Best attractions and areas of Tallinn covered

Tallinn is Estonia’s enchanting capital, where medieval history and buildings meet modern world and innovation. For a general guide on Estonia, please read this.

Depending of where you’re visiting from and how, your stay in Tallinn should be around 1-3 days. Spend 1-2 days sightseeing and visiting top attractions and use the remaining time to unwind and relax in the city’s atmosphere.

If you’re only passing through or visiting from neighboring countries like Sweden or Finland, a day-trip is perfect and allows you to get a comprehensive overview to this city’s charm. Ferries run multiple times a day to and from neighboring countries, making Tallinn easily reachable. This connectivity also makes it a great gateway to explore the Nordic countries.

If you plan on using public transport and visiting multiple attractions, you should consider buying a Tallinn Card, which gives you free public transport, access to over 50 museums and attractions, plus discounts on tours, restaurants and more.

TL;DR

Expand the following sections, if you don’t wish to read the whole article. I’ve covered and simplified all topics covered below.

If you’re short on time

Regardless of your trip’s length, don’t miss the UNESCO-listed old town of Tallinn, which is one of northern Europe’s best preserved medieval towns. I’ve listed the best attractions in the Old Town, to help you plan your trip. If you’re short on time – focus on the Old Town!

Viru Gate and Viru Street: Start here – it’s the main entrance to the Old Town. The pedestrian street is the home to many restaurants, cafes and shops.
Hellemann Tower and Town Wall: Located just next to the gate, the tower houses an art gallery and an inn. The tower is open to visitors, offering a panoramic view to the town you’re about to explore. Entrance costs 4 € per person.
Town Hall Square: once the location for the town market, now surrounded by shops, restaurants and cafes. Oldest town hall of northern Europe is found here. The town hall is open every day during the summer, but other seasons require a reservation. Don’t forget to climb to the Town Hall Tower to watch the Old Town from above.
St. Olaf’s Church is Tallinn’s tallest medieval building, hard to miss for its height. Presumably built in the 12th century, but has since been rebuilt multiple times. The building seen today is from the 16th century. This church is specifically known for its viewing platform at 60 meters high, opening a beautiful view to the city. Visiting the church is free, but the viewpoint costs 3-5€.

Still located in the Old Town, but definitely requiring its own section for explanation. This is an amazing historical gem, a museum everyone in Tallinn should visit. it consists of four city wall towers;

Kiek In de Kök
The Maidens Tower: Boasts amazing views to the Danish King’s Garden and the lower town. A cozy cafe is also found in the upper floors of the tower.
Short Leg Gate Tower: A scenic ferry ride offering breathtaking landscapes, a must-visit if you’re in the area. The ferry is also the fastest way to Valbona Valley.
Bastion Underground Passages: In my opinion, the most interesting part of the museum. Explore these passages built during 17th-18th century, which were in use until the 20th century. The Expedition takes you through a journey through the structure’s history and also covers the most important military events.

Today these cells remain as a symbol of communist terror. The cells give a unique outlook into Estonia’s recent past. Built only a little over 100 years ago in 1912, he cells played a big role in the country’s history. This place has a dark history; arrested people from Estonian politicians, veterans, even ordinary people were beaten and tortured here and then sentenced to death or imprisonment. Visiting is suggested for history enthusiasts.

When you have more than one day..

Grown and developed around a 15th century convent, whose ruins still define the area of today. Ideal area for sports and nature activities. Pirita offers a long beach, river and a nice park in the pine forest. A few important attractions are also located in Pirita:

Tallinn TV Tower: standing at 314m tall, this former TV Tower now acts as a visitor centre, offering a truly unique view to the Tallinn city, from its observation deck at 170 meters of altitude.
Museums and historical sights in the area:
- Maarjamäe Memorial to the Victims of Communism
- Maarjamäe Palace: Interesting exhibition covering Estonia’s recent history.
Restaurants: Pirita is also the home to plenty of great restaurants with panoramic views of Tallinn’s skyline and the sea.

There’s much more in tallinn, besides medieval beauty and history. Head to the city centre area, to discover the modern tallinn.

Freedom Square is the heart of modern Tallinn. The square is located centrally, ensuring it’s full of life, but it’s also the location to some attractions such as Tallinn Art Hall, a few churches and restaurants, like the Wabadus which has been standing by the square since 1937.
Rotermann Quarter is Tallinn’s official centre-point. Aged poorly during the Soviet era, but since preserved and today it’s an award winning architectural masterpiece. Museum and architecture-lovers are advised to visit:
- Museum of Estonian architecture
- Estonian Firefighting museum
- KGB Museum – offering a throwback to Soviet history, which was honestly only a few decades ago.

For the best of shopping and nightlife Tallinn has to offer, the City Centre area is a safe bet. You’ll find multiple shops and malls, such as Viru Keskus and Solaris Centre here, as you will find restaurants, bars and pubs.

Located just outside of the old Town area, Kalamaja is easily reachable by various ways. This area is considered to be one of Tallinn’s trendiest areas. However, I believe the main reason to visit the area is the Estonian Maritime Museum, featuring exhibits on submarines, Estonia’s naval history and more.

Must Visit: The Old Town

The Old Town is a must-visit regardless of the length of your stay in Tallinn. If you’re short on time, it’s the area you should focus on to get the most of your limited visit. Tallinn’s UNESCO-listed Old Town is one of the best preserved medieval towns in northern Europe. Besides the typical beautiful ancient cobblestone streets, stunning architecture, many of Tallinn’s important landmarks such as the Town Hall Square and St. Olaf’s church are found here.

Let’s dive deeper into the Old Town’s best attractions.

TIP

Many of Tallinn’s attractions are museums.

Tallinn city owned museums offer free entrance on every first Sunday of the month.

If possible, visiting during this time can save you some money. Some museums however require a pre-registration – see more.

Viru Gate and Viru Street

Start your journey at the Viru gate which acts as the main entrance to the Old Town. Viru Street, one of the Old Towns busiests pedestrian streets is filled with many shops, cafes and restaurants, making it a great place to start exploring Old Town.

Hellemann Tower and Town wall

Next head to Hellemann Tower and Town Wall, located next to the Viru Gate. Today it houses an art gallery and an inn. However, the almost 200-meter long old defense wall is also open to visitors. The steep stairs take visitors to the attic, which opens as a viewing platform. The walls are worth a visit. The entrance is 4€ per person and only cash is accepted.

town hall square

Town Hall Square is located in The heart of Tallinn Old Town. The square was once the location of the town market. Now it’s surrounded by shops, restaurants and cafes, waiting for your visit. Tallinn Town Hall from the 13th century is the square’s most important building. It’s also the oldest town hall of Northern Europe. The Town Hall is open every day during the summer season, but autumn to spring requires a reservation.
To fully immerse the beauty of the Old Town, head to the Town Hall Tower, from where you can see the Old Town from above.

Kiek in de Kök Fortification museum

This museum Is an absolute must-visit. Even if you’re short on time – spend it here. The museum consists of four city wall towers; Kiek in de Kök, the Maidens Tower, Stable tower and Short Leg Gate Tower. Each tower has its own story and introduce you to Tallinn’s history.
The defensive tunnels known as the Bastion underground passages were built during the 17th-18th century and were in use until the 20th century. The expedition through the passages introduces the structure’s history and the most important military events.
The Maidens tower is a part of the Kiek in de Kök Museum. It boasts amazing views of the Danish King’s Garden and the lower town. Nowadays a cozy cafe is located in the upper floors of the Maidens tower. During the summer, some events and concerts are hosted here.

Historic Kiek in de Kök tower in Tallinn, Estonia, with lush greenery surrounding it.

St. Olaf’s Church

While you’re in the Old Town, make your way to St. Olaf’s Church – Tallinn’s tallest medieval building, with a viewing platform offering yet another beautiful view to the city of Tallinn. The viewing platform is located at an altitude of 60 meters. The church is hard to miss for its height, and it can be seen from multiple parts of the city.

The church is believed to been built in the 12th century, but has since been rebuilt multiple times due to being struck by lightning and burning down. The building seen today is completed in the 16th century. Visiting the church is free, but the viewpoint costs 3-5€ per person.

bonus for the curious: KGB Prison cells

For those with a curious mind, the KGB Prison Cells offer a unique outlook into Estonia’s recent past. Built in 1912, the building played a remarkable role in the country’s recent history. The place has a dark and though-provoking history. Arrested people from Estonian politicians, intellectuals, veterans to ordinary people were beaten and tortured here. Many were then sentenced to death or imprisonment. The prison cells today remain as a symbol of communist terror.

Continuing the trip

If you have more than one day to explore Tallinn, don’t stop at the Old Town. Instead, consider the following areas and attractions.

Discover the beautiful Pirita district, with its natural beauty and historical sites. Experience modern Tallinn in the City Centre, focusing on areas like the Rotermann Square, where stunning architecture, multiple museums and excellent restaurants await. For shopping and nightlife, wander around the City Centre and Old Town. Keep reading to learn more!

Pirita

Tallinn, as other cities consists of several neighborhoods, and Pirita is a very exciting area to visit. The district has grown and developed around a 15th-century convent, whose remarkable ruins still define the area today.

With its two-kilometre beach, shores of the Pirita River, and a coastal adventure park nestled in the pine forest, Pirita is an ideal place for sports and nature activities.

For those looking for attractions, Pirita does not let you down. Establishments from the 1980s Olympic Games, including the visitor centre turned impressive TV Tower, standing 314 meters tall. The tower’s observation deck at 170 meters, provides a one of a kind view to the Tallinn city. The elevator up takes only 56 seconds. Pretty fast, huh?

If you’re a museum-goer, don’t miss the evocative Maarjamäe Memorial to the Victims of Communism and the compelling exhibition in Maarjamäe Palace, which covers Estonia’s recent history.

Pirita is also known for its excellent restaurants with panoramic views of Tallinn’s skyline and the sea, ensuring you won’t find yourself hungry here.

Modern Tallinn: City Centre and rotermann Square

Since you’ve read this far, you most likely have a few days to spend in Tallinn.

Tallinn isn’t only about it’s rich medieval history and the beautiful Old Town. Welcome to Tallinn’s modern city centre, where you’ll find excellent restaurants and cafés, stunning architecture, and the best of Tallinn’s nightlife!

Freedom Square

The heart of modern Tallinn is the Freedom Square (Vabaduse väljak), located on the edge of the Old Town. The area is a popular pedestrian meeting point, and the monument to the War of Independence stands here. Thanks to its central location, Freedom Square is full of life, but also a place for relaxing on a bench or in a café. A restaurant called Wabadus (Freedom) has been standing by the square since 1937. It offers a modern and tasty menu, and a stylish, but relaxed atmosphere. Next to Wabadus you can find the Tallinn Art Hall and two galleries. Those interested in churches, should visit the nearby churches of Charles XI Lutheran Church (Kaarli kirik), and St. John’s Church (Jaani Kirik).

Rotermann Quarter

The official centre-point of Tallinn is the Rotermann Quarter, lined by the harbor, Viru Centre shopping mall and the Old Town. This quarter aged poorly during the Soviet Era, but was ordered to be preserved in 2001, and today it’s an architectural masterpiece, combining old and new, and it’s even been given significant international awards. Museum and architecture-enthusiast should visit the Museum of Estonian Architecture, and Estonian Firefighting Museum, not forgetting the exciting KGB Museum, which offers a throwback to Soviet history, which actually was not that long ago.

Shopping and nightlife: head to tallinn city centre

Besides the fascinating history, museums, restaurants and more, the best of Tallinn’s nightlife, and numerous shopping experiences are found in this area.

Some shops and malls to mention are:

Solaris Centre offers the best of Estonian design, along with foreign brands.
TALI – Estonia’s largest design shop, located on the outskirts of the city centre.
Viru Keskus Shopping Centre features over 100 stores, including international brands like Nike, ARKET and many more.
- Beauty lovers should visit Ilusfäär, occupying an entire floor with its beauty services

What better way to relax on your holiday, after all those museums, than visiting local nightlife? You should find plenty of options from bars to pubs, in the modern City Centre. If that’s not perfectly fit for you, walk a bit and head to the Old Town again, where you might find that medieval vibe with a few beers. Cheers!

Bonus: Kalamaja – the bohemian neighborhood

Since Tallinn is quite compact, and you might have some time to spend, Kalamaja is yet another neighborhood perhaps worth visiting. It’s located just outside of the Old Town area, meaning it’s easily reachable, by feet or public transport.

Kalamaja is perhaps one of Tallinn’s trendiest areas, known for its colorful wooden houses and a bohemian vibe. The area offers a chill atmosphere and hosts unique attractions.

Besides the vibe, the real reason to visit the area is the Estonian Maritime Museum at the Seaplane harbour. It’s housed in historic seaplane hangars, and features exhibits on submarines, icebreakers and Estonia’s naval history.

finishing up

I’ve visited Tallinn several times, and I hope this guide gave you some ideas to help you plan your trip to Tallinn. Thanks for reading. 🙂

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Only Tallinn guide you’ll need: best attractions and areas explained