Tallinn is one of Europe’s best-preserved medieval cities, uniquely blending history with modern Baltic lifestyle.
Estonia’s capital lies „opposite” Helsinki on the shores of the Baltic Sea. For centuries, it was an important trading center in the Hanseatic League. The city’s special charm lies in its success in preserving its authentic medieval atmosphere while maintaining a vibrant modern cultural life.
Table of Contents
Tallinn attractions
Old Town
Tallinn’s heart and one of Europe’s best-preserved medieval city centers has been under UNESCO protection since 1997.
Walking among the cobblestone streets, you can feel as if you’re taking a journey back to the Middle Ages. The 13th-15th century buildings, towered churches, and defensive walls preserve the former glory of Hanseatic cities in their original beauty. The Old Town consists of two parts: the Lower Town (All-linn), where merchants and craftsmen lived, and the Upper Town (Toompea), which was home to the ruling elite.
The Old Town’s streets feature countless medieval houses, guild halls, and merchant courtyards that now house museums, restaurants, and shops. With the Tallinn Card, you can enter many buildings for free or at a discount. Walking along the city wall, you can admire the well-preserved defensive towers and bastions, which are living witnesses to the city’s rich past.
St. Olaf’s Church
One of Tallinn’s most significant churches and also one of the city’s tallest buildings.
Founded in the 12th century, this church was Europe’s tallest building in the Middle Ages with its 159-meter tower. This made it visible far out at sea and served as a navigation point for sailors. The church was named after King Saint Olav, who played a key role in converting Norway to Christianity and was later canonized.
The church’s interior is built in impressive Gothic style, with high vaults and beautiful stained glass windows. The main altar and pulpit are also original medieval works. Climbing the narrow stairs leading to the church tower reveals a breathtaking panorama of Tallinn’s Old Town and the Baltic Sea. The view is particularly magical at sunset and dawn, when the city’s lights shimmer on the sea surface.
Town Hall Square
The center of medieval urban life remains one of the most important venues for social life today.
Among the colorful-fronted buildings surrounding the square stands the Gothic Town Hall, built in 1404 and still functioning in its original capacity. At the top of the building’s tower stands the statue of Vana Toomas (Old Thomas), the city’s patron saint and symbol. The Town Hall’s ground floor houses a museum, while special events are held in the representative halls.
Life bustles in the square year-round: in summer, outdoor concerts, art fairs, and cultural programs take place, while in winter, an atmospheric Christmas market enchants visitors. The medieval merchant houses surrounding the square now house restaurants, cafés, and local craft shops. Its special charm comes from the harmony between medieval architecture and modern urban life, creating a unique atmosphere.
Toompea Castle
The fortress standing at Tallinn’s highest point looks back on more than eight hundred years of history and is now the seat of the Estonian Parliament.
The castle hill was already a fortified place in the 11th century and took its current form under Danish rule. The castle’s history is closely intertwined with Estonia’s history: representatives of various occupying powers ruled here, and modern Estonian statehood was also born here. Within the castle walls is Toompea Castle, one of whose towers, Pikk Hermann, is a modern Estonian national symbol.
The castle grounds contain the imposing Alexander Nevsky Cathedral and numerous historical buildings that now serve governmental functions. The view from the castle is stunning: from here, visitors can observe all of Tallinn’s Old Town, the modern districts, and the distant Baltic Sea. The castle’s parks and gardens provide pleasant walking opportunities.
Viru Gate
One of the best-preserved parts of Tallinn’s medieval defense system and one of the city’s most iconic sights.
Built in the 14th century, the gate originally protected the city’s eastern entrance and was one of the main routes for Hanseatic merchants. The gate’s name comes from nearby Viru Street, which has always been an important trade route.
Passing through the gate, visitors enter the heart of Tallinn’s Old Town, where the medieval atmosphere immediately captivates them. Around the towers, remnants of the medieval city wall can still be found, along which we can take pleasant walks. The gate is particularly spectacular in the evening when spotlights illuminate the stone walls, and it maintains its historical dignity even among modern city lights.
Kiek in de Kök Tower
One of the best-preserved and most imposing bastions of Tallinn’s defensive walls, now functioning as a museum.
Built in the 15th-16th centuries, the tower’s name comes from the Estonian „kuld” (gold), referring to its protection of the city’s wealthiest part. The tower’s specialty is that its wall thickness reaches four meters in places, showing how seriously defense was taken in the Middle Ages. The tower presents the history of medieval armament and urban planning across multiple levels.
The museum’s collection includes medieval weapons, armor, and documents relating to the city’s history. The tower offers a beautiful view of the city’s northern part and the sea. Visitors can learn about medieval siege techniques and urban life. The tower’s surroundings are also special: walking along the medieval city wall, numerous other defensive towers can be discovered, which together create Tallinn’s unique medieval atmosphere.
Kadriorg Palace
Tallinn’s most elegant Baroque building was built by Russian Tsar Peter I in honor of his beloved, Empress Catherine.
Built in the 18th century according to plans by Italian architect Niccolò Michetti, the palace is a masterpiece of contemporary European court architecture. The palace’s name means Catherine’s Garden in German, well reflecting the close relationship between the building and the surrounding park. The building’s façade is decorated with rich stucco ornamentation, while the interior spaces are adorned with magnificent frescoes and gilded details.
Today the palace houses the Art Museum of Estonia’s Western art collection, where 16th-20th century European paintings and sculptures can be viewed. The exhibition includes works by Flemish, German, and Russian masters.
Kadriorg Park surrounding the palace is one of Tallinn’s most beautiful green areas, with carefully maintained flower beds, fountains, and walkways. The park is an ideal place for rest and enjoying nature from spring to autumn.
Alexander Nevsky Cathedral
Tallinn’s most imposing Orthodox church is located on Toompea Castle Hill.
Consecrated in 1900 at the end of the 19th century, the cathedral was built during the Russian occupation and was named in honor of Prince Alexander Nevsky, the patron saint of Novgorod. The building was constructed in typical Russian Orthodox style, with five onion-shaped domes and rich gilding. The church’s construction also served as a political message: it symbolized Russian power’s presence in Estonia.
The church’s interior is stunning: gilded iconostasis, magnificent frescoes, and colorful stained glass windows decorate it. Among the architectural details, the rich mosaics and handmade icons, which are works of Russian masters, stand out. From the square in front of the cathedral, there’s a wonderful view of the city and the sea.
Kohtuotsa Viewing Platform
One of Tallinn’s most spectacular panoramic terraces is located on Toompea Castle Hill.
The viewpoint, meaning „behind the court”, got its name from the nearby former courthouse building. Due to the terrace’s special position, it provides a perfect view of Tallinn’s Old Town, modern districts, and the distant sea. From here, the Old Town with its towered churches and colorful rooftops is best visible.
The terrace is a popular spot among photographers and romantic strollers, especially at sunset when the golden light creates a special atmosphere. Several small restaurants and cafés can be found in the area.
Rotermann Quarter
One of Tallinn’s most dynamically developing districts has transformed from 19th-century industrial heritage into a modern creative colony.
The quarter was named after Christian Barthold Rotermann, a German-origin entrepreneur who built a significant industrial complex here in the 19th century. The former brick factories, mills, and warehouses now house creative offices, designer shops, galleries, and trendy restaurants.
During the conversion of the old factory buildings, special attention was paid to preserving the original industrial character while incorporating modern functions. Street art works and modern sculptures decorate the walls on the streets, creating an interesting contrast with the historical brick walls.
Wooden Houses of Valgevase
One of Tallinn’s most charming old districts, where examples of 19th-20th century Estonian wooden architecture can be found.
Valgevase Street and its surroundings offer visitors a special time journey: the colorful wooden houses, flower-decorated gardens, and quiet streets evoke the atmosphere of old Tallinn. These buildings represent Estonian architectural traditions, with carefully carved decorations and practical floor plans. Most of the houses still function as residential buildings today.
The area is best explored on foot: the wooden fences, traditional window sills, and typical Estonian color scheme reveal new details at every step. This district is a perfect example of how traditional architectural values can be preserved alongside modern urban development.
Stroomi Beach
Tallinn’s most popular beach and recreational area is a favorite meeting place for locals and tourists.
Located on the Baltic Sea shore, the beach attracts bathers during summer months with its wide sandy shore and clean water. The beach’s surroundings are carefully designed: walkways, playgrounds, courts, and picnic areas are available to visitors.
Stroomi Park, stretching behind the beach, offers additional recreational opportunities: bicycle paths, running tracks, and wooded walking trails. In winter, when the sea freezes, the area provides special winter sports opportunities.
Estonian Open Air Museum
In the museum, Estonian folk architecture and traditions come to life.
On the 84-hectare area, more than 70 buildings from different regions of Estonia can be found, presenting 18th-20th century rural life. Complete villages have been reconstructed on the museum grounds with original buildings: peasant houses, windmills, schools, and churches. Each building contains period furniture, tools, and household items that provide an authentic picture of Estonian rural life.
Its specialty is that it’s not just a static exhibition: periodic programs demonstrate traditional craft techniques, hold folk music concerts, and prepare traditional foods. Visitors can try old crafts, become acquainted with Estonian folk costumes and traditions.
The museum area is also a nature conservation area: forests, meadows, and small lakes make the landscape varied. It’s especially recommended for families, where children can playfully become acquainted with Estonian culture and history.
All information can be found here!
Seaplane Harbour Maritime Museum
One of Tallinn’s most modern and interactive museums presents Estonia’s maritime heritage.
The museum is housed in a former seaplane hangar, whose imposing concrete dome is an architectural sight in itself. The exhibition centers around the Soviet submarine named Lembit, through which visitors can walk and experience the conditions of submarine life. Among the museum’s other special equipment is the icebreaker ship Suur Tõll and numerous historical watercraft.
Interactive exhibitions allow visitors to virtually control ships, become acquainted with navigation secrets, and try maritime equipment. The museum pays special attention to the Baltic Sea’s history and ecology. For children, separate playgrounds and educational programs are offered where they can learn about the sea world while having fun. From the museum’s roof terrace, there’s a beautiful view of Tallinn Bay and the historic district.
All information can be found here!
Kumu Art Museum
Estonia’s largest and most significant art museum is a masterpiece of contemporary architecture.
The building designed by Finnish architect Pekka Vapaavuori opened in 2006 and the building itself is a work of art: the modern glass-steel structure harmoniously fits into the natural environment of Kadriorg Park. The museum’s name is an abbreviation of „Kunstimuuseum” and is the most important guardian of Estonia’s artistic heritage.
The collection spans from the 18th century to the present, encompassing Estonian art and showing Baltic German, Russian, and international influences as well. The exhibition chronologically follows the development of Estonian art from Romanticism through the Soviet era to contemporary art. Particularly valuable are the works of Estonian painters from the first half of the 20th century and documents of nonconformist artistic movements from the Soviet period.
All information can be found here!
Tallinn weather: when is the best time to travel?
Tallinn has a northern continental climate, which means moderate summers and cold, snowy winters, with the moderating effect of the Baltic Sea’s proximity.
Spring (March-May):
Spring gradually warms up, with average temperatures ranging between 2-15°C. Snow is still frequent in March, but from April it becomes pleasant to walk in the city. In May, the beginning of white nights provides a special experience when the sun sets only for a short time. Precipitation is moderate, and nature’s awakening provides a beautiful sight in the parks.
Summer (June-August):
Summer is pleasant and relatively dry, with average temperatures of 15-25°C. This is the brightest time of the year when, due to white nights, it’s light from 4 AM to 11 PM. Precipitation usually occurs in the form of short showers. It’s an ideal time for sightseeing, outdoor programs, and beach activities.
Autumn (September-November):
Autumn brings varied weather with temperatures between 5-15°C. September still has pleasant weather, but in October-November, rain and wind become more frequent. Autumn foliage colors are particularly beautiful in parks and the open-air museum. The first snowfall usually arrives in November.
Winter (December-February):
Winter is cold and snowy, with temperatures ranging between -5 and +2°C. The city covered in snow takes on a special atmosphere, especially at Christmas. Days are short, but winter sports and Christmas markets bring warmth. January-February have the strongest cold.
Best time to travel:
For visiting Tallinn, the most ideal period is late spring and summer (May-August), when days are longest, weather is pleasant, and all attractions are accessible. Early autumn (September) is also an excellent choice due to fewer tourists and beautiful autumn colors.