Tallinn Estonia Travel Guide

About:

Tallinn’s Old Town is home to charming medieval architecture and is a reason to visit alone. Tallinn is a beautiful place to visit in Europe! Below is our Tallinn Estonia travel guide to help you plan your trip!

Flight Details:

Book your flight to and from Lennart Meri Tallinn Airport (TLL), the closest airport to Tallinn, Estonia! To get the best deal on a flight, I recommend booking your flight on a weekday. Check the Hopper or Cheapoair websites for the best flight deals!

Transportation:

Tallinn is easy to get around, offering transportation options of buses, trolleys, and trams. A Tallinn Card includes transportation tickets and access to over 50 popular museums and attractions. You can also book an Uber in Tallinn if needed! If you want to travel from one country in Europe to another, consider booking a train ticket on RailEurope.com !

Where to Stay:

Discover the ultimate hotel-hunting experience at Booking.com! Here, you can effortlessly compare prices and explore accommodations to find the perfect fit for your travel needs. You can find what you are looking for, whether it is a luxury travel experience or you are traveling on a budget. Here is a list of places to stay in Tallinn, Estonia:

– Radisson Collection Hotel, Tallinn– This beautiful hotel is the PRIME location because it is within walking distance of the Old Town. There are spacious and pristine rooms. Amenities include multiple saunas and a quality gym. BOOK YOUR STAY
– My City Hotel: My City Hotel is in the Old Town and is a stylish hotel with Italian furnishings. The hotel is not only in a prime area but is also very clean. BOOK YOUR STAY

– Nunne Boutique Hotel– This elegant 74-room hotel has a restaurant on sight and is in the heart of old Tallinn next to the historic city wall. It is housed in buildings dating back to the Middle Ages with modern comfort. BOOK YOUR STAY

When to Visit:

-Summer (June – August): The summer has the warmest weather, perfect for beach days. That is right! Tallinn has beautiful beaches to relax at. The long daylight hours make it ideal for outdoor activities. VIEW A FULL LIST OF BEACHES!

-Shoulder Seasons (May, September): There is pleasant weather in the shoulder seasons and few crowds.

-Winter (December – February): In the winter, you will find snow-covered landscapes, Christmas markets, and saunas to relax at!

Tips for Visiting:

• The tap water in Estonia is safe to drink, especially in Tallinn.
• If you have been satisfied with the service you received in a restaurant, it is customary to tip around 10% on top of the bill. 
• Bargaining is not accepted in Estonia.
• Estonia is an extremely safe destination for solo females, but always be aware of your surroundings as you would anywhere in the world.
• The official currency in Estonia is the Euro.
• Credit cards such as Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted.
• You will need a voltage converter and plug adaptor to use U.S. appliances.

Reasons for Visiting:

-The small, safe city is easily explored on foot.

-The incredible locals, food, history, culture, art, and architecture

-Ease of Transportation

Tours to Book:

Tours are a great option because you get to see a new place with a local who provides transportation and additional knowledge and insight of the place you are visiting!

–2 Hour Guided Walking Tour of Tallinn–

This tour includes entry tickets and you will also pass by iconic landmarks, including walking through the cobbled stone streets of the Old Town, admiring the grand monuments of Town Hall Square, and seeing landmarks such as St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, St Olav’s Church, and Toompea Castle. BOOK THE TOUR!

Top 10 Things to Do:

1- Maarjamae Palace Estonian History Museum–

Don’t forget to see the neo Gothic palace and the Soviet sculpture park.

Address: Pirita tee 56, Tallinn 10127 Estonia

2-Convent of St. Bridget –

Witness the ruins of the medieval monastery.

Address: Merivaelja tee 18, Tallinn 11911

3-Tallinn Old Town, City Center, Tallinn Estonia-

Don’t forget to see the best preserved old town in Northern Europe.

4-Aleksander Nevski Katedraali-

The main Russian Orthodox cathedral in Estonia is stunning. Booking a tour to see this instead of going on your own will allow you to understand the role of Russian culture in Estonian history and witness the architecture of Russian churches.

Address: Lossi plats 10, Tallinn 10130 Estonia

5–Peapiiskopi Kirik, Toom–

You will not regret adding this Medieval cathedral to your itinerary.

Address: Kooli 6 St Mary’s Cathedral, Tallinn 10130 Estonia

6.Tallinna Raekoja Plats–

This is in the heart of the old town and should not be missed.

Address: Raekoja Plats 1, Tallinn 10146 Estonia

7-Toompea Hill–

Don’t forget to witness this beautiful view!

Address: Lossi Plats, Tallinn 10133 Estonia

8- Patkuli Viewing Platform-

The panoramic view is stunning from this location.

Address: Nunne 16, Tallinn 10133 Estonia

9–Long Boot –

Be sure to visit the oldest street in the city!

10–Danish King’s Garden-

Stop at Danish Kings Garden to get some fresh air and learn about the history of Tallinn.

Address- Lühike jalg 9, 10130 Tallinn, Estonia

95 Bucket List Ideas:

Here’s a list of 95 things to do in Tallinn, Estonia:

Old Town Exploration & History:

1. Wander through Tallinn Old Town: Get lost in the cobblestone streets.
2. Visit Town Hall Square (Raekoja Plats): The heart of the Old Town.
3. Climb St. Olaf’s Church (Oleviste Kirik) Tower: For panoramic views.
4. Explore Toompea Hill: See the Estonian Parliament and Alexander Nevsky Cathedral.
5. Visit Toompea Castle (Estonian Parliament Building): Admire the architecture.
6. See the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral: A magnificent Russian Orthodox cathedral.
7. Walk along the City Walls: Explore the defensive structures.
8. Visit Kiek in de Kök: A cannon tower with a museum.
9. See Maiden’s Tower (Neitsitorn): With its café and historical exhibits.
10. Explore the Great Coastal Gate: The main entrance to the city.
11. Wander through Catherine’s Passage (Katariina Käik): Artisan workshops and studios.
12. Visit St. Nicholas’ Church (Niguliste Kirik): Now a museum of medieval art.
13. Explore the Dominican Monastery (St. Catherine’s Monastery): Ancient ruins.
14. See the Holy Spirit Church (Pühavaimu Kirik): Known for its medieval clock.
15. Visit the Great Guild Hall: Historical meeting place.
16. Visit the House of the Brotherhood of Blackheads: Former merchant guild.
17. Explore the Danish King’s Garden: Legend says the Danish flag fell from the sky here.
18. Visit the Estonian History Museum: Learn about Estonian history.
19. Visit the KGB Prison Cells: A chilling look at the past.
20. See the Raeapteek (Town Hall Pharmacy): One of the oldest operating pharmacies in Europe.
21. Take a guided walking tour: To learn about the history and architecture.
22. Attend a concert or performance at a historic venue: Experience the atmosphere.
23. Discover the “Three Sisters” buildings: Admire the medieval architecture.
24. Visit the Masters’ Courtyard (Meistrite Hoov): A quiet area with artisan workshops.
25. Find the “Dragon’s Head” gargoyles: Hidden details on some of the buildings.
26. Explore the “Nunna, Sauna, and Kuldjala” Towers: Part of the city walls.
27. Visit the Old Town Hall (Raekoda): Admire the Gothic architecture.
28. Visit the Museum of Occupations: Learn about the Soviet occupation.
29. Explore the ruins of St. Michael’s Church.

Food & Drink:

31. Try traditional Estonian cuisine: Sample black bread, blood sausage, and herring.
32. Enjoy a meal at a restaurant in Town Hall Square: Soak in the atmosphere.
33. Visit a cozy café: Enjoy coffee and pastries.
34. Try Vana Tallinn liqueur: A local specialty.
35. Visit a local brewery: Sample Estonian craft beers.
36. Eat at a restaurant with medieval themes: Immerse yourself in the past.
37. Visit the Telliskivi Creative City’s restaurants: Modern dining options.
38. Try the local street food: Look for vendors selling snacks.
39. Go to a farmer’s market: Buy fresh produce and local products.
40. Have a picnic in a park: Enjoy the outdoors with local delicacies.
41. Visit a restaurant offering modern Estonian cuisine: Explore creative dishes.
42. Try fresh seafood: Estonia is on the Baltic Sea.
43. Sample local cheeses: Discover different varieties.
44. Enjoy a meal with live music: Find restaurants with musical performances.
45. Go to a bakery and try the local breads: Estonia has a rich bread culture.
46. Have dinner at a restaurant with a view: Find a place overlooking the Old Town or the sea.
47. Try “kilu” (sprat): A traditional Estonian snack.
48. Sample “kohuke” (curd snack): A popular Estonian treat.
49. Visit a wine bar: Discover Estonian and international wines.
50. Explore the Kalamaja district’s food scene: Trendy and diverse options.

Museums & Culture:

51. Visit the Seaplane Harbour (Lennusadam): A maritime museum with a submarine.
52. Explore Kadriorg Palace and Park: Beautiful baroque palace and gardens.
53. Visit the KUMU Art Museum: Estonian and international art.
54. Go to the Estonian Open Air Museum (Rocca al Mare): A recreation of Estonian village life.
55. Visit the Tallinn TV Tower: Enjoy views of the city from above.
56. Explore the Energy Discovery Centre: An interactive science museum.
57. Visit the NUKU Museum: Estonian Puppet Museum.
58. Go to a performance at the Estonian National Opera: Experience opera or ballet.
59. Visit the Tallinn City Museum: Learn about Tallinn’s history.
60. Visit the Estonian Architecture Museum: A look at Estonian architecture.
61. Visit the Adamson-Eric Museum: See the work of Estonian artist Adamson-Eric.
62. Go to a concert at the Alexela Concert Hall.
63. See a play at the Estonian Drama Theatre.
64. Explore the art galleries in Telliskivi Creative City.
65. Visit the Mikkel Museum: Collection of international art.
66. Explore the collections at the Kumu Art Museum
67. See a performance at the Vanemuine Theatre in Tartu (day trip).
68. Explore the Seaplane Harbour in the evening

Outdoors & Activities:

71. Walk or cycle along the Tallinn coastline: Enjoy the sea views.
72. Relax on Pirita Beach: Go for a swim or sunbathe.
73. Hike in the Lahemaa National Park (day trip)
74. Visit the Tallinn Zoo: See a variety of animals.
75. Visit the Kadriorg Park: Stroll through the beautiful gardens.
76. Take a boat trip to Naissaar Island: Explore the island’s history and nature.
77. Go kayaking or canoeing.
78. Visit a spa or wellness center: Enjoy a relaxing treatment.
79. Go to a sports event: Check for local matches or competitions.
80. Visit the Song Festival Grounds: Historical site for Estonian song festivals.
81. Explore the Pirita district: See the marina and coastal area.
82. Take a walk on the Harju Street:

Shopping & Souvenirs :

91. Browse the shops in the Old Town: Find souvenirs and handicrafts.
92. Visit the Christmas Market (during the holiday season): Festive atmosphere and gifts.
93. Shop for amber jewelry: A Baltic specialty.
94. Explore the shops in Telliskivi Creative City.
95. Buy local handicrafts: Look for unique items.

We shared our Tallinn Estonia Travel Guide! This list should provide a great starting point for exploring Tallinn. Enjoy your trip!

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Tallinn Estonia Travel Guide

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