Tallinn has one of the best-preserved medieval old towns in Northern Europe. Cobbled lanes, red-roofed houses, merchant guildhalls and church spires fill the walled centre, and a modern, digital Estonia lies just outside the walls.
It is small and walkable, with a good cafe culture. It feels like a fairytale in winter and a relaxed seaside capital in summer.
How many days: 2
Two days covers the old town, the views and a meal or two. A third lets you add a coastal park or a trip across the sea.
Helsinki is a ferry ride away, so many visitors combine the two. Check the timetable and book ahead in summer.
What to do in Tallinn
- Walk through the Old Town
- A maze of lanes and squares inside the medieval walls. It is a World Heritage site and the main reason to visit.
- See the town from above
- Viewing platforms on Toompea hill look over the red roofs to the sea. They are free and open all day.
- Visit Alexander Nevsky Cathedral
- An onion-domed Russian Orthodox church on Toompea hill. Visitors are welcome, and modest dress is expected.
- Walk along the town walls
- Parts of the medieval wall and its towers can be climbed. A good way to see the layout of the old city.
- Explore Telliskivi
- A former industrial area now full of cafes, studios, shops and street art. A good place for an evening out.
- Visit the Kadriorg Park
- A baroque palace and a big park, a short tram ride from the centre. A calm place to stroll.
- Learn about Estonia's recent history
- Museums cover the Soviet occupation and the singing revolution. They give useful context to the city.
- Take a day trip to Helsinki
- Fast ferries cross the Gulf of Finland in a couple of hours. Book ahead in summer, and check the border and ID rules.
- Walk the Seaplane Harbour area
- A waterfront district with a maritime museum in huge old hangars, and a submarine you can board. A good wet-weather option.
What to eat and drink
- Black bread and rye
- Dense dark bread is a staple. Often served with butter or cured fish.
- Local soups and stews
- Hearty dishes with meat, potatoes and root vegetables. Warming in winter.
- Smoked and pickled fish
- Herring and sprats are traditional, with the Baltic Sea nearby.
- Craft beer
- The city has a growing beer scene and many small bars. Ask for a local pour.
- Marzipan
- Marzipan is a local tradition, and shops sell sculpted figures. A popular gift.
- Kama
- A flour made from roasted grains, mixed with milk or yoghurt. A typical Estonian snack.
- Seasonal berries and mushrooms
- Estonians love foraging, and markets sell wild berries and mushrooms in summer and autumn. A taste of local life.
Getting around
The old town is compact and cobbled. Wear comfortable shoes.
Trams and buses cover the rest of the city, and tickets can be bought on board or with a card.
The airport is a short tram ride from the centre.
Good to know
- Estonia uses the euro. Cards are accepted nearly everywhere.
- Winters are cold and dark, and the old town looks magical with snow. Summers are light until late.
- Cruise ships bring crowds in summer. Early morning and evening are quieter.
- The country is highly digital, and many services work through apps. Public wifi is common.
- Some restaurants in the old town are aimed at tourists. Look for places in side streets for better value.
- Old Town cobbles and steep lanes are hard going with wheeled bags. Take a taxi to your accommodation if you carry much.
- A short walk beyond the old town, the city has beaches, forests and a lively food market scene. Locals use them as much as the historic centre.