Things to do in Tallinn: city guide
City walls with red-roofed towers, cobbled lanes, views over the rooftops from Toompea and creative factory districts just outside the walls. Tallinn is medieval with wifi.
Tallinn
Photo: Karson / Unsplash
Tallinn: one of northern Europe's best-preserved medieval towns
Tallinn is the capital of Estonia, on the Gulf of Finland just south of Helsinki. The old town, with its walls, towers, churches and Hanseatic merchant houses, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is regarded as one of the best-preserved medieval towns in northern Europe.
At the same time Estonia is one of the most digital countries in the world, and just outside the walls old factories have become restaurants, shops and galleries. The currency is the euro, and there are direct flights from London. Many visitors also combine it with Helsinki, around two hours away by ferry. Read more about the rest of the country in our Estonia guide.
Tallinn neighbourhoods
The lower old town
Town Hall Square is the heart of the city, lined with cafés and old merchant houses. Walk along the city wall, through the Viru Gate and up one of the towers.
Toompea
The hill above the old town was the seat of power, with the castle, the cathedral and the Orthodox Alexander Nevsky Cathedral. The Kohtuotsa and Patkuli viewing platforms give the classic view of red roofs and spires.
Kalamaja and Telliskivi
North west of the old town is a district of colourful wooden houses and Telliskivi Creative City in an old factory, with restaurants, bars and a weekend flea market.
Kadriorg
A baroque palace built for Tsar Peter the Great, with a park, swans and the Kumu art museum close by.
The old town
Photo: Jan Ledermann / Unsplash
Three days in Tallinn
Day 1: The old town. Town Hall Square, the city wall, Toompea and the viewing platforms at sunset.
Day 2: Kalamaja and the harbour. The wooden houses of Kalamaja, lunch in Telliskivi and the Seaplane Harbour, a maritime museum in old hangars with a submarine you can climb into.
Day 3: Kadriorg. The palace, the park and Kumu, then dinner at one of the city's Nordic restaurants.
The hotels we would book in Tallinn
The links to the hotels are partner links. If you book through them, Picolo may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Hotel Telegraaf, old town
Photo: Hotels.com (Expedia Group)
Hotel Telegraaf: in the old telegraph building
An elegant hotel in the former telegraph building in the heart of the old town, with a spa and indoor pool. Guests especially love the location.
Book your stay: See rooms at Hotel Telegraaf
Schlössle Hotel: small and medieval
A small luxury hotel in a medieval building in the old town, with a stone-walled restaurant and a bar. A member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, and guests especially enjoy the breakfast.
Book your stay: See rooms at Schlössle Hotel
Tallinn in winter
Photo: Ilya Orehov / Unsplash
When is the best time to visit Tallinn?
May to September brings long, light evenings and outdoor terraces. December is popular for the Christmas market on Town Hall Square. Winter is cold and dark, but beautiful under snow. Check the current entry requirements before you travel.
See also our Christmas market breaks and shopping in Gdańsk, Riga and Tallinn.
Tallinn: frequently asked questions
How many days do you need in Tallinn?
Two to three days is plenty for the old town, Kalamaja, Telliskivi and Kadriorg.
Where is the best place to stay in Tallinn?
In the old town for atmosphere and easy access, or just outside for newer hotels and lower prices.
Can you take a ferry between Tallinn and Helsinki?
Yes, ferries run several times a day and the crossing takes around two hours.
Does Estonia use the euro?
Yes, the currency in Estonia is the euro.
When is the best time to visit Tallinn?
May to September for summer, and December for the Christmas market.