Things to Do in Tallinn
Plan your days in Tallinn, your way
Tallinn gives a first-timer the ideal sampler. One morning in the Old Town, up Toompea Hill for the view over red roofs to the sea.
Down to Town Hall Square for coffee and people-watching under gothic gables. Lunch at Balti Jaam market, something local, something unfamiliar, both cheap.
An afternoon wandering Kalamaja, pastel wooden houses and small galleries at your own pace. The seaside promenade at Pirita catches the late light if the weather agrees.
Dinner at Rataskaevu 16, friendly room, honest Estonian cooking, book ahead. One evening drink on a Telliskivi terrace to feel the city's younger pulse.
Nothing extreme, everything good. Tallinn meets an open mind exactly halfway.
Top attractions and places to eat in Tallinn
OLD TOWN TALLINN
Tallinn's UNESCO-listed medieval Old Town, a remarkably preserved district of cobblestone streets, merchant houses, churches, and city walls. Travelers explore it as the historic and cultural heart of the city.
attraction · 4.7 rating
Tallinna Raekoja Plats (Town Hall Square)
Historic central square lined with old buildings, shops, and restaurants.
landmark · 4.5 rating
Toompea Hill
Hilltop area offering excellent vistas across the city's rooftops.
landmark · 4.6 rating
Tallinn Town Hall
A Gothic town hall dating to the 15th century, the oldest surviving town hall in the Baltic region, standing on Tallinn's medieval Town Hall Square. A centerpiece of the Old Town and its history.
attraction · 4.4 rating · €4
St. Catherine's Passage
A picturesque medieval walkway in Tallinn's Old Town lined with craft workshops and historic buildings. Travelers stroll it for its atmospheric cobblestones and artisan character.
attraction · 4.3 rating
Estonian Art Museum (KUMU)
Estonia's flagship art museum presenting Estonian art from the 18th century to contemporary works in a striking modern building. A must for art lovers and one of the largest art museums in the Baltics.
attraction · 4.4 rating · €14
Peter the Great House Museum
A small museum in Kadriorg Park set in the modest cottage where Russian Tsar Peter the Great stayed during visits to Tallinn, preserving period furnishings and personal artifacts. Travelers visit for a glimpse into 18th-century imperial history.
attraction
Estonian Maritime Museum
A museum dedicated to Estonia's maritime history, with its Seaplane Harbour branch displaying ships, submarines, and seafaring exhibits in a historic hangar. A leading attraction for those interested in naval and maritime heritage.
attraction · €15
Submarine EML Lembit
A preserved 1930s Estonian submarine displayed at the Seaplane Harbour maritime museum in Tallinn, which visitors can board and explore. Travelers go to experience its historic interior and learn about naval history.
attraction
KGB Prison Cells
A museum in the former Soviet KGB detention cells in Tallinn documenting political repression during the occupation. Travelers visit to learn about Estonia's dark 20th-century history.
attraction · €10
St Mary's Cathedral
Also known as Toomkirik, this is Tallinn's oldest church, a Lutheran cathedral on Toompea Hill known for its whitewashed interior, historic tombs, and tower views. Travelers visit for its medieval architecture and heritage.
church
Kiek in de Kök Fortification Museum
A museum housed in a medieval artillery tower that is part of Tallinn's Old Town fortifications, with exhibits on the city's defensive history and access to underground bastion tunnels. Travelers come for the history and panoramic views.
attraction · €16
Art Aleksandr Saychenko
A small art gallery or studio presenting works by artist Aleksandr Saychenko. Travelers visit to view and purchase original artwork.
attraction
Kalamaja
A trendy, historic seaside neighborhood in Tallinn known for its colorful wooden houses, creative cafes, and bohemian atmosphere. Travelers wander here to experience local life, street art, and independent shops.
attraction
Kadriorg Park
Tallinn's largest and most elaborate landscaped park, surrounding Kadriorg Palace with formal gardens, ponds, and wooded paths. Travelers go for leisurely walks and scenic outdoor relaxation.
park