Tallinn has suddenly appeared on the radar for many travelers in recent years — and for good reason. The city is a fantastic destination, especially convenient for Scandinavian travelers since it’s just a short trip away. The flight time from Oslo (our hometown) to Tallinn is roughly 75 minutes, barely enough time to enjoy a coffee before landing in this Baltic gem.
Tallinn is the capital of the Republic of Estonia and home to about one-third of the country’s 1.3 million inhabitants. Estonia gained independence from the Soviet Union in 1991 and joined the EU in 2004. The country has experienced strong economic growth in recent years, yet it’s still considered an affordable destination where visitors can eat and shop at reasonable prices. Flights and hotels are also budget-friendly.
This exciting Eastern European city is packed with beautiful sights. If you’re interested in medieval history, few cities can compete. At the same time, Tallinn is developing rapidly, with modern buildings rising among the old architecture — and locals manage to blend the old and new seamlessly.
Here are our tips for the best things to do in Tallinn:
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1. Explore Tallinn Old Town
Tallinn’s Old Town feels like stepping right into the Middle Ages. The city has some of Europe’s best-preserved medieval architecture, earning UNESCO World Heritage status. Some of the city’s most beautiful buildings are located here. Since cars are not allowed inside the Old Town, comfortable shoes are essential.
2. Wander Around Town Hall Square
In the center of the Old Town you’ll find Tallinn Town Hall and the adjacent square. The Town Hall is not very large, but it features a tall and narrow tower. The square is covered in uneven cobblestones, so watch your step — this applies to much of the Old Town. Town Hall Square is often used for various markets. In December, a beautiful Christmas market is held here.
3. Visit Seaplane Harbour Museum
An intelligent, elegant, and modern maritime war museum filled with seaplanes, weapons, and naval mines of all shapes and sizes. Here you can climb inside EML Lembit, a submarine launched in 1936. It was one of only two submarines in the Estonian navy’s arsenal — and the only one that survived World War II. Throughout the museum, you can read about and watch film clips covering Estonia’s war history.
You’ll also find a simulator where you can shoot down warplanes projected onto a large screen. Outside on the pier lies the steam-powered icebreaker Suur Tõll, which you can board to see how sailors lived during expeditions.
How to get to the museum:
It’s only a 20-minute walk from the Old Town, or 15 minutes from the harbor. We recommend walking.
Alternatively, take bus 73 from the city center, which stops right outside the museum.
Opening hours:
Summer season (May 1 – Sept 30): 10:00–19:00 daily
Winter season (Oct 1 – Apr 30): 10:00–18:00 Tuesday–Sunday, closed Mondays
Prices:
Adults: €22
Children: €11
Check the museum’s website for updated prices and opening hours.
4. Visit Toompea Castle
Toompea Castle towers above the rest of the Old Town. This is where the ruling elite gathered in earlier times. Today, Toompea is the seat of Estonia’s parliament. The tallest tower is called Pikk Hermann, and every morning at sunrise, the Estonian national anthem is played from the tower as the national flag is raised.
5. Experience the Rotermann Quarter
This former 19th-century industrial area has been transformed into a super-trendy district filled with stylish shops, restaurants, and bars. Architects have skillfully blended modern architecture with historic industrial buildings. The area is located between Tallinn’s harbor and the Old Town.
6. Enjoy the View from Kohtuotsa and Patkuli
Patkuli and Kohtuotsa are two viewpoints in the Old Town. Both are located close to each other on Toompea Hill and offer stunning views over colorful rooftops and church spires. Patkuli is the most popular among tourists, partly because of the well-known inscription on the nearby wall.
7. Visit Telliskivi Creative City
This colorful and exciting area is a must when visiting Tallinn. Telliskivi is a cultural center full of interesting galleries, unique shops, restaurants, cafés, and bars. Here you can admire impressive murals and top-class street art. If you are interested in photography, visit Fotografiska Tallinn, which showcases photography from around the world.
Telliskivi Creative City started as a modest project in 2007 but has grown into a major hub for music, culture, art, and creative startups. Today it houses more than 300 small businesses and hosts hundreds of events annually.
Read more about Telliskivi Creative City here.
8. Climb Hellemann Tower and Walk the City Wall
Near Viru Gate, you can climb Hellemann Tower and walk along the medieval city wall. The view isn’t quite as spectacular as from Kohtuotsa or Patkuli, but it is still worth a visit.
Opening hours: Daily 11:00–17:00
Price: Adults €4 / Children €2
9. Admire the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral
The Russian Orthodox Alexander Nevsky Cathedral is easy to spot on its hilltop location in the Old Town. It was built at the end of the 19th century when Estonia was part of the Russian Empire. Designed in beautiful Neo-Russian style, it is a popular Insta-spot.
10. Explore the Bastion Passages and Kiek in de Kök
Four renovated defensive towers house the Kiek in de Kök Fortress Museum. The name actually means “peek into the kitchen,” referring to how soldiers could supposedly look into people’s homes from the towers.
After visiting the towers, head underground into the impressive Bastion Passages connecting different parts of the fortress. The tunnels were built to house defense troops and allow quick movement between towers. In the 1930s, they were intended for use as protection in case of a gas attack. Walking through these tunnels can feel dark and eerie at times — but it’s absolutely worth the experience.
Practical Information (FAQ)
How to get from the airport to the city?
We simply took the tram from directly outside the airport. Our hotel was near Viru Gate, and the tram stopped nearby. Tickets can be purchased onboard using a card machine and cost around €2–3. Alternatively, buy a ticket from a machine at the airport. You can also take a bus or taxi (approximately €8–16).
Do Estonia use euro?
Yes, the currency in Estonia is the euro. Most hotels, shops, and restaurants in tourist areas accept cards, but it’s recommended to carry some cash.
If you don’t want to explore the city on your own, you can book guided tours here:
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