What are the Best Things to do in Tallinn, Estonia?

As one of the oldest still-standing cities in the world, there’s a lot to see and do in Tallinn, the capital of Estonia. With cobbled streets and medieval old town at its centre, stunning sea-side parks and bars, Tallinn has a lot to offer locals and tourists alike. With this in mind, let’s explore some of the best things to do in Tallinn, from must-see tourist sites to hidden gems and local favourites.

Exploring Old Town

The medieval architecture of beautiful Old Town Tallinn is one of the city’s biggest draws. Surrounded by a town wall and defended by a series of defensive towers, it is directly connected to the city’s rich backstory and is now home to a variety of structures including churches, guild houses and merchant stores. Its high cobbled streets, charming tiled rooftops, open green spaces and the iconic onion domes of Alexander Nevski Cathedral all make it a great area of the city to explore. Old Town Tallinn is also where you will find the bustling “Raekoja Plats’ market square, home to a variety of open stalls selling everything from traditional Estonian crafts to delicious eats like strawberry cream cake and locally-made hot chocolate. The square and surrounding areas are also very well connected with public transport, making it a great spot for visitors and locals to access other parts of the city.

Checking Out The View From Toompea Hill

The Bastion passages in Toompea Hill are some of the most impressive and awe-striking sites in Tallinn, full of preserved artillery and a variety of 17th and 18th century cannons. Toompea Hill was an important stronghold throughout Estonia’s medieval history, as it overlooks the rest of the city so any defense or offence can be spotted from here. Imagine leading armies down the narrow cobblestone passageways towards enemies. Nowadays however, those same views make it one of the most stunning viewpoints in the city. On a clear day you can see out to the Bay of Finland, combining both medieval history with incredible views – definitely worth a visit!

Spending Time In Kalamaja

Kalamaja is a hip district close to the centre of Tallinn where you’ll find old wooden houses, crafty cafes and cosy restaurants. This bohemian-feel district is full of art galleries, funky boutiques and vintage stores such as Telliskivi Creative City – an old factory now full of different shops and art galleries. The area is sometimes known as the “hipster corner’ of Tallinn but visiting this district is much more than buying overpriced clothes – it’s an exploration into making traditional things new again. The area is also full of parks, including Seaplane Harbour Park which is full of interesting sculptures, public art pieces and hands-on activities for all ages.

Hitting The Bars And Clubs On The Red Light Strip

Tallinn’s Red Light District is an essential (and often uncomfortable) part of any visit to the city. This district used to be an old RAF base but now boasts more than 40 bars and nightclubs – each with their own unique atmosphere. From traditional pubs serving up local beers like Saku and Le Coq to louder nightclubs playing EDM music until the early hours, there’s something for everyone here. The red light district is right beside the port in Telliskivi, close to the historic Old Town. It is one of the few places that stays open very late so you can get your nightlife fix until 3am or later! It’s also worth noting that this area is much safer than some people might think – it can be enjoyed without any danger.

Taking A Stroll Along Kadriorg Park

Kadriorg Park is a stunning baroque-style park located directly on the coast of the Bay of Finland just east of Tallinn’s old town. This grand park is filled with manicured gardens, period homes, meandering paths and plenty of nearby attractions for visitors to enjoy. The park offers many beautiful walks which take in everything from manor houses to small ponds, fountains and even petting zoos! It is also home to several stunning neoclassical buildings such as the Kadriorg Palace, home to the lovely Summer Garden Cafe where you can stop off for a spot of lunch in elegant surroundings. And if you want to spend some more time exploring the park after all your sightseeing, then try renting bicycles from bike rental stands close by – this way you can cruise around the park at your own leisurely pace!

Cultural Immersion At The Kumu Art Museum

The Kumu Art Museum doesn’t just host regular art exhibitions; it also hosts curated educational opportunities for people who are interested in art history and culture. It has a range of activities for visitors during its public display times, including guided tours, workshops and classes that cover everything from architecture to painitng. And aside from visual art, the Kumu also has concerts, film screenings and plays within its auditoriums – it really is like a little cultural haven in Estonia!

Wrapping Up: What Are The Best Things To Do In Tallinn?

Tallinn offers recreation in abundance, no matter what your interests are – sightseeing in Central Tallinn or finding hidden gems in Kalamaja or Cadriorg Park; experiencing culture and learning about history at highly acclaimed museums or strolling around chic boutique stores; or simply enjoying a beer and traditional Estonian food at local pubs or clubbing until early hours in Telliskivi/the Red Light District. With all this in mind it’s easy to see why Tallinn draws people from all around the world – meaning that you should definitely add this popular city to your list for an unforgettable holiday or an exciting few days away! For more information about planning your stay in Tallinn or for booking recommendations, consider taking a look at visittallinn.ee, where you can get detailed information about tourist sites, events, accommodation and more.