Tallinn Must See – A Comprehensive City Guide for First Time Visitors

Tallinn is the capital of Estonia, a small country in northern Europe situated along the Baltic Sea. Despite its small size, Tallinn has a long and storied history and is one of the oldest cities in Europe. Its strategic location and rich cultural heritage has made it an important port city, as well as a popular tourist destination. From its cobblestone streets and historic old town to its vibrant nightlife and modern amenities, Tallinn is a captivating city that has something for everyone.

History and Overview

Tallinn was first settled by the Teutonic Knights in 1219, and it quickly became an important trading port along the Baltic Sea. In the 14th century, Tallinn was part of the Hanseatic League and became one of the most important cities in the region. During this time, it was also part of the Swedish Empire, which left its mark on the city’s architecture. After a period of decline in the late 19th century, Tallinn experienced a resurgence in the 20th century, becoming the capital of an independent Estonia in 1918.

Today, Tallinn is the largest city in Estonia, with a population of roughly 450,000. It is an important cultural hub, with museums, galleries, and historic sites that showcase its history. It is also known for its vibrant nightlife and world-class dining options. Visitors to Tallinn will find plenty to do, from exploring its cobblestone streets and sampling traditional Estonian cuisine to enjoying its nightlife and cultural offerings.

Things to Do in Tallinn

There are plenty of things to see and do in Tallinn, from exploring its historic old town to taking in its vibrant nightlife scene. Here are some of the top activities and attractions:

Explore Old Town

No visit to Tallinn is complete without exploring its historic old town. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the best-preserved medieval cities in Europe, with cobblestone streets lined with shops, restaurants, and cafes. Highlights include Town Hall Square, Raekoja plats, St. Olav’s Church, Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, and Toompea Castle. Take a guided tour to learn more about Tallinn’s storied past or explore on your own.

Taste Traditional Estonian Cuisine

Estonian cuisine is known for its hearty dishes and unique ingredients. Sample some traditional Estonian fare like kama (a grain porridge), herring with potatoes, or blood sausage. There are plenty of restaurants throughout the city that serve up traditional Estonian dishes with a modern twist. Be sure to try some local craft beers while you’re at it!

Enjoy Nightlife Scene

Tallinn is known for its bustling nightlife scene, with plenty of bars and clubs to choose from. Head to Telliskivi Creative City for craft beer bars and live music or sample some local spirits at Kultuurikatel, an arts and culture center that also houses a distillery. For a more upscale experience, check out Moon Club or Giggling Marlin for cocktails and dancing.

Visit Kadriorg Palace

Kadriorg Palace is one of Tallinn’s most iconic landmarks. Built in 1718 by Peter the Great as a summer residence for his wife Catherine I, this grand palace is set in lush gardens with stunning views of the city skyline. Take a guided tour through the palace or explore the gardens on your own.

Take a Day Trip

Tallinn is surrounded by a number of popular day trip destinations. Head to nearby Lahemaa National Park to explore its forests and coastline or take a ferry to the island of Saaremaa to visit its majestic castles and beaches. For a more urban experience, take a day trip to nearby Helsinki in Finland to explore its museums and galleries.

Tours in Tallinn

In addition to exploring Tallinn’s attractions on your own, there are plenty of tours that offer unique experiences around the city.

Tallinn Old Town Walking Tour

The best way to experience Tallinn’s old town is on foot. This walking tour takes you through the cobblestone streets and historic sites of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. From Town Hall Square to Raekoja plats to St. Olav’s Church, this tour covers all the must-see sights in old town. You’ll learn about Tallinn’s unique history from your knowledgeable guide as you explore this beautiful city. Book a Tallinn Old Town Walking Tour here.

Tallinn Food Tour

Taste some of Estonia’s most delicious dishes on this food tour of Tallinn’s best eateries. From traditional Estonian cuisine to modern eateries, you’ll sample dishes like herring with potatoes, kama (a grain porridge), and blood sausage as you learn about Estonian food culture from your guide. You’ll also get to try some local craft beers while you explore this vibrant city. Book a Tallinn Food Tour here.

Tallinn Sightseeing Tour

This comprehensive tour takes you through all of Tallinn’s must-see sights. From Kadriorg Palace to Toompea Castle to Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, you’ll explore all of the city’s iconic landmarks with your knowledgeable guide. You’ll also learn about Tallinn’s unique history as you make your way around this charming city. Book a Tallinn Sightseeing Tour here.

Tallinn Pub Crawl

Experience Tallinn’s bustling nightlife scene on this pub crawl through some of the city’s best bars and clubs. From craft beer bars to rooftop terraces to traditional pubs, you’ll sample some of Tallinn’s most popular drinks as you make your way around the city with your knowledgeable guide. Book a Tallinn Pub Crawl here.

Conclusion

From its cobblestone streets and historic old town to its vibrant nightlife and modern amenities, Tallinn is an enticing destination that has something for everyone. Whether you’re looking to explore its cultural sites or sample its traditional cuisine, there is no shortage of activities and attractions in this charming city. And with plenty of tours available for first-time visitors, you can easily experience all that Tallinn has to offer in no time at all!