Things to Do in Tallinn in April
April weather, activities, events & insider tips
April Weather in Tallinn
Is April Right for You?
Advantages
- Spring awakening without the crowds - April sits in that sweet spot between winter tourism and summer peak season. You'll actually have space to photograph Town Hall Square without elbowing through cruise ship groups, and restaurant reservations are still available with just a few days notice instead of the weeks you'd need in July.
- Longer daylight hours mean real exploring time - by mid-April you're looking at roughly 15 hours of daylight, with sunrise around 6:30am and sunset pushing past 9pm. That's enough light to do a full day in the Old Town, take an afternoon trip to Kadriorg Park, and still catch golden hour from Patkuli viewing platform without rushing.
- Spring pricing before summer surge - accommodation rates in April typically run 25-35% lower than June-August peak season. A solid three-star hotel in the Old Town that'll cost you 140-160 EUR in July goes for 90-110 EUR in April, and flight prices from most European cities haven't hit their summer premium yet.
- Cherry blossoms and spring festivals create actual photo opportunities - late April brings cherry blossoms to Kadriorg Park and the Japanese Garden, while the city shakes off winter with outdoor markets reopening. The Spring Days festival usually runs through April with concerts and cultural events that give you something beyond the standard medieval tourist circuit.
Considerations
- Weather unpredictability means you need a flexible mindset - April in Tallinn is genuinely variable. You might get a gorgeous 15°C (59°F) day perfect for walking the city walls, followed by a 4°C (39°F) morning with sleet. Pack for both scenarios because you'll likely experience both in the same week.
- Not quite warm enough for full outdoor enjoyment - while daylight is abundant, temperatures hover in that awkward range where outdoor cafes are open but you'll need a jacket, and seaside areas like Pirita Beach are technically accessible but not particularly inviting. If you're dreaming of leisurely outdoor dining, you'll be huddled under heat lamps.
- Some seasonal attractions haven't fully opened - the outdoor museum at Rocca al Mare operates on limited hours, beach facilities at Pirita aren't fully staffed, and some island ferries to Naissaar run reduced schedules. The city is transitioning out of winter mode but hasn't fully committed to summer operations yet.
Best Activities in April
Tallinn Old Town Walking Tours
April weather is actually ideal for exploring the medieval Old Town on foot - cool enough that you won't overheat climbing the steep cobblestone streets to Toompea Hill, but with enough daylight to see everything properly. The 1.9 km (1.2 miles) circuit of the city walls is manageable without the summer heat, and you'll have breathing room at major sites like Alexander Nevsky Cathedral and Town Hall Square. The occasional rain shower just adds atmospheric mist to those medieval alleyways.
Kadriorg Palace and Park Visits
Late April is when Kadriorg Park actually comes alive - cherry blossoms typically peak in the last week of April, and the formal gardens start showing color after the winter dormancy. The 70-hectare park is manageable in cool weather, and the Kadriorg Art Museum and Kumu Art Museum provide excellent indoor backup options if weather turns. The Japanese Garden here is one of the few in the Baltics and looks spectacular in spring.
Estonian Food Market and Culinary Experiences
April marks the return of outdoor market activity at Balti Jaama Turg and the reopening of seasonal food stalls. Spring ingredients start appearing - wild garlic, early rhubarb, smoked fish from local waters - and the cool weather makes market browsing comfortable rather than the sweaty summer crush. Food tours work well in April because you're walking between stops in pleasant temperatures, and indoor food halls provide shelter during those inevitable rain showers.
Lahemaa National Park Day Trips
April is borderline for Lahemaa - the park is about 70 km (43 miles) east of Tallinn and offers coastal landscapes, manor houses, and forest trails. Early April can still have muddy trails from snowmelt, but late April usually firms up enough for hiking. The advantage is zero crowds at places like Viru Bog boardwalk and Palmse Manor, plus you'll see spring migration birds. The downside is some facilities may still be on winter hours.
Seaplane Harbour Maritime Museum
This is your best bad-weather backup and it's genuinely excellent - a converted seaplane hangar housing a submarine you can board, historic ships, and interactive exhibits about Estonian maritime history. April's unpredictable weather makes having a solid indoor option essential, and this museum easily fills 2-3 hours. The location in Kalamaja district also puts you in Tallinn's hippest neighborhood for cafes and street art.
Sauna and Wellness Experiences
Estonian sauna culture is a legitimate cultural experience, not just a spa day, and April weather makes it particularly appealing. Traditional smoke saunas and modern wellness centers offer a warm respite from cool, damp days. This is what locals actually do when April weather turns grey - retreat to sauna, then maybe brave a quick dip in still-cold Baltic waters if you're feeling adventurous.
April Events & Festivals
Tallinn Music Week
Usually happens in late March or early April - this is the biggest new music showcase in the Baltics, with 200-plus artists performing across 20-plus venues in the city center. It's not a tourist event per se but rather an industry conference that spills into public concerts, giving you access to everything from experimental electronic to traditional Estonian folk. Venues range from proper concert halls to tiny dive bars in Kalamaja.
Spring Days Cultural Festival
Runs through much of April with various cultural events, concerts, and performances scattered around the city. This is Tallinn shaking off winter - outdoor markets reopen, street performances start appearing in Old Town squares, and cultural institutions launch spring programming. Not a single concentrated event but rather a month-long celebration of spring arrival.