Wonderful Tourist Places to Visit and Things to Do in Tallinn

August 29, 2020 Mustafa Natalwala 3346 Views

Tallinn is the capital of Estonia and also its larger city. It is also the most popular place to visit in Estonia. Tallinn is located north of Estonia facing the Gulf of Finland. The capital city of Finland, Helsinki, is right across the gulf from Tallinn. Ferry ride to and from Helsinki is among best things to do in Tallinn, Estonia. Another popular destination approachable by ferry is St. Petersburg in Russia. Same is true for Stockholm in Sweden located west of Tallinn. All these destinations are popular for Tallinn day trips. All you need is a bus trip or a ferry ride to visit Tallinn from any of these cities.

Tallinn is also the cultural capital of Estonia. There are more than 60 museums and art galleries among places to visit in Tallinn. Majority of these Tallinn tourist attractions can be found in old city. It is the best place to begin Tallinn sightseeing. Parts of the old city as preserved as they were in the 15th century. You can explore old Tallinn attractions on foot or take a bicycle tour as well. Both are popular activities in Tallinn for sightseeing. You can enjoy several places to visit in Tallinn in the area including Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, Toompea Castle, Viru Gate, Old City Docks, St. Mary Church and old city fortified walls. One of the lesser known Tallinn attractions in the old city is ex-KGB headquarters which is now converted into a museum.

Some of the most popular things to see in Tallinn among museums include Estonian History Museum, Maritime Museum, Estonian Museum of Natural History and Museum of Occupation. Other well known Tallinn attractions include Theatre & Music Museum, Photography Museum and Pharmacy Museum. You can also head straight to city’s tourist information center and get Tallinn travel guide. Though you will find much more places to visit in Tallinn other than those attractions mentioned in the guide. Tallinn travel guide would only include major historical and cultural places to visit in Tallinn. It also mentions several enjoyable activities in Tallinn.

The dedication of the nation towards art and artists is reflected in several top things to do in Tallinn focused around art galleries and design centers. Some of the best places to visit in Tallinn to explore the artistic heritage include Estonian Art Museum, Kumu Art Museum, Kadriog Art Museum, Mikel Museum, St. Nicholas Church and Niguliste Museum. You can take a more academic approach towards art & designing at Estonian Museum of Applied Art & Design. It is among top things to do in Tallinn, Estonia for students of creative arts and design related disciplines.

Though limited, Tallinn has a few good beaches. The most popular beach among Tallinn attractions is Pirita Beach connected to the Marina. It is one of the most lively and happening places to visit in Tallinn. If you are looking for some adventure when swimming in the ocean, you should head to Pikakari beach. The ocean gets deep rather close to the shore & the sandy beach is met by huge waves. It is a great place for advanced swimmers, though it can be dangerous if you have no experience dealing with such depth & powerful waves. For a more leisurely experience among top things to do in Tallinn, you can visit Stroomi Beach or Kakumae Beach.

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Table of Contents

5 Days Trip Itinerary To Visit Tallinn Tourist Attractions

As you sit to plan you trip to Tallinn, this section will help you organize your trip. If you are looking to check out a list of all there is to explore and enjoy in and around the city, check out the section after this one.

Day 1

1. Estonian Open Air Museum (Eesti Vabaõhumuuseum)

This museum depicts the pastoral way of life in the country. It is a unique experience. It is one of the most fun things to do in Tallinn. The museum is quite large, so you would need at least 2 to 3 hours to explore it.

I suggest you should do a guided tour of Estonian Open Air Museum.

2. Tallinn Zoo

This is the most visited zoo in the Baltic region. There are animals form over 600 species in this zoo. You will need 2 to 3 hours here as well.

3. Seaplane Harbour (Lennusadam)

Also known as Estonian Maritime Museum, this place tells the seafaring history of the nation. The submarine and flight simulator are among the biggest attraction of the museum. You will need 2 to 3 hours to explore this museum.

I suggest you should book your ticket of Seaplane Harbour in advance.

Day 2

1. Kadriorg Park (Kadrioru park)

This park is part of 18th century Kadriog Palace. The gardena s well as the palace are known for their ornate baroque style design are among the most beautiful things to see in Tallinn. You will need 30 to 45 minutes at this park.

2. Kadriorg Palace and Art Museum

This art museum is dedicated to works of art created between the 16th and 18th century. It exhibits artworks by Estonian, Russian and Western Artists. You will need about 2 hours to explore the exhibits of this art museum.

3. Kumu Art Museum (Kumu kunstimuuseum)

This is the most innovative art galleries in Estonia. It is also one of the largest art museums among Tallinn tourist attractions. This art gallery is especially known for works of contemporary art and will require about 2 hours time to explore.

I suggest you should get your ticket of Kumu Art Museum in advance.

4. Estonian History Museum (Eesti Ajaloomuuseum)

The exhibits of this museum tell you about 11,000 years of the land’s history. It is one of the Tallinn attractions, which you should visit as soon as you get there. This will help you understand the people and other attractions better. You will need an hour or two to explore this museum.

5. St. Bridget’s Convent Ruins / Pirita Convent (Pirita klooster)

The 15th convent which once stood here, is now in ruins. The convent was destroyed by Ivan the Terrible. The ruins of the convent are now used as a concert hall for various events. You will need 30 to 45 minutes for this place.

6. Tallinn TV Tower (Tallinna teletorn)

This tall tower is among the best places for Tallinn sightseeing. You should keep an hour aside to spend at the observation deck of this Tower.

I suggest you should get a Fast-Lane Ticket of Tallinn TV Tower in advance.

Day 3

1. Walls of Tallinn (Tallinna linnamüür)

These walls date back to the 13th century and were erected to protect the city from attacks. They still stand strong are among the most important historical places to visit in the city. You would need 30 to 45 minutes for city walls.

2. Kohtuotsa Viewing Platform

Another great place for Tallinn sightseeing is this viewing platform. You can see as far as the Gold of Finland from this point. You would need 20 to 30 minutes for this place.

3. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral

This 19th century Russian orthodox cathedral is one of the most popular places to visit in Tallinn. You will need about 45 minutes to explore this cathedral.

4. St. Mary’s Cathedral (Tallinna Neitsi Maarja Piiskoplik Toomkirik)

This 13th century cathedral is also known as the Dome Church. It among popular landmarks of the city and visited by tourists for its cultural significance. You will need 30 to 45 minutes to explore it.

5. Toompea Hill

This limestone hill is the site for several historical things to see in Tallinn. You should keep about 2 hours to explore this area.

6. Toompea Castle

This medieval castle is part of the old town district of the city and is now home to the parliament. There are restrictions to exploring certain sections of this castle, so you won’t need more than 30 minutes here.

7. Tall Hermann (Pikk Hermann)

This 13th century defensive tower is part of the Tompea Castle. You should use 20 minutes to explore this tower while you are enjoying the castle.

Day 4

1. Estonian Maritime Museum (Eesti Meremuuseum)

This museum focuses on the seafaring history of the nation. The museum is houses in a coastal defensive tower named Fat Margaret. You will need about an hour to explore this museum.

2. St. Olaf’s Church (Oleviste kirik)

This is the largest surviving medical church in the city and is dedicated to King Olaf II. You will need 20 to 30 minutes for this church.

3. St. Catherine’s Passage

This medieval passage has several handicraft workshops and stores to explore when you visit Tallinn. It is one of the most photographed place in the city. Keep 30 to 45 minutes for this historic passage.

4. Town Hall Pharmacy (Raeapteek)

This historic pharmacy has a history going all the way back to 1422. It is also recognized as oldest surviving pharmacy in Europe. You should keep 20 minutes for this historical establishment.

5. Great Guild Hall (Suurgild)

This 15th century trading hall now serves as a museum exhibiting artifacts from pre-history of Estonia to its present. You will need about 2 hours for this museum.

I suggest you should get a Skip-The-Line Ticket of Great Guild Hall in advance.

6. Tallinn Town Hall Square

This square is among the most important historical sites in the city. It is also venue for numerous top things to do in Tallinn. You will need about an hour at this square.

I suggest you should do a guided walking tour of Old Town in Tallinn.

Day 5

1. Kiek in de Kök Museum and Bastion Tunnels

This artillery tower was built in the 15th century. It is one of the most interesting things to see in Tallinn. The tower itself is a museum and you will need 2 to 3 hours to explore it.

2. St. Nicholas’ Church and Museum (Niguliste kirik)

This 13th church has been converted into a museum. The church is also a concert hall and an art museum. You will need about an hour to explore it.

3. Tallinn Legends (Tallinna Legendid)

This museum is one of the most interesting places to visit in Tallinn. It is an interactive museum depicting folklores of the nation. You will need to 2 to 3 hours for this amazing experience.

4. KGB Museum

This museum is established in a hotel and depicts the history and artifacts related to the KGB. You will need about an hour to explore this museum.

If you plan to visit Tallinn for more than 5 days, check out the section below.

Things to do in Tallinn

Monuments, Museums & Historical Places to Visit in Tallinn

Tallinn Town Hall
Kadriorg Art Museum
Alexander Nevsky Cathedral
St. Nicholas Church & Museum
Toompea Castle
Estonian Open Air Museum
Kumu Art Museum
St. Olaf’s Church
St. Mary’s Cathedral
Estonian Maritime Museum
Lennusadam Museum
Town Hall Pharmacy Museum
Linnahall Amphitheater
Tall Hermann Medieval Tower
Holy Spirit Church
Eesti Kunsti Museum
Nunnatorn ja Linnamuuri Platvorm Tower
Estonian History Museum
Kiek in de Kok Museum
Patarei Sea Fortress
St. Catherine’s Passage
Vabamu Museum of Occupations and Freedom
Pirita Convent Ruins
KGB Museum
Viru Gate
Pikk Tanav
Paks Margareeta – Eesti Mere Museum
Tallinn City Museum
Dominican St. Catherine’s Monastery
Mikkel Museum
Museum of Estonian Architecture
Estonia Healthcare Museum
Maarjamae Castle
Kalev Marzipan Museum
St. John’s Church
Estonian Museum of Natural History
Children’s Museum
Proto Avastustehas Museum
Glehn’s Castle
Tallinn Synagogue
KGB Prison Museum
Adamson Erik Museum
Museum of Photography
Contemporary Art Museum of Estonia
Estonian Museum of Applied Art & Design
Peter the Great House Museum
Estonian Theatre & Music Museum
Tallinn Museum of Order of Knighthood
Cat’s Well
Museum of Coastal Folk
Bronze Soldier Statue

Nature & Wildlife Tourist Spots in Tallinn

Toompea Hill
Jagala Waterfall
Lahemaa National Park
Lake Usemiste
Pohja Korvemaa Nature Reserve
Puhkus Eestis
Matsalu National Park
Lake Harku
Tallinn Bay

Entertainment & Leisure Tourist Spots in Tallinn

Tallinn Zoo
Telliskivi Creativity City
Port of Tallinn
National Library of Estonia
Tallinn Botanical Gardens
Tallinn Legends
House of Blackheads
Maiden Tower Museum Cafe
Skywheel of Tallinn
Atlantis H2O Aquapark
Energy Discovery Center
Super Skypark Amusement Park
Tallinn Art Gallery
Monet 2 Klimt Multimedia Art

Shopping in Tallinn

Balti Jaama Turg
Tallinn Central Market
Nomme Market
Old Town
Tallinn City Center
Stockmann Shopping Center
Viru Center
Solaris Mall
Rocca al Mare

Beaches & Islands in Tallinn

Aegna Island
Stoormi Beach
Pirita Beach
Kakumae Beach
Pikakari Beach

Offbeat Places, Tours, & Adventure in Tallinn

Nomme Seikluspark Adventure Park
Pirita Adventure Park

Sightseeing in Tallinn

Kohtuotsa Viewpoint Deck
Kadriorg Park
Freedom Square
Danish King’s Garden
Viru Square
Russalka Memorial
Patkuli Viewing Platform
Master’s Courtyard
Rataskaevu Street
Hellemann Tower Observation Deck
Pikk Jalg Street
Muuga Harbour
Tammsaare Park
Old Town

Food, Dining, Restaurants, & Street Food in Tallinn

Rataskaevu 16
Kaks Kokka
Kompressor
Rae Meierei
Pegasus
Ribe
Olde Hansa
Beer House
Peppersack
Wana Wiipuri
III Draakon
Von Kralle Aed
Pierre Chocolaterie
Tchaikovsky
Hell Hut
Kuldse Notsu Korts
Noku
Leib

Where to Stay in Tallinn?

Here we have listed Top Rated Luxurious, Mid-Range and Budget Hotels in Tallinn. You can check below listed hotels for your perfect stay in Tallinn.

Luxurious Hotels

Mid-Range Hotels

Budget Hotels

Custom Tours Package in Tallinn

How to Reach Tallinn?

By Air

Just 5 kms outside the city is Tallinn Airport, which is one of the best options for Tallinn travel. You can visit Tallinn with direct flights from Moscow, Amsterdam, Berlin, Paris, Riga, Vienna, Vilnius, London, Helsinki, Warsaw, Reykjavík, Santorini, Frankfurt, Brussels, Kiev, Chișinău, Oslo, Stockholm, Trondheim, Dublin, Copenhagen, and Istanbul. There are also a few more cities with direct flights to visit Tallinn, but the aforementioned are the major ones.

Once you land at Tallinn airport, you can take bus, tram or taxi to reach the city. If you do not wish to take either the bus or the tram, do make advance booking for cab service or you will be charged heavily from the airport. You have the convenience to reach any of the places to visit in Tallinn via cab, but airport cabs are costly. The bus and trams on the other hand are public transport services for Tallinn travel and are a lot cheaper than cabs.

By Road

You can travel by train within Estonia via Elron trains. You can board the trains from station near Old Town, which is a major Tallinn sightseeing location. Internationally, you can get direct trains to visit Tallinn from St. Petersburg, Viljandi, Moscow and many nearby cities.

Bus network is Estonia is also well connected. You can catch a bus for Tallinn travel from anywhere in Estonia. There are also several buses running between Russia which can be boarded for Tallinn day trips.

Tallinn is the northern center of Estonia. Several expressway routes connect to the capital city which can be used for Tallinn travel. Major routes to visit Tallinn include E265, E67, and E20.

By Water

Being a major port in Estonia, hence there are several water transport options available for Tallinn travel. You can get ferry service to visit Tallinn from Helsinki and Stockholm. Tallinn tourist attractions are also popular with cruise ships. Many cruises of the Baltic would include Tallinn day trips on their itineraries.

Image Reference

Estonian Open Air Museum (Eesti Vabaõhumuuseum) – Delphinidaesy / Flickr
Tallinn Zoo – Vilve Roosioks / PixaBay
Seaplane Harbour (Lennusadam) – Hans Põldoja / Flickr
Kadriorg Park (Kadrioru park) – Mark Gregory / Flickr
Kadriorg Palace and Art Museum – Jorge Franganillo / Flickr
Kumu Art Museum (Kumu kunstimuuseum) – fabcom / Flickr
Estonian History Museum (Eesti Ajaloomuuseum) – Visit Tallinn by Merlen Aringo / Flickr
St. Bridget’s Convent Ruins / Pirita Convent (Pirita klooster) – Visit Tallinn by Merlen Aringo / Flickr
Tallinn TV Tower (Tallinna teletorn) – Visit Tallinn by Marko Leppik / Flickr
Walls of Tallinn (Tallinna linnamüür) – Makalu / PixaBay
Kohtuotsa Viewing Platform – Jorge Franganillo / Flickr
Alexander Nevsky Cathedral – Tomaž Klobučar / Flickr
St Mary’s Cathedral (Tallinna Neitsi Maarja Piiskoplik Toomkirik) – Edward Weston / Flickr
Toompea Hill – Aditya Karnad / Flickr
Toompea Castle – Williamson.est / Wikimedia Commons
Tall Hermann (Pikk Hermann) – Sergei Gussev / Flickr
Estonian Maritime Museum (Eesti Meremuuseum) – Vladimir Varfolomeev / Flickr
St Olaf’s Church (Oleviste kirik) – Ahen0barbus / Wikimedia Commons
St. Catherine’s Passage – Matt Kieffer / Flickr
Town Hall Pharmacy (Raeapteek) – olgite / Flickr
Great Guild Hall (Suurgild) – Borodun / Wikimedia Commons
Tallinn Town Hall Square – Dennis Jarvis / Flickr
Kiek in de Kök Museum and Bastion Tunnels – Henning Klokkeråsen / Flickr
St. Nicholas’ Church and Museum (Niguliste kirik) – Anita / Flickr
Tallinn Legends (Tallinna Legendid) –
KGB Museum – Vladimir Varfolomeev / Flickr