Location: Tallinn
Top Things to do in Tallinn
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The 10 Best Things to Do in Tallinn, Estonia
Tallinn's atmospheric Old Town is an enthralling hodgepodge of medieval streets and spires. It's a small city, and the tourist areas are safe and easily explored on foot. Buy a Tallinn Card if intending to use buses, trolleys or trams. For a look into Tallinn's past, visit Rocca-al-Mare Open Air Museum's typical rural Estonian taverns, windmills and watermills, see the onion-domed 1900 cathedral or join the bustle in historic Town Hall Square. St. Olav's spire was once the tallest in the world.
Restaurants in Tallinn
1. Tallinn Old Town
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 11 reviews
This jumble of 14th- and 15th-century architecture with its medieval walls, needling spires and twisting, cobblestone streets is also the site of many of the city's important historic attractions and museums including the House of the Brotherhood of the Blackheads, St. Catherine's Guild and the 15th-century Guildhall that now houses the History Museum.
Reviewed By Dairybrook - Houston, Texas
Our second trip to TLL and the Old Town and we've enjoyed them both tremendously. Character actors dressed for medieval Europe by various stores are approachable and answer questions. Lots of interesting history scattered throughout, plus there are apartments and shops and restaurants everywhere. Enough remains of the original city that you can feel like you get a taste of what it may have been like.
2. Lennusadam Seaplane Harbour
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2 reviews
Welcome aboard! Seaplane Harbour is an exciting maritime museum in Tallinn, Estonia for the whole family. Located in the unique and historic seaplane hangar, our interactive exhibition includes a real submarine from mid-1930s, seaplane Short 184, a 100-year-old ice-breaker, two cinemas, many simulators and much more. And while you are here, take a look at one of the nicest souvenir shops in Tallinn or eat local food at our restaurant MARU.
Reviewed By TheGreatestNomad
We loved this place. The real ships and submarines and icebreakers outside are even better than what is inside. It is huge and requires 2 hours minimum to be seen properly. But one must visit this place when coming to Tallinn.
3. Toompea Hill
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2 reviews
An ancient 10th-century Estonian stronghold stood on this 170-foot-high limestone plateau, which was later divided into the Big and Small Fortress with its distinctive defense towers erected in the early 13th century.
Reviewed By Bruce M - Sydney, Australia
The views out over the old city and port are well worth the climb up the stairs ( or hill if you walk up from the Independance square) .
It's not only the views but the surrounding Castle, Russian Orthodox Cathedral and churches, plus the Parliament building that make this a very special place to visit.
Walk the road down along the Castle perimeter and there are views across the city and harbour from the topmost part of the city walls ( this is by far the high point of the walls) and then walk down the flights of stairs into the old town to really appreciate how large the fortress is.
4. Viewing Point Kohtuotsa
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 154 reviews
5. Town Hall Square
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3 reviews
This historic square has served as a marketplace since the eleventh century and features a pharmacy that has been operating since 1422.
Reviewed By Lynn B - Gatineau, Canada
This is a beautiful, lively and exciting place to visit in Old Town Tallinn. Historically, it was a popular market and meeting place.
There are charming buildings, cafes and shops, and we saw people in medieval costumes. The oldest pharmacy in Europe is located here. It was established in the early 15th century and still operates today.
Old Town Square is definitely worth a visit.
6. Patkuli Viewing Platform
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 178 reviews
Patkuli viewing platform is situated in one of the most ancient parts of Tallinn. It has fairytale views of the Old Town and its towers and walls, all the way down to the port. The stairway leading up to the platform was constructed in 1903. There are 157 steps connecting Toompea to the town below, with the stairway coming out in Toompark by the Shnelli pond.
Reviewed By jaybeeFL - Florida
This was by far our favorite spot on Toompea Hill for views of the old city and its fortifications. If you are lucky and the weather cooperates, you can get incredible photos that will bring back wonderful memories of your time in Tallinn. From here, take the switchback stairs down to the old city at Nunne St and start your walkaround the walls and towers.
7. Kadriorg Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
Measuring nearly 250 scenic acres, this urban park features the symmetrical Swan Lake and a Promenade leading to the Kadriorg Palace.
Reviewed By familyoffduty - The Netherlands
Nice park to visit, housing several museums including an art museum (that we did not visit). We did visit the cafe that provided a well needed breakfast and cup of tea. Behind the museum there is a nicely laid out garden which must be good in the summer when the Neptune Fountain is working.
8. Estonian Open Air Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 851 reviews
Within just a 15-minute drive from the center of Tallinn there is a delightful place – the Estonian Open Air Museum that invites you to see rural architecture and get acquainted with village life.The 12 farms of the museum show the visitor the life of families of different income and occupation in the 18th-20th centuries. As in anyreal village, there is a church, an inn, a school, a number of mills, a fire station, a village shop and net sheds by the sea.Although 74 buildings have been brought over so far, the museum is far from being completed; it is constantly changing and developing.You can have good time and also learn something at the Estonian Open Air Museum in any season!
Reviewed By jinox - Oxford, United Kingdom
Attended a wedding held here, in a field with a huge open-sided barn for dining in. The setting was quite spectacularly beautiful, helped by unexpectedly perfect weather, although trying to hold the ceremony (in a secluded spot by the water's edge) proved a little tricky thanks to a family having a picnic nearby, whose kids insisted on making roaring noises throughout. Strolling through the grounds is a delight with lots of interesting stuff to check out, but getting there and back isn't the easiest, taxis recommended.
9. Oleviste Church
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
Originally built in 1250 and considered the tallest building in Europe during the Middle Ages, this city landmark is now used by both Baptist and Methodist congregations.
Reviewed By CATTSAR - Provincetown, Massachusetts
This is an unadorned yet very impressive church. The alter is simple as is the rest of the church. I would say it is the organ and pulpit that offer a bit grandeur. Built in the 16th century it was named for King Olaf of Norway, a testament to Tallinn's volatile history with being conquered. The church has burned down numerous times. Having been built as Catholic it is now Baptist. However, the most amazing feature is the panoramic view from the top of the tower. The climb to the top is worth the effort. Be aware that the steps are narrow, steep and spiraled so fear of heights or tight spaces will be an issue. The climb is roughly ten minutes. It is also colder and windier at the top. The church is free but it is 3 EUR to climb the tower. As with most any church this is of interest to anyone with historical, architectural or religious inclinations.
10. Tallinn Legends
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 254 reviews
Tallinn Legends is a tourist attraction in a form of theatrical and interactive museum in Tallinn, Estonia. The museum recreates historical events and legends that have contributed to the folklore of medieval Tallinn.
Reviewed By Louise C - London, United Kingdom
We found this by walking by and decided to enter to escape from the cold for a short time. All of the actors are very passionate about what they do but I found it a little confusing as I could not always hear or understand...MoreThank you for your review. Well actually all the legends have a connection,if you listen carefully, everything is clear. It is hard for many visitors to see and hear the action at the same time.
