Things to Do in Tallinn

About Tallinn

Tallinn has one of Europe's best-preserved Old Towns, and you can walk from medieval towers to Soviet monuments to glass-walled tech offices in about twenty minutes. The Estonian capital doesn't choose between past and future—it keeps both. Gothic spires dominate the skyline. Cobblestone streets wind through the old city walls, where tavern light hits the same stones Hanseatic traders walked centuries ago. You'll find artisan chocolate shops, cafés serving sea buckthorn tea, and quiet courtyards that feel removed from any particular era. The Rotermann Quarter is all modern glass and steel. Estonia didn't just preserve history—it built a reputation as a tech hub while keeping the medieval core intact. The contrasts work. Brutalist Soviet buildings sit near 13th-century towers. Estonian folk traditions mix with Nordic design without feeling forced. Forests are close enough to reach in minutes, and locals treat saunas seriously. The Baltic Sea frames everything. Tallinn won't make you pick between old Europe and new—you get both, often on the same block.

Travel Tips

Transportation: Purchase a Tallinn Card for unlimited public transport plus museum entries. The Old Town is compact and walkable, but use trams 1 or 2 to reach Kadriorg Palace. Download the Elron app for convenient train tickets to nearby destinations like Lahemaa National Park.

Money: Estonia uses euros and is largely cashless – even street vendors accept cards. Tipping 10% is appreciated but not mandatory. Avoid currency exchanges at the airport; use bank ATMs instead. Many places accept contactless payments and mobile wallets.

Cultural Respect: Remove shoes when entering Estonian homes and some traditional restaurants. Maintain quiet voices in public spaces – Estonians value personal space and minimal small talk. Always ask permission before photographing locals, especially elderly residents in traditional dress.

Food Safety: Tap water is excellent and safe to drink. Try local specialties at Balti Jaam Market for real feel. Book restaurants in advance during summer. Avoid tourist traps on Viru Street; instead, explore Kalamaja district for genuine Estonian cuisine.

When to Visit

Summer (June-August) brings Tallinn's magical White Nights, with temperatures of 15-22°C and minimal rainfall (50-70mm monthly), but expect peak prices 40-60% higher and crowded attractions. The medieval Old Town Summer Days festival runs mid-July through August, while the Estonian Song Festival occurs every five years (next in 2025). Spring (April-May) offers mild weather (8-17°C), blooming parks, and 25-30% lower accommodation costs, though rain increases (40-50mm monthly). Fall (September-November) delivers impressive autumn colors, temperatures dropping from 15°C to 5°C, and excellent value with 30-40% savings, but prepare for frequent rain (60-80mm monthly) and shorter days. Winter (December-March) transforms Tallinn into a snowy wonderland with Christmas markets through January, temperatures of -5°C to 2°C, and rock-bottom prices (50-60% off peak season). The Tallinn Music Week in March and Black Nights Film Festival in November-December attract culture ensoiasts. Photography lovers should visit during the golden shoulder seasons, while budget travelers will find incredible deals in the atmospheric winter months. Families prefer the long, bright summer days despite the crowds.