Best things to do in Tallinn
Find out more about those top places in Tallinn
Tallinn: Where Medieval Charm Meets Finnish Bargain Hunters (and the Nightlife is Surprisingly Lit!) - Your Hilariously Honest Travel Guide!
Welcome, Europhiles and lovers of a good bargain, to Tallinn, the undisputed champion of post-Soviet capital cities when it comes to feeling thoroughly European! This Estonian gem has had a seriously international upbringing, shaped by a millennium of Russian, Swedish, German, and Polish influences. But make no mistake, folks, today it's all Estonian – that is, if you can see past the daily pilgrimage of Finns making a beeline for the affordable libations (we've all been there!).
The heart and soul of Tallinn is its UNESCO-listed walled Old Town, a medieval masterpiece that, thankfully, dodged the nasty bombs of World War Two. Imagine cobblestone streets winding past enchanting buildings, all leading to the captivating Raekoja Plats, the historic market square that's seen centuries of hustle and bustle. Looming above it all is the imposing fortress of Toompea, from where the Teutonic Knights once ruled vast swathes of the Baltic coast. Talk about a power perch with a view!
But Tallinn isn't just a pretty historical face. This Estonian capital is shaking off any lingering "down-at-heel Soviet city" vibes faster than you can say "teretulemast" (that's "welcome" in Estonian!). Get ready for a buzzing nightlife scene that will surprise you and a Scandinavian-influenced gastronomical revolution that will tantalize your taste buds. Seriously, Tallinn is a city on the rise, blending its rich past with a vibrant present.
Our hilarious (and incredibly helpful!) travel guide is here to lead you through the best places to visit and things to do in this captivating capital. Get ready for some unforgettable sightseeing, from exploring medieval wonders to discovering modern delights, all while uncovering the top attractions that make Tallinn a must-see destination.
Top Attractions: Medieval Magic and Modern Merriment!
Tallinn is a treasure trove of historical gems and contemporary cool. Here are some of the top attractions you absolutely shouldn't miss:
Tallinn Old Town (Vanalinn): Step Back in Time and Try Not to Get Lost!
This UNESCO World Heritage site is the undisputed star of the show. Wander through its winding cobblestone streets, admire the medieval architecture, and soak in the atmosphere of a bygone era. Don't miss the charming Raekoja Plats (Town Hall Square), the iconic Toompea Castle, and the various viewpoints offering stunning panoramic vistas of the city. Getting delightfully lost in the Old Town is one of the best things to do in Tallinn.
Toompea Hill: Fortress Views and Presidential Power
Perched atop a limestone cliff, Toompea Hill offers commanding views of Tallinn and the Baltic Sea. Explore Toompea Castle, which now houses the Estonian Parliament, and admire the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, an impressive Russian Orthodox church. It's a historical powerhouse with seriously impressive sightseeing opportunities.
St. Olaf's Church (Oleviste Kirik): Reach for the Sky (Almost Literally!)
Once believed to be the tallest building in the world, St. Olaf's Church offers breathtaking views from its tower (if you're brave enough to climb the winding stairs!). This Gothic masterpiece is a significant landmark and a must-visit for panoramic sightseeing.
Kadriorg Palace and Park: Baroque Beauty and Artful Escapes
Escape the medieval hustle and bustle at Kadriorg Palace, a stunning Baroque palace built by Peter the Great for his wife Catherine. Explore the elegant palace (now an art museum) and wander through the beautiful surrounding park, complete with fountains, flowerbeds, and even a Japanese garden. It's a delightful place to visit for art lovers and those seeking a tranquil retreat.
Things to Do Beyond the Medieval Walls: Modern Delights and Local Life
Our travel guide wouldn't be complete without suggesting some other fantastic things to do to truly experience the Tallinn vibe:
- Explore the Kalamaja District: This trendy neighborhood is known for its colorful wooden houses, hip cafes, art galleries, and vintage shops. It's a great place to experience Tallinn's modern creative scene.
- Visit the Seaplane Harbour (Lennusadam): This award-winning maritime museum housed in former seaplane hangars is a fascinating place to visit for history buffs and anyone interested in cool technology. Check out the submarines and seaplanes!
- Indulge in Estonian Cuisine: Tallinn's food scene is booming! From traditional hearty fare to innovative Scandinavian-influenced dishes, there's something to tantalize every taste bud. Don't miss trying some local specialties.
- Experience the Nightlife: Asmara might be buzzing, but Tallinn has its own vibrant nightlife scene, with plenty of bars and clubs to keep you entertained after dark.
- Take a Day Trip to Helsinki (If You Fancy a Finnish Adventure!): Thanks to the frequent ferries, a day trip to the Finnish capital is easily doable if you want to see what all the fuss about the cheap alcohol is about (or, you know, explore another cool city!).
So, if you're looking for places to visit that seamlessly blend medieval charm with modern energy, Tallinn is calling your name. Our travel guide promises an adventure filled with captivating sightseeing, delicious things to do, and a city that will surprise and delight you at every turn. Just be prepared to share the streets with enthusiastic Finnish visitors and embrace the unique blend of history and contemporary cool that makes Tallinn so special!
-
Toompea Castle
Built by the Teutonic Knights during their 14th century Baltic Crusade, Toompea is certainly Tallinn’s most imposing sight. However, first impressions can be deceptive as despite its gloomy façade the castle’s baroque interior, which was built in the 17th century, is a gorgeous pastel-pink. Today, it houses the Estonian National Council and can be explored on guided tours throughout the day.
-
Alexander Nevsky Orthodox Cathedral
Right in the heart of Tallinn is the awe-inspiring Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, which stands as a testament to tsarist attempts to Russify their Baltic territories. From the outside, the cathedral’s onion-domes are breathtaking and the inside is if anything more impressive: frescoes cover the walls; mystic icon paintings watch over worshipers; and nearly everything is laced with gold.
-
Kadriorg Park and Palace
Just east of Tallinn’s picture-perfect old town is Kadriorg Park, which was once sprawling gardens belonging to the baroque palace of the same name. The palace, which was commissioned by none other than Peter the Great, now houses Tallinn’s premier art gallery while the tree-lined gardens are a joy to explore.
-
Linnahall
Perched on the edge of the Baltic Sea, it can be hard to tell what Linnahall, known in English as the Lenin Hall, is from a distance. Looking like a cross between a World War Two fortification and an industrial complex, it was in fact built as the water-sports center for 1980 Moscow Olympics. While the interior is inaccessible to visitors, the vast brutalist building can be explored with the help of local guides who will give you an insight into life in Soviet-era Tallinn.
-
Estonian Open-Air Museum
If you do not have time for a day trip from Tallinn but want to experience the best the country’s countryside has to offer head to the Open-Air Museum. At risk buildings from across the country have been rebuilt stone by stone in the vast pine-clad park, including traditional windmills, a chapel dating from the 17th century and a tavern serving traditional Estonian cuisine. The museum is at its most enchanting during the summer months when tour guides dress up in traditional folk costumes.
-
Raekoja Plats
Raekoja Plats, known simply in English as Town Hall Square, is the bustling heart of Tallinn’s old town. First laid out as a market in the 11th century, the square is today home to a host of the city’s architectural gems, including the only surviving medieval gothic town hall in Northern Europe. To get to grips with the area’s fascinating history take a guided tour.
-
TV Tower
At 314 meters tall, Tallinn’s TV Tower is the tallest building in Northern Europe. Guided tours can take you to the top of this spectacular structure, which was completed in 1980 to broadcast the Moscow Olympics, where you can get a bird’s eye view of the entire city and the rugged Baltic coastline.
-
KUMU
For a trip through Estonia’s art and design history KUMU is the place to visit. Housed in a striking piece of modern architecture, the gallery has various floors devoted to different eras in the country’s history, including works from the Soviet-era. To get a better understanding of the collection guided tours are available regularly.
