Tallinn is the capital of Estonia and a great place to go for a European city break. From the traditional architecture of Tallinn Old Town to the hipster area of Kalamaja, there’s lots to see. We’ve put together a fun sightseeing itinerary for you to enjoy 3 days in Tallinn or more.
3 Days in Tallinn, Estonia
Start your visit to Tallinn in the picturesque Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Dating from medieval times, it’s remarkably homogeneous in style. Many of the roads are pedestrianized and the buildings have been beautifully restored.
Day 1 – Tallinn Old Town
Tallinn Town Hall Square, or Raekoja Plats, as it’s known in Estonian is a huge space where concerts are regularly held. This medieval square is also the setting for the popular Tallinn Christmas Market, with a huge spruce tree taking pride of place in the centre of the square. In fact, it’s thought that the first Christmas tree in the world was placed here in 1441.
The Town Hall dates from the 13th century and is the oldest town hall in the Baltics as well as the only surviving Gothic town hall in Northern Europe. From October to June during weekdays you can visit the interior by booking in advance.
There are quite a few good restaurants in Tallinn centre, including Olde Hansa and Pegasus. Check out our foodie guide to Tallinn for a list of our favourites.
Tallinn fortress was built in the 13th century. At Hellemann Tower you can climb up a wooden staircase to walk along the city walls. The adult entry fee is only 4 euros.
From the centre, it’s a short walk up Toompea Hill, a 7 hectare site where you’ll find Toompea Castle. Dating from 1767, it’s nowadays home to the Estonian Parliament.
It’s free to enter the castle but you must book in advance. Individual tours in English are held on Fridays and group tours take place each weekday.
Tallinn Old Town has several viewing platforms where you can admire the Old Town below. At Kohtuotsa viewing platform, there was previously a nostalgic sign on the wall, “The Times we had.” It’s hoped that this will be added back soon.
From here you have a bird’s eye view over the red roofs of Tallinn to the port and the Gulf of Finland. There’s an outdoor cafe on the square in the Summer months.
There ‘s often a seagull perched on the viewing platform walls, who happily poses for photographs. According to the Visit Tallinn website, he’s called Steven and he even has his own hashtag, #Steventheseagull.
Alexander Nevsky Cathedral is an Orthodox cathedral on Lossi Plats, built between 1894 and 1900 in a distinctive Russian Revival style.
Patkuli viewing platform is a few minutes walk away on Rahukohtu, with equally breathtaking views and cool wall art. On the wall below, the words “Save the camera honey. Enjoy the view” were previously painted. Although they had disappeared on our most recent visit, we hope that the words will be painted on the wall again in the future.
After taking in the views of the Town Hall and the harbour, take the 157 step staircase down to Toompark. In the centre of Tallinn, you’ll find some interesting statues such as Black Angus, a bronze bull by Estonian sculptor Tauno Kangroon on Viru 20.
The Happy Chimney Sweep can be found on Karjavarava Square and if you touch his coat buttons, it is thought to bring good luck. In the old days in Estonia, when people saw a chimney sweep they did all they could to touch the button on his coat.
Chimney sweeps used to have golden buttons on their uniform. It was considered especially lucky if you could get the button for yourself, so often you could see chimney sweeps with some buttons missing!
The city centre is an interesting mix of old timbered buildings in Gothic style and modern boutiques and restaurants. Estonia is known for its design and you’ll find lots of quirky and cool gifts in shops such as Tallinn Design House in the Rotermann district.
Day 2 – Kadriorg and Tallinn TV Tower
As Tallinn is quite a compact city, it’s easy to get to the outskirts quickly. Kadriorg is a tranquil district that’s home to a large park spread over 70 hectares and to Kadriorg Palace.
This magnificent building was constructed for Catherine I of Russia on the orders of Peter the Great and designed by Italian architect Niccolo Michetti. These days the palace houses the foreign art collection of the Art Museum of Estonia.
The ornate stucco ceiling of the main salon is very impressive. Catherine’s initials are visible on the blue plaques adorning the walls.
Kadriorg Museum and Library are situated close by, in the former Kadriorg Palace gatehouse, built in 1828. Inside, you’ll find information about Kadriorg Park and horticulture as well as regular exhibitions. If you’d like refreshments, there’s a cafe in the park, Katharinenthal, and also NOP Cafe and Shop close by.
A short drive from Kadriorg, Tallinn TV Tower stands proud at 314 metres high.
Opened in 1980, it offers spectacular views of the surrounding area from the 21st floor observation deck. There’s a fun interactive museum inside, with lots of photo opportunities as well as a cafe. The tallest building in Tallinn, it is also the highest open viewing platform in North Europe.
If you’re feeling brave, why not try the Tallinn Television Tower’s new attraction, Walk On the Edge. Accompanied by an expert guide and wearing a safety harness, you can walk beyond the safety barrier or sit and admire the view.
Day 3 – Kalamaja and at Seaplane Harbour
Tallinn is a city of contrasts and nowhere is this more apparent than in hipster Kalamaja. The area is a short walk from Tallinn’s medieval centre and is bustling with design shops and trendy restaurants. Originally Tallinn’s fishing harbour, many fishermen lived here in the 14th century and the name Kalamaja means Fish House.
Walking from the old town, you’ll come first to Balti Jaama Turg, the Baltic Station Market. Housed over two floors, and with almost 300 traders, it’s popular with locals. There are several food stalls and a supermarket on the ground floor, and vintage clothes and accessories on the top floor.
Next to Balti Jaama Turg, you’ll find Deppo, a huge vintage clothing emporium in a former warehouse, as well as Peatus, a cafe in a renovated railway carriage.
Kalamaja is a hotspot for street art, with some of the best examples being centered around Telliskivi Creative City. Many design companies are based here, as well as contemporary art galleries and fortnightly flea markets.
There are many cool restaurants in Kalamaja – some of the best are F-Hoone, Frenchy and Karbes Kitchen and Bar.
Kalamaja is known for its traditional timbered houses which are painted in bright multicoloured shades. In addition to individual houses like the one below, there are many apartment buildings that date from the 1920s and 1930s, characterized by their central stone staircases. There are quite a few to be found along Valgevase street.
Our final port of call is Lennusadam Seaplane Harbour, but before you go there, why not stop for something to eat at Tuljak. Located outside the city centre, with lovely views of Tallinn bay, it has a large terrace with firepits and a vintage Volga car.
It’s the sister restaurant of acclaimed eateries Noa and OKO. The 60s building has been stylishly refurbished and is now one of the best places to eat in Tallinn.
From here, it’s a ten minute drive to Seaplane Harbour, the most visited tourist attraction in Estonia. This huge maritime and military museum is located inside the impressive Seaplane Hangars.
Visitors can climb onboard the Lembit submarine, built in 1936 and try out the museum simulators. It’s one of the most fun Tallinn attractions for adults and children alike.
There’s a large cafe on the upper level and outside, there are several ships that you can board, including the largest steam powered icebreaker in Europe.
How to Get to Tallinn
Tallinn Airport, or Lennart Meri Tallinn Airport to give its full name, has direct flights from most major European cities. It’s just 4 kilometres from Tallinn centre and the journey time is around 10 minutes. You can reach the centre by taxi, tram number 4 or bus number 2.
In Conclusion: 3 Days In Tallinn Estonia
Have you ever been to Estonia? We can highly recommend a visit to this country for its amazing Estonian food, forward thinking people and fascinating attractions.
In addition, Tallinn is a great place for a coolcation – aka a vacation in a cooler climate where you won’t swelter in the heat.
Read all our Estonia travel features here.
For other suggestions on what to see in Eastern Europe, check out these articles:
You might also enjoy reading:
Like this Tallinn itinerary? Pin for later or share with friends.
Looking for more travel hacks and tips? From hidden gems to unique experiences, we’ve got you covered.
Join us on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest and Twitter.
In association with Visit Estonia
