Away With The Steiners

15 Best Things To See And Do In Fairytale Tallinn, Estonia.

Sarah Steiner

The Estonian capital of Tallinn is often described as a fairy tale city, and it’s hard to argue with those accounts.  There are lots of historic and fairy-tale-like things to do in Tallinn, Estonia that make it unique.

It is assuredly the most varied of the Baltic capitals.  Tallinn has a fascinating blend of Medieval history, post-Soviet independence, hipster culture, and gorgeous views that make it fun to wander – and certainly interesting to taste! 

Here are the top things to do in Tallinn with 1 – 2 days in the Estonian capital. 

About Estonia

Estonia is a country in northeastern Europe and the northernmost of the three Baltic states. Linguistically it has ties to Finland.  Though Estonia has a mixed history of rulers and influence. 

The country was ruled at various times during the middle ages by Denmark, the German knights of the Livonian Order, and Sweden.  Following which Estonia ended up as part of the Russian Empire in the 18th Century.

Since regaining its independence with the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, Estonia has become one of the most economically successful of the EU’s eastern European members. 

Viru Gate things to do in Tallinn Estonia.
Welcome to the incredible historic city of Tallinn.

Travel to Tallinn 

Tallinn is the medieval capital city of Estonia and one that is bursting with history, culture and fairytale views.  

The city’s iconic skyline is dotted with church spires and red-roofed towers.  Which for travellers – and any budding photographers or Instagrammers – makes for endless wows and beautiful backdrops. 

Tallinn’s Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a great walkable city to explore on a visit. 

What is the best time of year to visit Tallinn? 

The best time to visit Tallinn is generally between May and September in the summer months for pleasant weather and long daylight hours.  Or you could visit during the winter months for a magical, snowy experience!

We visited Tallinn in late May and had fantastic weather.

Getting there

Lennart Meri Tallinn Airport, just 4 km out of the city, connects the Estonian capital to over 50 European cities.  There are numerous low cost and budget airlines that fly to Lennart Meri. 

By road, Tallinn is not far from Riga or Vilnius. 

We arrived by road from Riga after crossing the border from Belarus into Lithuania. 

Or it is convenient to reach Tallinn by ferry from Helsinki.  There are multiple daily fast ferries and vehicle ferries between Estonia and Finland. 

Taking the ferry for a day trip from Tallinn to Helsinki, Finland.

Getting around in Tallinn 

Most of the things to do in Tallinn listed below are in the Old Town.  This part of the city is easy to get around on foot. 

To move around in the newer part of Tallinn, there are buses, trolleys, and trams available, and they run from 6:00am – 11:00pm at night.

How long do you need to visit Tallinn? 

It is good news for travelers on a short trip that most of the things to do in Tallinn are all within walking distance inside the Old City.  

If you have 1 – 2 days in Tallinn that is a great introduction to the historic town and culture of Estonia and the Baltic region. 

Plus, if you have more than 1 – 2 days in Tallinn you can take a day trip.  Or you can even take a ferry for the day from Tallinn to Helsinki, Finland! 

That is some serious history there right in the streets.

Things to do in Tallinn, Estonia 

In no particular order, here are some of the top things to do in Tallinn with one day exploring in the capital city of Estonia. 

1. Viru Gate

Enter Tallinn’s marvellous old town through Viru Gate, which was part of the city’s 14th-century extensive defence system. 

The Viru Gates were built as a protective barrier during the ages when the city was under attack. Some of the walls are gone today but the gate still stands strong and resilient.

Though note you will not be alone here!  This is the starting point for a lot of walking tours and group tours through the old city. 

The popular starting point for the Old City at Viru Gate.

2. Tallinn Flower Market

The Tallinn Flower Market, located on Viru Street near the Viru Gates and entrance to the Old Town, is a vibrant and important part of the city’s visual landscape. 

As soon as you enter through Viru Gate, take a left slightly uphill to find the flower market. 

Beautiful colours at Tallinn Flower Market.

3. Tallinn City Walls 

Did you know that Tallinn is nicknamed the ‘City of Towers’ as it has 21 defence towers still standing today? That is an incredible history that has been preserved in the old city. 

These historic city walls are part of the city’s iconic fairytale fame.  Plus they come with the good news that there are parts around the city where you can climb up the towers and walk along the walls.

Hellemann Tower and Town Wall Walkway. Look up!
Climbing up to the Town Wall Walkway.

4. St. Catherine’s Passage – Things to do in Tallinn

This is one of the (another of) very historic streets of the old city.  It is a charming, cobbled lane that is thought to have been built more than 700 years ago. 

The street runs from Müürivahe Tänav, on the edge of the old town next to the Hellemann Town Wall, near Viru Gate, emerging into the heart of the old town.

Historic St. Catherine’s Passage.

5. Tallin Town Hall 

The Tallinn Town Hall is the oldest surviving town hall in Northern Europe.  The building is first mentioned in 1322.  So, the building history of the Town Hall goes back to the 13th century!

6. Town Hall Square – Things to do in Tallinn

This is the gorgeous, cobbled square surrounding the medieval Town Hall with other quirky shaped colourful buildings.  

The Town Hall Square is a busy part of the old city with lots of restaurants with umbrellas out front to enjoy a drink or a meal. 

Tallinn Town Hall and Town Hall Square.

7. House of the Brotherhood of Black Heads – Mustpeade Maja

The House of the Brotherhood of Blackheads is a former headquarters of the Brotherhood of Blackheads.  This was historically a professional association of ship owners, merchants and foreigners dating from the 14th century. 

The building was acquired by the organization in 1517.  Then in 1597 it was renovated. The façade was rebuilt in the style of Renaissance architecture with the painted doors dating from the 1640’s! 

If you have been to Riga, Latvia you might have seem a similar House of the Blackheads? 

This isn’t the main house but one of many historic houses in Tallinn.

8. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral 

This richly decorated mixed-style Orthodox church was completed in 1900 when Estonia was part of the Russian Empire.

It is somewhat of an architectural masterpiece adorned with onion domes and intricate mosaics.  

You need to take a walk through the old city to reach the cathedral up on the hill.  But definitely, do.  It is one of the most iconic things to do in Tallinn, Estonia. 

The last of the sunshine at famous Alexander Nevsky Cathedral.

9. Toompea Castle – Things to do in Tallinn

Toompea Castle is a medieval castle on Toompea Hill in the central part of Tallinn.  It is located next to the Alexander Nevsky Church.  Though the present Toompea Castle was built in the late 1700s. 

It is an understated castle but features a salmon pink exterior, white details, and the national flag and crest.  Which on its own makes it pretty impressive to look at! 

10. St. Olaf’s Church – Things to do in Tallinn

The beautifully towering St Olaf’s Church is the tallest medieval building in Tallinn.  It was named after Norwegian King Olaf II Haraldsson. 

The church was built on the site of the 12th century trading court of Nordic merchants.  Which in years-old architecture, is again just incredible.

St. Olaf’s Church is the tallest medieval building in Tallinn.

11. Bohemian Kalamaja – Tallinn Bohemian Quarter 

Kalamaja is a neighbourhood in Tallinn known for its hipster residents, colourful clapboard houses, bohemian atmosphere, and phenomenal food scene.  But it is one of Tallinn’s oldest neighbourhoods, with roots as a fishing village. 

These days it is one of the best preserved wooden architecture areas in Tallinn and Estonia. 

Though it is moreover the fact that it houses trendy boutiques, flea markets, plenty of excellent restaurants, eateries, pubs and coffee shops that makes it one of the popular things to do in Tallinn today. 

12. Patkuli Viewing Platform 

If the views and panoramic photos are important to you, put this lookout on your list of things to do in Tallinn. This viewing platform has the kind of fairytale view looking out over the Old City! 

There is also the Kohtuatsa Viewing Platform not far away.  Both of these lookout points are worth the walk to get up to.  They give an idyllic and enchanting view of the Old Town of Tallinn.

Skyline views from one of the city wall lookout points.

13. Balti Jaama Market

This is the renovated Baltic Station Market where local people can buy and sell food, manufactured goods, antiques and much more. 

There are almost 300 different merchants and shops at the market and a whole lot of small eateries and coffee shops. 

One of many markets inside the Old City.

14. St Mary’s Cathedral 

St Mary’s Cathedral is the oldest church in Tallinn, dating back to 1233. 

It is a Lutheran cathedral church located on the Toompea Hill in the medieval central part of Tallinn.  In this part of the old city it was the only building in Toompea which survived the Great Fire of 1684.  

15. Cat’s Well – Things to do in Tallinn

This is a cool stop on your explorations and another one of the unique things to do in Tallinn.  

The Cat’s Well is a wheel well on the corner of Rataskaevu and Dunkri in the Old Town that was once one of the main sources of water for the Tallinn.

According to legend, some of the locals got it into their heads that an evil water spirit lived in the well and threatened to make all the town’s wells run dry if it wasn’t given regular animal sacrifices. 

To keep the spirit happy, some cattle and sheep carcasses were thrown down the well, but the main victims were stray cats, who were rounded up and tossed, sometimes live, down the shaft. 

This practice was so common that the locals started calling this watering hole ‘Cat’s Well’! 

The legendary Cat’s Well in Tallinn.

16. St. Nicolas’ Orthodox Church

St. Nicholas’ Orthodox Church was designed by famous architect Luigi Rusca and built in the early 19th-century. 

It is one of the most iconic churches in Tallinn, which perfectly translates the true spirit of the city.

Inside the very grand St. Nicholas’ Orthodox Church.

17. Tallin Historic Pharmacy

This pharmacy, located in Town Hall Square, was opened in 1422 and is still operating! 

It is by far the oldest pharmacy in Europe.

Other things to do in Tallinn, Estonia

If you have more time, there are plenty more things to do in Tallinn. 

KGB Prison Cell tour anyone?

Day trips and things to do near Tallin 

If you have more time, there are some great day trips and things to do near Tallinn.  

We had a fantastic day trip over to Helsinki, Finland on the ferry from Tallinn.  If you have one full day spare – this is an epic day trip! 

Entering the historic harbour market in Helsinki, Finland.

FOOD – Food to try in Estonia

Estonia is a unique blend of Scandinavian and eastern European influences – and its food is no exception.  The port town enjoys a lot of seafood as well as hearty dishes that are suited to the cold Baltic winters. 

But we found treats too! 

There are several small food markets around the Old City. Plus many of the restaurants and cafes advertise traditional Estonian meals. 

These are some of the Estonian foods to look out for in Tallinn: 

By the way, Pirukad are delish!  We bought some Pirukad from a small market in a courtyard on the way up to Toompea Castle. 

Pastries galore – and delicious coffee to match – at RØST Cafe.

Restaurants, cafes and where to eat in Tallinn

Albeit Estonia isn’t topping food destination lists for Europe.  But maybe it should be!  

There are some great, traditional pub-style old restaurants in the historic part of town.  Plus contrasting but trendy, mod versions of Estonian food to try nearer the port. 

There are also two Estonian restaurants in Tallinn that recently and proudly received a Michelin star: NOA Chef’s Hall and 180° by Matthias Diether.

The line-up at RØST Bakery.
Plus some less traditional albeit Estonian tastes too.

The verdict? Do you recommend the things to do in Tallinn? 

We had a fantastic few days in Tallinn.  With one day exploring in the Old City of Tallinn you can’t help but feel captured by the picturesque historic town.  

We hope you’ve enjoyed this list of the top things to do in Tallinn, Estonia.

And hey – why not explore the capital of Helsinki in Finland while you’re here?  It is pretty cool to realise that it’s just a ferry ride away!

PARKING – Where to stay in Tallinn with a motorhome

We had a great stay for five nights in total down near the Tallinn Port. 

Kesklinna – 5 Kai

There are toilets in the ferry terminal buildings.  Otherwise, there are parking spaces in an automatically tillered parking lot. 

We also drove for the afternoon to the historic Kalma Sauna – which we highly recommend! 

Experiencing the Kalma Sauna is one of the best things we did in Tallinn!

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