14 Best Things to Do in Tallinn: Attractions & Local Favourites

Featured photo: Kaupo Kalda / Tallinn Strategic Management Office, Tourism Department / visittallinn.ee

I lived and worked in Tallinn for years, and although I no longer live in the city, I still visit regularly. If someone asked me for the best things to do in Tallinn on a first visit, I wouldn’t give them a list of 30 Tallinn attractions to rush through in a couple of days just for the sake of ticking them off.

My own travel style is much simpler. In a new city, I almost always start with a walking tour to get an overview of the city and get recommendations from a local. It also means you see many of the main sights you could easily walk straight past on your own because you don’t know the story behind them. I might look at a building and think, that’s pretty, without having any idea that it is historically important.

After that, I prefer to explore at my own pace, walk a lot and step inside places that actually catch my attention.

Tallinn is particularly good for travelling this way. The Old Town, city centre, Rotermann, Kadriorg and Telliskivi are all relatively close together, and you can explore much of the city on foot, by public transport or on a Bolt e-scooter.

So, if you’re looking for things to do in Tallinn on a first visit, these are the places and experiences I would genuinely recommend.

If you’re still deciding where to base yourself, my guide to where to stay in Tallinn compares the best areas for different types of trips.

1. Start Your Tallinn Sightseeing with a Walking Tour

Whether I had one day in Tallinn or an entire week, I would start with an Old Town walking tour.

This is how I start exploring almost every new city myself. A couple of hours with a good guide quickly gives you a sense of how the city is laid out, the stories behind some of the main Tallinn attractions and which places you might want to return to later.

It is also a great opportunity to ask a local guide for recommendations on restaurants, museums or anything else you are personally interested in.

One good option in Tallinn is GuruWalk, which offers tip-based walking tours.

I would choose a tour that covers both the Old Town and Toompea and includes places such as:

• Freedom Square
• Danish King’s Garden
• Toompea Castle
• Alexander Nevsky Cathedral
• St Mary’s Cathedral, also known as the Dome Church
• Kohtuotsa and Patkuli viewing platforms
• Nunne Street
• Town Hall Square

With a route like this, you will already have seen many of Tallinn’s classic must-see sights within your first couple of hours. Afterwards, there is no need to spend the rest of the day rushing from one attraction to another with a map in your hand.

2. Explore Tallinn Old Town at Your Own Pace

Tallinn Old Town is easily one of the best places to visit in Tallinn, but it is also one of those places where I wouldn’t spend the entire time following a sightseeing checklist.

Just walk around.

Town Hall Square, narrow cobbled streets, sections of the medieval city wall, hidden courtyards and Toompea are all packed into a relatively small area.

While you are on Town Hall Square, it is also worth stepping inside Raeapteek, the Town Hall Pharmacy, which is considered one of the oldest continuously operating pharmacies in Europe.

As you wander through the Old Town, make sure you also pass through Viru Gate and St Catherine’s Passage. Neither requires half a day or any special planning; they simply fit naturally into an Old Town walk.

If the weather is good, I would definitely visit at least one of the viewpoints on Toompea. Kohtuotsa and Patkuli are both common stops on walking tours and give you a great view over the Old Town and the rest of Tallinn.

If you want to go even higher and don’t mind climbing stairs, consider the tower of St Olav’s Church during the warmer months. I wouldn’t call it essential if you are already doing a walking tour, but on a clear day the view is a very worthwhile extra.

If medieval fortifications and what lies beneath the Old Town interest you, you could also visit the Kiek in de Kök Fortifications Museum and Bastion Passages. You certainly don’t need to visit every museum in Tallinn on one trip, but this is one that is directly connected to the history of the Old Town itself.

Winter gives the Old Town a completely different atmosphere. If you are visiting during the colder months, I have a separate guide covering what Tallinn is really like in winter and what to do there.

3. Visit Tallinn Christmas Market in Late November or December

In winter, there is another very good reason to return to Town Hall Square: Tallinn Christmas Market.

It is obviously more touristy than Town Hall Square on an ordinary day, but in the run-up to Christmas I think it is part of the Tallinn experience. Especially after dark, when the Old Town is covered in Christmas lights and the large Christmas tree stands in the middle of the square.

If your trip falls during Christmas market season, I won’t go into all the details here because I have already written a separate guide covering the dates, prices, food, weather and practical tips.

→ Tallinn Christmas Market 2026: Complete Guide

4. Walk from the Old Town to Rotermann Quarter

One of the things I like about Tallinn is how quickly you can walk from the medieval Old Town into a completely different environment.

If you’re wondering what to do in Tallinn beyond the Old Town, Rotermann Quarter is an easy place to add to your route.

Old industrial buildings have been combined with modern architecture, and the area now has restaurants, cafés and shops. I wouldn’t necessarily go there for one particular attraction; I would simply walk through, look around and see what catches my attention.

If you want to try some Estonian sweets, there is also a large Kalev chocolate and sweets shop in Rotermann that I would stop by.

Rotermann fits very naturally into a walk between the Old Town and the harbour or Kadriorg, so you don’t really need to plan a separate trip there.

5. Walk or Ride an E-Scooter along Tallinn’s Seafront

On a nice day, one of my favourite things to do in Tallinn is head towards the coast.

The promenade along Reidi tee makes this very easy.

If the weather is good and you are comfortable riding an e-scooter, I would grab a Bolt scooter and head from the Old Town towards Kadriorg and Pirita along the waterfront.

It shows you a completely different side of Tallinn: the sea, promenades, marinas and much more open views than you get in the Old Town.

Between Kadriorg and Pirita, you can also make a short detour to the Tallinn Song Festival Grounds. I wouldn’t put it on every visitor’s must-see list, but considering the importance of Estonia’s Song Festival tradition, it is a culturally significant place and worth seeing if that interests you.

If you have more time, you can continue towards Viimsi. If you are using a Bolt scooter, I would just check the app first to see where the current permitted riding area ends.

You don’t need a scooter, of course. Parts of the same route are also very pleasant on foot or by bicycle.

If you continue further towards Pirita, you will also find Pirita Beach and the ruins of St Bridget’s Convent. I wouldn’t travel across the city purely for the ruins, but if you are already in Pirita, they are worth a look.

6. Slow Down in Kadriorg Park

Visiting Kadriorg Park is one of my favourite things to do in Tallinn on a nice day.

It is very close to Tallinn city centre, but the atmosphere immediately feels much calmer. You’ll find Kadriorg Palace, ponds, tree-lined paths and plenty of green space.

If you like art and museums, the Kumu Art Museum is also in the same area.

I personally wouldn’t build a Tallinn trip around museums, but if you are interested in art, Kumu is an obvious one to add to your list.

Before walking through the park, I would stop at Katharinenthal by Swan Pond for a coffee and something small to take with me. I especially like their savoury quiches – exactly the sort of thing you can grab with a coffee and enjoy while wandering around the park.

Kadriorg also combines very easily with the seafront walk towards Pirita.

7. Visit the Seaplane Harbour and Walk through Noblessner

If I had to recommend just one museum in Tallinn to someone who isn’t particularly interested in traditional art museums, it would probably be the Seaplane Harbour.

It is a maritime museum inside historic seaplane hangars, and among other things, you can go inside a real submarine.

For me, it is one of the more interesting Tallinn attractions even if you aren’t normally someone who spends hours in museums, because much of the experience is visual and interactive.

The building itself is also worth seeing.

Afterwards, I wouldn’t immediately head back into the city centre. I would continue walking towards Noblessner.

This former industrial and harbour area has been completely transformed in recent years.

The waterfront promenade, old industrial architecture and newer buildings show yet another side of Tallinn.

You’ll also find Iglupark here, which I mention again in the sauna section below.

8. See Tallinn from Above at the TV Tower

If you want to see Tallinn from above, the Tallinn TV Tower is the most obvious choice.

The tower is 314 metres high, and on a clear day the observation level gives you sweeping views across Tallinn and the surrounding area.

If a normal observation deck isn’t enough and heights don’t bother you, you can also try Walk on the Edge.

It operates seasonally and is weather-dependent, so I would check availability before visiting.

I would combine the TV Tower with Pirita or Viimsi rather than treating it as part of an Old Town day, as it is quite a bit further out.

9. Ride the T1 Skywheel for Another View of Tallinn

The TV Tower isn’t the only way to see Tallinn from above.

The Skywheel at T1 is a quicker and easier alternative if you don’t want to make a separate trip out to the TV Tower.

It isn’t one of the essential things to do in Tallinn, but if you want a different view of the city or the weather isn’t ideal for a longer trip out, it is a fun extra.

The Ferris wheel sits on top of the building, so you are already fairly high before the gondola even starts moving.

If I had to choose only one, I would personally pick the TV Tower on a clear day. T1 is more of a nice bonus than an absolute Tallinn must-see.

10. Experience Estonian Sauna and Spa Culture

A sauna in Estonia is not just a hot room in a hotel.

It is genuinely part of our culture. That is why experiencing a proper sauna is one of the things to do in Tallinn I would especially recommend, particularly in autumn or winter.

I would set aside at least one evening for a spa or sauna during your stay.

If I were travelling without children, my personal choices would be Viimsi SPA 18+ or Spa21+ at Mustamäe Elamus Spa.

These aren’t places with just one sauna. You can choose between different saunas and pools, and there are often guided sauna rituals as well.

If you want something a little more unusual in winter, I would also look at Iglupark in Noblessner.

A sauna by the sea followed by a dip in cold water is a fairly Estonian combination.

11. Go Ice Skating in the Old Town in Winter

If you are looking for things to do in Tallinn in winter, the Old Town Ice Rink on Harju Street is one of the easiest seasonal activities to add to an Old Town day.

The rink is right in the heart of the Old Town beside St Nicholas’ Church.

That means you don’t need to make a separate trip for it. After walking around the Old Town, you can simply rent a pair of skates and head onto the ice.

I especially like it in the evening when the Old Town is lit up. If you’re visiting during the colder months, my Tallinn in Winter guide has more ideas for seasonal activities, weather and what to expect.

12. Wander around Telliskivi and Balti Jaam Market

Once you have seen the classic side of the Old Town, I would head towards Balti Jaam Market and Telliskivi.

They are within walking distance of the Old Town, but the atmosphere is completely different.

Balti Jaam Market has food, small shops and market stalls, while Telliskivi Creative City has street art, cafés, restaurants, design shops and various events.

Again, you don’t need a checklist of ten things to do here.

I would simply walk around and go inside wherever looks interesting.

For me, this is one of the best ways to experience Tallinn beyond the obvious sights. If you’re looking for places to visit in Tallinn outside the Old Town, Telliskivi and Balti Jaam are easy ones to add.

That is one of my main recommendations for Tallinn in general: don’t spend your entire trip inside the prettiest square kilometre of the Old Town.

13. See a Side of Tallinn beyond the Pretty Old Town

Tallinn Old Town is undoubtedly the most photogenic part of the city, but Tallinn isn’t all medieval houses and cobbled streets.

If you’re looking for less obvious things to do in Tallinn, the Hidden Tallinn: Soviet Walking Tour on GetYourGuide also caught my attention.

I think a tour like this could be particularly interesting if you have already seen the classic Old Town and want to understand a little more about what Tallinn was like during the Soviet era and how that period still shapes parts of the city today.

When I travel, I particularly like tours that add another layer to a city rather than simply giving me another list of attractive buildings.

14. Try an Escape Room

This isn’t a classic Tallinn attraction and certainly isn’t something every tourist has to do.

But we recently went to an escape room in the Old Town ourselves and really enjoyed it.

If the weather is bad, you have a free evening or simply want a break from churches, museums and viewpoints, an escape room can be a really fun option.

There are several in Tallinn, and at least some of them can be played in English.

We tried The Conjuring ourselves and had a great time.

I would consider this more of a personal bonus recommendation than a Tallinn must-see – and that is exactly why I think it deserves a place on this list.

My Biggest Tallinn Tip: Don’t Plan Every Minute

Tallinn is a great city for simply walking around.

From the Old Town, you can wander into Rotermann and continue towards Kadriorg or the seafront. In the other direction, you can walk towards Balti Jaam and Telliskivi.

If something catches your attention along the way, go inside.

This is more or less how we travel ourselves. A walking tour gives us the main sights and some context at the beginning, and after that I don’t want to spend the whole day following a checklist.

Tallinn is compact enough for this kind of travel style to work really well.

Where to Eat in Tallinn

I’m not going to pretend I can give you a list of the “15 trendiest restaurants in Tallinn”.

I’m not much of a foodie myself. I usually prefer somewhere with good, simple food at a reasonable price.

One of my old favourites from when I worked in central Tallinn is Raadiomaja Kohvik on Gonsiori Street. It works particularly well if you are heading towards Kadriorg and want a simple, more home-style lunch rather than a restaurant experience.

The menu is in Estonian, but translating it with your phone shouldn’t be much of a problem these days.

In the Old Town, one of my own reliable choices is The Dubliner on Suur-Karja Street.

It is much more of a pub than a fancy restaurant, but I think the food is very good and the prices are reasonable, especially considering the Old Town location.

It works just as well for lunch during the day. In the evening, it can get quite busy, so I would book a table in advance if possible.

If you just want something quick so you can keep exploring, there is also Shaurma Kebab right by The Dubliner.

This is proper fast food territory: grab a shawarma and carry on with your day.

I have personally bought shawarma for years from their Punane Street location, but if you are already walking around the Old Town, the Suur-Karja location is much more convenient.

Tallinn has an excellent restaurant scene, of course, and if food is a major part of your travels, you will find much more detailed restaurant guides than I could honestly write.

My own travel logic is more along the lines of: eat something good at a reasonable price and then get back to exploring.

Getting Around Tallinn

I don’t see much reason for a visitor to rent a car purely for exploring Tallinn.

The city centre and Old Town are very walkable, and public transport works well for longer distances.

Trams are particularly convenient and make it easy to reach many parts of the city without having to plan your route too carefully.

If you don’t want to use public transport, Bolt works very well in Tallinn. You can use the same app to book a ride or rent an e-scooter.

If you want a car for something like a day trip outside Tallinn, Bolt Drive can also be a convenient alternative to traditional car rental. You find and unlock the car through the app and return it within the permitted area afterwards. Your driving licence needs to be verified in the app first, so if you are visiting from abroad, I would check that your licence is accepted before relying on it.

In good weather, my own preferred combination for getting around Tallinn would be:

walking + tram + Bolt e-scooter

If you are planning to visit several paid museums or Tallinn attractions in one day, it is also worth checking the Tallinn Card before buying individual tickets. It may not make sense for one or two attractions, but it can be good value with a busier sightseeing programme.

Practical Tallinn Travel Tips

Tallinn is generally a safe city, including for solo female travellers. That doesn’t mean you should completely forget normal precautions, of course. Keep an eye on your belongings in busy places and use the same common sense you would in any other city. Estonia’s emergency number is 112.

You can drink the tap water in Tallinn. There is no need to buy plastic bottles every day. Bring a reusable bottle and refill it at your accommodation.

You can pay by card almost everywhere. Estonia uses the euro, and contactless card and mobile payments are completely normal in Tallinn. I wouldn’t carry a large amount of cash, although having a few euros can occasionally be useful at a market or small business.

You will generally be fine speaking English. Estonian is the official language, but English is widely spoken and understood in Tallinn.

Public transport in Tallinn is not free for tourists. This is worth mentioning because you can still come across claims online that Tallinn has free public transport. One of the easiest options for a visitor is simply to tap a contactless bank card on the validator when you board. If you use a Tallinn Card, public transport is included for as long as the card is valid.

Wear comfortable shoes. You will do a lot of walking on cobblestones in the Old Town, and they can become slippery in rain, snow or ice.

You probably won’t need a separate eSIM if you are travelling from another EU or EEA country. Your existing mobile plan will usually include EU roaming.

If you are coming from outside the EU and your mobile provider charges high roaming fees, an eSIM is an easy alternative. One option is Saily, and new users can use my discount code MERILY.

More Things to Do in Tallinn If You Have Extra Time

If you have at least three or four days in Tallinn, I would spend some of that time exploring beyond the city as well.

My first choices would be Lahemaa National Park if you want some nature after spending time in the city, Rummu Quarry and the former prison if you want something a little more unusual, a day trip to Helsinki by ferry if you want to add Finland to your trip, or Tartu by train if you want to see more of Estonia than just the capital.

If I had to choose one, it would depend entirely on the trip: Lahemaa for nature, Rummu for the most unusual experience and Tartu if you want to see more of Estonia itself.

What to Do in Tallinn If You Only Have One Day

If I had just one day in Tallinn, I would roughly organise it like this: start the morning with an Old Town walking tour, then spend the middle of the day exploring Town Hall Square and the Old Town at your own pace. In the afternoon, head through Rotermann towards Kadriorg and the seafront, and finish the day in Telliskivi or at a spa.

In winter, depending on the weather, I would probably replace the longer seafront walk with ice skating or a sauna.

If you are still deciding how long to stay, my How Many Days in Tallinn? 1, 2 & 3 Day Itineraries guide compares realistic routes for one, two and three days.

Is Tallinn Worth Visiting?

I’m obviously a little biased here.

But one of Tallinn’s biggest strengths is the variety of things to do in Tallinn, all packed into a relatively small area.

You can walk through a medieval Old Town in the morning, be surrounded by modern architecture in Rotermann by lunchtime, ride along the coast in the afternoon and finish the day in a sauna.

I don’t think Tallinn needs a week-long city break to be worthwhile. You can see and experience a lot even in one or two days.

At the same time, I wouldn’t try to fill those days with 20 must-see sights.

Start with a walking tour, get a feel for the city, and then simply see where Tallinn takes you next.