10 Best Things to Do in Tallinn

Looking for what to do in Tallinn? The capital of Estonia is a captivating tale of two cities, where a remarkably preserved medieval Old Town meets a dynamic, forward-thinking Nordic-Baltic metropolis. With its enchanting cobblestone lanes, Gothic spires, and encircling stone walls, Tallinn’s UNESCO-listed heart feels plucked from a fairy tale. Yet, beyond the ancient gates, you’ll discover a thriving city of cutting-edge design, innovative cuisine, and vibrant creative districts. This seamless blend of timeless history and contemporary cool, all set against a backdrop of coastal greenery, makes Tallinn one of Europe’s most rewarding and atmospheric city breaks.

From exploring the fortress towers and panoramic viewpoints of its historic core to discovering trendy markets, seaside promenades, and world-class museums, Tallinn offers a rich and varied itinerary. To help you experience the very best of this unique capital, here are the 10 best things to do in Tallinn to help you plan the perfect trip.

1. Explore Tallinn Old Town

Stepping into Tallinn’s Old Town (Vanalinn) is like entering a living storybook of Hanseatic League grandeur. This compact, pedestrian-friendly district is a UNESCO World Heritage site and the city’s undisputed soul. Its winding, cobblestone streets are lined with pastel-coloured medieval merchant houses, Gothic churches, and hidden courtyards. The social heart is the magnificent Raekoja plats (Town Hall Square), dominated by Europe’s oldest continuously operating town hall. From here, wander down narrow lanes like Katariina käik (St. Catherine’s Passage), where artisans work in historic guild rooms, and discover the Raeapteek, a pharmacy that has operated since 1422.

The Old Town is divided into the upper town (Toompea) and the lower town, once representing the divide between nobility and merchants. Exploring on foot is the only way to uncover its layered history, from its prosperous trading past to its quiet resilience through centuries of foreign rule. Whether bathed in summer sunlight or dusted with winter snow, the atmosphere is nothing short of magical.

2. Climb Toompea Hill

Toompea Hill is the limestone heart of Tallinn, offering the city’s most breathtaking views and a concentration of power. Historically the seat of the ruling elite, it is now home to the Estonian Parliament, housed in the pink Toompea Castle. The real rewards here are the panoramic vistas from the two main viewing platforms: Kohtuotsa offers a classic, wide-angle view of red-tiled roofs and church spires stretching to the sea, while Patkuli provides a dramatic, vertiginous outlook over the city walls and towers. Wandering Toompea’s quieter streets also reveals grand embassies and the stunning Russian Orthodox Alexander Nevsky Cathedral. The climb is a gentle one, and the perspective it provides is essential for understanding the city’s layout and beauty.

3. Visit Alexander Nevsky Cathedral

Dominating the skyline of Toompea Hill, the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral is Tallinn’s most opulent and visually striking church. Built during the period of Russian Tsarist rule at the end of the 19th century, its distinctive Muscovite Revival style—with its black onion domes, ornate mosaics, and lavish interior—stands in stark contrast to the surrounding medieval and neoclassical architecture. Inside, the air is thick with incense, and the walls are adorned with intricate icons and gilded detail.

While a symbol of a former occupying power, the cathedral is today a functioning Orthodox church and a fascinating piece of Estonia’s complex history. Its imposing presence on Toompea is a powerful reminder of the cultural and political forces that have shaped the city, making it a must-visit for both its artistic and historical significance.

4. Walk the Medieval City Walls & Towers

Tallinn boasts one of Europe’s most complete and impressive systems of medieval fortifications. Nearly 2km of the original city wall and 20 of its defensive towers still stand. You can walk along sections of the wall and, most excitingly, climb inside several towers that now house museums. Kiek in de Kök, a formidable artillery tower, contains a detailed museum on the city’s military history and subterranean bastion passages. Hellemann Tower offers a walk along a reconstructed wall segment and an art gallery.

The imposing Fat Margaret (Paks Margareeta) tower at the Great Coastal Gate now houses the Estonian Maritime Museum’s historical exhibits. Exploring these fortifications provides a tangible sense of how a wealthy medieval merchant city defended itself and offers unique, elevated views back into the Old Town that you can’t get anywhere else.

5. Explore Telliskivi Creative City

Just beyond the Old Town walls in the Kalamaja district lies Telliskivi Creative City, the epicenter of Tallinn’s contemporary cool. Housed in a repurposed former industrial complex, this is the Baltic region’s largest creative hub. Its graffiti-covered brick buildings are home to design boutiques, vintage shops, artist studios, start-ups, innovative restaurants, and craft beer pubs. The atmosphere is effortlessly hip and buzzing with energy.

Anchoring the area is Fotografiska, the Tallinn branch of the renowned Swedish photography museum, which hosts world-class exhibitions in a beautifully designed space with a fantastic rooftop restaurant. Telliskivi’s weekend flea market and ever-changing street art make every visit unique. It’s the perfect place to experience the innovative, entrepreneurial spirit of modern Estonia.

6. Visit Kadriorg Palace & Park

A short tram ride from the city center, Kadriorg is a serene oasis of Baroque elegance and natural beauty. The centerpiece is Kadriorg Palace, a stunning pink and white palace built by Tsar Peter the Great for his wife Catherine I. Today, it houses the Kadriorg Art Museum, displaying foreign art from the 16th to 20th centuries. The real highlight is the palace itself and the meticulously manicured formal gardens inspired by French design.

The surrounding Kadriorg Park is a vast, leafy retreat with ponds, walking trails, flower beds, and several other museums, including the modern Kumu Art Museum (Estonia’s national art gallery). A stroll here offers a peaceful escape and a glimpse into the imperial ambitions that once extended into the Baltic region.

7. Explore the Seaplane Harbour Museum

Housed in a colossal, futuristic-looking concrete hangar built for seaplanes in the early 20th century, the Seaplane Harbour Museum (Lennusadam) is one of Europe’s most captivating maritime museums. Its interactive and family-friendly exhibits are spectacular. You can explore the inside of a real 1930s submarine, the Lembit, walk under the hull of a century-old steam-powered icebreaker, and get up close to historic seaplanes, sailboats, and naval mines.

The cavernous hall, with its atmospheric lighting and echoing sounds, adds to the sense of adventure. The museum masterfully blends historical artifacts with modern technology, including a full-scale replica of a Short Type 184 seaplane cockpit and a flight simulator. It’s an absolute must-visit, engaging for both children and adults.

8. Wander Balti Jaama Market

Located right next to the Baltic Station (Balti jaam) and Telliskivi, the revitalized Balti Jaama Turg (Baltic Station Market) is a microcosm of modern Tallinn. This sprawling, contemporary market complex is where locals come to shop, eat, and socialize. The ground floor is a traditional market hall with vendors selling fresh produce, meats, cheeses, and spices. The surrounding area and adjacent buildings burst with food stalls serving everything from Uzbek plov and Georgian khachapuri to Vietnamese pho and Estonian street food.

Upstairs and in nearby warehouses, you’ll find vintage clothing, antiques, handicrafts, and design shops. It’s a bustling, authentic, and delicious place to feel the city’s everyday pulse and sample a world of flavors in one spot.

9. Walk along the Pirita Promenade

For a breath of fresh sea air, take a short bus or taxi ride to the Pirita district. Here, a long, sandy beach and a scenic paved promenade stretch along the Gulf of Tallinn. The views back toward the Old Town skyline, with its spires and towers, are stunning, especially at sunset. The area is a popular local spot for jogging, cycling, and leisurely walks, backed by fragrant pine forests.

Nearby, you can explore the picturesque ruins of St. Bridget’s Convent (Pirita klooster) and the modern Tallinn TV Tower. Pirita offers a wonderful natural counterpoint to the urban density of the city center and is the perfect place for a relaxing coastal interlude.

10. Enjoy Tallinn’s food, cafés & historic taverns

Tallinn’s culinary scene is a delightful journey from medieval traditions to New Nordic innovation. In the Old Town, historic taverns like III Draakon or Olde Hansa serve hearty, medieval-inspired fare like elk stew and wild boar in a candlelit atmosphere. For a taste of modern Estonian cuisine, seek out restaurants that creatively use local forest, field, and sea ingredients, such as elk, foraged mushrooms, rye, and Baltic fish.

The city also boasts a legendary café culture; cozy, book-filled cafes are perfect for enjoying a slice of kohuke (curd snack) and a coffee. In the trendy Kalamaja and Telliskivi areas, you’ll find innovative cafes, craft beer bars, and design-forward eateries. From dark rye bread and smoked sprats to creative tasting menus, eating in Tallinn is a core part of the experience.