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If you are in Estonia there are a number of destinations that you’d be hitting. Jam-packed with popular tourist attractions, picking what to see in Tallinn may be difficult for tourists with limited time.
And in this Tallinn blog I’ll share with you some of my top things to do in Tallinn.
An itinerary of 5 days is good to see the most popular tourist attractions in Tallinn. But if you can add 2-3 days more you’d be able to experience rather than ‘see’ that an ordinary tourist does. So, without further ado, let me present you some of the best things to do in Tallinn, top things to do in Tallinn and some helpful travel tips.
1. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral
Alexander Nevsky Cathedral is a majestic Cathedral standing tall in the city of Tallinn, Estonia.
Classical music concerts and organ recitals are held on a regular basis within the Basilica. You will observe the rows of richly decorated arches and columns on the front.
Quick Facts:
- Brought to life by the architect Mikhail Preobrazhenskiĭ, cathedral is a classic example of fine Russian Revival architecture.
- The cathedral was built somewhere around x19th-century.
- The cathedral belongs to the xOrthodox faith, but is visited by others too.
Address: Lossi plats 10, 10130 Tallinn, Estonia
2. Tallinn Town Hall
Tallinn Town Hall is a historic town located on the city’s main square in the heart of the city.
As the Tallinn developed so does the fortune of its city center, the beautiful Tallinn Town Hall is the testimony to that.
Quick Facts:
- Easy to get to Tallinn Town Hall is located in xold town of Tallinn.
- The town hall was built somewhere around x13th-century.
Without a doubt this wonderful town hall is one amongst the top things to do in Tallinn.
Address: Raekoja plats 1, 10114 Tallinn, Estonia
3. Toompea Castle
This majestically built building is the seat of the country’s government.
The parliament building is open for visitors when not in session.
The guided tour takes you to the most important sections and gives you insight on the history of the building.
Quick Facts:
- Toompea Castle is housed in a former castle designed in Baroque style.
- The parliament was built somewhere around x9th-century.
Address: Lossi plats 1a, 10137 Tallinn, Estonia
4. St Olaf’s church
St Olaf’s church, the centuries old landmark, is considered to be one of Tallinn’s most gorgeous churches.
A special feature of the basilica is its high altar and ceiling, which are both decorated with beautiful artwork. As this is a sacred location, anyone who want to enter are advised to cover their knees and shoulders.
Quick Facts:
- Some of the things St Olaf’s church features include xa 124 meters tower that withstood numerous lightning strikes.
- The church was built somewhere around x12th century.
- Evident throughout its structure is the Gothic architecture style.
An incredible sight, St Olaf’s church scores high in the list of the best things to do in Tallinn.
Address: Lai 50, 10133 Tallinn, Estonia
5. Tallinn TV Tower
Quick Facts:
- Some of the things Tallinn TV Tower features include xan observation deck at level 21 with a glass floor.
- This 314-meters tall structure is certainly magnificent to look at.
Address: Kloostrimetsa tee 58a, 11913 Tallinn, Estonia
6. Kumu
A museum in Tallinn dedicated to collecting and preserving arts.
The Kumu has enough to keep you spellbound for the better part of a day. Numerous luminaries of the era gone by may be found in the gallery here.
Quick Facts:
- It was in 2006 when it was established.
- It is actually Pekka Vapaavuori who is credited with designing this whole place.
With so much to offer, no wonder Kumu is one of the top things to do in Tallinn.
Address: A. Weizenbergi 34, 10127 Tallinn, Estonia
7. St Mary’s Cathedral
St Mary’s Cathedral is a charming old Cathedral located in the city of Tallinn, Estonia.
One doesn’t need to be an art expert to appreciate the elaborate detail and artwork on the front façade. The entrance features an elegant portico and a succession of magnificent archways.
Quick Facts:
- The cathedral is located on xToompea Hill.
- The cathedral was built somewhere around x13th century.
- It is built in a mix of architectural styles namely Gothic architecture, Baroque architecture.
- Some of the notable people who are buried here include Pontus De la Gardie, Samuel Greig.
Address: Toom-Kooli 6, 10130 Tallinn, Estonia
8. Estonian Open Air Museum
Estonian Open Air Museum is essentially an outdoor museum that comes with a life-size village.
The idea of Estonian Open Air Museum is to show coming generations how living in Estonia was before the modern times.
Qualified guides dressed in traditional attire will teach you about life and work in rural Estonia. Local handmade crafts are on display within the museum complex giving visitors an insight into the local customs.
A natural crowd puller, Estonian Open Air Museum is right up there in the list of best things to do in Tallinn.
Address: Vabaõhumuuseumi tee 12, 13521 Tallinn, Estonia
9. Seaplane Harbour Lennusadam
Seaplane Harbour Lennusadam is a maritime museum located in the city of Tallinn.
If you are into shipbuilding and sailing you will love this museum.
This intimate museum offers an exhibition of a range of maritime relics. With its varied collection, the museum dwells into the seafaring history of the region.
Quick Facts:
- Some of the things Seaplane Harbour Lennusadam features include xan old sunken ship dating from 1560s.
- It was in 2012 when it was established.
- Easy to get to Seaplane Harbour Lennusadam is located in xthe Tallinn aeroplane harbour.
- The maritime museum traces its origin back to x500- years.
Address: Vesilennuki 6, 10415 Tallinn, Estonia
10. Kadriorg Park
Kadriorg Park is a beautifully landscaped park spread over a large area in Tallinn.
Take a walk through this lovely park and simply enjoy the outdoors.
Find solace in this beautiful park, and spend an afternoon away from the hustle bustle of Tallinn. You can find various paths and trails leading you through the tranquil nature.
Quick Facts:
- The park was built somewhere around xthe 18th century.
- The park houses a small palace and a monument.
Without a doubt this wonderful park is one amongst the top things to do in Tallinn.
Address: A. Weizenbergi 26, 10127 Tallinn, Estonia
11. Raeapteek
One of the oldest pharmacy in the region which has been continuously running for a reallly long time.
Check out the attached museum which focuses on medicinal remedies.
Quick Facts:
- Some of the things Raeapteek features include xa medicinal museum enlisting medieval remedies.
- Easy to get to Raeapteek is located in xcentral Tallinn.
- The old pharmacy traces its origin back to x1422.
Address: Raekoja plats 11, 10146 Tallinn, Estonia
12. Estonian Maritime Museum
Estonian Maritime Museum is a maritime museum located in the city of Tallinn.
If you are into shipbuilding and sailing you will love this museum.
The naval exhibits which includes photos & model ships is quite informative. All through its interesting collection you can see the maritime history of the region coming out.
Quick Facts:
- Easy to get to Estonian Maritime Museum is located in xthe Fat Margaret tower.
- The maritime museum was built somewhere around x16th-century.
- The maritime museum was opened on 1935.
A natural crowd puller, Estonian Maritime Museum is right up there in the list of best things to do in Tallinn.
Address: Pikk 70, 10133 Tallinn, Estonia
13. Pikk Hermann
Pikk Hermann is a fortified medieval tower located in the city of Tallinn.
It was once part of the defensive walls which surrounded the city.
Quick Facts:
- Spread over 10 floors Pikk Hermann requires time to go through.
- The Medieval tower was built somewhere around x15th-century.
- Take a total of 215 steps to get to the top.
Address: 10133 Tallinn, Estonia
14. Tallinn Zoo
A nice city zoo sheltering a myriad of animals.
You’ll meet a wide array of primates including gorillas, orangutans and chimpanzees. Once you get in you will observe that the zoo’s animals seems to be well cared for.
Quick Facts:
- Spreading over an expanse of 87 ha, it’s difficult to see it all in one go.
- Also worth seeing here include xa ropes course.
- Tallinn Zoo was opened in x1939.
- Tallinn Zoo is also the final resting place of greats such as Pontus De la Gardie, Samuel Greig.
An incredible sight, Tallinn Zoo scores high in the list of the best things to do in Tallinn.
Address: Paldiski maantee 145, 13522 Tallinn, Estonia
15. Pirita convent
Pirita convent is a lovely old monastery or rather ruins of an old religious monastery.
The monastery once housed religious scholars and monks from all over the region and even from from far-away places. But with passage of time, it fell out of use, and turned into what you see today.
Quick Facts:
- Easy to get to Pirita convent is located in xthe district of Pirita in Tallinn.
- The Monastery ruins follows the Gothic art style, easily evident to a person with keen eye.
- The Monastery ruins is dedicated to xSt. Brigitta.
Address: Merivälja tee 18, 11911 Tallinn, Estonia
16. Eesti Kunstimuuseum
A museum in Tallinn housing some truly fantastic pieces of art.
Art expert or not, the Eesti Kunstimuuseum has enough to enchant you for an entire day. Inside, you’ll find a bewildering array of priceless works of art.
Quick Facts:
- It was in x1919 when it was established.
- The art museum’s collection include mainly Estonian art pieces.
Add it to your Tallinn trip if you have time.
Address: Valge 1, 10127 Tallinn, Estonia
17. Estonian History Museum
Estonian History Museum is an interesting museum located in Tallinn.
The museum comprises of numerous rooms housing archaeological collections, items of art and numismatics belonging to the region.
18. Church of the Holy Spirit
A beautiful addition to city’s architecture, Church of the Holy Spirit is a pretty old church located in Tallinn.
There is so much beauty in this church, from the front facade to the interior that it’s hard to choose a favorite. There is a cemetry on the church grounds, quite peaceful to walk around.
Quick Facts:
- A fine example of Gothic art, the church is a center of xLutheran faith.
- Some of the things Church of the Holy Spirit features include xartful clock.
- The church was built somewhere around x13th-century.
If you have time, it makes for a nice addition to your Tallinn trip.
Address: Pühavaimu 2, 10123 Tallinn, Estonia
19. Paks Margareeta
Paks Margareeta is a maritime museum located in the city of Tallinn.
If you are into shipbuilding and sailing you will love this museum.
Paks Margareeta presents well the history of ships and navigation in the region. The museum houses some of the best nautical memorabilia including scaled model ships.
Quick Facts:
- Some of the things Paks Margareeta features include xmuseum inside highlighting Estonian maritime history.
- Paks Margareeta is housed in a cannon tower from 16th-century.
Address: Pikk 70, 10133 Tallinn, Estonia
20. Freedom Square
Freedom Square is the main square located in the central Tallinn.
It is a part of the old town and a popular meeting point.
Add it to your Tallinn trip if you have time.
21. Jägala Waterfall
A visit to Jägala Waterfall is warranted for every nature lover.
And when you are tired after a busy day, sit and eat in the nearby cafe. But be careful if you come here in the rainy season, as it can quite slippery.
Quick Facts:
- This 8 m tall structure is certainly magnificent to look at.
Address: Koogi, 74224 Harju County, Estonia
22. Walls of Tallinn
Quick Facts:
- The old wall was built somewhere around x14th-century.
- The year 1997 (21st session) saw Walls of Tallinn being designated as a world heritage site.
If you have time, it makes for a nice addition to your Tallinn trip.
Address: Väike-Kloostri 1, 10133 Tallinn, Estonia Pending review
23. Telliskivi Creative City
Telliskivi Creative City is a neighbourhood for the youngs and hips.
The place is full of family-owned stores, thirft stores and small boutiques. If you are someone who appreciates art checkout the private art galleries putting up underground hits.
Address: Telliskivi 60a, 10412 Tallinn, Estonia
24. Pikk tanav
There are numerous businesses thriving on the street – antique shops, galleries, bookshops, patisseries and more. Hungary or thirsty, sit in one of many popular cafes and restaurants here.
If you have time, it makes for a nice addition to your Tallinn trip.
25. KGB Museum
An interesting museum in Tallinn showcasing relics from the soviet era.
The musueum has a room in the basement which functioned as a place of interrogation.
There are propaganda posters too, giving you an interesting insight on the media of the times.
Address: Viru väljak 4, 10111 Tallinn, Estonia
26. Patkuli viewing platform
If you have time, it makes for a nice addition to your Tallinn trip.
Address: Rahukohtu, 10130 Tallinn, Estonia
27. Tallinn Passenger Port
If you are interested in seeing a working port in action you are at the right place.
Quick Facts:
- The size of the harbor is around 75.9 ha (aquatory).
28. Tallinn Botanic Garden
Tallinn Botanic Garden is a large expanse of green located in the very heart of Tallinn.
The Tallinn Botanic Garden is divided into several section, with each having its own importance.
The plants come from different environments and climate zones. This includes tropical, subtropical, wetland, mountainous and plenty others. Flora and fauna from all parts of the world are on display here.
Quick Facts:
- Spreading over an expanse of x300-acre, it’s difficult to see it all in one go.
- The Botanical Garden is located on xthe right bank of the Pirita River.
- The Botanical Garden’s collection include xplants.
- The Botanical Garden was opened on 1 December 1961.
- Also worth seeing here include xeducational exhibits.
- The Botanical Garden is owned by Tallinn City Council.
Add it to your Tallinn trip if you have time.
Address: Kloostrimetsa tee 52, 11913 Tallinn, Estonia
29. Lahemaa National Park
Lahemaa National Park is a nature and animal reserve located not far from Tallinn.
As for wild life, a variety of animal and bird species is found here. You’ll discover numerous rivers and lakes in the park accounting for a large of its area.
Quick Facts:
- Spread over an area of 725 km², the National Park is located in xnorthern Estonia.
- Some of the things Lahemaa National Park features include xforests, bogs, trails, 4 manors.
- It was in 1 July 1971 when it was established.
30. Balti Jaama Turg
Balti Jaama Turg is a sprawling covered market with a number of stalls and shops.
Quick Facts:
- Also worth seeing here include xhip eateries.
Add it to your Tallinn trip if you have time.
Address: Kopli 1, 10412 Tallinn, Estonia
32. National Library of Estonia
A historical library with a great many collection of old books.
The historical library is free to enter and you can roam around and explore its different sections. Harbored in a beautiful building, National Library of Estonia is simply pleasing to look at.
Add it to your Tallinn trip if you have time.
Address: Väike-Kloostri 1, 10133 Tallinn, Estonia Pending review
But beyond the famous attractions in Tallinn, there is something that pulls you back again and again, perhaps it’s the city’s charm. In this Tallinn travel blog post, I have listed not just what to see in Tallinn but also what to do.
And it’s not difficult to create an itinerary that includes some of the best tourist attractions in Tallinn. So what are Tallinn sights to see or you have already been here? Let me know in the comments along with your tips and experiences.