visit tallinn in one day

1-Day Tallinn Itinerary

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Tallinn in 1 day
2-Day Tallinn Itinerary
3-Day Tallinn Itinerary
4-Day Tallinn Itinerary
5-Day Tallinn Itinerary

1-day itinerary, kadriorg park.

Kadriorg Art Museum

Eesti Kunstimuuseum

Japanese garden, tallinn song festival grounds / tallinna lauluväljak, russalka memorial, where to eat, reval café kumu.

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All road trips from Tallinn

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Explore nearby places

Harku Parish
Kloogaranna

All related maps of Tallinn

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Tallinn throughout the year

Tallinn in January
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Tallinn in May
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Tallinn in September
Tallinn in October
Tallinn in November
Tallinn in December

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Autumn , Estonia , Europe · November 1, 2022

One Day in Tallinn – The Perfect Itinerary for Tallinn’s old town

Tallinn is by far one of the most underrated cities I have been to in Europe . With its beautiful old town full of museums and handmade craft shops, to its history as a Hanseatic trading hub in the Medieval times, the city has something for everyone. Spending one day in Tallinn will likely leave you wanting for more, but it is the perfect amount of time for an introduction to this beautiful city.

If you are interested in history then head to the Kiek in de Kök Museum and Bastion Tunnels, if you love culture then make sure to check out Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, or eat lunch at Olde Hansa Restaurant for a real medieval experience. No matter what type of traveller you are though, here are the top things you can’t miss during one day in Tallinn.

We took the ferry from Stockholm , Sweden and had the perfect day trip in Tallinn, exploring the Old Town, wandering down the picturesque streets and enjoying a few museums and handcraft boutiques.

Disclaimer: I received this trip as a gift from GetYourGuide but all thoughts and opinions in this post are genuine. Please note that this post also contains affiliate links meaning that if you make a purchase through the link, I receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. I make sure to only ever promote products and brands I have used and like, and that all links are to trusted websites.

Things to know about Tallinn

Where is tallinn.

Tallinn is the capital city of Estonia, located in the north of the country on the edge of the Gulf of Finland and the Baltic Sea. It is closely connected to Helsinki in Finland, a perfect day trip only a 2.5 hours ferry away.

When to visit Tallinn

Tallinn is a beautiful city to visit all year round. In the winter, they have an incredibly cosy Christmas market, and if you’re lucky, the whole city will be covered in a soft layer of snow. While in the spring, the city is vibrant with flowers and festivals. The summer is the busiest period in Tallinn but is the best time to visit if you want to explore the coastline or head out to the three summer islands close by. The autumn is quieter but magic in its own way as all the city parks turn orange with fall foliage.

Our last trip to Tallinn was at the start of October and that is where the majority of these photos were taken!

How to get around Tallinn

Depending how long you are staying in the city and what you plan on doing, I really recommend getting the Tallinn Card ! This card gives you free public transport and access to so many of the museums and attractions, including Hellemann Tower and Walkway.

You can buy the card in advance here and be prepared for your trip!

How to get to Tallinn

There are so many different ways to get to Tallinn depending where you are travelling from. Over the last few years I have taken two day trips to Tallinn, both by ferry. The first of these was from Helsinki in Finland and the other from Stockholm in Sweden . Tallinn is also well connected to most major cities in Europe by both train and bus, and of course flying if you are travelling from further away.

How to get to Tallinn by bus

The best way to get to Tallinn if you are travelling from within Europe is by bus. The central bus station (Tallinn Bus Station) has both domestic and international connections! You will find direct buses to Riga, St. Petersburg, and Vilnius. I find the best way to book travel throughout Europe is with Flixbus ! They have good connections between most major cities and the buses run quite regularly!

How to get to Tallinn by train

Tallinn’s central station is called Balti jamm (The Baltic Station). Trains connect here from all over Estonia and Russia, with direct lines to St Petersburg and Moscow daily. I find the best way to find train connections is using Omio .

How to get to Tallinn by air

It is also possible to fly to Tallinn, flying into Tallinn Airport. From here you can take bus number 2 to the city centre and walk over to the old town. The bus costs €2 and tickets can be bought on board!

How to get to Tallinn from Stockholm by ferry

The last day trip we took to Tallinn was by ferry from Stockholm. We booked this round trip tour which included breakfast on the ferry . The trip departs from Stockholm at 5 pm and arrives in Tallinn the next day at 10.30 am. On board, you get your own room with a small bathroom and tv, while onboard they have some really fun activities to keep you busy! We spent the evening watching shows, dancing in the disco club and browsing the shop.

As this tour is sold as a “3 day cruise”, it means you can leave your baggage on board the ferry while you spend the day in Tallinn! This was really useful as we didn’t want to be carrying heavy bags around the city. The ferry terminal is around 20 minute walk from the old town which gives you around 7 hours to explore Tallinn.

The ferry back to Stockholm leaves at 6 pm and arrives in Stockholm at 11 am. On board there is a selection of different shows and entertainment on the way back.

You can find out more or book this trip here!

How to get to Tallinn from Helsinki by ferry

Tallinn makes for a perfect day trip from Helsinki, only a few hours ferry trip connecting these two cities. One of the best ways to book this trip is as a round-trip-cruise . This makes it easy to plan your day and easy to keep track of your booking. These ferries take the trip several times a day – leaving Helsinki at 7:30 am or 10:30 am, and returning from Tallinn at 4:30 pm, 7:30 pm or 11:30 pm.

You can see more details about this ferry trip or book it here!

One day in Tallinn Itinerary – The Ultimate Guide to Tallinn’s Old Town

If you only have one day in Tallinn, it’s likely you won’t get much further than exploring the old town! Here is my guide to things you can’t miss in Tallinn’s old town!

The old town is a beautiful area that will most likely take up the entirety of your one day in Tallinn. Now a UNESCO world heritage site, it is filled with colourful houses, winding cobblestone alleyways and hidden courtyards to explore. Here are a few places you can’t miss.

You can find a map of the best things to see in Tallinn at the end of this post which is available for download!

Pikk Street

This is the longest road in Tallinn, with colourful stone houses and cosy shops lining either side. Make sure to stop at Eesti käsitöö and take a look at the handcrafted Estonian pieces they sell! Downstairs in the basement you all find a lovely handwoven wool studio with the prettiest scarves and throws.

Along the street you will see a lot of houses with glass plaques outside explaining the historical importance of the house itself.

Tallinn Old Town Square (Raekoja Plats)

Make sure to stop by Tallinn’s historic town square Tallinna Plats. Here you will find a range of beautiful historical houses that once lined this market square. In one corner is the Apotek (pharmacy) which houses a really nice museum about its’ history. I recommend stopping by Van Kook, the small coffee shop on the side of the town hall (Tallinna Raekoda). Not only is it super cosy but the drinks were really good too!

St Olav’s Church

St Olav’s Church is a beautiful old church believed to have been built in the 12th century. While the church is impressive, it’s best feature is definitely the tower which gives one of the best views over Tallinn’s old town! The walk up is quite tough, with a steep, winding staircase that goes in both directions, but it is worth it. The climb costs €5 for adults and €3 for children and students, while entry to the church itself is free.

Alexander Nevsky Cathedral

This unique, domed church sits on the top of Toompea Hill and is a must visit if you have only one day in Tallinn. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral is Estonia’s main Russian Orthadox church, built around 1900. The church is open every day from 8 am – 6 pm, with regular services! If you are lucky, you will hear the church bells ring which really is special.

Patkuli Viewing Platform

Patkuli Viewing Platform is another amazing view over Tallinn’s old town. The best way to reach it is by heading up the Patkuli Stairs.

Kohtuotsa Viewing Platform (Kohtuotsa vaateplats)

Kohtuotsa viewing platform is one of the best views over Tallinn’s old town. It is here you will find the famous “The Times We Had Wall”, overlooking the city and out to the Baltic sea. Getting to Kohtuotsa Viewing Platform you walk down the pretty Pikk jalg, and past the Pika jala Gate Tower.

Olde Hansa Restaurant

Olde Hansa Restaurant is a Medieval style restaurant located in the centre of Tallinn’s old town. The restaurant decor follows that of a Medieval tavern, while the staff are all dressed in traditional costume and the menu has some really unique dishes on it that were likely served in this era. We were a little skeptical when entering that it would be more of a gimmick than anything else but were actually very impressed by the food.

It was a fun experience and I recommend it! It can get really busy there though so if you are visiting in peak season or a busy time of the day then make sure to be prepared to wait a while for your food.

Don’t miss walking down Saiakang, a cosy little alleyway with a beautiful red house and design shop situated in the middle.

Masters’ Courtyard (Meistrite Hoov)

Masters’ Courtyard is a recreation of a Medieval alleyway, with shops, cafes and handcraft workshops lining the sides. Pierre Chocolaterie, on the right, is a quirky chocolate shop and cafe that spills out into the alleyway with its colourful decorations. I recommend stopping here for a hot chocolate if you are visiting Tallinn during the colder months!

St Catherine’s Passage (Katariina Käik)

St Catherine’s Passage is one of the most picturesque places in Tallinn’s old town, with roofed stone beams supporting the two sides of the alleyway. On one side, you will find a collection of 15th – 17th century buildings, today housing small shops and handcraft studios.

On the other, you will see the wall of the once St Catherine’s Friary, lined with the tombstones that once sat in the Friary’s graveyard.

Hellemann Tower and Town Wall Walkway

Hellemann Tower and the Town Hall Walkway is one of the best places to visit Tallinn’s old city wall. Here, above the town, is a 200m stretch of preserved wall that dates back to the 14th century! The walkway is quite high up and rickety so I wouldn’t recommend this if you are afraid of heights!

Inside the tower itself is a small art gallery. Entrance to the museum is free with the Tallinn Card , otherwise it costs €4 per person.

Museums in Tallinn’s Old Town

If you want to fill your day with more than just a self-guided walking tour, make sure to visit one, or a few, of the great museums in Tallinn’s old town! This is another great reason to get to Tallinn card as it actually includes over 50 museums and attractions around the city so you don’t need to pay extra!

A few of the museums I recommend visiting in Tallinn’s old town are:

Kiek in de Kök Museum and Bastion Tunnels

Kiek in de Kök is a museum in the fortifications of Tallinn, taking you through the history of the city both metaphorically and literally. The museum has three parts; the artillery tower, the underground bastion passages and the Carved Stone Museum, and the three towers. The majority of these fortifications dates back to the 17th and 18th centuries, when the area was under the control of Sweden ,

Entry to this museum is also included in the Tallinn City Card , otherwise it costs €12 for adults and €6 for children.

KGB Prison Cells

This museum is one of the most interesting, located in the basement of one of the buildings on Pikk street, the former headquarters of the KGB. While it is a small museum, the displays and atmosphere of the rooms are very emotional. You can find out more here. Entry to this museum is also included in the Tallinn City Card

If you have time, you can also stop at

The Estonian Maritime Museum
Kadriorg Palace
Estonian History Museum

One Perfect Day in Tallinn Overview

Like I said, Tallinn is a beautiful city with so much to see and you won’t be able to fit it all into one day in the city! So if you are staying for longer, or want to venture out of the old town, be sure to check out some of the other areas of the city! Don’t miss Kadriorg , an old upper class area with big, decadent villas, the well preserved wooden houses from the old fishing area Kalamaja , or wandering around the more modern quarters of Tallinn City Centre .

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How to Spend One Day in Tallinn, Estonia (By A Local)

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Interested In Spending One Day in Tallinn? Here Are Some Local Tips!

Heading for Tallinn and short one time? Having a full one-day itinerary for the Estonian capital city might help you make the most of it! Whether you’re coming to Tallinn on a cruise or you’re looking to wander the UNESCO medieval Old Town on your own self-guided tour, there is something for everyone in Tallinn.

Tallinn is a great city – Eric visited a few years ago while travelling and really enjoyed it. Lisa has unfortunately never been but we’ve always wanted to explore the city together.

Luckily for you, we’ve got a local connection to show you around! Eric’s good friend Minna is from Tallinn (born and raised) so she knows her city well!

Minna was nice enough to write a complete guide on how to spend a perfect day in Tallinn from sights to check out, to where you should eat, go out, and more. So, we’ll let Minna the local take it from here to tell you all about visiting Tallinn in a day!

If you’re looking for more posts on travelling this region of Europe, check out these other helpful guides:

Our Detailed Baltic Itinerary Guide
Taking the Bus Between Vilnius-Riga-Tallinn
Taking the Ferry from Tallinn to Helsinki (and Back)
Spending One Day in Helsinki (Another Local’s Guide)

Table of Contents

Wake Up Activity (Optional): Experience Sunrise on Linnahall

One of the best things about the nightlife scene in Tallinn is that places stay open until really late. If you’re up for it, you can easily dance your heart out until 5-6 am, in some cases even longer.

If ending the night then still seems too early, head up to the roof of Linnahall – an abandoned old concert hall near the harbour – to watch the sunrise and witness the city slowly come to life. It is easy to reach, accessible for everyone (i.e. completely legal) and definitely worth your while.

Breakfast at Kohvik August

Kohvik (Estonian for cafe) August – located at the very beginning of Tallinn’s Old Town – is a great little cafe and a perfect starting place for your adventurous day in the Estonian capital.

Do it like locals and order a bowl of porridge with some delicious toppings and you can be sure that it keeps you feeling full for many hours to come. Alternatively, try some of their famous smoothies or omelettes. Kohvik August opens at 8:30 am on week-days and 10 on weekends. You can learn more about Kohvik August here .

Address: Väike-Karja 5, Tallinn

Getting Around Tallinn/Tallinn Day Tours This is a good time to talk about getting around in the city. Tallinn is a pretty compact city so it’s definitely walkable. That said, it’s got a bit of a hilly Old Town and there are sights to check out farther from the centre. Those wanting to save their feet from getting sore (or those with limited mobility) might be interested in utilizing public transit or hopping on a guided tour. The Tallinn transit system is pretty extensive and comprised of buses, trolleys, and trams. You can learn all about tickets and fares for a day in Tallinn at the official website . If you know you want to visit attractions and use transit, you might want to look into the Tallinn Card . Another good way to see Tallinn (also if you are limited on time) is on some sort of guided tour. There are different Tallinn tours to choose from – many of which focus on the rich history of the city and its unique culture. >> A Hop-on Hop-Off Tallinn Bus Tour >> Guided 2-Hour Tallinn Bike Tour >> A Private Tallinn Walking Tour with a Local >> Tallinn Tour By Bus and on Foot

Morning Activity: Explore the Old Town

colourful medieval old town buildings one day in tallinn estonia

For the rest of the morning, you’ll stay in Tallinn’s Old Town to explore around every corner. There are loads of historic sites to visit, important landmarks to see, and beautiful photographs to take so lace up your shoes and get going!

Freedom Square

Only a 5-minute walk from Kohvik August, the large and modern Freedom Square sits right on the edge of the Old Town. Even though not all locals appreciate the aesthetic of the Victory Column, the meaning behind it is something that is close to every Estonian’s heart.

The square with the column commemorates the Estonian War of Independence (1918-1920) and is a popular spot for anniversary parades and concerts. In addition to that, it is a hot spot for the city’s skateboarders. To gain a higher perspective of the area, it is worth it to quickly go up Harju Mägi – the little hill that sits next to the square.

Address: Vabaduse väljak 9, 10142 Tallinn, Estonia

>> To explore the Old Town in-depth and learn local history, consider a top-rated Tallinn Medieval Old Town walking tour

St. Nicholas Church

white church tower amongst colourful old town buildings tallinn estonia

This medieval church is one of the landmarks of Tallinn and is currently also used as a museum and a concert venue. Every year during the Christmas period (December-January), a beautiful ice rink is opened in front of the church.

Join the many local kids (and adults), strap on your skates, listen to some cheesy tunes from the loud-speakers and pirouette-it-up while admiring the stunning architecture of the Old Town.

Address: Niguliste 3, 10146 Tallinn, Estonia

Town Hall Square (Raekoja plats)

old town hall with colourful buildings in square one day in tallinn

Perhaps the most important landmark of Tallinn, the Town Hall Square is located in the heart of the Old Town. Home to Tallinn’s world-famous Christmas market during winter and lovely outdoor cafes in the summer, Raekoja plats is something you can not miss while wandering in the Old Town.

The medieval Town Hall is the oldest of its kind in the whole Baltic region and Scandinavia. Make sure you spot Old Thomas – the brave little weathervane on top of the spire – since he is yet another symbol of Tallinn that you can also notice on many souvenirs.

Address: Raekoja plats 1, 10146 Tallinn, Estonia

Viru Street

old stone gate to old town with orange tops one day in tallinn

Viru Street is the main street in the Old Town and leads all the way from Town Hall Square until the end of the medieval part of Tallinn. You can find many shops, cafes, restaurants, and bars here but since it is a hot spot, everything tends to be a tad overpriced. When walking down the street you will eventually reach the old city gates and the famous flower market.

Choose one of the crooked cobblestone streets, alleyways or stairs to make your way up to Toompea – the hill that represents all things power and governance. I would recommend taking either the Lühike or Pikk jalg (Short or Long leg) up and Patkuli stairs down.

On the hill, you will find both the Estonian Government and Parliament (Toompea castle or Riigikogu in Estonian) buildings along with the Tall Hermann tower – home to the most important Estonian flag in the world. The Alexander Nevsky Cathedral is a beautiful example of Russian orthodox architecture and is juxtaposed with the nearby Lutheran Toomkirik.

view of rooftops in old town from above in tallinn estonia

Behind the latter, you will find two viewing platforms (Kohtuotsa and Patkuli) that offer fantastic views over the city from different angles. The Kohtuotsa platform comes with a bonus – a resident seagull who is happy to pose for photographs.

seagull eating apple on rock edge with old town behind in tallinn

For your way down to the lower Old Town, why not grab a cone of Tallinn’s signature warm sweet almonds that are being sold in various stalls around the Old Town (including next to Kohtuotsa platform). They are hand-made with 16 different spices and 4 sugars and are a perfect little sweet snack to keep your energy levels in check.

St. Olaf’s Church

green and white church tower above old town roofs in tallinn estonia one day itinerary

The black-green tower of St. Olaf’s Church is unmistakable in the panorama of Tallinn. This 12th-century church was at one point the highest building in Europe and has been struck by lightning over 10 times and burned down completely 3 times. Today it stands 124 meters tall and the clock tower is open for visitors.

Address: Lai 50, 10133 Tallinn, Estonia

Lunch at Kompressor

Kompressor is one of Tallinn’s best-kept secrets. It is known by locals as the best pancake place in town. Hidden away in a side street in the Old Town, this pub offers incredibly generous portions for a very cheap price.

You can choose from a large variety of both salty and sweet pancakes, plus some other tasty snacks (I would recommend the cheese balls!). Calculate some extra time for decision-making because there is just so much to choose from! You can read about the menu at Kompressor here .

Address: Rataskaevu 3, 10123, Tallinn

>> Want to keep exploring? Enjoy food and drinks on a Tallinn Local Food Tour

Afternoon Activity: Discover the Rotermanni Quarter and Kadriorg

After lunch, it’s time to head out again to explore because you only have one day to do it! For this wander session, there are two areas you should check out that will help you get a more well-rounded impression of the city.

Rotermanni Quarter

Welcome to New Tallinn! The Rotermanni Quarter starts pretty much right where Old Town ends and shows you a completely different side of Tallinn – that of fancy hotels, designer shops, and 5-star restaurants. This part of the city is relatively new and basically rose from the ashes within a few years.

When you are passing by, do notice how cleverly architects have used old industrial buildings and turned them into new modern ones. Stop by Tallinn Design House to get acquainted with local designer’s newest creations – be it tech, clothes or dishes.

Another friendly recommendation would be to buy a couple of the best cinnamon buns in town from RØST Bakery (Rotermanni 14, 10111 Tallinn) and save them in your bag for later.

Jump on a tram from right next to Rotermanni and ride a few stops until you reach the picturesque neighbourhood of Kadriorg. Walk through the (subjectively) most beautiful park in Tallinn, visit the Japanese garden and take a look at the Presidential Palace. On the other side of the park, you will find Kumu – the Estonian Arts Museum.

As well as being an architectural masterpiece, Kumu also holds all the most important works of Estonian art. While a few floors are dedicated to the classics, there are always a couple of “travelling” exhibitions as well as a whole floor for modern art.

Kumu is the perfect afternoon activity for when the weather is not the best and this, unfortunately, can happen often in Estonia. You can plan a visit to Kumu here .

Address for Kumu: Valge 1, 10127 Tallinn, Estonia

Afternoon Break at Kadrioru Park

If the weather is bearable though, grab a bench by the pond at Kadrioru Park after your museum visit and pull out those delicious cinnamon buns you stocked up on earlier. Feel free to sit on the grass but pay attention if the weather is really nice!

I know it is tempting to go topless (if you are a guy) or quickly switch to your bikini top (if you are a girl) and crack open a cold beer/cider, but neither of these activities are allowed.

Kadrioru Park is famous for its notorious park guard – an older gentleman on a bike – who will not hesitate to blow his whistle and pedal towards you full-speed to stop you from breaking the park rules. If sitting outside is not an option, don’t worry, Kumu museum has a decent cafe where you can enjoy a hot drink and a snack.

Address for Kadrioru Park: A. Weizenbergi 26, 10127 Tallinn, Estonia

Early Evening Activity: Sunset + Kalamaja District

red and orange sunset over city centre tallinn

Pirita Seafront and/or Tallinn TV Tower

Depending on when you are visiting, it might now be time for sunset. Tallinn is definitely geographically blessed in this case – every night the sun drops right into the sea making it a stunning (and photogenic) sight and – thanks to our long seafront – very easy to observe.

red spire at top of tv tower with sky behind tallinn estonia one day

It is an easy walk from Kadriorg to the Pirita seafront – a place that has the best panoramic views of the city. If you have more time on your hands (maybe you skipped Kumu altogether?), jump on a bus and head to Tallinn TV tower.

With its 313 meters, it is the tallest building in Tallinn and has a 360-degree observation deck as well as exhibitions and a restaurant. I went up the Tower with Eric when he visited and even though it was cloudy, it was still a great experience! You can check out tickets for the TV Tower here .

Address TV Tower: Kloostrimetsa tee 58a, 11913 Tallinn, Estonia

Kalamaja District

Now that the sun has set, I recommend you give your legs a little rest and take the tram all the way to the trendiest region of Tallinn – Kalamaja (translates as “fish house” in English). This district – home to artists, musicians, and other free-spirited people – is perfect for an evening stroll.

Marvel at the colourful wooden houses and many-many artisan cafes, bars, and shops. In Kalamaja, you also find the newly built Balti Jaama Turg – a big market place offering everything from fruit to street food to clothes and jewellery.

Address Balti Jaama Turg: Kopli 1, 10412 Tallinn, Estonia

Dinner at F-hoone

Right next to the Balti Jaama market, you will find the true gem of Tallinn – the Telliskivi Creative Area. Before you start sampling the various Estonian craft beers offered in Telliskivi’s many cool bars, make sure you are fully fed for your night of debauchery! No better place to do that than F-hoone – a restaurant loved by tourists and locals alike.

It is highly suggested you try their Furger (F-hoone + burger = furger) – a black bread burger available both for vegans and meat-eaters. Since F-hoone is a popular place, check out their website to make a reservation beforehand either by calling or online to make sure you get a table.

Address: Telliskivi 60a, 10412 Tallinn

Evening Activity: Bar Crawling in Telliskivi or Old Town

The thing to do in Tallinn at night is to check out the nightlife. Luckily, there are lots of different areas and places to go that suit lots of different styles – from craft beer and cocktails to clubbers and more. Tallinn has a great nightlife scene offering something for everyone.

Stick around Telliskivi if you are more into the chill alternative vibes, or head back to the city centre if you are craving a fancier cocktail or two, followed by a dance session in a nightclub.

The Creative area offers many cool bars, for example Pudel bar or Kivi Paber Käärid , where, as mentioned, you can get acquainted with the wonderful selection of Estonian craft beers.

For dancing head to Sveta bar , club Uus Laine or PADA (in the summertime). Keep in mind that locals usually head to clubs late – around midnight the earliest – so don’t be surprised if places are rather empty before that.

In the Old Town why not start your night with a mysterious vibe – try speak-easy style bars like Parrot MiniBar (ask to see the “surprise” in the wardrobe, the staff will know what you mean) or Whisper Sister .

Other cool places include Tabac Brasserie , Paar Veini (wine bar) and Must Puudel . A safe-bet nightclub choice is Club Studio on Sauna street. This popular dance haven plays mainstream pop downstairs and techno upstairs.

>> Need a Guided Evening Out? Hop on a Tallinn Old Town Pub Crawl

And there you have it – a complete rundown of how to spend one day in Tallinn, Estonia! Eric really loved Tallinn and is itching to head back so Lisa can explore, too! A huge shout out to Minna for sharing her local knowledge to explore Tallinn like a pro. You can follow her adventures on Instagram @kiisumets if you’re interested!

As always, Happy Tallinn Day Waddlin’, – L&E

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Tallinn (Estonia) – What to Visit: 1 day itinerary (map included)

November 13, 2022

Home > Estonia > Tallinn (Estonia) – What to Visit: 1 day itinerary (map included)

After Riga, Estonia’s capital was probably the city I most enjoyed visiting on my roadtrip through the Baltic countries. Tallinn, despite being quite small, is very charming and well worth a visit! So, keep reading to find out what you can visit in Tallinn.

Tallinn Estonia What to visit Cathedral St Alexander Nevsky

Tallinn’s historic centre has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997, so it will be hard not to be surprised by what you will visit!!! 😊

Tallinn Estonia What to visit Kohtuotsa Viewpoint

However, this guide also includes other places to visit around Tallinn (see end of post), such as Helsinki , Viru Bog , Rummu Underwater Prison , among others.

Tallinn Estonia What to visit Views from Hellemann Tower

What is the best time of year to visit Tallinn?

Being a city in Northern Europe, you can expect very harsh winters with lots of snow. That’s why it’s best to visit Tallinn when temperatures are more inviting, such as from May to October . These will also be the busiest times, but if you go on May or October you can slightly avoid the crowds.

Given Tallinn’s longitude, June is one of the best months to explore the city as the days are very long and you can visit more sights in one day. On the longest day of the year, the sun rises at 04:03 am and sets at 10:42 pm. On the other hand, in winter, the days are much shorter, with the sun setting as early as 3:19 pm.

Tallinn Estonia What to visit Telliskivi Creative City

Moreover, although it is already quite cold (on average, lows of -5°C and highs of 1°C), I also suggest visiting Tallinn between the end of November and December as the city is also known for its annual Christmas Market.

How many days does it take to visit Tallinn?

Like the other capitals of the Baltic countries ( Riga , Vilnius ), Tallinn is a small city. We easily walk through its streets and manage to visit the city in just one day.

Tallinn Estonia What to visit Rummu Prison

However, if you have more time available, 2 days is the ideal length to enjoy the city more calmly or even, who knows, to visit other points of interest located less than 1 hour from Tallinn (more information at the end of the post).

How to get to Tallinn?

Here is a list of European cities with direct flights to Tallinn (as of november 2022):

Austria (Vienna, Salzburg)
Denmark (Billund, Copenhagen)
Italy (Milan, Rome, Naples, Venice)
United Kingdom (Liverpool, London, Edinburgh)
Germany (Berlin, Düsseldorf, Munich, Frankfurt)
France (Paris)
Spain (Barcelona, Malaga)
Belgium (Brussels)
Netherlands (Amsterdam)

Accommodation in Tallinn

When I visited Tallinn, I chose to stay 3 nights in an Airbnb in the Kalamaja district (not available anymore). The price was quite nice (108€ for 2 people, 3 nights) and the flat was cosy. However, the flat was located in a typical wooden house, quite old and the entrance was a bit scary.

Anyway, there are other quite interesting options in Tallinn:

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What to visit in Tallinn?

To start off, here is a map version of what to visit in Tallinn :

» Town Hall Square (Raekoja plats)

We start this itinerary with one of the most charismatic places in the city. The Town Hall Square is located right in the heart of the Old Town and, as the name suggests, here we can find the Town Hall – built in 1322.

Tallinn Estonia What to visit Town Hall Square

I recommend stopping for a moment to appreciate the beautiful tones of the facades of the various buildings or even to have a drink or a snack at one of the many terraces available there. However, for more complete meals, try to avoid this square as the prices are quite inflated since it is one of Tallinn’s main tourist attractions.

If you visit in summer, you will probably find that this is a square that is full of life all day long. If you visit in winter, you will certainly find the square emptier, but still charming! Special mention also goes to the Christmas Market that is held at the Town Hall Square every year.

» Toompea Hill and Castle

It is from Toompea Hill that we find some of the best views of Tallinn’s historic centre. Here you can also visit Toompea Castle , which was built in the 18th century on what remained of the city fort.

Today Toompea Castle also serves as the Estonian Parliament building.

💡 EXTRA TIP: It is possible to visit the Castle through guided tours, which are free of charge. Visits must be booked in advance and are available from Monday to Friday. You can consult all the updated information here .

» Kohtuotsa Viewpoint

Whether it’s sunny or snowing, one of the best viewpoints in the city is the Kohtuotsa viewpoint. It is one of the most Instagrammable places in the city (this is where the famous wall with the phrase “The Times We Had” is located).

Furthermore, from here we can see the top of some of the most important buildings in the city, with special attention to St. Olaf’s Church.

» Patkuli Viewpoint

A few metres from the previous viewpoint, we have another platform that also offers some of the best views of the city of Tallinn. Get ready for a few more photos of the Old Town, including its wall and towers.

» Piiskopi Viewpoint

And because there is no shortage of viewpoints in Tallinn, I also recommend a stop at the Piiskopi viewpoint, with views over Pelgullin and Kalamaja.

» St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral

The Orthodox Cathedral St. Alexander Nevsky is probably one of the most beautiful churches in Tallinn. It was built in the early twentieth century when Tallinn still belonged to the Russian Empire.

It was even considered to be demolished in 1924, as it was considered by many to be a symbol of the oppression of the Estonian people. However, this did not happen and this is one of the monuments that you really must visit in Tallinn.

📝 USEFUL INFORMATION: Entrance to the Cathedral is free and its interior can be visited from 8 am to 6 pm (7 pm on Saturdays).

» St. Nicholas Church

Another church worth visiting in Tallinn, is the church dedicated to the patron saint of fishermen and sailors – St. Nicholas.

Although it was built in the 13th century, St. Nicholas Church was destroyed during the Second World War, and was subsequently rebuilt in the 1980s. Currently, it also functions as a sacred art museum.

📝 USEFUL INFORMATION: The entrance ticket costs 8€ (free with Tallinn Card ). Its opening hours vary depending on the time of year and can be found here .

» St. Mary’s Cathedral

Located in the centre of the Toompea hill, St. Mary’s Cathedral is a medieval church with various architectural styles. In addition to visiting its interior, you can also climb to the top of its tower.

Tallinn Estonia What to visit St Mary Cathedrals

» St. Catherine’s Passage (Katariina Käik)

St. Catherine’s Passage is clearly one of the most magical places in Tallinn. Located next to the old Church of St. Catherine, this passage connects Vene Street to Müürivahe Street.

Tallinn Estonia What to visit St Catherines Passage

In the summer, we find several terraces and many tourists all along the street. In addition, we can also find handicraft shops, where there are usually workshops of the most varied arts and crafts.

» St. Olaf’s Church

We head to yet another church, this time dedicated to King Olav II of Norway (also known as Saint Olav). Besides visiting the church, it’s also possible to climb to the top of its 124 meters high tower 😊 From there we’ll have another superb view of Tallinn’s historical centre.

📝 USEFUL INFORMATION: The visit to the church is free, but to climb the tower you have to pay a symbolic fee of 3€. If you have a Tallinn Card , you can go up for free.

» Town Wall of Tallinn

Tallinn’s town wall currently stretches for almost 2 km, has over 26 towers and 2 gates (the most famous being Viru Gate)!!! It is a real trip into the past with some parts of the wall dating back to the 13th century.

One of the best places to view what is one of the best preserved walls in Europe is at the Patkuli viewpoint , mentioned earlier.

In addition, we can also walk on the wall and climb the Hellemann Tower , built in the 14th century. Entrance costs 4€, but is free for Tallinn Card holders.

» Telliskivi Creative City

Slightly outside the historic city centre, we find the creative town of Telliskivi. Located in a former industrial complex, here we find a bit of everything: from local shops, to companies or even restaurants, bars and cafés.

There, you can also find the Tallinn Museum of Photography and many walls filled with street art.

📝 USEFUL INFORMATION: Take the opportunity to get to know the Kalamaja district better (where Telliskivi Creative City is located). Considered one of the coolest areas of Tallinn, here you can see the traditional Estonian wooden houses.

Other things to visit in Tallinn

If you have a few extra hours in your itinerary, you can also include one or more of these other points of interest in the city:

Kadriorg Museum of Art and Park
Lennusadam – Maritime Museum
Estonian Open Air Museum
Tallinn’s Botanical Garden
Pirita Convent Ruins

What to visit near Tallinn ?

One of the best options for those with a few extra days available in Tallinn is to visit Helsinki .

The Finnish capital is merely a 2 hour ferry ride from Tallinn, so it’s entirely possible to go and return in the same day. This is exactly what I did in 2019 when I visited Tallinn 😊

Find out everything you can visit in Helsinki with this 1-day city itinerary ! In the post, you will also find all the necessary information about the available ferry services.

» Viru bog (Lahemaa National Park)

Visiting Estonia should always include a trail in one of its famous bogs. Many of these bogs were formed thousands of years ago. Some say 1/5 of Estonia is covered in bogs and Viru Bog is one of them 😊

Located in the Lahemaa National Park , Viru Bog is one of the most accessible bogs in the region. Next to the bogs it is possible to walk a trail on a kind of wooden planks. The trail is 3,5km (one way) and takes about 1h30 to 2 hours to complete (both ways).

💡 EXTRA TIP: For those who do not wish to walk the entire route from start to finish, it is possible to walk to the observation tower and back. In this case, the total route is shortened to 2,8 km.

This is certainly a very different activity from what we find in the historical centre of Tallinn and it is only 40 minutes away by car or 1h20 by public transport .

» Jägala Waterfall

Located just a 30-minute drive from Tallinn’s historic centre, the Jägala waterfall is the largest waterfall in Estonia at 8 metres high. Whether in summer or in winter with the waterfall completely frozen, it is truly worth a visit.

Tallinn Estonia O que visitar Cascata Jagala

It is also possible to get here by public transport, however the journey takes about 1 hour ( see Google Maps for available routes ).

» Rummu Underwater Prison

Although a less touristy place, the underwater Rummu prison is another interesting spot we can visit near Tallinn (about 50 minutes by car).

What was once a Soviet Union prison and a limestone quarry is now a place that attracts a few people. Abandoned since the end of the Soviet occupation of Estonia in the early 1990s, today it is possible to do various activities (such as snorkeling, paddle or canoeing) in these crystal blue waters.

📝 USEFUL INFORMATION: You must pay 5€ to visit the place, which is only open from June to August from 10 am to 8 pm.

» Hara – Abandoned Submarine Base

Located 55 minutes drive from Tallinn, we have yet another abandoned place to visit that takes us back in time.

Tallinn Estonia What to visit Hara Submarine

Built in the 1950s by the Soviet Union, this underwater station was used until the early 1990s when Estonia regained its independence.

It is a sui generis space, to say the least, often used for urban art, such as graffiti, and currently you have to pay 6€ to visit.

Disclaimer : this post may contain some affiliate links, which means I get a small commission if you buy something through my links. This doesn’t represent any additional cost to you and you’ll be supporting my work here on the blog😊

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I am Mariana from Porto, Portugal . I am truly passionate about traveling and all things travel related. And that’s exactly what led me to create this page: so I can inspire others to travel and help plan all those trips with my tips and itineraries.

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One Day in Tallinn, Estonia Itinerary

One day in Tallinn, Estonia is definitely enough to see the best part of it; The Old Town. However, if you really like to deep dive into the history, Estonian culture, food or shopping, I would recommend staying in Tallinn for longer.

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Last summer we did a road trip from Finland to Estonia . While we were there we visited several mansions, castles and cities. But before touring Estonia, we stopped in the capital city Tallinn for a day. We wanted to spend some time in Tallinn Old Town and see all the historical sites.

As many of you know, I grew up in Finland, only a short ferry ride away from Tallinn. It is one of the most popular vacation destinations to Finns, and we visited there often. Now, I was finally able to take my kids to see it as well.

Tallinn Old Town is said to be the best preserved medieval city in Northern Europe and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997. If you only have one day to be in Tallinn, you should definitely spend it in Old Town. It’s a unique place!

Most of the structures in Tallinn Old Town were built between the 13th and 16th centuries. At that time the town had two main areas; the upper town which was at Toompea Hill and the lower town around Toompea Castle .

Mostly merchants and artisans where living in the lower town while the upper town has always been home to the Estonian upper class. People living there were the aristocracy and officials, and even today the Estonian parliament sits in Toompea Castle.

IS A DAY TRIP TO TALLINN WORTH IT?

A day trip trip to Tallinn is absolutely worth it! We Finns do them all the time since it’s very easy and quick to get there from Helsinki. You can definitely walk through the whole Tallinn Old Town in a day, visit some of its historical sites and enjoy the local cuisine.

The Old Town is the heart of Tallinn and for many tourist it is the only thing they see in Estonia. There is so much more to Tallinn and to Estonia itself, but if you only have a day, then I would spend it in Tallinn Old Town.

THINGS TO DO IN TALLINN IN ONE DAY

Walk through tallinn old town.

Viru Gate is a perfect place to start your tour in Tallinn Old Town. These towers that built in the 14th century are now the symbol of Vanalinn ( Old Town ).

Originally the structure was much bigger and more complex, and the main gate was shaped like a square. Most of the towers and walls were unfortunately disassembled in the 1880s, and this is what is left of them.

Viru Gate in Tallinn Old Town is just stunning.

Parts of Tallinn’s city wall date back all the way to the 13th century. It was built as a defence system for the city. Over a mile of the wall is still standing, and it’s 20 defence towers make the Tallinn Old Town look like something straight from a fairytale.

You can also climb up on the wall from the Nunna tower and walk on top of it. They do charge a small entrance fee, but you will have a great view to both Toompea and Tower’s Square .

Tallinn's city wall goes aroung the old town.

After that, you can head to Toompea Castle at Toompea Hill. It was first built by the German Knights of the Sword between 1227-29. Toompea Castle is interesting because it does looks like a medieval castle except for the Baroque façade added between 1767-73.

The castle has always been the center of power in Estonia. Today it is used by the Estonian parliament. You can also visit inside the castle on a free guided tour .

See the town hall and town hall square

The Town Hall (Tallinna raekoda ) and the Town Hall Square ( Raekoja plats ) are one of the most visited places in Tallinn Old Town. The Town Hall Square was originally called the Forum . First mentionings about it are from the year 1313. After that it was called Market and Vana Turg , until it got its current name.

It is said, that the world’s first Christmas tree was in this square in 1441. Therefore, there can only be one place to have the traditional Christmas Market in Tallinn. And it comes with a huge tree of course. Town Hall Square also hosts many other events during the year, and during the summer months many cafeterias around it set up outdoor patios.

The Town Hall building was completed in its current form in 1404, but its first mention is from 1322. It is very special because it is the only gothic style town hall in Europe that has been preserved. It is also the oldest town hall in the whole of the baltic . The Town Hall hosts many different events such as concerts, and it is open for visitors during the summer months.

Tallinn Town Hall stands in the middle of the Old Town.

Go underground in the Tallinn Bastion Passages

The Kiek in de Kök Fortification Museum and its underground tunnels are an exciting and unique place to visit. The museum was built into an old artillery tower which dates back to 1475-83.

It showcases the defence system that was built for Tallinn, battles at Tallinn and the development of the city. Other artillery towers; Neitsyttorn , Tallitorn and Veräjätorn are also part of the museum.

While you visit the museum you can choose to purchase a ticket to either or both the museum and the Bastion Passages ( Bastion Tunnels ). These underground tunnels were once part of Tallinn’s defence system. They were built in the 17th and 18th centuries.

For me this visit to the Tallinn underground was one of the most interesting things we did on our trip. It definitely takes you back in time and you learn a lot about the city. Here is our review of the Bastion Tunnels in Tallinn .

Going down to the Bastion Tunnels in Tallinn was so exciting.

Find the little red house

One of the cutest houses in Tallinn Old Town must be the Little Red House . It is Old Town’s smallest building and is located in the shortest street of Tallinn.

The house was built in 1656. Inside the house is a store called Oma Asi . It is located right next to the Church of the Holy Spirit .

The Little Red House in Tallinn Old Town

Visit churches

There are many beautiful churches in Tallinn. The most known ones are probably the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral and Olav’s Church .

Olav’s Church ( Oleviste kirik ) can be seen from afar and was captured in many of our pictures without me even noticing. The first mentioning of this church is from 1267, but is believed to have been finalised in 1330. Olav’s Church has suffered from many fires started by lightning, but it has always been repaired.

It is open for visitors during the summer months. A visit to the church is free, but there is a small fee for climbing up to the bell tower.

We could see Olav's Church even from our hotel window.

This hotel had great family rooms right next to the Old Town! Above is the view from our room.

The Alexander Nevsky Cathedral has an interesting history. The construction started in 1894 when Estonia was still part of the tsarist Russian empire.

Since Estonia lived through a period of Russification, for many Estonians this church became a symbol of oppression. Religion was a big part of the Russification and therefore they needed their own church. The cathedral was finally finished in 1900.

Later, in 1924 Estonians decided to demolish the church, but it was never carried through. Today it is Estonia’s main Russian Orthodox cathedral.

Take home some flowers

As long as I can remember, there has always been a street full of colourful flower shops in front of the Viru Gate. The Tallinn Flower Market has 14 little shops with beautiful cut flowers.

If you are visiting someone or just going straight back home, why not get a fresh bouquet? At least we Finns often do that while visiting Tallinn as the flowers here are considerably cheaper than in Finland.

The flower market is open year around.

The colourful Flower Market at Tallinn Old Town.

Go shopping

For years Estonia has been known as a shopping paradise for people coming from Scandinavian countries owing to its cheap prices.

Although Estonia is not as cheap as it used to be anymore, you can still find great shops and shopping malls there. The biggest ones are Ülemiste-keskus ( Suur-Sõjamäe 4 ), T1 Mall of Tallinn ( Peterburi tee 2 ) and Viru Keskus ( Viru väljak 4/6 ). There are also several good smaller ones.

Enjoy some local foods and drinks

There are so many amazing restaurants in Tallinn to try out. Not only in Tallinn Old Town, but also elsewhere in the city. In general, restaurants in Old Town are more expensive and more touristy than outside of it.

You can find anything from friendly pubs to fine dining, and nice cafeterias in Tallinn. During the high season and on weekends, it might be difficult to get a table from the most popular restaurants, so a reservation is recommended.

If you would like to try something local or just want something to munch with your beer, try the garlic bread. It is dark rye bread fried crispy in garlic butter and served with a dip. You can find it in almost every restaurant. So yummy!

My favorite is the Garlic bead and Long Drink.

Estonian cuisine is influenced by Scandinavia, Germany and Russia. Potatoes, meat and fish are the main ingredients. There are over 300,000 Russians living in Estonia and majority of them in Tallinn, so you are for sure guaranteed to find some authentic Russian food.

Many visiting Tallinn Old Town are eager to have a medieval experience also when it comes to dinner. Olde Hansa is great for that.

Restaurant Olde Hansa in Tallinn Old Town offers an medieval experience.

Where to stay in Tallinn?

If you are only visiting for one day but staying the night, then why not stay in the picturesque Tallinn Old Town. There are many lovely hotels inside the medieval walls. I would recommend either Hestia Hotel Barons Old Town or Hotel Telegraaf .

On our last visit we stayed at Original Sokos Hotel Viru . They are a very short walk from the Old Town and they have great family rooms.

Tallinn is just beautiful! I would say that if you only have one day, concentrate on Old Town and leave the rest of the city for your next visit. Yes, it is a little bit touristy and the summer months can be crowded, but it’s worth it.

There are also many nice hotels inside Old Town or within walking distance, so you can get the most out of your visit. Tallinn also has a great public transportation system. We really enjoyed our stay and will definitely go back again soon!

If you are interested in exploring Estonia further, we recommend checking out the city of Tartu .

Have you been to Tallinn? What was the most memorable place you visited?

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The Underground Bastion Tunnels of Tallinn

The underground Bastion tunnels of Tallinn were the most interesting place we visited in Estonia. Definitely worth a visit!

Things to do in Tartu, Estonia

There are many things you can do in Tartu, the second largest city of Estonia. We spent a day in downtown Tartu and this is what we did.

I haven’t been to Tallinn yet, but I’d love to see Estonia and its capital. Great tips on how to spend a day in Tallinn, what to see and where to eat. I like your culinary recommendations. The city has an impressive history, as Tallinn Old Town was built between the 13th and 16th centuries. I would love to see the old town and Toompea Castle at Toompea Hill. I add to my bucket list Kiek in de Kök Fortification Museum and its underground tunnels. The place is so exciting and unique!

Tallinn is a great place if you like history and medieval buildings. I hope you get to visit.

We visited Tallinn a few years ago and absolutely loved it. Olde Hansa was so delicious and I like that they kept the Medieval menu still going. We missed the little red house, what a shame! The churches are beautiful here and so varied too. Definitely a city I would like to revisit.

I feel like there is always something new to find in Old Town no matter how many times you visit.

Good ideas for a one day itinerary in Tallinn. I am surprised that the city looks so European. I have been to Riga and Vilnius which are both a bit different (difficult to say in what way, more Eastern Euroepean maybe?). The town walls and the underground defence system are something I would definitely like to explore. It reminds me a bit of the defence system of Luxembourg.

Well most of these pictures are from the Old Town, rest of the city looks very modern.

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One Day in Tallinn Itinerary: Cover Everything In a Day!

As the capital of Estonia , Tallinn paints a vivid picture of the nation’s rich history all the while embracing growth and transformation. Imagine fairytale-like turrets and cobblestone lanes bearing witness to the passage of time, contrasted with innovative contemporary designs and tech-savvy ambiance.

Tallinn, no doubt, is a city made for wanderers. It’s a place where every step through the narrow, winding streets transports you back to the Middle Ages, yet a short stroll can abruptly bring you back to the chic modern city it has evolved into. With an exciting blend of vibrant nightlife, trendy cafes, breathtaking panoramas, and ancient fortresses, Tallinn is nothing short of a living, breathing history book with a modern spine. A day’s journey here can make you a time traveller, leaping between epochs from dawn till dusk.

From the age-old charm of the UNESCO-listed Old Town to the trendy district of Telliskivi Creative City, Tallinn has a gripping tale to tell at every corner.

The city is a very popular cruise stop in the Baltic Sea, and a starting point for tours of Russia . Like many visitors, I found myself with only a day here, yet it was enough time to cover most of the major sights.

Let’s explore the best that Tallinn has to offer in one full-day itinerary. We’ll start in the lower town then venture our way to the upper town, Toompea.

A Brief History of Tallinn

Located on the northern coast of Estonia, Tallinn has a history dating back 5,000 years. It gained its status as a city in 1248, flourishing as a trading point within the Hanseatic League. Its Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is testament to its medieval heritage, encapsulating a mix of 13-16th-century architecture. After periods of Swedish and Russian rule, Tallinn became the capital when Estonia achieved independence in 1918, a status it retained even during Soviet occupation (1940-1991). Today, it’s a dynamic city known for its technology scene as the birthplace of successful startups like Skype.

How to Get to Tallinn, Estonia

By Air: Lennart Meri Tallinn Airport (TLL) is the main international gateway to Estonia. The airport, located just 4 km from the city center, is served by several airlines offering direct flights from multiple European cities. Getting from the airport to the city center is quick and convenient via taxi, tram, or bus.

By Sea: Tallinn is a popular destination for ferries from Helsinki, Stockholm, and St. Petersburg. The city’s port is just a short walk from the Old Town.

By Train: Tallinn is accessible by train from various cities in Russia, such as Moscow and St. Petersburg. The train station (Balti jaam) is located near the Old Town.

By Bus: Numerous international bus services like Eurolines and Lux Express operate routes from cities including Riga, Vilnius, St. Petersburg, and Warsaw, among others, to Tallinn’s central bus station.

By Car: If you’re driving in from nearby countries, the Via Baltica (E67 Highway) runs through Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia, making it possible to reach Tallinn by car.

Getting Around on Your One Day in Tallinn

Getting around Tallinn is a breeze due to its compact size and efficient public transportation system. The city buses, trams, and trolleys are reliable, and with an Ühiskaart (public transport card), you can easily navigate the city. Taxis also provide a convenient choice for longer trips.

However, the heart of Tallinn – its Old Town – is best explored on foot due to its pedestrian-friendly layout. An emerging trend in Tallinn is bike-sharing, making for a fun, eco-friendly way to see the city.

Lastly, don’t forget to try a ride on one of Tallinn’s old-fashioned Kalamaja trams for a throwback in time!

1 Day in Tallinn Itinerary

Morning: historical exploration in town hall square.

Our journey starts early at the Town Hall Square (Raekoja Plats), which is a bustling area, particularly in summer. Enjoy the cobblestones underfoot and the colorful merchant houses around you that date back to the 15th and 16th century. This square has long been a market place and a center for feasts and public events, and it’s still just as vibrant today.

The historical Town Hall (Tallinna raekoda) that dominates the square is an iconic symbol of Tallinn, retaining its grandeur from the 13th century. Take a look at the weather vane Old Thomas, perched atop the Town Hall spire, a quintessential guardian figure for the city.

In summer, the square brims with open-air cafes, allowing visitors to absorb its medieval charm over a cup of coffee. Trip the paved paths of this remarkable square under twinkling fairylights by evening, or be a part of buzzing handicraft markets by day.

Throughout the year, the square hosts various festivals and concerts, keeping its energetic spirit alive. If you’re visiting at Christmas time, the square is home to the city’s Christmas markets and a beautiful, twinkling tree.

Nearby is Master’s Courtyard (Meistrite Hoov), which is a quiet courtyard with medieval architecture and a famous café Chocolaterie. Definitely pop here for a hot chocolate or a coffee!

Walk a little further and you’ll come to St. Catharine’s Passage (Katariina kaik) – a notable medieval street lined with predominantly 15th-17th century buildings and handicraft workshops.

St. Olav’s Church

St. Olav’s Church, a former tallest building in the world, is a defining landmark of Tallinn. Originally built in the 12th century, this historic site has endured fires and reconstructions, now standing as a testament to Gothic architecture. Its spire that reaches 124 meters offers breathtaking panoramic views of Tallinn, making it a must-visit for those seeking history intertwined with a scenic vista.

Mid-Morning: Step Back in Time at the Old Town Walls

Next, you’ll start a leisurely exploration of Tallinn’s Old Town Walls . An impressive structure built during medieval times, the Walls and the surviving 26 watchtowers provide a unique peek into the city’s past history.

Climbing the Walls gives you a striking perspective over the red-tiled rooftops of the Old Town, as well as a superb view of the Baltic Sea. “Fat Margaret” tower, with her massive structure, served as a defensive fortification and a storage house in the past, but now houses the enthralling Estonian Maritime Museum. On the other hand, “Kiek in de Kök” is an artillery tower housing a museum that tells riveting tales of the city’s history, complete with clandestine tunnels. As you wander around, feel the weight of centuries of history that these old stones have witnessed, from the Middle Ages till today.

Late Morning: Visit to St. Nicholas’ Church

A short walk away is St. Nicholas’ Church (Niguliste Kirik) , originally built in the 13th century. The church, now a museum, features various religious artworks, including the famous ‘Dance of Death’ painting. Music lovers will be pleased to know there are also frequent concerts hosted in this atmospheric venue.

Lunch and Afternoon: Freedom Square

After your morning exploration, it’s a good time to grab a traditional Estonian lunch. Freedom Square, located at the edge of the old town, offers numerous restaurant options.

Bask in the sun as you enjoy a hearty meal in the square’s many outdoor patios, from hearty Estonian dishes to a plethora of international cuisines. After the meal, stroll around the “ Vabaduse väljak ” square and take a look at the imposing glass Cross of Liberty and the War of Independence Victory Column, icons honoring those who fought for Estonia’s freedom.

Surrounded by the picturesque facades of St. John’s Church and the art nouveau-style buildings, the bustling plaza resonates with a blend of history and modern urban life.

The square’s history is quite complex—once a parade ground for Soviet forces, it’s now a popular gathering point for the locals and often hosts public concerts and exhibitions. At night, the square lights up, often becoming the heart of Tallinn’s vibrant nightlife.

Transitioning to Upper Town

Conveniently, Freedom Square serves as a gateway to the Upper Town, Toompea . A short but steep climb will take you there, on an adventure to explore more of the city’s history.

Early Afternoon: Toompea Castle

Upon entering the historical district of Toompea, the monumental Toompea Castle immediately captivates your attention. Towering imposingly on the limestone hill, this iconic castle’s sturdy walls tell the tale of a stronghold that’s been continuously occupied since the 9th century.

Today, this ancient fortress serves as the seat of the Estonian Parliament, where the country’s important decisions and policies are discussed and decided upon. For a first-hand glimpse into Estonia’s political nerve-centre, Toompea Castle opens its doors to public tours, letting visitors explore the corridors where history and modern governance intertwine.

The castle’s exterior is as striking as its inherent historical significance. Lavished with a distinct pink hue, the castle emanates a certain fairytale charm. This pink façade stands in beautiful contrast to the site’s deep-rooted history and powerful political background.

Mid-Afternoon: Alexander Nevsky Cathedral

From there, wander towards the breathtaking Alexander Nevsky Cathedral . This onion-domed Orthodox cathedral is an architectural masterpiece.

Built between 1894 and 1900, the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral is the grandest Orthodox cupola cathedral in Tallinn. It’s a classic symbol of the historic Russian influence over the city, reflected in the cathedral’s lavishly decorated interiors. The magnificent interior holds Estonia’s largest bell – a giant weighing about 15 tonnes, along with eleven others.

As you explore further, observe the walls adorned with beautiful mosaics, paintings, and icons, accented with gold that glistens under the soft lighting. Every detail in the cathedral contributes to its grandeur, from the detailed woodwork on the iconostasis to the deep and sonorous echoing of the cathedral’s bells.

Whether or not you’re religious, the serenity and sacred atmosphere within the cathedral is palpable, a testament to its spiritual and historical significance.

Late Afternoon: Kohtuotsa and Patkuli Viewpoints

As the day starts to wind down, make your way to the Kohtuotsa and Patkuli viewpoints. They offer breathtaking panoramic views of Tallinn. It’s an ideal spot for photographers or for anyone who wants to absorb the dreamy view of the city.

From Kohtuotsa, witness the red rooftops and whitewashed walls of the Old Town set against the backdrop of the stunning Baltic Sea. Patkuli, on the other hand, offers a splendid view of the city’s skyline, encompassing the iconic St. Olaf’s Church and the industrial harbor.

As twilight approaches and the city lights start to twinkle, the viewpoints provide a mesmerizing vista that captures the essence of Tallinn – a harmonious blend of old and new. These platforms, nestled amidst the charm of Toompea Hill, truly represent the climax of any Tallinn exploration.

Dusk: KGB Museum

Finally, end your pale day with a visit to the clandestinely intriguing KGB Museum . Found at the top of the Sokos Hotel Viru, this museum was once the local KGB headquarters. Here, you’ll find interesting narratives of Cold War times and a collection of spy equipment used in history. This excellent finale will no doubt provide some food for thought over dinner.

Dinner at Olde Hansa

To end the day, you simply cannot leave Tallinn without visiting Olde Hansa. At Restoran Olde Hansa, step back in time to savor the ultimate medieval dining experience.

Situated in the heart of Tallinn’s Old Town, this restaurant serves authentic 15th-century recipes. The lit candle lanterns, handcrafted wooden wares, and staff clad in period costumes, all contribute to the immersive historical ambiance. The menu provides a variety of old-world specialties, including game meats and traditional Estonian dishes.

If You Have More Time

Kadriorg palace.

Kadriorg Palace, built by Peter the Great for his wife Catherine I in the 18th century, is a majestic baroque masterpiece nestled within a lush park. Housing the foreign art collection of the Estonian Art Museum, its ornate interiors showcase richly decorated staterooms and a stunning main hall. The surrounding park, adorned with lovely gardens and fountains, invites visitors to roam its charming pathways.

Rotterman Quarter

Rotermann Quarter, located between the Old Town and Tallinn’s harbor, is an enticing blend of the old and the new. Once an industrial area, it’s now a buzzing urban space boasting vernacular historical buildings that seamlessly fuse with modern architectural designs. Home to a variety of restaurants, shops, and local businesses, it’s a chic, thriving hub that showcases Tallinn’s innovative spirit.

Where to Stay in Tallinn

Hotel Telegraaf : Situated in a 19th-century former post office building, this luxury hotel offers a lavish setting with an Art Deco interior, an impressive spa, and an upscale restaurant.

The Three Sisters Boutique Hotel : This is Estonia’s first boutique hotel, located in three merchant houses dating back to the 14th century. Each of the 23 rooms and suites are uniquely designed to retain the medieval charm.

Schlössle Hotel : Tucked away in a 13th-century building, Schlössle Hotel offers a luxurious stay complete with antique furnishings, cozy fireplaces, and gourmet dining.

Swissotel Tallinn : This modern luxury hotel situated in the tallest building in the city offers stunning views, a Purovel spa, and a rooftop cocktail bar.

St. Petersbourg Hotel : Opened in 1850, this hotel is the oldest in the city and provides a comfortable mix of old-world charm and modern design. The on-site Russian restaurant is particularly praised.

Nordic Hotel Forum : Located just outside the Old Town, this stylish and modern 4-star hotel provides rooms with splendid views, a rooftop spa, and a chic lobby bar.

Tallinn City Apartments Residence : Perfect for longer stays, these serviced apartments offer modern accommodation in medieval buildings right in the Old Town.

Metropol Hotel : Situated in the Rotermann Quarter, this budget-friendly hotel provides comfortable accommodation with minimalistic design, near Tallinn’s main sights.

Best Time to Visit Tallinn

The best time to visit Tallinn is from late spring to early fall, particularly between May and September. During these months, you’ll find mild temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F), ensuring a pleasant stay while exploring the city. Summer months also bring vibrant cultural events and longer daylight hours, perfect for outdoor activities and soaking in the rich history of the Estonian capital.

A Final Word

And so concludes your whirlwind tour of Tallinn in just one day! This place is packed with medieval enchantment, stunning viewpoints, compelling history, and more. It’s a city you can visit time and again, and still find something new and exciting every time you step its cobblestone streets. Itineraries may lead your way, but don’t forget to stray off the path and discover your own piece of magic in Tallinn.

If you’re curious about the dark side of Tallinn’s history, also check out my post on the abandoned Patarei Prison . The prison is being turned into a museum called the International Museum for The Victims of Communism, although it won’t open until 2026.

About The Author

Visit Tallinn in one day – itinerary

Are you planning a trip to Estonia but you only have one day to visit Tallinn? Don’t worry, you can visit the main city highlights and also enjoy an ice cream in the time left. Tallinn is full of surprises. Therefore, expect to see doors with intricate designs, houses that look like they are made out of gingerbread and people dressed in medieval clothes.

Read below my full itinerary for visiting Tallinn in one day but first, let’s talk about why you should add Tallinn on your travel list.

Click here to read about the top 10 photography spots in Tallinn .

Why you should visit Tallinn

For some reason, Tallinn is not a mass tourism destination since people prefer more exotic places, where the weather is warmer and the sun brighter. This means that Tallinn has nothing in common with other European destinations like Rome or London where tourists are basically everywhere.

I like enjoying a place for myself where I can take a photo in my own time without thinking that 100 other people want to take the same shot as me. This is why I fell in love with this city and promised myself to come back as soon as possible.

Because there aren’t many people who visit Estonia, I didn’t know what to expect from this trip. Actually, my expectations were quite low but I was so wrong! Tallinn is a beautiful city, extremely clean, organized and with a great infrastructure. This is where I first saw self-driving buses.

Below are my favorite places in Tallinn. It would be ideal to have at least 2 days to explore the city. However, one day in Tallinn is enough to see the main tourist attractions and get an idea about the city’s vibe. Don’t forget to wake up early!

Discover Tallin Old City

Duration (getting there + visiting): 4 -5 h

You cannot leave Tallinn without taking a stroll in the Old City. The colorful houses and beautiful doors will instantly make you fall in love with Tallinn. By just walking in the Old City you will feel the relaxed atmosphere and the city’s medieval charm.

One of the must see places in the Tallinn Old City is the Tallinn Town Hall Square . Right in this square, the first Christmas tree is supposed to have been erected in 1441. Apart from this interesting fact, the square is the perfect place to look for souvenirs. You can find many hand-made items, beautiful decorations and amber jewelry.

I know that buying an amber ring or necklace as a souvenir might be tempting. However, keep in mind that the amber comes from Lithuania, not Estonia. Estonia has little to no amber resources.

Another place to visit is the St. Olaf’s Church . Maybe churches are not your thing, but I bet that the amazing views are. If you climb the tower, your eyes will be rewarded with one of the best views in Tallinn. Don’t forget your camera home!

Eat in Telliskivi Creative City

Duration (getting there + visiting): 2 h Take a short walk from the Tallinn Old City and you will find yourself in a completely different place. The Telliskivi Creative City is a former industrial area transformed into a creative space for entrepreneurs.

Here you can find restaurants inside train wagons, amazing murals, interesting architecture, home decor stores and the best food in town. This place should definitely be on your ‘must see places’ list if you are staying one day in Tallinn.

Kadriorg Palace or Tallinn TV Tower

Tallinn Kadriorg Palace and TV Tower view

Duration (getting there + visiting): Kadriorg Palace – 2 h, Tallin TV Tower – 3 h

I had 3 days to explore Tallinn. Therefore, I had the time to see more of this beautiful city. I have been to both Kadriorg Palace and Tallinn TV Tower but depending on what kind of traveler you are, you will have to choose just one.

If you are looking for a peaceful way to end your day in Tallinn, then I would definitely recommend visiting the Kadriorg Palace . It is perfect for taking a peaceful walk while admiring the beautiful palace.

However, if you are an adrenaline junkie, then you should visit the Tallinn TV Tower and do the ‘walking on the edge’ tour. This means that you will have some security ropes attached to you while walking on the edge of the 170 meters tower. A guide will be with you and will show you all the nearby interest points. It is a thrilling experience and stepping outside of your comfort zone once in a while won’t hurt you.

Public transport in Tallinn

The Tallinn city center is very compact and easy to get around by foot. If you are planning to explore more of the city, don’t worry. The buses, trams and trolleys have excellent connections. The public transport’s operating hours are between 6 am – 11 pm.

There are 2 types of tickets you can use for Tallinn’s public transport. Read more details below.

Tallinn Card

Paper ticket.

Alternatively, you can also use Uber or regular taxi in Tallinn.

Where to stay in Tallinn

I’ve been searching for the best accommodation options in Tallinn, for every budget. If you are looking for an awesome hotel at an affordable price, you are in the right place. Here are my recommendations:

Luxury – Radisson Sky Hotel – excellent location, beautiful view over the Old Town, super clean, gym access, breakfast included
Mid Budget – Centennial Hotel – good location, super fast WiFi, very clean, spacious rooms, included breakfast
Budget – Estonishing Stay – good location, modern & spacious apartment, very clean & stylish

Tallinn is a beautiful surprise. With the beautiful architecture, friendly people and great food it is hard not to fall in love with it. If you are planning to visit Tallinn in one day, I hope that my guide was helpful.

Read more about the best photography spots in Tallinn – click here .

May the travel bug bite you!

More about Europe:

10 Iceland tips & tricks – click here
Travel to Thassos – a complete travel guide – click here
Buzludzha – an icon of Bulgaria’s Communist Regime – click here

Pin it for later!

Aurelia Teslaru is a professional travel blogger and the writer behind Daily Travel Pill. With a 4-year experience as a travel writer and photographer, Aurelia only shares travel guides about destinations that she visited.

She has been to more than 40 countries during the past 10 years and aims to explore 50 countries before turning 30 years old. Aurelia is a digital nomad who transformed her passion for travel into a lifestyle. Read more about her here .

To follow her adventures, check out her Instagram and Facebook pages!

13 Comments

Self-driving buses?! This is too cool! My 5-year-old would have been fascinated. Heck, I’d be, too! I’ve always wanted to visit Tallinn but is still hasn’t happened. Thanks for letting me see it vicariously through your post 🙂

It is a really cool and hip city! Thanks!

Oh my gosh I was in Tallinn for just one day too, and I’ve been dying to go back ever since!

Can’t wait to go! Been procrastinating it too much lol

Tallinn looks so pretty!! I have a friend there that I’ve been meaning to visit next time I’m back in Europe. Your photos are gorgeous and make me want to go now 🙂

I’ve heard so many good things about Tallinn that I really can’t wait to visit it! And your lovely pictures make me want to go even more 🙂 thanks for sharing!

I am sure you will love Tallinn!

What a beautiful post! I love love your pictures! I’m definitely saving this as I would be visiting Talinn very soon and a days itinerary is perfect as I will exploring a few other places in that region

So happy to hear this!

Tallinn is absolutely one of my top 2 cities in the world. We lived there for a year and I hated leaving. There is so much to explore and I never tired of just looking around. We lived just below and to the left of the Kohtuotsa viewing platform, on Nunne. It was a wonderful experience. If you go back, Kompressor has a really yummy breakfast and believe it or not, the Stat Oil shops have great hot dogs. My kids still talk about that.

That is so awesome! Thanks so much for the advice! I hope to go back soon.

I come from Finland, so naturally, I’ve been a frequent visitor to this city for a long time and every time I enjoy it. The Old Town is just mermerising and the food and drinks in Tallinn are moderately priced. Always happy to return there.

I loved it too! Thanks

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Best Things to Do in Tallinn, Estonia in One Day

On my way to Russia for my Trans-Siberian trip, I decided to make quick stopovers in the capital cities of the three Baltic States, spending only one night at each place. So, after Vilnius ( Lithuania ) and Riga ( Latvia ), my last stop before Russia was Tallinn, the capital of Estonia.

Similar to the other two capital cities, Tallinn also has a fairy-tale vibe to it, with winding cobbled streets, medieval churches, and majestic castles. But of the three, I personally think Tallinn is the prettiest.

Continue reading to find out more about this city and see if you agree with me.

Table of Contents

Overview of Tallinn, Estonia

As the capital of Estonia, Tallinn is the country’s main financial, industrial, and cultural center. This bustling metropolis is also recognized as the most advanced digital society in the world!

Tallinn is located in the northern part of the country, on the coast of the Gulf of Finland. It is situated about 80 kilometres south of Helsinki, Finland, 320 kilometres west of St. Petersburg, Russia, 300 kilometres north of Riga, Latvia, and 380 kilometres east of Stockholm, Sweden.

At the heart of the city is the Toompea Hill, which is crisscrossed with cobbled streets and filled with medieval houses. From the foot of the hill, the town spreads out within the confines of what used to be a city wall.

Tallinn’s history dates back to the medieval times and was first recorded on a world map in the year 1154.

In 1219, it was conquered by the Danes, who built a stronghold on Toompea Hill. In fact, the name “Tallinn” is an abbreviation of “Taani Linnus”, which means “Danish stronghold” in Estonian.

After that, the city underwent a period of Scandinavian and Teutonic rulers, during which time it was known by its German name Reval (from the 13th century until the first half of the 20th century). It was during this period that Tallinn prospered as one of the most important trading hubs in the Gulf of Finland due to its strategic location.

The country enjoyed its independence in 1918 but only briefly, because it was later captured by the Soviet Union in 1940, followed by Nazi Germany (1941-1944), and again by the Soviets.

Estonia declared its independence once and for all on 20th August 1991.

During their occupation, the Soviet Union organized a massive Slavic migration, and as a result, over 36% of Tallinn’s current population are of Russian descent. As of 2023, Tallinn has a population of 454,000.

Estonian is the official spoken language in Tallinn, with at least half of the citizens speaking it as their native language. Around 46% speak Russian, while the rest speaks Finnish, Belarusian, and Ukrainian.

Best Time to Visit Tallinn

Tallinn has a humid continental climate with mild, rainy summers (highest daytime temperature of around 22°C (72°F)), and snowy winters.

The average temperature in February, its coldest month, is -3°C (25°F) — still considered to be pretty mild for a country that high up north. This is due to its coastal location. However, the winters can be very gloomy, especially in December when the amount of sunshine is only about 20.7 hours for the entire month!

The best time to visit Tallinn is from May to late August , if you want to take advantage of the warm(ish) weather to go to the beach. Spring is also great if you love bird-watching, as the islands are occupied with long-tailed ducks, Steller’s eiders, Bewick’s swans, and lots of geese.

I visited in early October and it rained for the most part of it with temperatures around 0°C (cold by my standard). Still, I enjoyed the crisp weather in the morning and the beautiful warm hues of the trees.

One Day in Tallinn Estonia | Ummi Goes Where?

How to Go to Tallinn

I went to Tallinn from Riga, Latvia by bus. There are frequent connections between the two cities, with continuing service to Vilnius , Lithuania and the rest of Europe. Then, I left Tallinn for St. Petersburg, Russia also by bus.

The bus companies that operate internationally to and from Tallinn are:

Lux Express
Baltic Shuttle

There are also frequent buses operating between Tallinn and other cities in Estonia. Domestic bus schedules and fares can be found here .

Tallinn Bus Station can be reached from the city center using tram number 2 towards Suur-Paala or number 4 toward Lennujaam (airport). Get off at Bussijaam (bus station).

Tallinn Airport (IATA: TLL), also known as Ülemiste Airport, is a small airport located on the eastern shore of Lake Ülemiste, 5 kilometres from the city center. There are various flights to and from major European cities.

To travel between the airport and the city , you have a few options:

Taxis – should cost you around €10. Make an advance booking if you’re arriving around midnight.
Bus #2 – stops right in front of the airport. To get to the city center, make sure you take the bus bound for “Reisisadam”. On working days, it runs from 6 a.m. till midnight, and on weekends until 11 p.m. The closest stop to the city center is A. Laikmaa.
Tram #4 – The Lennujaam tram stop is located right next to the terminal It operates daily from 5:30 a.m. – 12:45 a.m. Depending on where you want to go, the closest stops to the city center are Hobujaama, Viru, and Vabduse väljak.

Elron Trains operate train services between Tallinn and Tartu, Viljandi, St. Petersburg, Moscow, and more. The train station is right next to the Old Town, and can be accessed by tram number 1 or 2. Stop at the “Balti jaam” station.

Tallinn is located less than 100 kilometres from Helsinki and connected by frequent ferry service, with up to 20 departures daily. Depending on the ferry, journey time is anywhere between 1.5 and 3.5 hours, and the prices between €15-40 one way. All ferries can also carry cars.

The following are companies that operate ferries between Tallinn and Helsinki:

Eckerö Line – Operates only one 2000-passenger ship. Often has the cheapest fares.
Tallink Silja – Up to 6 departures daily with discounts for Eurail pass holders.
Viking Line – Two sailings daily.

Tallinn also has daily overnight ferry service from Stockholm all year round, which takes approximately 16 hours.

All ferries dock at Reisisadam port , north of the city center. To get there, take bus #2 from the intercity bus station (Autobussijaam stop), the airport (Lennujaam stop), or the city center (A. Laikmaa stop).

How to Get Around in Tallinn

Tallinn is a compact city and is best discovered on foot, especially the Old Town. Almost all the attractions mentioned here are within comfortable walking distance of one another. In fact, if you’re coming by ferry, you can even walk (15 – 20 minutes) from the ferry terminal to the Old Town.

However, if you need to take a break from walking or if you want to explore further, here are your options:

By Public Transports

The city is covered by a network of buses, trolleys, and trams, operating between 6 a.m. and 12 a.m. every day. Timetables can be found here .

When traveling by public transports, you can either buy the ticket from the driver with cash for €2, or purchase tickets online on the Pilet.ee mobile app, or purchase a Ühiskaart — a smart card that you pay a €2 deposit for and add money to buy tickets. A 1-hour ticket costs only €1.50, and a one-day pass costs €4.50. Check the latest fares here .

By Hop-On-Hop-Off Bus

This sightseeing bus is a good option for first-time visitors as it takes you to most of the must-see attractions and provides commentary along the way.

Please note that there are a few different operators, such as City Tour , City Sightseeing , and Red Sightseeing , each one with similar buses and fares, but the tickets are NOT interchangeable.

Please check their individual websites for fares and timetables.

Taxis are another alternative, but just like everywhere else in the world, they tend to over-charge. Tallinn has many taxi companies. Reputable ones include Tallink, Tulika (airport taxi), Sõbra (economy taxi), Marabu, and Luxlimu.

To avoid scams, try not to take taxis late at night, and stay away from those that look too shabby or are without logos. Otherwise, do as the locals do and order a taxi by phone, or book on ride-hailing apps such as Bolt and Uber.

How Much Time Do You Need in Tallinn?

With Dmitri in Tallinn Estonia | Ummi Goes Where?

With him as a guide, I was able to see the top sights in the old and new parts of Tallinn very easily within just half a day. But we were moving pretty fast, mainly because it was drizzling the whole time, and also because he had to go to work later in the day.

If you prefer exploring at a more leisurely pace, getting lost among the alleyways, and spending longer at each stop, two days would be ideal. I’d suggest spending one day in the Old Town and another day in surrounding neighborhoods.

Next, I will list down the top things you can do in Tallinn if you’ve got one day (or more).

Best Things to Do in Tallinn in One Day

1. explore tallinn old town.

Having been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Old Town is certainly going to be the highlight of your trip to Tallinn.

Like in most other old towns in Europe, you can expect to see cobblestoned streets, cathedrals, market squares, and rows and rows of old buildings. But as mentioned earlier, I personally think it’s the among the prettiest I’ve seen. The town walls and their conical roofs lend the city a fairy-tale vibe that isn’t as prominent in the other Baltic states.

Although the bigger roads have now been converted into stylish shopping streets, the medieval town is still one of the best-preserved in Europe. It was built in the Late Middle Ages by German crusaders and managed to survive World War II despite heavy bombings by the Soviet.

2. See the Viru Gate

You will enter the Old Town through the grand Viru Gate. Tall and imposing, the two towers were part of the 14th-century walls that served as the city’s defense system.

See what I mean about the conical roofs? It doesn’t take much imagination to get transported back to the Middle Ages.

Although part of the gate had been demolished to allow horse-drawn carriages, the towers remain standing proud to this day to welcome visitors.

3. Walk Along Tallinn Town Wall

The Tallinn town wall is one of the first things you will see as you enter Tallinn. Easily recognizable by its red-roofed towers, the wall dates back to the 14th century.

In its former glory, it was 2.4 kilometres long, up to 3 metres thick, and had a total of 46 towers. Today, while not as magnificent as before, it still has a wow factor with 1.9-kilometre length and 20 remaining towers.

You will encounter sections of the wall as you explore the Old Town, some with towers, gateways, and enclosed wooden walkways. Visitors are allowed to climb a portion of the wall to enjoy the panoramic city views.

4. Visit St. Olaf's Church

Built in the 1200s, St. Olaf’s Church is one of the most important structures in Tallinn and the city’s largest medieval building.

In the 16th century, its tower was purportedly the tallest building in the world, standing at 159 metres tall. It had been struck by lightning numerous times and eventually burned down. Today, the spire is only 124-metre tall.

If you’re physically fit, you can climb your way up the narrow, winding staircase to the top of the tower for a fabulous view of the Old Town. The entrance to the church is free while the entrance to the tower is EUR 5.

St. Olaf’s Church is open from April to October (closed during winter).

5. Walk Along Helleman Tower Walkway

Walkway at Helleman Tower, Tallinn, Estonia

Helleman Tower is a three-story structure built in the 14th century to be used as a prison, observation tower, and later as a weapon storage. Leading to it is a 200-metre stretch of fortification wall that you can walk on.

For EUR 4, you can also climb up to the top of the tower. While it doesn’t offer you the best views of Tallinn, it may still satisfy your curiosity about the medieval defense system. The tower now houses an art gallery.

6. See the Three Sisters

The Three Sisters Tallinn Estonia | Ummi Goes Where?

The Three Sisters were built in 1362 and originally served as commercial premises, complete with loading hatches and windlasses to transfer goods between floors.

In 2003, they were renovated into an upscale boutique hotel , maintaining the medieval architecture but offering modern amenities. The Three Sisters are among the best-preserved medieval buildings in Tallinn.

Click here to book a stay at the Three Sisters.

7. Visit Fat Margaret

The Fat Margaret’s Tower was named as such because it was the largest part of the city wall. Measuring four metres in thickness, this barrel-shaped tower was built in the 16th century to defend the harbor as well as impress inbound visitors coming by sea.

For a time, it also served as a prison, but today, it is home to the Estonian Maritime Museum.

8. Walk Along St. Catherine's Passage

Formerly known as the Monk’s Alley, this unique walkway connects Vene and Müürivahe streets in the Old Town.

The passage is lined on one end with tombstones and uneven stone walls from the St. Catherine’s Dominican Friary, which was the largest friary in Tallinn back in the day. It is said to have been built here more than 700 years ago.

At the other end, there are a number of handicraft workshops where you can watch the artists at work.

9. Hang Out at the Town Hall Square

The Town Hall has been the heart of Tallinn since the 13th century. Although no longer serving as the city’s marketplace, it’s still bustling with tour groups, festivals, concerts, and the annual Christmas market.

Apart from the usual cafes and shops, you’ll also find the Great Guild Hall, the Church of the Holy Ghost (which features Tallinn’s oldest public clock), and the Town Hall Pharmacy, which is the oldest continuously-operating pharmacy in Europe (since 1422).

But the most striking building here is the Town Hall with its 64-metre spire and dragon-shaped waterspouts. It is the only remaining Gothic town hall in Northern Europe.

10. Learn About Marzipan at the Marzipan Gallery

Marzipan Gallery Tallinn Estonia | Ummi Goes Where?

For the sweet-toothed, the Marzipan Gallery is a must-visit.

Here, you will learn the amazing history of marzipan — a medicine created by chemists during the Middle Ages that later became a popular sweet treat. It consists primarily of sugar or honey and ground almonds, sometimes enhanced with almond oil.

There are over 200 marzipan candies, cakes, and figurines on display in this gallery, some are made using molds that are more than a century old. You can also watch artists painting marzipan figurines and have one custom-made for you.

11. See Tallinn from Toompea Hill

To get the most picturesque views of Tallinn, make your way up Toompea Hill and head to the Kohtuotsa and Patkuli viewing platforms. Both are located about 150 metres from each other and offer you unobstructed views of the Old Town, the modern skyline, and the harbor.

However, Toompea Hill is more than just a scenic viewpoint — it also has a historical and political significance. The site has been used as a fortress since the 9th century and it is also from here that the city has been ruled, since the ancient times till today. Therefore, you will find several important buildings in the area.

Make sure you have sturdy footwear on, as the inclined cobblestoned streets can make for a (moderately) strenuous climb.

12. Visit Alexander Nevsky Cathedral

Alexander Nevsky Cathedral Tallinn Estonia

Located on Toompea Hill, the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral is a relatively new addition to the old town, having only been completed in 1900 under Czarist Russian rule. Its distinctive black onion domes can easily be seen from all over the Old Town.

This Russian Orthodox church is still actively used for worship, so while visitors can enter for free, no photography is allowed inside.

13. See the Toompea Castle

Next to Alexander Nevsky Church is the Toompea Castle. Built in the late 1700s, this salmon-pink structure features three defense towers, including the impressive 50-metre tall Pikk Hermann.

When Estonia was under the Russian rule in the 18th century, the castle was converted into a Baroque palace. It now houses the Parliament of Estonia and can be visited on weekdays with advance notice.

If You Have More Than One Day in Tallinn

Because it drizzled almost the whole time during my visit, my host and I walked fast and didn’t linger for too long at each place. As a result, we actually managed to see a lot, both in the Old Town and the surrounding neighborhoods, albeit only briefly.

If you prefer going more slowly, here’s a list of things you can reserve for the second day:

1. Visit More Museums!

To satiate your thirst for knowledge, visit these museums:

KGB Museum – The Baltic States’ dark history under the Soviet occupation is fairly recent, with Estonia only gaining its independence in 1991. Located in Viru Hotel, the KGB Museum is a replica of the secret headquarters kept by the KGB in numerous hotels throughout the Soviet Union. Here, you will see spy equipment and other paraphernalia from the Soviet era. Advance booking required.
Kumu Art Museum – At almost 50,000 sq metres, this museum is the largest government-built building since the liberation. It houses a permanent exhibition of Estonian art, both old and new. The architecture of the building itself is enough to warrant a visit.
Open Air Museum – This unique open-air museum is a life-sized reconstruction of an 18th century rural village that comes with a church, inn, schoolhouse, fire station, net sheds, twelve farmyards, and several mills. It spans 72 hectares and comprises about 80 buildings of Estonian vernacular architecture from the past two centuries. There are free dance performances on weekends and special events during Easter.
Museum of Estonian Architecture – Located in the Rotermanni Quarter, the Museum of Estonian Architecture focuses on contemporary architecture and features frequently changing exhibitions.

2. Go to the Top of Tallinn TV Tower

Tallinn TV Tower is a 314-metre-high, free-standing structure, originally built to provide better telecommunication services for the 1980 Moscow Summer Olympics regatta event.

It is the tallest building in Tallinn and with the highest open viewing platform in Northern Europe. You can either go to the observation deck on the 21st floor (170 metres), or try walking on the edge of the tower on the 22nd floor (175 metres).

On a clear day, you may even be able to see Finland!

3. Explore Other Neighborhoods

Kalamaja District Tallinn Estonia | Ummi Goes Where?

Beyond the Old Town, there are a few interesting neighborhoods nearby that are worth exploring:

i. Kalamaja District

Previously a fishing village and later an industrial town, Kalamaja (which means fish house in Estonian) has recently bloomed into a hipster neighborhood just outside the Old Town.

It is best known for its colorful wooden houses built to accommodate factory workers in the past, and Telliskivi Creative City — a complex of former warehouses that have been turned into cafes, boutiques, and live music venues, all decorated with street art.

ii. Rotermann Quarter

At the heart of Tallinn, between the Old Town, the Port, and Viru Square lies a neighborhood that was once a thriving industrial hub. However, during the Soviet era, the majority of the factories and warehouses were abandoned and eventually fell into disrepair.

In 2007, the entire area went through a major renovation, and the old industrial buildings were given a new life. Additional floors were added, as well as glass windows and modern decors, giving them a cutting-edge look.

The newly renovated buildings were then turned into stylish apartments, bars, cafes, restaurants, and shops.

4. Marvel at Kadriorg Palace

Palace and garden of Kadriorg Palace Estonia

Originally built as a royal summer residence for Russian Tsar Peter the Great in the 18th century, this Baroque palace is now an art gallery and museum, where you can see a huge collection of paintings of the Russian royal family.

Once you’re done inside, you can enjoy a stroll around the park outside with its beautiful fountains, swan lake, and the Presidential Palace — the residence of the Estonian president.

Kadriorg Palace is only a short tram ride or a 30-minute walk from the Old Town.

Where to Stay in Tallinn

It’s perfectly possible to visit Tallinn on a day trip if you only want to see some of the major highlights in the city. However, if you like to take things slow and hang out longer, here are a few accommodation options for all budgets:

Draper Startup House for Entrepreneurs – Adult-only accommodation with a bar, lounge, and garden, about 1 kilometre (0.7 mi) from Town Hall Square. From EUR 10 for a bed in a 6-Bed Female Dormitory Room. All rooms come with a desk, free WiFi and a shared bathroom.

Hotel L’Ermitage – A modern 4-star hotel just a 5-minute walk from the Town Hall, featuring pastel-colored rooms, each with an LCD TV, a mini bar and a private bathroom. Bicycle and car rental services available. At a surcharge, guests can also relax in the Finnish sauna. From EUR 53 for a Standard Single Room with a breakfast buffet of Estonian and international dishes.

Schlössle Hotel – Located in the center of the Old Town, this stylish 5-star hotel is housed in 13th and 14th-century buildings with antique furniture but modern amenities, such as WiFi and a flat-screen TV in each room. Usage of sauna is included in the room rate. You can also try a selection of massage treatments or head to the front desk to book a limousine! From EUR 157 for a Superior Garden Room, with breakfast. A glass of sparkling wine is served for breakfast.

Final Thoughts

For a country that has only gained its independence in the 1990’s, Estonia has developed at an exceptional speed to become among the top three of the most digitally advanced nations in the world.

The capital city itself is a perfect blend of ancient and modern standing almost side by side. Amidst the ultra-modern industrial buildings and quirky street art, Tallinn retains its well-preserved medieval history and charms.

Definitely a must-visit in your Baltic States’ itinerary!

One Day in Tallinn Estonia Itinerary | Ummi Goes Where?

Have you visited any of the Baltic States? Which one did you like best? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.

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10 Things to Do in Tallinn Estonia’s Old Town if You Only Have One Day

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Many travelers visit Tallinn for the day by taking the ferry from Helsinki or Stockholm. For others, it’s a stop on a Baltic Sea cruise. Indeed, it was one of my favourite ports on my small ship luxury cruise that was passing through.

Either way, many travelers end up there with only a day to take it in before sailing to the next destination. This was the case for me.

While there is plenty to see in Tallinn, one day is more than enough for its medieval Old Town to steal your heart. You can’t help but be swept away by the old world charm of its maze of cobblestone streets lined with pastel-coloured buildings.

Here is a quick guide of things to do in Tallinn Estonia that you definitely don’t want to miss, so you can make the best use of your one day and have a wonderful visit.

TABLE OF CONTENTS: Getting Into and Around Tallinn Things to do in Tallin Estonia: 1. Get lost in the medieval streets 2. Town Hall Square ( Raekoja plats ) 3. Town Hall Pharmacy 4. St. Catherine’s Passage 5. Knit Market 6. Have lunch at Rukis 7. Toompea Hill Lookout 8. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral 9. St. Olav’s Church 10. Toast the day with beer in Town Hall Square Other interesting things to do in Tallinn

Getting into and around Tallinn Estonia

If you’re visiting Tallinn as part of a boat or cruise trip, you’ll be arriving into town at the cruise pier.

It takes about 15 minutes to walk from the cruise pier to the Pikk Gate of Old Town Tallinn. A shuttle service is usually provided by the cruise line to the main gate, Viru. The hop on hop off bus also stops at the cruise terminal, so you have options.

Old Town Tallinn is small enough to explore on foot, and that’s also the best way to get a feel for the place.

Things to do in Tallinn Estonia:

If you’re wondering what to do in Tallinn after you arrive, here’s a list of 10 things to do if you only have one day.

1. Get lost in the medieval streets

Colorful cobblestone street in Tallinn, Estonia

Once inside the gates of Old Town Tallinn, be sure to reserve some time to wander the ancient streets.

A UNESCO World Heritage site, the origins of Tallinn date back to the 13th century when crusading knights first built a castle there, so walking around these genuinely medieval streets feels magical.

Pikk street (photo above) is the oldest and longest street in Tallinn’s centre. This was the main street in the middle ages. Stop by the famous Three Sisters at Pikk 71, a trio of beautifully restored homes dating from the 15th century.

Tallinn’s tourism office calls Aida street (photo below) the most authentic medieval street in Old Town.

The street is almost untouched and feels like you have jumped back to the Middle Ages. It leads to the city’s summer stage, a small amphitheatre where I happened upon a performance by three female singers. Accompanied by an accordion, they sang what I imagined to be local folk songs, their voices echoing softly off of the old buildings.

If you prefer to have some guidance with your wandering, book this two-hour walking tour of Old Town Tallinn .

A medieval looking alley in Tallinn Estonia

2. Town Hall Square ( Raekoja plats )

In Tallinn, all roads lead to Raekoja plats, the Town Hall Square and the hub of Old Town Tallinn.

Surrounded by elaborate merchant houses, it has served as a market and meeting place since the 11th century. It was even the site of at least one execution, resulting from a dispute over a bad omelette. Some things are just unforgivable.

Today, you’ll still find market stalls and plenty of café tables hosted by wait staff in medieval costumes.

One side of the square is dominated by the Town Hall — the only intact Gothic town hall in Northern Europe. At one time, it held criminals chained to the walls or pillories for public humiliation. It’s mainly used for concerts or special occasions now. If you’re not interested in some humiliation outside, you can visit inside the building during the summer months of July and August.

The shackles on the pillars outside Tallinn's Town Hall

3. Town Hall Pharmacy

The hanging sign outside the Town Hall Pharmacy in Tallinn

In an opposite corner of Town Hall Square, you’ll find the Town Hall Pharmacy. Dating back to 1422, it’s said to be the oldest continuously running pharmacy in Europe.

Some of the remedies available at the pharmacy throughout history include mummy juice, unicorn horn powder, bat powder and hedgehog powder. It was so famous in its day that the Russian Tsar used to order medicines from here. Perhaps this explains some things.

The site still operates as a pharmacy today. One of its bestsellers is marzipan, which, according to legend, was invented as a remedy here in the 15th century. There is also a museum inside which displays curious medieval medical instruments.

4. St. Catherine’s Passage

St Catherine's Passage in Tallinn Estonia

One of the most picturesque lanes in Old Town Tallinn, St. Catherine’s Passage is home to a collection of craft workshops.

The passage connects Vene and Müürivahe streets. Here, artists use traditional methods to create glassware, ceramics, jewellery, hand-painted silk and the like.

There are also a few cafés along the passage where you can sit and soak in the creative medieval ambiance. It’s one of my favorite things to do in Tallinn.

5. Knit Market

A woman in her Knit Market stall, surrounded by knitted wares

At one end of St. Catherine’s Passage, you’ll find Müürivahe street, where the town’s famous knit market operates.

Given its long, cold winters, local crafts people are skilled at making knitwear for bundling up in the cold weather.

I bought two pairs of knitted slippers from this lovely woman, perfect for winter at home in Canada.

6. Have lunch at Rukis

Collage of 3 different traditional Estonian desserts at Rukis Cafe in Tallinn

Rukis is a dessert café and bakery at the Farm Restaurant on Viru street, which is definitely worth a try. The name means ‘rye’, which is close to the hearts of Estonians and is something Rukis is famous for making.

I enjoyed a lunch of local desserts and pastries there.

If you’re looking for something more substantial, see this list of 5 of the best places to eat in Tallinn from the food and travel blog Beer and Croissants.

7. Toompea Hill Lookout

View over Tallinn Estonia from Toompea Hill Lookout

Fueled up on lunch (or sugar), it’s now time to head uphill to Toompea, the upper part of Old Town Tallinn.

There are two streets that lead up to Toompea: Pikk Jalg means “long leg” in Estonian and, the parallel street, Lühike Jalg means “short leg”. Either way, it’s a fairly steep climb on cobblestones.

There is also a mini-train trolley that will take you to the top. A taxi is a relatively inexpensive option as well. (approx 5 Euros)

At the top, there are three platforms overlooking the city with great photo opportunities ( Kohtuotsa , Patkuli and Piiskopi ).

8. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral

Alexander Nevsky Cathedral from the outside, with a blue sky behind it

The Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, the largest orthodox church in Tallinn, was built in 1900 when Tallinn was part of the Russian empire. It was originally intended as a symbol of the empire’s dominance over this Baltic territory.

The cathedral is worth a quick look inside and, if you happen to visit on a day when there is a service, listen for the tunes played by the 11 powerful church bells before each service.

Across the street, you’ll see a pink palace built by Catherine the Great as an addition to Toompea Castle. Today, it’s the Estonian Parliament building.

9. St. Olav’s Church

St Olav's Church, exterior from the street, and interior

If you’re feeling very energetic, climb the 234 stairs to the top for another great view of the town (3 Euros or free with the Tallinn card).

I must confess, I prioritized the pastries and didn’t make the climb, but the photos I’ve seen from the top are impressive.

When it was built, this Gothic church was the tallest building in the World. It’s gigantic spire was meant to be a signpost for ships.

But it was also a good lightning rod and the church burned down several times. As a result, the spire was scaled back to 124 metres, but it’s still an important symbol of the town.

10. Toast the day with beer in Town Hall Square

After the day’s walking (and climbing), take some time to relax and enjoy the atmosphere in the Town Square.

Brewing in Estonia dates back for thousands of years when barley, wheat and rye were first grown here. In recent years, the craft beer scene has taken off.

You can relax with a brew in the square or enjoy a tasting of the best Estonian craft beers.

So raise a glass and say “Terviseks” (cheers) to a great day exploring Tallinn Estonia, one of the true gems of the Baltic region.

Other interesting things to do in Tallinn

If you find yourself able to spend more than a day in Tallinn, there are lots of other interesting things to do, in and out of Old Town Tallinn. Here’s a small sampling:

The KGB Museum at the Viru Hotel
Telliskivi Creative City
Kadriorg Park and Palace
Soviet Statue Graveyard behind Maarjamäe Castle
A day trip to Lahemaa National Park and the Viru Bog

More Information:

You can read my article on my cruise with Windstar Cruises here .

If you plan to stay in Tallinn, you can check pricing and availability on accommodations here .

Tourism Information: Visit Tallinn

Guide book: Top 10 Tallinn (EYEWITNESS TOP 10 TRAVEL GUIDE)

12 Things You May Not Know About Small Ship Cruising with Windstar

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The colors are so lovely Cindy. How brilliant. Eye-popping really.

Thanks so much Ryan. Tallinn is exceedingly photogenic!

The streets and architecture is a photographers dream. So many interesting textures and colours. I bet you blew through thousands of photos while you were there. I really like the photo of the woman at the knitting stand. She seems so proud of her work…

Thanks for sharing. Keep travel blogging. Adventure is better shared with friends!

Thank you Anthony! You are right about the woman at the knitting stand being proud of her work. She just lit up when I asked her if I could take a picture.

I love St Kathrine’s Passage. It looks exactly like a medieval street scene I would imagine. I could see them selling wands and butterbeer. You have great photos of Tallin.

Thanks so much! I love that – – it would be just a perfect spot for a butterbeer.

Im not going to lie, I dont think I’ve heard of Tallinn. What a gorgeous place though. Some many photography moments. The buildings and pastels colours are stunning!

Thanks Lauren! It really does feel like one of those fairy tale towns.

I’ve always wanted to visit Tallinn but still haven’t made it there. It’s such a gem of a city! It’s just oozing history.

Thanks Jenia! It truly is a gem. I hope you get a chance to go.

As a photography enthusiast, I wouldn’t mind staying for more than a day to explore this Old Town. Your photos are beautiful, looking at them transports me right to Tallin.

Thanks so much Jing. Truth be told, I would have loved to stay for more than a day too!

Stunning photographs! Especially the one of St. Catherine’s Passage. So far the only Baltic destination I’ve visited in Vilnus (Lithuania), but I fell absolutely in love with it and have been daydreaming about going back up to do a longer road trip through the region. I love the pastel architecture, the timeless cobbled passages and the FOOD! That cold beet soup is to die for, and don’t even get me started on the pastries! Lithuania also has a pretty vibrant craft beer scene – did you see anything like that in Estonia? I love checking out local breweries on my travels!

Thanks so much Erica, Yes, I did see several craft beer pubs in Tallinn as well, although I must admit, I was more focused on the pastries!

The Baltic Republics are way high on my list – unfortunately, these are the places where I think ‘oh well, they are so close, I always can go…’ which ends in not going at all. However, these cute little alleys are so beautiful – and I love the knitwear. I bought some of these sweaters really cheap a couple of years ago: They sold them at a convention in September and it was exceptionally hot and nobody was into buying big sweaters, so…. But they are worth even a high price since they are so beautiful and unique.

Thank you! The knitwear was was really nice quality, and you can’t go wrong wandering the medieval streets of Tallinn!

Tallinn sounds like the kind of place where one day will entice you to stay much longer. St. Catherine’s Passage sounds absolutely magical … as does much of the town. Exploring the Baltic region is high on our list. Never been much for cruises (other than active one where you can bike or hike when you get into port) but Windstar does sound intriguing. Will have to read your post about the company too now.

Thank you Michael. I think you would find that Windstar is quite different from what you would expect on most cruises. They do have have cruises suited to the active traveler as well (e.g. Iceland, Norway etc.).

I’ve never heard of Tallinn! But it looks fascinating and so historic. How cool that they have that street that hasn’t been touched since the Middle Ages! And yes, a bad omelette can be quite unforgivable haha

Thanks Maggie! So glad to introduce you to Tallinn.

Wow! Love all the colorful photos. I would have so much fun here getting lost and wandering around. The buildings are so cute and colorful and I love the cobblestone roads (although they kill my feet).

Thanks Candy! Well, when your feet get tired in Tallinn, it’s time to sit and have pastries.

I’ve never been to Tallinn yet, but have been seeing lots of photos lately. It makes me think of a combination between Prague, Sibiu and Sofia, because of the buildings and their colours, the passage you photographed, too, plus the cathedral.

Thank you! I hope you get a chance to see it.

One Day in Tallinn Estonia

One day in Tallinn Estonia will be just enough time to make you want to come back again.

Tallinn is one of those European cities you just have to visit at least once. It’s got Mediveal architecture, a hisoric city center, a fascinating history, a lively nightlife scene, and incredible food.

The best part about spending a day in Tallinn is that it’s a walkable city that’s easy to explore. You can see a lot with a limited amount of time.

I’ve included some of the best things to do in Tallinn down below to help you plan your visit, even if you can’t stay long.

I hope you have as much fun here as I did.

Some of the links in the post are affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links it helps to support this site at no extra cost to you.

Table of Contents

This one day in Tallinn itinerary is intended to show you what you can see during a quick stop over in Tallinn. If you have more than one day, I would definitely stick around a while if you can.

That being said, you can cover plenty of ground with a one day visit to Tallinn, and I think you’ll be glad you came.

Tallinn is a fun city, with lots of quirky and cool things to see and do. Be sure to just explore on your own a bit and see what you find. You never know what’s around the corner in a city like this.

A few quick tips.

Definitely bring comfortable walking shoes. Those cobblestone streets are not easy to walk on. Bring sneakers, not heels.

If visiting Tallinn in winter, don’t underestimate the cold. It’s better to have too many layers, than not enough. Trust me on this one.

Also, you can pick up a Tallinn Card at the local tourist office to get discounts on entrance fees to local attractions. It also comes with free entrance to many of the city’s museums.

Stay in the Old Town area if you can. This way you’ll be close to all the places you’ll want to see.

Don’t forget travel insurance before heading out on your trip.

You can pick up affordable travel insurance here .

If you have extra time after exploring Tallinn, a Helsinki day trip is also very popular. This is a great way to visit two countries in a short amount of time.

Tallinn Old Town

The Tallinn old town is best known for it’s colorful buildings, gothic architecture, cobbled streets, and abundance of great cafes and restaurants.

The city of Tallinn has managed to preserve its Medieval structure and architecture, much of which dates back to the Middle Ages.

As you wander the Old Town, you’ll find gothic churches, old merchant houses, and the original cobblestone streets from the town’s early days.

The Tallinn Old Town, including Town Hall Square, is also an UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Town Hall Square, also known as Raekoja Plats, is the main square of the Old Town area and is where many of the city’s local events are held.

If you have the time, I recommended a guided walking tour to explore this part of the city. You’ll learn all sorts of nteresting facts about the history of the city.

Tallinn Christmas Market

If you’re visiting Tallinn in December, you can’t miss the Tallinn Christmas Market. Christmas Markets are traditionally held in cities all across in Europe during the holidays, and this one is quite special.

The Christmas Market is located in Town Hall Square and is considred one of the best Christmas Markets in all of Europe. I have to admit, I totally agree with this.

The Tallinn Christmas Market is usually open from December 1st to January 7th, but check the dates when you plan your visit.

The Christmas Market features the largest, most beauitful Christmas Tree, right in the center of the square. All around it, you’ll find a variety of chalets selling all sorts of holiday gifts, knick knacks, food, and drinks.

The sausage, potatoes, and saurkraut, with a cup of warm mulled wine is the thing to get. Do be advised that mulled wine is stronger than you might think.

If you want something similar but with a little less kick, get the hot rum punch. It’s even better than the mulled wine, in my opinion.

Alexander Nevsky Cathedral

The Alexander Nevsky Cathedral is located on Toompea Hill just outside the city’s historic center.

It is a Russian Orthodox cathedral built between 1894 and 1900. It was built during the time when Tallinn was part of the Soviet Empire.

The cathedral is well preserved and is one of Tallinn’s best examples of Orthodox Sacral architecture. It is also home to Tallinn’s most powerful church bells, which are located in the church towers.

The interior of the cathedral is decorated with mosaics and is worth a quick look inside when in the area.

Just across from the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral you’ll also find Toompea Castle. This is the home of the Estonian parliament. You’ll see the Estnian flag raised from here daily.

Kohtuotsa Viewing Platform

Your one day Tallinn itinerary is not complete without visits to the city’s famous viewing platforms.

Perhaps the most famous is the Kohtuotsa Vieiwng Platform, which is located on the North side of Toompea Hill.

The viewing area offers excellent views of Tallinn’s iconic red roofs and towering spires of the Old Town. You can also see the highrise buildings in the newer part of the city.

Off in the distance you can see the Gulf of Finland, the port, and the Pirita District.

This is a great viewpoint of the city any time of year, even in the icy winter months when I visited. You’ll want to bundle up good before heading out though, but it’s worth it for the views.

Full disclosure, by bottom was completely frozen after sitting on that wall to get these pictures. Proceed with caution.

Patkuli Viewing Platform

Patkuli Vieiwng Platform is just a short walk from Kohtuotsa Viewing Platform, and is located in one of the most ancient parts of the city.

This viewing platform offers stunning views of the city’s red roofs, along with the towers and walls of the Old Town.

There is also a stairway leading up to the platform that dates back to 1903. The 157 steps connect the town below to Troompea Hill.

Both of Tallinn’s viewing platforms also make great destinations for sunrise or sunset. As with anywhere, there will be fewer people at sunrise.

Tallinn Medieval Walls

One of my favorite experiences in Tallinn was exploring the city’s historic Medieval walls,

Just a short walk from Old Town Square, you’ll find a section of the old defense walls that you can walk along the top of.

This section of the defense wall is situated between Hellemann Tower and Munkadetagune Tower. Once you pay the small admission fee of 3 Euros, you take a narrow and winding staircase up to the top of the walls.

After you reach the top you get a nice view of the city down below. It’s a cool experience to get to walk along the top of the walls.

I had a great time doing this while trying to imagine what life must have been like back in Medieval times. Not very pleasant, I imagined.

A fair warning, the stairs to the various levels of the two towers are extremely steep and narrow. Those with mobility issues or claustrophobia will likely not enjoy this experience.

For those of you that can get up there, I highly recommend stopping by.

St. Catherine’s Passage

St. Catherine’s Passage, formerly known as Monk’s Alley, is a well preserved Medieval street. It leads right to Hellemann Tower, so you can’t miss it.

The alley stretches from Vene Street past the Dominican Monastery to Muurivahe Street. The alley gets its name from St. Catherine’s Church, which is estimated to have been built more than 700 years ago.

You’ll find predominantly 15th to 17th century buildings along the southern side of the alley along with several handicraft workshops.

If you stop in for a visit you can watch the artists creating ceramics, hats, glass, and more.

There is also an excellent Italian restaurant in this alley called Restoran Controvento. They serve authentic Italian pizzas and pastas. I loved this place so much I ate there twice during my visit.

Estonian History Museum

If you visit just one historical musuem while in Tallinn, make it this one. The Estonian History Museum is located right inside Old Town, so it’s convenient and easy to visit.

A walk through this museum will give you great insight into the history of Estonia, including the city of Tallinn. I think a visit here makes the perfect introduction to the city.

If you enjoy museums, Kadriorg Art Museum , also known as Kadriorg Palace, is another popular place to visit. The museum is housed in an 18th century Baroque palace surrounded by beautiful, well-manicured gardens.

Culture Kilometer

The Culture Kilometer is a fascinating historical pathway through the industrial part of the city. The pathway is 2.5 Kilometers (about 1.5 miles) and stretches from Kalamaja Cemetery Park to Noblessner Port.

Many of the structures lining the walkway date back to the Soviet Era and include rundown factories turned into musuems, the ruins of old industrial buildings, railroad tracks, and newly built upscale residential buildings.

it’s an interesting walk through the city, and leads to the popular Seaplane Harbour Museum.

Estonian Maritime Museum

The Estonian Maritime Museum is located in the Fat Margaret tower in Old Town Tallinn. The Fat Margaret tower dates back to the 16th century and was built when the Medieval gates were being reconstructed.

The museum itself tells the history of ships and navigation in Estonia. Due to it’s location, Estonia has a significant and important maritime history.

Once you’ve explored the Maritime Museum, you can also head over to the nearby Seaplane Harbor Museum, where you can learn a bit more about Estonia’s maritime influence.

Tallinn Creative City

Tallinn Creative City is another fun place to visit during your 24 hours in Tallinn. The Tallinn Creative City is located in the formerly industrial part of the city, that has now been transofrmed into an arts district.

Here you’ll find museums, art galleries, startups, local shops, small cafes, trendy bars, and great restaurants.

This is a truly unique part of the city that I really enjoyed visiting. I even stayed in a shipping container hotel in this neighborhood my first night in the city.

You can check out the rooms at Hektor Container Hotel if you’re curious. It was modern, clean, comfortable, and affordable, I’d highly recommend it for one person.

Fotografiska

Fotografiska is located in Tallinn’s Creative City. This beautiful museum has some stunning examples of contemporary photography, art, and culture.

This is honestly such a cool museum. Even if you’re not one to normally want to visit museums when traveling, this one is really cool if you’re into art or photography.

I suggest hitting up one of the local cafes or restaurants in the area as well. There’s great food to be found in this neighborhood.

I hope you’ve enjoyed this One Day in Tallinn itinerary and that I’ve inspired you to plan a visit of your own. As always, thanks for reading.

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Explore Tallinn in one day with the Tallinn Card

Explore the old town’s romantic streets, breath-taking views, exciting museums and tourist attractions.

Adult ticket: The Kiek in de Kök Fortification Museum €12–16, the Estonian Health Museum €12, the Estonian Museum of Applied Art and Design €8, the Estonian Museum of Natural History €10 or free of charge with the Tallinn Card
Discounted ticket (student): The Kiek in de Kök Fortification Museum €6–8, the Estonian Health Museum €8, the Estonian Museum of Applied Art and Design €4, the Estonian Museum of Natural History €5 or free of charge with the Tallinn Card

Adult ticket: €15 or free of charge with the Tallinn Card
Discounted ticket (student): €8 or free of charge with the Tallinn Card

Kiek in de Kök Fortifications Museum

Estonian health museum, estonian applied art and design museum, estonian museum of natural history, museum and visitor centre of fat margaret, estonian maritime museum, kehrwieder chocolaterie, marzipan room of café maiasmokk, chocolaterie pierre, olde hansa shoppe, explore the city’s trendiest district – kalamaja.

Kalamaja is renowned for its well-preserved wooden houses and innovative museums and tourist attractions. It is the home of the Energy Discovery Centre , Seaplane Harbour , PROTO Invention Factory and Kai Art Centre . Definitely visit the Kalamaja Museum if you wish to learn more about the history of Kalamaja. You will find many Estonian design shops, the photo museum Fotografiska Tallinn and enjoyable restaurants in Telliskivi Creative City . Kalamaja is just a short walk from the Old Town, but it is also possible to get there by bus and tram.

Adult ticket: The Energy Discovery Centre €15, Seaplane Harbour €20, the PROTO Invention Factory €14-16, Kai Art Centre €10, Kalamaja Museum €7, Fotografiska Tallinn €12-17 or free of charge with the Tallinn Card
Discounted ticket (student): The Energy Discovery Centre €12, Seaplane Harbour €10, the PROTO Invention Factory €10, Kai Art Centre €6, Kalamaja Museum €5, Fotografiska Tallinn €9-14 (children aged 0-15 free entry) or free of charge with the Tallinn Card

Energy Discovery Centre

Seaplane harbour, estonian maritime museum (will reopen on 12.05.2024), proto invention factory, kai art centre, kalamaja museum, fotografiska tallinn, enjoy greenery and intimacy with nature in rocca al mare.

You can enjoy authentic village life and view exotic animals in Rocca al Mare . The grounds of a former summer manor are home to the Estonian Open Air Museum , which showcases traditional life in an Estonian village. The museum is the owner of approximately 80 buildings from the 19th and 20th centuries, including farms, mills, fishing sheds, a village school, a chapel, a fire station and many others. All festivals on the Estonian national calendar are celebrated here, starting with Shrove Tuesday and ending with Christmas. Museum visitors can join in with the spirited folk celebrations.

People and the horse in Estonian Open Air Museum in Tallinn, Estonia

Another significant tourist attraction to see in Rocca al Mare is the Tallinn Zoo with its rich fauna. Located in a naturally beautiful and species-rich park forest, the zoo has the most exciting collection of animals in any Nordic country!

Adult ticket: The Estonian Open Air Museum €12-16, Tallinn Zoo €8,20-14,30 or free of charge with the Tallinn Card
Discounted ticket (student): The Estonian Open Air Museum €10, Tallinn Zoo €5,10-8,20 or free of charge with the Tallinn Card

Estonian Open Air Museum

Tallinn zoo, rocca al mare promenade, visit the romantic kadriorg district or the vibrant maarjamäe history centre.

Adult ticket: Kadriorg Art Museum €12, Mikkel Museum €9, KUMU Art Museum €14, Peter the Great House Museum €5, Eduard Vilde Museum €5, Anton Hansen Tammsaare Museum €5 or free of charge with the Tallinn Card
Discounted ticket (student) Kadriorg Art Museum €8, Mikkel Museum €6, KUMU Art Museum €9, Peter the Great House Museum €4, Eduard Vilde Museum €3, Anton Hansen Tammsaare Museum €3 or free of charge with the Tallinn Card
Adult ticket: Maarjamäe History Centre €16 or free of charge with the Tallinn Card
Discounted ticket (student): Maarjamäe History Centre €11 or free of charge with the Tallinn Card

External view of the Estonian Film Museum in Tallinn, Estonia

Kadriorg Art Museum

Castle café, mikkel museum, kumu art museum, house of peter the great, eduard vilde museum / castellan house gallery, anton hansen tammsaare apartment-museum, children´s museum miiamilla, estonian history museum – maarjamäe palace, maarjamäe castle café, estonian film museum.

One Day in Tallinn: Things You MUST See in the Estonian Capital

Posted on Last updated: October 6, 2022

Tallinn, Estonia is a bit more of an off-the-beaten-track capital to visit in Europe, but if you only have 24 hours Estonia you must spend your one day in Tallinn.

An old Baltic Sea port, Tallinn’s old town stands sentinel over the sea and is complimented by quite a modern ‘new’ town behind it, comprised of higher rise buildings.

Tallinn is right on the Baltic Sea, not too far across the channel from Helsinki and connected via ferry from many other Baltic cities. You can reach Tallinn by ferry from Stockholm, Riga, Helsinki, various ports in Germany, and even Denmark or Poland.

What do do in One Day in Tallinn: Vistiting Tallinn Old Town, best viewpoints in Tallinn, Where to Eat, where to watch the sunset in Tallinn, What museums, cathedrals, and parks to see in Tallinn.

The most characteristic part of Tallinn, Estonia is its beautiful old walled town. The town is protected by high stone walls, which nowadays you can climb and walk to come upon stunning views of the colorful city. There are many churches and beautiful buildings in town, too. The skyline is characterized by green pointed steeples, eastern european-style baubles, brick-red roofs, red-pointed castle towers, and classic colorful eastern European architecture.

Believe it or not, Tallinn is one of the up-and-coming worldly centers for tech startups. Many tech companies find their way here to find talented workers and also hire international workers from around the world. If you are looking to work internationally, Tallinn has lots of opportunities!

What to Do in Tallinn in One Day

The main thing to do in one day in Tallinn Estonia is to fully explore Tallinn old town. My favorite way to travel is to simply wander around a place and get wonderfully lost. The old town is incredible, and you can come upon many beautiful restaurants and buildings that look like you are actually inside a fairy tale.

If you wanted something a bit more guided you could also book a well-rated Welcome Tour with a Local or a classic Hop On Hop Off bus tour , which would give you more range in your sightseeing in less time!

These are the main gates of town that are incredibly well preserved and comprise the beginning of the old town walls. Many people sit just outside these gates on a park wall for the sunset. Viru Gate also lights up at night for a lovely evening scene.

Check Out the Tallinn Markets and Stalls

If you are entering the main old town gate, Viru Gate, you can turn directly right to see a row of markets backed up against the tall Tallinn old town walls. Here you can find some classic Estonian souvenirs, and LOTS of amazing soft knitted goods.

Tallinn is known for its lovely comfy sweaters, scarves, socks, and gloves. You will quickly notice the comfortable style as you walk by these markets, and it’s hard not to pick up a little something as a token of the city. They have tons of colorful gloves and hats, and these were the hardest for me to resist as they would have fit most easily in my backpack!

Tallinn Town Hall Square

Tallinn, Estonia is a bit more of an off-the-beaten-track capital to visit in Europe, but if you can spend at least one day in Estonia you must visit Tallinn Old Town. This was taken from the ferry to helsinki on a misty morning.

The main square in Tallinn is called Town Hall Square (as you can see the Town Hall there) and is full of beautiful colored buildings and Estonian history/architecture. This is the place where you will often hear live bands playing, see any town gatherings that take place, or an ideal spot for a coffee of a wine on the patio while people-watching.

Keep Your Eye Out For Medieval Characters

Because the town is so medieval in architecture and design, people actually dress up in traditional garb to work at restaurants or hang around town. Although obviously classically touristy, this is a pretty cool way to feel immersed in the historical town and understand a bit about its roots. Just keep your eye out for higher prices and tourist scams in the busier parts of town.

Walk the Old Town Walls for some Great Views

Walk the Tallinn City WAlls with one day in Estonia

Near the markets is an entry way to climb some winding stairs and walk along a portion of the Tallinn old town walls. These look north over the entire town and provide pretty views over everything. It’s not the best view in town but there are definitely some worthwhile photo ops.

Other Viewpoints You Need to See with One Day in Tallinn

The north part of town, closest to the sea, has the viewpoints that really deliver the goods. One of them, Patkuli Vaateplatvorm (Viewing Platform), faces more west and has a perfect view of the sunset. The other, Kohtuotsa Vaateplatvorm, is exactly central and gives quite literally a jaw-dropping view over the entire town skyline.

Try to head to hese viewpoints above when you first arrive into Tallinn so you can get a fel for the city layout and vibe.

Tips for Visiting Tallinn
Reasons to Visit Belarus (It’s Right Next Door!)

St Catherine’s Passage

It’s hard to miss one of the most charming street of old town – St Catherine’s Passage. This historic street used to be guild houses, and it feels like you’ve stepped back in time when you meander down the cobblestone streets and peer inside 5-foot-high wooden doors with pointed tops.

Today it’s still a popular shopping spot in Tallinn, and a great place to grab a souvenir when you can only explore Tallinn in one day.

Cathedrals + Churches in Tallinn in 1 Day

It’s hard not to notice the bigger cathedrals and churches when looking at old town. The Aleksander Nevsky Cathedral and the St Nicolas Church are some of the main ones to check out – the latter of which is also a museum!

I’m personally now the biggest fan of visiting many churches when I travel, but these ones are worth noting as they’re easy to have a quick look inside and also grace the Tallinn Skyline with their iconic steeples and baubles.

Go on a Walk, Ride, or Picnic in Some Parks Around Town

There are some massive parks surrounding the town that would be lovely for a bike ride or an afternoon walk. Many of the locals will flock to the parks on a nice warm day, to feel as if they have a bit of nature in the middle of the city.

Tallinn is actually surrounded almost on all sides by parks and grassy areas, so make sure to get a little bit of nature in your city adventure. You can book a 2hr Bike Tour of Tallinn if you would like to see more of these!

Have a Delicious Dinner in Tallinn – Restaurant Recommendations for Tallinn in 1 Day

Although I only had a short time, I can still recommend a few amazing places to eat during your one day in Tallinn. If you are more of a foodie, the Tallinn Food Tour with Food Sightseeing Estonia is supposed to be great, or for fitness foodies you can try the unique Bicycle Culinary Tour with City Bike Ltd!

Relaxed + Typical Food: Pub Kompressor Pancake Restaurant

This place will be completely packed out whenever you decide to go, and for a good reason too! This place serves thick, rich, packed pancakes that can be sweet or savory. It was probably the richest thing I’ve ever had, but my savory meat + cheese pancake was to die for.

Pancakes are a typical type of food to eat in Estonia, so head here for breakfast, lunch, OR dinner for an indulgent meal AND Estonian culture@!

Beg/Vegas: Vegan Restoran V

If you know me you know I am not a vegetarian/vegan normally, but I do enjoy dabbling with different types of food… veg/vegan included! I settled in on this place after I was wandering around town, not realizing it was still light at 9pm and it was far past dinner time. I got a vegan soup and beet burger here and it was one of my favorite meals! I would highly recommend this classy little scrumptious place.

Upmarket Estonian: Restaurant Rataskaevu 16

So I didn;t get t eat here THIS time but it was recommeded to me both by my airbnb host and another local I met, so you know it must be good! It’s got beautifully presented plates with creative ingredient combinations that will really ‘wow’ you.

Where To Watch the Sunset in Tallinn

Tallinnaa Linnahall

I noticed this graffiti-covered building while walking around town, and made note to check it out later in the day as it would perfectly face the sunset…. and it was perfect indeed! I was definitely not the only one with this idea; many residents were hanging out here with shopping bags full of beers and watching the sunset together as well.

Toompea Hill + Castle

This big hill and park overlooks the city with a perfect view towards the sunset (over the old town, too). Explore the gardens and castle before sunset, then find a perfect spot to watch it sink below the horizon behind some of the beautoful old town towers.

Old Town Lookout Points

The lookout points I mentioned above would be perfect to see the sunset, or you could join locals in sitting one the wall just outside old town’s main street entrance to soak up the last rays of sun.

If You Have a Bit More than One Day in Tallinn

Maritime Museum

The maritime museum is a popular spot to visit, and one of the must-do things to do in Tallinn . It has loads of exhibits on everything boats, sailing, and water. Your ticket can also include admission to explore some huge and historical ships in the harbor as well.

Local Events in Tallinn

I was lucky to be in Tallinn on the day of a Spring market and carnival, which was incredible for me to explore. I met some locals who told me about it, and the next day I wandered through a market selling all kinds of incredible home-baked goods and saw adorable performances put on by local school children.

I always say it is important to check events going on whenever you are traveling through an area, because attending a cultural event (I was definitely the only non-Estonian there!) is a great way to get to know a place.

Where I Stayed in Tallinn

I was here right before a season of working on jam-packed boats in Croatia , so I found a lovely Airbnb just outside town to catch up on the blogging and enjoy an expansive view of the harbor for not even $35/night! It’s so cheap here.

But, for those who are even more budget, there are lots of hostels on Hostelworld for less than $10-$20!

Read Next: A Ride on the Party Ferry from Stockholm to Riga: One of my most interesting travel experiences to date!

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Tallinn Sightseeing: 10 Best Things To Do with the Tallinn Card

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The medieval city of Tallinn, Estonia – officially dating to the year 1248 – is brimming with sightseeing opportunities. Remains of the Tallinn city fortifications partially encircle the UNESCO Heritage Old Town, where twisting cobblestone lanes lead to picturesque squares and fabulous viewpoints.

Outside of the historic center, a modern city has developed, but still bears evidence of Soviet occupation with communist-era architecture. A few of these are actually must-see Tallinn attractions. Although we stayed for a week, we reserved our top Tallinn sightseeing for one day to reap the benefits of the Tallinn Card.

Things To Do Tallinn Sightseeing Tips

On our list of Tallinn things to do, we have included opening hours, ticket price, approximate time spent at each attraction, official website and directions.
While not necessary for our outline of One Day in Tallinn, if you follow our route and partake in the suggested activities, a 24-hour Adult Tallinn Card provides a significant savings ($50 for us). Confirm the current benefits of the Tallinn Card on the official website .
The first two stops on our Tallinn One Day Itinerary are not in the Old Town. However, they can be easily reached by public transport, which is included with the Tallinn Card. We have noted the routes to reach these destinations and Tallinn bus schedules can be found online .
It is helpful to have a Tallinn Tourist Map for your sightseeing adventures. Pick up a free Tallinn city map at the Tourist Information Office in the Old Town (where you can also purchase a Tallinn Card).

What To See in Tallinn in One Day

Top View of the Old Town, Tallinn, Estonia

Let’s get started with our Top 10 Tallinn Sights with the City Card! Hopefully you have your map and card ready to go, as we first travel out of Old Tallinn to the highest structure in the region.

#1 Tallinn TV Tower

View looking up at the Tower of Tallinn, Estonia

Hours : 10am – 6pm | Cost : €16-19 (free with Tallinn Card) | Time : 1 hour (plus 45 minutes in transport each way) | Website

Getting There: From Tallinn, take bus 34 or 38 to Teletorn. To make the most of your 1 day in Tallinn, arrive at the TV Tower a few minutes prior to opening. MAP

View of Green Spaces, Tallinn Tower, Estonia

The 1,030 foot TV Tower is the tallest building in Tallinn, but tourist arrive on the 21 st floor that is 557 feet high. Still an impressive perch, visitors will find a restaurant, interactive displays and an open-air observation deck that provides views over the area and out into the Gulf of Finland. Brave thrill-seekers can upgrade to the Walk the Edge experience.

Top Tip : If not using the Tallinn Card, you can buy skip-the-line-tickets in advance.

#2 Lennusadam Seaplane Harbor Museum

Lennusadam Maritime Museum, Tallinn, Estonia

Hours : 10am – 5pm, everyday except 12-23/24 and 1/1 | Cost : €20-30 (free with Tallinn Card) | Time : 1.5 hours | Website

From the TV Tower, take Bus 34 or 38 to Mere Puiestee. Switch to Bus 73 and ride three stops to Lennusadam. MAP

Helicopter Museum Display, Tallinn, Estonia

The Lennusadam Seaplane Harbor Museum is one of the top places to visit in Tallinn. The modern and interactive space is housed in an old seaplane hangar that was used until World War II.

The museum features a variety of maritime crafts – both historical and current. Visitors are invited to tour a 1930s submarine, pilot a simulation aircraft, sit inside a rescue helicopter and step aboard a 100-year-old steam-powered icebreaker.

#3 St. Olaf’s Church Tallinn

Spire of St Olaf's Church, Tallinn, Estonia

Hours : 10am – 6pm, April through October, closed in winter | Cost : €5 (free with Tallinn Card) | Time : 30-45 minutes | Website

Getting There: From the Tallinn Seaplane Museum, take Bus 73 two stops to Linnahall. MAP

View of The Old City Towers from St Olaf's Church, Tallinn, Estonia

St. Olaf’s dates to the 12 th century and in 1590 its soaring spire made the church the tallest building in the world. Over the centuries, the spire has been struck by lightning at least 10 times and, under the years of Soviet occupation (1944-1991), was used by the KGB for surveillance.

Today, climbing the spiral stairs to the viewing platform remains one of the most popular things to do in Tallinn, Estonia. Once you get to the top, it’s easy to see why: the views are absolutely phenomenal!

#4 Tallinn KGB Prison Cells

Timeline at KGB Museum, Tallinn, Estonia

Hours : Weds – Sun 11am – 6pm | Cost : €9 (free with Tallinn Card) | Time : 30-45 minutes | Website

Getting There: 2 minute walk from St. Olaf’s Church

The KGB Prison Cells are a Tallinn must-see for anyone interested in learning about the Soviet occupation of Estonia. The building – which was constructed as a personal residence in the early 1900s – sits inconspicuously in the heart of the Old Town.

In 1941, the KGB constructed cells in the basement and the space was used to detain, interrogate and torture anyone suspected of crimes against the communist regime. Displays in the museums show the faces and tell the stories of some of the people who were held in the cells.

#5 Café Maiasmokk Tallinn

Hours : 9am – 9pm | Coffee or Tea : €2.50 (free with Tallinn Card) | Time : 30 minutes | Website

Getting There: 4 minute walk from the KGB Cells Museum.

Café Maiasmokk is the oldest café in Estonia, dating to 1864. The interior retains an elegant and old-fashioned atmosphere. The ground floor tends to be busy and boisterous, but head upstairs to find a quieter seat with a view – a nice respite during a full day of sightseeing in Tallinn.

#6 Kalev Marzipan Room

Free Marzipan with The Tallinn Card, Tallinn, Estonia

Hours : 10am – 9pm | Sweets : €1+ (free with Tallinn Card) | Time : 10 minutes | Website

Getting There: In the same building as Café Maiasmokk.

Marzipan is a confection made of sugar and crushed almonds – often molded into figurines – and is a popular sweet in Tallinn. Although the story is disputed, many claim that marzipan was created in Estonia during medieval times by a pharmacist, who prescribed the treat as medicine.

The one-room Kalev Marzipan Museum houses a sweet shop, gift shop, marzipan painting workshop and historical artifacts – including one marzipan figurine that dates to 1936. Getting a small taste of marzipan is a must-do in Tallinn!

Top Tip : For groups or families visiting Estonia, book a unique experience in Tallinn by joining the Marzipan Workshop . In addition to a private city tour, participants learn how to shape and paint the sweet treats!

#7 Tallinn City Life Museum

Mini Tallinn at the Tallinn City Museum, Estonia

Hours : 11am – 6pm May through Sept; reduced hours otherwise | Cost : €8 (free with Tallinn Card) | Time : 1 Hour | Website

Getting There: Three minute walk from the Kalev Marzipan Museum.

The Tallinn City Museum is housed in a medieval merchant house in the Old Town. The displays cover the history of Tallinn from pre-settlement to Estonia’s independence in 1991. Viewing the engaging exhibitions, which are best accompanied by an audio guide, are one of the top things to do in Tallinn, Estonia.

#8 Hellemann Tower and Tallinn Old Town Wall

View from the Town Wall Walkway, Tallinn, Estonia

Hours : 10am – 5pm | Cost : €4 (free with Tallinn Card) | Time at sight: 45 minutes | Website

Getting There: 2 minute walk from the Tallinn City Museum.

The stone Hellemann Tower and connected town wall dates to the 14 th century. Climbing to the top of the tower provides sweeping views of the city. Visitors are also invited to walk along the 700-foot-long portion of the intact town wall.

#9 Kehrwieder Chocolaterie

Hours : 8am – 11pm | Chocolate Truffle : €1+ (free with Tallinn Card) | Time : 10 – 15 minutes | Website

Getting There: From Hellemann Tower it is a short walk. Tip: Take Katarina Kaik (St. Catherine’s Passage). MAP

Located on the northeast corner of Town Hall Square, Kehrwieder Chocolaterie is a café and sweet shop. The cave-like interior is cozy and dimly lit – but there is outdoor patio space right on the main square for pleasant weather days. Whether you sit inside or outside, it’s a great place for a rest from Tallinn sightseeing and to chuckle at chocolates decorated with frisky characters!

#10 Estonian Maritime Museum

Exterior of the Estonian Maritime Museum, Tallinn, Estonia

Hours : 10am – 7pm May through Sept; 10am – 6pm Oct through April | Cost : €15 (free with Tallinn Card) | Time : 1 to 2 hours | Website

Getting There: From Town Hall Square, it’s a 10 minute walk. MAP

Complete your sightseeing of Tallinn at the fascinating Estonian Maritime Museum. Housed in part of the historic defensive structures of the city, the museum features many engaging exhibits detailing the seafaring days of Estonia’s past.

However, visitors may be tempted to head straight for the rooftop of the tower. The recently renovated space is home to a posh restaurant and cafe as well as super views of Old Town Tallinn. We believe it’s the perfect spot to finish your tour of the Best Tallinn Things To Do!

More City Sightseeing Tallinn

Church Towers make up the skyline of Old Town, Tallinn, Estonia

Hopefully, you are visiting Tallinn for more than just one day. If so, we have a few additional ideas for your vacation to Estonia!

Other Places To See in Tallinn

View of Old Town Towers, Tallinn, Estonia

There were more attractions we wanted to see, but couldn’t fit into our one day in Tallinn sightseeing tour. A more ambitious traveler (or those with a 48-hour Tallinn Card) could add the following sights to their Tallinn things to do list!

Top Free & Cheap Things To Do in Tallinn
Kiek in de Kok and Bastion Passage
Estonian Museum of Occupation
Town Hall and Tower

Tallinn Sightseeing Bus

View of Freedom Square, Tallinn, Estonia

For visitors who would rather tour the attractions by coach, there are a few sightseeing bus options for Tallinn.

The City Sightseeing Tallinn Hop On Hop Off Bus allows you the freedom of choice regarding what to see and when. Guests also enjoy the opportunity to listen to on-board commentary while riding between sights. For ferry passengers with one day in Tallinn, the bus makes a stop at the port, as well.

Guests who would rather have a Tallinn tour guide might prefer this Coach and Foot option. After exploring the sights outside of the Old Town by bus, the guide leads participants through the historic city center.

Tallinn Tours

Classic View of Old Tallinn from Olaf Church Tower, Estonia

There are several popular Tallinn tours where guides lead the way – from ghost tours to pub crawls and even a day trip to Helsinki, Finland . If you are looking for more fun things to do in Tallinn, one of these organized activities might fit the bill!

Tallinn Old Town Walking Tour
Tour by Bicycle
Estonian Food Tour
Tallinn Ghost and Legends Walking Tour
Estonian Craft Beer Tasting
Tallinn Medieval Photo Shoot

Top Tips For Your Trip to Tallinn, Estonia

St. Nicholas' Church and Museum, Tallinn, Estonia

Ready to explore Estonia? Great! We have a few additional travel tips and packing hacks to share with you before you set off.

Where To Stay in Tallinn

During our 1 week visit to Tallinn, we booked a cozy Airbnb Apartment . For those who prefer staying in traditional accommodations , there are many Tallinn Hotels to choose from in – or close to – the city center.

Check out these top-rated hotels in Tallinn (based on guest reviews) for your upcoming trip: Radisson Collection , Schlossle Hotel or Hotel Palace .

Before You Go to Tallinn

Walking the Old Streets, Tallinn, Estonia

Tallinn is a walkable, but only if you have the right travel shoes ! Don’t forget to pack a pair of lightweight and comfortable walking shoes for your Estonia trip. I (Sarah) have traveled with these shoes by Columbia and Reef . Kris prefers wearing these shoes by Merrell and Sanuk .
We’re certain you’ll be snapping tons of photos during your Baltic trip. Rather than relying on your phone to capture the sights, upgrade to an actual camera for high quality photos. We travel with a Canon Rebel (which takes amazing photos) and a Canon PowerShot ELPH (which takes beautiful pictures and is a slim and lightweight budget camera ).
It’s easy to get turned around in any foreign city…even quaint Tallinn. Make sure to have a good Tallinn guide book (like this one from Lonely Planet ) before arriving.
Whether you travel with a backpack or a suitcase , you will certainly want a great day bag to organize all of your essential daily items .
Get (and stay) organized with our printable Travel Planner !
If you haven’t already obtained trip insurance, consider traveling protected with World Nomads .

Start planning your trip to Estonia ! Search for the lowest airfares , the best accommodations and fun things to do …then start packing ! Want more travel advice? Head over to our Travel Planning Page for tips on traveling – and for country-specific information, take a look at our Travel Guides Page !

Click here for a Free Vacation Budget Planner Banner by JetSettingFools.com

Pin it! See all of our travel pins on our JetSetting Fools Pinterest Board .

Tallinn Sightseeing with the Tallinn Card by JetSettingFools.com

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Finding the Universe

Travel tales, photography and a dash of humor

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1 Day in Tallinn: Itinerary Ideas

Last updated: September 11, 2021 . Written by Laurence Norah - 10 Comments

We almost didn’t get to spend a day in Tallinn. Waking at 5.00am on a January morning in Helsinki, we looked outside to see flurries of snow and temperatures well below freezing.

A thirty minute walk in the dark to the ferry terminal didn’t seem like a hugely appealing activity, particularly as neither of us had slept particularly well the night before, and the thought of tramping around an unknown city in these conditions wasn’t exactly filling us with joy.

Still, we’d already paid for the ferry tickets, and it seemed a shame to let those go to waste, despite the tempting warmth of our hotel bed. So we prepared ourselves and headed out into the snow for our half hour walk to the ferry station, after which it was an easy two hour ferry ride to Tallinn.

Once there, we got off the ferry and had, well, an unexpectedly wonderful day. Here are some of the reasons Tallinn needs to be on your list, that you could use to create your own:

1 Day Tallinn Itinerary

1. the old town.

We headed straight for the old town when we arrived into Tallinn, and I suggest you think about doing the same thing. Dating from around the 15th century, this medieval maze is Estonia’s only UNESCO world heritage site, and is more than worthy of the title.

1 day in tallinn -cobbled streets and town square

A maze of cobbled streets, old buildings, city walls, turrets and churches, there is plenty to see and do here, and it can all be explored easily on foot.

Don’t miss climbing to the top of Toompea hill for excellent views across the city.

2. Ye Olde Pubs

Tallinn’s old town has fully embraced it’s medieval heritage, with a number of restaurants and pubs offering an “old world” experience, from the costumes of the waitstaff through to the decor and, of course, food options.

It may sound tacky, but somehow it manages to get away with it entirely.

We stopped in at the III Draakon Pub (Three Dragons Pub), on the town square, where we were fed on elk stew accompanied by a beer in a pewter pitcher. A lot of fun.

3. Ye Olde Pharmacy

You often visit a place which has a claim to being the oldest of something. I think I’ve lost count of the number of oldest pubs in England that I’ve visited.

Still, I’ve never found anywhere claiming to be the oldest working pharmacy in the world, which is what you’ll find on Talinn’s town square. Certainly, no-one disputes that this has to be amongst the oldest working pharmacies in the world, with the doors first opening back in the early 15th century and remaining open to the present day, although the prescriptions do appear to have modernised somewhat.

These days there is an interesting little history set up in the pharmacy, with information on the history and medicines of the old pharmacy, as well as some information on the town. It’s a fun (and free) way to spend an easy half hour of time.

4. The Nunna, Sauna, and Kuldjala Towers

Tallinn’s old town was originally surrounded by 26 towers, and during the 16th century, was the most heavily fortified city in the world. These three towers are some of the few that you can still visit and climb up inside, and even better, you can walk between them on the old city walls to get a feel for what the whole fortification would have been like.

medieval city walls window tower tallinn estonia

A word of warning – these towers haven’t evolved a great deal since they were built, which means the stairs and passageways are steep, winding and narrow. If that doesn’t bother you (and it shouldn’t!), then you should definitely head up here and take in the towers and the accompanying view over the city! Entry was €3 when we visited, which was more than worth it.

5. The Town Square

There’s something about a medieval town square that is just magical. And Tallinn’s town square is no exception. A huge cobblestoned affair surrounded by colourful houses with the town hall taking pride of place.

It’s home to a number of restaurants, including the aforementioned Three Dragons Pub, and plays hosts to live music and markets throughout the year, including the famous Christmas Market. So no, you can’t miss this one.

6. St. Olaf’s Church

There are a lot of churches in Tallinn, and if you like churches you will have no shortage of options to visit. One that should definitely make your short list is St. Olaf’s church, which despite being almost 500 years old is still the tallest building in Estonia. There is a law which says no building can be higher than this, which probably explains it.

Naturally, you can climb to the top, and if you choose to tackle the 200 plus steps you will be rewarded with a quite magnificent view of the old city.

Other churches you should consider visiting include St. Mary’s, which is believed to be the oldest church in Tallinn, if not Estonia, and the magnificent orthodox Alexander Nevsky cathedral , pictured below.

7. Beyond the old town

We only visited Talinn for a day, so weren’t able to fully explore beyond the medieval town centre, which entranced us for our entire visit. However, if you are able to stay longer, there is plenty to see beyond the old walls, from the maritime museum to other interesting museums, churches and attractions.

Rather than go into great detail on places we’ve not yet visited, we would advise taking a look at the WikiVoyage entry for Tallinn , TripAdvisor’s recommendations and the Tallinn Tourism website . Between those three you should find plenty of ideas for extending your stay!

How to get to Tallinn and where to stay

We visited Tallinn as a day trip from Helsinki in Finland. Ferries run daily and cost us around €35 per person – prices vary depending on sailing time and availability. We sailed with Tallink Silja , on a two hour crossing, which was very comfortable and offered a full food and beverage service.

You can also get here by ferry from Stockholm and St. Petersburg, and of course Tallinn airport offers a great many flight routes .

If you’re coming from Helsinki, check out the Helsinki Card – as well saving you money on sight seeing in Helsinki , it also gives a discount on the ferry crossing from Helsinki . Get yours from the official site here .

When to visit Tallinn – weather and more

We visited Tallinn in January, and as you can see from the pictures, there was snow on the ground and temperatures were below freezing. The good news was that this gave us plenty of excuses to pop into cafes and pubs to warm up, plus there were very few other visitors. The bad news was that it was cold and got dark fairly early!

medieval city walls and tower tallinn estonia

In addition, in winter the ferry crossing can be slower due to ice in the sea, although Tallinn is reportedly gorgeous around Christmas-time, and I can imagine the old town must be spectacular, decked out in Christmas lighting! February is usually the coldest, if driest, month.

If you prefer warmth, then the long warm days of summer are for you. The longest day of the year falls in June, so June and July are great months, although expect them to be busier (you can’t have everything!). The midsummer festival falls on the 24th of June, when there are celebrations throughout Estonia. Speaking of festivals, Tallinn has lots throughout the year – checkout the festival listings on the Tallinn Tourism portal for full details.

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There are 10 comments on this post

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Elinor says

22nd August 2019 at 12:45 pm

Hi, we are going to Tallinn for a few days next month. Is it worth doing a day trip to Helsinki?!

Laurence Norah says

22nd August 2019 at 12:51 pm

Hi Elinor – it sure is! There’s loads to see and do – see my guide to things to do in Helsinki for some ideas:

https://www.findingtheuniverse.com/things-to-do-helsinki-finland/

Jyoti Chavan says

10th October 2018 at 8:25 pm

Hi, is it good time to visit talinn in october last week with toddlers? Is it worth?

12th October 2018 at 3:41 am

Hey Jyoti 🙂

I’ve never travelled with toddlers so this isn’t an area of expertise for me, but I would say that whilst it will be a bit cold, it should still be worth it!

Yogesh Baxi says

17th June 2018 at 4:55 pm

We brothers & sisters are planning to visit Tallinn on 8th September ‘18 from 9:30 to 13:30. How the climate & temperature will be?We are vegan any suggestions for good food? As per your write up city’s square is worth visiting.

20th June 2018 at 7:12 pm

September it is starting to get a bit coolder in Tallinn, with temperatures from around 10 – 20 degrees Centigrade. It may feel warmer or cooler than that depending on the sun and wind, so I would advise dressing in layers. I’m not familiar with any vegan restaurants, but a look on TripAdvisor or Yelp should help 🙂

Have a great trip!

7th April 2018 at 4:36 am

Thanks for the info about when to expect longer and warmer days!

7th April 2018 at 10:41 am

My pleasure 🙂

Usha Sitaaraam says

23rd January 2018 at 11:18 am

I throughly enjoyed your post on Tallinn. I have been scouring the internet and blogs about Tallinn. I am planning to visit the city next month and so looking forward to it. Thank you very much for the lovely post. Happy Travelling !!!!

23rd January 2018 at 11:21 am

My pleasure – have a wonderful trip and safe travel 😀

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Best Things to Do in Tallinn Old Town in One Day on a Baltic Cruise

By: Author Carrie Ann Karstunen

Posted on Published: July 28, 2020 - Last updated: October 3, 2022

Best Things to Do in Tallinn Old Town in One Day on a Baltic Cruise

Tallinn, Estonia is a popular stop on many Baltic cruise itineraries, especially because of the beauty of its medieval Old Town area. Here’s what to do in Tallinn Old Town in one day.

Tallinn Old Town became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997 due to its remarkably preserved 13th-century city plan.

This Hanseatic city is also beloved as a day trip or city break from the Helsinki area. Ferries run from Helsinki up to 84 times a week during the high season, and the quick two-hour voyage makes it one of the most popular ferry routes in the Baltics.

You can wander the original cobblestone streets and find medieval churches, a fairytale castle, and a bustling town square that dates back to the Middle Ages. Tallinn is truly one of the hidden gems in Europe !

Are you planning to visit Tallinn for the day on a cruise? If it’s your first time visiting the city, you won’t want to miss seeing the most popular attractions in Old Town. Plus, it’s really quick and easy to get to this area from the cruise port.

How to get to Tallinn Old Town from the cruise port

Tallinn Old Town is within walking distance from the cruise port. The walk from the port to your first stop is just under a mile (1.4 km) which only takes most people about 15-20 minutes.

A taxi will take about 6 minutes to get you to Old Town, or you can use rideshare services like Uber or Bolt (Fun fact: Bolt began in Tallinn, and their HQ is located there). If you choose a taxi, pick a well-established company like Tallink Takso (yellow cars) or Tulika Takso (white cars) to avoid scams.

Some cruise lines do provide shuttles to transport passengers to Old Town from the cruise terminal, so check with your cruise line to see if they provide this service and how often it runs.

Be sure to wear comfortable walking shoes for your day in Tallinn. The cobblestone streets are often steep when you’re walking from Lower Town to Upper Town (or vice-versa).

If you’re not up for all that walking, Tallinn also has a hop-on-hop-off bus or “HOHO” that stops at the cruise port and all the major attractions. The wheelchair-accessible buses run every 20 minutes from May to September. You can check the price and buy tickets here .

You could definitely see all the best sights in Tallinn Old Town on your own, but if you prefer having a local guide, check out these tours:

Welcome to Tallinn: Private Walking Tour with a Local
Medieval Tallinn 2-Hour Old Town Walking Tour
Tallinn: Old Town Walking Tour and Jägala Waterfall

1. St. Olaf’s Church

The closest major attraction to the cruise port, St. Olaf’s Church is also the tallest building in the city and its largest medieval structure. Its spire towers 406 feet (123 m) over Tallinn’s Lower Town .

Thought to be built in the 12th century, the church is dedicated to King Olaf II of Norway who was sainted after his death in battle in 1030.

St. Olaf’s Church underwent extensive remodeling during the 14th century, giving it the Gothic facade we see today, and the steeple was completed in the early 16th century. The church’s tower has been struck by lightning about ten times, leading to extensive fires in 1625, 1820, and 1931.

Things to Do in Tallinn Old Town in One Day: St. Olaf's Church

After its beginnings as a Catholic church and center for the Scandinavian community in the area, St. Olaf’s became the center of the Protestant Reformation in Tallinn. Although it was a Lutheran church for much of its long history, St. Olaf’s has served the Baptist community of the city since 1950.

The church also played an interesting role during Estonia’s time as a Soviet republic. The KGB used its tall spire for surveillance and also as a radio tower from 1944 until 1991.

Today, St. Olaf’s Church and its observation platform are open to visitors during the tourist season. The church’s interior is stark white and mostly undecorated, but be sure to take a moment and gaze up at the incredibly high rib vaulted ceiling in the nave.

If you’re able to, consider climbing the winding, 232-step stone staircase up to the observation deck. The passage is narrow with two-way traffic, and you’ll have to scale a steep wooden staircase (more like a slightly-angled ladder with railings) to access the deck. But once you’ve made it to the top you can drink in stunning panoramic views of the entire city, the harbor, and the Gulf of Finland.

St. Olaf’s Church, Lai 50, Tallinn. Open 10 AM to 6 PM April – June and September – October. 10 AM to 8 PM July – August. Church entrance is free; tower tickets €3 adults, €1 children.

2. Take in the view from Patkuli Viewing Platform

Tallinn has several viewing platforms where you can enjoy scenic vistas of the city. But if you want to take the classic photo looking down at Lower Town with the harbor beyond, Patkuli viewing platform is where you’ll want to go.

You’ll have sweeping views of Tallinn from this wide platform, including the medieval city walls with their picturesque turrets. Tallinn’s walls were first built by Margaret Sambiria in 1265. Margaret was Queen of Denmark and also the reigning fief-holder of Danish Estonia from 1266 until 1282.

Things to Do in Tallinn Old Town in One Day: Patkuli viewing platform

The walls of Tallinn were expanded and strengthened in the fourteenth century and were a key feature in the city’s defense strategy. Tallinn’s citizens were required to don their armor and perform guard duty.

There are a couple of ways to get up to Patkuli platform on Toompea Hill. You could take the Patkuli stairs, but it’s quite a steep climb up from Snelli Park. The easier way is to take the scenic route by walking up Lai Street toward the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral. From there, it’s only a four-minute walk to the viewing platform.

Patkuli viewing platform, Rahukohtu, Tallinn, Estonia. Open year-round. Free to visit.

3. St. Mary’s Cathedral (Dome Church) and bell tower

St. Mary’s Cathedral, often called the Dome Church or Toomkirik , was originally established as a Roman Catholic cathedral by the Danes in the 13th century. The oldest church in Tallinn, St. Mary’s has been Lutheran since 1561 and is now the seat of the Archbishop of Tallinn.

Dome Church is notable not only for its age, but also for the fascinating historical artifacts displayed in its interior. Along with an extensive collection of ornately carved, painted coats of arms from prominent 17th- to 20th-century Tallinn families, the church also features sarcophagi and elaborately carved stone memorials to the people interred within the building.

Things to Do in Tallinn Old Town in One Day: St. Mary's Cathedral

Notable people buried in the building include Adam Johann von Krusenstern, who led the first Russian circumnavigation of the globe, and Count Jindřich Matyáš Thurn, the Bohemian nobleman who was a key figure in the events leading up to the Thirty Years’ War.

St. Mary’s Cathedral suffered heavy damage in Tallinn’s great fire of 1684, when all of its original wooden furnishings burned and many of the vaults collapsed. But soon after, work began to restore the church to its original state. Tallinn sculptor and carver Christian Ackermann, a master of the Baroque style, created a new altarpiece and a pulpit featuring figures of the apostles, both of which survive today.

Dome Church also boasts its own viewing point. You can climb to the top of its 226 foot (69m) Baroque bell tower high atop Toompea Hill.

Dome Church, Toom-Kooli 6, Tallinn. Open 10 AM to 4 PM June and July. Check the Toomkirik website for open hours during the off-season. Donation requested to visit, €5 to climb the tower.

4. Toompea Castle and Parliament

Toompea Castle has been the center of power in Estonia for 800 years and is now home to Estonia’s Parliament, the Riigikogu .

If you’ve spent much time visiting European castles, you might expect Tallinn’s Toompea Castle to be much like other medieval castles on the continent. But Toompea Castle is a bit different! Although the walls enclosing part of the castle’s courtyard are medieval, the complex actually consists of several buildings from various eras.

Since the 13th century, the ruling Danes, Germans, Swedes, Russians, and now Estonians have contributed to building and developing Toompea Castle. Located on Toompea Hill on the site of the original 9th-century wooden stronghold, the oldest part of the castle was built beginning in 1227 by the Order of the Brethren of the Sword, a Catholic military order, but fell to the Danes just a decade later.

Things to Do in Tallinn Old Town in One Day: Toompea Castle

Today, Toompea Castle consists of several parts. In the medieval part of the castle, you’ll see three of its four original defensive towers, including the famous Pikk Hermann (Tall Herman). This tower was first built between 1360 and 1370 and then rebuilt to its present height in the 16th century. The 150-foot (45.6m) structure has ten floors and a viewing platform at the top.

Pikk Hermann is a symbol of Estonian independence, and the flag is raised at the top of the tower each morning as the national anthem plays.

The State Hall , completed in 1589 when Estonia was under Swedish protection, is one of the finest Renaissance buildings in the country.

Toompea Palace , the pink Baroque building that houses the provincial government, was constructed by order of Catherine the Great of Russia from 1767 to 1773.

Things to Do in Tallinn Old Town in One Day: Pikk Hermann

The Riigikogu building was built between 1920 and 1922, soon after the birth of The Republic of Estonia following the end of WWI. The only expressionist parliamentary building in the world, the Riigikogu building was the first public building in Estonia designed to have electric power.

Tours of Toompea Castle are free, but you need to book them in advance. Tour times and dates are subject to change, so check the Riigikogu website for updated times and to sign up for a tour.

Toompea Castle , Lossi plats 1a, Kesklinna linnaosa, Tallinn. Open times vary. Free to enter and tour.

5. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral

Another beautiful landmark atop Toompea Hill, the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral was designed by Mikhail Preobrazhensky in the Russian Revival style. Tallinn’s largest orthodox cupola cathedral was built between 1894 and 1900 when Estonia was part of the Russian Empire.

The cathedral is dedicated to St. Alexander Nevsky, the Russian Grand Prince who won the Battle on the Ice on Lake Peipus on the border of present-day Estonia and Russia in 1242. Nevsky faced the Teutonic Knights in battle, including a large number of Estonian infantry who were killed by Nevsky’s troops.

By building the cathedral on the site where a statue of Martin Luther once stood and naming it after a military hero best known for killing Estonians, Imperial Russia and its Orthodox church let the primarily Lutheran population of Tallinn know who was in charge.

The cathedral was so disliked by the locals that in 1924, several years after the collapse of the Russian Empire, Tallinn planned to demolish the massive building. However, a lack of funding for the project saved the church from the wrecking ball.

Things to Do in Tallinn Old Town in One Day: Alexander Nevsky Cathedral

Despite its former controversy, the onion-domed church was painstakingly restored after Estonia regained its independence from the USSR in 1991. Improvements included repairing the facade, refacing the cupolas, and replacing rusted metal elements including the crosses atop the cupolas.

A visit to the inside of the church reveals its full opulence. Decorated with paintings of saints, the lavish golden iconostasis sparkles with light from the stained glass windows above. Orthodox icons in richly carved gilt frames line the walls, lit by hundreds of glowing tapers.

If you’re lucky enough to time your visit before a church service, you’ll be treated to the sound of Tallinn’s most powerful church bell ensemble. The towers house eleven bells, with the largest bell weighing in at about 16 tons.

Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, Lossi plats 10, Tallinn, Estonia. Open daily 8 AM – 6 PM. Free to enter, donations welcome.

6. Have lunch in Town Hall Square

Town Hall Square (Raekoja plats) has been the heart of Tallinn since the 11th century when markets were first held here. One side of the square is dominated by the last surviving Gothic town hall in Northern Europe.

Things to Do in Tallinn Old Town in One Day: Town Hall Square

You’ll likely work up an appetite from walking around all morning, and Town Hall Square is the perfect place to have lunch. There are lots of restaurants on the square, and many offer outside seating so you can people-watch as you enjoy your meal.

If you love garlic like I do, I recommend Balthasar . They don’t have seating directly on the square, but you can dine in their charming restaurant inside the 15th-century Apothecary Building or outside in the courtyard.

Their menu offers a range of beautifully presented garlic-themed meat and seafood dishes (and a few non-garlic options as well). You can even wash it down with a garlic-infused beer or try their garlic ice cream!

If garlic isn’t your thing, other Town Hall Square restaurants include Restauran Kaerajaan for a modern take on traditional Estonian cuisine, or just off the square in the Pakkhoone, a former merchants’ warehouse, is Olde Hansa . This popular restaurant features a medieval theme and authentic 700-year-old recipes.

7. Raeapteek (Town Hall Pharmacy)

I don’t often recommend visiting a pharmacy as a must-see location when you’re traveling (unless of course you’re not feeling OK). But if you love history and unusual oddities, I highly recommend popping into the Raeapteek .

The Raeapteek, or Town Hall Pharmacy, is the oldest continuously-operating pharmacy in Europe that’s still in its original building. No one’s exactly sure when the business first began, but by 1422 the pharmacy was already on its third owner.

It’s also the oldest medical facility in Tallinn. Historically, the Raeapteek’s pharmacists also served as the town’s medical experts, helping residents with treatment advice and spiritual assistance.

Located in the Apothecary Building opposite the town hall, this working pharmacy also houses a small museum. Peer at cases filled with historic medical implements, pharmacists’ tools, and most interestingly, jars and vials of ingredients used for treatments over the centuries.

Things to Do in Tallinn Old Town in One Day: Raeapteek / Town Hall Pharmacy

During the medieval period, the Raeapteek sold such remedies as burnt bees, mummy juice, and unicorn horn powder along with herbs and spirits distilled on-site. Today, the museum showcases many of the often gruesome ingredients that were common in medieval European remedies.

The Raeapteek also offers tours, claret tastings, and workshops featuring herbal treatments and marzipan-making.

Raeapteek , Raekoja plats 11, Tallinn, Estonia. Open Monday – Saturday 10 AM – 6 PM. Free to visit pharmacy and museum. (+372) 5887 5701

8. Visit the museum at Tallinn Town Hall

When visiting Town Hall Square, you can’t help but notice its namesake building. Tallinn’s medieval Town Hall has been standing here since the mid-13th century, with several expansions over the years. Old Thomas, a 1530 weather vane featuring the figure of a warrior, sits atop the hall’s towering spire.

Things to Do in Tallinn Old Town in One Day: Tallinn Town Hall Museum

The Town Hall remained the home of the city’s government until 1970, and today it’s a museum and concert space. If you’re interested in learning about the history of Tallinn, you’ll enjoy spending at least an hour visiting the museum. All four floors of the hall are open in July and August for a small admission fee. You can also purchase a ticket to visit the tower, for an aerial view of the square and the surrounding area.

Tallinn Town Hall Museum , Raekoja plats, Tallinn. Open Tuesday – Saturday 11 AM – 4 PM in July and August. October to June, open weekdays by appointment only. Admission €5 adults, €3 for students and those with disabilities. Family tickets €10 (two adults with up to four children under 18). (+372) 64 57 906

Tallinn Town Hall Tower , Open daily May 20-September 15 11 AM – 6 PM. Closed every June 23-24 for national holidays. Admission €4 adults, €2 children under 18.

9. Wander the cobblestone streets in Old Town Tallinn

Make sure when you’re visiting Tallinn that you spend some time just walking around the cobblestone streets. Just north of Town Hall Square you’ll find shops and cafés, along with beautiful examples of medieval residences and commercial buildings.

Things to Do in Tallinn Old Town in One Day: wander the cobblestone streets

If you wander along Lai and Pikk streets, and the smaller streets that connect them, you’ll also find several museums catering to various interests. If you have some extra time, consider stopping at one of these museums while you’re exploring this area of Tallinn.

The Estonian History Museum in the Great Guild Hall tells the story of this land and its people over the past 11,000 years.
The KGB Prison Cells , housed in Tallinn’s former KGB headquarters, offers tours detailing the Soviet oppression in Estonia.
The Estonian Health Care Museum showcases the history of medicine in Estonia, and features interactive displays for adults and children.
NUKU Theatre’s Puppetry Museum offers interactive exhibits to encourage creativity through puppetry.
On nearby Vene Street is the Tallinn City Museum , located in a medieval merchant’s house. Its displays present the history of Tallinn from pre-history to the 1990s.

10. Visit St. Catherine’s Passage

Although much of Tallinn Old Town will make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time, there’s no place in the city that inspires that feeling more than in St. Catherine’s Passage .

This historic alley, called Katariina Käik in Estonian, is a long narrow passageway next to the remains of St. Catherine’s Church, that connects Vene and Müürivahe streets.

The original church was part of a 1246 Dominican monastery complex. Today, the other buildings that line the alley are a collection of predominantly 15th- to 17th-century residences.

Things to Do in Tallinn Old Town in One Day: St. Catherine's Passage

The hidden entrance to the passage on Vene Street is easy to miss, but it’s near the Hotel Telegraaf on the opposite side of the street. Once you’re inside you’ll be enthralled by its medieval stone walls, buttresses, and arches.

In the lane are restaurants, small art shops, and galleries, as well as studios where you can watch artisans at work. As it’s the home of St. Catherine’s Guild , an elite group of craftspeople, you’ll encounter potters, glass blowers, and even felt hat makers crafting with traditional methods.

St. Catherine’s Passage is the perfect place to find a handcrafted Tallinn souvenir, but the price of authenticity might come with a bit of sticker shock.

Be sure to take some time to look at one of the unique features of the passage. 14th- and 15th-century tombstones from the ruined church have been removed and are now displayed on the wall. These beautiful stone tablets once marked the resting places of notable residents, including members of the Magistrate of Tallinn, the Brotherhood of Blackheads, and the Great Guild.

St. Catherine’s Passage, between Vene Street and Müürivahe Street, Tallinn. Open year-round. Free to visit.

More resources for your Baltic cruise

Tips for Visiting St. Petersburg Russia on a Cruise
Visiting the Vasa Museum in Stockholm
What to Pack in Your Cruise Carry On Bag
How to Have the Best Embarkation Day on a Cruise

Have you ever visited Tallinn, Estonia and Tallinn Old Town? What were your favorite things to see and do? Let me know in the comments below!

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Sarah Wilson

Friday 4th of September 2020

Looks beautiful. I’ve just booked cheap flights to Tallinn for November. Hopefully I’d be able to go but you just never know in 2020. Can’t wait to explore the old town.

Sarah, that's so exciting! I hope your trip works out - this has been such an unpredictable year for travel. I'll keep my fingers crossed for you!

Tallinn is very much in my bucket list. Looks like a place I would love to visit with so much history, cathedrals, architecture, cobblestone streets and great food! I have book marked your post for future reference. :-)

Jan, I bet you would love Tallinn! I know I can't wait to visit again - it's a small city but it has so much to offer, especially if you love history and architecture like me!

Thursday 3rd of September 2020

Old Town looks like a lovely cruise excursion and its great that it is so close by. Toompea Castle looks like it would be a must for me, I love the architecture. St. Catherine’s Passage is stunning, I would love to check out the restaurants and shops. Watching an artist at work would be a great experience as well! I would definitely have to check out the old pharmacy. I am a nurse, so I would find that very interesting!

Melissa, Tallinn Old Town is so easy to get to from the port, and there's so much to see and do in a small area. You'll love the old pharmacy - I was fascinated by the old medical equipment and remedies that they used to dispense. There's also the Health Care Museum just north of Town Hall Square that might interest you. Thanks for stopping by!

Medha Verma

I had planned on visiting Helsinki this summer with an overnight trip to Tallinn but it got cancelled due to Covid. I know I would have loved Tallinn's old town! Just walking on those cobbled stone streets would have been amazing. St Catherine's passage looks gorgeous! I would definitely have gone up the Patkuli Viewing Platform to enjoy those bird-eye views of the city. All plans have been pushed to 2021 and fingers crossed, that they work out!

Medha, I hope you're able to go next year! We had a bunch of trips cancel this year as well, so let's hope 2021 is better. I'm planning some Helsinki posts soon, so check back for ideas for your trip!

Wednesday 2nd of September 2020

I would love to visit Tallinn (and Estonia). I love that it doesn't have the popularity of other European city and can't wait to explore that are one day :)

Kelly, I hope you're able to visit Tallinn! You're right that it's not as popular as many other European capitals, and I'm not sure why - it's such a gorgeous city!

Tallinn in one day

Itinerary for a day in tallinn, visit tallinn on a cruise stopover, frequently asked questions (faqs), 1. what is the best time of year to visit tallinn, 2. is it necessary to carry cash in tallinn.

Welcome to For Travel Lovers, where we give you all the information you need to make the most of your time on your trips. This time, we will focus on the beautiful city of Tallinn, the capital of Estonia. If you are lucky enough to visit it in a single day, we offer you a complete guide with recommendations and advice so that you can fully enjoy this charming city.

To make the most of your time in Tallinn, we recommend following this itinerary:

Start your day by exploring Tallinn's Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Stroll through its cobbled streets and admire the medieval architecture of its buildings. Don't miss the Town Hall Square, the heart of the city, where you can enjoy the beauty of the Town Hall Tower and the Church of San Nicolás.

After exploring the old town, head to Toompea Hill, where you'll find Toompea Castle and Alexander Nevsky Cathedral. From here, you can enjoy impressive panoramic views of the city. Additionally, we recommend visiting St. Mary's Cathedral, known as Toompea Cathedral, and the Kohtuotsa Viewpoint for even more spectacular views.

Continue your tour of Tallinn by visiting the Estonian Open Air Museum, located in the Rocca al Mare forest. Here you can learn about the history and culture of Estonia through the traditional architecture of the different regions of the country. In addition, you can enjoy interactive activities and craft demonstrations.

If you have time, we recommend visiting Kadriorg Palace, a beautiful baroque palace surrounded by gardens. Inside it houses the Estonian Art Museum, where you can admire an impressive art collection.

If you are planning to visit Tallinn on a cruise stopover, don't worry, we have recommendations for you too. Below, we offer you an adapted itinerary to make the most of your time in the city:

Start your day by exploring Tallinn's Old Town, where you can enjoy the beauty of its medieval streets and charming buildings. Don't miss Town Hall Square and St. Olaf's Church, where you can get panoramic views of the city.

After exploring the old town, we recommend visiting the Estonian Maritime Museum, located in the port of Tallinn. Here you can learn about Estonia's maritime history and admire an impressive collection of ships and maritime-related artifacts.

Continue your tour of Tallinn by visiting Kadriorg Palace and its beautiful gardens. In addition, we recommend visiting the Estonian Art Museum, where you can admire a wide collection of Estonian and European art.

If you still have time, we suggest taking a walk through the Parque de la Canción, an emblematic place where music festivals and cultural events are held. Here you can enjoy nature and tranquility.

The best time to visit Tallinn is during the spring and summer months, from May to September. During these months, the weather is warmer and more pleasant, which will allow you to enjoy the charms of the city outdoors. However, keep in mind that these months are also the most touristy, so you may find more people at the attractions.

In Tallinn, most establishments accept credit and debit cards, so there is no need to carry large amounts of cash. However, it is advisable to carry some cash for small purchases at local markets or smaller establishments that do not accept cards.

In short, Tallinn is a city full of charm and beauty that you can enjoy in a single day. Whether you are visiting the city as part of a cruise or have the opportunity to spend a full day there, we recommend following our itinerary and visiting the places mentioned to make the most of your time. Don't forget to explore the old town, enjoy the panoramic views from Toompea Hill and visit the city's museums and palaces. Enjoy your visit to Tallinn!

Until next time,

The For Travel Lovers Team

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Day Trip to Tallinn from Helsinki – How to Spend One Day in Tallinn

Tallinn is a city with fairy-tale medieval surrounds, rich history and plenty of unique and amazing sights . Whether you want to relax in style or explore and learn, Tallinn is an ideal European city break.

Taking a day trip to Tallinn from Helsinki is the perfect way to visit this beautiful city if you are short on time. Tallinn is also a great option for a longer stay. You’ll find as you read along that there are more than enough activities to keep you occupied for a weekend break or more.

Whether you plan to catch the ferry from Helsinki to Tallinn on your own or you’re looking to book an organised Tallinn day trip, read on to find all of my top recommendations below.

This guide will show you how to get to Tallinn, where to catch the best views, find the top attractions and eat the tastiest food. Make the most of your day trip to Tallinn from Helsinki by knowing exactly what to do in Tallinn before you even arrive.

Toompea Hill from the top of St. Olaf’s Tower

Table of Contents

Best Tallinn Activities

Before we dive into the best way to spend one day in Tallinn, I would recommend checking out these popular Tallinn activities.

Tallinn Walking Tour

One of the best things to do when visiting a new city is taking a walking tour to learn some history first hand from a local guide.

This popular walking tour is the perfect intro to Tallinn and lasts anywhere between 2-6 hours. It will aim to show you the very best of Tallinn through the eyes of a local.

Your guide will take you to the best landmarks and attractions around the Old Town while providing you with fascinating stories and insider’s tips along the way.

➤Find tour prices and availability here

The view from Patkuli platform

Old Town Tallinn

In 1997 the Old Town of Tallinn became a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is also one of the best preserved medieval cities in Europe!

Tallinn’s Old Town is actually divided into two separate areas, the lower town and the upper town (also known as Toompea) . They were once considered to be two completely different cities.

Both sections of the Old Town can easily be explored by foot in one day. When visiting Tallinn on a day trip from Helsinki, you will have no trouble covering all of the top sites .

Sometimes getting lost is the best way to see a new place! When we first arrived in Tallinn, we did just that. Explore the many twisting cobblestone side streets and cute squares. From almost any angle you will find great views of the town’s church towers and beautiful facades.

Early morning at the Town Hall Square

Town Hall Square

The heart of the Old Town and a place you that will usually find bustling with tourists (unless you wake up early). It’s right here that you will find Tallinn’s 13th century town hall and its massive tower. It happens to be the oldest town hall building in the entire Scandinavian region!

Beautiful medieval buildings and outdoor restaurants surround the square. It’s the perfect place to relax with a drink in the afternoon and take in the atmosphere from one of the many patios. There are plenty of events and medieval festivals held here throughout the year.

If you’re lucky enough to visit Tallinn around Christmas time, this is where you will find the famous markets. Hundreds of stalls brighten up the square surrounding a large Christmas tree. This is one of the best Christmas Markets in Europe and it takes place every year from Nov 24th – Jan 7th.

Tallinn Town Hall Square

Defensive Walls

Talk a walk along part of the city’s well-preserved 13th century fortifications and explore the insides of its towers . You can access one part of the wall through the Kiek in de Kok Museum .

Other sections of the wall are accessible from the north entrance to the Old Town , find the exact location here . The other is from the Hellmann Tower near the west gate.

From the town walls you’ll get a great view over the city and learn a little bit about the history as you go. To enter the fortifications, it costs €3 per person.

Toompea Hill

This large limestone hill sits high above the rest of Tallinn and features buildings that date to the 13th century. For centuries, there have been fortifications and towers here, defending the city from attacks.

Toompea is also known as the “upper old town” and it is home to some of the most beautiful and iconic buildings in Tallinn. This area is an absolute must-see on your day trip to Tallinn. You will likely spend a large portion of your day exploring this area.

Due to a devastating fire in the 17th century, most of the buildings of Toompea had to be replaced. You’ll notice that the buildings are newer and have a different appearance from the rest of Tallinn.

This is where you will find Toompea Castle and the majestic Alexander Nevsky Cathedral . There are various viewing platforms offering spectacular views over the Old Town.

Toompea Castle

Although it is no longer a proper castle, this building has been the seat of power in Estonia for centuries. Built on a hilltop overlooking the city below, this beautiful castle is currently used to house the Estonian parliament.

The building dates back to the 13th century but has seen many changes and renovations to its appearance over the years. From the front, you’ll see a lovely pink palace however the back of the building resembles an early medieval castle.

If you want to visit the inside of Toompea Castle you must book a guided tour in advance. On our day trip to Tallinn, we simply passed by the front to admire the castle and snap a few photos.

Find more information on booking a free guided tour of the castle at the official website .

Alexander Nevsky Cathedral

This stunning example of Russian Orthodox architecture dates from 1900, when Estonia was part of the Russian Empire .

The massive and richly decorated cathedral with its onion domes is one of the largest Orthodox cathedrals in the world. It’s easily the most impressive church I’ve ever seen!

When we first saw the cathedral mid-day, it was completely crowded with tourists. We knew the only way we could really appreciate its grandeur was to return first thing the next morning .

If you want to see this amazing church with minimal crowds, I would recommend heading there by 8am. Entrance to the cathedral is free for those who are interested to have a look inside.

Opening Hours – 7am-7pm daily

Tickets – Free entry

St Olav’s Church and Tower

Tallinn’s largest and tallest medieval building can be found within the lower Old Town. This beautiful Gothic church and its 124 metre tower date back to the 13th century. During the medieval times, this tower was actually considered the tallest in the world!

From April to October you can climb the steep and narrow winding staircase to the top of St Olaf’s Church tower. From here you can admire a spectacular panoramic view of Tallinn’s Old Town and Toompea Hill.

Climbing the 232 steps to the viewing platform may be a challenge but the view makes it worth the effort! Find more info about opening hours and updated ticket prices by visiting this website .

Opening Hours – 10am – 6pm daily

Tickets – €5/adult, free/child

Town Hall Square, Tallinn Estonia

Find the Best Viewpoints in Tallinn

Toompea’s many viewing platforms offer a variety of breath-taking views over Tallinn’s lower Old Town. To capture the best views of Toompea Hill, head to St. Olav’s Church and climb the tower.

Patkuli Viewing Platform – Climb up the 157 steps from the Old Town to arrive at this viewing platform. From the top you will see beautiful views over the red-tiled rooftops as well as Tallinn’s new city and its high rises. You’ll get a good view of the city walls from this angle. From this point, you can also begin exploring the rest of Toompea.
Kohtuotsa Viewing Platform – Head here after Patkuli platform as it’s also situated on Toompea Hill. This viewing platform is a large terrace where you’ll take in perfect views over the entire city, with the Gulf of Finland in the background.
Kiek in de Kök Tower – It’s definitely worthwhile to explore this tower, which offers some great views of the city, harbour and Toompea . Learn about Tallinn’s history while browsing through the many historic weapons on display inside the tower . The ticket also allows access to several other towers.
St. Olav’s Church Tower – One of the best views in town, this cannot be missed on your day trip to Tallinn! This was my favourite view of Tallinn as you can really take in the entire essence of this special place.

View of the Old Town from inside the Kiek in de Kök Tower

Peeking out at the Old Town from inside the Kiek in de Kök Tower

Eat Lunch at a Medieval Tavern

For all the foodies out there, you are in luck! Tallinn’s restaurant scene has plenty of amazing dining choices. You’ll find everything from traditional medieval pubs to fine dining and modern European cuisine .

There’s also a decent selection of places offering delicious vegetarian and plant-based options. You’ll have more choices than you know what to do with when it comes to finding a place to eat.

You can’t day trip to Tallinn and not try one of its many traditional, medieval taverns. They should be high on your list when it comes to picking out a place to eat!

Olde Hansa!

Great Cuisine:

Vegan Restoran V – Coming in at #3 on TripAdvisor , this gem offers many vegan and vegetarian options. Make sure to book it ahead of time as it’s very popular and not very big.
Rataskaevu 16 – We got in too late to eat here as it had already booked out for the evening. According to TripAdvisor, this is Tallinn’s #1 restaurant and it’s a short walk from the Town Hall Square. Rataskaevu 16 serves Scandinavian, International, and Eastern European cuisine. It’s also vegetarian and vegan friendly and offers gluten-free options.

Traditional Experiences:

III Draakon – This place is a must! The food here wasn’t incredible but it’s totally worth it just for the atmosphere and medieval vibes. Located under the Town Hall building, this is a small medieval-themed tavern. Everything about this place is true to the times, from the menu to the quirky bar-maids.
Olde Hansa – Another traditional restaurant full of character and charm. It’s a little more expensive, but you’re paying for more than just a meal. The venue is candle lit and has medieval music playing in the background. The staff are all dressed the part as they serve traditional Hanseatic dishes. This place is a bit touristy, but it’s worth it to go for one meal.

Quick Bites:

Town Hall Square early in the morning

Spending Longer Than One Day in Tallinn?

Perhaps you have more time to spend in Tallinn and are seeking some additional activities. From museums to day trips, below are some great things to check out in and around the city.

Tallinn Food Tour

Taste the traditional flavours of Estonia on a guided food and drinks tour of Tallinn. This 3 hour tour will educate you about the history of Estonian cuisine while tasting a variety of drinks, dishes and desserts.

Get off the tourist track and discover some local favourite restaurants where you’ll find a more authentic dining experience. The food tour includes drinks, food and a local tour guide. See more detailed info at the link below.

Lennusadam Seaplane Harbour Museum

Learn all about maritime history in the Baltics by visiting this informative and highly rated museum in Tallinn. Walk through a large submarine from the 1930’s and explore a large collection of exhibits that will take you back through time.

One of the many highlights of this maritime museum is seeing a sunken ship from the 16th century. You can find Lennusadam on the harbour of Tallinn, outside of the Old Town. To get there, take the bus 73 and get off at the “Lennusadam” stop.

Opening Hours – 10am – 6pm daily (closed on Mondays)

Tickets – €15/adult, €8/child

Kadriorg Art Museum

The Kadriorg Art Museum is housed within a gorgeous 18th century palace surrounded by manicured gardens. This is the only museum in the country that features early European and Russian paintings and sculptures.

This is a great addition to your Tallinn itinerary if you’re interested in historic art collections. You can reach the museum by walking for 35 minutes from the Old Town or taking the tram line 1 or 3 for four stops.

Tickets – €9/adult, €7/child

KGB Prison Cells

Visit the KBG Prison Cells in the heart of Tallinn’s Old Town to learn about the unfortunate events during the communist regime of the early 1900’s.

The museum is quite small but it is well organised and shows you exactly what life was like as a prisoner during this awful time in history.

Take a walk into the basement where the actual prison cells are located to see recreated scenes, informative displays, stories and more.

Opening Hours – 11am – 6pm (closed Monday/Tuesday)

Tickets – €5/adult, €4/student

Take a Day Trip from Tallinn

Jägala Waterfall & Lahemaa National Park – Explore the natural beauty of Estonia on a full day trip from Tallinn to Lahemaa National Park. Marvel at the stunning Jägala Waterfall, go for a scenic forest hike and explore a quaint seaside fishing village.

The afternoon of the tour will take you to a historic tavern for a traditional lunch followed by a walk through the Viru bog. This day trip includes a tour guide, transportation to and from Tallinn, guided tour at each stop. Lunch is not included in the ticket.

The Best Day Tour from Helsinki to Tallinn

Duration – 12 hrs

Included – Round trip journey by ferry, 3 hour guided tour in Tallinn, transportation to and from Tallinn’s Old Town and the ferry terminal, experienced tour guide.

Discover the wonders of Estonia’s capital city on this fully organised day trip to Tallinn from Helsinki. This is the perfect option for those who prefer to leave the planning up to the experts and enjoy a relaxing day of sightseeing.

The day will begin by meeting your tour guide at the ferry terminal in Helsinki before beginning the 2 hour ferry journey to Tallinn.

Upon arrival in Tallinn, join a 3 hour guided tour of the UNESCO listed medieval centre. Your guide will take you to all of the best highlights around town such as Tallinn Town Hall, the fortified city walls, Aleksander Nevsky Cathedral, Toompea Castle and a few of the best viewpoints.

The rest of the day can be spent exploring the town at your own pace. Stop at one of the medieval restaurants and check out one of the viewpoints that you may have missed on the guided tour.

At the end of the day you will be transported back to the port to board the ferry to Helsinki. Keep in mind that this day trip does not include hotel pick up/drop off or any meals.

Taking a day trip to Tallinn from Helsinki

Explore the magic of Tallinn’s Old Town

Getting the Ferry from Helsinki to Tallinn

If you’re planning to take the ferry from Helsinki to Tallinn on your own, it is best to book your ticket online before you go.

The ferries can get very crowded and tend to sell out during peak times as it is a very popular route. Try to book as far ahead as possible.

Booking this round trip ferry ticket from Helsinki to Tallinn will allow you to comfortably see the sights of Tallinn at your own pace.

Keep in mind that the ferry to Tallinn takes 2 hours of travel time one way. This round trip ticket will allow you to spend up to 10 hours on your day trip to Tallinn which is plenty of time to see all of the highlights.

➤Find more info and book your round trip ferry ticket online

The Best Time Of Year For a Day Trip to Tallinn

While we generally love off-season travel , we took our day trip to Tallinn from Helsinki in July and it couldn’t have been better . When the rest of Europe is over-run by crowds, Tallinn is still one of the lesser known destinations (compared to places like Rome, Paris, London etc) .

You will still see many crowds there in the summer but it’s by no means overwhelming. You’ll also be glad to know you won’t have to stand in extremely long queues like you’d see in the more popular destinations .

While summer is ideal for sightseeing, the winter months are just as nice in Tallinn (especially around Christmas) . With a blanket of snow covering the rooftops of this fairy tale town, everything becomes even more magical. The town glistens with Christmas lights and market stalls fill the square around a big tree.

The Perfect Day Trip to Tallinn from Helsinki

The stunning Viru Gate at the entrance to Tallinn’s Old Town

What to Pack for Your Tallinn Day Trip

Passport – The most important item on your day trip to Tallinn that cannot be forgotten!
Day pack – A good day pack is essential to carry everything you need on your full day trip to Tallinn from Helsinki.
Good walking shoes – This day trip will involve a lot of walking so comfort is key.
Portable charger – It will be a long day and there will be many beautiful sites to capture so make sure your phone stays fully charged.
Reusable water bottle – Bring a water bottle to ensure you stay hydrated throughout the day.
Sunglasses – You’ll be spending a lot of time outdoors so make sure to protect your eyes from the harsh sun.
Sunscreen – As mentioned above, keep yourself protected from the sun if you’re visiting Tallinn during summer.
Umbrella – If you’re visiting during bumper season, don’t forget to bring one of these!
Rain jacket – The weather in Estonia can change pretty quickly, be sure to come prepared.

Where To Stay In Tallinn

If you would prefer to stay longer than one day in Tallinn, read on to find the most conveniently located accommodation options below.

When booking your accommodation in Tallinn, I would highly recommend basing yourself in the town centre. Being able to wake up and easily explore the Old Town with all the attractions at your door step is definitely the best option.

Viru Backpackers Hostel – A small and cosy hostel located steps from the Town Hall. The staff are very helpful and the hostel has a great vibe to it. For those who are solo travelling or simply seeking a budget option, this is the perfect choice for you.

Daily Apartments – We really enjoyed our stay at this comfortable apartment. Situated in the heart of Tallinn’s Old Town, the location of this accommodation could not be any better.

Beautifully decorated, fully equipped and surrounded by pubs, shops and all the best restaurants, we can highly recommend this accommodation for your stay in Tallinn. Not to mention the price was very reasonable for its prime location.

Hotel Telegraaf – If you’re seeking some extra comfort and amenities during your stay in Tallinn, look no further. Set in a historic building, this lovely 5 star hotel features an indoor swimming pool, hot tub and spa.

Hotel Telegraaf is very well located within the centre of the Old Town, a short walk from the Town Hall Square. There is a restaurant and bar onsite and an amazing breakfast is included in your stay.

→Browse more accommodation options in Tallinn←

Final Thoughts on Taking a Day Trip to Tallinn from Helsinki

We hope this article has inspired you to visit this stunning city and helped you to plan your ideal day trip to Tallinn from Helsinki.

During our day trip to Tallinn, the city quickly became one of our favourites in all of Europe. The medieval charm, amazing restaurants and vibrant nightlife scene leaves a great impression.

Tallinn is one of those places I could happily return to over and over again and know I’d always have an awesome time. We hope you enjoy Tallinn as much as we did and find this guide useful when planning your trip!

Fat Margaret Tower – Located at the northern entrance to the Old Town

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Estonia is a European dream.

I was immediately captivated by the fairy-tale appearance of Tallinn, the capital city of Estonia.

Walking the cobblestoned streets within the fortress-like walls of the old city transported me back to medieval times.

The city is small enough to explore on foot, and there's plenty to entertain history and architecture enthusiasts. Enjoying a coffee or a beer in the Town Hall Square while people watching is a highlight of my European travels.

Although many people visit Tallinn as a day trip from Helsinki, which is a two-hour ferry ride away, it's worth staying here for a few days and heading into the Estonian countryside. The roads are often quite empty and incredibly peaceful.

I enjoyed Estonia so much that I returned twice more in the 18 months after my first visit.

I've enjoyed visiting Oman, a country in the Middle East.

Dubai gets a lot of attention for its luxurious travel opportunities , and many know Qatar because it recently hosted the World Cup, but nearby Oman should not be skipped.

After all, Oman's capital, Muscat, provides an excellent gateway to the country.

A stroll along the beautiful Corniche will take you along the water and by the bustling Grand Bazaar. For those who love hikes, there are plenty of options in Oman, including several easily accessible trails in Muscat that offer great city views.

Better still, the amazing Wadi Shab is less than two hours from the capital city and is one of the best hikes I've ever experienced . The trail takes you through narrow gorges and across streams and ends with a surreal swim through incredible caves.

It's an experience so breathtaking I'd expected it to be packed with tourists, but it wasn't when we visited. We only saw a handful of people, which allowed us to really enjoy our trip.

I've seen many parts of Africa, but Namibia may just be my favorite spot.

I have been fortunate to go on safaris in Kenya , Botswana, and Tanzania, but Namibia is my favorite travel destination of the bunch.

While there, we rented a campervan and did a self-drive tour of the country, allowing us to explore independently. Yet again, we avoided the crowds and the campsites were usually just us and local animals.

Waking up to the sounds of monkeys, elephants, and even lions was a special treat, especially knowing we were safe inside our campervan.

In addition to the wildlife, there's a lot to explore in Namibia, including colossal dunes, which we hiked up and surfed down —undoubtedly the trip highlight for my children.

Sri Lanka showcases a lot of what Asia landscapes have to offer.

Asia has some beautiful beaches, but Sri Lanka has beaches and tea plantations, mountains, rocks, waterfalls, and more.

We visited Sri Lanka last year and hired a driver and guide who showcased the diverse landscapes of this island country. The food was terrific and extremely cheap — our family of four was fed for less than $10 on most occasions.

The locals I interacted with were incredibly friendly and the island is also small enough to allow for in-depth exploration in a relatively short time.

Costa Rica is an excellent place to visit in Central America.

Growing up in Texas, my wife has been to Mexico many times since the state shares a border with the country. But to explore somewhere new, smaller, and in the same region, we chose to have our honeymoon in Costa Rica .

Although it's still popular, Costa Rica offers an authentic travel experience as I feel it has yet to be overrun by tourists. Like the other countries on this list, it has a diverse landscape, from white-sand beaches to rainforests to volcanoes, so there's plenty to do.

We also visited during the rainy season, so we took advantage of low crowds , low prices, and often received upgrades — and, as a bonus, it rarely rained!

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Earthquake shakes U.S. East Coast

An earthquake struck the East Coast of the United States on Friday morning, according to the U.S. Geological Survey, causing buildings to shake and rattling nerves from Maryland to Maine.

The USGS measured the quake as a 4.8 temblor with its epicenter near Lebanon, New Jersey. It struck a little before 10:30 a.m. ET. An aftershock of magnitude-4.0 hit right around 6 p.m. ET.

The morning earthquake was the strongest recorded in the Northeast in more than a decade, according to USGS records .

There were no immediate reports of major destruction or any fatalities. Local and regional officials from cities in the earthquake zone said inspections had been launched to ensure that buildings, bridges and other infrastructure were not damaged.

Follow here for live updates on the earthquake.

James Pittinger, mayor of Lebanon, New Jersey, called the earthquake “the craziest thing I’ve ever experienced.” In an interview with MSNBC , he said he had not received reports of any significant damage so far, but added that the shaking caused his dog to run for cover and objects to fall off his shelves.

While a 4.8-magnitude temblor is not considered a major earthquake, even minor shaking can cause damage on the East Coast, which does not take similar precautions as other earthquake hot spots around the world.

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul said the quake was felt across the state.

“My team is assessing impacts and any damage that may have occurred, and we will update the public throughout the day,” she wrote on X .

New York City Mayor Eric Adams said in an afternoon news briefing that no major injuries or impacts to infrastructure were reported, and that people in the city should “go about their normal day.”

Ground stops were temporarily issued at Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey and John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York City, according to the Federal Aviation Administration's website. Flight disruptions at the Newark airport continued into the afternoon .

The Port Authority Transit Corp., which operates a rapid transit route between Pennsylvania and New Jersey, suspended service in the aftermath of the quake.

“Crews will inspect the integrity of the line out of an abundance of caution,” PATCO said in an update on X . “Once inspection is complete, service will resume. No timeframe. Updates to follow.”

New York’s Metropolitan Transportation Authority said that there had been no impact to its service but that teams will be inspecting train lines. New Jersey Transit alerted riders of 20-minute delays due to bridge inspections following the earthquake.

While earthquakes in the northeast U.S. are rare, Buffalo, New York, was struck by a 3.8-magnitude quake in February 2023 — the strongest recorded in the area in 40 years.

A 4.1-magnitude earthquake struck the tri-state area in 2017, centered near Little Creek, Delaware, according to the U.S. Geological Survey . And before that, a 5.8-magnitude quake shook central Virginia in 2011, and was felt across much of the East Coast, forcing hundreds of thousands people to evacuate buildings in New York, Washington and other cities.

New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy said in a post on X that the state has activated its emergency operations center and asked the public not to call 911 unless they are experiencing an emergency.

Frederik J. Simons, a professor of geosciences at Princeton University, told NBC News that the earthquake occurred on a shallow fault system in New Jersey and lasted about 35 seconds.

“The shallower or the closer it is, the more we feel it as humans,” he said.

The quake originated at a depth of less than 3 miles, according to the USGS .

Earthquakes on the East Coast can be felt at a great distance and can cause more pronounced shaking in comparison to those on the West Coast because rocks in the region are often older, harder and more dense.

“These are competent rocks that transmit energy well,” Simons said.

The earthquake ruptured within a fault zone known as the Ramapo system, Simons said. It’s a zone in relatively ancient rock that contains old faults and cracks from ancient tectonic processes. These old faults slowly accumulate stress and occasionally something slips, Simons said.

“There are cracks in it and now and then a little motion accumulates, the stress keeps growing, at very slow rates,” he said. “It’s like an old house creaking and groaning.”

Simons said this was one of the largest earthquakes in New Jersey in recent history. The last notable one was a magnitude-3.1 temblor in Freehold Township in September 2020.

“I’m on campus at Princeton University for the biggest one I’ve felt in a lifetime,” he said. “This shaking was violent, strong and long.”

Some videos captured the moment of the earthquake, including one from a coffee shop in New Jersey.

The East Coast quake struck two days after a powerful 7.4-magnitude temblor shook the island of Taiwan, killing at least 12 people and injuring more than 1,000 others. The two incidents are not thought to be related, said Dara Goldberg, a USGS geophysicist.

“We’re much too far of a distance for the stress on the fault of Taiwan to affect New York,” she said.

Denise Chow is a reporter for NBC News Science focused on general science and climate change.

Evan Bush is a science reporter for NBC News. He can be reached at [email protected].

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Feb 29, 2024; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Houston Christian defensive lineman Jalyx Hunt (DL34) works out

2024 NFL Draft: Jalyx Hunt Takes Top-30 Visit With Jaguars

The Jaguars are looking at one of this year's most impressive Day 3 prospects.

Author: John Shipley

One of the most intriguing Day 3 options in the 2024 NFL Draft is taking an official top-30 visit with the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Houston Christian's Jalyx Hunt has been a fast-riser throughout the process, taking visits with the New England Patriots, Denver Broncos, and Houston Texans, according to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler.

The Jaguars saw outside linebackers Josh Allen and Travon Walker combine for 27.5 sacks last season, though the Jaguars still finished bottom-10 in sacks due to a lack of edge depth or interior pass-rush.

Could Hunt be a potential option to become that depth? After a standout perforamnce at the 2024 NFL Scouting Combine, it certainly seems to be on the table.

Hunt, who measured in at 6-foot-4 and 252 pounds with 34 3/8’’ arms, recorded a 4.64 40-yard dash, 37.5-inch vertical jump, and a 10’ 8’’ broad jump.

"Hunt is a small-school edge defender possessing notable athletic traits and the potential to get bigger and stronger," according to NFL.com's Lance Zierlein.

He currently lacks the lower-body anchor and general play strength to go up against NFL opponents, but the team drafting him is likely to view him as a developmental prospect in need of time to build his frame and his game. Hunt's speed is obvious as a pass rusher and in run pursuit, but proving he can survive against a downhill running attack could be the difference between challenging for a rotational role or hoping to become a designated pass rusher."

In two seasons with Houston Christian, Hunt recorded 7.5 sacks, five forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries.

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Washington Commanders kicker Joey Slye (6) makes a kick against the Philadelphia Eagles.

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COMMENTS

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Tallinn in 1 day. If you only have 1 day to spend in Tallinn, we've narrowed down the top places you should check out to get the best experience of your time here. Tallinn is the medieval capital city of Estonia. There are plenty of things to see here, not least the city's 13th century Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site where tall ...
One Day in Tallinn
Alexander Nevsky Cathedral. This unique, domed church sits on the top of Toompea Hill and is a must visit if you have only one day in Tallinn. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral is Estonia's main Russian Orthadox church, built around 1900. The church is open every day from 8 am - 6 pm, with regular services!
1 Perfect One Day in Tallinn Itinerary 2024
Morning: Tallinn Old Town. My favorite first thing to on a One Day in Tallinn Itinerary is take a walking tour. Most good companies employ local guides, so you'll get to see the city from a local's point of view. Plus walking tours give you a good sense of which attractions/areas you'll enjoy seeing more of on your own.
How to Spend One Day in Tallinn, Estonia (By A Local)
This 12th-century church was at one point the highest building in Europe and has been struck by lightning over 10 times and burned down completely 3 times. Today it stands 124 meters tall and the clock tower is open for visitors. Address: Lai 50, 10133 Tallinn, Estonia.
Tallinn (Estonia)
Come and discover what you can visit in Tallinn with this complete guide!!! ... June is one of the best months to explore the city as the days are very long and you can visit more sights in one day. On the longest day of the year, the sun rises at 04:03 am and sets at 10:42 pm. On the other hand, in winter, the days are much shorter, with the ...
One Day in Tallinn, Estonia Itinerary
The Town Hall (Tallinna raekoda) and the Town Hall Square ( Raekoja plats) are one of the most visited places in Tallinn Old Town. The Town Hall Square was originally called the Forum. First mentionings about it are from the year 1313. After that it was called Market and Vana Turg, until it got its current name.
One Day in Tallinn Itinerary: Cover Everything In a Day!
Only have one day in Tallinn? This 1-day Tallinn itinerary features all the top sights, including the old town square and Toompea. ... Best Time to Visit Tallinn. The best time to visit Tallinn is from late spring to early fall, particularly between May and September. During these months, you'll find mild temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25 ...
Visit Tallinn in one day
Visit Tallinn in one day - itinerary. Below are my favorite places in Tallinn. It would be ideal to have at least 2 days to explore the city. However, one day in Tallinn is enough to see the main tourist attractions and get an idea about the city's vibe. Don't forget to wake up early! Discover Tallin Old City
One Day in Tallinn, Estonia
10. Learn About Marzipan at the Marzipan Gallery. 11. See Tallinn from Toompea Hill. 12. Visit Alexander Nevsky Cathedral. 13. See the Toompea Castle. If You Have More Than One Day in Tallinn.
10 Things to Do in Tallinn Estonia's Old Town if You Only Have One Day
Many travelers visit Tallinn for the day by taking the ferry from Helsinki or Stockholm. For others, it's a stop on a Baltic Sea cruise. Indeed, it was one of my favourite ports on my small ship luxury cruise that was passing through.. Either way, many travelers end up there with only a day to take it in before sailing to the next destination.
Tallinn Top Attractions in One Day
15:15 Toompea Hill. Toompea Hill is a large oblong-shaped limestone hill situated at the center of Tallinn's medieval Old Town. Spanning a total area of 7 hectares, it measures some 1312 feet long and 820 feet wide, encompassing dozens of historic monuments and landmark attractions.
A One-Day Guide to Exploring Tallinn, Estonia
Tallinn is a port city on the Gulf of Finland with regular routes servicing cities like Helsinki, Stockholm, and St. Petersburg. In fact, Tallinn is just 51 miles from Helsinki! Up until 1918, Tallinn was known by its historical German name, Reval. I hope you enjoyed this one day guide to Tallinn, Estonia!
One Day in Tallinn Estonia
One day in Tallinn Estonia will be just enough time to make you want to come back again. Tallinn is one of those European cities you just have to visit at least once. It's got Mediveal architecture, a hisoric city center, a fascinating history, a lively nightlife scene, and incredible food. The best part about spending a day in Tallinn is ...
Explore Tallinn in one day with the Tallinn Card
There is much to explore and experience in Tallinn in just one day! Explore the medieval Old Town or the trendy Kalamaja district, enjoy the greenery and intimacy with nature in Rocca al Mare or enjoy art classics in the romantic Kadriorg district. The Tallinn Card, a card for museums and tourist attractions, allows you to explore the city ...
One Day in Tallinn: Things You MUST See in the Estonian Capital
Tallinn, Estonia is a bit more of an off-the-beaten-track capital to visit in Europe, but if you only have 24 hours Estonia you must spend your one day in Tallinn. An old Baltic Sea port, Tallinn's old town stands sentinel over the sea and is complimented by quite a modern 'new' town behind it, comprised of higher rise buildings.
Tallinn Sightseeing in One Day: 10 Best Things To Do With The Tallinn
The first two stops on our Tallinn One Day Itinerary are not in the Old Town, but can be reached by public transport (which is included with the Tallinn Card). ... The Lennusadam Seaplane Harbor Museum is one of the top places to visit in Tallinn. The modern and interactive Tallinn museum is housed in an old seaplane hangar that was used until ...
How To See Tallinn In One Day
The capital of Estonia, located in the extreme northeast of Europe, on the shores of the Baltic Sea, is sometimes described as the new Silicon Valley and well worth a visit even if you have to do only one day in Tallinn. Tallinn was under the Soviet rule until 1991, but since its independence that same year, it has changed a great deal.
1 Day in Tallinn: Itinerary Ideas
So no, you can't miss this one. 6. St. Olaf's Church. There are a lot of churches in Tallinn, and if you like churches you will have no shortage of options to visit. One that should definitely make your short list is St. Olaf's church, which despite being almost 500 years old is still the tallest building in Estonia.
Best Things to Do in Tallinn Old Town in One Day on a Baltic Cruise
Tallinn Old Town became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997 due to its remarkably preserved 13th-century city plan.. This Hanseatic city is also beloved as a day trip or city break from the Helsinki area. Ferries run from Helsinki up to 84 times a week during the high season, and the quick two-hour voyage makes it one of the most popular ferry routes in the Baltics.
️Tallinn in one day
The best time to visit Tallinn is during the spring and summer months, from May to September. During these months, the weather is warmer and more pleasant, which will allow you to enjoy the charms of the city outdoors. ... add a comment of Tallinn in one day. Comment sent successfully! We will review it in the next few hours. Content for you ...
Day Trip to Tallinn from Helsinki
Duration - 12 hrs. Included - Round trip journey by ferry, 3 hour guided tour in Tallinn, transportation to and from Tallinn's Old Town and the ferry terminal, experienced tour guide. Discover the wonders of Estonia's capital city on this fully organised day trip to Tallinn from Helsinki.
Best Overlooked Countries to Visit, From Man Who Saw 107 Countries
Although many people visit Tallinn as a day trip from Helsinki, which is a two-hour ferry ride away, it's worth staying here for a few days and heading into the Estonian countryside. The roads are ...
Following one-day stay, Utah HS OL schedules official visit
A Utah prep program the Cyclones are becoming very familiar sent several recruits to Ames last week, including one 2025 . Advertisement. ... Following one-day stay, Utah HS OL schedules official visit. Bill Seals • CycloneReport. Publisher. @williamseals. PREMIUM CONTENT.
Harris agrees with interviewer that 2024 could be last US democratic
Vice President Harris this week agreed with an interviewer who said the 2024 election could be the last democratic election in the United States. Harris was discussing former President Trump's ...
Earthquake shakes U.S. East Coast, impacting New York, Pennsylvania
An aftershock of 4.0-magnitude hit later in the day. ... For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser. ... The last notable one was a magnitude-3.1 temblor in Freehold Township in ...
2024 NFL Draft: Jalyx Hunt Takes Top-30 Visit With Jaguars
The Jaguars are looking at one of this year's most impressive Day 3 prospects. ... One of the most intriguing Day 3 options in the 2024 NFL Draft is taking an official top-30 visit with the ...

1-Day Tallinn Itinerary

Table of contents

Kadriorg Art Museum

Eesti Kunstimuuseum

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Tallinn throughout the year

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One Day in Tallinn – The Perfect Itinerary for Tallinn’s old town

Things to know about Tallinn

When to visit Tallinn

How to get around Tallinn

How to get to Tallinn

How to get to Tallinn by bus

How to get to Tallinn by train

How to get to Tallinn by air

How to get to Tallinn from Stockholm by ferry

How to get to Tallinn from Helsinki by ferry

One day in Tallinn Itinerary – The Ultimate Guide to Tallinn’s Old Town

Pikk Street

Tallinn Old Town Square (Raekoja Plats)

St Olav’s Church

Alexander Nevsky Cathedral

Patkuli Viewing Platform

Kohtuotsa Viewing Platform (Kohtuotsa vaateplats)

Olde Hansa Restaurant

Masters’ Courtyard (Meistrite Hoov)

St Catherine’s Passage (Katariina Käik)

Hellemann Tower and Town Wall Walkway

Museums in Tallinn’s Old Town

Kiek in de Kök Museum and Bastion Tunnels

KGB Prison Cells

One Perfect Day in Tallinn Overview

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How to Spend One Day in Tallinn, Estonia (By A Local)

Wake Up Activity (Optional): Experience Sunrise on Linnahall

Breakfast at Kohvik August

Morning Activity: Explore the Old Town

Freedom Square

St. Nicholas Church

Town Hall Square (Raekoja plats)

Viru Street

St. Olaf’s Church

Lunch at Kompressor

Afternoon Activity: Discover the Rotermanni Quarter and Kadriorg

Rotermanni Quarter

Afternoon Break at Kadrioru Park

Early Evening Activity: Sunset + Kalamaja District

Pirita Seafront and/or Tallinn TV Tower

Kalamaja District

Dinner at F-hoone

Evening Activity: Bar Crawling in Telliskivi or Old Town

Tallinn (Estonia) – What to Visit: 1 day itinerary (map included)

Table of contents

What is the best time of year to visit Tallinn?

How many days does it take to visit Tallinn?

How to get to Tallinn?

Accommodation in Tallinn

What to visit in Tallinn?

» Town Hall Square (Raekoja plats)

» Toompea Hill and Castle

» Kohtuotsa Viewpoint

» Patkuli Viewpoint

» Piiskopi Viewpoint

» St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral

» St. Nicholas Church

» St. Mary’s Cathedral

» St. Catherine’s Passage (Katariina Käik)

» St. Olaf’s Church

» Town Wall of Tallinn

» Telliskivi Creative City

Other things to visit in Tallinn

What to visit near Tallinn ?

» Viru bog (Lahemaa National Park)