Tourist Attractions in Tallinn

The most interesting and beautiful tourist sites in Tallinn

Photos, reviews, descriptions, and links to maps

About Tallinn

Throughout the eight centuries of its existence, Tallinn has been in many hands. The fortress and port on the Baltic Sea has been fought over at various times by knightly orders, Sweden and the Russian Empire. As a result, the modern capital of Estonia has become a mixture of different cultures, architectural styles and traditions.

Old Tallinn is a classic example of medieval cities of Northern Europe. In the centre there is a fortified fortress with thick walls where the parliament meets, stone streets with pointed-roofed houses diverge from the main square, and the bell towers of ancient churches rise above the quarters.

The capital of Estonia is the main cultural centre of the country. Here are the main museums, theatres and concert venues. Festivals and festive processions are organised in the city streets throughout the year.

Top-30 Tourist Attractions in Tallinn

Vanalinn

A medieval-inspired urban neighbourhood where the main historical sights are concentrated. It is a tangle of stone streets and squares, ancient churches, town halls and merchant guild houses. Since 1997, the neighbourhood has been included in the UNESCO List of Historical Heritage. The Old Town consists of the Lower Town and the Upper Town. In the past centuries, the Upper Town (Vyshgorod) was mainly inhabited by aristocrats.

Tallinn Town Hall

 4.7/5

8539 reviews

The square with the tower is the very centre of the Old Town. Public executions used to take place in Town Hall Square, and caught thieves were tied to the shame pole. Tallinn Town Hall is an architectural monument of the 14th century, built in the Gothic style of Northern Europe. The building is used for various state receptions and other events; on other days it is open to the public for a small fee.

Open time

Town Hall Pharmacy

 4.6/5

466 reviews

The oldest pharmacy in Europe, which opened its doors in the first half of the 15th century. At the end of the 16th century, the building was leased to Johann Burkhardt, who started a dynasty of pharmacists who ran the pharmacy for over 300 years. The pharmacy continues to sell medicines, and there is a museum in one of the rooms where you can look at ancient medical instruments. Sweets and souvenirs are also sold on the premises.

Open time

Monday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday: Closed

Freedom Square

 0/5

One of the city squares, which appeared in the 19th century on the site of a destroyed Swedish bastion. In the early 20th century, the area was paved with stone and market stalls were removed. The main attraction of the square is a modern monument from 2009 in honour of the victory of Estonian troops in the War of Independence in 1918-1920. Official events, concerts and sports competitions are often held here.

Nunnatorn ja linnamüüri platvorm

 4.6/5

616 reviews

A very well-preserved fence that defended the city in the Middle Ages. Sections of the wall with a total length of 2 kilometres and several towers from the 14th century have survived. During the heyday of Tallinn, some sections of the wall were 14-16 metres high and up to 3 metres thick. The wall was considered one of the strongest and most reliable in Northern Europe. In past centuries, some of the towers served as prisons.

Open time

Monday: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Thursday: Closed
Friday: 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Saturday: 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Sunday: 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Maiden Tower Museum-Cafe

 4.4/5

316 reviews

One of the towers of the fortress wall, which according to the first version served as a prison for women of easy behaviour, unfaithful wives and disobedient brides, and according to the second version was a shelter for white women. The tower was built in the 13th century together with the city wall and was destroyed several times during the siege of the city. After the reconstruction in 2013, a museum and a café with a picturesque view of the Old Town were opened in the premises.

Open time

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Thursday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Friday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Fat Margaret's Hostel

 4.3/5

1134 reviews

The most imposing tower of the city wall is 20 metres high and 25 metres in diameter. The walls are 5.2 metres thick. The structure was built in the 16th century, and the nickname “Fat Margarita” stuck to it a couple of centuries later. The imposing structure defended the Tallinn Treasury and the harbour entrance. The tower houses the Maritime Museum, where you can learn about the history of seafaring and fishing in Estonia.

Open time

Kiek in de Kök Museum and Bastion Tunnels

 4.6/5

2663 reviews

Another city defence tower, which was erected in the 15th century. Its name means “look into the kitchen” in Saxon. The tower got this name because from its top the city guards could watch the housewives in the kitchens of the city houses. Nowadays, the tower houses a museum with a collection of weapons. It is also the starting point for a tour of Tallinn’s dungeons.

Open time

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Thursday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Friday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Viru Gate

 4.7/5

10054 reviews

The medieval gate from which Viru Street (one of the city’s main tourist alleys) starts leading to the Town Hall Square. The gate is located in the eastern part of the city wall. Several centuries ago it served as one of the main entrances to the city. The structure has survived almost unchanged. The structure seems to separate modern Tallinn from the Old Town, which is why it is a symbol for the locals.

Open time

Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Open 24 hours

St. Catherine's Guild

 4.1/5

23 reviews

A small street in the Old Town with buildings dating back to the 15th and 17th centuries. The place is also known as the Craftsmen’s Court, as it is home to numerous workshops that make souvenirs from leather, ceramics and glass. In Katarina Lane, tourists can buy a unique piece of Tallinn memorabilia. In summertime, street cafes serve dishes based on ancient recipes, and the real atmosphere of bygone eras reigns around.

Open time

Monday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Thursday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Friday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday: Closed

St Mary's Cathedral

 4.5/5

1365 reviews

The main Estonian Lutheran church, the construction of which began in the 13th century. The Estonian name of the church is Toomkirik, officially it is called St Mary’s Cathedral. Many representatives of noble German families are buried here. One of the famous tombs of the cathedral is the tomb of navigator Ivan Krusenstern. Free organ concerts are regularly held in the Dome Cathedral.

Open time

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Alexander Nevsky Cathedral

 4.6/5

6653 reviews

Tallinn’s main Orthodox church, built in the 19th century at the expense of representatives of the large Russian community. The locals still perceive it as a symbol of the “forced Russification” of the population. The cathedral was to be demolished in 1928. In 1990, after the fall of the Soviet Union, the church and all its property was given to the newly formed Estonian government, and now the Orthodox Church rents it for services.

Open time

Monday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Thursday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Friday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Sunday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM

St. Charles's Church

 4.7/5

888 reviews

Neo-Gothic Lutheran church of the 19th century. Earlier on the site of the modern church stood a wooden chapel of St Anthony of the 17th century, which burned down during the Great Northern War. The facade of the building is decorated with a German clock of the early 20th century. The Kaarli parish is now a functioning Lutheran church, where regular services are held and concerts of classical instrumental music are organised.

Open time

Monday: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Tuesday: 2:00 – 6:00 PM
Wednesday: 2:00 – 6:00 PM
Thursday: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Friday: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Saturday: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Sunday: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM

St Olaf's church

 4.6/5

3443 reviews

Otherwise known as the Oleviste Church. A 16th century church with a spire 124 metres high. For decades this tower was the highest in Europe. The spire served as an excellent landmark for ships entering the city harbour. The height of the tower is also its misfortune – it was struck by lightning eight times, and the church burned three times. Inside, the church is decorated with numerous Gothic vaults creating a complex geometric weave.

Open time

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday: Closed
Thursday: Closed
Friday: Closed
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: 9:30 AM – 2:00 PM

Pirita Convent Ruins

 4.6/5

2170 reviews

The abode is located in the north-eastern part of Tallinn. At the beginning of the 15th century it was considered the largest in the whole of Livonia. The building did not last long – during the Livonian War the monastery was destroyed by Ivan the Terrible’s army and since then it has been in ruins. Only the outer frame and the staircase on the bell tower have been preserved. In 2001, a new building was erected nearby, where the nuns of the Order of St. Brigitta settled.

Open time

Monday: 12:00 – 6:00 PM
Tuesday: 12:00 – 6:00 PM
Wednesday: 12:00 – 6:00 PM
Thursday: 12:00 – 6:00 PM
Friday: 12:00 – 6:00 PM
Saturday: 12:00 – 6:00 PM
Sunday: 12:00 – 6:00 PM

St. Nicholas' Church and Museum

 4.6/5

1642 reviews

In the Middle Ages, Niguliste was one of the city’s main churches. It is believed to have been laid out in the 13th century and rebuilt several times over the following centuries. In 1944, Niguliste was severely destroyed in a bombing raid and many of the art treasures inside were lost. In 1984, after 30 years of restoration, the building was opened as a museum and concert hall.

Open time

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Holy Spirit Church

 4.6/5

365 reviews

One of the churches where the Catechism was first heard in Estonian. The oldest city clock from the 17th century, which is still in operation today, is installed on the facade of the church. The church is closely connected with the development of Estonian national culture. Inside there are 57 paintings depicting biblical scenes. The paintings were specially placed here so that illiterate citizens could familiarise themselves with the Bible.

Open time

Monday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Eesti Kunstimuuseum

 4.7/5

5013 reviews

A modern museum built in 2006, designed by Finnish architect Vapaavuori. The museum complex is a high-quality example of new architecture, a stylish building made of glass and greenish stone. The building is surrounded by the picturesque Kadriorg Park. Kumu exhibits collections of Estonian masters from the 18th to 21st centuries. The exhibitions, divided into time periods, can be viewed in several thematic halls of the gallery.

Open time

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Lennusadam

 4.8/5

15198 reviews

A naval museum located in former aircraft hangars. It displays real military equipment that took part in battles: submarines, ships, aeroplanes and even a steam icebreaker. Many exhibits are the only surviving examples of military equipment. The museum also has a cinema and a playground for small children.

Open time

Russalka Memorial

 4.7/5

3795 reviews

A monument designed by sculptor Adamson, dedicated to the wreck of a warship that sank in 1893. The ship went down as a result of a sudden 9-gale storm, 177 crew members were killed. After the elements subsided, search crews found only a few lifeboats. Further searches for the ship continued for 40 years. The monument was built with donations.

Open time

Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Open 24 hours

Kadriorg Art Museum

 4.6/5

6288 reviews

Artificially created park with a palace in lush Baroque style. The complex was built by Emperor Peter I for his wife Catherine. The area of the park is about 70 hectares. Here you can stroll along numerous alleys, admire fountains, gardens, flower beds and sculptures created by Estonian masters. Kadriorg’s landscapes are reminiscent of Peterhof and Tsarskoe Selo. There is a house-museum of Peter the Great in the park.

Open time

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Glehn's Castle

 4.8/5

859 reviews

An ensemble with a late 19th century park, located in the city district of Nõmme. The castle was built according to the project of Baron von Glen in the medieval architectural style on the slopes of Mustamägi Hill. Tallinn prisoners’ labour was actively used in the construction. In addition to the castle, the project included churches, a town hall, a mud bath and a post office. Apparently, the baron planned to build a whole city on this site.

Open time

Maarjamäe Castle

 4.7/5

1455 reviews

The former summer residence of the Count Orlov-Davydov family in the suburbs of Tallinn (the old name of the city was Revel). During their reign, the estate was named Marienberg in honour of the Count’s wife Maria. After the victory of the Revolution in 1917, the aristocratic family emigrated to Europe, and after a while the castle was used as the residence of the Dutch consul. Since 1975, it has been a branch of the Estonian History Museum.

Open time

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Toompea Castle

 4.6/5

693 reviews

The ancient fortress stands in the heart of Tallinn on the hill of the same name. The structure dates back more than seven centuries. The Estonian parliament sits on the territory of the complex. The fortress was founded by the Danish King Valdemar II. One of the watchtowers of the castle is the Long Hermann Tower, which reaches a height of almost 100 metres above sea level. The Estonian national flag flies at the top of the tower.

Open time

Monday: 8:30 AM – 5:15 PM
Tuesday: 8:30 AM – 5:15 PM
Wednesday: 8:30 AM – 5:15 PM
Thursday: 8:30 AM – 5:15 PM
Friday: 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed

Tallinn Song Festival Grounds / Tallinna Lauluväljak

 4.7/5

6952 reviews

An important cultural attraction of the Estonian capital. There is a shell-shaped bandstand and a sculpture of Gustav Ernesaks (a famous composer, inspirer and founder of the national Singing Festivals in the 19th century, which are held every five years). The field also hosts major music events, rock festivals and famous pop stars.

Open time

Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Open 24 hours

Tallinn Zoo

 4.6/5

9426 reviews

The zoo appeared in the Estonian capital in the 1940s. Now it is home to several thousand representatives of the world’s fauna. The main expositions are: bird park, animals of the Arctic zone, animals of the tropical zone, elephants. On the territory of the zoo there are circles engaged in the study of animals. A contact zoo and an adventure park with various interesting attractions are organised for children.

Open time

Monday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Estonian Open Air Museum

 4.7/5

4491 reviews

It is located 10 kilometres from the capital near Kopli Bay. The museum was founded in the 80s of the 20th century and is a complex of buildings from different periods of Estonian history: peasant houses, mills, churches, forges, fishermen’s huts and smithies. Here you can get acquainted with the life and culture of the local population. Visitors also have the opportunity to stroll through the picturesque park and take a breath of fresh air.

Open time

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM

Tallinn TV Tower

 4.6/5

7374 reviews

The tallest structure in the country, reaching 314 metres in height. The TV Tower is a popular tourist and cultural centre. People come here to visit the observation deck at a height of 170 metres, dine in the restaurant, watch interactive installations telling the history of Estonia and simply admire the futuristic interiors. The rebuilt TV tower was reopened in 2012.

Open time

Monday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Restoran Olde Hansa

 4.5/5

8817 reviews

The restaurant is located in the Old Town in the former house of a wealthy merchant. The restaurant attracts visitors with its ancient interior. Candles burn here, antique furniture stands, tables are served with elegant crockery, and live music plays in the evenings. Olde Hansa’s menu includes roast bear meat, stewed moose, rose petal pudding, cinnamon beer and many other dishes created according to old recipes.

Open time

Monday: 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM
Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM
Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM
Thursday: 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM
Friday: 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM
Saturday: 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM
Sunday: 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM