Things to Do in Town Hall Square

Town Hall Square has been Tallinn's main gathering place for over 800 years. This cobblestone square sits at the heart of Old Town's remarkably well-preserved medieval center, dominated by the Gothic Town Hall with its distinctive spire. The colorful merchant houses around it now hold cafes, restaurants, and shops. Total chaos during tourist season. Street musicians and seasonal markets add life to the ancient stones, while locals still cut through here on their way to work. The surrounding streets pulse with real neighborhood energy—not just tourist activity.

Restaurants around Town Hall Square lean touristy—but not necessarily bad. You'll just pay a premium for the medieval atmosphere, while better value and more authentic Estonian cuisine hides in smaller streets where locals eat. The food scene has evolved considerably. Modern techniques meet traditional Northern European flavors. You'll find excellent game dishes, fresh Baltic seafood, and surprisingly good vegetarian options, while the craft beer scene has exploded with several microbreweries in converted medieval buildings.

Late spring through early fall offers comfortable weather and longest days. Summer brings medieval markets and outdoor dining that make the square come alive, though winter has its own appeal with a genuinely charming Christmas market. Snow-covered cobblestones create an almost fairy-tale atmosphere. Weather stays unpredictable year-round. Layers are your friend, and if you're avoiding crowds, shoulder seasons (May and September) offer the best balance of decent weather and manageable tourist numbers.