Overview
Tallinn's Old Town is well suited to exploring on foot. Buses and trams connect the rest of the city for trips beyond the historic centre.
Architecture · History · Day Trips · Food
Did you know?
- Restaurants cluster around Raekoja plats, where Old Town dining tends to cost more.
- Toompea Castle shares the sightseeing map with Alexander Nevsky Cathedral.
- Estonia's capital faces the Gulf of Finland.
Why go?
Tallinn is Estonia's capital and largest city, on the shore of the Gulf of Finland. It is home to a third of the country's population and offers a striking contrast between its beautifully preserved medieval Old Town and modern outskirts with Soviet-era monuments. The UNESCO-listed Old Town, with its cobblestone streets and historic buildings, is the main draw.
Getting in
Tallinn is well connected by sea, air, and land. Ferries from Helsinki (2-2.5 hr) arrive at the port near the Old Town, with operators Eckerö Line, Tallink Silja, and Viking Line. Tallinn Airport is within city limits with free Wi-Fi. The main train station, Balti jaam, serves domestic routes. The intercity bus station is on Tartu mnt, a 20-min walk from the Old Town.
Getting around
The Old Town is best explored on foot. A network of buses, trams, and trolleybuses covers the rest of the city. Avoid random taxis; check prices on the car window. Bicycle rental is available from City Bike (€10-13/24 hr).
When to go
Summer (June-August) is the best time, with pleasant temperatures 20-30°C. Winters are dark and cold (below -20°C possible), but the Old Town is beautiful under snow in December. Spring is driest, autumn is the rainy season.
Where to stay
Accommodation ranges from hostel dorms (from €9) to mid-range doubles (€40-60) and luxury hotels (over €100). Budget options are concentrated in the Old Town and nearby areas like Kalamaja. Many hostels offer free Wi-Fi and kitchen facilities.
Food and drink
The Old Town is full of restaurants, especially around Raekoja plats, which tend to be pricier. For budget eats, try pancake places like Kompressor, III Draakon for medieval atmosphere, or local cafés like Maiasmokk (oldest café). Beer houses offer local brews. Expect to spend €4-10 for a main course.
Things to do
Must-see attractions include Toompea Castle, Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, St. Olaf's church, and the Town Hall. Museums: KUMU (Estonian art, €14), Seaplane Harbour (€20), and Vabamu (occupations museum, €15). Outdoor activities: Pirita Beach, hiking in Lahemaa National Park (day trip). Festivals: Medieval Days in July, Tallinn Music Week in spring.
Safety
Tallinn is very safe, but watch for pickpockets in the Old Town and on public transport. Avoid the neighbourhoods of Kopli and Lasnamäe after dark. Beware of taxi rip-offs and strip clubs with exorbitant fees. Car break-ins with foreign plates occur near the port. Icy pavements in winter are a hazard.
Connectivity
Free Wi-Fi is widely available in public areas, restaurants, hotels, and bars. The site wifi.ee lists wireless networks. Post offices sell stamps for sending postcards.
Budget
A daily backpacker budget (hostel dorm, self-catering, some attractions) is around €30-40. Cheap meals €4-8, museum entries €3-20, local transport €1-2 per ride. Day trips add extra cost.
Etiquette
Avoid using the old spelling 'Tallin' (with one 'n'), which was common during the Soviet period. The correct Estonian spelling is 'Tallinn'.
Go next
Popular day trips include Lahemaa National Park (50 km east, forests and manors), Jägala Falls (20 km), and the ferry to Helsinki (2 hours). Longer journeys: Tartu (2 hr), Soomaa National Park, or Riga by bus (4 hr).
Guide text adapted from Wikivoyage contributors under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Where to start
Do
Atlantis H2O Aquapark
The water park has several fun water equipment: a wave pool, a flow pool and eight different slides, the longest of which is over 120 m. For toddlers, there is a separate area with two smaller slides, a climbing area and a 0.20-m-deep swimming pool.
Buy
Biit Record
A music shop covering all major media types, with somewhat of a focus on vinyl. They especially have great indie and electronics offerings, can at the same time help find great local music and also other common genres. Located in an upper floor, the store has a special atmosphere to it. Offering secondhand and a wide variety of new records.
Do
Birgitta Festival
Music and theatre festival, held at the ruins of the historical Pirita (St. Bridget's) convent.
Do
Energy Discovery Centre
Buy
Foorum Keskus
Buy
Geek Shop Estonia
Pop culture collectibles and gaming store, which sells toy figures, board games, clothes, accessories and other geek stuff.
Buy
Ivo Nikkolo
Fashion-interested people can visit the main store of Estonia's first Post-Soviet designer brand Ivo Nikkolo.
Buy
Jaama Turg
A market place next to the train station. Overrated and overpriced, gourmet food at three times the price of regular market places. For tourist and rich locals.
Before you go
Accommodation
Hostel dorms from €9, budget hotels from €40, mid-range doubles €60-100.
Connectivity
Free Wi-Fi in many public areas, cafes, and hotels.
Culture
Respect local customs: avoid the outdated spelling 'Tallin'. Estonians are reserved but friendly.
Health
Tap water is safe to drink. Pharmacies are well-stocked. For emergencies, dial 112.
Language
Estonian is official; Russian widely spoken. English spoken in tourist areas.
Local transport
Public transport includes buses, trams, and trolleybuses. A single ticket costs around €2; buy a reusable card for convenience. Taxis are metered but agree on price first.
Money
Euro (€) is the currency. Tallinn is cheaper than other major European capitals but no longer a bargain. Prices near Raekoja plats are inflated.
Safety
Very safe overall; watch for pickpockets in Old Town and on public transport. Avoid Kopli and Lasnamäe at night. Beware taxi and strip club scams.
Transport
Old Town walkable; public transport network of buses, trams, and trolleybuses. Ferries from Helsinki.
Weather
Summer (20-30°C) is best; winters cold and dark, with possible snow in December.