7 BEST Things to Do in Tallinn | Top Tourist Attractions

If you are a person who likes to combine nightlife, and adventure with history and culture, pick Tallinn, Estonia for your next trip. Established in the early medieval era this European city is a mix of both old and new. This easy-to-access old town with coastal vibes is one of the best-preserved Hanseatic town centres in the world. Though the town is small, it never bore tourists. But first-timers may call it not worth visiting; because they don’t know what the things to do in Tallinn are. Our list is a guide for all such tourists for unlimited Tallinn adventures.

List Of The 7 Things To Do In Tallinn, Estonia

1. Bastion Passages In Old Town

The mysterious passages in Tallinn’s earthwork fortifications were built to conceal the movement of soldiers, ammunition, and other equipment from the enemies and to monitor underground mining activities. The parks were established on the Ingrian and Swedish bastions after the removal of the fortifications. In these mysterious passages, the trains take you to the future in 2219 and date back to the 17th century and are lined with columns with various calendars.

• Location – Komandandi Tee 2, Tallinn, Estonia
• Timings – 10 am to 05 pm, Monday closed
• Ticket Price – €8 for adults, and €16 for family
• Attractions Nearby – Niguliste Museum, Virgin’s Tower, Alexander Nevsky Cathedral

Also Read: 10 Best Things to Do In Moscow

2. Viru Gate

The gate which was part of the extensive defence system of the town also marks its entrance. The towers of the gates remain to post the demolishing of the gates to allow horse-drawn traffic. The area around Viru Gate is now home to market stalls selling woollen mittens, sweet-smelling roasted nuts, and numerous restaurants.

• Location – Viru Tanav, 10140 Tallinn, Estonia
• Timings – Open always
• Entry Fee – Free
• Nearby Places To Wander – Tallinn flower market, Museum Epping Tower, Dominican Monastery Claustrum.

Also Read: 5 Best Things to Do in Perhentian Islands

3. St. Olaf’s Church

The city’s biggest medieval structure is named after the sainted Norwegian king Olav II Haraldsson and was first mentioned in 1267. One of the most important structures of the town is notable for its high church towers. It is still well preserved even after being hit by lightning several times in history. Climbing up the stairs one can easily witness the beautiful view of the entire town.

• Address – Lai 50, 10133 Tallinn
• Opening Time – 10 am to 06 pm
• Ticket Charges – Free of cost
• Suggested Places nearby – Marzipan Gallery, Estonian Maritime Museum, St. Nicholas Church and Museum

Also Read: 5 Best Things to Do In Zurich

4. Open Air Museum

Your Tallinn vacation is incomplete without experiencing the open-air museum. The is one of the best places to visit in Tallinn. On a 15-minute drive, showcasing the country’s way of life and rural architecture. The 14 farms in the museum provide an overview of how families from different strata of society lived in the 18th and 20th centuries. At the museum, one can buy handicrafts, ride horses, and try traditional Estonian dishes at the inn.

• Location – Vabaohumuuseumi Tee 12, 13521 Tallinn
• Opening Hours – 10 am to 06 pm, Monday closed
• Ticket Charges – €8 for adults, and €16 for family
• Places To Explore – Tallinn Zoo, Stroomi Beach, Kalamaja Cemetery Park

5. Seaplane Harbour

This Estonian maritime museum, Tallinn is the most exciting maritime museum in Europe showcasing around 200 authentic items. Globe-trotting in a submarine, clicking pictures in a navy uniform, an aquarium, simulators, and many more are the things to do in Tallinn. This museum just broadens the horizons of children and adults alike.

• Where – Vesilennuki 6, Kalamaja, Tallinn
• Opening Timings – Monday to Sunday 10 am to 07 pm
• Charges – €15 for adults, €30 for family and free for children below 8
• Popular Places Nearby – Energy Discover Center, Art Gallery Asuur Keraamika, House of the Blackheads

6. Café Maiasmokk

Like to enjoy the century-old vibes while curbing your hunger then this oldest operating café in Tallinn is your must-go place. The café has been in the same location since 1864 and has its interiors dated back then and unchanged for more than a century. The cosy café doesn’t only serve you delicacies like handmade candies, fresh cakes, pies, etc. but also takes you on a stroll to the lost world with a marzipan museum on the premises. This museum provides a fascinating overview of the history of the treat. There is always an artist in the museum, decorating marzipan figures, and they will often take visitors’ requests.

• Where – Pikk 16
• Opening Hours – 08 am to 09 pm; opens at 09 am on Weekend
• Sightseeing Places To Visit In Tallinn – Estonian Handicraft House, Draakoni Gallery, Tallinn City Museum

7. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral

Located on Toompea Hill, the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral is a relatively recent addition- it was completed only in 1900. This Russian Orthodox Church has distinct, black onion domes that can be easily spotted towering above Tallinn. You can go inside the church. However, visitors should first check service times and be respectful of private services as this is an active church. Visiting the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral is free of charge.

• Where – 4 km away from the Airport at Lossi Plats 10
• Open From – 08 am to 06 pm all days
• Price – Free of cost
• Places To Visit In Tallinn – Commandant’s Garden, Maiden’s tower, Danish Queen’s rose garden, Toompea castle

Best Time To Visit For Unmissable Tallinn Adventures

Summer is the best season to plan a trip to Estonia because most of the festivals occur during summer. To be specific, May to September is the best time to visit Tallinn.

Tallinn Vacation In Winter; 5 Things To Do

You won’t be disappointed if you come to Tallinn in winter. Just travel to these places to visit in Tallinn:

• Udise Plus ice rink near St Nicholas Church
• Surf Café of Balti Jaam Market for a perfect brew
• Nuku Museum has interactive puppets for you
• Do not miss the street art in Telliskivi
• Helsinki is perfect for a day trip in winter

4 Top Places To Stay In Tallinn

Old Town – First-time visitors should book a resort or hotel in the old town to experience the rich history and tradition from the closest. Hotel Telegraaf, Savoy Boutique Hotel, and Viru Backpackers are great for a luxurious stay.

Kalamaja – This is the coolest district in the city. Cafes, restaurants, hotels, and local tourist places are perfect for Tallinn’s adventures. Pick up Either the Ilmarine Art studio apartment, Hestia Hotel, or Fat Margaret for a relaxing space.

Pirita – Another warm and peaceful place in the state is Pirita where you fill find sandy beaches to open-air museums. Kaunis Guesthouse, Lavendel Spa, and Pirita Beach apartments are highly recommended places for tourists.

Kadriorg – A luxurious stay with peaceful surroundings that is how Kadriorg is defined. The city has 5-star hotels like Oru Hotel, and apartments such as Koleri Central to make your Tallinn vacation comfy. So if you are looking for solace on your next trip then this town can be your destination. Go and lose yourself in the beauty of history.