Things to do in Tallinn
Steeped in history and a rich cultural heritage, Tallinn is a sightseer's paradise and a great place to explore on foot or by bus. Dubbed 'mini Prague', the beautiful cobble-stoned streets of the Old Town are the perfect place to start discovering the city.
Travellers will love the enchanting feel of the town, which features old buildings and churches such as Alexander Nevsky Cathedral and St Olav's. They can stroll through the Estonian Open Air Museum, which is a life-sized reconstruction of an 18th century fishing village, take the kids to the Tallinn Zoo for the day, or pack a picnic and enjoy a day out at the Tallinn Botanic Garden.
Visitors in Tallinn keen on doing a lot of sightseeing should look into purchasing a Tallinn Card, which grants the bearer free public transport, free admission to more than 40 of Tallinn's museums and attractions, and discounts to sightseeing tours, activities, shops and restaurants. The card is available for one, two and three-day options, and can be bought online, at the airport, harbour, tourist information offices and most hotels.
The Old Town
Tallinn's historic centre is the focus for most visits to the city, and the hub of its major tourist attractions. The walled Old Town is divided into two parts: Toompea Hill, the r…
The Old Town
Tallinn's historic centre is the focus for most visits to the city, and the hub of its major tourist attractions. The walled Old Town is divided into two parts: Toompea Hill, the residential area of the aristocracy and gentry in days of yore, and the Lower Town. Much of the Old Town dates back to the 10th century and is extremely well preserved, its powerful stone buildings enduring despite frequent invasions over the centuries. Visitors will revel in Town Hall Square and its adjacent pharmacy, which operates on the site it has occupied since 1422. The Old Town is also full of historic churches, such as St Olav's. The area's walls and its many fortresses made up one of the strongest defence systems in northern Europe by the 16th century, though today, the dominating landmark on Toompea is the magnificent Alexander Nevsky Russian Orthodox Cathedral. History lovers should note that the Old Town's medieval atmosphere is particularly evident in St Catherine's passage, where visitors can stroll past the open studios of artists and craftsmen who have laboured here for centuries.
Tallinn Zoo
This popular family attraction is an enchanting space filled with close on 6,000 animals, from Polar bears to Siberian Tigers, as well as species from warmer climates, such as croc…
Tallinn Zoo
This popular family attraction is an enchanting space filled with close on 6,000 animals, from Polar bears to Siberian Tigers, as well as species from warmer climates, such as crocodiles and chimpanzees, which frolic in the Tropical House. Visitors can really make a day of this attraction, as there is more than enough variety to suit all tastes. If visitors need a break between exhibits, the zoo has some comfortable restaurants where its patrons can relax and enjoy refreshments. The delightful petting zoo is always a hit with children, and guided tours are available to help visitors get better acquainted with certain themes and topics. The zoo also sells non-profit merchandise and collects donations to fund species conservation projects.
Website www.tallinnzoo.ee
Tallinn Botanic Gardens
A beautifully designed layout makes Tallinn's magnificent Botanical Garden a wonderful attraction that shouldn't be missed on a sunny day out in the capital. Containing more than 8…
Tallinn Botanic Gardens
A beautifully designed layout makes Tallinn's magnificent Botanical Garden a wonderful attraction that shouldn't be missed on a sunny day out in the capital. Containing more than 8,000 plant species, the garden is a great place to visit, especially when sightseeing with a family. The flora comes from all around the world and is displayed in arboretums, glasshouses, open fields and thematic gardens. Specialised exhibits change every month, and thematic tours are offered all year round, the most popular being the summer night aroma tours, and the rose days. A nature trail traverses the different habitats.
Website www.botaanikaaed.ee
Kadriorg Palace and Park
The beautiful pink baroque Kadriorg Palace was the summer residence of the Russian Tsar Peter the Great. It stands proudly in the centre of its namesake seaside resort suburb of Ta…
Kadriorg Palace and Park
The beautiful pink baroque Kadriorg Palace was the summer residence of the Russian Tsar Peter the Great. It stands proudly in the centre of its namesake seaside resort suburb of Tallinn, where the streets are lined with noble villas and summer estates. The Palace today houses the Estonian Art Museum's foreign collection, which features thousands of western European and Russian works from the 16th to 20th centuries, ranging from prints and paintings to sculpture and furniture. The palace is also the venue for concerts, theatrical performances, lectures and receptions. The park surrounding the palace is a popular recreational spot for visitors and locals alike, consisting of formal gardens and the symmetrical Swan Lake, as well as meadows and forest groves traversed by paths.
Website www.kadriorupark.ee
Estonian Open Air Museum
This enchanting collection of historic Estonian buildings lies in a picturesque expanse of forest on Kopli Bay. Transplanted from around the country to represent rural life through…
Estonian Open Air Museum
This enchanting collection of historic Estonian buildings lies in a picturesque expanse of forest on Kopli Bay. Transplanted from around the country to represent rural life through the centuries, it exhibits various farm buildings, windmills, watermills and other country clutter, offering a pleasant and informative escape from the nearby city. Handcrafts are on sale, horseback rides are on offer, and a village inn caters for visitors keen to sample local fare. Folk music and dancing displays are scheduled regularly, and most national holidays are celebrated here in grand style.
Website www.evm.ee
Tallinna Raekoja Plats
Tallinna Raekoja Plats (Tallinn Town Hall Square) lies in Tallinn's medieval Old Town and is surrounded by charming 15th and 16th-century buildings, including the Gothic Tallinn To…
Tallinna Raekoja Plats
Tallinna Raekoja Plats (Tallinn Town Hall Square) lies in Tallinn's medieval Old Town and is surrounded by charming 15th and 16th-century buildings, including the Gothic Tallinn Town Hall itself. The square has been a bustling hub for trade and social gatherings since the Middle Ages and, today, hosts lively markets, festivals and events that draw locals and tourists alike. The picturesque atmosphere is enhanced by cobblestone streets and colourful facades, and offers a glimpse into Tallinn's rich history and cultural heritage. It's a must-visit for anyone exploring the city.