We didn’t plan for Tallinn to be one of the highlights of our Europe trip…
but it ended up being exactly that.
When we arrived in Tallinn, we immediately felt something different. The city has this unique mix of medieval charm, quiet streets, and viewpoints that feel almost unreal.
It wasn’t crowded like other European capitals. It wasn’t overly touristy.
And somehow, that made the experience even better.
In this guide, we’re sharing the top things to do in Tallinn, based on our own experience exploring the Old Town and beyond — plus practical tips to help you plan your visit.
Before we dive into the list, here’s a quick glimpse of our time in Tallinn. This video shows some of the places we explored and gives you a feel for the city.
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Is Tallinn Worth Visiting?
Short answer: YES — absolutely. And probably more than you expect.
Tallinn is one of those destinations that doesn’t always make the “top Europe lists,” but once you visit, you quickly realize how special it is.
What we loved the most was that strong medieval feeling. Walking through the Old Town almost feels like stepping back in time. Everything is incredibly well preserved, and at the same time, the city feels calm, clean, and easy to navigate.
If you enjoy:
- historic cities
- medieval atmosphere and history
- beautiful viewpoints
- hidden corners
- slower, more relaxed travel
…then Tallinn is definitely worth adding to your itinerary.
How Many Days Do You Need in Tallinn?
From our experience, two days in Tallinn is the minimum to properly enjoy the city.
While it’s possible to see some highlights in one day, it can quickly feel rushed. Tallinn is the kind of place that’s best explored slowly, where you take time to walk the streets, enjoy the viewpoints, and pause along the way.
We arrived on the afternoon of May 23, 2017, and kept that first day light. I wasn’t feeling great after our previous destination, so I (Eli) took some time to rest while Serge managed to get a quick haircut nearby — one of those small, unexpected travel moments. Later, we had a simple dinner close to our apartment.
Our real exploration happened over the next two full days, May 24 and 25.
What stood out to us was how easy it was to explore without pressure. Even with tourists around, the city never felt crowded. We could move at our own pace, stop when we wanted, and enjoy each place without rushing.
And honestly, that slower rhythm is exactly what makes Tallinn so special.
So, in our opinion, plan at least two days to enjoy the city. And if you have a bit more time and flexibility than we did, consider staying longer to explore beyond the Old Town. Tallinn also has access to beautiful coastal spots like Pirita Beach and Stroomi Beach, which we heard great things about but didn’t get the chance to visit.
Plan Your Trip to Tallinn
Planning your trip to Tallinn? We’ve gathered all the tools we personally use to make travel easier — including flights, accommodation, tours, and staying connected abroad.
👉 Explore our travel tools and planning tips:
https://discoveringdestinations.com/discovering-destinations-travel-tools-planning-tips/
Top 18 Things to Do in Tallinn
Tallinn has much more to offer than what we could cover in just a couple of days. Still, during our visit, we explored 18 places that gave us a great feel for the city.
Most of them are located in and around the medieval Old Town, where we spent most of our time — and where Tallinn truly comes to life.
Stay with us until the end — we’ve included a few extra tips that can make your trip even better!
1. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral
This is one of the most striking buildings in Tallinn.
The architecture feels completely different from the rest of the Old Town, with its Russian-style domes and detailed interior. It’s one of those places that naturally draws your attention.
When we visited, the entrance was free, and stepping inside was absolutely worth it.
2. Tallinn Town Hall
Located in the heart of the Old Town, this medieval building defines the main square.
Even without going inside, walking around it and observing the details is part of the experience. It’s one of those landmarks you will naturally come across multiple times.
3. Explore Tallinn Old Town Streets
One of the best things to do in Tallinn is simply to walk.
The cobblestone streets, colorful buildings, and small alleys create a unique atmosphere. You don’t need a strict plan here — just take your time and explore.
4. Toompea Hill
If you want one of the best views of Tallinn, head up to Toompea Hill.
We didn’t visit the interior buildings, but the viewpoints alone made it worth the walk. It’s a great place to slow down and take in the city from above.
5. Kohtuotsa Viewing Platform
This is easily one of the most iconic viewpoints in Tallinn.
From here, you get a full view of the red rooftops, towers, and the Old Town layout. It’s one of those moments where you just pause and take it all in.
6. St. Olaf’s Church
If you’re up for a bit of adventure, you can climb the tower.
The staircase is narrow and can feel intense, but the view at the top makes it worth it. It’s not for everyone, but if you’re comfortable with heights, it’s a unique experience.
7. Church of the Holy Spirit
This church stood out to us because of its cozy atmosphere.
The wooden interior and detailed altar give it a different feel compared to larger churches. It’s a quieter, more intimate stop.
8. Tallinn City Walls
The medieval walls are one of the defining features of the city.
You’ll see towers, gates, and sections of the walls as you explore. It adds to the feeling of stepping back in time.
9. St. Catherine’s Passage
This is one of those hidden places that can easily be missed.
The narrow passage, arches, and stone walls make it feel like a movie set. It was one of our favorite spots to just walk through and take in the atmosphere.
10. Danish King’s Garden
A peaceful area with a bit of history and legend.
We liked the mix of viewpoints, stories, and the overall setting. It’s a great place to take a short break while exploring.
11. Take Time to Explore Tallinn’s Hidden History
One thing we really appreciated in Tallinn was how history is not just in museums — it’s part of the streets.
While walking through St. Catherine’s Passage, we came across something we didn’t expect: centuries-old tombstones displayed along the walls, dating back to the 14th and 15th centuries.
It’s easy to walk past them without noticing, but once you stop and take a closer look, you realize how deeply rooted the city’s history is.
Moments like this are what make Tallinn special. You’re not just visiting landmarks — you’re constantly discovering pieces of the past as you explore.
12. Raeapteek pharmacy
One of the most unexpected stops.
We went there for practical reasons and ended up discovering one of the oldest pharmacies still operating in Europe. There’s even a small museum inside.
13. Beer House
A great place to stop for lunch or a drink.
The atmosphere is traditional, and it’s a nice break while exploring the Old Town.
14. Visit the Carved Stone Museum
This is one of those places we didn’t plan to visit — and ended up finding along the way.
Located near the Old Town walls, the Carved Stone Museum showcases historic stone carvings, architectural fragments, and details that were once part of Tallinn’s buildings.
Even from the outside, the area already feels interesting, with its stone walls and historical atmosphere. Inside, you can learn more about how these pieces were preserved and what they represent.
It’s not a large museum, but it’s a different kind of stop that adds depth to your visit — especially if you enjoy history beyond the main landmarks.
15. Walk Through Harju Street Area
As you explore Tallinn’s Old Town, take some time to walk through the Harju Street area.
This part of the city has a slightly more open feel compared to the narrow medieval streets, with space to walk, relax, and take in the surroundings. It’s a nice contrast to the tighter alleys you’ll find in other parts of the Old Town.
What we liked here was the mix of historic buildings, quiet corners, and everyday local life. It’s one of those areas where you can slow down for a moment and simply enjoy the atmosphere without rushing to the next landmark.
It may not be the most famous spot in Tallinn, but it’s definitely worth including as part of your walk through the city.
16. Explore Artisan Shops and Local Craft Stores
While walking through Tallinn’s Old Town, take some time to step into the small artisan shops and local craft stores scattered throughout the streets.
We came across several of these while exploring, and they add a different layer to the experience. From handmade souvenirs and ceramics to traditional designs and local products, each shop feels unique and connected to the city’s culture.
Even if you’re not planning to buy anything, it’s worth taking a look inside. These shops give you a glimpse of local craftsmanship and everyday life beyond the main landmarks.
It’s also a nice way to slow down, take a break from walking, and enjoy the more personal side of Tallinn.
17. Enjoy a Traditional Meal in a Local Tavern
One of the best ways to experience Tallinn is through its food.
During our time in the Old Town, we had the chance to enjoy a traditional meal in one of the local taverns, and it quickly became one of those memorable travel moments. The setting, the atmosphere, and the flavors all come together to give you a deeper connection to the place.
You’ll find many restaurants and taverns serving local Estonian dishes, often in cozy, historic settings that match the medieval character of the city.
It’s not just about eating — it’s about slowing down, taking a break from exploring, and enjoying the experience.
18. Take Your Time (Don’t Rush It)
This might sound simple, but it made a big difference for us.
Tallinn is not a city to rush through. The experience comes from walking, observing, and enjoying the details.
Take your time to stop, look around, and really take in the medieval atmosphere. It’s also the perfect place to slow down with your camera — whether it’s the narrow streets, the textures of the old walls, or the views from above, there’s something worth capturing at every corner.
For us, some of the best moments weren’t planned. They happened when we simply paused, took a photo, or just stood there appreciating the scene.
19. Walk Around the Seaplane Harbour Area (Extra Tip)
If you have a bit more time in Tallinn, consider heading toward the coast near the Seaplane Harbour.
This is something we did during our stay, and even though we didn’t go inside the maritime museum, just walking around the area was already worth it.
The setting feels different from the Old Town. You’ll find open spaces, views of the sea, and a more relaxed atmosphere. It’s a nice contrast to the medieval streets and gives you a broader perspective of the city.
For us, it was simply about walking along the coast, enjoying the fresh air, and taking in a quieter side of Tallinn.
If you have the time, this is a great way to slow down and explore beyond the main tourist areas.
Extra Tip: Take a Ferry from Tallinn to Finland
If you have a bit more time in Tallinn, one experience we highly recommend is taking a ferry to Helsinki.
This is actually what we did on our first day. From Tallinn, we took a ferry to Finland and then continued our journey through Scandinavia, heading to Sweden and Denmark afterward.
Even if you’re not planning a longer trip like we did, many travelers take this ferry as a day trip. The crossing is relatively short (around 2 hours), which makes it a fun and easy addition to your itinerary.
One interesting detail we noticed — and something our friend Gilles (who has traveled and worked around the world) told us — is that many people bring boxes of drinks, especially beer, from Tallinn to Finland. Prices in Finland are significantly higher, so this has become a common and practical habit for some travelers.
For us, the ferry itself was part of the experience. It’s not just about getting from one place to another — it’s a different way to explore the region and see how connected these countries are.
Practical Travel Tips for Tallinn
Before heading to Tallinn — or any historic city in Europe — it’s always a good idea to review your travel essentials. It can make your trip easier, more comfortable, and help you avoid small inconveniences along the way.
Here are a few things that really helped us during our visit:
- Wear comfortable shoes
The streets in Tallinn’s Old Town are mostly cobblestone, which can be uneven and slippery at times. Good walking shoes will make a big difference, especially if you plan to explore for several hours. - Plan to walk everywhere
Most of the main attractions are located close to each other. We explored almost everything on foot, which made the experience much more enjoyable and flexible. - Mix free and paid attractions
Many places, like viewpoints and churches, are free to visit. Others, such as tower climbs or specific museums, have small entrance fees — usually very reasonable compared to other European cities. - Check opening hours in advance
Some churches and attractions have limited or seasonal hours. A quick check online can help you avoid arriving when a place is closed. - Take your time with viewpoints
Tallinn has several beautiful viewpoints, and each one offers a slightly different perspective. Don’t rush — stop, sit for a moment, and enjoy the view. - Step into places even if you didn’t plan to
Some of our favorite moments came from unexpected stops, like small museums, churches, or hidden passages we discovered along the way. - Stay in or just outside the Old Town
- Staying in or near Tallinn’s Old Town makes a big difference. It allows you to explore early in the morning or later in the evening, when the atmosphere feels even more special and quieter.
- In our case, we stayed just outside the Old Town — literally across the street from the entrance — and it turned out to be the perfect balance. We were close enough to walk everywhere, but still in a quieter area.
- We stayed at Angleterre Apartments, and honestly, we would have stayed there longer if we could. The location was excellent, and it made exploring the city very easy.
Where to Stay in Tallinn
Choosing where to stay in Tallinn can really shape your overall experience.
From what we’ve seen, the best option is to stay either inside or just outside the Old Town. This makes it easy to explore the city on foot and enjoy the atmosphere early in the morning or later in the evening, when it feels quieter and more authentic.
In our case, we stayed just outside the Old Town — literally across the street from the entrance — and it turned out to be the perfect balance. We were close enough to walk everywhere, but still in a slightly quieter area away from the busiest streets.
We stayed at Angleterre Apartments, and honestly, we would have stayed there longer if we could.
Here’s what we liked about it:
- The location was excellent, with coffee shops, restaurants, and everything we needed nearby
- The apartment was modern, clean, and very comfortable
- We had everything we needed to relax and even work from inside the apartment
- Even though it was on a main street, it was surprisingly quiet thanks to good soundproofing
- We felt safe throughout our stay
- It made exploring Tallinn very easy, since everything was within walking distance
If you’re looking for convenience, flexibility, and a comfortable base to explore Tallinn at your own pace, this is definitely an option worth considering.
Final Thoughts
Tallinn was one of those destinations that surprised us in the best way.
We honestly didn’t expect to enjoy it as much as we did — and looking back, it’s one of those places we wish we had planned more time for.
The city offers a unique mix of medieval charm, history, and modern touches, all in a setting that feels easy to explore and not overwhelming. You’ll find beautiful churches, historic buildings, quiet streets, and even the sea just nearby, which adds another layer to the experience.
When we visited in May 2017, the city felt calm and enjoyable. There were tourists, but it never felt crowded, and we were able to explore everything at our own pace. People were also very polite and welcoming, which made the experience even better.
Tallinn is also a destination that can fit different travel styles and budgets, which makes it even more appealing.
If you’re planning a trip to Europe and looking for something a little different — a place with character, history, and a slower rhythm — Tallinn is definitely a destination we would recommend.
And if we ever go back, we would absolutely stay longer.
Want More Europe Travel Tips?
Tallinn was part of our two-month Europe journey, where we explored several cities and hidden gems along the way.
If you’d like to see more destinations like this, let us know. We still have a lot to share from that trip.
Discovering Destinations — One city at a time.
