12 Best Things To Do in Tallinn, Estonia

One of the best things to do in Tallinn is to step into a real-life fairy tale by exploring its UNESCO-listed Old Town, one of the best-preserved medieval city centers in Europe. With its cobblestone streets, Gothic churches, and centuries-old merchant houses, Tallinn attracts over 4 million visitors annually.

Stand in the heart of Town Hall Square, surrounded by colorful Hanseatic-era buildings, or wander down Katariina Käik, a medieval alleyway lined with artisan workshops. Climb Toompea Hill to see Toompea Castle before enjoying a panoramic view of the city from the TV Tower.

To curate this list of 12 must-visit attractions, we analyzed historical significance, traveler reviews, expert insights, and local recommendations.

Table of Contents

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If you found yourself magically transported to Tallinn, which adventure would you tackle first?

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Best Things To Do in Tallinn, Estonia Admire the Views From the TV Tower

Conquer the TV Tower views 1/5

Best Things To Do in Tallinn, Estonia Explore Toompea Castle

Explore Toompea Castle 2/5

Best Things To Do in Tallinn, Estonia Walk Katariina Käik

Stroll Katariina Käik 3/5

Best Things To Do in Tallinn, Estonia Go On a Food Tour Rosolje

Feast on an Estonian food tour 4/5

Best Things To Do in Tallinn, Estonia Visit Tallinn Town Hall

Climb Tallinn Town Hall 5/5

Results

Conquer the TV Tower views

0 2

Explore Toompea Castle

0 2

Stroll Katariina Käik

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Feast on an Estonian food tour

0 2

Climb Tallinn Town Hall

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Highlights at a Glance

Luxury Hotel in Tallinn: Swissotel Tallinn offers modern rooms with views of the Old Town and Gulf of Finland, plus access to a spa, indoor pool, saunas, and a top-floor restaurant and bar.
Mid-range Hotel in Tallinn: Radisson Blu Hotel Olümpia features top-floor pool and sauna views of Tallinn, a fitness center, and dining options including Estonian dishes at Senso and fresh pastries at Café Boulevard.
Budget Hotel in Tallinn: Rija Old Town Hotel blends medieval architecture with modern comforts, offering cozy rooms with heated bathroom floors and a quiet location near St. Olaf’s Church.

Explore Toompea Castle – This breathtaking castle was built on the foundations of a 13th and 14th-century fortress.
Visit Tallinn Town Hall – Tallinn Town Hall is one of the city’s most famous landmarks.
Walk Along Katariina Käik – Katariina Käik is one of Tallinn’s most beautiful streets.

Explore Toompea Castle

Toompea Castle is one of the most historic tourist attractions in Tallinn. Located on Toompea Hill in central Tallinn, this dramatic structure has a rich history dating back to the 13th and 14th centuries. The castle we see today was built on the foundations of a medieval fortress.

The castle’s Gothic, Baroque, and Renaissance architectural styles beautifully reflect the city’s history. It features a bright pink facade, tall towers, grand halls, and vibrant orange roofs. The castle also has the Governor’s Garden, with lush gardens and scenic walking trails.

Interestingly, Toompea Castle now houses the Estonian parliament. You can explore the castle on a free guided tour, which operates Monday through Thursday between 10:00 and 15:00 and Fridays from 10:00 to 13:00.

Patkuli Viewing Platform: After visiting Toompea Castle, I walked just five minutes to the Patkuli Viewing Platform. It offers one of the best panoramic views of Tallinn’s Old Town and harbor—perfect for photos. Early afternoon light works best for capturing the city’s vibrant rooftops.
Kohvik Dannebrog Café: I grabbed coffee at Kohvik Dannebrog, located in Toompea’s medieval wall tower nearby. The cozy atmosphere and views of the Old Town made it a great spot to relax after the castle tour. It tends to fill up, so I recommend visiting before noon.

Visit Tallinn Town Hall

Visiting Tallinn Town Hall is one of the most popular things to do in Tallinn. Constructed in 1322, this medieval structure is considered Northern Europe’s oldest surviving town hall. It has a stunning Gothic architectural style with a tilted roof, a 200-foot (64-meter) stone tower, archways, and small windows.

The town hall is decorated with vibrant tapestries, paintings, and grand fixtures and fittings, including chandeliers. In the summer, the town hall is open daily from 11:00 to 18:00 for visitors to explore. Tickets cost €7 ($7.30) for adults and €5 ($5.22) for children.

Once inside, you can admire the building’s beautiful interior and climb the 115 steps to the top of the tower for impressive city views.

Town Hall Pharmacy (Raeapteek): I stopped by the Town Hall Pharmacy, just next to the Town Hall. It’s Europe’s oldest continuously operating pharmacy, dating back to the 15th century. Entry is free, and it has fascinating medieval remedies on display.
Maiasmokk Café: For a coffee break, I visited Maiasmokk Café, the oldest café in Tallinn, just a three-minute walk away. Their marzipan figurines are a local specialty. It’s a quiet spot to rest after climbing the tower.

Walk Katariina Käik

Katariina Käik, also known as St. Catherine’s Passage, is one of Tallinn’s most beautiful tourist attractions. This charming cobblestone street is believed to date back to the 14th century, making it several centuries old. It winds its way from Vene Street to Müürivahe Street.

As you can likely imagine, Katariina Käik is an excellent place to step back in time. Walking along the street, you’ll get a sense of what life was once like in the Estonian capital. You’ll pass a quaint row of handicraft workshops along the alley.

Here, you can watch local artisans make hats, glassware, ceramics, textiles, and more. Don’t forget to photograph the 700+-year-old St. Catherine’s Church either.

Handicraft Workshops: I found that artisans are often more available for demonstrations in the late morning (around 10:30–11:30). This timing let me chat with them about their craft without the afternoon crowds.

Go On a Food Tour

One of the best things food enthusiasts can do in Tallinn is go on a food tour. Estonian cuisine is substantially based on meat, fish, and potatoes. However, it is also influenced by various cuisines and traditions from nearby countries, including Finland, Sweden, and Germany.

Many restaurants offer Estonian cuisine in Tallinn, but a food tour is a fun way to experience the nation’s food. You can try a great range of dishes and learn from a local food expert. This Estonian food, drink, and history tour is a top choice.

You’ll sample three to four local snacks and beverages in a selection of historical cafes and restaurants. Food tastings are seasonal, but you can expect to be served rye bread, berry chips, and homemade Schnapps.

Balti Jaama Turg Market: Before or after the food tour, I explored Balti Jaama Turg, a local market just 15 minutes from the Old Town. It’s a great spot to try affordable Estonian street food like kiluvoileib (sprat sandwich) and buy local cheeses and pastries.
Leib Restaurant: For a sit-down meal afterward, I recommend Leib, known for its modern take on Estonian cuisine using local ingredients. I booked a table in advance for dinner, as it’s popular, especially on weekends.

Admire the Views From the TV Tower

For the best views in Tallinn, head to the TV Tower. This 1,030-foot (314-meter) tall communications tower is home to Northern Europe’s highest open viewing platform. The tower’s 360-degree observation deck is located at 574 feet (175 meters) on the 21st floor.

From the observation deck, travelers are treated to magnificent city and landscape views. The viewing platform has telescopes you can use for even better views. If you’re brave enough, you can even stand on the tower’s edge in the Edgewalk experience.

Tickets for the observation deck cost €16 ($16.60) for adults and €11 ($11.40) for children. It might also be worth noting that Tallinn TV Tower has a family-friendly cafe-restaurant serving classic Vastlakukkel.

Skip-the-Line Tickets: I booked my ticket online to avoid the often long queues, especially on weekends. The official website sometimes offers discounted combo tickets that include nearby attractions like the Botanic Garden.
Botanic Garden Visit: Just a 10-minute walk from the tower, I explored Tallinn Botanic Garden after the tower visit. The peaceful trails and greenhouses made for a relaxing contrast to the high views—plus, the garden entrance is free with a TV Tower ticket.

Meet the Resident Animals at Tallinn Zoo

Tallinn Zoo is one of the best family attractions in Tallinn. Founded in 1939, this is the only zoo in Estonia, so you can expect great things. Located in western Tallinn, this exciting zoo houses over 10,000 animals from an impressive 350+ species.

The zoo also hosts a variety of exciting exhibits, including the Southeast Asian Rainforest exhibit that transports visitors into a realistic tropical rainforest. Tallinn Zoo offers guided tours, but we recommend exploring on your own.

That way, you can guarantee you’ll see your favorite animals. Make sure you meet the African savannah elephants, polar bears, and Amur tigers.

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Opening times vary, so check the official website for more information. A family ticket costs €21 ($21.70).

Shared Visit with Open Air Museum: Since Tallinn Zoo is close to the Estonian Open Air Museum, I combined both visits in one day. The museum’s historic farm buildings and cultural displays offered a nice break from the zoo’s busier areas.
Picnic at Rocca al Mare: I brought lunch and enjoyed a picnic at nearby Rocca al Mare park. The zoo’s dining options can get crowded, especially around midday, so this was a peaceful alternative with scenic coastal views.

Stroll Through Kadriorg Park

Kadriorg Park is one of the nicest places to walk in Tallinn. Located a 30-minute walk from the city center, this picturesque park spans 170 acres (70 hectares). Therefore, you won’t struggle to find somewhere to escape the crowds and enjoy some fresh air.

Kadriorg Park features beautifully landscaped gardens, lush lawns, and well-maintained walking paths. Interestingly, it’s also home to several fascinating attractions, including the Office of the President of the Republic of Estonia and Kadriorg Palace. You could participate in this two-hour walking tour if you’d like to learn more about the park and its surroundings.

Alternatively, simply buy food, walk around the park, and find a tranquil spot to enjoy a picnic.

Kumu Art Museum Visit: While at Kadriorg Park, I visited the Kumu Art Museum, just a five-minute walk from the palace. It’s Estonia’s largest art museum, featuring contemporary and historical Estonian art. Entry costs €25 ($26), and it’s quieter in the late afternoon.
Reval Café Kadriorg: For a coffee break, I stopped at Reval Café, located near the park’s entrance. Their outdoor seating offers lovely garden views, and it’s a relaxing spot for breakfast before exploring the park.

Take Photographs of Alexander Nevsky Cathedral

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Photographing Alexander Nevsky Cathedral is a must in Tallinn. Opened in 1900, this breathtaking Orthodox church was built when Estonia was part of the former Russian Empire. Its gorgeous design is best recognized for its onion-domed roof.

Interestingly, many people say the cathedral resembles the Kremlin in Moscow. The cathedral’s vibrant facade also features mosaics that depict various religious figures and biblical stories. To capture the best photograph of the cathedral, we recommend standing in the archway directly across from the building.

This archway will help you frame your photograph perfectly. It’s also possible to go inside the cathedral. Entrance is free, but donations are welcome. The cathedral is open daily from 8:00 until 18:00.

Best Photo Spot at Kohtuotsa Viewing Platform: I got some of the best wide-angle shots of the cathedral and Old Town skyline from the Kohtuotsa Viewing Platform, just a five-minute walk away. Early morning light provides the best contrast for photos without large crowds.

Visit Freedom Square

Freedom Square is one of the most interesting places to explore in Tallinn. This lively square is worth visiting for several reasons. First, it’s one of the city’s most historic locations. Located next to the Old Town, this square is dedicated to the freedom of Estonia and all those who gave their lives for its independence.

Therefore, one of the major highlights of the square is the monument to the War of Independence. The square is also home to the vibrant St. John’s Church. Freedom Square regularly hosts events like live music and military parades.

The square is also an excellent place to people-watch, especially in the evening. You could sit in one of the square’s cafes or restaurants and watch the world go by for a while.

Vabaduse Kohvik: I enjoyed a coffee at Vabaduse Kohvik, located right on the square. Their outdoor seating offered a great view for people-watching, especially around sunset when the square lights up beautifully.
Glass Viewing Platform: Don’t miss the glass section of the square’s pavement. I looked through it to see preserved remains of the old city wall underneath—an interesting hidden detail that many visitors overlook.

Walk Through Viru Gate

Walking through Viru Gate is a rite of passage in the Estonian capital. This fairytale-esque gateway serves as the main entrance to Tallinn Old Town. It was built in the 14th century as part of the city’s defenses.

Today, it’s a popular photography spot and one of Tallinn’s most iconic sights. Viru Gate is best recognized for its two stone towers with orange roofs and curtain walls. Although several towers once stood there, only two remain.

Throughout the year, these towers are covered in ivy. The gate itself is magnificent, but the street leading up to it is also beautiful. The cobblestone street is lined with colorful and fragrant florist stalls, cafes, and restaurants.

Master’s Courtyard (Meistrite Hoov): Just a two-minute walk from Viru Gate, I discovered Master’s Courtyard—a hidden gem with cozy cafes and artisan workshops. It’s a peaceful spot to escape the crowds and enjoy traditional Estonian chocolate.
Best Nighttime Photos: I found that visiting Viru Gate after sunset offered stunning photo opportunities. The towers are beautifully lit at night, and the florist stalls add a charming touch to evening shots without the daytime crowds.

Explore the Lennusadam Maritime Museum

Exploring the Lennusadam Maritime Museum is one of the most exciting things to do in Tallinn. Often considered to be Estonia’s most popular museum, this harborfront museum is dedicated to Estonian maritime history. One of the best things about the museum is how it offers something for every traveler.

Adults can learn more about Estonian maritime history from expert guides, while children can have fun in the interactive exhibits and play areas. The Lennusadam Maritime Museum’s main highlight is the Lembit submarine, built in England in 1937.

The submarine can be found inside the Seaplane Harbour exhibition, which also contains a Short 184 seaplane and the wreck of the Maasilinn ship, Estonia’s oldest shipwreck. Tickets for the maritime museum cost €30 ($31.30) for adults and €15 ($15.60) for children.

Harborfront Walk to Noblessner: After visiting the museum, I took a scenic 10-minute walk along the harborfront to Noblessner, a trendy seaside district. It’s filled with waterfront restaurants and art galleries—perfect for a relaxing lunch with sea views.
Try Lore Bistroo: In Noblessner, I had lunch at Lore Bistroo, known for its modern Estonian cuisine and fresh seafood. Booking a table in advance is a good idea, especially on weekends, as it’s a popular spot with locals.

Go On a Day Trip to Helsinki, Finland

One of the most unique things to do in Tallinn involves leaving the city and heading to Finland for the day. Tallinn presents travelers with the unique opportunity of visiting two capital cities in one trip. This is because Helsinki, the capital of Finland, is only a two-hour ferry ride from Tallinn.

You can get to Helsinki from Tallinn on the Tallink Silja ferries. Return tickets cost approximately €42 ($43.80). As for travel times, ferries depart Tallinn as early as 7:30 and Helsinki as late as 22:30.

Therefore, you can plan a trip that leaves you with 10+ hours to explore Helsinki. Noteworthy attractions in Helsinki include Helsinki Cathedral, Suomenlinna, and the Old Market Hall.

Morning Ferry with Breakfast Option: I booked the 7:30 Tallink Silja ferry and added the breakfast buffet option. It saved me time and provided a relaxing start to the day while enjoying sea views.
Helsinki Tram Day Pass: Upon arrival in Helsinki, I purchased a day pass for the tram system. It made getting between key sights like Suomenlinna, Helsinki Cathedral, and the Old Market Hall quick and affordable, especially for a short visit.