Tallinn Travel Guide – Tourist Attractions, Sights, Tips & Things to do

Tallinn is the capital and largest city of Estonia, a Baltic country in Northern Europe. It is known for its well-preserved medieval Old Town, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Tallinn offers many attractions and sights for visitors, from historical monuments and museums to modern art and nightlife. Here are some of the top attractions and sights in Tallinn.

1. Town Hall Square: The heart of the Old Town, where you can admire the Gothic Town Hall, the oldest in Northern Europe, and the colorful buildings that surround it.
2. Toompea Castle: The seat of the Estonian parliament and a former fortress that overlooks the city. You can visit the castle grounds and the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, a Russian Orthodox church with onion domes.
3. Kadriorg Park: A beautiful park that was created by Peter the Great in the 18th century. It features a palace, a museum, a Japanese garden, and various sculptures and fountains.
4. Kumu Art Museum: The main branch of the Estonian Art Museum, which showcases Estonian art from the 18th century to the present day. It is located in a modern building that won the European Museum of the Year Award in 2008.
5. Tallinn TV Tower: The tallest structure in Estonia, standing at 314 meters high. It offers panoramic views of the city and the sea from its observation deck and restaurant. You can also try a thrilling walk on the edge of the tower or a virtual reality experience.
6. Seaplane Harbour: A maritime museum that is housed in a former seaplane hangar. It displays various ships, submarines, planes, and other exhibits related to naval history and technology.
7. St. Olaf’s Church: A landmark church that dates back to the 13th century. It was once the tallest building in the world and still dominates the skyline of Tallinn. You can climb up its tower for a scenic view of the city.
8. Telliskivi Creative City: A former industrial complex that has been transformed into a hub for creative businesses, artists, and events. It features various shops, cafes, galleries, studios, and murals that reflect the contemporary culture of Tallinn.
9. Estonian Open Air Museum: A museum that recreates a traditional Estonian village from the 18th to 20th centuries. It displays various buildings, farm animals, crafts, and folk performances that showcase the rural life of Estonia.
10. Bastion Tunnels: A network of underground tunnels that were built by the Swedish in the 17th century as part of Tallinn’s fortifications. You can explore them with a guided tour and learn about their history and secrets.
11. Lennusadam Icebreaker Suur Tõll: A historic icebreaker ship that was built in 1914 and served in both world wars. It is now a museum that allows you to see its engine room, cabins, weapons, and other features.
12. Patarei Sea Fortress Prison: A former sea fortress that was turned into a prison by the Soviets in 1920. It is now a museum that preserves its grim atmosphere and exhibits its history and stories of its inmates.
13. Estonian History Museum: A museum that traces the history of Estonia from prehistoric times to the present day. It is located in the Great Guild Hall, a Gothic building that was once a merchant guild house.
14. Kiek in de Kök: A defensive tower that was built in 1475 and has a name that means «peek into the kitchen» in Low German. It has six floors of exhibits that display weapons, armor, cannons, and other aspects of Tallinn’s military history.
15. Niguliste Museum: A museum that is located in St. Nicholas’ Church, a Gothic church that was founded in 1230 and dedicated to the patron saint of sailors and merchants. It displays various religious art works, including the famous Danse Macabre painting by Bernt Notke.
16. Rotermann Quarter: A former industrial area that has been renovated into a modern urban space with various shops, restaurants, offices, and apartments. It showcases an interesting contrast between old and new architecture.
17. Estonian Maritime Museum: A museum that is located in Fat Margaret Tower, a part of Tallinn’s medieval city wall. It displays various exhibits related to Estonia’s maritime history and culture, including ships, models, maps, and navigation instruments.
18. Viru Gate: One of the entrances to the Old Town.