Estonia

Top 10 Things to See and Do in Tallinn, Estonia

Tallinn Old Town, falco @Pixabay

Here are the top 10 things to see and do in Tallinn, Estonia:

1. Tallinn Old Town (Vanalinn): Explore the medieval charm of Tallinn’s Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site filled with cobblestone streets, historic buildings and picturesque squares. Highlights include Toompea Castle, Alexander Nevsky Cathedral and Town Hall Square.

2. Toompea Hill: Climb Toompea Hill for panoramic views of Tallinn’s Old Town and beyond. Don’t miss iconic landmarks like Toompea Castle, the Estonian Parliament building and the viewing platforms offering breathtaking vistas.

3. Kadriorg Palace and Park: Visit Kadriorg Palace, a Baroque masterpiece built by Peter the Great. Explore the surrounding Kadriorg Park. Admire the palace’s elegant architecture, stroll through manicured gardens and visit the Kadriorg Art Museum.

4. Tallinn Town Hall: Step back in time at Tallinn Town Hall, one of the best-preserved medieval town halls in Europe. Take a guided tour of the historic building and learn about Tallinn’s municipal history.

5. St. Olaf’s Church (Oleviste kirik): Climb the spiral staircase of St. Olaf’s Church for panoramic views of Tallinn’s skyline. This iconic church’s spire offers stunning vistas of the Old Town and the Baltic Sea.

6. Estonian Open Air Museum: Immerse yourself in Estonian rural life at the Estonian Open Air Museum. The Open Air Museum is located just outside Tallinn. Explore historic farmhouses, windmills and churches set amid scenic landscapes.

Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, pride1979 @Pixabay

7. Tallinn Maritime Museum: Discover Estonia’s seafaring heritage at the Tallinn Maritime Museum beside Fat Margaret’s Gate. Add on a nearby excursion to the Maritime Museum’s Lennusadam Seaplane Harbour for more exhibits.

8. Tallinn TV Tower: Take in panoramic views of Tallinn and the surrounding countryside from the observation deck of the Tallinn TV Tower. Get harnessed and walk on the edge of the tower.

9. Tallinn Creative City: Near the train station, wander through the trendy neighborhoods of Kalamaja and Telliskivi. Explore the street art, browse and unique shops, galleries, cafes and restaurants.

10. Eating and Drinking: Indulge in Estonian cuisine and local specialties at Tallinn’s diverse array of restaurants, cafes, and food markets. Don’t miss traditional dishes like mulgipuder (potato porridge), kama (mixed grain flour), and karask (rye bread). Enjoy craft beer, locally distilled spirits, and sweet treats like marzipan and kringel (Estonian sweet bread).

From medieval landmarks and cultural attractions to scenic parks and culinary delights, Tallinn offers a rich tapestry of experiences that showcase Estonia’s history, culture, and natural beauty.

More Things to See and Do in Tallinn

In the Old Town: Fat Margaret’s entrance gate with roof top cafe, Viru Gate entrance gate, St Olaf’s Church Tower View, Town Hall Belltower View, St. Catherine’s Passage, Nunnery Tower & City Wall Platform, Long Leg Street, Patkuli Viewing Platform, Danish King’s Garden and viewpoint, Kiek in de Kök Museum and Bastion Tunnels, Hellemann Tower and Town Wall Walkway

Near the Old Town: Estonian National Opera, Kadriorg Palace, Lennusadam Seaplane Museum, PROTO Invention Factory

Near to Tallinn: Eastonian Open Air Museum, Tallinn Teletorn TV Tower, Convent of St. Bridget, Maarjamae Palace Estonian History Museum, Song Festival Grounds

Fire Festival: Held just after the beginning of summer, this event is almost as popular as Christmas.

Try: Saku honey beer, Vana Tallinn rum liqueurs, Kaleo chocolate, mulgipuder (potato porridge), kama (mixed grain flour), karask (rye bread), kringel (sweet bread), sprats (sardine-like)

Buy: Juniper wood carvings

Best Time to Visit Estonia

The summer months of June, July and August are the best time to visit Estonia, because it is located so far north.

Getting to Tallinn Old Town

Cruise Ship or Ferry: Cruise Ships and Ferries from Helsinki or Stockholm dock within a 10 minute walk from Old Town Tallinn.

Air: Take a cab or an inexpensive 15 minute ride on the #2 bus, #15 bus or #4 tram from the airport to the Old Town.

Train: The Tallinn Central Train Station is located just outside the walls of Old Town Tallinn.

Tallinn Public Transit

Just tap onboard with a major contactless credit card. The cost of all your rides during the day will never total more than the cost of a day pass. Too easy!

Tallinn Card

Buy a Tallinn Card online or from the Tourist Information Center in the Old Town. The card includes access to most Tallinn museums and free local transit.

Visa Requirements for Estonia

Estonia participates in the Schengen Zone and Schengen Visa requirements. There are no border inspections by rail, vehicle or ferry when traveling from Estonia to Latvia, Lithuania, Finland or Sweden.

Some countries that are not members of the Schengen Zone require a Schengen Visa to enter Europe. Exemptions include citizens of Australia, Canada, Mexico, Japan, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and the United States. Check your specific country at VisaHQ. For a list of exempt countries, visit Project Visa.

Currency

Credit cards are widely accepted. Estonia uses the Euro for its currency, which simplifies money matters.

Visit Estonia – Electrical Adapters

The Europlug Type C electrical adapter is what you will need to keep your phones and cameras charged when you Visit Estonia. Your electrical adapter for Estonia will work in most European countries.

Visit Estonia – Background

Estonia, a Baltic gem nestled between Latvia and Russia, is a nation steeped in rich history, stunning natural landscapes, and a pioneering spirit. Despite its small size, Estonia boasts a diverse geography that includes dense forests, pristine lakes and picturesque coastal areas along the Baltic Sea. Tallinn, the country’s capital, is renowned for its beautifully preserved medieval Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, where cobblestone streets wind past ancient churches, historic buildings and bustling markets. Beyond its charming cities, Estonia is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, offering opportunities for hiking, camping, and wildlife watching in its numerous national parks and nature reserves.

Estonia has gained international recognition for its advancements in technology and digital innovation. With a population known for its tech-savvy mindset, Estonia is one of the world’s most digitally connected societies. The introduction of initiatives such as e-residency and electronic voting has cemented Estonia’s reputation as a global leader in digital citizenship and innovation. Additionally, Estonia’s startup scene continues to thrive, with Tallinn often dubbed the “Silicon Valley of Europe” attracting entrepreneurs, investors, and tech enthusiasts from around the world. In essence, Estonia embodies a unique blend of ancient traditions and cutting-edge innovation, making it a fascinating destination for exploration and discovery.