Top Things to do in Tallinn and Where to Stay – Tallinn Travel Guide
My Tallinn travel guide has the top things to do in Tallinn, the best places to stay, and great restaurant recommendations.
The seaside city of Tallinn has a medieval Old Town that looks straight out of a fairy tale. Surrounded by ancient walls, with cobblestone walkways and colourful architecture, it is a joy to explore. There are many things to do in Tallinn but it’s the picturesque streets and welcoming atmosphere that endeared me to this charming city.
Located just 3km from the airport, you can be exploring this captivating capital within minutes of your arrival. It’s compact size makes it a great choice for a city break, but its proximity to Helsinki and Riga also make it a good base to explore the Baltic States and Nordic countries.
About Tallinn
Located in the Gulf of Finland, the Estonian capital is a small city with a huge history. Tallinn Old Town is one of the best-preserved medieval cities in Europe and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. However, despite its medieval appearance, Tallinn is one of the most progressive cities in Europe, with one of the highest number of startup companies per capita, and the birthplace of many tech companies such as Skype and Bolt. Tallinn was listed among the top-10 digital cities in the world, among the top-10 medium-sized European cities of the future, and is commonly known as the Green Capital of Europe.
Estonia is the smallest by area and population of the three Baltic States which include Latvia and Lithuania. Holidaymakers often visit Tallinn as part of a multi-centre holiday to the Baltic States or as a day trip from neighbouring Finland.
Getting to Tallinn and the city centre
Ryanair fly direct to Tallinn from various airports in Europe including Dublin. The flight time from Dublin to Tallinn is approximately 3 hours and you can reach Tallinn Old Town by taxi in about 15 minutes. Some hotels offer a free collection as the airport is so close to the town. We paid €15 from the airport to the town centre by taxi, but only €8 on the return journey with UBER.
We flew from Dublin to Tallinn early on Saturday morning and returned Monday lunchtime, and managed to see most of Tallinn’s top attractions in that short space of time.
Read: Dublin to Tallinn weekend breaks from €150pp
You can purchase a Tallinn Card which gives you free access to over 50 museums and attractions and allows you travel free on public transport, but if you are staying in the city centre, there are many free things to see and do in Tallinn anyway, and entrance fees to attractions are quite reasonable, so unless you are planning on doing a lot of sightseeing, I’m not sure you would get the benefit of it.
10 Things to do in Tallinn
1. Take a free walking tour
Tallinn is so easy to explore on your own, but if you want to learn a little about Tallin’s history and discover some hidden gems, you can take one of the free two hour walking tours that depart daily outside the Tourist Office in the Old Town. You don’t even need to pre book, just check in at the office to find out what time the next tour is.
If you want a private tour of Tallinn, this personalised city tour is the best option. A Tallinn local will customise a tour to suit you, and tours range from two to six hours.
2. Explore Old Town Square
I don’t need to tell you to explore Old Town Square, because you can’t miss it – it is the beating heart of the city. The remarkable architecture will immediately catch your eye, but despite its fairy-tale-like appearance there are plenty of good restaurants and shops here, and unlike most capital cities, there isn’t a substantial premium on restaurants located in the main square.
Take time to explore the colourful side streets that connect to the main square. Find the Masters’ Courtyard and St Catherine’s Passage which are accessible from Vene Street through a small alcove path. The famous Chocolaterie Cafe is located here too – you will feel like you have stepped back in time.
Top Tip: Walk to the end of the city walls to the Viru Gate for one of the best photo spots in Tallinn.
During the month of December the Tallinn Christmas market is held in Old Town Square – it is arguably the best time to visit Tallinn. Fun Fact: The world’s first public Christmas tree was erected here in 1441!
3. Marvel at Nevsky Cathedral
The Russian Orthodox Alexander Nevsky Cathedral is another must visit in Tallinn. It was built in 1900 when Estonia was part of the former Russian Empire. This remarkable church was dedicated to the grand prince of Kiev, and later Russian orthodox saint, Alexander Nevsky.
Its striking exterior with onion-shaped domes is clearly impressive, but so are the ornate frescoes inside. The Cathedral is open from 8am – 7pm and it is free to enter. You can attend a service here but note photos are forbidden inside.
4. Walk up Toompea Hill
You will likely walk up Toompea Hill on the way to Nevsky Cathedral, but I suggest taking some time to explore this area too. The cobblestone streets are lined with local shops, and the multi-coloured modern properties are a contrast to the medieval buildings below. You will also find one of the best viewing platforms here.
You will also find Toompea Castle. This is another one of the free things to do in Tallinn – it is not only free to enter, but guided tours are free too. You will learn about the history of the castle and how it was used for different reasons by various rulers of Estonia. It is now home to Estonia’s Parliament and sessions of parliament can be watched from the public gallery.
I suggest you pop into the Danish King’s Garden too and see the sculptures of the three Faceless Monks, while taking in the views of Toompea Castle. There are gardens outside the castle walls that I’m sure are a great place to relax in the summer months too.
5. Dine out medieval style
Tallinn’s Old Town is the perfect setting to enjoy a medieval dining experience. Restaurants such as Olde Hansa resemble a large banqueting hall from the 1500’s, and staff complete the experience by dressing in medieval costumes.
You will also find live music from Thursday – Saturday, where traditional performers play works from the 15th century on the same instruments that were used in medieval times, such as the hurdy-gurdy, fiddle and bagpipes.
For a quick bite or pint, don’t miss Ill Drakkon Tavern located under the Town Hall building in the main square. Its interiors are right out of the Dark Ages and the staff carry out a theatrical performance while dressed in medieval costumes. All tables were full when we visited but we did enjoy its delicious savoury pastries which you can take away. Make sure to pop in, if only to experience its quirky style and entertaining service.
The best restaurant in Tallinn that we found was Rataskaevu. The spinach orzotto ( pictured above ) was sublime, as was the bread pudding, and if you like meat, the Elk roast was delicious too! Make sure to pre-book, the food and service was superb – you can thank me later!
We also enjoyed tasty pizza and pasta at Trattoria Margherita.
6. Sample the nightlife
Tallinn is a popular choice for Stag and Hen parties so it’s natural to assume it has a lively night scene. Despite its small size, you won’t be stuck for places to party. There are underground cellar bars, sports bars and upmarket cocktail bars, as well as famous night clubs such as Club Hollywood which house local and international DJs. Many bars remain open until 3am, with night clubs staying open until 6am!
There is a big beer scene in Tallinn too with plenty of craft beers available from local breweries. City tours with craft beer tasting are a popular choice for stag parties.
7. Climb to the top of Olafs Chuch
If you happen to be visiting between April and October, the viewing platform at the top of St Olaf’s Church offers some of the best views of Tallinn Old Town.
St Olaf’s Church is the largest medieval building in Tallinn and one of the tallest medieval structures in Europe. Built in the 12th century, it was named after the Norwegian King Olav II Haraldsson. The spire was added in the 15th century and was regularly struck by lightning, it now has a height of 124 metres.
Visitors can climb the 258 steps to the top of the tower for a panoramic view of the city. Tickets are €5, but it is not open during the winter months.
8. Visit Kadriorg Park and Palace
Estonia’s only Baroque Palace was built 300 years ago on the orders of Russian Tsar Peter the Great. The Palace and its beautiful gardens are reason enough to visit, but culture vultures will enjoy the numerous museums here, including Estonia’s Art Museum which houses a fine collection of foreign art, and the Niguliste Museum which offers great views of the Old Town.
Located in a former 13th century church, the Niguliste Museum has a steeple with an amazing view of the Old Town via a glass lift – certainly a more relaxed option than the 258 steps in St Olaf’s Church!
Top things to do in Tallinn – Day Trips
9. Hike with a Husky
With Tallinn being such a small city, it makes sense to book a day trip if you happen to be staying for a few days. The Husky Park is one of the most popular day trips from Tallinn.
Enjoy a hike through the Estonian countryside with a gorgeous husky, and during the winter they may offer dog sledding if there is enough snow. You will also learn about how huskies are used in dog sledding, and after the hike you will be treated to a light meal with the owners of the husky park.
10. Visit Helsinki
Why visit one country when you can visit two? Finland’s capital is a mere two-hour ferry journey away and makes for a super day trip from Tallinn, or even a two-centre holiday. Ferry companies have restaurants, bars and shops on board if you happen to tire of looking out at the Baltic Sea!
Regular crossings ensure you can have up to nine and a half hours in Helsinki should you wish to take the first ferry out in the morning and the last ferry back in the evening, but there are many more throughout the day if you prefer to enjoy a shorter visit.
Where to stay in Tallinn
From five star hotels to self catering apartments and top-rated four star stays, I’ve got some of the best places to stay in Tallinn for couples, families and friends.
4 Star Nunne Boutique Hotel
Located just 300 metres from Old Town Sqaure, the Nunne Boutique Hotel is one of the best value central hotels in Tallinn.
4 Star Rixwell Collection Savoy Boutique Hotel
Superbly located just 350 metres to Tallinn’s Old Town Sqaure, this is a great choice for a central stay. It’s Art Deco interiors and in-room amenities are popular with guests, and the hotel’s SAVOY Bar is popular with tourists and locals alike.
5 Star Hotel Telegraff
If you want to stay in the heart of the action, and want the luxury of a five-star hotel, look no further than The Telegraff. Located just 70 metres from Tallinn’s Old Town Square, with an indoor pool, a hot tub and Spa, this is the place to stay in Tallinn.
5 Star Radisson Collection Hotel
With a Spa and Wellness Centre and a rooftop terrace to enjoy the views, this is one of the best value 5 star hotels in Tallinn.
Friends and Family Stays in Tallinn
Kalev Spa Hotel & Waterpark
With an indoor pool and water park on site, the Kalev Spa Hotel & Waterpark is one of the best family hotels in Tallinn. This super hotel includes complimentary breakfast too.
Self Catering Tallinn City Apartments
We stayed in the Tallinn City Apartments Old Town Suites and I can’t recommend them highly enough. Located in the centre of the Old Town, with a spacious living area where friends can enjoy pre or post dinner drinks, they are the perfect choice for a friends trip in Tallinn, or a family self catering stay.
The Tallinn City apartments are highly recommended on TripAdvisor and are also located in the Old Town.
I hope my travel guide will help you enjoy the top things to do in Tallin and allow you to make the most of your stay in this charming city. While every effort is made to ensure accuracy, descriptions are subject to change. Some of the links in this post contain affiliate links, where I receive a small commission if a booking is made, but at no additional cost to you.
