Things To Do
in Tallinn

Tallinn, the capital of Estonia, is a captivating blend of medieval charm and modern innovation. Its well-preserved Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, features cobblestone streets, gothic spires, and vibrant squares.

The city is also known for its thriving tech scene, earning it the nickname 'Silicon Valley of Europe.' Visitors can enjoy a variety of cultural attractions, outdoor activities, and a burgeoning culinary landscape.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Day 1: Discovering Old Town
morning
:

Start your day with a visit to the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, an iconic Russian Orthodox church, followed by breakfast at a local café.

afternoon
:

Explore the medieval streets of Tallinn’s Old Town, visiting the Town Hall Square and the historic Tallinn City Museum.

evening
:

Dine at Rataskaevu 16, a cozy restaurant known for its Estonian cuisine, followed by a stroll to the Kiek in de Kök cannon tower for panoramic views.

day 2
Day 2: Culture and Nature
morning
:

Visit the Estonian Open Air Museum to learn about rural Estonian life, and enjoy a traditional breakfast at the on-site café.

afternoon
:

Take a ferry to the nearby island of Aegna for some hiking and beach time, exploring the island's scenic views.

evening
:

Return to Tallinn for dinner at F-hoone, located in the creative district of Telliskivi, known for its vibrant atmosphere and eclectic menu.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Fast Food Meal$6
Coffee$3
🥗Restaurant Meal$15
🚕Taxi Ride (within the city)$10
🛏️Hotel Room (per night)$70

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Rich historical and cultural heritage.
  • Vibrant food and nightlife scene.
  • Beautiful natural surroundings and outdoor activities.
  • Cold winters may deter some visitors.
  • Limited options for certain dietary restrictions.
  • Some attractions can be crowded during peak tourist seasons.
  • "Tere" - Hello
  • "Aitäh" - Thank you
  • "Palun" - Please
  • "Kus on tualettruum?" - Where is the restroom?
  • "Jah" - Yes

Places to Visit in Tallinn

Visit one of these nice places.

Tallinn Old Town

With its medieval architecture and charming streets, Old Town is a photographer's paradise.

Toompea Hill

Offers stunning panoramic views of the city and its landmarks, perfect for sunset shots.

Kadriorg Palace

Set in a beautiful park, the palace and its gardens create picturesque settings for photos.

Culinary Guide

Food in Tallinn

Tallinn's culinary scene offers a delightful mix of traditional Estonian flavors and modern gastronomy, making it a must-visit for food lovers.

Tallinn Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Kohuke

A sweet curd snack coated in chocolate, perfect for a quick dessert.

Must-Try!

Black Bread

A staple in Estonian cuisine, this dense and flavorful rye bread is often served with meals.

Marinated Eel

A traditional dish often enjoyed in local restaurants, reflecting Estonia's coastal heritage.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Balti Jaama Turg

A vibrant market featuring local produce, street food stalls, and artisanal products.

Tallinn Street Food Festival

An annual event showcasing various street food vendors offering diverse global cuisines.

Climate Guide

Weather

Tallinn experiences a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. Winters (December to February) are cold, with temperatures often dropping below freezing and occasional snowfall. Summers (June to August) are warm, with average temperatures around 20°C (68°F) and long daylight hours. Spring and autumn are transitional, with mild temperatures and varying rainfall.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greeting

A firm handshake is customary when meeting someone for the first time.

Personal Space

Estonians value personal space and may appear reserved; respect their distance.

Quiet in Public Places

Keep noise levels low in public transport and restaurants as loud conversations can be seen as disrespectful.

Safety Guide

Safety

Tallinn is generally considered a safe city for travelers. However, it's wise to stay vigilant against petty crime, such as pickpocketing in crowded areas. Always keep your belongings secured and be cautious when using ATMs.

Tipping in Tallinn

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Customs

Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated; rounding up the bill or leaving 10% is common.

Payment Methods

Credit cards are widely accepted, and many places also support mobile payments, making transactions convenient.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Spring

Mild temperatures and blooming flowers make spring a lovely time to visit, with various outdoor events and festivals.

Summer

Summers are warm and lively with many festivals, outdoor markets, and extended daylight hours, ideal for exploring.

Autumn

The fall brings cooler weather and beautiful foliage, perfect for scenic walks and enjoying the local harvest.

Winter

Winters can be cold and snowy, transforming Tallinn into a winter wonderland, especially during the Christmas markets.

Nightlife Guide

Tallinn at Night

Tallinn's nightlife is vibrant, featuring a mix of trendy bars, clubs, and live music venues. The Old Town has many cozy pubs where you can enjoy local craft beers, while clubs like Studio and Club Hollywood offer dance floors and DJ performances. The Telliskivi Creative City is a hub for nightlife, with various bars and cultural events happening throughout the week.

Hiking in Tallinn

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Keila-Joa National Park

Located about 25 km from Tallinn, this park offers scenic trails through forests and along the Keila River.

Päijänteet National Park

Just a short drive from Tallinn, this park features beautiful hiking trails with views of Lake Päijänne.

Airports

How to reach Tallinn by plane.

Tallinn Airport (TLL)

Located just 4 km from the city center, Tallinn Airport is the main international airport serving the city, offering flights to various European destinations.

Getting Around

Walkability

Tallinn is an exceptionally walkable city, especially in the Old Town, where cobblestone streets make it easy to explore on foot. Most attractions, restaurants, and shops are within a short walking distance of each other, and the city has pedestrian-friendly pathways that enhance the experience.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Estonians

The majority ethnic group, Estonians have a rich cultural heritage and a strong connection to their history.

Russian-speaking population

A significant minority in Tallinn, with many Russian speakers contributing to the city's multicultural environment.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Basketball

A widely popular sport in Estonia, with a strong national team and league.

Ice Hockey

Ice hockey is another beloved sport, with local teams competing at various levels.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic in Tallinn can be moderate, especially during rush hours. Public transportation options include buses, trams, and trolleybuses, which are reliable and cover most areas of the city. Biking is also popular, with dedicated lanes available in many parts of Tallinn.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Tallinn.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian/Vegan

Many restaurants in Tallinn offer vegetarian and vegan options, but it's advisable to check menus in advance.

Gluten-Free

Some establishments provide gluten-free choices, though options may be limited compared to other dietary preferences.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Estonia has a high standard of healthcare with both public and private options available. Emergency services can be reached by dialing 112, and hospitals in Tallinn are well-equipped. EU citizens can use their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for medical services.

Discover Estonia

Read more in our Estonia 2025 Travel Guide.

Estonia Travel Guide