Tallinn is a city in Northern Europe that was born at a crossroads during the medieval era. This city center and capital of Estonia is considered a precious treasure of the Baltics.
If you want to visit Tallinn and learn all about Estonian culture, then we've got you covered with 15 things to do in the city.
It offers a blend of rich history and ease of travel, making it suitable for all types of travelers around the world.
You can take a glimpse of 18th-century Estonian life by visiting its historic sites, appreciating their artworks, sampling handmade chocolates, and many more.
If you’re interested to know more about the Top 15 things to do in Tallinn, Estonia, keep reading.
The Tallinn Town Hall is a tourist spot you should add to your things-to-do list when you are around Tallinn, Estonia.
This town hall is kept in Gothic style and is dubbed Northern Europe's oldest city hall.
The Town Hall is open during July and August for visitors who can tour the whole area, including the museum's basement and the attic for only 5 euros.
For visual art enthusiasts, visiting the Kumu Art Museum is one of the best things to do in Tallinn.
This art museum was launched in 2006 and was designed by Pekka Vapaavuori, a Finnish architect.
You can buy an online ticket for three Kadriorg museums, including Kadriorg Park, Kumu, and Mikkel for 22 euros (normal rate) and 16 euros (senior rate).
The Kumu Art Museum displays a vast collection and permanent exhibition of contemporary Estonian art, 18th-century art, and 20th-century Soviet-era occupation art.
In addition to sightseeing and visiting tourist attractions, another activity you can do in Tallinn is to visit Helsinki by ferry.
You will find ferry tickets of all operators from laevapiletid.ee website, such as Viking Line, DFDS, Tallink, and Eckerö Line.
The ferry duration between Tallinn and Helsinki changes every season and month, but it usually takes only around two hours to get there, this means an easy day trip and a glimpse of Finland’s capital, Helsinki, is possible.
The Kamppi Chapel, Esplanadi, Helsinki Cathedral, Temppeliaukio Church, and Sibelius monument are some of the sites one should see on a visit to the city.
One of the best things to do in Tallinn, Estonia is to visit Tallinn Old Town. This spot is one of the oldest towns in Northern Europe and will make you go back in time.
The Old Town offers stunning architecture, including a jumble of 14th and 15th-century medieval walls, cobblestone streets, and needling spires and twisting.
The streets are where you’ll find some of the best Estonian museums such as St. Catherine's Guild, the House of the Brotherhood of the Blackheads, and the 15th-century Guildhall that now houses the History Museum.
Aside from its important historic attractions and architecture, you will also find locals dressed in medieval clothing.
St. Olaf's Church is the city's biggest medieval structure, which was named after Norwegian King Olav II Haraldsson.
The Estonian church was first known in 1267 and later on became one of the main churches in the Lower Town and began its congregation, which was mostly Scandinavian craftsmen and merchants, and a few Estonians.
It wasn't until 1523 that the church was reformed in Tallinn by the evangelical preachings of former chaplain, Zacharias Hasse. One interesting fact you should know about this church is that lightning has struck the tower around ten times, three of which led to extensive fires.
Located on Toompea Hill, If you’re looking for a spot to take stunning photos for your Instagram feed, go to the Kohtuotsa Viewing Platform to get the best view of Tallinn (don’t forget to add the hashtag #visitestonia).
Visitors will be treated to a free view of the harbor, the terra-cotta-colored roof tiles, and bell towers. It is also a popular spot for local musicians to hang out, offering you some background music to the view.
Another area you should check out is the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, which is a recent addition to the medieval old town and was completed only in 1900.
This Russian Orthodox church features a distinct style of domes, which can be easily seen towering above Tallinn. Meanwhile, the interior can be visited, which is also free of charge.
Another activity on our list is to visit the Estonian Open Air Museum.
If you're staying in the center of Tallinn, this fascinating museum is only a 15-minute drive, it features the country’s way of life and rural architecture.
The museum exhibits 14 farms, which offer an overview of how families from various strata of society lived in the 18-20th century.
Similar to provincial villages, you will find mills, an inn, a church, a shop, a fire station, and fishing sheds by the sea. At the inn, you can ride horses, buy handicrafts, and eat traditional Estonian dishes.
The museum is open year-round for people of all ages.
Since the 13th century, the Town Hall Square has been the heart of Tallinn, Estonia.
The Town Hall Square used to be Tallinn's marketplace. Today, this oldest town hall is a place where you'll see lively activities with tables spilling and cafe chairs into the town square.
The best time to visit this spot is during the summer, with occasional festivals and numerous tour groups.
The Telliskivi Loomelinnak, also known as the Telliskivi Creative City was an industrial area converted into lifestyle and entertainment spots such as theaters, studios, design shops, galleries, cafes, and restaurants.
In the heart of this vibrant city, you will find the internationally renowned Fotografiska Tallinn Photography Museum, Sõltumatu Tantsu Lava theater, Juhan Kuus Documentary Photo Center, and a contemporary dance platform.
Other artistic spots include LaAmu Ice Cream Factory, the Erinevate Tubade Klubi venue, and several other creative companies.
More than 800 different cultural events take place in the Creative City throughout the year. In addition, more than twenty different works of street art can be found here.
So whether you're looking for a cool restaurant to eat, a store to shop, appreciate art, or simply stroll around, Telliskivi Creative City has it all for you.
In case you didn't know, the Tallinn TV Tower is Northern Europe's and Estonia's tallest building.
For only 13 euros, The TV tower offers an amazing view during the day and is located outside the main area of Tallinn, Estonia.
If you're looking for other unique things to do in Tallinn, you can walk on the edge of the TV Tower for 30 euros! If you're not brave enough to do so, you can dine at their restaurant, which also offers stunning views!
Located at the park of Maarjamäe History Center, this Estonian Museum is perfect for film enthusiasts and aspiring filmmakers as it gives you a tour of Estonia’s history of cinema and different stages of filmmaking.
The museum’s pathway includes a red carpet, which gives visitors a movie star treatment. Its alley is also featured with cinematographic masterpieces of Estonian film.
The main highlight of this film is its 210-seat cinema and conference hall, where events and screenings can be hosted.
Another exciting activity we suggest is to visit the Seaplane Harbor, also known as the European Maritime Museum.
This historical seaplane exhibits about 200 items, including a Short 184 seaplane, a century-old icebreaker called Suur Tõll, a real submarine called Lembit, the remains of the oldest ship found in Estonia, and many more.
This Estonian history museum is perfect for people and families who enjoy taking photos in fancy dresses and taking a trip around the world in Yellow Submarine.
Other fun activities include simulators, a cinema, and a large aquarium. They also have a naval-themed museum shop with an excellent selection on the premises and a café called MARU.
Additionally, you will find functioning ships, yachts, a harbor, a children's playground, and a magnificent view of the city and the sea in the outdoor area.
If you're thinking of doing something out of the ordinary, exploring the KGB prison cells at the KGB museum is one of the most unique things to do in Tallinn, Estonia.
This tragic but historic center formerly served as a prison, where political prisoners were tortured, punished, and eventually died due to extreme heat temperature.
You can explore the basement which consists of two corridors and six cells. This has been preserved as a testament to the terror of communist rule.
Not to mention, the entrance fee only costs five euros!
The Kadriorg Park is Estonia's most impressive urban and palatial park surrounding 70 hectares. Its construction started in 1718, as ordered by Russian tsar Peter I.
You will also find the park design's elements from the 18th, 19th, and 20th centuries.
Some of the most popular places in this park include the flower beds surrounding the Swan Pond, including the promenade leading to the president's palace.
You will also find museums such as the Estonian Art Museum (KUMU), Mikkeli Museum, and Kadriorg Art Museum.
You will also find monuments to such cultural figures as author F. R. Kreutzwald, sculptor Amandus Adamson, and artist Jaan Koort.
You can also enjoy a visit to Sweden's capital, Stockholm when you’re in Tallinn. If you want to get to the city but don't mind a little excitement, the ferry is certainly worth considering.
On average, the travel time between Tallinn to Stockholm by Ferry is 16 hours and 15 minutes. Although it takes longer, it can provide a more relaxing and interesting journey along the Baltic Sea.
Some of the best tourist destinations you should visit in Stockholm include the Vasa Museum, Djurgarden, the Royal Palace, and the Old Town Stockholm.
Tallinn is a beautiful but underrated European capital city, which includes various activities and places to see.
This city, in Northern Europe, has so much to offer—one great thing is that some of its major sights are just a short walk from one another.
You can visit the largest art museums, the TV tower, the old town, appreciate street art, eat traditional Estonian cuisine, and even do free walking tours.
Apart from its creative spots and popular tourist destinations, this city is rich in history. Its architecture and interior such as its cobblestone streets and medieval walls will take you back in time. You will also find locals dressed in medieval clothing.
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