Discovering the Best of Tallinn - A Guide to Estonia’s Capital
Top tips to make your holiday to Tallinn in Estonia a memorable one
Tallinn is one of the most beautiful cities in Eastern Europe, characterised by gothic architecture, soaring steeples and charming cobbled streets, surrounded by parklands and stunning natural scenery.
The unique blend of modern nightlife and quirky culture sits alongside a long, fascinating history, and the walkable city provides ample things to see, do, experience and try whether you’re travelling as a couple, family with small children or as a solo visitor.
In this guide the Baltic Travel Company, specialists in Nordic, Baltic, Balkan, Eastern European, Scandinavian Travel and Arctic holidays, summarises some of our tips to make your visit to Tallinn a memorable holiday, equally enjoyable as a weekend break, a stop-off on an Eastern European tour, or a leisurely week’s relaxation in the warmth of the summer.
Top Attractions to Visit in Tallinn
Estonia has a huge variety of excursions and destinations, and you can either while away your time within the city limits or take a day trip further afield to the peaceful Lahemaa National Park, or head to one of the five nearby beaches, with golden sand and cool water for swimming.
We've listed some of our favourite places to inspire your itinerary!
Tallinn Old Town
The old town is a must-see spot, packed with amazing eateries and souvenir shops – the best day out is to pick up a map and wander at will, where you’ll be able to see some of the most interesting places and pick up some gifts and keepsakes from the stalls and small shops.
Toompea Hill
This central aspect of the old town is enclosed within the castle walls and provides an insight into Estonia's rich past, with twisting alleys and viewing platforms at the top of the hill that are absolutely worth the climb! You can see across the city to the harbour and watch the cruise ships docking at the port.
Toompea Castle is now the home of the Estonian Parliament, and you can arrange a tour and even attend an active parliamentary session from the public gallery.
Kadriorg Palace
Kadriorg Park covers almost 250 acres of landscaped lawns, tree-lined paths and floral displays, with an elegant lake and promenade approaching Kadriorg Palace. Built over 300 years ago, the building is the only baroque palace in Estonia and was built for Peter the Great.
Within the palace, you can view a vast array of foreign art owned by the Estonian Art Museum or head to one of the other heritage properties within the grounds of the park, including the Miiamilla Children's Museum and the Mikkel Museum.
The Estonian Open-Air Museum
The Open Air Museum is like stepping back in time, seeing how villagers would have lived in the 18th to 20th centuries, with a replica tavern that serves authentic traditional Estonian cuisine prepared by local chefs.
This day out is fun for all ages, with horse-drawn carriage rides, folklore storytelling and dancing, and plenty of special events throughout the year, with concerts and bonfires around Midsummer's Eve.
Visiting Tallinn’s Distinctive Quarters
Tallinn has several neighbourhoods and quarters, all with their own personality and style. Try to find time to explore them all to get a feel for what Tallinn is all about!
Telliskivi Creative City is a renovated factory site converted into shops, galleries and creative spaces just across the tram lines from the old district of Kalamaja, where you can see bright wooden houses in every shade of the rainbow.
The Rotermann Quarter was a 19th-century industrial centre, now a prominent example of modern architecture with shops, cinemas, beauty salons and cafes.
We’d also suggest the Noblessner Seafront Quarter, named after founders Arthur Lessner and Emanuel Nobel, another incredible redevelopment from a submarine factory into an urban space and marina, including the ultra-modern Proto Invention Factory.
Tallinn’s Best Places to Places to Eat and Drink
No trip to Estonia is complete without trying the most popular local dishes. Tallinn has all sorts of places to eat, from Michelin-starred restaurants to street food vendors and breweries tucked in underground caverns.
Kooker has a branch in Telliskivi and the old town, serving mini pancakes and blinis as a tasty and filling snack, served sweet or savoury with toppings such as ham and cheese or raspberry compote.
If you'd link to quench your thirst after a busy day of site setting, we'd suggest Pohjala Beer. At this modern brewery, you can try 24 different beers, including lagers, pale ales and porters and squeeze in a tour of the brewery to learn more about the process before you settle down in the Tap Room.
For more upmarket dining, Fotografiska is a rooftop, Michelin green-star-rated restaurant found at the photo museum of the same name and operates a zero-waste policy. The prices are affordable, and the inventive dishes taste divine – and are entirely sustainable.
Finally, Lore Bistroo in Port Noblessner is a wonderful spot to try creative cuisine based on seasonal local ingredients. The sharing menu is a perfect way to try a little of everything, and if you'd like something more formal, you can repeat the experience at Lee, the sister restaurant based in an old town garden.
Travelling To and From Tallinn From the UK
While Tallinn is a capital city, it's also relatively small, and you can walk almost everywhere. The city's economic heart, with luxurious hotels and contemporary buildings, is just a few minutes from the preserved old town, and you'll find that a transfer from the airport, ferry or train station takes about 15 minutes by car.
Flight times from London are under three hours direct, and you can fly from Stansted and Gatwick via Ryanair or easyJet, or travel by ferry with regular boat rides to Helsinki.
Once in Tallinn, you can walk from the old town to the Port Noblessner beach in about half an hour or rent a Bolt electric scooter if you prefer the fresh air to a taxi ride.
For more advice and guidance about planning your trip to Tallinn and exploring all the best the city has to offer, please get in touch with the Baltic Travel Company, or view our tours, cruises and packages online.
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About Baltic Travel Company:
We specialise in crafting unique, tailor-made travel experiences that showcase the diverse wonders of the Europe and the Baltic region. With over 15 years of experience, our dedicated travel experts are committed to providing exceptional service and unparalleled expertise to ensure your Baltic adventure exceeds your expectations. From cultural city breaks to the inspiring northern lights and breathtaking natural landscapes, our carefully curated itineraries highlight the very best of the Nordic Region, Scandinavia, The Baltic Region, Poland, Slovakia and more. Whether you're a solo traveler, couple, or group, embark on a journey of discovery with Baltic Travel Company – your ultimate travel partner in exploring the hidden gems of the Baltics.
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