What are the 7 most incredible sights to see in Tallinn?

Located on the Baltic Sea in northern Europe, the Estonian capital of Tallinn is a beautiful and charming city full of culture, history, and a vibrant modern atmosphere. A city with ancient and historical monuments, archaeological sites, churches, palaces and castles, shopping streets, museums and art galleries, picturesque squares and narrow cobbled streets, and many unique attractions, its no wonder Tallinn is one of eastern Europe’s most popular tourist destinations. If you’re looking for the Top 7 must-see sights in Tallinn, then you’ve come to the right place!

1. Tallinn Old Town

Unsurprisingly, first on the list has to be the city’s absolutely stunning Old Town. The Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage site in its own right, its cobbled streets adorned with beautiful medieval mansions, guild-churches, picturesque squares, and colorful facades. The enchanting town hall, or Raekoda as it is called in Estonian, was built in the latter half of the 14th century and is one of the city’s key symbols. Today, its ground floor is often used as a venue for concerts and events.

2. Toompea Castle

Dominating the hilltop at the heart of the Old Town stands Toompea Castle. Built in the 13th century, it was originally a Russian stronghold and was followed by a string of other rulers, most notably being Swedes, who did much of the castle’s major renovations that we can still see today. Nowadays, it serves as the parliament building as well as home to many beautiful churches and Cathedrals.

3. Kadriorg Park

Located a short distance from the city center stands Kadriorg Park, one of Tallinn’s oldest parks which was constructed in 1718 for Peter the Great for his wife Katherine. It is home to numerous landmarks including the Kadriorg Palace, a Baroque-style palace built in 1718, and the Kumu Art Museum which features Estonian and foreign artwork from classical to contemporary.

4. Town Hall Square

The main hub of the Old Town is Town Hall Square, where visitors and locals alike are sure to find something interesting to do. Whether it’s going shopping in one of the numerous stores or relaxing with a drink on a cafe terrace, this place really feels like a crossroads between old and modern cultures.

5. St. Olaf’s Church

St. Olaf’s Church, located close to Town Hall Square, is an iconic structure that dominates the skyline of Tallinn. Dating back to 1267 it was once Sweden’s tallest building but after being severely damaged during bombing raids during World War II it was reconstructed in its present form in 1951.

6. KGB Museum

Also known as the “Museum of Occupations” this somber yet memorable attraction is dedicated to helping educate visitors about Estonia’s troubled history during World War II and the Soviet occupation. The museum’s narrative is presented through photos, medical tools formerly used by the Soviet KGB, items confiscated by security forces and executions weapons.

7. Telliskivi Creative City

The Telliskivi Creative City is an ever-developing area located close to the center of Tallinn that was once a goods railway station. However thanks to a creative urban renewal project it has been one of the fastest growing cultural neighborhoods in Europe for over 15 years now. A hub for local art, music and culture its nice to take an hour or two just to walk around and observe some of Estonia’s most creative professionals at work and have fun in some of its unique spaces!

So if you open up your bucket list for a perfect trip to Estonia, Tallinn should be high up on your list! Hopefully these top 7 sights can give you an insight into what this charming city has to offer and why it has become such a popular tourist destination over the years! To learn more about visiting Tallinn and what other sights to explore we recommend you visit this ultimate Tallinn Guide website, where you can find detailed information on where to visit and what to do while in Tallinn!

An Insider’s Guide to Tallinn: Discover the Real Gems of the City

If you’re planning a trip to Tallinn, the capital city of Estonia, you may already know about the famous Old Town, the Kumu Art Museum, and the Kadriorg Palace. But as a local, I can tell you that there’s much more to explore beyond the most obvious tourist spots. Here are some hidden gems that only insiders know about.

Local Attractions: Explore Beyond The Tourist Spots

While Tallinn’s Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a must-visit destination, the city has much more to offer. For a unique perspective on the city’s history, visit the Patarei Prison, an abandoned Soviet-era prison, fearsome and fascinating. If you want to enjoy the breathtaking views of the city from a different angle, take a ferry to the nearby island of Aegna. The island, untouched by modern tourism, offers stunning views of the Baltic Sea and forests, as well as a beautiful lighthouse.

One of my favorite spots in Tallinn is the Pelgulinna District, located in the northern part of the city, which is known for its colorful wooden houses, fabulous street art, and quirky bohemian vibe. The Old Botanical Gardens of Tallinn are another attraction that most visitors skip, but it’s a lovely place to relax, read a book, or have a picnic on a sunny day.

Dining Spots: Satisfy Your Taste Buds

Estonian cuisine is an intriguing blend of Nordic, Russian, and German influences, with lots of fresh fish, wild mushrooms, and game meats. For an authentic dining experience, head to Kaks Kokka, a high-end restaurant that offers a modern take on Estonian cuisine. Põhjaka, which is located in an old farmstead outside the city, serves up hearty farm-to-table dishes made with locally sourced ingredients.

For something more casual, grab a Kali, a popular Estonian soft drink and head to the Telliskivi Creative City, an industrial area that has been transformed into a vibrant cultural hub with street art, boutiques, and bars. Here, you’ll find numerous options for food and drink, from street food and craft beer to vegan and fusion cuisine, all under one roof.

Cultural Experiences: Embrace Tallinn’s Traditions

Tallinn has a rich cultural heritage that can be observed everywhere, from the Gothic spires of St. Olaf’s Church to the buzzing local market in Balti Jaama Turg. Make sure to visit the Estonian Open Air Museum, which showcases traditional Estonian farmhouses, mills, and windmills, and is a great way to learn about the country’s rural past.

The Must-see performances in Tallinn’s cultural calendar include the Song Festival, a massive choir and dance festival that takes place every five years, as well as eclectic music festivals like Tallinn Music Week, Jazzkaar, and Birgitta Festival. During the summer months, the medieval city center is transformed into a hub of cultural activity with open-air theatre plays and concerts filling the streets.

Local History: Discover Fascinating Tales

Tallinn’s history is fascinating, and you can learn about the city’s past beyond the Old Town walls. The KGB Museum, which is located in the Viru Hotel, reveals the dark legacy of the former Soviet occupation. The museum is a time capsule of espionage and surveillance in Soviet times, displaying authentic equipment, tools, and fixtures utilized by KGB agents. Another hidden-gem is the Estonian Maritime Museum, located in a former seaplane hangar in the Kalamaja district. It’s home to several restored historic seaplanes and creatively documents Estonia’s maritime journey over centuries.

Off-The-Beaten-Path Suggestions: Adventures & Unique Experiences

Looking to get outdoors and escape the hustle and bustle of the city? Head to Lahemaa National Park, just an hour’s drive from Tallinn. You can hike along the coastal cliffs, visit traditional fishing villages, and spot wildlife like elk or wild boar. For a truly remarkable experience, book a night at the Soomaa National Park, located in the Southern part of Estonia, offering vast peat bogs and flooded forests. Here, you can immerse yourself in the natural world, enjoy canoeing, and stargazing under an unpolluted sky.

In conclusion, Tallinn is a city full of diverse experiences. With this insider’s guide, you’ll be able to step off the beaten path, discover its secrets, and appreciate its unique beauty from an insider’s perspective.