Tallinn, the capital of Estonia, is one of Europe's most magical medieval-flavoured cities, where 13th-century city walls and Gothic church spires meet 21st-century digital innovation. Walking the cobbled streets of the UNESCO-listed Old Town, you get the feeling of taking part in a journey through time. The city also draws visitors with excellent gastronomy, vibrant cultural life and the proximity of the Baltic Sea. Here are the 10 best sights you absolutely must discover in Tallinn.
1. Tallinn Old Town (UNESCO World Heritage)
Tallinn's medieval Old Town is one of Europe's best-preserved Hanseatic-city historic centres, added to the UNESCO World Heritage list in 1997. Along the cobbled streets, Gothic merchant houses, medieval taverns and tiny craft shops line up, while Raekoja plats (Town Hall Square) is the beating heart of the city. From the tower of the Town Hall, Northern Europe's only surviving Gothic town hall, an unparalleled view opens over the Old Town's rooftops. It's worth walking early in the morning or late afternoon, when the tour groups don't yet, or no longer, fill the narrow alleys.
2. Toompea Hill and its viewpoints
Toompea Hill is the limestone plateau above the Old Town, where political and ecclesiastical power has been centred for centuries. From the hill, two main viewpoints, Kohtuotsa and Patkuli, offer a breathtaking panorama over the Old Town's reddish rooftops, the church spires and the Baltic Sea. On the hill stands the Estonian parliament building, Toompea Castle, whose pink Baroque facade forms a curious contrast with the medieval walls. The staircase from the Patkuli viewpoint leads directly down into the lower Old Town.
3. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral
Standing atop Toompea Hill and consecrated in 1900, this Russian Orthodox cathedral is one of Tallinn's most spectacular buildings, with its characteristic onion domes. The building was erected during the Russian imperial period, and its interior is decorated with rich icons, mosaics and chandelier paintings. Of the cathedral's five bells, the largest weighs 15 tonnes, the mightiest bell in the Baltic states. Admission is free, but photography is forbidden in the church, and it's worth arriving in appropriate attire.
4. Tallinn city wall and towers
Of the original length of the 13th–16th-century city wall, about 1.9 km remains, and 20 watchtowers still stand today. You can walk along certain sections of the wall, and several of the towers can be visited, the Kiek in de Kök (peek into the kitchen) cannon tower is the best-known, where an exhibition on the city's fortification history can be seen. The Hellemann Tower and wall walk are especially popular, as from here too a wonderful view opens over the Old Town. The towers and the wall offer a photogenic sight from almost any point in the city.
5. Telliskivi Creative City
Set up on a former industrial site next to the railway station, this creative district is the centre of Tallinn's cultural and gastronomic ferment. In the renovated factory buildings, independent designers' shops, craft breweries, vintage stores, galleries and street-food restaurants await visitors. The weekend flea market is a real treasure trove, where you can find local design products and retro objects. The district's walls are covered with colourful street art, which is constantly changing, you can discover something new at every visit.
6. Lennusadam Maritime Museum
Set up in the former submarine harbour, this museum is Estonia's most-visited museum and one of Europe's best maritime exhibition venues. The huge concrete hangar was built in 1916, and in the main hall a full-size submarine, the Lembit, can be seen, which presents the story of Estonia in the Second World War. The interactive exhibitions span from the Vikings to modern shipping, you can steer ships in simulators and control underwater drones. For families, it's worth setting aside at least 2–3 hours for the visit.
7. Kadriorg Palace and park
The Baroque Kadriorg Palace was built by Tsar Peter the Great in 1718 for his wife Catherine, and today it houses the foreign collection of the Estonian Art Museum. The park around the palace is Tallinn's most beautiful green space, with a Japanese garden, a swan pond and fountains. On the grounds of the park stands KUMU, the modern building of the Estonian Art Museum, the largest art museum in the Baltic region. In the Kadriorg district, wooden-kiosk cafés and quiet tree-lined avenues complete the walk.
8. Balti Jaam square and market
Set up around the renovated Baltic railway station, this market square and food market is one of the centres of Tallinn's gastronomic life. In the Balti Jaama Turg covered market, local producers offer their wares: fresh fish, artisan cheeses, smoked meats and Estonian sweets. On the upper level of the market, street-food stalls line up, where alongside traditional Estonian cuisine you'll also find Asian and Latin American flavours. In the area, an open-air flea market and craft fair operate at weekends too.
9. Pirita beach and convent
Just 6 km from the city centre, Pirita beach is Tallinn's most popular seaside resort, where in summer locals sunbathe and play beach volleyball. Next to the beach rise the impressive ruins of the 15th-century St Bridget's Convent, which offer an especially dramatic sight at sunset. In the courtyard of the convent ruins, open-air concerts and performances are held in summer. From the Pirita bay, sailing and kayaking tours also depart, offering a completely different perspective of the city's coastline.
10. KGB Museum
Set up on the top floor of the Hotel Viru, this museum presents the darkest chapters of Estonia's Soviet occupation. When the hotel opened in 1972, the KGB set up a secret surveillance station on the 23rd floor, from which they eavesdropped on the phone conversations of foreign guests. In the museum, original listening devices, secret documents and period furnishings can be seen, the visit is only possible on a guided tour. The tour lasts about an hour, and the English-speaking guides make the era come alive with personal stories.
Practical tips
- Currency and payment: Estonia is a member of the euro area, so you pay in euros. Bank cards are accepted almost everywhere, cash is rarely needed, even at the market they take cards.
- Transport from the airport: Lennart Meri Airport is only 4 km from the centre, tram 4 takes you into the centre in 20 minutes (€2), a taxi about €10–15.
- Weather: In summer 18–25 °C and up to 19 hours of daylight, in winter –5 to –15 °C and short days. Layered dressing and waterproof shoes are recommended all year round.
- Tallinn Card: If you spend 2–3 days in the city, the Tallinn Card is worth it: free public transport, admission to 50+ museums and sights, plus restaurant discounts.
- Using an eSIM: On arriving in Estonia, with an eSIM you can access the internet immediately, especially handy in the Telliskivi district or Pirita, where mobile internet is useful for navigating and searching for restaurants.