places to visit in tallinn in winter

25 Best Things to Do When Visiting Tallinn in Winter (2024)

Fresh, crisp air, twinkling lights, early sunsets and gothic buildings lining the skyline. From the moment you step off the bus, you feel as though you have stepped back in time. There is no better place to spend winter in Europe than Tallinn. Visiting Tallinn in winter needs be high on your European bucket list.

We visited Tallinn, Estonia as part of a “stop over” in the Baltic countries on the way to Lapland, Finland from Berlin. It was a bit of a whim and boy, am I glad we chose Tallinn. It is a stunning medieval city that truly gives you a look into what life would have been like back in the medieval times.

Table of Contents

Where is Tallinn?

Tallinn is the Capital city of Estonia which is one of the Baltic States (or Baltic countries). It situated on the Gulf of Finland. As soon as you cross the Gulf of Finland you will arrive in Helsinki.

Tallinn is a small city of less than half a million residents. Despite the size of the city, it packs a punch. Tallinn is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is one of the best preserved medieval cities in Europe. Tallinn has preserved its walled Old Town filled with cobblestone streets, cafes, shops and Kiek in de Kik, which a 15th century defensive tower.

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The weather in Tallinn in winter

Winter in Tallinn is very cold and if you’re lucky, very snowy. During December Tallinn only get around six hours of daylight (but don’t let this put you off visiting in the winter!). The coldest months in Tallinn are from December until march. The average temperature in winter is -5°C but it can get as low as -18°C especially at night. So make sure you pack layers and layers, and maybe some more layers.

Don’t let the sun out the window fool you, the weather is very very cold.

Things to do in Tallinn in Winter

If you are wondering what to do in Tallinn in winter, we have you covered! Here are 27 amazing things you need to do in Tallinn this winter.

Christmas Markets

You cannot go to Europe in winter without visiting the Christmas markets .

Many Christmas markets around Europe can be quite busy and overwhelming.

However, the Christmas markets in Tallinn are a lot more quite and there is plenty of room to move around.

The Christmas markets are in the main square and have the gorgeous gothic buildings as the back drop.

In 2019, the markets were voted the best Christmas Markets in Europe. In fact, they are one of the best things to do in Estonia in winter.

Tallinn has the oldest Christmas Tree in Europe, well the actual tree is not the oldest. But, in 1441 Tallinn put the first tree on display. Every where, a Christmas tree is still placed in the middle of the Town Square.

If you were to observe the Christmas Markets from above, it would look like a star. The Christmas tree is in the middle of the markets and the stalls branch out from the middle.

The Christmas markets are super cosy and have some very unique stalls, selling unique food, drinks and Christmas decorations.

If you visit the markets around lunch or dinner time, grab a meal and some mulled wine.

Sausages and fried potatoes are some of the best you will taste, unless you want to eat a blood sausage make sure you point to the right one.

Visiting Tallinn’s Old Town Square

Tallinn has one of the most beautiful old towns. From the moment you enter the old city gate and view the medieval buildings that are still very much intact. To the gorgeous Gothic Town Hall which was built in the 13th century with its 64m tall tower, still remains in Tallinn historic town square.

The town square is filled with restaurants eclectic shops and of course, the Christmas markets in the winter.

Back in medieval times the square was the heart of Tallinn. It was established to serve as the market for the Hanseatic merchants. The merchants built their houses and warehouses around the market.

Today, houses and warehouses are gorgeous pastel shades of pink, blue, yellow and white. No matter what you decide to do in Tallinn, you will come across the market square more than once and you will spend countless hours looking at the buildings.

Walk the city walls

There are not many cities in Europe that still have their city walls in tact, however, Tallinn’s old city walls are still perfectly in tact and allow you to see city from a different perspective.

The oldest sections of the walls were built in the 13th centaury and become some of the biggest and strongest defenses in Europe.

Today, you can view from the wall from many points around the city but the best vantage point is from Patkuli viewing platform.

If you would like to walk part of the wall you can walk the section the connect the Nunne, Sauna and Kuldjala towers. From the wall you can get beautiful views of Toompea and the Old Town.

During the winter months the walls are open to the public on Friday, Saturday and Sunday and the cost starts from 3 € per adult.

Marvel at the Kohtuotsa viewing platform

One of the most famous views of Tallinn is Kohtuotsa viewing platform, also known as the times we had platform.

The viewing platform sits within the old city walls and is open to the public 24 hours a day. It is a great place to watch the sunrise and sunset or if you want to take in the city lights at night.

Kohtuotsa can get quite busy but people usually come up here for a quick snap before moving on, so if you have a little time you can wait for other people to move on before getting the perfect shot.

The view point is free to visit and is relatively easy to find. It is located on the northern side of Toompea hill. If you are near the Russian Orthodox Alexander Nevsky Cathedral and find Kohtu. Put the address – Kohtu 12, 10130 Tallinn – into Google Maps you will be there in no time.

Check out the city from Patkuli Viewing Platform

Another beautiful view in Tallinn is from Patkuli Viewing Platform. The views from Patkuli are breathtaking, you can see castles, towers, the ocean and beautiful coloured buildings.

Patkuli is located on top of a lime stone cliff of Toompea Hill in the Old Town. This part of the city is the most ancient area and has plenty to explore.

From the Old Town there are a few ways to access Patkuli, In Snelli Park you will find the Toompea staircase. The 157 step staircase will take you straight to the view point. This is the quickest way to Patkuli but requires a moderate level of fitness.

For an easier and more scenic route, you can head to the view point from the Danish Kings Garden and the Alexander Nevksy Cathedral.

The view point is open 24 hours a day like the Kohtuotsa viewing platform and is also free to visit.

Dine in an old Medieval Restaurant

Tallinn is filled with old medieval restaurants serving the most amazing local food. Our favourite was the Peppersack which located just off the main square right in the middle of the old town.

Even in the winter, there was bit of a wait to get a table but it was so worth it. The peppersack is in a historic building with over 600 years of history. The spacious hall is lit with dim lighting and has an atmosphere similar to that of the Late Renaissance period.

The waiters are all dressed in period dress and in the middle of dinner you are treated to a battle reenactment.

The food is beautiful and very well presented. For a decent price you will definitely not leave hungry. There is also a bakery located inside the pepper sack which allows you to take away a selection of buns and desserts.

The cafes history is even longer than that of the restaurant. Not only is this a fantastic option for tourists but it is also loved by locals.

Enjoy a nice Meade at Olde Hansa

Like the Peppersack, Olde Hansa is a beautiful medieval tavern. The tavern is light by candlelight and they serve their own mead.

The waiter all dress in medieval clothing and the only music played is from the medieval times, the Mead is serviced in ceramics and is a perfect way to warm up when it is crisp outside.

At Old Hansa the mead is made the way the Vikings used it to drink it, as an ale. You can choose from a dark ale with honey or a light ale with cinnamon. Unlike a lot of other things in Tallinn, the Mead is not overly cheap at 6€ but it well worth the 6€.

The Tavern also sells are wide range of foods made with recipes from the 15th century. If you visit the tavern in the evening you can enjoy the live medieval music.

Go Ice Skating at Uisuplats ice rink

During winter in Tallinn you have the ability to go ice skating right in the middle of Old town. This unique ice skating rink is open from the beginning of December and closes at the end of March. The ice rink is on Harju Street right next to St Nicholas Church.

If, like me, ice skates are not something you generally pack when you go travelling, you are able to hire every thing you need to have the perfect ice skating experience.

Enjoy a warm drink in a cute Café

Travelling around Europe in winter can be very cold work. Luckily, there are plenty of cute cafes in Tallinn where you can get a hot drink and take some time to warm up.

Some of the best cafes in Tallinn are Cafe August, Chocolats de Pierre, Kehrwieder Saiakang Chocolaterie and Maiasmokk Cafe. However, no matter which café you walk passed if you pop in you are bound to find some where warm to defrost your fingers and nose!

Explore Toompea (the upper town)

Toompea is a limestone hill that the upper half of Tallinn’s old town was built on. Today when you visit the area you will see Estonian government and parliament building. It is also home to a beautiful view point – Patkuli viewing platform.

Toompea dates back as far at the 13th century and is filled with winding, cobblestoned streets that take you past courtyards, churches, old merchant houses and of course, gorgeous half-hidden lanes.

For centuries Tallinn’s old town (as we know it today) has been divided into two distinct parts, Toompea hill which was countryside and the Lower Town which was a separate political entity.

Today, if you climb up Toompea hill you will find Castle Square in the middle of the government buildings and of course, Alexander Nevsky Cathedral. Castle square is where the Knights of the Sword built a fortress in 1229.

Admire Alexander Nevsky Cathedral

Alexander Nevsky Cathedral is a Russian Othodox Church in Tallinn and can be seen for miles. Teh beautiful domes and bright colours really brighten up a cold dreary day in Tallinn in winter.

The Cathedral was established in 1900 when Estonia was still part of the Russian Empire. It was dedicated to the Prince of Novgorod to demonstrate power over the.

The Cathedral is home to Tallinn’s largest church bell and is absolutely stunning on the inside. Make sure you head in out of the cold explore what this stunning cathedral has to offer.

Alexander Nevsky Cathedral is open from 8am until 6pm every day of the week and is free to visit. However, please mindful and respectful as services are conducted here. When there are services in progress the cathedral will most likely be closed to tourists.

Walk down St. Catherine’s Passage

Monk’s Alley, or as it is known today, St Catherine’s passage (or Katariina käik) is a picturesque laneway that winds behind St Catherine’s Church.

It is a well preserved medieval laneway filled with ancient tombstones on the walls. Walking down St Catherine’s passage you will truly feel as though you have stepped back in time.

St Catherine’s passage is also home to the Guild which are craft workshops selling an array of things from clothes and jewelry to ceramics and glassware. It the perfect place to buy some Estonian souvenirs .

Like many of the sites in Tallinn, St Catherine’s passage is open 24 hours a day and is free to visit. St Catherine’s Guild is open every day (except for Sunday’s) from 11am until 6pm.

Wander the Garden in the Kadriorg Palace

Founded in 1718 by Russian Tsar Peter I, the palace was named Kadriorg Palacen. The palace displays a beautiful main hall is one example of Baroque architecture in Estonia. The palace is surrounded by beautiful gardens filled with fountains, hedges and flowerbeds. The gardens were modelled off the gardens at Versailles palace.

Today, the palace (which is also known as the Presidential Palace) is home to the Kadriorg Art museum which features Estonia’s collect of foreign art from the 16th to the 20th centaury.

Even in the chilly air when the flowers aren’t in full bloom it is beautiful to walk around the gardens that surround the palace. The fountains are lovely and there is a nice view over the walls of the gardens.

Find a medieval cart selling warm drinks and roasted nuts

Dotted around Tallinn are medieval style carts. The sellers are dressed in medieval dress and sell hot drinks such as apple ginger tea or warm roasted chestnuts. If you don’t want to interrupt your site seeing by stopping in at a café, stop at one of the medieval carts and purchase a warm drink to keep you warm on your journey.

If nothing else, they do add to the medieval atmosphere in Tallinn and they are super cute to spot as you walk around the city.

Shop at Oma Asi

Oma Asi is a gorgeous design store in Tallinn. The products they sell are extremely unique but can be slightly pricey.

The shop is hidden away in a gorgeous courtyard to the side of one of Tallinn’s photogenic laneways. Even if you are not shopping during your trip it is a beautiful wee courtyard to check out.

The bright orange colour of the shop brightens up any grey winters day. We ended up down this lane way a few times during our trip and each time we were blown away but how cute the courtyard is.

You are bound to stumble across the shop during your stay but the address is: Viru tänav 21, 10148. The shop is open to the public every day from 11am – 7pm.

Olaf’s Church

Name after King Olaf II of the Norway who ruled from 1015 to 1028, St Olaf’s Church was established in the 12 century and was once the home of the Scandinavian community in Tallinn.

The Scandinavian community were present in Tallinn as the Vikings used to visit the shores before the Danes conquered Tallinn in 1219.

Back in the 16th century when the church we see today was built, it was the tallest building in the world. It was used to act as a light house, guiding the merchant ships into the shore.

The light in the tower, unfortunately, was hit by lightening and caused the tower to set on fire. This happened several times and as such, the towers height was reduced.

However, you can still see the tower when you arrive into the port by boat.

Sadly, during winter you cannot explore the interior of the church as the church is closed. However, it is still worth walking to the church to have a look at the exterior.

St Nicholas Church

St Nicholas’ Church was built between 1230 and 1275 by the merchant who came to Tallinn from Gotland.

The church is one of the best preserved medieval buildings in Tallinn. At present, the church is used to display equipment that was used during war in the hall of medieval art.

The church has brilliant accustics which means it often used for organ or Sunday morning concerts.

St Nicholas Church is open every day (except for Monday) from 10am until 6pm.

Check out the array of cute doors in Tallinn

Throughout the Old Town of Tallinn there several cute doors. As you walk around the Old Town see how many door ways you can sport. Each of them are unique to the building they are on.

If you are looking for a cute Instagram shot, the doors are you opportunity to step away from the crowd and get your perfect insta photo.

Take a free walking tour

Free walking tours are a great way of discovering a new city. Hosted by a local, you will discover the highlights of the city as well as the history. Doing a walking tour with a local allows you to ask them where they would eat and drink and what they recommend you do for the remained of your trip.

I love strawberry tours as they offer a range of free walking tours including communist Tallinn and Modern Tallinn. They also offer a variety of paid tours too.

Pikk Street

Pikk street, also known as long street, is a beautiful street filled with coloured houses and buildings. There are many of shops and bars to explore along the street. Pikk street is perfect for exploring in the winter because you can stop to warm up every few stops. To get the best photo of the street, stand at the bottom and look up the hill and then take your photo.

Mundi Street

Is the street that will allow you to a photo through street down to the town square where the Christmas market is framed perfectly. I recommend going at night time so you get the lights of the Christmas market and the Christmas tree.

Viru Street

Viru street is a pedestrian street which leads to the Viru Gates. These gates are officially the entrance to the Old Town of Tallinn.

Viru Gate is one of the two main tower gates that were once part of the fortification of Tallinn. Viru street leads into the Old Town Square.

It is a beautiful streets with lots of shopping and places to eat.

Visit the Danish Kings Gardens

The Danish King’s Garden are located on the slopes of Toompea Hill and is actually where the Danish flag was “born”.

As the story goes, Valdemar’s forces were losing the battle again the Estonians when a red flag sporting a white cross floated down from the skies. It was this Holy sign, that encourage the Danes to go on and win the battle.

If you visit the Garden today you will see an iron sword and shield with a Danish cross to honor the role Denmark played in Estonia’s history.

In the garden you can also find the medieval carts that are selling hot roasted nuts to keep you warm as your explore the Toompea Hill.

It is also a great vantage point to see the old walls and towers.

Just get lost

Tallinn has some beautiful streets and while there are some note worthy streets that have been mentioned above, there are plenty of other hidden laneways and courtyards to be explored.

One of the best things to do is to just wander and explore what Tallinn has to offer. In winter, being a little more spontaneous and flexible may make your trip a lot easier.

A little aimless wandering is a great option because if you’re feeling a little cold, you can pop into a café, if you want to see things you can climb up the city walls. If you just feel like rugging up and taking some gorgeous photos around Tallinn you can do that too.

We spent hours getting lost in the streets of Tallinn and it was one of the best things we did.

Take a day trip to Helsinki

If you like checking off countries or you want to do a day trip to another country then travelling across the Baltic sea to Helsinki, Finland is something you must do during your trip to Talllinn.

This is a fantastic activity all year round but if you are in Tallinn in winter it is especially beautiful because Finland is super cosy in the winter.

The crossing of the Baltic sea takes about 2 and a half hours, in a day this would leave you with 5 or 6 hours to explore Helsinki.

There are a few options to cross the Baltic sea but we went with Tallink Shuttle Star. If you are prone to sea sickness I recommend taking a few seasickness tablets before you board the boat.

On board the boat, there are plenty of shops to visit, there is a restaurant to eat at and there are arcade games to keep you entertained.

Despite the freshness of the air, it is quite nice to head out on to the out decks as you sail away from Tallinn and as you are approaching Helsinki.

If you are travelling with luggage there is luggage storage available on the ferry.

Visit the Jägala Waterfall

Surprisingly, Estonia is a pretty flat country (or maybe I was the only one that was surprised). This lack of mountainous landscape means the opportunities for chasing waterfalls are pretty slim.

However, the Jägala Waterfall is an exception. Standing at 8 meters tall the Jägala Waterfall is the highest waterfall in Estonia. Given that it is only half an hour from the city center, it makes for the perfect day trip and gives you the chance to explore outside of the city center.

In winter, the Jägala Waterfall is stunning with icicles glistening in the winter sun light and snow surrounding the waterfalls it feels as though you are in a winter wonderland.

If you are not keen on hiring a car and heading out the waterfall yourself you are able to take an organised day tour from Tallinn to the waterfall .

The tour goes for five hours and includes lunch. The tours take you to discover the Harju Country and of course, the Jägala Waterfall. You then visit the Bronze Age Graves Museum in Rabala and visit an Estonian Sanctuary and the oldest medieval Christian chapel at Saha.

This tour is a highly reviewed and a highlight for many travellers.

Spend time at the Balti Jaam Market

A great way to warm in Tallinn in winter is to visit the Balti Jaam Market. Located close to the Tallinn train station you will find the old market which has everything (almost) that you could ever look for.

From antique shops to second hand clothes, souvenirs to take home, local food food, craft beer to beautiful coffee shops. If there is food you are dying to try or gifts you are hoping to buy then this is the market for you.

Where to stay in Tallinn

We stayed just outside of the old town at Hotel St Barbara and it was a lovely hotel. Despite being outside of the old town it only a 7 minute walk through the old city gate into to the middle of the old town. The location is perfect to avoid paying premium prices right in the middle of town. It is also close enough to that you won’t get too chilly walking back to the hotel at the end of the night.

The rooms are super comfortable and cozy, even though they have high ceilings and large windows. Guests can enjoy a buffet breakfast in the stone restaurant.

What to wear in Tallinn in winter

Layers for a Tallinn winter are your best friend. Inside the museums, cafes, hotels etc. is very warm but the minute you step outside it is very very cold. Make sure you pack some of these items:

Warm Socks  – keep your feet warm and comfortable with proper socks. Merino wool is amazing, it comes from the merino sheep in New Zealand. They will keep your feet warm but are also breathable. Sometimes, we wear two pair of socks at time. I recommend packing a few pair of socks but remember you can wash as you go.

Merino Wool Thermals  –Thermals are not something you will necessarily wear every day but if its really cold, you will be really glad to have that extra layer.

Warm Boots  – do not skimp on you boots. It gets super super cold in Tallinn in winter well really, all of Europe! Not only is the air cold but the ground also gets very cold. There is nothing worse than walking around with super cold feet. Make sure your boots are at least semi water proof to protect your feet from the rain and snow. We love Timberland boots because they’re sturdy and waterproof but also super cute! Which is a win win!

Warm Jacket  – I was worried about spending so much money on a jacket but I am so glad that we did. We wore them nearly every day and were super warm. Down jackets are perfect because they are easy to “stuff” into a bag but the feathers inside the jacket make them extremely warm.

Scarf   –Like most other items I have mentioned, you will want to pack a scarf. Scarves are fantastic because they have a few uses. They obviously keep your neck warm, but you can use it to cover your face and also if you get a big scarf you can use it as a blanket or a shawl.

Beanie   – for cold weather, I prefer to wear beanie over a hat. Beanies will stay on even if the wind picks up and they also keep your ears warm. You want to get a double layered beanie as this well keep the wind out and keep your head warmer for longer.

Gloves  – you will want to make sure you have gloves when you’re in Tallinn in winter. I recommend buying some gloves before you go but if you don’t have any gloves you pick up some cute gloves at the Christmas markets .

Don’t forget your travel insurance

We ALWAYS recommend travel insurance, especially when you are travelling in winter, the cobble stones get very slippery!

The amount of snow around and the winter activities that you can participate in are likely to increase your chances of having an accident or needing your travel insurance.

World Nomads travel insurance policies offer coverage for more than 150 activities. Get a quote, make a claim, or buy or extend your policy while on the road.

Wrap Up: Visiting Tallinn in Winter

Europe is filled with beautiful winter city breaks and Tallinn is perhaps the most beautiful of them all.

With the stunning Christmas markets, the medieval town center and walls, the cosy cafes and beautiful doors, it is such a surprise that many travellers over look the Baltic cities, Tallinn in particular.

Whether you have 24 hours or a week, Tallinn needs to be on your European bucket list. No matter the season Tallinn is gorgeous but the snow, early nights and the cosy atmosphere really make it something special.

Would you visit Tallinn in winter? I would love to hear your thoughts in the comments below

I'm Fiona, the Australian blogger behind Travelling Thirties. Travel has always been my passion since 2007. I created this site to help inspire you to travel the world. In 2010 I moved from Australia to Scotland with $500 and a one way ticket, no one thought I'd last 5 minutes but I lasted 5 years. I share everything from one day itineraries to travel tips and tricks from Australia to Europe that will inspire you to get out and travel. Some of my favourite countries I have been to are France, Finland, Denmark, and England.

Travel Expertise: Europe Travel, France Travel, Christmas Markets, travel planning, itineraries and travel tips

Visiting Tallinn in winter: The magic of Tallinn in the snow

Posted on Last updated: October 20, 2023

Discover the best things to do in Tallinn in winter, when this Estonian city’s Old Town is given an extra touch of snowy magic, with Christmas markets, ornate churches, medieval banquets and museums.

* This site contains affiliate links , where I get a small commission from purchases at no extra cost to you.

A thick layer of snow crunches underfoot and tiny snowflakes swirl around a skyline filled with Gothic church towers and castle turrets. Arriving in Tallinn is like walking into a wintry fairytale. Europe’s best preserved medieval city is a beauty at any time of year, but in the short, cold days of winter, the snow adds an extra touch of magic.

In summer Tallinn is a favourite for stag parties, drawn in by cheap beer and budget flights. But in winter, Tallinn’s cobbled streets, merchants’ houses, medieval city walls, hidden courtyards and cosy cafés are peacefully atmospheric. So if you’re looking for a great pre- or post-Christmas break, here’s our guide to visiting Tallinn in winter.

An introduction to Tallinn

Estonia leads the way in Europe when it comes to high-tech industries – it was the first country to allow voting online and has the most start-up companies per person anywhere in the world, including famous names like Skype. And its capital Tallinn is a modern coastal city, with trendy neighbourhoods, street art, shopping malls and office blocks.

But once you enter the walls of Tallinn’s Old Town, you’re transported back in time to the 13th century. Back then this medieval city was a Hanseatic trading post known as Reval, run by a league of German merchants. Its strategic position as the most northerly member of the league made it an important trading hub, for a while at least.

Since then Tallinn has been through a turbulent history. It’s been invaded by the Danes, the Swedes, the Teutonic Knights and the Russians, fought the Great Northern War and been bombed in WWII, as well as battling the Nazis, Soviets, a Great Fire and outbreaks of cholera and plague. But the Old Town is still standing despite everything.

Its historic buildings are so well preserved that the Old Town has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. And its pedestrianised centre makes it easy to explore on foot – even in winter when you’re dodging drifts of snow and dangling icicles.

What’s the Tallinn winter weather like?

Tallinn in winter is cold and snowy, with only six hours of daylight in December. Average temperatures stay below freezing from December until March, and January and February are the coldest months with average highs of -2°C (28°F) and lows of -7°C (19°F). It can get much colder though, getting down to -18°C (0°F) at night when I was there.

Snow is most common in December and January – though there’s only a 50/50 chance of a white Christmas in Tallinn. But when it does snow there can be a lot of it. So pack thermal base layers, hand warmers, waterproof boots, a warm coat, hat and gloves.

Things to do in Tallinn in winter

Visit the Old Town Square Christmas market

The Old Town Square was the heart of medieval Tallinn and started life as a market for the city’s Hanseatic merchants. They built their houses and warehouses around it, which are still standing and painted in pretty pastel shades of pink, blue and yellow.

Look out for the 13th-century Gothic Town Hall with its 64-metre-tall tower. Or a bit less easy to spot is a stone with a compass rose carved on it which is right in the middle of the square (if it’s not covered in snow). It marks the centre of Tallinn, and if you stand on the spot you can apparently see the tops of Tallinn’s five most famous church spires.

In December, the Old Town Square is filled with the stalls of the city’s Christmas market – voted the best in Europe. There’s a giant Christmas tree, as there has been since 1441, decorated with twinkling lights. Stalls sell traditional Estonian Christmas classics like sausages and sauerkraut or gingerbread, as well as gifts and decorations.

Drink a glögi

One of the best ways to warm up in Tallinn in winter is with a glögi or hõõgwein , Estonian-style mulled wine. It uses different spices to your traditional German glühwein – and has a more alcoholic kick. Glögi is made using red wine and a spirit like brandy, rum or vodka, which is spiced with cloves, cinnamon, ginger, cardamon and nutmeg.

You pour it over almonds and raisins and then use a spoon to scoop them out at the end. You can pick up a steaming cup from Tallinn Christmas markets. Or many of the cellars of the Old Town merchants’ houses have been turned into cafés and restaurants, with the domed ceilings and candlelight making them a cosy escape from Tallinn’s winter chill.

Take a spin on the Uisuplats Ice Rink

Each winter there’s a temporary open-air ice rink right in the Old Town, from December until the end of March. You’ll find the Uisuplats Ice Rink on Harju Street, next to St Nicholas Church. You can hire skates and give it a go yourself, with a backdrop of beautiful medieval buildings, or watch the local pros in action from the warmth of the café.

Walk the Old Town walls

One of the reasons that Tallinn’s Old Town has survived so well is the ring of walls and guard towers that stretch around it, which have protected it from more invasion. Tallinn has some of the best preserved medieval fortifications in Europe, with 1.9km out of the original 2.4km of walls and 20 of what was once 46 defensive towers still standing.

The towers were where the city guards would wait, looking out for any sign of invaders. But today you get a beautiful view of the city if you take the spiral staircase up to the wooden walkway which runs between the Nunne, Sauna and Kuldjala towers.

One of the biggest towers is the wonderfully named Kiek in de Kök. It’s a six-storey cannon tower-turned-museum that protected Tallinn during the Livonian War. It did its job well as there are nine cannonballs still embedded in the walls. The name means ‘Peep into the Kitchen’ because soldiers said they could see into the kitchens of the houses below.

Climb up Toompea Hill

Medieval Tallinn was split into two politically separate sections – the lower part of the Old Town was a bustling merchant town and Toompea Hill above it was home to the gentry and political elite, and was heavily fortified to keep the commoners out. But today anyone is welcome to visit the area and explore its cobbled streets and historic buildings.

Toompea was the birthplace of Tallinn, where the Knights of the Sword built a fortress in 1229. Now it’s dominated by its castle, which has been home to Estonia’s various rulers since 1229. It’s the site of the Estonian Parliament now and has an ornate Baroque building at the front with remains of the earlier castle tucked away behind.

Be dazzled by Alexander Nevsky Cathedral

Toompea Hill is also home to one of Tallinn’s most distinctive buildings, Alexander Nevsky Cathedral. With its onion-domed roof it could be straight out of St Petersburg. It was built at the end of the 19th century when Estonia was part of the Russian Empire. And despite being scheduled for demolition once Estonia became independent after WWI, it survived.

Head inside where the interiors are incredibly lavish, decorated with mosaics, frescoes, carvings and sparkling with gilt, and there are three altars busy with Orthodox worshippers. And listen out for the tolling of Tallinn’s largest church bell, weighing 15 tons.

Admire the views from the Kohtuotsa and Patkuli viewing platforms

One of Toompea Hill’s biggest attractions isn’t its buildings but the spaces in between them. Tucked down narrow sidestreets are the Kohtuotsa and Patkuli viewing platforms, where the classic postcard-style panoramic view of the Old Town opens out below you.

Looking out onto Tallinn’s snow-covered roofs, red-tiled turrets and pointy-spired churches is just magical. It’s also a good spot to watch the sunrise – as the sun doesn’t come up until 9am in Tallinn in winter you don’t need to get out of bed too early to see it either.

Warm up in a museum

If the chill gets to you, head inside to one of Tallinn’s museums to warm up while you learn about the city. You can find out about Tallinn’s five decades of occupation at the Vabamu Museum of Occupations and Freedom, which has artefacts and personal stories from people who lived through life under Soviet control, which only ended in 1991.

There’s also the Former KGB Headquarters and the KGB Museum on the 23rd floor of the Hotel Viru for more on the Russian occupation. The Estonian History Museum for the city’s longer history and the nautical-themed Estonian Maritime Museum and Seaplane Museum. Or the Estonian Art Museum in the ornate surroundings of the Kadriorg Palace.

Have a medieval-style meal

One of the most popular touristy things to do in Tallinn is eat in a medieval-themed Old Town restaurant like Olde Hansa or III Draakon. You’ll find waiting staff in period dress, medieval music, mugs of mead and authentic dishes like elk and bear on the menu. They’re a fun experience, and extra cosy in winter with candlelight and log fires.

Or if you prefer your dining to be a bit more contemporary, we loved Rataskaevu 16 with its modern take on traditional Estonian ingredients. And fans of 1980s music won’t want to miss the quirky DM Baar , dedicated to British band Depeche Mode.

The details

How to get to tallinn.

Tallinn’s Lennart Meri international airport is 2.5 miles/4km outside the city centre. You can travel between the two using the no 4 tram or the no 2 bus, both of which take around 20–25 minutes. Or you can pre-book a transfer with Welcome Pickups *, whose English-speaking drivers will meet your flight and take you directly to your hotel.

You can also reach Tallinn from other cities in the region by train or ferry. Frequent ferries connect Tallinn to Helsinki (2 hours) and there are overnight ferries to Stockholm (16 hours). You can also take a direct train from Riga to Tallinn (10 hours).

Where to stay in Tallinn

The Merchants House Hotel * is set on a cobbled street right on the edge of the Old Town Square. As you’d guess from the name, it was originally two merchants’ houses and has been converted into a hotel, keeping some of the original 14th-century features. There’s a mix of rooms and suites plus a sauna and a lounge with open fire to cosy up in.

The Hotel Telegraaf * is a luxurious option, with 84 rooms split between an 18th-century former bank building and a more modern annex, with Scandi-style décor and views over the Old Town rooftops. It’s one of the only hotels in the area with a spa, which includes a swimming pool, jacuzzi, sauna and steam room, and also has a smart restaurant.

Or the Citybox Tallinn City Center * is a good-value hotel just outside the Old Town, close to the harbour. The 272 rooms are bright and modern, with a mix of single, double, twin and family rooms. It’s minimalist and well designed, without any unnecessary extras, but there is a basic kitchen and laundry for guests, as well as a café next door.

Looking for somewhere to stay in Tallinn in winter?*

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Ansiya shafin

Wednesday 5th of July 2023

If we travel to Tallin by jan will there be snow

Lucy Dodsworth

Hi, we visited in January and as you can see there was plenty of snow! There's no guarantee of course but on average there are 14 days of snow in January.

Wednesday 17th of November 2021

If you're going to go to Talinn, is there another place outside of it that you is worth visiting as well? We're thinking of coming for about 3/4 days so would like see two places if we can!

Hi, Helsinki in Finland would be a good option from Tallinn, it's only a couple of hours by ferry between them so you could easily combine them in one trip.

Tuesday 19th of October 2021

Ahh this sounds amazing. We were thinking about going late December this year, and this blog has made my mind up! Pictures look lovely - exciting!

Tuesday 26th of October 2021

Hope you have a fantastic time, it's so lovely at Christmas!

• Get Paid To Travel

The Ultimate Guide to visiting Tallinn in Winter

Tallinn Winter: The Ultimate Guide to enjoying Tallinn in Winter

There is no better place to enjoy winter in Europe than in the fairytale city of Tallinn. Tallinn in winter means twinkling lights, fresh crisp air filled with snowflakes, early sunsets and silhouettes of stunning Gothic architecture. You would be forgiven for thinking that you have just stepped into a fairytale. In fact, it is one of our favourite fairytale cities in Europe and Tallinn in winter needs to be on everyone’s travel bucket list.

Should I visit Tallinn in winter?

The answer is a resounding yes! Tallinn may be unbelievably picturesque all year round but it becomes even more magical with a light dusting of winter snow. Tallinn in winter feels mystical as winter mist often surrounds the medieval gothic buildings in the Old Town making everything look etheral. Estonians know a thing or two about cosiness. From mood lighting to hearty comfort food, the ambiance during winter in Tallinn is warm and inviting.

Another reason why visiting Tallinn in winter is a good idea is that you will have the streets to yourself and you won’t have to fight off the throngs of tourists that come to visit from the cruise ships during Summer. Tallinn, Estonia has become an increasingly popular tourist destination due to the incredibly well preserved medieval Old Town, a vibrant hipster scene, modern Tallinn (that is often overshadowed by the beloved Old Town) and remnants of its Soviet history. So take advantage of a winter visit to escape the crowds. You will be free to fully explore this magical city without having to navigate narrow streets crowded with tourists.

Where is Tallinn?

Tallinn, the capital city of Estonia , is located on the northern coast of Estonia on the Gulf of Finland the easternmost arm of the Baltic Sea. Tallinn’s luring coastline dotted with promenades and sandy beaches is especially rewarding during the summer but offers scenic views of the iconic cityscape in winter too.

Tallinn is a relatively small city with less than half a million residents. While we may be used to capital cities being larger than this we love that Tallinn is easy to get around by tram or by foot. Despite its size there is lots to do in this UNESCO World Heritage Site to keep you busy during your winter city break.

In medieval times Tallinn was an important port of trade between Scandinavia and what is known as Russia today. Modern Tallinn is an exciting mix of old and new. The Old Town, known as Vanalinn, is one of the best preserved Hanseatic town centres in the world yet just a stone’s throw away you will find the city’s buisness centre with modern buildings and luxury hotels.

How to get to Tallinn

For those who want to visit Estonia , Tallinn is often the first point of entry. Tallinn city centre is very easy to reach and is only 15 minutes from the city’s airport. You can also reach Tallinn by ferry from Helsinki . In fact, we highly recommend taking a day trip to Tallinn from Helsinki if you are visiting the Finnish capital.

Are you ready for your winter break in Tallinn?

• Book your flight here at  Skyscanner.com
• Book your Tallinn accommodation at  Booking.com
• Book your tours at  GetYourGuide.com
• Book  travel insurance
• Hire a car in Tallinn

Save money on your Tallinn winter break with a Tallinn City Card

If you are anything like us you will want to see everything that Tallinn has to offer from museums, sightseeing tours, activities, shops, restaurants and you will want to easily move around the city on public transport. All of these things can quickly add up and we highly recommend getting yourself a Tallinn City Card to save you money during your Tallinn winter break.

Make the most of this all-inclusive sightseeing pass, offering you the most convenient way to get acquainted with the entire city. It entitles you to free admission to over 50 museums and sights, free public transportation, and various other great offers and discounts. Depending on your Tallinn itinerary you can choose between a pass that is valid for 24, 48 or 72 hours to get the most out of your trip to Tallinn.

Is it cold in Tallinn during winter?

The short answer is yes but once you wear appropriate winter clothing the weather should not deter you from a winter break in Tallinn (sign up below to get our Europe winter packing list ). In fact, we think the weather really adds to the magic of the whole experience. The coldest months in Tallinn are from December until March. The average temperature in winter is -5°C but it can get as low as -18°C especially at night so be sure to wrap up warm.

Snowfall is common  between November and March , but October and April may also have some snowy days. It is best to pack layers and appropriate winter footwear, as well as an additional pair, to ensure that you are prepared for the weather conditions that you will find during your stay. Snow makes this fairytale city even more magical, if that is even possible, so hopefully you will be lucky enough to see snow during your trip. There is nothing more pretty than seeing gothic spires and red rooftops peeping out from under a blanket of snow.

While milder than other cities on the same latitude, it does still get very cold, especially if you are used to warmer weather, so hats, gloves, warm winter coats and scarves are encouraged especially when  taking a walking tour  of the winding streets and historical sites located within the  medieval Old Town . We recommend mixing up activities between indoor and outdoor so that you can warm up between sightseeing.

One thing to bear in mind about winter in Tallinn is that daylight hours will be much less, about 6 hours in December. However it is common to see doorways to restaurants and bars being lit up by candlelight, especially around the medieval Old Town which just adds to the magic of the city. These short days can affect travel plans as well as the hours of operation for many tours and businesses so be sure to check opening hours before your trip.

Winter packing tip: It rains year round in Tallinn, so while it might not rain during your stay, it is best to be prepared and plan for rain.

Get our Europe Winter Packing List

Best things to do in tallinn in winter.

From visiting Tallinn’s enchanting Christmas Markets to ice-skating and warming up in a traditional sauna, there are lots of things to do in Tallinn during winter. Go from spending an evening exploring handmade goods at the traditional Christmas market to warming your fingers around a mug of warm mead at a medieval restaurant. Tallinn has a whole range of activities to keep you entertained and indeed warm you up during the winter months.

Kadriorg Art Museum and Baroque Palace

Kadriorg Art Museum is the only museum in Estonia dedicated to early European and Russian art. In a Baroque palace built by Russian Tsar Peter I in 1718 as a summer residence, the museum houses and displays paintings, prints, and sculptures from Western Europe and Russia. The imperial summer residence was visited by most of the Russian rulers. The interior of the palace is stunning and the museum is surrounded by a lovely park. Concerts are also held in the main hall of the palace as the acoustics and opulent interiors are just perfect here.

Entry Fee: €9 Adults, €18 Family ticket

Or you can enjoy a private tour of Tallinn’s Old Town and Kadriorg Palace led by an expert local guide. Visit lesser-known treasures that other travellers often miss on bigger group tours.

Kiek in de Kök

The Kiek in de Kök Fortifications Museum consists of four medieval defence towers and underground passages to explore. The musuem has three sections that can either be explored individually or in combination depending on the ticket that you purchase.

Kiek in de Kök, meaning “peek into the kitchen” in low German, is an artillery tower in Tallinn built in the 15th century. From the top of the tower one could look into the kitchens of the homes around it, hence the name. The museum there exhibits the history of the city’s fortifications and the history of crime and punishment in medieval Tallinn. You can also visit the Bastion Passages, a series of underground tunnels from the 17th & 18th century that run underneath the bastions of Toompea Hill. Guided tours of the tunnels can be booked in advance.

Entry Fee: Whole Museum €12 Adult, €24 Family ticket

Towers ticket €8 Adult, €18 Family ticket

Bastion Passages ticket €8 Adult, €16 Family ticket

Free entry with the Tallinn City Card

Top Tip: Museum Sundays – on the first Sunday of every month there is free entry to the Tallinn owned city museums to improve accessibility to both locals and visitors.

Lennusadam Seaplane Harbour

Lennusadam Seaplane Harbour has one of the most magnificent maritime museums in Northern Europe. There is so much to see there from a genuine Lembit submarine from the 1930’s, a century old steam icebreaker Suur Tõll, a copy of the Short 184 seaplane, mines, cannons and many other life-size exhibits.

The airport was built with a seaplane hangar a hundred years ago by Russian Tsar Nicholas II, as part of the sea fortress of Peter the Great. The hangar is a remarkable building in its architecture: they were the first reinforced concrete domes of this size in the world without a single internal support. Seaplanes stood here until the Second World War! 

Entry Fee: €15 Adult, €30 Family ticket

Learn the maritime history and culture of Estonia and see historic ships on a guided tour of the Estonian Maritime Museum at Seaplane Harbour in Tallinn.

Viru Hotel & KGB Museum

A more sombre activity for a winter’s afternoon in Tallinn is a visit to the KGB musuem. It is a small museum with displays of dungeon-like cells where KGB conducted interrogations during the Soviet Regime. The artefacts are original and it is both fascinating and heartbreaking to learn the history of this time.

The museum is located in the Viru hotel which was used by the KGB to operate its surveillance technology to listen to guest’s conversations. It wasn’t until 1994 that the KGB’s spying technology control room was discovered on the 23rd floor. Officially the hotel only had 22 floors. A sign by the staircase leading to the 23rd floor states “there’s nothing here”. We don’t know about you but that sign would immediately have us climbing the stairs to see what we could find!

It is on this 23rd floor that the guided tour takes place with information on the role of the hotel during this Soviet era. The tour guide trys to keep the dark legacy of this place funny and light by cracking jokes which is hard to do with a subject that is so glum.

Entry Fee: €13 Adults, discount for hotel guests

If you want to learn more you can also visit the KGB Prison cells in Tallinn. These days Pagari 1 is an apartment building. But not so long ago, it was synonymous throughout Estonia with torture. This was the former KGB Headquarters in Tallinn, and where the KGB sent anyone they felt was threatening Soviet ideals. Today you can visit and see the old prison cells, learn the history of the building and even more about the KGB.

• Hellemann Tower

Incredibly, parts of Tallinn city walls have stood since the 13th century. It was one of the strongest defense systems in Northern Europe with over 45 towers. Today 26 of those towers remain. The Hellemann tower, located at the end of Müürivahe street, was built in the 15th century. The first floor was used as an ammunition room and the tower was even a prison at one point. Today it houses an art gallery and offers incredible views of the Town Hall and city of Tallinn.

The almost 200-meter-long defense passage connecting the Hellemann tower with the Munkadetagus tower is also open to visitors. Climbing up the steep stairs, you get to the top floor, which opens as a viewing platform for the whole city. There are two defence floors to explore, along with a section of the terrace walk where soldiers would have patrolled to defend Tallinn from attacks. Along the terrace walk there are information boards explaining some of the buildings you can see along the skyline, such as the town hall, which dates from 1404.  

Entry Fee: €4 Adults, €2 Children

Day trip to Helsinki

For a unique day trip why not go explore a completely new city in a different country by taking a ferry to Helsinki , the capital of Finland. It takes only 2 hours to get there by ferry and you will have up to 10 hours to explore the modern Scandinavian capital. Helsinki lies across the Gulf of Finland from Tallinn. Take the time to stroll around Helsinki’s historical city center and to try local food in cosy cafes and restaurants.

Return ferry tickets from Tallinn to Helsinki cost from €27

Kalma Saun Sauna

Kalma Saun dates back to 1928 and is one of Tallinn’s oldest saunas still in use today. You can book a private sauna room or enjoy the public ones which are divided into male and female rooms. This is an authentic local experience so bear in mind that it is mostly locals (Russian nationality mostly) that come to meet friends here so don’t expect them to want to socialize with tourists. Don’t be surprised to see people swatting themselves with birch branches ( viht ) to stimulate circulation (you can bring your own from the local market, eucalyptus and oak are recommended or buy the birch there at the front desk. Make sure to soak it in hot water for 10 minutes before using it). If you feel uncomfortable it might be better to book a private sauna.

People seem to spend hours here between the dry sauna and its icy pool, shower room, lounge space (yes) and steam bath. It is a weekly ritual for them and an incredible local experience for visitors to Tallinn. It is not a luxurious sauna, but it is clean and well kept and provides a cool retro experience. Kind of like stepping into a time warp. It is worth mentioning that snacks and drinks can be purchased at reception (purchase beforehand as there is no coming back naked) and consumed in the locker rooms. Towels can also be rented there.

The neighborhood Kalma is beautiful to stroll around with its 1920 wooden houses. You can even walk down to the sea from the sauna along beautiful quiet streets. It is a nice way to spend a cold winter’s day in Tallinn.

Best Free Things to do in Tallinn in Winter

The entrance into Old Town Tallinn is marked by these beautiful twin gate towers known as Viru Gate. They date back to the 14th century and frame the entrance to Viru street, the main thoroughfare in Tallinn.

Just outside the gates is a lovely flower market to stroll around. The towers used to be the foregates to the city, and a larger set was built a little further in, which were held up by a set of square towers. Most of the gate was unfortunately pulled down in 1880, in order to make room for more street traffic. Since that time, though, the two towers have become a symbol for the Old Town and are an iconic symbol of Tallinn, which used to be the most fortified city in all of Europe back in the day.

Alexander Nevsky Cathedral

According to folklore, the Estonian folk hero Kalevipoeg is believed to have been buried on the top of the hill of Toompea, where the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral now stands (there are many such legendary burial places of him in Estonia). The cathedral was constructed during the period of late 19th-century Russification and was so despised as a symbol of oppression by many Estonians that the Estonian government scheduled its destruction in 1924. However, the decision was never carried out because of a lack of funding and the sheer size of this magnificent cathedral. Several churches, including this cathedral, were left to deteriorate because the USSR was officially a non-religious country. Since Estonia achieved its freedom from the Soviet Union in 1991, the cathedral has undergone an impressive restoration.

Today the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral is the biggest orthodox church in Tallinn. It is once again an active place of worship for the Russian community in the city.

Entry into the cathedral is free but you can also take a guided tour of Alexander Nevsky Cathedral guided by the Cathedral Deacon to fully acquaint you with the history of this majestic church.

Telliskivi Creative City

South of Kalamaja is Telliskivi Creative City. A former industrial area that has become the place to be for young and creative people in the city. There are art galleries, tech startups, restaurants, cafes, boutiques and unique shops. The creativity is present everywhere and it is one of the best places in Tallinn to see street art. Telliskivi Creative City hosts more than 800 different cultural events every year. Be sure to check out our bar and restuarant tips for this area below.

Balti Jaama Turg

Balti Jaama Turg, or Balti Station Market, is a wonderful indoor market that you have to visit during your winter break in Tallinn. Street food industry leaders proudly display their goods next to each other. They will warmly welcome you inside where they sell fresh and local produce throughout the year. You just have to sample the food there!

Also, you may find antiques, Estonian design and crafts, vintage clothing, and much more on the second floor. The building also houses the Selver and MyFitness sports clubs if you are feeling energetic. You can find recipes on the website that their housekeepers have created that demonstrate how to make local dishes from the market goods that you have purchased, which be particularly beneficial if you plan on booking self catering accommodation and cooking for yourself .

Explore Noblessner & Kalamaja

Noblessner is a neighbourhood located on the waterfront of Tallinn, close to the Seaplane Harbour nautical museum and the Kalamaja neighborhood. It was once a significant submarine shipyard for Imperial Russia but has now changed into a public seaside area. Here you will find developments of houses and commercial spaces, a promenade, a marina, and antique industrial buildings with magnificent architecture. You will also find some of Tallinn’s best restaurants and cafes in this neighbourhood so be sure to check it out!

Kalamaja is a subdistrict of the area of Põhja-Tallinn in Tallinn. It is best known for its beautiful wooden houses and Scandinavian vibes. It is a gorgeous area to take a day-time stroll just to admire the wonderful wooden architecture.

Visit one of the Oldest Pharmacies in Europe

The oldest continuously running pharmacy in the same premises in Europe is Tallinna Raeapteek . Although the exact date the pharmacy was founded is unknown, it appears from the Tallinn City Hall journal that the pharmacy already had a third owner by 1422, making it over 600 years old!

On the list of items sold by the pharmacy you will find strange remedies such as burnt bees, stallion hooves, scalded hedgehogs, earthworm oil, bleached dog faeces and more. Also on the list was marzipan used to ease heartbreak and restore memory. In the Middle Ages, the pharmacy sold, among other things, paper, ink, tobacco, pipes, playing cards, torches, fabrics, gunpowder, salt and spices.

Currently, the pharmacy and the museum, whose operations are financed by the city of Tallinn, work side by side. The museum organizes tours and workshops for both children and adults.  Raeapteek also takes part in Medieval Days and organizes events as part of Old Town Days and stays open on Museum Night and Culture Night.

St. Catherine’s Passage

St. Catherine’s Passage is without doubt one of the most scenic and medieval looking streets of Tallinn’s Old Town. It is, in fact, one of the oldest medieval passageways in the city. Formerly known as Monk’s Alley, the passage winds its way from Vene Street past the southern end of the Dominican monastery to Müürivahe Street.

Here you can see remnants of the ancient Saint Catherine’s Church which operated as the church for the Dominican monastery there for over 300 years. The church is one of the oldest buildings in Tallinn.

St Catherine’s passage is also home to the Guild which are craft workshops selling an array of things from clothes and jewellery to ceramics and glassware. It the perfect place to buy some Estonian souvenirs.

Take a stroll down Long Boot (Pikk Jalg), a narrow cobblestone lane that is the city’s oldest street. You will find little cafes, gift shops, and artisans selling their goods along the castle walls of this hilly street. This charming street is surrounded by lofty ramparts of old forts, medieval warehouses, and churches.

Eventually, the street takes you to a gate from the 14th century that was previously the entrance to the lower town. Have coffee while browsing the artwork of some of the local artisans, or explore the historic fortifications and take pictures of its massive iron gates and spired rooftops. Wearing comfortable shoes is advised while walking on this uneven cobbled road.

Take a Free walking tour

A great way of getting your bearings when you first arrive in Tallinn is to avail of one of the free walking tours of the city . While technically the tour is free it is customary to leave the guide a tip but this is at your own discretion.

The free tour takes you through the fascinating history of Estonia from medieval times through the Soviet era and up to the present day, covering all the major sights in Tallinn’s Old Town. You will journey through time and space and hear stories that will make the city come to life. You will surprised by amazing tales and legends in addition to history to get a better understanding of how locals live and enjoy their city.

The walking tour is a 2-hour English-speaking guided tour of the magnificent Old Town of Tallinn and even though it is free you will still need to book your ticket online . In winter, December-February, 10 people minimum will be needed for each tour to go ahead.

Go see the House of the Brotherhood of Blackheads

One of the oldest and most well-known buildings in Tallinn’s Old Town is the House of the Blackheads. It is easily recognisable by its beautiful and ornate red, green and gold doorway. It is the former meeting location of Tallinn’s merchant and craftsmen’s associations, known as the Brotherhood of Blackheads.

There are some beautiful rooms inside such as St. Olaf’s Guild Hall, built in gothic style and the White Hall, which was the first venue decorated in the Renaissance style in Tallinn.

Walk Saiakang Street and see the little red house Oma Asi

Oma Asi is a gorgeous design store in Tallinn. The products they sell are extremely unique but can be slightly pricey. The shop is hidden away in a gorgeous courtyard on Saiakang Street, the shortest street in Tallinn. Even if you are not shopping during your trip it is a beautiful courtyard to check out.

• Danish King’s Garden

Close to Toompea, on the slope that faces St. Nicholas Church, you will find the Danish King’s Garden. But why Danish? Aren’t we in Estonia? Legend claims that a flag is said to have fallen from the sky here during the Danish invasion. According to this legend it was this flag that changed the outcome of the battle in King Valdemar II’s favour. Subsequently, the flag was adopted as the national flag of Denmark.

It was the Danish reign that lasted for over a century in Tallinn and Northern Estonia that gave the garden its name. Three faceless bronze monks hauntingly stand guard in the gardens and reference the stories and legends of this historically important courtyard. They are Ambrosius the “Waiting Monk”, Bartholomeus the “Praying Monk” and Claudius, the “Observing Monk”. This area is also known to be the most haunted area of Tallinn but we think that it is because the presence of the statues give the gardens a different atmosphere at night.

Visit the Church of the Holy Spirit

One of Tallinn’s oldest and most beautiful buildings is the bright white Church of the Holy Spirit, which was built in the 14th century and features a hexagonal tower and a timber interior. Take a look at the façade with a clock that has been keeping time since the 17th century before going into the church.

The pulpit was constructed in 1597, and among the treasures inside are a special altar made by Berndt Notke in the fifteenth century. In medieval times, it was the main sanctuary for commoners. The first Estonian sermons were delivered here following the Reformation in place of German ones, and John Koell’s Catechism, authored by the church’s pastor and published in 1535, is regarded as the first book in Estonian.

Tallinn Christmas Market

Perhaps the most magical time to visit Tallinn is during the Tallinn Christmas Markets. At the end of every November the Town Hall Square is transformed into a fairytale in a tradition that goes back over 580 years. The most beautiful Christmas tree acts like a glowing beacon in the centre of the square calling locals and tourists to come and explore the magic of the Christmas markets.

The first Christmas tree in Europe is thought to have been installed in Tallinn in 1441 by the Brotherhood of the Blackheads , a medieval guild, and the tradition still stands strong today. Wooden stalls surround this beautiful Christmas Tree and offer various handmade goods and festive foods for you to enjoy. Be sure to try the local delicacies of black pudding, sour cabbage, gingerbread and mulled wine, which varies in strength from 0-21% alcohol! The cobblestone streets and the stunning architecture of the square add to this romantic and magical atmosphere. And the lights, they are just absolutely enchanting. Thousands of bulbs decorate the tree and surrounding stalls giving it a unimaginable holiday atmosphere.

In 2019, the markets were voted the best Christmas Markets in Europe , and it is easy to see why. In fact, they are one of the best things to do in Estonia in winter in our opinion.

Best Viewpoints in Tallinn

Tallinn has several vantage points. Looking out from one of the viewing platforms on a crisp winter day is the best way to get a  panoramic view of the city , where old and new mix in the horizon. Tallinn’s Old Town was partly built on top of a hill and in addition it was protected by the city walls and a number of round watchtowers.

Toompea hill is the highest point of the old town and offers several viewpoints where one can have a beautiful panorama over the city.

Our favourite viewpoints in Tallinn include:

• Kohtuotsa viewing platform
• Patkuli viewing platform
• Piiskopi viewing platform (Toom-Kooli 21)
• Top of St. Olaf Church (although this is closed in winter)

Wherever you chose you will be guaranteed panoramic views of the city. You may even meet Steven the Seagull who likes to hang out and be photographed at Kohtuotsa viewing platform. He is so popular he even has his own Instagram page !

Best Bars in Tallinn

• Depeche Mode Bar – Depeche Mode fans will be right at home here as the band’s back catalogue will be playing on repeat. It is a unique spot and even if you aren’t Depeche Mode’s biggest superfan it still makes for a fun night. DM Bar is centrally located in the Old Town.
• III Draakon – Fish for pickles (yes that’s right!) at this medieval tavern. Enjoy hearty elk broth, six kinds of filled pastries, grilled game sausages, and the cheapest wine and beer on the town hall square! Just don’t expect service with a smile as the tavern keeper will ensure that you get the full medieval experience. Toilets are not for the faint-hearted!
• Manna La Roosa – Probably our favourite spot in Tallinn for a drink. Manna La Roosa is a wooden French-style villa which carries the name of an eccentric lady who lived life to the fullest. It combines colonial style with rosewood columns brought from India, trendy boho style, gypsy chic, a sense of Tivoli, pyschedelia, graffiti, carefully restored wallpaper from the 1900’s, total eclecticism and decorative items without any clear purpose that seem to have ended up there by complete accident. Most importantly, the food and cocktails are amazing so be sure to add a drink here to your Tallinn itinerary.
• Sessel Speakeasy – located on the second floor of a shop overlooking the main pedestrian street in Tallinn, Sessel Speakeasy offers wonderful cocktails in a quirky boho setting. Grab a window seat and just people watch.
• Pudel Baar – Pudel is a popular craft beer bar in Tallinn, Estonia. There are over 14 exclusive beers on tap so if you are a lover of craft beer then, this is your place. If you would prefer a guided tour to sample some Estonian craft beer try this unique pub crawl in Tallinn .
• Beer House – Beer house is a restaurant/brewery in the heart of Old Town Tallinn that will give you real Oktoberfest vibes. They produce 7 types of natural, live beer there and the decor makes you feel like you have just stepped into a Bavarian Pub. Food isn’t amazing. It is more like pub grub which is fine if having a few drinks is the priority. Menu items include chicken wings and sausages and other food items related to beer drinking.
• Põhjala Tap Room – Põhjala Tap Room is located in the very trendy Noblessner District of Tallinn. They serve 24 Põhjala brewed beers and international craft beers on tap paired with delicious Texan BBQ food. They also have a beer and merch shop, brewery tours and a private sauna available to rent so that you get the full experience.
• Labor – If you are looking for a more upbeat and fun night out try Labor. The walls are covered with cool neon murals and the shots come in test tubes. Don’t expect great service but if you are looking for a fun spot with an interesting concept and want to dance the night away in the small nightclub downstairs then, this is your place.
• Sigmund Freud Bar – Sigmund Freud Bar is a more classy place to enjoy a good cocktail. Freudian issues have long driven people to drink so why not name a bar after the man himself? Skillful bartenders will make you new and trendy cocktails and there are a whole range of classic cocktails to enjoy. In addition to the great drinks, we also really liked the sophisticated style of this bar.
• Whisper Sister – A very cool speakeasy bar with cocktails. In Prohibition-era United States, “whisper sisters” were brave outlaw women, who opened secret underground bars serving alcohol. The historic building at Pärnu mnt 12 has been home to a post office, a bank, a hairdresser’s salon and even a bowling alley. We walked past at least 6 times before realising there was a speakeasy inside (hint you have to call the telephone number on the door). It is one of our favourite cocktail bars in Tallinn and we love the clandestine feel here.
• Myshisha – if you want late night cocktails, to smoke shisha, loud music and nightclub vibes then you will love Myshisha. Non-nicotine shisha are also available.
• Satumma Karaoke Bar – Due to Tallinn’s proximity to the karaoke-loving nation of Finland, there are quite a few karaoke spots to be found here. Of course we had to road test them for you and you are guaranteed a fun night here. If you are looking for somewhere a little more stylish but still want to belt out those Adele tunes be sure to check out Voice Karaoke .

Best Places to Eat in Tallinn

• Must Puudel – A kitsch restaurant/cafe and bar in Old Tallinn. The menu includes burgers, pasta and falafels and good vegan options (even if there aren’t that many!). It is also a great spot for breakfast.
• Tai Boh – If you are enjoying drinks in Manna La Roosa (see above) then you are going to want to head upstairs after to Tai Boh, an exquistite Asian fusion restaurant with the craziest and most incredible decor. The restaurant is run by an authentic Thai chef and the food here will send your tastebuds into a frenzy!
• Olde Hansa – Step back in time at the medieval restaurant Olde Hansa located right in the main square of Old Tallinn. Famous throughout the world as the “most authentic medieval dining experience” it is a must do when in Tallinn. The medieval experience is created through a combination of dishes cooked according to 700 year old recipes. In the evening troubadours play the works of composers from the 15th century on the same instruments common in medieval times. Rooms are lit by only candlelit and you will be transported to the Hanseatic times. Dishes include elk meat, wild boar, game sausages, fresh grilled salmon, rose pudding, honey beer and homemades schnapps which will certainly warm you up during winter in Tallinn.
• Lore Bistroo – Lore Bistroo is located in the Noblessner district of Tallinn, right beside the historic shipyard, and we love everything about this place! From the cosy homely decor to the tempting and eclectic menu offering good quality comfort food with a twist. We particularly loved the sharing plates and its the perfect place to enjoy a good bottle of wine with great company in front of an open fire.
• Patarei Burger – Patarei Burger is a gourmet burger restaurant located in Noblessner Harbour. The main focus of the menu is burgers, and with good reason, but they also serve salads, seadfood and a variety of fries, snacks and desserts. The burgers are made in a Spanish coal oven which gives the meat a juicy taste. They also serve craft beer and cocktails.
• Restaurant Rataskaevu 16 – Soak up the cosy vibes in one of Tallinn’s most desired food spots, Restaurant Rataskaevu 16. Named after the address of the building, its delicious food and warm friendly atmosphere mean that it has become a firm favourite among locals and visitors to Tallinn alike. So much so that it is nearly always booked out, especially in Summer months, so booking in advance is recommended. During winter months you might be more lucky and we managed to get a reservation for an evening sitting by popping in earlier in the day to check for availability. You see, another reason to visit Tallinn in winter!
• F-Hoone – We can’t come to Tallinn without eating in F-Hoone in the hipster Telliskivi neighbourhood of Tallinn. Every time we come to Tallinn we find ourselves here. We just love the laid back vibe here and the food is delicious with incredible vegan options. Located in an old gentrified fabric building the vibe here is chilled and cosy. This family-friendly community meeting place at the  Telliskivi Creative City  attracts customers with its architectural grandeur, whimsical cuisine, and carefree and friendly atmosphere. Our favourite dishes include the sharing plates, spicy salmon and coconut soup.
• Peatus – Peatus is a funky and unique restaurant also in the Telliskivi neighbourhood. It is original in that it is located in two train carriages that used to run between Moscow and Tallinn. During the day they focus on food, burgers and fries being their menu of choice, but at night Peatus comes alive with live music and DJ’s. It really is the place to be.
• Depoo – While we feel Depoo is probably best experienced on a warm summer evening those of you brave enough to venture out in the cold of winter can enjoy incredible street food at the food trucks and food stalls at Depoo. It is a great food market with local vendors and a hip and artsy vibe. Food merchants have built their cafes in train wagons and old sea containers and there is a selection of food from authentic fish’n’chips to real spicy Vietnamese cuisine. There is something for everyone here and in the summer you can also expect live music.
• Anneli Viik Chocolate Cafe – Chocolate lovers among you will love this charming cafe. You can find Anneli Viik Chocolate Cafe at their address at Kopli 1 in the Telliskivi neighbourhood of Tallinn. Their entire collection of chocolate is handmade in-house and it is the perfect place to warm up with a tasty hot chocolate on a cold winter’s day in Tallinn.

Where to stay in Tallinn in Winter

Tallinn city apartments old town 3 bedroom.

During your winter break in Tallinn we highly recommend checking out this beautiful 3 bedroom Tallinn City Apartment that is centrally located right next to the Town Hall Square in Old Town Tallinn. The apartment consists of 3 bedrooms, a living room, a fully equipped kitchen with a fridge and a coffee machine, and 1 bathroom with a shower and toiletries. It is spacious and clean and we just loved its location.

Visiting Tallinn at any time of year is incredible and our list of things to do above can be applied during any season but we think Tallinn in winter is a truly unique travel experience.

If you are looking for more winter travel inspiration check out our guide on Lucerne in winter .

We are Nicola and Ronan Lavin experts in finding unique accommodation all over the world. Nominated as top 6 travel bloggers in Ireland we are dedicated to helping you find authentic and immersive travel experiences to help you plan your perfect vacation.

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If you liked this then you may also like:

The best tourist attractions in Vilnius

The Ultimate Warsaw Christmas Market Guide

The Best 2 day Prague itinerary

The Best 3 day Vienna itinerary

Best Things to do at Hamburg Christmas Markets

Until next time you crazy kids!

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Globetrotting adventurer and travel writer living life to the fullest following tragedy and loss.

Tallinn, estonia in the winter – an itinerary.

I have long dreamt of visiting the European city of Tallinn, and finally, the airline gods blessed me with a great sale on perfect dates to fly there and see it right before Christmas. Tallinn, Estonia in the winter for Christmas is even more magical than I had imagined. Here is the perfect itinerary for your winter in Tallinn, whether it’s for the Tallinn Christmas Market or later in the winter.

**This post contains affiliate links. I may make a small commission from these links at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Read my full disclosure HERE .

About Tallinn, Estonia

Tallinn is the capital and largest city of the Baltic country of Estonia. The city is located on the shore of the Gulf of Finland and Baltic Sea. Tallinn is only about 50 miles south of Helsinki, Finland and has a population around 450,000.

I won’t go into detail about the history, because it’s complicated and I’m not well versed enough to say much, aside from the generalization that Estonia has been occupied throughout much of its history. Most recently and notably by the Soviet Union, and before that, Russia, aside from two small stints of being occupied by Germany during World War 1 and 2. Estonia has had two major independences to celebrate. First in 1919 and second in 1991.

They speak Estonian, which is a Finnic language (related to Finnish), but not related to Russian or Latvian. A smaller portion of people speak regional languages like Voro and Seto. The most spoken minority language is Russian because it was the official language of the region during Soviet occupation from 1944-1990. We found English to be readily spoken and easily communicated with almost everyone, with a few exceptions.

I will mention something we noticed in the Baltics in general, and I only say this because I read a number of people comment on the same topic in numerous Google reviews. The Estonian service is not particularly the friendliest in the world. I’m not sure if it’s just how their culture is to be somewhat standoffish or introverted, but I’m only mentioning it because it seems many other tourists noticed it. If it had just been an occasional fluke, I wouldn’t have thought much of it, but it was almost universal in Tallinn and Riga, Latvia. It didn’t bother me, but it sometimes made you feel like you were intruding or bothering them by patronizing their establishment. When I occasionally got someone who smiled and was verging on bubbly, it was greatly noticed and appreciated!

Estonia is one of the least religious countries in the world. Only 14% of the population consider religion to be an important part of their daily life. Of the population who declares themselves a religion, Christian is most popular, and that is roughly equally split between Lutherans and Eastern Orthodox Christians, practiced mainly by the Russian minority.

Currency and Cost of Travel

Estonia adopted the euro in 2011. We found the cost of things to be on the middle to lower end of many countries in Europe. Hotels were quite affordable, food and drinks were reasonable, and public transportation felt lower than other places in Europe. However they have definitely experienced the pressure of inflation as of late, as much of the world has. To give you an idea of what you’ll spend, consider looking at Google maps at some of the restaurants you hope to visit, and look at their menu on their website or recent images. Here is an idea of what some items typically cost:

• Flat white/cappuccino – 3.5 Euros
• A small crepe at the Christmas Market – 4 Euros
• Main dish for dinner – 15-20 Euros
• Cocktail 8-12 Euros
• Bolt Ride for 10 minutes or so – 5-10 Euros

Credit cards are universally accepted, and Estonia is quite technologically advanced compared to many places in Europe. I got come cash out at an ATM at the start of our trip just for tipping, as credit cards don’t give the option to tip. I read the generally accepted tipping culture is around 10% if you felt the service was good.

Getting Around Tallinn

Tallinn is very walkable, especially the old town. Even at the longest part, the old town is only 1 km long. You can also safely and easy walk to neighborhoods like Kalamaja and Rotermann City. But if you do want to use public transport, it is free with your Tallinn Card or you can use the Bolt app. Bolt is preferred (and locally founded) in Estonia and I actually prefer and LOVE the app. Prices were very reasonable too.

Public transportation only exists outside of the old town and includes busses, trams, and trolleys. You can use this MAP to click on stations and get idirections on how to get somewhere.

How Long to Spend in Tallinn, Estonia in the Winter?

It’s entirely possible to walk around the old town and “get a feel” for Tallinn in one day. In fact, many people do this as a day trip from Helsinki, Finland via a roughly two hour long ferry ride.

However if you really want to explore Tallinn and get to know it, you should absolutely spend a minimum of two full days . I will dive into many of the best things to do in Tallinn, Estonia but you can pick and choose what appeals to you for your itinerary depending on how much time you have. We spent five days in Tallinn and it felt like plenty of time to see the top sites while also having ample time to try multiple restaurants and experience some of the city outside of the old town.

When to Visit Tallinn, Estonia

If you want to visit Tallinn, Estonia in the winter, you won’t be disappointed by the Christmas market festivities. Check the Christmas market webpage for specific dates. It typically runs from the first of December to around the 7th of January. Hotel prices will be a bit higher during this period.

Tallinn typically has mild temperatures in the summer, so of course that would be a lovely time of year to come. However the crowds will be more intense and prices higher. I think Tallinn would be lovely anytime of year, but the notoriety and magic of the Christmas market makes Tallinn, Estonia in the winter the best time of year to visit in my opinion.

Where to Stay in Tallinn, Estonia

I highly recommend staying in the old town of Tallinn. You can limit your search to distance from the center or zoom in on the map in your preferred area. Tallinn’s old town is less than a mile walk to the edge of the Baltic Sea It’s quite a walkable city. I usually set my search perimeters to have a minimum ranking of 8 or 9 out of 10 too.

Hotel Telegraaf Autograph Collection 

We stayed at this gorgeous hotel for the last 3 nights in Tallinn and it was so magical during Christmastime. This was a hosted stay, however I rarely reach out to hotels for partnerships and this was the only one I emailed in Tallinn. I’m very picky about where I stay and where I promote. It has to be somewhere I’d absolutely stay and spend my own money.

Telegraaf had an included buffet breakfast as well as some menu breakfast items as well. The rooms are decorated with a historic flair and the beds are super comfy. The best is the spa where they have a beautiful pool, jacuzzi, sauna, and steam room. The hours are a bit strange though so keep that in mind.

One of the most important factors for me is the location. Hotel Telegraaf is at the most perfect spot for exploring Tallinn’s Christmas market main square. It is a stunning street at one of the most beautiful intersections of the old town.

Romeo Family Apartments  – Budget Friendly

This is where we stayed for the first two days in Tallinn. The apartment was clean and well located to everything. There was a great deal on Booking and for less than $40 per night right before Christmas and I was very happy. I don’t think it’s usually that cheap though.

Rataskaevu 14  or Rataskaevu Boutique 7

If you’re looking for something more independent, these apartments are absolutely beautiful and luxurious. They are definitely in the higher price range.

Tallinn City Apartments Old Town

Very affordable apartments in a perfect location with great reviews.

Tallinn City Apartments Old Town Square

These rooms are right on the square so if your main objective is to get a view and photo of the Christmas market out the window, this is your best bet.

Schlössle Hotel

About as nice as it gets in Tallinn old town, Schlössle is a really beautiful hotel and location.

Rapunzel Tower Apartment

This one is pretty incredible. The apartment is located in one of the medieval towers of the city. It has historic charm and is so unique, albeit pretty expensive.

What to do in Tallinn, Estonia in the Winter

There is no shortage of things to do in and around Tallinn, Estonia. For the purpose of this blog post, I’m focusing solely on what to do in Tallinn, Estonia in the winter however it is applicable to any time of year, with the exception of the Christmas Market, of course.

Get the Tallinn Card

Tallinn has a really fantastic tourist pass that gets you into so many of the sites for one overall price. There are over 50 different attractions included as well as free public transportation (which is actually free to all residents all the time!) and discounts at certain restaurants and other tours and activities.

You can easily buy the Tallinn card online and download the Tallinn card app on your phone, which I highly recommend. I wouldn’t normally care to add another app to my phone but this one was helpful because it shows a map of Tallinn with pins of all the locations covered by the card. You can select for what types of attractions you’re interested in to only see those, then the map will take you there. It’s really convenient. Then when you get to the attraction, pull up the QR code of your Tallinn Card in the app and they will scan it to let you in.

If you need help or have questions, just pop into the Tourist Information Centre right near the main square.

Tallinn Card Prices (Updated)

Prices just went up for 2024, and honestly it was a large jump. They went up in price by 23-34% from  2023. I’m struggling to think it’s worth it, to be honest. If you are a museum person and you think you’ll actually go to more than 3 museums/attractions, then the card is probably worth it. We bought the 48 hour pass in 2023 and only went to 4 museums so it probably cost us more than just paying for those tickets individually.

• 24 Hour: 43 € adult, 25 € child
• 48 Hour: 63 € adult, 32 € child
• 72 Hour: 76 € adult, 39 € child

One important thing to note is many museums are closed on Mondays and public holidays. So plan accordingly and don’t buy and activate your Tallinn Card for a Monday. The card is activated upon first use.

I will discuss some of the attractions the Tallinn Card works for in a bit.

Take a Walking Tour in Tallinn

Whenever I visit a new city where I am not quite familiar with their history (which is basically always), I like to take a free (or not) walking tour if I plan to be there for more than a day or two. Tallinn (and Estonia in general) has SO much history I wasn’t familiar with. Walking tours are an amazing way to get an overview of the place plus some unique facts about landmarks as well as ask the guide any questions you may have. They usually recommend some restaurants and places locals like. This was the one we took:

Free Walking Tour

For other more extensive tours, check out Get Your Guide options below:

Tallinn, Estonia Christmas Market

Awarded the best Christmas Market in Europe in 2019, Tallinn truly has a beautiful one. It feels old and traditional and there is a plentitude of mulled wine (glög), snacks like meats and potatoes and sauerkraut, gingerbreads, handmade souvenirs and trinkets, alpaca wool products, and more. The Tallinn Christmas Market gets around 200,000 visitors per year. They now use reusable cups for a refundable 2 euros which was great to see. There is also a schedule of events and shows you can catch.

• When : December 1-January 7
• Times : 10am-8pm, may be 10pm or 11pm on Friday and Saturday
• Where : Raekoja Plats is the main square in the center of the old town

What you do at the Christmas market is entirely up to you. You can shop for handicrafts and try the traditional foods and mulled wine, watch the live shows on the center stage on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, see the light shows, take pictures with the 14 meter tree, or ride the quaint little carousel. You can find the specific Tallinn Christmas Market schedule HERE.

Dine at a Medieval Themed Restaurant

Tallinn in general has a really lovely aesthetic like a fairytale from medieval times. In particular during Christmas, the lights hanging over the streets in the old town are magical and there are lit Christmas trees on every sidewalk. Tallinn really is magical in the winter.

One of my favorite things we did in Tallinn in the winter was dine at cozy restaurants and a couple in particular have incredible medieval themes. I realize that sounds cheesy and if not done well, it could be incredibly hokey. These however, were not hokey. They were quite cool. It was like something out of a scene from Game of Thrones. However, if you visit Riga too, there is an even better medieval restaurant.

Restoran Olde Hansa

Located just a block from the Tallinn Christmas Market, Olde Hansa is one of the most notable buildings in the old town. Lanterns flicker outside on one of the most beautiful streets at the entrance in the evening. Once inside, you’ll notice the lighting is very dark and moody and dark wood furniture and flickering candlelight add to the ambiance. Staff play the part well with authentic time period costumes and folklore tales.

Definitely MAKE A RESERVATION . We were able to get in by stopping by and then coming back in half an hour, but I wouldn’t count on that.

*15% Discount and free shot with Tallinn Card! Dang, I’m so bummed I didn’t know this till now, haha!

III Draakon

This smaller restaurant is located right in the Tallinn square next to the Town Hall. It’s less of a restaurant and more of a place to have a drink. They do have some food like empanadas, sausages, and soup. They don’t do silverware though so you have to drink your soup – just like you would’ve in the old days! And the girl taking your order is in character, so expect her to be a cliche tavern wench character with an attitude; it’s intentional. This place is exactly what I’d imagine a medieval tavern to be, minus the brothel upstairs. There are not a ton of tables and it was always quite busy at night. I’d suggest snagging a table when one opens and have one person hold the table while someone else goes and orders at the front.

Go Iceskating

Not far from the square, right in front of St. Nicholas’s church is  Vanalinna Uisupark.  It was far too cold for me to want to go skating while we were in Tallinn in the winter but I can imagine on a warmer day, maybe with snow falling, it would be quite magical! Tickets are 7.50-9.50 euros and skate rentals are 4.50. The ice rink opens sometime in November and closes again in March or April. It’s really beautiful with the lit up trees around and in the backdrop of the church. *50% Discount on first hour with Tallinn Card

Go to the Tallinn Museums

While we were in Tallinn this December, the owner of a coffee shop joked with us that Estonians like to create museums for anything and everything. We found this to be true not just for Estonia, but also in Riga. So perhaps it’s a Baltic thing. But indeed there are so many museums, a number of them seemingly random but also impressive and worth your time.

Even with 5 full days I didn’t have time to see them all, and I probably missed some worthwhile museums. But here are some popular ones with my impressions.

KGB Prison Cells

A notorious basement prison during Soviet times, the former KGB prison cells are now open to the public. *Free with Tallinn Card

Estonian History Museum – The Great Guild Hall

A vast collection of artifacts related to Estonian history are on display here from currency to old weapons and armor. It’s a worthy stop, and although you could easily spend hours here trying to read everything, I breezed through pretty quickly. *Free with Tallinn Card

Kiek in de Kök Fortifications Museum and the Bastion Passages

This museum complex includes 4 of Tallinn’s 26 surviving medieval towers from the 13th century. My favorite part of this entire museum however, was the underground Bastion Passages. As you pass through these tunnels you learn the history and all the different ways the tunnels have been used by Estonians throughout history. Some of it is rather surprising and incredibly fascinating! *Free with Tallinn Card

Seaplane Harbour, Estonian Maritime Museum

We heard really great things about this museum and the reviews are fantastic but unfortunately we didn’t make it. There is a real submarine you can walk through, a flight simulator in a plane, and all kinds of interactive programs. Now, unfortunately, it will be closed from January 1-May of 2024. *Free with Tallinn Card

Estonian Health Museum

This one I’d read good things about so I made it a priority to go. Plus it’s near a good breakfast restaurant called 5Senses.

You don’t have to be a medical person to find this museum fascinating. There are a number of floors of different themed displays, one includes actual dissected cadavers. Another discusses aspects of reproduction and history of contraception. Another has old medical instruments and dental treatment history. It’s truly fascinating and would be fun for any age. I could’ve spent hours there but we kept it to about an hour. *Free with Tallinn Card

PROTO Avastustehas (Invention Factory)

This is another museum I didn’t discover until AFTER we came home. Bummer! But it looks really neat and perfect for kids or families. They have lots of interactive virtual reality experiences as well as a cafe. The reviews are mixed, so I would only visit if you have the time. *Free with Tallinn Card

Estonian Maritime Museum

This museum demonstrates Estonian seafaring history within one of the many city towers. They have the wreckage of an old merchant ship. You can even get a city view from the rooftop terrace. The reviews for this one are not as impressive as the Seaplane Museum, so if you’re short on time, I would not prioritize this one. *Free with Tallinn Card

This is not an exhaustive list of every museum in Tallinn or those covered by the Tallinn Card. These are the more popular ones located in and around the old town.

Other Historic Places to Visit in Tallinn, Estonia

Town hall tower.

Unfortunately the Town Hall was not open while we were there. It’s a beautiful building in the square from 1402 and there are 115 steps to climb to reach the tower. Unfortunately the tower is only open seasonly from  June 1-August 31 Monday – Sunday then September 2-October 15 on the weekends only. I’m including it as something to do in Tallinn, but unfortunately, it’s not an applicable recommendation for Tallinn in the winter.

The Town Hall itself has more open dates through the winter but they are still limited. *Free with Tallinn Card

House of the Blackheads

Although we came here, there was a private event happening so we see the rooms. This 15th century building served as a gathering place for members of the Blackheads, an association of merchants. The building and entrance door are incredibly beautiful and the inside rooms used for events look beautiful. I’d love to come for a classical concert. *Free with Tallinn Card

St. Olaf’s Church

Although the viewing platform is open seasonally from April till October, the historic church is still worth a visit in Tallinn during the winter. *Free with Tallinn Card

Town Hall Pharmacy

Right in the main town square is the oldest continually operating pharmacy in Europe. It was first mentioned in town records in 1422. As many as 10 generations of pharmacists from one family have worked here! How cool is that. It is still operating as a pharmacy, although it can get pretty crowded in there and may not be your quickest choice for picking up much needed over the counter medicines, etc. But it’s very quick and easy to come in and look around and see old apothecary relics. They even offer guided tours and workshops on occasion. More info HERE . *Free to enter, but they ask for groups of 10+ make a reservation and pay a 2€/pp entry fee

Alexander Nevsky Cathedral

Undoubtedly the most notable and impressive church in Tallinn, the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral sits atop the small hill above old town. The Eastern Orthodox church was built in the late 1890’s when Estonia was part of the Russian Empire. The beautiful architecture and lovely interior are absolutely worth a visit and entry is free.

Kohtuotsa and Patkuli Viewing Platforms

These two platforms are very similar and close together, so you may as well visit both when you’re walking to the area. These provide the best overall view of the city. You can see both parts of the old town and out to the neighborhood of Kalamaja (more on that later). Khotuotsa arguably is the more popular and better view of old town.

There are a number of shops and quaint narrow alleyways in this area as well and it’s considered the “upper town” because it’s atop the small hill looking down on old town. There are two ways of walking to these viewpoints. One is from the long staircase on the backside on the northern edge of old town wall where you come immediately to Patkuli Viewing Platform. The other way is by continuing walking uphill from Alexander Nevsky Cathedral and you’ll eventually come here. Just put them in your Google map because it can be confusing with all the streets.

Both of these viewing platforms are great spots to catch sunrise or sunset, if you can actually catch Tallinn on a day without dreary cloud cover.

Go Up the Elevator in St. Nicholas’ Church

This 13th century church was restored after damage in WW2. Today, it houses one of the only museums in northern Europe within a former church. During Christmas there is a beautifully decorated tree and on some days at 4pm you can come during the organ playing. The elevator will take you up to the top viewing platform or you can take the narrow tight staircase.

Unique Ideas of Things to do in Tallinn, Estonia

Most people spend their time in the old town of Tallinn, which I completely understand. It is the most historic, charming, festive place to be especially in the winter in Tallinn. But if you have a bit of extra time, say more than 2 days in Tallinn, consider visiting these other spots too.

I actually don’t think this should be reserved for “extra time” in Tallinn. Of my 5 days in Tallinn, Iglupark might have been my favorite experience. But admittedly I’m really into things like this; it’s definitely not for everyone. As far as unique things to do in Tallinn, especially in the winter, it doesn’t get better than this.

About 1 mile outside of the old town, located right on the Baltic Sea, is Iglupark. This is a hotel, public sauna, and bar. You can come for all of it or none of it, haha. We took a Bolt to get here and back and it was only a few euros.

Iglupark has igloo-like hotel rooms, Igluhuts, you can stay in right there on the Baltic Sea. Had I known this, I absolutely would’ve stayed here for a night.

Book Your Stay

The other option is to come as a guest and enjoy the saunas during set hours.

• Option 1: Private Sauna Session – Rent the entire sauna for up to 10 people for 85€/hour for a minimum of 2 hours. Available times are from 11am-11pm
• Option 2: Public Sauna in the Morning – From 8am-12pm the two saunas are available for 20€ per person. You can buy your ticket online and it’s not for a specific day.
• Option 3: Public Sauna in the Morning 30 day Pass – Come unlimited times during the morning hours for 70€ per month.

Heldeke Theatre Bar

I’d had this unique spot in Tallinn on my list but honestly forgot about it until after I’d left. It looks really neat, so I’m bummed to have skipped it. So please let me know if you make it there!

This bar is like a stand up comedy club, burlesque theatre, music venue, other types of shows, plus – get this – a sauna. You can check their calendar for featured shows as well as sauna sessions on their website HERE .

Kalamaja Neighborhood

This creative, up and coming kind of hipster neighborhood is considered a must-visit while in Tallinn. It is completely different from the old town. It was the neighborhood of fishermen since the 14th century until 1870 when a railroad between Tallinn and St. Petersburg was completed. Since then, the area has been dominated by factories. Today, many of the industrial buildings have been repurposed as restaurants and galleries like Telliskivi Creative City, a former industrial complex that houses the photography museum, Fotografiska, and different restaurants.

Telliskivi is the main street with art and restaurants. Another street called Valgevase displays rows of traditional wooden houses that are worth a gander.

Balti Jaama Turg

This is a large, 3 story indoor and outdoor market in the Kalamaja neighborhood. You can find food vendors for good prices, antiques, clothing, fresh produce, and seafood. It’s an absolute must when you’re in the Kalamaja area, and honestly I feel like you could spend hours in there.

Where to Eat and Drink in Tallinn, Estonia

The food scene in Tallinn can’t be overstated. I had no idea how impressive it would be and I was blown away by the coffee, bars, cafes, and nice restaurants. Of course we couldn’t possibly make it to all the places I had on my list, but I tried.

Also something to note, free tap water was only sometimes available. Some restaurants had a big water dispensing station with cups, others brought you tap water if asked, and some flat out refused and you could only buy bottled water. Sometimes we brought our own bottle with us just to avoid having to pay for it each time.

The following list is not comprehensive, and I won’t make the claim that anything is “the best” but these were places we loved for different reasons.

Where to Get Coffee in Tallinn

RØST:  The small shop is known for their cinnamon and cardamom buns. I actually didn’t try either, as I was just there for the coffee which did not disappoint! It’s a bit of a walk from the old town, maybe a kilometer, but it’s located in a really neat area of Tallinn called Rotermann. It’s really modern and industrial and a worthy neighborhood to check out.

La Boulangerie:  In a similar area as RØST, this French pastry shop has an incredibly beautiful espresso machine and entire shop.They too have gorgeous and delicious pastries. We were particularly obsessed with the almond croissant.

Caffeine – Because we had jet lag, we were always up super early wanting coffee immediately. Tallinn, at least in the winter, seemed to wake up slowly. The old town was dark and dead until 9 am. Many restaurants and cafes don’t open till 9 am. The earliest coffee shop we could find was Caffeine at 7:30 am, which is close to the square, has cute decor, and is honestly pretty good for a chain. In general, most restaurants in Tallinn have excellent coffee, superior to most espresso you’ll find in many parts of the world. So Caffeine for convenience.

Fika:  I actually didn’t get to try their coffee, but I had it on my list. They are in the Kalamaja neighborhood just east of the old town. But they do open at 8am and have lovely looking pastries that might be worth a morning walk.

The Brick Coffee  Roastery:  If you’re in the Kalamaja neighborhood, the quirky street of Telliskivi has a number of good restaurants and cafes. This is a quality coffee roaster and should be on your list!

Where to Eat Breakfast in Tallinn

As mentioned before, Tallinn old time restaurants take a while to open up. At some bakeries or coffeeshops like Caffeine, you can find a pastry earlier. So we often had coffee at Caffeine at 7:30, went to breakfast at 8:30 or 9 am, then also had a second coffee with breakfast or another shop like RØST. Here were our favorite breakfasts:

RUKIS: We ate here almost every morning and loved it. Not to mention, it’s one of the only places that open at 8 am! RUKIS is on a beautiful main street right by the square. The interior decor is absolutely beautiful, especially for the holidays and the cozy vibe is perfect for winter in Tallinn. Prices were pretty good and they also had a delicious flat white and incredible assortment of pastries. We got the omelette and pancakes and both were excellent.

5Senses Tallinn:  They open at 9, otherwise we probably would have come more often. This small restaurant is very cute. They have a great menu with eggs Benedict, chicken waffle, breakfast burrito, and avocado toasts.

Pub K ompressor:  This is an extremely popular pancake restaurant. More of a  crepe style, but these pancakes are absolutely massive and you should consider sharing one unless you have a big appetite. When we came in the late morning, they were packed and there was literally a line out the door. We waited probably 20 minutes for a seat. You have to order at the front counter. Prices are quite reasonable for how big they are and crepes have all different fillings from sweet to savory.

T35 Breakfast Club:  I didn’t get to try this place either but they have a great looking and unique breakfast menu.Coffee looks good too. This one is a ways into the Kalamaja neighborhood which is why I didn’t make it there, but if you feel like a good walk, or are in the neighborhood, it may be worth it.

Värav:  I somehow forgot to go here, but it’s not far from the center of old town and has really yummy looking acai bowls, avocado toast, and fresh juices.

Where to Eat Dinner in Tallinn

Tallinn’s eclectic dining completely surprised me! I wouldn’t call myself a particularly adventurous eater or a huge foodie, mainly because I’m relatively picky. But I did plenty of research about where to eat in Tallinn and I feel there are a couple places you shouldn’t miss.

Restoran Olde Hansa:  I realize I already discussed this restaurant above, but I honestly feel like this is a must-do in Tallinn, especially in the winter when it’s cold out. You’ll immediately be transported to medieval times. With candles flickering, heavy velvet curtains, and medieval scenes depicted on the walls, it feels a bit like you’re in the banquet rooms of a castle. Or a scene from Game of Thrones. It sounds cheesy but I assure you it’s amazing. Reservations are recommended.

Restaurant Rataskaevu 16:  This is a very popular elevated dining experience. The dishes are creative, portions are decent – not massive, but also not a portion for a bird. The warm chocolate cake is literally out of this world. You may know it as lava cake, which is what I’ve always called this type of dessert. Truly spectacular. I definitely think you need a reservation.

Väike-Rataskaevu:  This is actually an offshoot of the more popular and well known Rataskaevu 16. This smaller sister restaurant has a paired down menu but we found it to be quaint, friendly, and totally uncrowded. We walked in two nights in a row without a reservation. Their menu still features the warm chocolate cake, which is possibly the top reason to come.

Tai-Boh:  This quirky Asian fusion restaurant run by a Thai chef is so worth a visit. The interior is like a work of manic psychadelic art. The building itself is full of history and it’s just on the edge of the old town. I recommend making reservations on their website.

Manna La Roosa: This one is the attached bar and restaurant to Tai Boh. They have their own menu and equally unique decor.

Restaurant F-Hoone:  This was recommended to us by our walking tour guide, and I’d marked it on my map to visit, but alas, it didn’t happen. This repurposed old factory has an impressive menu of starters, drinks, mains, and lots of vegetarian options, as well as a full coffee menu.

Restaurants For On-the-Go in Tallinn

If you’re anything like me, lunch is frankly an inconvenience when traveling. I’m much happier eating a big breakfast and then planning out a nice dinner. Lunch just gets in the way of activities. But I do tend to get hungry and want to grab something cheap and easy as I’m sightseeing.  Here are some ideas for quick, affordable, on-the-go lunches in Tallinn.

III  Draakon:  I mentioned this restaurant already when talking about medieval restaurants in Tallinn. I feel like this one makes a better quick bite than an actual sit-down restaurant. It’s right in the market square, you can walk in and order at the counter, then take it to go or sit at a picnic table or inside table and be done in a flash. The little empanadas are only a few euros and they’re good.

Balti Jaama Turg:  I mentioned this huge market before, but it’s a perfect spot to grab lunch. It’s almost like a mall/food court with a bunch of different options at great prices.

Gelato Ladies:  While probably more appropriate for summer, I can’t fault you for wanting a gelato even in the winter.

Tassikoogid:  This is more of a sweet treat snack as well. If you enjoy indulging in a cupcake, this will hit the spot. It’s a very pink, adorable cake shop.

Pulla Bakery:  It is known for their cinnamon buns and fresh baked pastries. They also have a full coffee menu. It’s also one of the few places where the reviews consistently mention friendly service, something that is not abundant in Estonia. They also have sandwich options.

Kofeman Cafe:  This is actually a coffee shop cafe right near the main square. I didn’t get to try the coffee unfortunately. One thing I didn’t like was that they were automatically using takeaway cups for everyone, although I imagine you could ask for a cup to stay. They have pastries as well as sandwiches to go. We were happy to grab a quick sandwich on our way to a walking tour so we didn’t starve.

Cocktail Bars to Visit in Tallinn

Whisper Sister:  Of all the places we went out for an evening drink (ok, there weren’t many), this one was mostly about the journey. I’m not a huge drinker, in fact I can’t really tolerate more than 1 or 2, plus I’m just too budget conscious to drink a lot. However, I have a huge obsession with speakeasies, and frankly I think it has more to do with the history nerd in me than anything.

You can find Whisper Sister on Google maps. It’s just on the southern edge of the old town. Once you arrive though, you have to look for a tiny gold plaque on the door with a phone number. You need to call the number and someone will come up to meet you and open the door. The space is classy but not over the top. Cocktails were quite good. A reservation is also needed ahead which you can book on their website.

Sessel Speakeasy:  Although this isn’t a traditional speakeasy, the entrance is not particularly obvious. Google maps will bring you to the street and you can look up and see the bar windows on the second floor. To access it, go into the shop on the street level, walk through the shop until you come to a staircase on the right and go up. I had my favorite cocktail there of the trip – a coconut something or other. We did not need a reservation however their website does have the option so they probably prefer it.

Sigmund Freud:  A nice bar with innovative fun cocktail recipes and a creative environment and decor.

Noku:  This too is a hidden speakeasy style bar with a discreet door. Follow google maps and look for a distinctive blue and red door. There is a keypad to the right of the door. The code apparently can change, but I read it was 2580, straight down the middle. Then you go upstairs to the cozy environment. They also have a really impressive food menu. It’s not a fancy environment, just a cozy and relaxed place where you might sit and play a board game.

What to Pack for Winter in Tallinn, Estonia

If you plan to come to Tallinn in the winter to experience Christmas magic, then you must come prepared. I absolutely would have been miserable if I hadn’t had the outerwear that I did. Throw your concerns about looking cute out the window. Warmth and comfort is number one. Looking cute is number two.

Long Puffy Coat

It may sound strange, but I actually brought two puffy coats. Originally, I did it for versatile fashion, when in reality I ended up being so cold, I actually needed the two at the same time. My favorite Save the Duck puffy jacket comes to my thighs and then I also had a huge long coat to wear over it. I rented it from Rent the Runway. I love their service and have used it for years. It’s my favorite way to have different, unique clothes for a vacation.

Here’s a link for Rent the Runway if you want to try it at 30% off your first month!

Similar Save the Duck coat to the one I wore:

I definitely think you need a big giant coat like this to be comfortable walking around all day in below zero temperatures. Save the Duck is a B Corp and amazing quality. But Amazon has plenty of great options like this one.

Fleece Leggings

Not a day went by on my trip where I didn’t wear my fleece tights or leggings under other leggings or under a dress or jeans. I couldn’t have survived without them. I have multiple pairs.

This goes without saying but you will want a warm hat to cover your head and ears.

I actually considered bringing heated socks like THESE but opted not to. Wrong. But if you don’t have the luxury of owning or affording heated socks, some wool ones should do the trick.

Mittens or Gloves

Unless you’re surer human, your fingers will probably get cold after a while of walking around in subzero temperatures. I think mittens are way warmer than gloves. They don’t have to be super heavy and thick.

Fanny Pack or Sling Bag

Ok hear me out on this. Have you ever tried to put a purse on your shoulder over a big puffy coat? With gloves on? Not easy and it constantly slips down. I loved having my fanny pack under my coat. It’s more secure and I could easily get into it by zipping my coat down once I was inside at a restaurant where I needed my wallet. I have these two and love them.

Summary of Tallinn in Winter

I hope this post has convinced you that visiting Tallinn, Estonia in the winter is definitely worth it. Tallinn is a magical place to be for Christmas and winter weather.

• Spend at least 2-3 days in Tallinn to see the best of the city.
• Pack for the weather, bring lots of layers and cold weather clothing.
• Get the Tallinn Card if you plan to visit a number of museums and use public transportation
• Use Bolt for getting to and from the airport or bus station
• Credit cards are readily accepted but have small bills or change for tipping

Save for Later!

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2 thoughts on “ Tallinn, Estonia in the Winter – An Itinerary ”

This is an incredible trip, so interesting, and it’s so well documented. I enjoy these trips Jessica takes so much. I’ll be reviewing this trip for tidbits and specifics for quite some time. I have to go back and study the pictures, and how they fit into the entire trip. I can’t wait for Jessica’s next trip. I’ve been following Jessica’s trips on “My Feet Will Lead Me” ever since her trip to the Salton Sea became my own guide for going there, and now I follow all her trips. I see that Jessica has a great Instagram page, so I’ve started following her there too. So much to see and so much to learn!

Wow, thank you so much Mike. I really appreciate that. It means a lot that you follow along and I hope I can continue to inspire you to visit a new destination or two!

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How to enjoy winter like a local in Tallinn

Ski in the beautiful forests of nõmme, skate in the picturesque old town of tallinn, old town ice rink, mustamäe ice rink, nõmme ice rink, lasnamäe ice rink, sledge at the tallinn song festival grounds, tallinn song festival grounds, estonian open air museum, nõmme snow park, viimsi mountain park vimka, tallinn botanic garden.

When there is snow, it requires a proper snow fight! But play snow fight only in places where the snow is clean such as in parks, beaches, and forests - you don’t want to risk getting gravel into your snowballs. 

For more relaxed snow-related entertainment, build a snowman or a castle. 

A top tip: the best time to build stuff from snow is when the temperatures are around 0 degrees Celsius (32 degrees Fahrenheit). When it's much colder, the snow simply does not stick.  

Where to enjoy winter sports activities in Tallinn

13 Best Things To Do In Tallinn In Winter

Posted on Last updated: 25 March 2024

Categories Estonia

Situated on the northern coast of Estonia, the capital city of Tallinn is the largest and most populated city in the country. Although it is relatively small compared to some capital cities with a population of just under half a million.

It is recognised as one of the best preserved medieval cities in northern Europe, with the very photogenic Old Town listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

From picturesque cobbled streets full of medieval architecture to charming squares, cosy cafes and magical Christmas Markets, Tallinn is the perfect winter destination.

An incredible place to visit at Christmas time and, with so many awesome things to do in Tallinn in winter, here are our favourite.

Table of Contents

1. Tallinn Old Town

Tallinn Old Town is beautifully quaint, with cobbled streets and fairytale like architecture, making it top of the things to do in Tallinn in winter list!

In the colder seasons especially, Tallinn Old Town is really something magical. If it’s not snowing then it’s already radiating Christmas and wintery vibes.

If it’s your first time in the capital, and you’re looking for a little guidance, we recommend booking a Welcome to Tallinn: Private Walking Tour with a Local .

Or alternatively, if you are really into history the Medieval Tallinn 2-Hour Old Town Walking Tour will be just up your street!

The guys have rave reviews and it gives you get a real feel for the city!

Pretty lights and decorations really make Tallinn Old Town feel like something out of an old medieval movie in winter. So be sure to explore the beauty of it!

2. Kohtuotsa Viewing Platform

We visited three Tallinn viewpoin ts , one of the most popular spots being the  Kohtuotsa Viewing Platform because of its famous quote on the wall that reads ‘The Times We Had’.

The other two are the Patkuli Viewing Platform and the Danish King Garden.

From all of the viewpoints mentioned you get to see over the city of Tallinn and its colourful rooftops.

The Danish Garden however is not so much a viewing platform but more of a park with old sculptures and statues.

You must add at least one of these to your list of things to do in Tallinn in winter, because the city looks even more pretty with a touch of frost from above. Or even better, SNOW!

A great way to get around Tallin to all the main attractions is via a Tallinn Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour .

3. Tallinn Christmas Market

In 2018, Tallinn Christmas Market was ranked as the number one in Europe.

The market normally opens up around mid November and finishes at the end of the first week in January.

We explored the small lit up lanes of the magical city centre, right in the middle of Tallinn Old Town.

The Christmas market is undoubtedly the highlight event of Tallinn’s cultural calendar and one of the top things to do in Tallinn in Winter.

The market itself is run by citizens and visitors. If you’re lucky enough to catch it when it’s snowing, then you’ll experience Tallinn’s real fairytale charm.

4. Town Hall Square (Old Town Hall)

The Tallinn town hall is located right in the centre of the old town, exactly where the christmas market takes place.

It is the oldest town hall in the whole of Scandinavia and the only preserved one in Gothic style.

The Old Thomas statue that sits right on top of the town hall tower has been there since 1530 and has become one of the symbols of Tallinn.

Nowadays the town hall is mainly for concerts or for entertaining visiting kings or presidents.

5. Go Ice Skating

Ice skating is one of the most magical things to do in Tallinn in winter. We visited the pop-up ice rink in the centre of Tallinn Old Town.

It opens at the beginning of December and closes around the end of March.

Be sure to create fairytale memories at this unique ice rink on Harju Street next to the historic St. Nicholas Church.

6. Estonian Open Air Museum

The Estonian Open Air Museum is only a 15 minute drive away from Tallinn and it showcases the country’s rural architecture and way of life.

In the museum there are 14 farms and they over look how the families and general society lived in the 18-20th centuries.

All within the space of this old style village, there is a church, an inn, a school house, mills, a fire station, a shop, and fishing sheds by the sea.

Tickets to the museum are just €9, however this is for a self guided walk around.

If you’re looking for an educational visit, it’s best to book a Tallinn: 3-Hour Ethnographic Museum of Estonia .

Guided trips can be expensive, however it’s a great experience to see how people in Estonia lived.

There are many things you can do whilst enjoying your time at the Estonian Open Air Museum, from buying handicrafts and riding horses to trying traditional Estonian dishes at the local inn.

The museum is open all year round, offering heaps of entertainment interesting workshops and events to enjoy no matter age you are.

7. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral

The Alexander Nevsky Cathedral is situated on Toompea Hill and was completed in 1900.

It is a Russian Orthodox church and is one of the most monumental examples of Orthodox sacral architecture in Tallinn.

It’s certainly an icon of the city and is commonly visited because it’s so beautiful decorated inside and out.

The most powerful group of bells in Tallinn sit right in this very church.

8. St Olaf’s Church In Tallinn

St Olaf Church is closed to enter in winter! But still one of the most iconic buildings to visit in the city.

Once upon a time, the very gothic St Olaf’s church was the tallest building in the world. To be precise, between the dates of 1549 and 1625.

It’s 159-metre spire was a clear landmark for approaching ships back in the day but with it being hit by lightning more than just a few times, it was shortened. Now the church still remains as an important symbol for the town.

The church is full of history and the entrance is free. If you want to go up the tower this is also free with a Tallinn card.

You must add it to your list of things to do in Tallinn in winter.

For an inexpensive way to get all the information on attractions such as St Olaf’s Church get the Tallinn Self-Guided Audio Tour .

9. Telliskivi Creative City

Telliskivi Creative City is an industrial complex that is located on the outskirts of Tallinn.

It is the creative side of Tallinn so if you’re into the cool, hipster shops and cafes, Telliskivi is your place.

It is the largest creative centre in Estonia, consisting of many quirky studios and creative companies.

A flea market takes place in the area every Saturday and there are nearly 600 cultural events that take place annually.

10. Take A Medieval Walking Tour

Tales of Reval is a must do free walking tour in Tallinn. It is guided by costumed actors that take guests back to the time of the Hansa merchants.

It is a super fun and educating show around all the most important landmarks of the Old Town. Anyone is welcome to join the great old adventure.

The tours depart daily 11:30 in front of the Tourist Information Centre.

It is not a regular walking tour, it is more like a performance, where you will be taken through the old town of Tallinn and be taught all the historical facts in a fun way.

It lasts around an hour and is not only one of the top things to do in Tallinn in winter, but all year round too!

11. Eat Local Foods

It’s a must.

Estonian’s love their rye bread, so it’s only right that you should try it when you visit Tallinn.

With many of amazing restaurants to choose from, Umami Resto was our favourite, so make sure to try some local stews and soups as well as the deliciously filling dough!

There are also plenty of food tours and taster sessions available, here are a few of the most popular:

Tallinn Food Tour

Tallinn Culinary Tour by Bicycle

Estonian Craft Beer Tasting

Estonian Food, Drinks and History Tour

12. Balti Jaama Turg Market

Balti Jaama Turg Market or Baltic Station Market is located in north Tallinn. It has so much on offer over three different floors, with outside space as well.

On the underground level you will find a large supermarket and a gym. Moving up, on the ground level is a more traditional market selling meat, fish and dairy alongside a farmers market and vegetable stalls.

The first floor is mainly dedicated to antiques, second-hand goods and clothing as well as Estonian design, craft and household goods.

Outside, cosy cafes and restaurants sit on terraced areas, along with seating to eat take-away food.

Balti Jaama Turg Market has lots to offer as well as a great ambience and is definitely one of the best things to do when in Tallinn.

13. Take A Ferry To Helsinki

There are three different ferry companies offering up to 12 sailings per day over to Helsinki .

Starting at €10, rising in the summer season up to €60/80, the crossing takes approximately 2 hours.

The easiest way is to book your Return Day Trip Ferry Transfer to Helsinki in advance.

Helsinki is well known for its innovative art, culture and architecture and the city is packed with museums attractions and spectacular Christmas markets and lights during the winter.

Senate Square is one of the top destinations for most tourists visiting the city and along with its surroundings makes up the oldest part of Helsinki.

Just outside the main city centre is Sibelius Park and its famous, unique monument. Also, close to the park is Cafe Regatta – one of the hottest cafes on Helsinki Instagram right now.

Located by the sea, Cafe Regatta is a traditional red cottage cafe with outdoor seating and fire pit. Serving delicious food and drinks this is one of our favourite spots in Helsinki.

If you are worried about missing something during your day in Helsinki you could always book onto a Helsinki Private Tour with a Local Guide which takes 2-3 hours.

Alternatively, there is a detailed Helsinki and Suomenlinna 5-Hour Sightseeing Tour . Whatever you choose, you will find plenty to see and do in this beautiful city.

Where To Stay In Tallinn

OldHouse Apartments

Located in Tallinn’s Medieval Old Town , OldHouse Apartments provides accommodation in stylish apartments with free WiFi.

Each apartment has a living room with a flat-screen TV, a bedroom and a fully equipped kitchen with a refrigerator. A stove, a microwave, a dishwasher, a toaster, a coffee machine, a kettle and kitchenware.

Each apartment come with a bathroom and either a shower or a bath.

A hairdryer and free toiletries are provided. There is also a minibar in most apartments.

Convenient Central Apartment

Convenient Central Apartment is located in the Kristiine district of Tallinn.

1.4 miles from Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, 1.5 miles from Town Hall Square and 1.6 miles from Estonian National Opera.

The accommodation is 1.2 miles from Toompea Castle, and guests benefit from complimentary WiFi and private parking available on site.

The apartment is located on the ground floor and comes with 1 bedroom, a flat-screen TV and a fully equipped kitchen that provides guests with a microwave, a fridge, a washing machine, an oven and a stovetop.

Red Emperor Hostel

Located in Tallinn’s beautiful Old Town and 550 yards from the Town Hall Square, Red Emperor Hostel offers accommodation with free Wi-Fi and 24-hour front desk.

Free luggage storage is available.

The rooms at Red Emperor are colourful and feature wooden furniture and views of the city.

Shared bathroom facilities are in the corridor.

The hostel comes with a common lounge, guest computers, a shared kitchen bar with draught beers and giant Jenga game, pool table and other entertainment.

For more places to stay in Tallinn. you can check the latest prices on Booking.com .

Planning Your Trip

Book your flight.

Use Skyscanner to find a cheap flight.

They search websites and airlines around the globe to find you the best possible routes and prices.

Book Your Accommodation

Use Booking.com to find the best accommodation deals.

They consistently return the cheapest rates on everything from guesthouses to hotels for all of your budget needs.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance

Use SafetyWing to find the best travel insurance for you.

They provide travel and medical incident insurance built specifically for digital nomads.

Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations.

Book Your Tours & Activities

Use GetYourGuide to book your activities in advance.

They sell the best tours, excursions and activities to attractions around the world.

Conveniently book, download and access your tickets on the move all from your mobile.

Book Your Rental Car

Use RentalCars.com to find the best deals on rental cars in the area.

They compare all major car rental companies and allow you to easily book the perfect vehicle for your trip.

Buy Those Last Minute Bits

Use Amazon to buy everything you need for your adventure.

They offer next day delivery and you can use my travel packing checklist to make sure you haven’t forgotten anything.

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15x My favorite things to do in Tallinn in Winter

A few minutes before arriving in Tallinn, the pilot informs us about the weather. Cloudy, windy, and snowy. Not what I would typically call holiday weather. But I decided to visit Tallinn in winter because of the snow, so this announcement actually makes me smile. And as the plane is starting its descent, I look out the window and see the most beautiful winter wonderland below me. 

From Amsterdam it’s less than a 2,5-hour flight with KLM / airBaltic to Tallinn, the capital of Estonia. It’s my first visit and with my new intention to travel more slowly, I’ll be staying five full days. And I can tell you already: there are more than enough things to do in Tallinn.

Can you visit Tallinn in one day in the winter?

Many people choose to visit Tallinn as a day trip from Helsinki, Riga or St Petersburg. The historic city center is not that big, so you should be able to combine most ‘highlights’ in one busy day. But trust me: don’t do it. Tallinn deserves its own city trip. There are so many interesting things to do in the Old Town as well as the other neighborhoods, that you’ll have a great time spending several days here.

Plus when you visit Tallinn in winter it gets dark around 3.30-4pm. If you’re staying a couple of days, you won’t have to visit sights when it’s already dark outside.

Where to stay when you visit Tallinn in winter?

With tram 4 it only takes me 20 minutes to get from the airport to my apartment in the Old Town . Both the location and the apartment itself are perfect.

The Tallinn City Apartments Old Town Suites has a reception where you can check in and out, and that can help you if you have any questions. But other than that, you have a beautiful modern apartment to yourself. And from here I can walk to almost all the sights I want to visit this week.

KGB Museum in Hotel Viru

Starting in 1972 until Estonia’s independence in 1991, the KGB used a ‘hidden’ floor at Hotel Viru to secretly observe the hotel’s foreign visitors (and staff). You can take a guided tour to learn more about the hotel’s history and see how the KGB operatives used to work. It’s a great way to start your city trip in Tallinn!

Tallinn in winter at its best: Toompea Hill

It requires climbing a few stairs, but then you reach – in my opinion – the most beautiful part of Tallinn: Toompea. With its colorful houses, charming streets and some of the city’s most important sights, this is an area you cannot miss. The hill is approximately 20 meters higher than the rest of the old town, which gives you some amazing view points.

Alexander Nevsky Cathedral

On top of Toompea Hill stands the spectacular Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, the most important Russian Orthodox cathedral in Estonia. Unfortunately you’re not allowed to take pictures inside, but I can tell you that the cathedral is just as beautiful from the inside as it is on the outside.

Kiek in de Kök

Next to the cathedral you’ll find an impressive Medieval artillery tower with the brilliant name Kiek in de Kök , meaning ‘peek into the kitchen’ in Low German. From the 38 meter high tower, you could see what was happening in the surrounding houses but also what the enemy was ‘cooking up’.

During a visit you can climb up the tower to enjoy the view and walk over the city wall to the other defense towers. And don’t miss the hidden underground tunnels (Bastion Passages) that were built in the 17th/18th century and have an interesting history.

The Danish King’s Garden

Right next to the city wall is the Danish King’s Garden ( Taani kuninga aed ). From 1219 to 1349 Estonia was ruled by Denmark. The legend goes that in 1219, the Danish King Valdemar II was standing here, planning to conquer Toompea after losing his previous battles with the Estonians. Looking at the sky a white flag with a red cross appeared and his invasion turned into a success. The white flag with its red cross then became the Danish national flag. The ‘day of the Danish flag’ is still celebrated in the garden every year on 15 June.

But what I found more intriguing are the three large bronze sculptures of monks without faces. There are many ghost stories going around of people who have spotted ghosts that look like monks. You’ve been warned…

Best View of Tallinn In Winter: Patkuli

As I mentioned before, because of the height difference Toompea offers an amazing view over the city. A great spot to take some pictures of the city covered in snow is the Patkuli Viewing Platform.

The times we had: Kohtuotsa Viewing Platform

And you don’t have to go very far to get to another viewpoint: Kohtuotsa. You might recognize this spot from the many Instagram pictures that were taken with the mural text ‘The times we had’. The text is still there, but you will need some Photoshop skills to remove all the graffiti around it.

Vanalinn: Tallinn’s Old Town

There’s a reason why Tallinn’s Old Town made it onto the UNESCO World Heritage List. The beautiful city centre with all its well-kept Medieval buildings is why Tallinn is attracting so many visitors.

What I love about the Old Town is that even though there are plenty of restaurants and shops for tourists, the city hasn’t turned into a theme park. And because I’m visiting Tallinn in winter, I’m walking around a calm city with hardly any tourists and one that still feels really authentic.

I can imagine that during peak season it will be different with tourist groups from Helsinki, Riga or St Petersburg. Another reason to visit Tallinn in winter.

Tallinn’s Christmas Tree on Town Hall Square

In the heart of the city centre you’ll find Town Hall Square. From late November until early January you can visit Tallinn’s famous Christmas market. Unfortunately I’ve just missed it, but mid January the huge Christmas tree is still here. Tallinn started putting up a Christmas tree in its town square back in 1441, which makes them – as they claim – the first one in Europe. However, there are more European cities with a similar claim….

Town Hall Pharmacy

I’m not 100% sure if the Town Hall Pharmacy really is the oldest, still functioning pharmacy in Europe, but it’s certainly old. And worth a visit. You’ll find the pharmacy at the corner of the Town Hall Square and it’s free to visit. In the back of the pharmacy is a small museum with old medicines and medical instruments.

Masters’ Courtyard

This charming courtyard is somewhat hidden in the historic city centre. You can visit a café that’s known for its chocolate (Tallinn in winter is not complete without some hot chocolate) and cute craft shops where you’ll certainly be able to find an original souvenir.

Telliskivi Creative City

As charming as it is, you need to leave the Old Town to see what else Tallinn has to offer. And the best place to go is Telliskivi Creative City. Tallinn is known for its startup scene and many new businesses are starting here.

I absolutely loved this creative (hipster) area. Industrial buildings and beautiful street art, plus so many cool pop-up shops, cafés and other hotspots.

Fotografiska Photography Museum

One place you cannot miss when you’re in Telliskivi is Fotografiska . I visited this photography museum when I was in Stockholm and now they’ve opened another museum in Tallinn. There’s no permanent collection, so with every visit you’ll discover different inspiring photographers.

I’ve been told that the restaurant on the top floor is also worth a visit, but it’s not always open so make sure to check their opening hours in advance.

Kadriorg Palace & Park: Tallinn winter wonderland

So far I’ve been able to walk to everything I wanted to see, but I’m taking the tram to visit Kadriorg . This impressive baroque palace was built in the 18th century by Tsar Peter the Great for his wife Catherine. He died before it was finished and also Catherine almost never used it.

As a museum I thought it was a bit disappointing, but it’s always fun to walk around and get lost in such a beautiful palace. And take your time to explore the park surrounding the palace. If you’d like to visit another museum, the Kumu Art Museum for Estonian art from the 18th century until today is in this park.

Beat the winter cold in charming cafés

I’m not going to lie: it can get very cold when you’re visiting Tallinn in winter. One day it was -18°C! So you’ll be spending quite some time in cafés and coffee shops warming up. Fortunately, there are many in this city. I’ll share all my favorite places in a next post.

Tallinn in winter

Ever since I got back I’ve already told so many people that they should book a trip to Tallinn. And I mean it, what a beautiful and fun city! Even though it gets dark early and you’ll need lots of warm clothes, I would definitely visit Tallinn in winter again. A Medieval city like this covered in snow is simply irresistible!

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What To Do in Tallinn in Winter – Best Winter Activities Plus Amazing Sights

Tallinn is a magical place to be at any time of the year. But, there’s something about winter that makes it perfectly enchanting.

With a brisk chill in the air and snow falling all around, winter is quiet in Estonia’s capital, Tallinn. The tourists have headed out, the cruise ships have departed and a blissful serenity settles on the city. Tallinn in winter is an incredible experience – provided you pack some seriously warm clothes.

Not sure yet whether you should add this Baltic capital to your bucket list ? Let me try and convince you.

Table of Contents

Tallinn in winter

Old town christmas market.

No winter in Europe is complete without visiting at least one Old Town Christmas market. Fortunately, Tallinn has you covered. Every year the Old Town is filled with wooden huts selling handmade trinkets and traditional snacks.

You’re unlikely to find anything unique for sale but Christmas markets are more about the experience than the purchases. So, grab yourself some hot wine, browse the stalls and enjoy the fairytale atmosphere.

Sunrise at the Kohtu Platform

Obviously, the sun rises every day, all year round. What you might not know, however, is that in winter then sun in Tallinn doesn’t rise until 8:30am. This means you don’t have to wake up at some ridiculous hour in the morning to see it.

The views from the Kohtu Platform in Toompea are said to be the best in the city. It’s a bit of a climb, but well worth it.

Choir Concerts in the Churches

Estonians love singing. And, they aren’t half bad at it either. There are choir concerts all over the city – particularly in Tallinn’s numerous churches. Pop in and soak up their dulcet tones for an hour or two before you carry on.

During December you are likely to encounter some carol services. These will usually mix traditional Estonian songs with some Christmas tunes. It also gives you a chance to step in from the bitter cold for a bit. Win-win.

Eat Lots of Gingerbread

Gingerbread is considered the most festive of treats by Estonians. The Bonaparte Restaurant in the Old Town is renowned for selling the finest gingerbread creations in town. But, there are a bunch of other places where you can sample the goods. You can even try making it yourself at one of KallasteTalu’s workshops.

Visit the Creepy Abandoned Prison

The Patarei Sea Fortress is the stuff of nightmares. A remnant of the KGB regime, the prison has been left in the exact state in which it was found after the liberation. The inside of the prison is now closed to visitors but you can still walk around the prison’s exterior.

Covered in snow and illuminated only by the feeble winter sunshine, there is something seriously eery about this building. It currently acts as a monument to the victims who suffered at the hands of communism and Nazism.

Do Your Christmas Shopping

As I said, you’re unlikely to find any real gems in Tallinn’s Christmas market. However, there are plenty of quaint boutiques lining Tallinn’s cobbled streets that are ripe for exploring.

From high-end designers to quirky shops selling gorgeous handicrafts, there’s plenty of variety to be found in this eclectic capital’s shopping district.

Learn About Estonian Culture

Ok, so it’s too cold to do a walking tour. But, there are other ways to learn about this city. Tallinn has plenty of museums to visit as well as churches and galleries. Of particular interest to anyone with a sweet tooth is the Marzipan Museum.

With all the tourists out of the way, winter in Tallinn is the best time to immerse yourself in Estonian culture. If you want to go a step further, try and find a homestay or guesthouse and spend some quality time with an Estonian family.

Climb to the Top of the Town Hall Tower

This is best done when the entire city is blanketed in snow. From the top of the tower you can get some pretty incredible, panoramic views of the city. Take your camera and get climbing. There are a fair few stairs but you will thank yourself when you get to the top. And, you get a glute workout to boot.

Wander Around the St. Alexander Nesky Cathedral

Estonia is very cold during winter. It can get down to around 20°F during its coldest months. This means you should take any excuse you can to warm up. And, what better excuse than having a wander through a spectacular Russian church?

Slightly at odds with the rest of the architecture in the city, the St. Alexander Nesky Cathedral is utterly sublime. Yet, its exterior façade is only a taster of what’s to come. The pride and joy of this cathedral is its stunning interior.

Eat a Huge Pancake in Kompressor

When hunger strikes, there is only one name in Tallinn you need to know: Kompressor. This restaurant came highly recommended to me while I was in Tallinn and I ended up eating there three times. For just a few euros you can get the biggest pancake you’ve ever seen. I’m a hearty eater but even I couldn’t finish the whole pancake.

The pancakes here are divided into two categories: sweet and savoury. I recommend going with a friend and sharing one of each. That way you get to try both but you won’t feel ashamed of yourself afterwards.

Visit the Balti Jaam Market

If you get tired of the Old Town and want to branch out a bit then this market is perfect. Just outside of the medieval centre, Balti Jaam is a newly revamped market that sells just about everything.

It also has a brewery in case you need a mid-shop beverage. Just sayin’.

Bio: Jeremy Scott Foster is a travel writer, photographer, and professional adventurer. He has been traveling the world for 7 years, asking the hard questions, and learning about both the world and himself in the process.

His adventure travel blog, travelFREAK , has taken him to 35+ countries on six continents—he’s hiked glaciers in New Zealand, partied until sunrise on the beaches of Montenegro, taught English in China, conquered the highest bungee jump in the world, traversed Europe by train, and climbed inside the great Pyramids of Giza.

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Going to Visit Estonia next week as I don’t know much about it so I was looking for a blog to suggest me the best places to visit there thanks for your recommendations

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12 Wonderful Ways to Enjoy Winter in Tallinn

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I have visited Tallinn in winter twice (January and November, respectively). In fact, all of my experiences in the Baltics have been during winter time. Following this trip to Tallinn, we then headed south to Riga and onwards to Vilnius. The entire Baltic region stole our hearts. But this isn’t about the Baltics as a whole. This about the obsession that initially sent me into the Baltics: Estonia.

Update: We have now spent a lot of time in the Baltics outside of winter and we still love it. But we have yet to see Tallinn outside of the winter months, so I can’t vouch for it as it is the busiest of the three capital cities.

WHY TALLINN IN WINTER IS THE BEST

I truly believe being able to see Tallinn in winter is ideal. Tallinn may be impossibly picturesque year round, but it becomes the perfect alternative travel destination in the winter. Technically any offseason time is great, but winter in Tallinn feels almost magical. The winter mist surrounds the buildings and makes the old town look ethereal.

So, visit in the winter. Or at least, definitely not in summer time.

Why does this make such a difference? Because it is off-peak season for tourists. I have heard from others that during the summer, the shores and the old town of Tallinn are descended upon by cruise ship tourists. In winter, however, this is definitely not the case. It was not uncommon for us to be the only people in a museum or restaurant, or walking through a street.

My advice? Skip the summer rush and try to go between late September and early May. It’s worth it!

Know Before You Go: The Weather During Winter in Tallinn

Tallinn has actually warmed significantly over the last few decades due to climate change, more than the global average, in fact. Nevertheless, Tallinn in winter is still quite literally freezing.

From November to March the average temperature is between 0 and –10 °C (32 and 14 °F). However, temperatures can get as high as 15 °C (59 °F) in March and as low as –30 °C (-22 °F) in January and February. The lowest recorded temperatures was –34.4 °C (-29.29 °F) in February.

It rains year round in Tallinn, so while it might not rain during your stay, it’s best to plan for rain. The winter winds can also be quite fierce.

Keep in mind: Like most of Europe, winter days in Tallinn are short (more so as it’s quite northern). If you only have one day in Tallinn , many people prefer the summers because museums and shops open late (10 or 11), and most close around 5 or 6 PM. This means any of the outside wandering around in the old town or Telliskivi that you should DEFINITELY be doing could eat into precious museum time (of which there are MANY, as discussed further below).

Packing Recommendations for Tallinn in Winter

I rarely recommend what people should pack, but Tallinn gets pretty freaking cold in the winter and I want to make sure our readers are toasty and warm on their holidays! Here’s what we normally make sure to bring with us. We do our best to only buy and recommend products from companies with good sustainability practices! As we also care about animal welfare, we do our best to find vegan-friendly products or brands that source their materials ethically.

Fun-coloured Beanie – One of my superpowers (apparently) is that I look good in pretty much any hat. It’s something that my friends’ whose heads are less hat friendly often bemoan. So it’s easy for me to recommend them. Still… Tallinn is cold, so bring along your favourite warm and cozy hat, even if you think you look a bit silly! I recommend bright colors cause they’re fun, but also so it’s easy to find each other if you get separated ( I’m short, so this is a genuine struggle for me ). If you don’t own one, I’m currently obsessed with this chunky yellow one and this playful blue one !

Sturdy Walking Shoes – I worked in a shoe store that specialised in walking shoes for a year, so when it comes to shoes, I’m a bit of a snob. I could honestly just talk about shoes for an entire post – and maybe someday I will. But for now, I won’t subject you to that. I’ll just recommend a few of my favourites (I also generally love these brands if the specific shoe isn’t working for you). I’ll admit these are mostly women’s shoes, cause I’ve only recently introduced Jeremy to nice shoes. His feet used to be a bit wet all winter (PS: Buy waterproof!). If you’re staying in Tallinn, you can definitely get by without boots, even in the snow (just make sure the shoes have good traction). If you plan on venturing out of the city a bit to go bog walking or visit the Jägala Waterfalls, I would recommend getting some boots! => Buy my ultra warm Jambo boots => Buy my favourite Keen Boots => Buy Jeremy’s stylish Merrell’s

Durable (but Quirky) Socks – When it comes to warm, winter socks, I have been in love with and grossly loyal to Smartwool Socks for years. And honestly that’s all there is to say about it. I am devastated that I’m now down to my last few remaining pairs – which I have had for nearly 10 years, by the way! That having been said, wool isn’t vegan, so if you’re interested in vegan-friendly brands that I also love (which can be just as warming if paired with a warm shoe), I also recommend: Thought , they have bamboo and organic cotton socks, in addition to woolen ones; and Conscious Step , who donate $1 of every purchase to a good cause.

Warm Winter Coat – I’ll be honest, the last time we were in Tallinn during the winter we were, shall we say, underdressed. Weirdly, thermals and a cardigan wasn’t warm enough (Jeremy didn’t even have a thermal initially, just a hoodie). This is because we intended to be in Morocco by the height of the winter. And we kind of were, but mostly that didn’t work out. We learned from our mistake , though, and won’t be returning without our winter coats. Jeremy’s only real requirement for a jacket (outside of warmth and comfort) is pockets. So when he found this one , it was basically love at first site. I, on the other hand, prefer to layer; I’m all about thermal undershirts paired with a waterproof windbreaker (Don’t forget your thermal bottoms )! Admittedly, that isn’t the warmest combo, so if you need something a little cozier, I also love this jacket made from recycled materials.

Don’t forget to buy travel insurance! Tallinn is often covered in snow during winter, making it icy and slippery. The last thing you want is to slip and wind up in the hospital in a foreign country with no insurance! We recommend World Nomads. => Get a general travel insurance quote => Get a quote for snow sports

Buy a Tallinn Card

One of the first things you might want to do in Tallinn is to buy a Tallinn Card. The Tallinn card is available online , as well as at numerous Tallinn hotels and the Tallinn Tourist Information Centre in the centre of the Old Town on Niguliste.

The card covers free entry into over 40 of Tallinn’s museums and main attractions, as well as free use of the public transport.

As of 2019, the card costs are as follows (check for up to date prices here ):

24 Hours – Adult: €26; Child: €15 48 Hours – Adult: €39; Child: €20 72 Hours – Adult: €47; Child: €24 *Child covers 0-17 years old, however with an adult card you can bring along two children under 7 for free. ** There are additional costs if you want to include the hop-on hop-off buses with your card.

To give you an idea of whether a Tallinn card is right for you, I have marked the museums (listed further below) with a TC if free entry is included with the card. I have also provided what the sites cost for adults without the card as of October 2019. But again, please check the websites for up-to-date prices and for child and family ticket costs. And if all that doesn’t convince you, then read this wonderfully comprehensive review of the Tallinn Card !

Things to do during the winter in Tallinn

Keep in mind, most of what you’ll do in Tallinn during winter is the same as any other time of year. The difference is that it will be significantly less busy and you’ll wind up having a lot of places to yourself. For us, that is a definite win.

(I also don’t have many photos because I either visited these places pre-blog or pre-realising I should take photos of everything just in case…)

Winter Specific Activities in Tallinn

Explore the christmas market.

Know Your History: In 1441, Tallinn became the first city in the world to have a public Christmas tree. Riga, Latvia also claimed to have the first public Christmas tree. It became such a controversy between the two cities that their respective government officials had to sit down to discuss a compromise. It was agreed that Tallinn had the first Christmas tree and Riga the first decorated one.

One of the few things to do during winter in Tallinn that is not available year round is the Christmas Market.

Now, I am not a Christmas person. I’m not really a holiday person, to be honest. I have been called a Scrooge and a Grinch. And that’s cool. I don’t love Christmas markets, it’s true. But everything about Tallinn in winter is so fairytalesque it’s almost easy to get caught up in the magic of the season, even for me.

If you like Christmas markets, though, don’t let me discourage you! Tallinn’s Christmas market has a lot going for it. For one, it is quieter than many of the markets that pop up throughout Europe. And being nestled right in the heart of Tallinn’s ridiculously picturesque old town makes it seem all the more magical.

Each year, the Tallinn Christmas market runs from the last week in November until the first week of January the following year.

Tip: It gets pretty damn cold during the winter in Tallinn, so warm up with a hot cup of glögg (mulled wine) – or Vana Tallinn glögi (mulled wine and spiced rum) if you can find it! Make sure to try out piparkook (pepper cookies), as well. Mmm…

Go Ice Skating at the Uisuplats Ice Rink

Another activity that is winter specific in Tallinn is ice skating.

The Uisuplats pop-up rink on Harju Street is typically open from December until end of March/beginning of April, weather depending. It is located next to St Nicholas Church (and around the corner from the Knight Hostel, which we recommend below).

Admittedly I have the grace of a bull in a china shop, so ice skating doesn’t appeal to me. If this does sounds like your kind of thing, then check out their website .

There are more winter activities available in Estonia. Most of them are quite outdoorsy. However, despite the fact that we have climbed the Tiger’s Nest , I assure you, we are not outdoorsy people. But if this is your cup of tea, then you can find most of these activities here .

Warm up in a Cafe

Okay, okay, so you can do this anytime of year. But I feel like it’s a particularly wonderful activity for Tallinn in the winter. Mostly because nothing puts me in the mood for a hot cocoa more than the winter chill. I don’t drink coffee, and Jeremy prefers to drink a sugary mess that happens to have coffee in it, so I can’t comment on the quality of the actual coffee anywhere. Nope, this is all about the tea, hot chocolate and ambiance.

A few places I recommend:

Chocolats de Pierre :  I mean the name says it all, really. This is a cosy little cafe with immense hot chocolate. I’ve also heard fantastic things about the cheesecake (I’m not partial to cheesecake, so can’t comment). It can get busy, especially around lunchtime as they also serve food. The best part is that if it’s not too wet, an adorable teddy bear will be outside to greet you!

Maiasmokk Cafe : This one is a bit touristy, but I feel it should be added due to its age. Plus, again, in the middle of the winter, you may find it isn’t all that busy! Maiasmokk dates back to 1864, and is believed to be the oldest cafe in Tallinn. Make sure to check out the Marzipan Museum inside (no joke!)

Surf Cafe : Located just outside of Balti Jaam Market (more below), this cafe serves coffee (and kakao) and ice cream. I mean, what more could you possibly want?

T35 : A wonderful cafe that serves breakfast all day! I haven’t had the breakfast, but enjoyed stopping in for a warm hot chocolate on a particularly chilly winter afternoon! I’ve heard the coffee is subpar if you’re a coffee connoisseur, but the baked goods are awfully tasty!

Looking for some tours to take while visiting Tallinn in winter? Why not try out one of these: => Christmas Dinner Cruise with Music and Wine => Old Town Tour with Bog Walk => Estonian Food, Drinks and History Tour => Jägala Waterfall and Harju County

Year Round Tallinn Activities That Still Rock During Winter

Take a walking tour.

Cold or not, we love walking tours. It’s an easy way to fall in love with a city. Plus you get so much valuable information directly from a local.

We opted to go with  Traveller Tours , which is free, but runs on tips. Our tour guide, Miriam, was an absolute delight! She had a lot of great stories and factoids to share, and even helped me better understand my affinity for Estonia.

Visit Some of Tallinn’s Many Museums

There are over 40 museums in Tallinn, and while I have not been to all of them, I thoroughly enjoyed all the ones I did manage to visit. If you’re visiting Tallinn in winter, popping into a museum for a bit can be a great way to warm up!

We also wrote a whole post about dark tourism sites and museums in Tallinn , which includes some of these and goes more in-depth into their history. These are only the ones I can personally recommend, but there are so many more about a whole myriad of topics!

Estonian History Museum: The Guild Hall (TC or €8): If you’re at all interested in the history of Estonia – not just the occupations, but dating back to ancient settlements in the region, this is the museum for you. After all, Estonian history dates back more than 11,000 years! There’s a lot packed into the Estonian History Museum, but what I mostly remember is the coins because, well, I like coins. There’s also an excellent permanent exhibit on the creation of the modern day independent nation of Estonia. Please note: There are four branches of this museum; I have only been to the one located in the Guild Hall, but have heard excellent things about all four, especially the one located in Maarjamäe Palace.

Former KGB Headquarters (TC or €5): Today Pagari 1 is an apartment building. But not so long ago, it was synonymous throughout Estonia with torture. This was the former KGB Headquarters in Tallinn, and where the KGB sent anyone they felt was threatening Soviet ideals. Today you can visit and see the old prison cells, learn the history of the building and even more about the KGB.

KGB Hotel Viru Museum (not included with the TC, €11 for adults – I think in peak season it’s €12): This museum was our favourite in all of Tallinn. We loved learning about the history of the hotel and the role it played for the KGB. Plus our tour guide, Pawel, was absolutely hilarious. Although you need to book online in advance if you’re visiting Tallinn in winter, you can probably get away with booking the day before – or even morning of, sometimes.

Kiek in de Kök Fortifications Museum (TC or €14): This one is a bit confusing as there are several different parts to the museum and different sections cost different amounts (they’re all free with the Tallinn Card). Kiek in de Kök is the former artillery, so much of the museum is dedicated to the city’s fortifications and military history. However, it also covers everyday life in Tallinn from past to present, including an interesting section on crime and punishment. The Bastion Tunnels are comprised of several rooms in underground tunnels that also tell the history of Tallinn through important movements and events. We particularly liked the rooms about punk and the Cold War. The Carved Stone Museum is dedicated to important stone carvings from the region. Some of them are quite beautiful.

Kumu – Estonian Art Museum (TC or €8): I absolutely loved the Kumu museum when I visited in 2014. I’m all about discovering local artists, and let’s be honest, how many of us can actually name an Estonian painter off the top of our head? Not many, to be sure. The painter I wound up falling in love with after visiting the Kumu was Jüri Arrak. I can’t remember if his art was part of a permanent or temporary exhibit, but either way, art is subjective so visit anyway and hopefully you’ll also find a new artist or piece of art you love!

Lennusadam (Sea Plane Harbour) Maritime Museum (TC or €15): What I remember about this place is that it was huge and it was amazing. Located in an old seaplane hangar, this museum is dedicated to Estonia’s maritime history. Even if you’re not really into maritime history, this museum is worth the visit. Unless you really hate it, then yeah, maybe stay away.

NUKU Museum of Puppet Arts (TC or €8): What can I say, I like puppets. And if you like puppets, then you’ll also love this quirky (and, for some, creepy) interactive museum. The NUKU also puts on productions for people of all ages.

Vabamu – The Museum of Occupations and Freedom (TC or €11): First occupied by the Germans and then the Soviets, Estonia – and the Baltics in general – have had it rough. The newly renovated Vabamu museum is incredibly thorough and a little bit heartbreaking. You could easily spend hours in here.

Visit Patkuli viewing platform & Meet Stephen Seagull

You know that photo everyone – including us – has overlooking Tallinn’s old town? Well this is where that photo comes from. This view is presumably beautiful anytime of the year, but in the winter, with the picturesque old town shrouded in fog or covered in snow, it is truly spectacular.

As an added bonus, this is where Tallinn’s semi-famous resident seagull, Steven Seagull, tends to hang out.

Enjoy Street Art in Telliskivi

I’m a bit bummed writing this one. When I first visited Tallinn in the winter of 2014, there was very little street art in Telliskivi. Plus, at the time, I was refusing to take photos while on holiday, so even the little I did see, I sadly didn’t capture on camera. 

When Jeremy and I returned in 2018, we didn’t manage to see much of the area. This is mostly my fault. Rather than do any research, we relied purely on the advice of locals. So we asked where the best spots were for street art in Tallinn and we got a lot of shrugged shoulders.

It turns out all the locals we asked either deliberately lied to us so we wouldn’t see how amazing Telliskivi is (this feels unlikely, but still kinda possible), or really didn’t know there was so much street art in the area. To be fair, one did flat out admit she wasn’t a fan, so couldn’t help us.

So it is frustrating, but also lovely, to hear that the street art scene in Tallinn is thriving. As we hope to return to Tallinn in the near future, hopefully we can update this section!

Pop into a Bookshop

Estonians love to read and they have a rich literary culture. Sadly it’s difficult to find aboard. If you want to read an Estonian book, you’ll actually have more luck finding a translated copy in Estonia than you will elsewhere.

Since they’re fond of literature, it makes sense that Estonians would take pride in their bookshops. And there’s no denying that some of the bookshops in Tallinn are incredibly lovely. In fact, Rahva Raamat , a nationwide chain, has a location in Tallinn that was awarded as one of the four Bookstores of the Year by the London Book Fair in 2016.

I’m also a big fan of REaD , a used bookshop with set prices (1 for €3 or 4 for €10). There aren’t a ton of English books, but you can normally find a few tucked away.

Check Out All the Amazing Doors

Here are just a few to whet your appetite!

Shop at Balti Jaam

Whoa, has this place changed in a few years! But not necessarily in a bad way. It went from feeling largely like an old soviet flea market to rather upscale. It still has aspects of the old, which is nice – and a good way to pick up some used jackets, possibly straight out of the soviet era, if that’s your thing.

But these days, most of the market is housed in a rather dynamic looking building and is overflowing with little stalls selling everything from local produce and treats to clothes and mobile phone cases.

Walk Around the Old Town

No trip to Tallinn is complete without a walk around the old town. And while I’ve heard it can be PACKED in the summers, we mostly had it to ourselves in the winter.

Despite several attempts at destruction, Tallinn’s old town (Vanalinn in Estonian) is one of the most well preserved old towns in Europe. 

A Few Places of interest include:

Toompea: the hill that the upper half of Tallinn’s old town was build upon, today it houses the Estonian government and Riigikogu (parliament). You can arrange to visit , including free guided tours of the castle.

Alexander Nevsky Cathedral: a beautiful Russian Orthodox church on Toompea Hill. Worth popping in for a look, both for the beautiful interior and for a view over the city.

St Olaf’s Church: believed to have been the tallest building in the world between 1549 to 1625. The church has been hit by lightning 10 times and burnt down three times. 

St. Catherine’s Passage: One of the oldest remaining medieval passageways in the city.

Take a Day Trip

Jeremy and I are all about slow travel and just hanging out. However, we recognise that a) we have the privilege to travel full time (and before that we lived in Europe, so repeat trips were easy) and b) some people just don’t travel that way. In fact, even though I rarely try to wrestle in as many cities as possible into a few days trip, I found myself travelling to Helsinki for a day the first time I visited Tallinn.

And you know what, Helsinki in the winter was also pretty damn magical. But, like, really freaking expensive, though!

If you’re looking for some day trip suggestions, I can thoroughly recommend Helsinki. We took the Tallink first thing in the morning (around 7am at the time) and came back in the evening. It was affordable and painless – aside from the 5:30am start! => Book your trip here

Although we haven’t been (yet), we’ve heard great things about Parnu. If you need some inspiration, here are 11 amazing things to do in Parnu from Christine at The Uncorked Librarian! If the street art scene in Tallinn whets your appetite, head to Tartu for even more. Both Parnu and Tartu can easily (and affordably) be reached via bus. We can’t recommend Lux Express enough; hands down our most pleasant bussing experience so far.

If buses aren’t for you, or you plan on doing a full Baltics road trip, you can easily rent a car with rentalcars.com .

If you really want to, you can also take a day trip to Riga. This is easier with your own car, but possible by bus. We absolutely love Riga, so we’re definitely not saying don’t do it.

Where to Stay

The Knight House Hostel: We’ve been burned by hostels before, but Jeremy and I quite enjoyed the Knight House. They ingratiated themselves to us straightaway when they offered to stay up a little late for us since our flight was delayed (typically if you arrive past midnight you need to pop by their ‘sister hostel’ to get the keys). So – wonderful staff, the bed was comfy enough and it’s right in the old town. During peak season that might be a downside (if you hate crowds), but in the winter it’s a big plus. As an added bonus, they serve pancakes (crepes) every morning! If you don’t like pancakes, there are plenty of other options for breakfast, too.  => Book The Knight House

Hotel Viru: We only walked through the Hotel Viru for our KGB tour, and had a drink in the lounge, so I can’t comment on the actual room itself. Nevertheless, I always advocate staying in a piece of history, especially if it comes with a bit of luxury! => Book Hotel Viru

16eur Fat Margaret: My friend and I picked this place based on the name – and the RAVE reviews on Booking,com. However, to be totally honest, it wasn’t my favorite hostel ever. Don’t get me wrong, the staff were lovely and the location is fantastic. But the beds were exceptionally hard! Still, for location and price, it’s worth considering. Plus who needs sleep on holiday, amirite? = > Book 16eur Fat Margaret

What to Eat

I don’t eat meat, so I’m often no help recommending local food in many places as 95% of it, I can’t eat. Estonian cuisine is definitely meat heavy. So sadly none of these are particularly local fair – but hopefully we’ll add some of that in the future. Still, the food in Tallinn is pretty good!

Kompressor : Let’s start with breakfast. Well, kind of, they’re open from 11:00 to 23:00, so it’s not really breakfast (except that everything in Tallinn opens quite late, which honestly makes me love it more). Do you fancy a rather large pile of yummy pancakes for a fairly inexpensive price to get you going in the morning – or for any meal? Then this is the place for you. Kompressor is pretty well known, so can get busy. It should also be noted for the Americans reading this, these are European pancakes (i.e. crepes).

Vegan Restoran V : There are actually a ton of vegan and vegan friendly spots in Tallinn, but this is the only one I’ve been to. It came highly recommended and I feel the praise is warranted ‘cause it was damn good. I mean, Beetroot ravioli with cashew cheese? Yes, please! I’ve also heard that Vegan Inspiration is equally delicious, but have yet to visit!

Maharaja : Maharaja is right in Tallinn’s Old Town Square, so if you sit by the window you get a great view of the square and the Town Hall. In the winter, this means you can look out over the Christmas markets, as well. As lovers of Indian food, Maharaja is one of our top Indian restaurants around the world. Although it’s on the expensive side due to it’s location, it’s just so tasty!

Elli’s Place : Located in the old town, this little wrap and sandwich shop was a great accidental find! The wraps were great, but also HUGE for the cost. I can wholeheartedly recommend the falafel wrap and the nachos with beetroot hummus!

LOOKING FOR MORE THINGS TO DO IN TALLINN? –  Dark Tourism in Tallinn –  Why I Fell in Love with Tallinn WANT MORE BALTICS? –  Exploring the Hill of Witches in Lithuania –  Beating Hearts: Visiting the Salaspuils Memorial Park

Have you visited Tallinn in winter? Did we miss any of the best things to do? What are you excited about doing during winter in Tallinn?

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Dagney McKinney

American by birth, miniature by design. I moved for the first time when I was 18 months old, and I haven't stopped since. If I'm not wandering the planet, you can find me seeking out the hottest food possible or reading a good book and/or listening to a podcast in some quiet, remote alcove. I'm a classic introvert with a penchant for Camelidae, salt and underground spaces.

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6 Reasons to Visit Tallinn in Winter (Complete Winter Travel Guide)

Dan Around The World is part of the Amazon Affiliate program and may receive a small commission when you purchase products on this page at no extra cost to yourself. 

If you’re considering why you should visit Tallinn, the capital of Estonia, there are countless reasons to take a trip to the beautiful city on the Baltic Coast.

Like much of northern Europe , the winters in Tallinn are long, dark and cold.

But don’t let that put you off! Visiting Tallinn in winter is one of the best things you can do and gives you a tourist free insight into life in this Baltic nation.

However, travelling around a European city as far north as Tallinn has some considerations you’ll need to think about before just hopping on a plane. Keep reading as I delve into the best reasons to visit Tallinn in winter and a complete travel guide on what you’ll need to do and bring that may be a little bit different to your normal summer European city break.

The 6 Reasons to Visit Tallinn in Winter

Fewer tourists.

If pictures of crowds of people shuffling past each other hoping to take a selfie before running off again gives you the chills, you’ll be delighted to know that there are very few tourists in Estonia in winter.

That doesn’t mean there aren’t any, but the sprinkling of foreigners that come to Tallinn in winter are a hardy bunch that are keen to see the city for what it is and experience everything they can before the summer tourists arrive.

Using the Tallinn Card to get around and see all the sites in the capital makes you realise just how few people there are at this time of year.

Beautiful snowy weather

There are an average of 55 days of snow per year in Tallinn and 14 days in January alone. If you’re looking for a snowy city, Tallinn is your answer!

Travelling with snow on the ground does provide additional challenges but it also makes it so much more worthwhile seeing a city with a glistening of white snow against a blue winter’s sky.

Short days make for plenty of golden hour sun for photographers

In the depths of winter, sunrise is at 9.30am and sunset just after 3.30pm. But with the low sun in the sky, Golden Hour seems to last quite a while in Tallinn. Even at midday, the lighting is soft and makes for great photos.

If you love to take sunrise photos of pastel purples on the horizon, winter in Tallinn provides that from 8am onwards, no need for those super early wake up calls for those photos.

By 2pm, the light has the glow that you would want to give a softness to your images. An orange glow reaching the top of church spires and domes occurs shortly after. Between gentle snow showers, and blue skies with a white blanket underneath, Tallinn in winter is a photographers dream.

Experience the Christmas market

Like many European cities, Tallinn has a Christmas market in the Main Square ( Raekoja plats ) next to the Old Town Hall (Tallinna raekoda ) .

Take a sip of Glögi (hot wine), enjoy hearty meals or purchase the local arts and crafts with carols ringing out and shows performed on the main stage. It isn’t the largest market in Europe by any means but it provides festive cheer well into January to make your winter trip to Tallinn that little bit more special.

Enjoy magical cosy evenings in underground restaurants and bars

With temperatures barely above freezing for long periods of time, Tallinners know how to still go out in those weathers. Many of the bars and restaurants in Old Town have big heavy doors that keep the heat in with some even having additional curtains just inside the door to keep all the cold out.

Many of the bars and restaurants are cozy affairs that are under main buildings taking up the basement space. So many bars in Tallinn have fires, cozy corners, candles lit on tables and hearty meals all with great local beers. My favourite is Mr. Mauruse Pub which can be found here .

Take a taste of Glögi (Estonian mulled wine)

In the winter, glögi is found all over Tallinn. The local mulled wine style drink is stronger than many other types of mulled wine found in Europe and includes a strong spirit along with the red wine.

Small stalls are found around the city offering a glass of the warm and spiced drink as well as the Christmas market. It’s perfectly common to see people walking the streets in big winter jackets sipping cups of glögi .

What to know when travelling to Tallinn in winter

Getting in and around tallinn.

Tallinn airport is well connected with many other destinations in Europe including London, Paris, Amsterdam, Warsaw, Istanbul and neighbouring Helsinki amongst others with major and budget airlines operating regular flights. Buses, trams, taxis or Bolt offers ways to get to the city centre from the airport.

Flixbus offers affordable bus routes from Latvia, Lithuania and as far away as Warsaw into the Estonian capital. Tallink runs a cruise service from Stockholm and Helsinki into Tallinn.

To get around Tallinn, Bolt is an affordable taxi option with many cars available at all times. I’ve never had to wait for more than a few minutes even in thick snow.

Buses can be used with a foreign debit card being used to “tap on” but can only be swiped at the drivers entrance to the doors. QR codes for bus tickets can be purchased online from https://tallinn.pilet.ee/buy .

Weather in Tallinn in winter

Many websites will state that the average temperature of Tallinn in February is −3.6 °C, the reality can be that it gets considerably colder than that.

My time in Tallinn had temperatures at −2 °C when I arrived but then dipped to −17 °C within a week. With windchill, it actually felt as cold as −25 °C, the coldest I have ever experienced.

Despite the cold weather and few centimetres of snow, life goes on as normal. All bus routes and transport operates as normal. People are still walking their dogs. Restaurants and cafes still operate in the old town.

What to pack for Tallinn in winter

As someone that spends most of their time in tropical climates, this is where I struggled most. Having the right clothing is essential to enjoy your time in Tallinn if you decide to travel in winter. Planning a trip and then having to spend most of it inside because you aren’t prepared for the weather would be the worst way to spend your time!

I had a thick thermal sports top as a base layer and wore it every day. On top of that I had a merino wool base layer as an additional source of warmth as well as merino leggings under my trousers. For a coat, I recommend taking the biggest and warmest you can take. Ski jackets are perfect for this or outdoor jackets from brands such as Arcteryx despite the high price point.

I also took a thick snood, a thick beanie hat and two pairs of gloves that I wore on the coldest days. The first pair, a regular pair of sports gloves with finger tip grips so that I could still use my phone, and an additional pair of merino mittens that went over the top of those for extra warmth. Nobody likes cold fingers!

With snow on the ground, normal trainers or shoes with limited grip will make life difficult as you slowly edge your way around town. I bought some boots especially for the trip that are super comfy and with an excellent tread for walking in the snow. These Skechers were a great choice that look good for a city occasion and a show that I would happily wear in most countries.

As I normally travel with carry on only , I got an extra bag for my trip to Tallinn in winter. I have to say I’m very happy with the Osprey Transporter 65L I have and look forward to using it for many trips in the future.

Dan is an avid traveller from London. His first big adventure was in 2010 living in Malaysia for 3 months. He has been on the road almost constantly since 2015 travelling to destinations that aren’t on the mainstream tourist trail and working full time and travelling since 2021.

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11 fun winter activities in Tallinn and Estonia

• 17. Nov 2017 2. Jan 2019
• Annika Prangli

Thin autumn jackets are forgotten, and real winter coats are out of the closets. Soon the snow will cover the land like fairy dust turning Estonia into a magical wonderland full of endless possibilities. Welcome Nordic winter! Even when the days are shorter, and nights are longer there are still several things to do in Estonia to get that spirit up. Try out some of these fun winter activities in Tallinn and Estonia.

1) Ski in Tallinn

Estonia is a snowy country. Inevitably we started skiing because what else do you do with that much snow? However, Estonia has no mountains so cross-country skiing was the only option. Skiing – the main winter activity in Estonia – is our national sport. There are several skiing tracks in and around Tallinn. It doesn’t matter if it’s your first time on skis or you are already a pro, it’s always fun and a very good workout. Come ski with us!

2) Visit the Christmas Market in Tallinn Old Town

Christmas Market in Tallinn Town Hall Square is an annual event with small huts, traditional Estonian food, Santa Claus and weekend performances. A perfect place to find that Christmas spirit. During the wintry Old Town Walking Tour, we also visit the Christmas Market.

3) Meet the huskies and go on a sled ride with them

Spend a day out of Tallinn and meet the super friendly huskies at a dog park. They are friendly, curious, snuggly and they lick you until you drop. After that hop on a sled and fly along snowy trails behind a team of dogs. We will take you to the husky wonderland .

4) Ice-skate in Tallinn or on a lake nearby

Ice-skating is again something that Estonians are fond of. After doing some sightseeing in Tallinn Old Town hit the ice-skating rink on Harju Street or try those moves out on a frozen lake or bog pool .

5) Eat traditional Estonian Christmas food

“Potato” is the magic word when it comes to any kind of traditional Estonian food. Mashed, fried, oven-baked or boiled potatoes topped with some sour cream, piece of meat and a salad on the side – that’s how we roll. During the Christmas season we have boiled potatoes with sauerkraut and blood sausage or pork. It might sound a bit bloody but it’s delicious and nutritious. Try some traditional Estonian food out in Kaerajaan , Kolu Inn , Peppersack or Olde Hansa . My personal favourite Estonian food is “karask”. It’s a type of barley bread our ancestors ate only for special occasions. However, the poorest of the poor ate chaff-bread, with basically nothing more than chaff pressed into bread form. They say it was fit for nothing but to burn (and eat, apparently).

6) Heat it up in a sauna, relax in a spa and dip yourself in an ice hole

When your toes are nearly freezing off your feet, it’s time to relax in a sauna. Saunas have been part of Estonians’ lives for centuries and we deeply respect them. To get extra healthy we also hop in an icy-cold water after a sweaty session on a sauna bench. We also have tons of spas in Tallinn, Haapsalu and Pärnu to keep our neighbouring Finns coming back again and again.

7) Enjoy picturesque Tallinn Old Town in a cosy café

When you feel a bit exhausted after touring in wintry Tallinn go sit down in a café, buy a hot cup of cocoa and just enjoy the moment. Our favourite snug and cosy places in Old Town are Chocolaterie Pierre , Bogabott , Kehrwieder and Anneli Viik Chocolates Café .

8) Make snow angels

It’s fun and cute. Bring the heavenly creatures to the Earth.

9) Go ice-fishing in the middle of a frozen lake

Drilling an ice hole and catching a fish while being surrounded by forests and pure nature is an unforgettable memory. That’s why we want to take you there .

10) Visit the frozen Jägala waterfall

Winters in Estonia can get as cold as Viking’s hell. The temperatures can drop to -30 degrees in Celsius (-22 F). However, the water in the highest natural waterfall in Estonia refuses to cooperate already with warmer temperatures and freezes. To our luck, the frozen Jägala waterfall is truly a spectacular sight. It’s even possible to walk behind the frozen wall of ice. For the experience take a day trip from Tallinn or come on a two hour Frozen Jägala Waterfall Tour  where we also serve a nice winter picnic.

11) Build an igloo or a snowman

Making a snowman is the most important thing to do when the first snow comes. Building an igloo is a next level activity for true winter lovers. Test those engineering skills!

Special offer for groups! Combine your own winter activities day – kick-sledding, bog-shoeing, husky park visit, ice-skating, skiing. Pick two and ask us for the offer.

Tallinn Old Town Ghost Tour

Ice-Skating on Forest Lakes or Kick-Sled Hike

Ice Fishing Experience

Tour to Husky Park and Dog-Sled ride

Jägala Waterfall and Historic Harju County Tour

Learn to Ski in Tallinn

Source: Visit Estonia

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The beauty of Estonian winter attracts a crowd of admirers from the locals and internationals alike. During this time of the year you'll find Tallinn Old Town at its most charming and can head out to the country for a lungful of fresh crisp air.

Winter in Estonia lasts from late November until late March with temperatures ranging from mild plus degrees to as low as minus thirty (-30°C). The daylight hours tend to be brief, which is perfect for those looking for a cosy winter romance in a lit up medieval surroundings, or yearning for a much obliged reset in a cute cottage in midst of the wintry nature.

Marvel at the spectacle of frozen waterfalls, the coastline and sea, and the country’s snow-covered forests and national parks. If the winter is sufficiently cold and the sea is frozen, you can even experience the amazing feeling of driving from the mainland to the islands across Europe’s longest ice road.

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Get inspired

Ice fishing in Estonia

Ice-fishing is an age-old tradition in Estonia enjoyed in the winter season. You can cast your fishing rod at fishing events, villages, and more.

Going the distance: the Tartu Ski Marathon

The Tartu Marathon sparked a sporting fever when it began back in 1960. In 2024, thousands of skiers will participate in the 50th Tartu Marathon!

Visit a magical winter wonderland!

Winter in Estonia means snowy forests, post-sauna swims in icy ponds, cozy firesides, twinkling Christmas lights, and an unforgettable holiday!

The best places to go ice skating in Estonia

Ice skating in Estonia is never boring. Glide over frozen rivers and bog lakes, twirl on urban ice rinks, skate over the sea — options are endless!

Spend a winter weekend away in North Estonia

Escape the city and explore wild nature, quaint museums, and fine dining in North Estonia. Plan the perfect weekend holiday with this itinerary.

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Estonia in Winter: the ultimate travel guide

This post is about the best things to do in Estonia in winter. Estonia is the most northern country of the Baltic states. Located on the gulf of Finland and the Eastern sea it has a long sea shore and many scenic islands.

Estonia is a small country that has lots to offer in any season. While summer is the most popular time, people should not underestimate the beauty of Estonia in winter. 

If you are looking for a budget friendly winter holiday, Estonia is definitely a destination worth considering. 

Why visit Estonia in winter

So why visit Estonia in winter? The answer is simple. Estonia is stunningly beautiful in winter. It offers the same natural beauty as its Scandinavian neighbors but at a much lower price.

With its vast evergreen forests and its bogs, Estonia is a great country for those that love the outdoors, even in the cold winter months. 

Estonia is more or less on the same latitude as Southern Sweden and Norway. Due to climate change, frost is no longer a guarantee when you visit Estonia in winter. Still, temperatures often drop well below zero. Chances are high that you will see the country covered in a thick blanket of snow, making it even more picturesque. 

There will be grayish days when the morning starts with an ethereal mist. Other days welcome you with a clear blue sky while the winter sun warms your face. And yet, despite all this beauty, you will meet very few other travelers. Estonia in winter is quiet and peaceful. 

I visited Estonia twice. Once in summer and now also in winter. Personally, I can say that I prefer Estonia in winter. 

Things to do in Estonia in winter

Tallin’s old town.

Tallins medieval old town only gets more beautiful once snow arrives. The cobbled stone streets with its ancient merchant homes are quiet in winter making it a joy to wander around.

Most people seem to gather around the Christmas tree and market at Raekoja plats square. Tallinn claims they were the first city in Europe to put up a christmas tree in their public square. It’s a yearly tradition that Tallinn is proud of.

Visiting Estonia’s bogs

Estonia is a country of bogs. Bogs are the oldest landscapes in the country and some are up to 10000 years old.

They formed in the last ice age when glacial melt water collected in depressions. Dead plant materials accumulated into layers of peat. In most bogs the layer of peat is up to 7 meters thick.

Bogs in Estonia are shrouded in myths and legends. People used to be afraid of the bogs and they were associated with supernatural events. Winter turns the bogs into a frozen winter Wonderland. The Viru bog trail is well marked and still accessible in winter. The view tower offers wonderful views. 

See frozen waterfalls

In the coldest months even the waterfalls freeze up. What are unremarkable small streams of water in summer, become spectacular frozen falls in winter. 

The Jagala waterfall is only 8 meters high in summer. In winter it becomes a wall of icicles that come down from a fifty meter wide rock crest. 

Visit castles

Estonia has several medieval castles. Estonia was often on the frontline of conflicts between the Livonian order, the Danes, the Swedes, the Lithuanians and the Russians.

One of the largest and best preserved castles is in the border town of Narva . This castle started as a Danish wooden military fort. Then the German Livonian Order and the Teutonic knights bought it in the 14th century. They built a strong stone castle known as the Hermann castle. 

The Russians got nervous and in 1492 Ivan the third built his own castle on the other side of the river as a response. In turn, the Livonians added a large tower on top of the Hermann castle so they could see what was happening inside the Ivangorod castle.

In winter the river is frozen and the castles covered in snow. It’s a cold but beautiful time to visit the castle. 

Explore the student city of Tartu

Tartu is the second biggest city in Estonia and home to one of the oldest universities in Northern Europe. As a result, It’s a young and vibrant student city with a cozy atmosphere. 

Because it is not as big as Tallinn you can easily explore the center on foot. In winter there is an ice skating rink on the main square and the Emajogi river that runs through the city will be frozen

When it gets too cold outside there are also plenty of things to do inside. Tartu has the best museums in the country. And there are plenty of cafes and restaurants to try Estonian food.

Winter sports at Otepää 

Otepää is the winter capital of Estonia. Not because it is a big city, but because it is the center for winter outdoor sports. Otepää itself is just a small village, but it is surrounded by beautiful forests, lakes and hills.

Among Estonians Otepää is the place to be for cross country skiing, snowboarding, kick sledding or even ice swimming. It’s also a great place for hiking and the trail around lake Puhajarv is still accessible in winter. 

Ice fishing on a frozen lake

Ice fishing is a popular activity in Estonia, particularly during the winter months when the lakes and rivers freeze over. Anglers drill holes in the ice and drop their lines to catch fish such as perch, pike, and bream.

It is already impressive enough to see the locals in the middle of the frozen lakes, waiting patiently to catch something. If you want to join them, inform yourself about  the weather conditions and the thickness of the ice.

Pärnu’s frozen sea

As the winter in Estonia progresses even the sea freezes over. Pärnu is a popular beach destination in summer. Less people visit Pärnu in winter, but it is a great place to see the frozen sea. 

In winter you can still go for a long beach walk and enjoy the sea views. It’s a white winter wonderland and when there is snow you can hardly see where the beach ends and the ice of the sea begins. 

Hiking through the snow

Estonia is a great place for hiking, with a diverse landscape of forests, lakes, rivers, and coastal areas that offer a variety of hiking trails. Some trails are still open in winter and hiking through the snow is a wonderful experience. 

Some of the trails that are still safe and easy during the winter include the Viru bog trail or the trail around lake Puhajärv in Otepää. Most National parks have a few short hiking trails that are good to go in winter. 

Estonian sauna experience

Estonia in winter offers plenty of outdoor activities. If you want to warm up you can visit the sauna. The sauna ritual is an important part of Estonian culture, and has been a traditional practice for centuries.

Many hotels and guesthouses in Estonia have saunas, either on-site or nearby. These can be booked through the hotel or guesthouse directly. Otherwise you can visit a sauna complex. Almost every city has a public sauna. 

Some towns, such as Pärnu, Narva-Jõesuu and Võru are even famous for their spa and wellness resorts

Estonia’s excellent museums

If it gets too cold outside there are enough indoor things to do in Estonia in winter. Both Tallinn and Tartu have a number of interesting museums to visit. Don’t miss the Seaplane harbor museum or the Estonian National Museum. 

Try Estonian food

Estonian cuisine is a mixture of Scandinavian, German, Russian, and Baltic influences.There is a big emphasis on seasonal and local ingredients, and many traditional dishes are made with wild game, mushrooms, and berries.

Tallinn is the best place to try Estonian food and you can even try things like elk meat. 

Estonia in winter travel tips

How cold is estonia in winter.

Estonia’s climate is classified as temperate, with cold winters and warm summers. The average temperature in Estonia during the winter months, which are December to February, ranges from -5 to -10 degrees Celsius (23-14 Fahrenheit). 

The coldest temperatures usually occur in January and February, with the possibility of temperatures dropping below -20 degrees Celsius (-4 Fahrenheit) in some parts of the country.

It’s important to note that temperatures can drop even more with the wind chill, so it’s always better to dress warmly and in layers, and be prepared for the cold weather. 

Safety of Estonia in winter

In general, Estonia is a safe country for travellers, including solo female travellers. Like everwhere in the world the biggest thing to look out for is pickpocketing and petty theft. If you use your common sense it will be easy to prevent any problems.

In winter though, ice becomes another danger. As amazed as I was by the beauty of Estonia and Tallinn I was as well by the people who walk through the streets as if nothing is wrong. Meanwhile I am carefully navigating the ice below and above me. 

Coming from Holland, real cold winters are something from the past. I am obviously not used to ice and I sometimes had a hard time walking on the sidewalks that can be very slippery. The most tricky is when there is fresh snow and you can’t see the ice underneath. But trust me, it is there.  

Watching the sidewalks carefully for slippery parts is important, but it is also a good idea to look up once in a while. Icicles hanging from the roofs of buildings occasionally fall down.

The weather conditions in estonia can be harsh, with cold temperatures, snow, and ice. When I visited in January temperatures were between -5 and +1 degrees celsius. On a windy day it can feel much colder though.

My biggest advice is to dress warm and bring enough warm clothes. At least a good windproof jacket, a woollen hat and warm gloves.

At last, keep in mind that days are short. To make the most out of daylight hours requires a bit of planning.

How to get around

Estonia has an excellent public transport system between the bigger cities. Buses are a reliable way to discover the country. You can check the bus times on T pillet . I would recommend Lux express. Lux express has very comfortable buses that I used on a number of occasions in Estonia. 

Trains run between Tallinn, Narva, Tartu and Pärnu. You can check the timetable and book tickets at Elron .

You can also rent a car in Estonia. This gives you more freedom to visit more off the beaten path places that are difficult to reach. Generally, the main roads and highways in Estonia are well-maintained and cleared of snow and ice in winter. That said, some smaller roads in rural areas can be slippery and dangerous. It is important to drive carefully and at a slower speed.

Sustainable Travel in Estonia in Winter

Like in many Scandinavian countries, such as  Swedish Lapland , there is free access to nature. The beautiful national parks in Estonia do not charge any entrance fees. You are free to wander in nature and pick berries and mushrooms as you like.

The northern ecosystems are fragile though. Traveling sustainably to Estonia is essential to minimize your environmental impact and preserve the area’s natural beauty for future generations.

Support the community : You can support the community by purchasing goods and services from local markets and restaurants. It is better to try Baltic cuisine that uses local ingredients rather than imported foreign foods.

Stay in small scale sustainable hotels : It is also better to stay in small-scale guesthouses or homestays to support the local economy directly. These accommodations often have a more positive impact on the environment compared to large hotels. You can also look for hotels that prioritizes sustainable practices.

Use public transport : Estonia has a well-developed public transportation system. Opt for public transport, whenever possible, instead of taxis or private cars to reduce carbon emissions.

Leave no trace principle : When hiking in Estonia, stick to designated trails to protect nature. Straying off the marked paths can cause soil erosion and damage to plant life. If you are lucky enough to spot wildlife, observe quietly from a distance to prevent disruption to their habitats and help maintain their natural behaviors.

I encourage you to take all your trash back with you and dispose of it responsibly. In other words, leave no trace of your visit. Even better is when you bring something to pick up any of the trash that other people left behind.

To avoid single-use plastics, invest in reusable items. For example, you can bring your own water bottle with a filter. At last, use biodegradable and eco-friendly personal care products to minimize pollution of water sources.

Disclaimer :  This post about travel in Estonia in winter contains affiliate links. If you buy any service through any of my links, I will get a small commission at no extra cost to you. These earnings help me to keep Backpack Adventures alive! Thanks for your support!

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11 Top Attractions & Things to Do in Tallinn, Estonia

Written by Joni Sweet Updated Dec 24, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

With surprises around every corner, Tallinn bursts with charm like no other European city. The capital of Estonia is steeped in history, yet has all the modern offerings tourists expect from a destination in the 21st century.

The city is exceptionally photogenic, especially during the midnight sunsets in the summer. And if you want to see the city at its very best, plan your visit during the Estonian Song Festival. It brings together 30,000 of the best singers in Estonia onto one stage every five years to create music that vibrates throughout the city. The next festival is scheduled for July 3-6, 2025.

Tallinn's Old Town has managed to preserve its medieval heritage throughout centuries of domination by foreign rulers, rightfully earning a UNESCO World Heritage Site designation. You can still strut through the ivy-covered Viru Gate, explore the gothic Town Hall, and walk along the town walls like others have done for hundreds of years.

But you should spend equal time exploring Tallinn's modern-day offerings, as well. The city boasts Scandinavian-inspired restaurants, viewing platforms, lush parks, and sweets shop s.

Plan your sightseeing around this alluring city with our list of the things to do in Tallinn.

1. Tallinn's Old Town

2. estonian maritime museum, 3. tallinn tv tower, 4. toompea castle, 5. aleksander nevski katedraali, 6. kadriorg park, 7. kumu art museum, 8. estonian open air museum, 9. kalev chocolate shop and workshop, 10. st. olaf's church, 11. telliskivi creative city, where to stay in tallinn for sightseeing, map of attractions & things to do in tallinn, estonia, tallinn, estonia - climate chart.

Tallinn's Old Town encompasses endless treasures for history buffs and culture hounds alike. Known for being one of the world's best-preserved Hanseatic town centers , the vibrant village-like area features cobblestone streets , lively cafés , and architecture from long-ago centuries.

Start your experience at the Town Hall Square. While you might be tempted to keep your eyes cast up at the colorful buildings, look down until you find the distinctive circular stone marked with a compass. Standing atop it gives you the unique vantage point to see the steeples of five historic churches around Tallinn. Then, make your way inside the church-like Town Hall. Erected in 1404, the oldest town hall in Northern Europe boasts magnificent Gothic arches and precious artworks .

Then, head across the square to one of Europe's oldest continually running pharmacies, Raeapteek. The establishment celebrates its history with a mini museum focusing on antique medical tools and early healthcare techniques. You can also sample herbal tea blends created from local ingredients in the pharmacy's basement.

Another prominent spot in Tallinn's Old Town is the Viru Gate. Once part of the city wall's defense system, this 14th-century structure features fairy-tale-esque, round towers topped with coned roofs fit for a princess. Nearly two kilometers of the original city wall is still standing. You can get a good look at this historic structure from the Patkuli viewing platform on Toompea Hill.

With more than 2,300 islands in its territory, Estonia has developed a strong maritime culture, and there's no better place to visit to experience it than at the Lennusadam Seaplane Harbour exhibit at the Estonian Maritime Museum.

This fascinating museum exhibit invites tourists to step inside Submarine EML Lembit , a 1930s-era vessel that is one of the few remaining submarines of its time. You can also hop aboard the Suur Tõll icebreaker and explore the powerful steamer's captain's cabin, crew rooms, and officers' mess hall. Hundreds of other artifacts displayed throughout the museum continue to tell the story of maritime history in Estonia.

The structure of the museum itself is just as interesting as its contents. Originally built to house seaplanes in Peter the Great's Naval Fortress, the hangar features "the world's first columnless thin-shell concrete domes of such volume." It remained in use until World War II. It's amazing that the cavernous space requires no vertical supports to hold its weight.

Address: Vesilennuki tänav 6, Põhja-Tallinna linnaosa, Tallinn

Official site: http://meremuuseum.ee/lennusadam/en/

Proudly standing 314 meters in the clouds, the Tallinn TV Tower is a must-visit attraction in Estonia. A visit to the observation deck on the 21st floor –the highest open viewing platform in Northern Europe–is one of the most popular things to do. Tourists can get panoramic views of Tallinn and the Gulf of Finland. You won't want to forget your camera when sightseeing here.

Craving an adrenaline rush? Check out the Tallinn TV Tower's Walk on the Edge experience. It will strap you into a harness and let you walk along the ledge of the tower's outdoor terrace. You can even dangle your feet over the 175-meter drop. Don't look down!

This Tallinn attraction also features a number of other less fear-inducing attractions that prove fun for every type of traveler. There's a high-speed elevator that whisks tourists to the observation deck in just 49 seconds. Try out a career in broadcast journalism and record your very own news clip at the TV studio on the first floor. Enjoy multi-course meals in the clouds at the TV Tower Restaurant. And learn more about the history of Estonia's tallest building , including its construction for the 1980 Summer Olympics, at the TV Tower history exhibition.

Buy your tickets online in advance to avoid wasting time in a long line.

Address: Kloostrimetsa tee 58a, Pirita linnaosa, Tallinn

Official site: https://www.teletorn.ee/en/

Toompea Hill has always been the core of power in Estonia. Various rulers of Estonia have changed the Toompea Castle to their liking over the last 800 years, starting with the initial stone structure built by the German Knights of the Sword in the 13th century and eventually turning into a tickle-me-pink Baroque palace, courtesy of Catherine the Great. It's now home to the Riigikogu (Estonian parliament), which commemorates the country's independence by raising the national flag atop the 14th-century Tall Hermann tower every morning.

Tourists can take free guided tours of the Toompea Castle in English, Russian, or Estonian on weekdays, with advance reservations. You'll get to explore the inside of the rosy building, hear about its storied past, and learn about the structure of the Riigikolu.

After your tour, walk 500 meters northeast to the Patkuli viewing platform for an epic panoramic vista of Tallinn. From here, you can see straight down to the port .

Address: Lossi plats 1a, Kesklinna linnaosa, Tallinn

Official site: https://www.riigikogu.ee/en/visit-us/toompea-castle/

Take one look at the Alexander Nevski Cathedral, and you might think you've somehow stumbled into St. Petersburg. The 120-year-old cathedral, located directly across from the Toompea Castle , exudes sacred Russian Orthodox style, with five bulbous onion domes crowned by gilded iron crosses and an ornate brown and white exterior. It also houses 11 bells, including the largest one in Tallinn, which clocks in at a whopping 15 tons. You can hear their sounds ringing through the city throughout the day.

While beautiful and well-maintained, the cathedral hasn't always received a warm welcome from Tallinn. Many Estonians saw it as an oppressive symbol from Russia in the early- to mid-20th century and demanded it be demolished. However, that proposal didn't move forward, and the cathedral still stands today.

Address: Lossi plats 10, Kesklinna linnaosa, Tallinn

Aleksander Nevski Katedraali isn't the only remaining artifact of Russian influence in Tallinn. You can also see it at Kadriorg Park and the palace within it, both commissioned by Czar Peter the Great for his wife Catherine, in 1718.

About four kilometers east of Tallinn's Old Town , the lush 70-hectare expanse is the go-to place for a heavy dose of nature therapy in the city. Tourists will see blooming flower beds laid out in geometric patterns , a luxurious swan pond, a serene Japanese garden , and an English landscape park with an oak grove.

More than just nature, the park is also home to a few impressive structures, the most notable of which is the Kadriorg Palace. Built as an imperial summer palace in the early 18th century, the elegant three-level building was inspired by Italian palaces of the time and now houses the Estonian Art Museum 's collection of foreign works from the 16th to the 20th centuries. North of the palace, you can see the Office of the President of the Republic , a salmon-pink, Neo-Baroque building where the Estonian president works.

Address: August Weizenbergi tänav 10, Kesklinna linnaosa, Tallinn

Official site: http://www.kadriorupark.ee/park-eng/areas-of-the-park

After you've had your fill of Kadriorg Park, stroll over to the Kumu Art Museum, an award-winning institution that serves as the headquarters of the Estonian Art Museum. It houses a vast collection of contemporary art and serves as a multifunctional space for educational programs and events.

The main permanent exhibition on the third floor offers tourists the opportunity to see Estonian art classics from the 18th century to the conclusion of World War II. Featured artists include Johann Köler, Kristjan Raud, and Konrad Mägi . The works are laid out in such a way that tourists can see how local art styles changed in parallel with the Estonian mentality.

On the fourth floor, a more recently opened part of the permanent exhibition focuses on Estonian Art during the Soviet Era . The collection dives into the many complexities of producing creative works under the strict rules of the Communist Party, as well as the changes that occurred as restrictions on art eased toward the 1980s.

You can also see how Estonian art evolved in the 1990s after the fall of the Soviet Union in another permanent exhibition on that floor.

The permanent collections give tourists plenty to ponder, but should you want an even deeper immersion in local art, check out the museum's fascinating temporary exhibits, which explore a variety of mediums and expressions.

Address: August Weizenbergi tänav 34, Kesklinna linnaosa, Tallinn

Official site: https://kumu.ekm.ee/en/

Experience the lifestyles of Estonians from hundreds of years ago at the Estonian Open Air Museum. Located in the seaside area Rocca al Mare , a 20-minute drive from the heart of Tallinn, this year-round, outdoor, educational attraction includes 14 farms that recreate the way rural Estonian villagers and fishing communities lived from the 18th century to the 20th century.

Tourists can wander through many of the 74 buildings scattered around the 72-hectare property. You'll see a traditional school house, seaside fishing sheds, historic homes, a fire station, and windmills, many of which were plucked from their original villages and brought to Tallinn.

When you work up an appetite, head to the authentic inn to refuel with heritage dishes, like wild mushroom soup, rye bread with salted herring and cottage cheese, and mashed potatoes with pan-fried meat and groat (hulled kernels of cereal grains). Tourists can also take part in fun activities from yesteryear, including folk dances, midsummer bonfires, and horse and cart rides.

Address: Vabaõhumuuseumi tee 12, Haabersti linnaosa, Tallinn

Marzipan, as with many traditional foods, has a disputed history. While some point to Germany as the birthplace of the almond sweet, others believe it was invented in Tallinn by a man who worked at the Raeapteek pharmacy.

What's not up for debate, however, is the best place to try marzipan in Estonia today: Kalev Chocolate Shop and Workshop. Located in the historic Rotermann Quarter , this sweets shop puts together tempting gift boxes of marzipan and handmade chocolates, along with quirky marzipan figures in animal shapes.

The shop also invites tourists to strap on an apron and try their hand at making their own treats in the workshop. This is a fun thing to do in Tallin if you have the time. The two-hour hands-on classes are guided by a master confectioner who will show you how to make chocolate truffles and mold and paint marzipan using centuries-old techniques. Don't be surprised if you eat as many sweets as you end up taking home at the end of this creative experience.

The Kalev Chocolate Shop and Workshop is just a short walk from the Port of Tallinn. If you're just visiting the Estonian capital on a cruise or day trip from Helsinki , you can easily squeeze in a class at the sweets shop, making your short experience even sweeter.

Address: Roseni tänav 7, Kesklinna linnaosa, Tallinn

Official site: https://kalev.eu/#73382

With its 124-meter steeple, St. Olaf's Church is Tallinn's tallest medieval structure . But more than just an eye-catching site, the attraction also has a fascinating history. It is believed to have been built in the 12th century as the center for the city's Scandinavian community before Denmark took control of Tallinn around 1219.

Fast forward a few centuries to the Cold War, and the church took on a new purpose as a radio and surveillance center for the Soviet KGB . Historical records also note that the church has been struck by lightning a whopping 10 times, three of which set the structure ablaze. A Baptist congregation now uses the church for regular services.

Tourists are welcome to visit the modest Gothic interiors and get great views of the city from its observation platform. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes to climb the 232 steps to the top of the steeple!

A 15-minute walk northwest of Tallinn's Old City brings you to one of the coolest places to visit in Estonia: Telliskivi Creative City. Located in what used to be Tallinn's industrial area, this "town within a town" brims with more than 200 businesses across its 10 buildings .

The Creative City's indie shops offer something for just about everyone, including sustainably-made leather bags, locally thrown ceramics, chic homewares, and vinyl records. You can also visit popular cultural attractions, including the Fotografiska photography museum; Sõltumatu Tantsu Lava contemporary dance theater; and the Juhan Kuus Documentary Photo Centre , which focuses on Estonian documentary film and photography.

Before leaving, be sure to grab a scoop or two from La Muu Ice Cream Shop. It offers more than 20 flavors of organic ice cream, including cookies and cream, peppermint stracciatella, and vegan brownie.

Address: Telliskivi 60a, 10412 Tallinn

Luxury Hotels:

• Right in the heart of Tallinn, where the downtown meets the medieval old town, the Savoy Boutique Hotel by TallinnHotels is a great 5-star pick if you're looking for an intimate boutique sleep. The hotel has an elegant vibe throughout, and the rooms are comfortable and spacious. Staff is very attentive. Amenities include a restaurant, free Wi-Fi, airport transport, and a concierge.
• At one time serving as an Estonian Telegraph Company exchange station, today the Hotel Telegraaf is a charming 5-star hotel. The building dates back to 1878, and the ambience is old-world European. Rooms and suites have plush furnishings and high ceilings with chandeliers and crown molding. Amenities here include a day spa and a restaurant serving Russian fare. The location in the heart of Old Town is also excellent, and this is the only property in this area to have an underground parking lot for guests.
• The Schlössle Hotel is another luxury option. On cobbled Holy Spirit Street between the old harbor and Old Town Square, the hotel has a historic ambience and features elegantly outfitted rooms and suites. Breakfast is included in the rate, and there is an on-site restaurant. In the summer there is live music in the courtyard terrace area. This property is also pet-friendly should you be traveling with a dog, but you must pay a pet fee and a deposit.

Mid-Range Hotels :

• Centennial Hotel Tallinn is an excellent mid-priced option. The hotel is located about seven minutes by foot from Old Town and is a new property. The rooms and suites are decorated in Nordic minimalist style and have mural accent walls. Amenities here include a free breakfast, sauna, and 100-seat restaurant. The Centennial Hotel is also kid-friendly.
• Next to Freedom Square, the 4-star Palace Hotel dates back to 1937. Designed by a famous Estonian architect, today it has a historic facade and a modern interior design. On-site amenities include a restaurant, steam bath and sauna center, and a fitness center. There is also an indoor swimming pool.
• Hilton Tallinn Park is another mid-range choice. It is located at the edge of Politseiaia Park and has great views of the Old Town and harbor from its modern rooms and suites. The property is family-friendly, and amenities include a restaurant, indoor swimming pool, and workout room. There is also a spa on-site and a sauna and steam room.

Budget Hotels :

• With a very affordable price point, the Hestia Hotel Seaport is a popular budget choice. Located next to the Port of Tallinn and not far from Old Town, it has cozy rooms with eco-friendly cork floors. Breakfast is included, and there is a restaurant and sauna on-site. Car hire can also be arranged here.
• Also try the Dorell Hotel for a budget option. The hotel has tidy rooms with blackout curtains. It is also kid-friendly with family rooms. Amenities include free breakfast, an outdoor swimming pool, sauna, and free Wi-Fi.

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The world's top places to visit in 2024

Posted: 25 March 2024 | Last updated: 25 March 2024

The holiday season brings with it thoughts of travel, a Christmas vacation perhaps, or somewhere memorable to chime in the New Year. But where in the world are the coolest, hotly-tipped places to visit in 2024?

Click through and check out these top destinations, referenced by Travel + Leisure as the most popular places to go in 2024.

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The 2024 UEFA European Football Championship will be hosted in Germany this summer, between June and July. Berlin, Cologne, Munich, Frankfurt, Hamburg, Dortmund, Leipzig, Gelsenkirchen, Stuttgart, and Düsseldorf are not only soccer venue cities, but world-class tourist destinations in their own right.

Munich, for example, exudes Bavarian flavor and thrills the visitor with an appetizing mix of distinguished landmarks, engaging museums, and a countryside overlooked by the Alps.

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Alternatively, anyone staying in Cologne has the city's stunning medieval cathedral to explore between fixtures. This is the tallest twin-spired church in the world, and it's more than deserving of its UNESCO World Heritage Site status. So besides Germany, where else in the world is worth visiting in 2024?

Ålborg, Denmark

For a memorable cultural immersion, why not explore Ålborg? This is Denmark's northern architecture hot spot, renowned for a collection of half-timbered 17th-century merchant's mansions and an attractively refurbished waterfront.

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Cartagena, Colombia

Equally rewarding is the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Cartagena. Located on Colombia's Caribbean coast, must-see tourist attractions include the late 16th-century church and cloister of San Pedro Claver and the eerie Palace of the Inquisition.

Southeast Asia by train

Looking to explore Southeast Asia in style? Well, the good news is that, in April 2024, the Eastern & Oriental Express luxury passenger train will once again be offering travelers a range of themed excursions, for example the Essence of Malaysia journey from Singapore to Kuala Lumpur.

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Métis Crossing, Canada

Métis Crossing is Alberta's first major Métis cultural interpretive destination. It's one of Canada's most compelling Indigenous tourism projects, with various themed attractions and displays taking place year round depending on the season.

Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park, USA

Ocmulgee is a prehistoric Indian site boasting more than 12,000 years of continuous human habitation. It's named for the burial mounds people constructed to bury their elite. Presently managed as a national historical park, Ocmulgee is set to become the first national park in Georgia and the first in the US to be co-managed by a nation, the Muscogee.

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Rajasthan, India

The northwestern state of Rajasthan has long been a destination of choice for those visiting India. Jaipur, a World Heritage Site, and Jodhpur (pictured) challenge the senses with their wealth of historic buildings and vibrant character. In 2024, Jaipur especially is readying the inauguration of several new hotels.

Mustang, Nepal

Believe it or not, Nepal's remote Mustang district only opened to outsiders in 1992. Today, a select collection of stunning hotel properties cater to the more discerning traveler, visitors who, while appreciating a touch of luxury, still want to trek the surrounding mountains or discover the countryside on horseback.

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Tallinn, Estonia

Tallin is often included on "best of" lists, and for good reason. Next year, the Estonian capital is Europe's Capital of Culture for 2024. UNESCO long ago declared its walled Old Town a World Heritage Site for showcasing some of the best-preserved examples of medieval architecture found anywhere.

Warsaw, Poland

Warsaw melds an attractive historical hub with a contemporary cityscape marked by steel and glass skyscrapers and Stalinist towers. The big news in 2024 is that the Museum of Modern Art in Warsaw will open in new premises as a feature of the city's funky arts district.

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Austrian countryside

The Austrian countryside is being lauded as one of 2024's premier destinations for food and drink, regions such as Styria and Burgenland, home to Lake Neusiedl (pictured)—another wonderful UNESCO World Heritage Site. Both these regions enjoy a rich history of winemaking, reason enough to head off into the interior.

Mérida, Mexico

Mérida, the vibrant capital of the Mexican state of Yucatán, has a rich Mayan and colonial heritage. A former American Capital of Culture, the city contrasts this historic canvas with a wealth of designer boutique hotels and noted culinary hotspots.

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Sonoma County, USA

California's Sonoma County may not be as instantly recognized as Napa, but at twice the size of its celebrity-soaked neighbor there's plenty to see and do. Connoisseurs come for the wine, but the region is also known for its glamping, spa resorts, and some truly appetizing restaurants.

Bangkok, Thailand

For those seeking big city excitement, Bangkok is hard to beat. The city's nightlife is notoriously heady, but Bangkok is also becoming known as a center of wellness and as an "emerging self-care" destination, according to luxury travel network Virtuoso.

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Cleveland, USA

On April 8, 2024, at 3:13 pm, Cleveland will be in the path of totality for the solar eclipse. If you need any other reason to visit the largest city on Lake Erie, check out among other attractions the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the Cleveland Museum of Art, and Karamu House, the oldest African-American theater in the nation, established in 1915.

Fort Worth, USA

Looking for a memorable Western experience? Things like stock shows, cattle drives, and bull riding? Then head over to Fort Worth, Texas. And here's a tip: the National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame will host a 2024 exhibit honoring the Mexican female horseback riding tradition of escaramuza charra . Saddle up, ladies!

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Istanbul, Turkey

Istanbul never fails to mesmerize. Lying in both Europe and Asia, Turkey's style capital lures tourists with numerous historic buildings (including the just re-opened Basilica Cistern), world-class museums, and an enviable portfolio of designer restaurants and hotels.

Kansas City, USA

Kansas City, Missouri, is currently in the celebrity spotlight after the pairing of Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce, tight end for the Kansas City Chiefs. In March 2024, the city will celebrate the opening of the first-ever purpose-built stadium for women's pro sports. Visitors can also look forward to a string of new hotel and shopping facilities, including the brand new Rock Island Bridge entertainment complex.

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Las Vegas, USA

What more can be said about Sin City? Quite a lot, actually. The Las Vegas Grand Prix came to town in November 2023, and will again burn rubber in 2024. Meanwhile, the city's newest entertainment venue, the Sphere (pictured overlooking the F1 circuit), has already hosted Adele, Katy Perry, Lady Gaga, and U2.

Louisville, USA

Louisville, Kentucky, has plenty to look forward to in 2024. First off is the 150th anniversary of the Kentucky Derby, which falls on May 4. Sports fans can also catch 'Ali,' a musical about the Louisville boxing icon, which opens at the Kentucky Center for the Performing Arts in the fall. And there's always the engaging Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory, recognized for the giant baseball bat adorning the facade.

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Montreal, Canada

Several new hotels are earmarked to open in this most European of North American cities in 2024—all convenient stopovers if you plan to catch the eclipse in its path of totality. Complementing these overnight sensations are new attractions in the form of the Port of Montreal Tower and a new automated light rail system.

Paris, France

When is Paris not on a best places to travel list? The French capital is gearing up to host the 2024 Summer Olympics and Paralympic Games, and, as such, visitors can expect an exciting program of sports-related events, exhibitions, and performances throughout the summer.

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Coastal Alaska

The grandeur that is Alaska is simply breathtaking. And it's from the water that some of the most spectacular views of this remote US state are best appreciated. Cruising the coast allows passengers up close and personal views of places like Prince of Wales Island and Skagway, home to Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park.

Coastal Norway

Similarly, coastal Norway unveils itself in spectacular fashion when viewed from the deck of a cruise ship. And for landlubbers, there's an enviable choice of luxury hotels to check into serving cities like Oslo, Kristiansand, and Bergen.

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Douro River, Portugal

Away from the ocean but still on water, river cruises on Portugal's Douro River combine a leisurely voyage along one of Europe's most picturesque waterways with wine tourism (demarcated in 1756, the Douro is one of the world's oldest wine regions and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.) Hugging the riverbank are numerous quintas , or wine estates, as well as some of the region's trendiest hotel properties, including Six Senses Douro Valley.

Faroe Islands

Not a vacation destination that immediately springs to mind, the Faroe Islands are nonetheless a world-class adventure tourism hotspot. This remote North Atlantic archipelago affords some of the most rewarding hiking found in northern Europe. And get this: foodies can enjoy top-tier dining at restaurants such as Roks in Tórshavn, the Faroe Islands' snug capital.

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Kimberley, Australia

The Kimberley was one of the earliest settled parts of Australia. Indeed, its Aboriginal history is believed to be rooted in the world's oldest continuous culture. This is a wild and remote region. Ancient dinosaur tracks are in evidence, found across a landscape more akin to an alien planet. Trekking this untamed wilderness requires courage and a high level of fitness. But Kimberley can also be explored by boat, with a number of specialist cruise companies plying the coastline from May to September.

Mississippi River

The mighty Mississippi is served by a fleet of cruise ships operated by various companies, each offering different packages and cabin categories. Many operations are year-round experiences, with cities like Memphis, St. Louis, and New Orleans providing passengers with exciting excursion options.

Amboseli National Park, Kenya

A safari is a dream vacation for many, and especially for nature lovers. Crowned by snow-capped Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa's highest peak, the Amboseli National Parks is one of Kenya's most popular reserves. Besides the iconic mountain, the park is famous for being the best place in the world to get close to free-ranging elephants. Among the overnight options for tourists is the recently opened Angama Amboseli safari lodge.

Aspen Mountain, USA

Aspen, Colorado, needs little introduction. It's quite simply one of the most celebrated ski destinations in North America. Known for its high-altitude skiing, Aspen Mountain is as much about discovering nature as negotiating its network of steep, sidewinding runs.

Big Sky, USA

Big Sky, Montana, is a year-round adventure playground offering fishing, canoeing, hiking, horseback riding, and skiing in wide-open spaces. This Rocky Mountains community is just one hour from Yellowstone National Park, thus affording visitors the best of both worlds.

Hokkaido, Japan

On the other side of the world, Japan is well placed on the winter sports calendar. Those in the know head for Hokkaido, the northernmost of Japan's main islands. Blessed with exceptional snowfall, this is one of the world's premier ski destinations.

KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

KwaZulu-Natal's natural wonders extend to a pair of UNESCO World Heritage Sites—the magnificent iSimangaliso Wetland Park and the majestic uKhahlamba-Drakensberg National Park (pictured). Expect sightings of lions, cheetahs, elephants, giraffes, and black rhinos, among other splendid beasts.

Mababe, Botswana

Nature lovers have long regaled Botswana as the country of choice for its amazing safari offering. The land is scattered with five-star low-profile lodges set in enclaves known for their sizeable populations of wildlife, for example Mababe, which is also famed for its amazing variety of birds.

New Zealand

New Zealand, it seems, is on everybody's lips. This is the long-haul destination of choice for 2024, according to many travel experts. A compelling year-round destination (remember, the country's peak summer months are from December to March), New Zealand can be as wild or as luxurious as you wish, depending on what you're looking for. A good starting point is Queenstown (pictured), known for its appealing adventure and ski tourism.

Anna Maria Island, USA

Beach vacation destinations to seek out in 2024 include Anna Maria Island, on Florida's Gulf Coast. Unlike many of the state's tourist brochure beaches, Anna Maria's broad expanse of sand is still very much under the radar. Pine Avenue, the island's main thoroughfare, is lined with affordable shops, galleries, and eateries.

Coastal Campania, Italy

Italy's delightfully scenic Amalfi Coast falls within the country's Campania region, an area of exceptional beauty blessed with small, out-of-the-way beaches and pastel-colored fishing villages. The traditional picture-book veneer is contrasted by some fabulous boutique hotel properties and a focus on fine Italian food and wine.

Costa Rica is another stand-alone country winning plaudits as a destination of choice for 2024. And why not? This rugged, rain-forested Central American nation is renowned for its pristine ecosystems and incredible wildlife. Several new hotels have opened their doors, catering variously to golfers, surfers, and those seeking rest and relaxation in a spa environment.

Not to be confused with the Dominican Republic, the verdant island nation of Dominica is an ocean paradise blanketed with rainforest and textured by cascading waterfalls, hot springs, and golden sand. Its eco-friendly hotels and resorts are the envy of the region.

Hawaii Island

Also known as Big Island, Hawaii's reputation as a luxury Pacific Ocean getaway was established decades ago. The devastating fires that impacted both Hawaii Island and Maui in 2023 still resonate, but the destination's environmental credentials and cultural clout already have returning visitors booking early for 2024.

Los Cabos, Mexico

A home from home for many Californians, Los Cabos on the southern tip of the Baja Peninsula has long been a firm favorite for those seeking a dreamy, sun-kissed vacation. This is A-list territory, with the plushest five-diamond hotels catering to Hollywood royalty. Golf is a big deal here, as is game fishing.

Mallorca, Spain

Back in Europe, 2024 will see Mallorca, the largest of the Balearic Islands, expand its five-star resort and luxury boutique hotel product. While a hugely popular summer holiday destination, it's still possible to get lost on purpose on Mallorca. Its interior is peppered with historic ruins, and the Cultural Landscape of the Serra de Tramuntana is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

AlUla, Saudi Arabia

For the truly adventurous, Saudi Arabia conjures up images of remote deserts and ancient civilizations rarely spoken about by those in the West. And while restrictive, this fascinating country is slowly embracing a more ambitious tourism program. AlUla, for example, is an enchanting destination. The resort is set near Hegra, famed for its archaeological wonders, and features a stylish and contemporary hotel and a smaller eco-property.

Bahia, Brazil

When people think of Bahia, they usually focus on Salvador, the capital city. And while Bahia is a coastal state, it's the interior and especially Chapada Diamantina National Park that attracts those seeking an adventure fix. It's where to go off-grid to connect with Mother Nature.

Northern Pakistan

Solo travelers to Northern Pakistan trek through this region as experienced and well-seasoned adventurers. For the less initiated, the best way to explore this untamed corner of the planet is by joining a guided tour.

Peru's trekking routes

Peru's myriad of walking routes take in some of the most spectacular scenery found anywhere in the world. And there's much more to discover beyond the well-trodden Inca Trails and over-Instagrammed Machu Picchu. New for 2024 is an Indigenous-owned company offering high Andes all-women hiking trips that include cooking classes and farm trips.

South Australia

Down under, meanwhile, South Australia is New World wine territory. And while thousands flock to the state's vineyards every year, the recently opened Nilpena Ediacara National Park is providing an exciting diversion for those interested in viewing the oldest fossils on the planet, with some dating back 550 million years.

Sri Lanka is also being touted as a singular destination to investigate in 2024. A small island nation anchored in the Indian Ocean, Sri Lanka entices with a variety of landscapes, anything from beautiful beaches and lush jungle to cloud-tipped mountains and historic, temple-clad cities.

Sources: (Travel + Leisure) (UNESCO) (Virtuoso)

See also: People, places, and surprising things that 100 in 2024

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