Things to Do in Tallinn TV Tower
Tallinn TV Tower, Estonia - Complete Travel Guide
Tallinn TV Tower stands as Estonia's tallest structure at 314 meters, offering breathtaking panoramic views over the Baltic capital and beyond. Built in 1980 for the Moscow Olympics sailing events, this telecommunications tower has evolved into one of Tallinn's most popular attractions, combining Soviet-era engineering with modern observation facilities. The tower's unique design and strategic location on Kloostrimetsa hill provide visitors with unparalleled perspectives of Tallinn's medieval Old Town, the Baltic Sea, and the surrounding Estonian countryside stretching toward the horizon.
What makes Tallinn TV Tower particularly compelling is its dual identity as both a functional broadcasting facility and an entertainment destination. The observation deck at 175 meters height features interactive exhibits, a café, and on clear days, views extending up to 45 kilometers. The tower also offers adrenaline-pumping activities like edge walking around the exterior platform, making it appeal to both casual sightseers and adventure seekers looking for a unique way to experience Tallinn from above.
Top Things to Do in Tallinn TV Tower
Observation Deck Experience
The main observation deck at 175 meters provides 360-degree views of Tallinn and the Baltic region. Interactive displays and telescopes help identify landmarks, while the glass floor sections add an extra thrill for those brave enough to look straight down.
Booking Tip: Standard admission costs around €16 for adults, with discounts for students and seniors. Book online to avoid queues, especially during summer months and weekends. The tower is open daily but check weather conditions as fog can severely limit visibility.
Edge Walking Adventure
For the truly adventurous, edge walking involves being harnessed and guided around the exterior of the observation deck platform. This heart-pounding experience offers unobstructed views while you walk along the tower's edge at 175 meters above ground.
Booking Tip: Edge walking costs approximately €65-75 per person and requires advance booking as spots are limited. Weather dependent activity - strong winds or rain will cancel sessions. Minimum age restrictions apply, typically 14 years with parental consent.
Soviet History Exhibition
The tower houses fascinating exhibits about its construction during the Soviet era and Estonia's telecommunications history. Displays include original equipment, construction photos, and stories about the tower's role during Estonia's independence movement.
Booking Tip: Included with general admission ticket. Allow extra 30-45 minutes for the exhibition if you're interested in history. Audio guides available in multiple languages for an additional €3-5, providing deeper context about the Soviet period.
Tower Café Dining
The revolving café slowly rotates to provide changing views while you dine on Estonian cuisine and international dishes. The unique dining experience combines altitude with local flavors, making it popular for special occasions and romantic dinners.
Booking Tip: Reservations recommended, especially for window seats during sunset hours. Prices are premium due to the location - expect to pay €25-40 per person for a meal. The café operates during tower opening hours but may close early in winter.
Photography Tours
Specialized photography sessions take advantage of the tower's unique vantage point for capturing Tallinn's skyline, especially during golden hour. Professional guides help identify the best angles and provide technical advice for both amateur and experienced photographers.
Booking Tip: Photography tours typically cost €30-50 per person and last 2-3 hours. Early morning and late afternoon sessions offer the best lighting conditions. Bring your own equipment or inquire about rental options when booking.
Getting There
Tallinn TV Tower is located about 7 kilometers northeast of the city center in the Pirita district. Public transportation options include bus routes 1A, 8, 34A, and 38, with the nearest stop being 'Teletorn' just a few minutes' walk from the tower base. Taxis from the Old Town typically cost €8-12 and take 15-20 minutes depending on traffic. If driving, free parking is available on-site, making it convenient for those with rental cars. The tower is also accessible by bicycle via dedicated bike paths, though the route includes some hills that might challenge casual cyclists.
Getting Around
Once at Tallinn TV Tower, movement is primarily vertical via high-speed elevators that reach the observation deck in about 49 seconds. The tower has multiple levels accessible to visitors, including the ground floor exhibition area, the main observation deck at 175 meters, and the café level. All areas are wheelchair accessible via elevator, and the facility is well-designed for visitors with mobility limitations. The outdoor edge walking platform requires separate access and safety equipment provided by the operators. Clear signage in multiple languages helps navigate between different attractions within the tower.
Where to Stay
Food & Dining
The tower's revolving café offers the most unique dining experience with panoramic views, serving Estonian specialties alongside international cuisine at premium prices. For more budget-friendly options, the nearby Pirita area has several seaside restaurants and cafés, particularly around the Olympic Sailing Center. The short journey back to central Tallinn opens up the full range of the city's dining scene, from medieval-themed restaurants in the Old Town to modern Nordic cuisine in trendy neighborhoods like Kalamaja. Many visitors combine their tower visit with a meal in Kadriorg, where charming cafés and restaurants cater to tourists heading to or from the nearby palace and gardens.
Top-Rated Restaurants in Tallinn
Highly-rated dining options based on Google reviews (4.5+ stars, 100+ reviews)
When to Visit
The optimal time for Tallinn TV Tower is during clear weather conditions when visibility extends to the horizon, typically from late spring through early autumn (May to September). Summer months offer the longest daylight hours and warmest weather, but also bring the largest crowds and highest prices. Winter visits can be rewarding on crisp, clear days when snow covers the landscape, though weather conditions are more unpredictable and some outdoor activities may be suspended. Early morning visits often provide the clearest visibility before afternoon haze develops, while sunset timing offers dramatic lighting for photography. Weather can change quickly in the Baltic region, so checking conditions before your visit is essential for the best experience.
Insider Tips
Check the weather forecast and tower's live webcam before visiting - cloudy conditions can completely obscure the views and make the trip disappointing
Combine your tower visit with nearby Pirita Beach and Kadriorg Palace for a full day itinerary, as they're all in the same general area northeast of the city center
The tower offers special events like New Year's Eve celebrations and summer solstice parties - these provide unique experiences but require advance booking and cost significantly more than regular admission