Tallinn Things To Do: A Guide For First Time Visitors

Tallinn is the capital and largest city of Estonia, located along the Baltic Sea in northern Europe. It is a city steeped in history, with a long and storied past dating back to the 12th century. Tallinn is known for its picturesque old town, which is an UNESCO World Heritage Site, and for its vibrant culture, which is a mix of old and new. With its cobbled streets and centuries-old churches, Tallinn is a must-visit for any traveler looking to explore the rich history of the Baltics.

The city of Tallinn is home to around 400,000 people and is the cultural, economic, and political hub of Estonia. For centuries it was a bustling port city, trading goods between Europe and Scandinavia. Today, Tallinn is a vibrant city filled with activities and attractions to explore. From medieval castles to modern art galleries, Tallinn has something for everyone.

Tallinn is known for its unique medieval architecture, which can be seen in the old town. The old town is a well-preserved walled city that dates back to the 13th century. Here you can explore narrow cobbled streets, ancient churches, and stunning castles. The old town is also home to a variety of shops and restaurants, as well as numerous museums and galleries.

The city is also known for its vibrant cultural scene, which includes music, theater, and dance performances throughout the year. The National Opera House has been hosting performances since 1869 and offers a variety of both classical and modern theater productions. The city also hosts a number of festivals throughout the year, including the Tallinn Music Week in March and the World Village Festival in August.

Tallinn is also home to a variety of outdoor activities. In the summer months, visitors can enjoy hiking, biking, and swimming in the many lakes and rivers that run through the city. During the winter months, visitors can go skiing or snowboarding at one of the many ski resorts located around the city.

In addition to its many cultural offerings and outdoor activities, Tallinn also offers numerous tourist attractions. These include historic sites such as the Toompea Castle, the Town Hall Square, and the Kadriorg Palace. Visitors can also take in the views from the top of St. Olaf’s Church or explore the nearby Seaplane Harbour Museum.

To help you make the most of your visit to Tallinn, here are some of the top things to do in the city:

Explore the Old Town

The old town of Tallinn is a must-see for any visitor to the city. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is filled with cobbled streets, ancient churches, and stunning castles. Visitors can explore the old town on foot or by taking one of the many walking tours that are available.

Visit Kadriorg Palace & Park

Kadriorg Palace and Park are located in the eastern part of Tallinn and offer visitors a glimpse into the history of Estonia. The palace was built by Peter I of Russia in 1718 and served as both an imperial residence and a summer palace for Russian royalty. Today, visitors can tour the palace grounds, admire the magnificent architecture, or take part in one of the many activities offered in the park.

Check Out St. Olaf’s Church

St. Olaf’s Church is one of the most recognizable landmarks in Tallinn. This ancient church was built in 1267 and is named after King Olaf II of Norway. Visitors can climb to the top of the church tower to take in breathtaking views of the city below.

Go Shopping & Dining

Tallinn’s old town is filled with shops, restaurants, and cafes that offer visitors a unique shopping and dining experience. Visitors can find everything from traditional souvenirs to modern fashion items. The city also has a variety of restaurants offering both local Estonian cuisine and international dishes.

Take a Boat Tour

One of the best ways to explore Tallinn is by taking a boat tour around the bay. Boat tours depart from multiple locations throughout the city and offer visitors a unique view of Tallinn’s skyline as well as a chance to spot some of Estonia’s unique wildlife.

Visit Seaplane Harbour Museum

The Seaplane Harbour Museum is located near Kadriorg Park and offers visitors a unique look at Estonian naval history. The museum houses an impressive collection of aircrafts, submarines, boats, and more that were used during World War II. Visitors can learn more about Estonian naval history while exploring this fascinating museum.

Experience Tallinn Nightlife

Tallinn is home to a vibrant nightlife scene with numerous bars, clubs, music venues, and more. From trendy nightclubs to cozy pubs, Tallinn has something for everyone. For those looking for an authentic Estonian experience, check out one of Tallinn’s traditional pubs or taverns for some local beer or food.

Book a ‘Tallinn Old Town Tour’

This tour features a guided walking tour through Tallinn’s old town which will give visitors an inside look at this UNESCO World Heritage Site. With over 800 years of history, visitors will learn about Tallinn’s fascinating past while exploring stunning architecture and churches. The tour includes visits to some of the city’s most important sites including Toompea Castle, Town Hall Square, Kadriorg Palace and more. Tallinn Old Town Tour is a great way to get an overview of everything there is to see in this beautiful city!

Book a ‘Tallinn Craft Beer Tour’

For those interested in experiencing Tallinn’s craft beer scene, this tour takes visitors on a journey through some of its best breweries! On this tour you will visit several craft breweries and sample their products while learning about the history of Tallinn’s beer industry from your guide. You will also have time to explore some of Tallinn’s historic neighborhoods including Kalamaja and Telliskivi Creative City where you can sample local delicacies at local restaurants and bars. Tallinn Craft Beer Tour is an excellent way to experience local craft beer while learning about Tallinn’s history!

Book a ‘Tallinn Food Tour’

This tour will take you on an exploration of Tallinn’s culinary traditions while giving you an insight into its rich history! You will visit local markets where you will be able to sample various traditional Estonian dishes like sour cream pancakes as well as visit some iconic restaurants like Von Krahl that specialize in modern Estonian cuisine. During your tour you will also learn about Tallinn’s culture and hear stories about some of its historic landmarks like Toompea Castle. Tallinn Food Tour is an excellent way to experience local cuisine while learning about its culture!

No matter what your interests are, there are plenty of things to do in Tallinn for everyone! With its cobbled streets, medieval architecture, vibrant culture, outdoor activities, and numerous attractions, Tallinn offers something for everyone! So if you’re looking for an unforgettable city break destination, then why not come explore what Tallinn has to offer!