Things to do in Tallinn

Q: What are the top things to do in Tallinn?

The top things to do in Tallinn are: Tallinn Old Town (Vanalinn) Alexander Nevsky Cathedral Toompea Castle (Toompea Loss) Pirita Kadriorg Park

Q: What are the top things to do near Tallinn?

Check out things to do near Tallinn: Helsinki Riga Stockholm Vilnius Minsk

Q: What do I need to know before visiting Tallinn?

Check out these top Tallinn travel ideas: How to Spend 1 Day in Tallinn How to Spend 2 Days in Tallinn How to Spend 3 Days in Tallinn

Welcome to Tallinn

Separated from Helsinki by only a thin strip of Baltic Sea, Tallinn stands proudly on the south coast of the Gulf of Finland. As the capital of Estonia, it plays a major role as a political and economic power that has been the breeding ground for countless startups, giving it the nickname ""The Silicon Valley of Europe."" However, the historic past of the city is a major draw: Founded in 1248, Tallinn Old Town is a UNESCO-listed wonder, surrounded by a sprawling Soviet new town. Walking tours take visitors around the stunning medieval buildings, such as Toompea Castle and Alexander Nevsky Cathedral; through Kadriorg Park; and to the imperial Russian palace at its heart. Enjoy an evening by walking on the cobbled streets and joining a beer tasting in Olde Hansa for a taste of the Hanseatic times, a flavor of old Estonia. The Pirita district's botanic gardens, marina, and beach are also worthy of attention, as well as the Pirita Convent ruins. Those going further than just a shore excursion can go 31 miles (50 kilometers) east to Lahemaa National Park, a fascinating mix of forest and swamp. Only a four-hour drive away, the Latvian capital of Riga also awaits with its mass of fine Art Nouveau buildings.

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5-Star activities in Tallinn

Cultural Tours

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Top 15 attractions in Tallinn

Tours & Tickets

Tallinn Old Town (Vanalinn)

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With its largely-intact 13th-century city plan, original cobblestone streets, gothic-spired buildings, and vibrant dining and nightlife, Old Town (also known as Vanallin) is arguably the heart of Tallinn. Named a UNESCO World Heritage Site, visitors from around the world come to Tallinn to experience the best-preserved medieval city in all of Northern Europe.More

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Alexander Nevsky Cathedral

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This large and ornately-decorated Russian Orthodox cathedral is a well-known and picturesque building in Tallinn’s Old Town (Vanalinn). Perched atop Toompea hill, across from Estonian parliament buildings, the onion-domed church is popular amongst visitors and those practicing the Orthodox faith. The church is dedicated to St. Alexander Nevsky—the Prince of Novgorod and Russian hero who drove away German invaders in the 13th century.More

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Toompea Castle (Toompea Loss)

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Built on a hill on the edge of Tallinn’s Old Town, Toompea Castle was originally built over the remains of a 9th-century fortress by Danish invaders in 1219. Since it’s 13th-century founding, the castle has been the seat of succession across many centuries (and for many different ruling foreign powers), but now is Riigikogu—Estonia’s parliament building.More

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Pirita

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Pirita is a section of Tallinn located just a few miles west of Old Town and city center. Dating back to at least the 15th century when a convent was founded here, the area hugs the coastline, where many people enjoy spending time on the beaches. Pirita Beach is the largest and most popular stretch of sand, running for 1.25 miles (2 kilometers) and including a good view of Old Town and the ships in the Gulf of Finland. There are ball courts, playgrounds, lockers, chaise lounges and water sport equipment rentals here, and during summer, up to 30,000 people visit the beach each day.There are forested parks a little farther in from the coast, the Tallinn Botanical Gardens on both sides of the Pirita River and the entire Pirita River Valley. Also nearby is the Forest Cemetery and the Tallinn TV Tower. The Pirita Promenade paves the way for pedestrians, cyclists and skaters while connecting Kadriorg to Pirita. Visitors can also enjoy Pirita Adventure Park, complete with six different tracks involving rope bridges, nets and more. Throughout the area, you'll find trails for cycling, jogging or walking and even cross-country skiing in the winter.More

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Kadriorg Park

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Kadriorg Park is a 173-acre area that was built in 1718 under the orders of Russian tsar Peter I, with additional sections having been designed and created over the past few centuries. Within the park you will find Kadriorg Palace, which was originally built as a summer home for the tsar and his family and now serves as the presidential palace and a branch of the Art Museum of Estonia. While the palace was being built, Peter I, also known as Peter the Great, lived in a cottage on the property, which is now a museum. The rooms are furnished with items from that era, and some of his personal belongings are on display as well.The area near the flower beds surrounding Swan Pond, as well as the promenade leading from the pond to the palace, are popular routes for a stroll through the park. There is also a newly added Japanese garden designed with plants that were chosen to fit with Estonia's colder climate.Within the park, there are also a number of museums, including KUMU (the Estonian Art Museum), Kadriorg Art Museum, the Mikkel Museum and the Eduard Vilde Museum. You will find several monuments as well, each dedicated to cultural figures such as sculptor Amandus Adamson, author F. R. Kreutzwald and artist Jaan Koort.More

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Tallinn Cruise Port (Tallinna Sadam)

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Located along the Baltic Sea coast, the Estonian capital of Tallinn is a popular stop on Baltic cruises, welcoming more than 300 cruise ships each season. The Tallinn Cruise Port (Tallinna Sadam) also receives regular ferries from Helsinki, Stockholm, and St. Petersburg, making it a convenient choice for a day trip or weekend getaway.More

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Tallinn Song Festival Grounds (Lauluvӓljak)

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With an official capacity of around 100,000 people, the Tallinn Song Festival Grounds (Tallinna Lauluv?ljak) is an outdoor concert venue that plays host to multiple entertainment and music festivals every year. It is best known as the site for the Estonian Song Festival (which is held every five years) and as the birthplace of the Singing Revolution.More

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Tallinn Town Hall (Tallinna Raekoda)

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Built between 1402 and 1404, Tallinn's GothicTallinn Town Hall (Tallinna Raekoda) building is the only Gothic town hall building in northern Europe that remains intact, sitting as the centerpiece of Tallinn's main square. The structure was originally a meeting place for rulers, though today it is mostly used for hosting visiting presidents or kings, as well as for concerts. The impressive interior features colorful meeting halls, vaulted ceilings, intricate wood carvings and some of the city's most prized artwork, including the famous Tristan and Isolde carved bench. At the top of the Town Hall's spire sits a weather vane called Old Thomas, which is a symbol of the city and has been there since 1530.Town Hall Square is filled with outdoor cafes and hosts open-air concerts and festivals, such as the summer medieval Old Town Days celebration. In July and August, Tallinn Town Hall opens up to visitors as a museum with exhibitions in the cellars. From late June through August, visitors can climb the 64-meter (210-foot) tower for gorgeous views of the city. In the winter, this is where you'll find the Christmas markets.More

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Tallinn TV Tower (Tallinna Teletorn)

At 1,030 feet (314 meters), the Tallinn TV Tower (Tallinna Teletorn)is the tallest building in Estonia. Construction began in September 1975 and took five years to complete; the official opening was on July 11, 1980, and it's been a city landmark since.Visitors can get a panoramic view of the city from 175 meters up after taking a 49-second elevator ride. Before heading up, visitors are shown a 3D film about the tower, and there's also an interactive Estonian Hall of Fame exhibition on the greatest achievements of Estonians through the ages and a fascinating overview of the history of the tower itself. At the viewing level, a special panorama program magnifies the view by a factor of 10. The floor even has glass panels that allow visitors to see down to the ground. A cafe sits on the 22nd floor and serves fine cuisine at night and hosts live music on the weekends.Especially daring visitors can participate in the tower's Walk on the Edge feature, in which participants can walk on the outdoor ledge of the viewing platform while safely attached to a harness. There's even a repelling option where visitors can repel from the ledge of the tower.More

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#10

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Seaplane Harbour (Lennusadam)

The Seaplane Harbor (or Lennusadam in Estonian), Tallinn's maritime and seaplane museum, features exhibitions in seaplane hangars that illustrate Estonia's maritime and military history. The exhibits represent three different areas: below sea, on the sea and in the air.One of the main highlights is the 600-ton, British-built submarine Lembit. Built in 1936 for the Estonian navy, the submarine served in World War II under the Soviets and remained in service for 75 years until it was brought ashore in 2011. Lembit is still in excellent condition and offers a look at 1930s technology.Also featured at the museum is a full-scale replica of Short Type 184, a British pre-World War II seaplane that was also used by Estonian armed forces and was the first aircraft ever to attack an enemy’s ship with an air-launched torpedo. The replica in Seaplane Harbor is the only full-size representation of the aircraft in the world. Other attractions include historical ships, including Europe largest steam-powered icebreaker.More

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#11

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Kadriorg Palace

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In 1718, Peter the Great, the Russian tsar at the time, ordered a palace to be built in the then-newly designed Kadriorg Park. The palace, designed by Italian architect Niccolo Michetti, was originally built to be the summer home for Peter I, Catherine I and their family. The baroque palace is surrounded by manicured gardens, houses a branch of the Art Museum of Estonia called the Kadriorg Art Museum and today serves as the presidential palace. The museum has hundreds of 16th- to 20th-century paintings by Western and Russian artists on display.Several interesting side buildings surround the palace, including a restored kitchen building that is now the Mikkel Museum. Peter the Great's cottage is also on the property and is now a museum where visitors can see some of his belongings and what the rooms might have looked like at the time. The palace governor’s house is now home to the Kastellaanimaja Gallery and the Eduard Vilde House Museum.More

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#12

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Kumu Art Museum (Kumu Kunstimuuseum)

The Kumu Art Museum (Kumu Kunstimuuseum) is the main branch of the Art Museum of Estonia and is also the largest and most impressive exhibition venue in the country. The museum opened in February 2006 and in 2008 received the European Museum of the Year Award.On both the third and fourth floors are collections of Estonian art starting from the early 18th century. Art from before World War II is also exhibited on the third floor, and on the fourth, an exhibition of works from the Soviet occupation period is on display. On the museum's fifth floor, find a modern art gallery and exhibitions of contemporary art from Estonia as well as other countries.Each year, 11 or 12 rotating exhibits are displayed, half of which come from Estonia, while the other half is made up of international pieces. The museum also has a 250-seat auditorium for film programs, performances, concerts, seminars and conferences; an educational center with programs and courses for different age groups; and a library with the widest collection of art literature in Estonia.More

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#13

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KGB Museum

In 1972 the Hotel Viru opened its doors welcoming guests into the modern high-rise, but concealed within the new hotel’s walls was a secret communist radio center used to spy on guests. While the Communist party may have fled the country once Estonia claimed its independence in 1991, the radio center, now known as the KGB Museum, remained on the top floor of the hotel.More

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#14

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Dome Church

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Founded in 1233, the Dome Church (Toomkirik) was historically used as burial grounds for Estonia’s elite and noble families. The church, which was continuously rebuilt over the centuries, is a unique blend of architectural styles with its main frame built in the 15th century while the baroque tower was added later in the 18th century.More

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#15

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Tallinn City Wall

Built around 15-feet high, five-feet thick, and a mile and a half long, the defensive wall of Estonia’s capital city was first constructed in 1265. Though the original wall was altered and strengthened in the 14th century, only a few sections of the masonry ramparts, and 26 of its defense towers, exist today. Travelers can walk along the base, through passageways, and on top of some of the sections of the wall.More

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Trip ideas

How to Spend 1 Day in Tallinn

Got a day to get to know Tallinn? If so, you’ll have time to see the star attractions of Estonia’s 1,000-year-old capital and delve a little deeper into its history, culture, and off-the-radar sights. Here are our ideas for making the most of 24 hours in this lively city.

How to Spend 2 Days in Tallinn

With its Old Town of medieval buildings and cobbled squares and a rich culinary, cultural, and social scene, Tallinn will delight foodies and party lovers, as well as history, art, and architecture buffs. Here are our tips for how best to fill two days in Estonia’s capital.

How to Spend 3 Days in Tallinn

Tallinn has so much to see and do that getting the maximum from three days in the city requires careful planning. From discovering its Old Town UNESCO World Heritage Site to exploring farther afield, here’s our take on spending 72 hours in the Estonian capital.

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Recent reviews from experiences in Tallinn

Good fun and awesome picnic

Lucy_S, Jan. 2023

Frozen Jägala Waterfall and Picnic Tour

This was a lovely morning out of Tallinn to the waterfall.

Nature and City Tour

Samantha_S, Nov. 2022

Tallinn Old Town tour combined with Jägala Waterfall visit

The Jagala waterfall was super pretty, it’s small but such a great place to leave the city!

Breathtaking winter scenes

Debbie_G, Jan. 2023

Lahemaa National Park Day Trip

The waterfall is beautiful in the snow.

Excellent guide to an eclectic city with so much to offer

Laura_E, Nov. 2022

Day trip from Helsinki to Tallinn. Ferry included

It was nice to see their main park where Peter the Great and others lived.

Great way to learn the history and see sites in Tallinn

Dale_A, Aug. 2022

Tallinn Shore Excursions Old Town Private Tour

He is friendly and his English was excellent.

Amazing tour!

YOLANDA_C, Jul. 2021

2-Hour Guided Walking Tour of Tallinn

Tallinn is definitely a must to see through this 2-hour walking tour.

Great overview of Estonian life

Julia_B, Oct. 2019

Tallinn Bike Tour from Tallinn Cruise Port

This was a great way to see Tallinn and hear about current life and some recent history.

The bike tour was a lot of fun. We got...

Nancy J L, Sep. 2017

Tallinn Bike Tour from Tallinn Cruise Port

We got to see a lot of Tallinn that we probably would not have seen had we not participated in the bike tour.

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All about Tallinn

When to visit

Tallinn’s charms change seasonally, tempting different types of travelers throughout the year. Winter (November through February) offers snow-blanketed cityscapes and Christmas festivities. Spring and fall offer cool-but-comfortable weather and an atmosphere of pre-summer stillness. The busiest season is summer, when Estonia’s capital is pleasantly warm and full of life; June is particularly popular. The city also hosts events every few weeks through the year, including December’s jolly Christmas markets and July’s Tall Ships Races.

Getting around

Tallinn’s main sights are mostly concentrated the small, walkable, and cyclist-friendly Old Town, so you can easily explore on foot or by renting a bike. There are also public transportation routes that ring the Old Town: buy a ticket for use on the buses, trams, or trolleybuses, and you can catch a ride at different spots around its circumference. This transportation network also extends to the neighboring modern city and to other districts, like Kadriorg.

Traveler tips

The wide-open, peaceful sands of Estonia’s Kakumäe Peninsula offer a wonderful break from the city. In the summer, it’s a great place to recharge your batteries, take a swim, watch the kitesurfers skid over the waves, and stroll along coastal walking and bike trails. If you’re here between 9pm and 10pm in July and August, you can also enjoy stunning satsuma-colored sunsets. To reach the beach, take a short bus ride to Kakumäe tee or Sooranna tee.

Currency

Euro (€)

Time Zone

EET (UTC +3)

Country Code

+372

Language(s)

Estonian

Tallinn information

Number of Attractions	23
Number of Tours	231
Number of Reviews	1,532
Currency	EUR

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Things to do in Tallinn

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Top 15 attractions in Tallinn

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