a tram stop in order to wait and then board.
Thank you! I wanted to add what we'd experienced in Tallinn 🙂
Oh wow! I have to get to Tallinn. I love the variety of the place. It would be such a fun trip to epxlore the history of the area and still go see the modern, as well. It's a time travel experience.
You've hit the nail on the head! It's such a pretty city to see, and not overcrowded like many other European capitals
Tallinn has been on my list of places to visit since a friend of mine went there for work and told me about how gorgeous the old town is. She knows my love for historical architecture, cobbled stone streets and patio cafes and she told me when I go, I will love it. Toompea Castle is going to be one place I will visit, apart from the old town of course, and also the churches look brilliant. Pirita also sounds great to me, I love coastal towns! Do you think, Lisa, whether it would be a good idea to visit Tallinn during Christmas?
Then you really must visit Medha! We had the best time. Christmas will be super pretty, as the Town Hall market square transforms into a Christmas market too 🙂