Tallinn is a city that took me by surprise.
A destination bursting with history, an achingly beautiful historic centre, bustling food markets and a breezy shoreline, I quickly fell in love with Estonia’s capital.
During our four day trip to Tallinn, we packed in an impressive amount of activities (and food). I thought it might therefore be useful to put together a list of the best things to do in Tallinn, for anyone else considering a trip there in 2025.
This is a city that can appeal to any type of traveller – offering a romantic break, a family-friendly trip or a wild weekend with friends.
We travelled to Tallinn in March, during the quieter months, having avoided the Christmas crowds and visiting before the gaggle of summer cruise goers arrived. This was the perfect time to visit – there was still snow on the ground and it felt like we (almost) had the streets to ourselves.
So, if you’re planning a trip to the most beautiful capital in the Baltics, read on to find out how to spend four days in Tallinn.
1. Explore the Telliskivi Creative City
By far, my favourite part of Tallinn was the Telliskivi Creative City, which is located just a 10-minute walk from the historic Old Town.
As you may have guessed, this area of Tallinn is its creative hotspot of the city – boasting concept stores, art galleries, street art, theatres, live music and delicious eateries. Make sure you carve out plenty of time in this area to enjoy all that it has to offer (some of which is listed further below, including Fotografiska, Vaal Gallery, DEPOO and dinner in an Old Soviet Train).
I really enjoyed looking through the concept and bohemian stores in the area, so leave plenty of space in your suitcase for gifts and treats. The Telliskivi district also hosts thousands of events throughout the year, so be sure to look out for any upcoming events during your own short break in Tallinn.
2. Visit Fotografiska
One of the top sites in the Telliskivi district is Fotografiska – a graffiti covered building housing photography exhibitions, an excellent cafe and shop.
Admittedly, I’m not really one for an art exhibition, but I adored those in Fotografiska and thoroughly enjoyed our slow mooch around the galleries. During our visit, the current exhibitions were Elliott Erwitt | Fotografiska Tallinn, which runs until May 2025 (by far, my favourite) and Feng Li | Fotografiska Tallinn, which also runs until May 2025.
On the 6th floor is a Michelin Green Star restaurant and roof top terrace bar, named Punk Michelin, which would be a delight in the summer with a cocktail and delicious dish from the menu (currently winter 2025).
If you’re unable to get a place at the restaurant (like myself), the café downstairs is also a lovely space and we enjoyed a delicious lazy Sunday brunch there.
A trip here really is one of the best things to do in Tallinn.
3. Walk Pikk Street in the Old Town
If there is one street you must explore in Tallinn, in order to fully appreciate the perfectly preserved Old Town, it’s Pikk Street (or Long Street).
Winding through the medieval streets of the Old Town, Pikk Street takes pedestrians through a living museum reflecting Tallinn’s Hanseatic League heritage.
The street once led Tallinn’s residents from the bustling markets in the centre of town down to the harbour, making it a key route for merchants and guilds. For architecture lovers, look out for the different eras of design, including Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque splendour.
Surprisingly, despite the beauty of the street, it seemed deserted most of the time when we visited in March. Having spoken to some locals, they did seem to think that most Estonians were still nestled inside, enjoying a sauna until the summer months returned.
Indeed, in the summer, when the cruise ships dock in Tallinn’s harbour the streets are far, far busier.
For me, being able to explore Pikk Street and the surrounding Old Town without the crowds was a lovely surprise, and at times, it felt like we were walking a film set alone.
It’s definitely one of the best things to do in Tallinn.
4. Visit the KGB Cells
Price: 9 euros per person (or free with the Tallinn Card)
Although a heavy topic, and perhaps not as uplifting as walking the city’s colourful streets, a visit to the KGB Cells in the Old Town is (believe it or not) one of the best things to do in Tallinn.
Located on Pagari street, the former KGB cells are located in the basement of the building.
The cells have only fairly recently reopened to the public, telling the story of a building that, for over half a century, housed the headquarters of the ESSR’s People’s Commissariat of Internal Affairs (later known as the KGB).
The cells, found in the basement, held Estonian politicians, veterans of the War of Independence, intellects and everyday members of the public.
The cells now tell the story of the torture carried out within its walls, and the personal stories of survivors. Although not pleasant to learn about, this is a fascinating museum and a place to visit for those looking to learn more about Estonia’s history.
5. Visit Toompea
Toompea (or Cathedral Hill) sits above the Old Town of Tallinn and is home to Estonia’s Parliament. After the steep, but brief, walk up to Toompea, you’ll find a fortified citadel that’s home to beautiful churches, more cobbled streets and stately palaces.
We found Toompea to be oddly quiet, given its prominent role in the city and it was lovely to be able to wander the streets in relative peace.
One of the prettiest buildings in Toompea is the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, with its onion-domed towers. Unfortunately, the past of this Cathedral isn’t so pretty, with the Cathedral being built during the occupation of Russia, thus symbolising a darker time in the county’s history.
Indeed, the Cathedral survived demolition once the country gained its independence, and initial plans were to turn it into a Planetarium. Instead, after being closed for 50 years, it reopened to the public in 1991 – wonderfully preserved and still wildly pretty.
Other buildings to explore in Toompea are St Mary’s Cathedral – here you can climb the tower for great views over the city, and Toompea Castle. It is within the Castle that the Parliament of Estonia operate and free guided tours are available for groups or individuals.
6. Explore Seaplane Harbour Estonian Maritime Museum
An unexpected entry into the list of best things to do in Tallinn – but a good one, I promise.
I was not expecting to find myself in a submarine during my romantic break to Tallinn. On the suggestion of a local, however, we had headed to the Seaplane Harbour (Estonian Maritime Museum) and it was actually a brilliant discovery.
Inside the Seaplane Harbour, you’ll find the Lembit Submarine, which was actually built in 1937 in England. Visitors have the unique chance to climb inside the submarine, discovering what life was like inside such cramped quarters. This was a fascinating, albeit claustrophobic, experience and was a genuinely unique experience whilst in Tallinn.
Although we were travelling without our daughter, we both noted how good the Seaplane Harbour is for kids in Tallinn, with lots of interactive experiences for them to get involved with in the Children’s Corner.
This includes dressing up in a traditional navy uniform, an aquarium, boat simulators and an outdoor playground.
The Museum also has a great cafe and brilliant shop for those wanting to pick up a gift whilst there.
7. Stroll Kadriorg Park
If you’re looking to get away from the bustle of Tallinn’s Old Town during the summer, then head to Kadriorg Park. Home to arguably the best art museums in the city, the Park offers the double whammy of beautiful 70-hectare park and world-renowned art.
It’s definitely one of the top things to do in Tallinn.
We decided to catch the tram to Kadriorg Park after our lunch in Telliskivi, to have a stroll and walk off some of the vast calories we’d consumed that morning. As it was only late March, the trees hadn’t burst into life yet, but we could only imagine what the oak lined paths would look like in the peak of summer.
Within the park, you’ll come across the futuristic building of Kumu, an art museum that houses Estonian art from the 18th century through to the present day. In stark contrast, you’ll also see Kadriorg Palace, a symmetrical Baroque creation built by Peter the Great as a gift to his wife, Empress Catherine I, sometime between 1718 and 1725.
8. Fill your belly in DEPOO
Located in Telliskivi Creative City, DEPOO is an open-air (and indoor) food market bursting with stalls, cafes and independent eateries.
We adored this area and spent far too long in DEPOO deliberating over what to eat, before opting to pick different dishes and reuniting in the communal dining tables.
DEPOO is a great place to pick up a lunch, with the eateries serving everything from traditional Estonian food through to Chinese, Italian, and even Uzbek dishes.
9. Dine like a 15th Century Merchant at Olde Hansa
One of my absolute favourite things to do in Tallinn was to enjoy a night at Olde Hansa, where I got to dine like a wealthy, 15th century merchant.
Now, before you think this might be some tacky, overpriced activity, please bear with me.
You see, I too was very dubious when I initially walked past the flame lit doors of Olde Hansa restaurant, dismissing it as somewhere tacky and tourist-y. By chance, however, I mentioned it to the hotel staff that evening, who reassured me that this is a restaurant worth both your time and money.
Olde Hansa – the House of the Rich Merchants – transports guests back to 1492 AD, where you can enjoy 15th century, traditional recipes. These recipes mostly comprise of local Estonian game including Elk, Wild Boar, Game Sausages, as well as Bear, yes – Bear.
If Bear, or even meat isn’t your thing, the restaurant also offers a surprising array of delicious vegetarian options. I can highly recommend the herb and juniper cooked cheese to start, the duck in saffron sauce for mains, and the cinnamon beer to wash it all down with.
Enjoy a dinner by candlelight, as your waiters serving you in traditional medieval dress, as well as live Medieval music playing every night (except Mondays).
This is definitely one of the best things to do in Tallinn.
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10. Pick up a Bargain at the Saturday Flea
If you love picking up a bargain, or antiques, make sure you head to Tallinn’s Saturday Flea Market, located in Telliviski. Located in the square next to F-Hoone restaurant, you’ll find locals, tourists and treasure hunters alike searching for unique gems in the antique and second-hand clothing stalls.
Much to my annoyance, we missed the Saturday flea market due to our flight time. Thankfully, however, upstairs in the Balti Jaam Market, you’ll find dozens of second hand shops selling vintage clothing, furniture, jewellery, toys and even Soviet memorabilia.
11. Enjoy a Beer in Old Town Square
Sometimes, it’s the memories made by simply sitting and enjoying a new place together, that often ends up being the best part of a trip.
One of my favourite memories during our weekend break in Tallinn was spending our Sunday afternoon basking in glorious sunshine in the Old Town Square, with a couple of beers in hand. As busy parents, an opportunity to do this is exceptionally rare, and it felt a real treat to be able to sit and watch the world go by in such a beautiful part of the world.
My only word of warning is that the bars and cafes in the Old Town Square fill up very quickly at weekends (particularly sunny ones), so get there early, or arrive in the later afternoon, to enjoy some drinks after a day of exploring.
12. Visit the Oldest Pharmacy in Europe
This might not seem like the most obvious choice when curating a list of the best things to do in Tallinn, but visiting the Oldest Pharmacy in Europe is a must while you’re in the city.
The Town Hall Pharmacy, known as Raeapteek to locals, was opened in 1422 and still operates today. Although the products on offer, thankfully, have changed a little since the 15th century.
There is a free museum inside the Pharmacy, which is truly fascinating, showcasing some of the weird and wonderful medicines that were once sold there. This includes sun bleached dog poo and a deer’s penis – all handily displayed in glass jars.
13. Enjoy Burgers in an Old Soviet Train
For red meat lovers looking for a quirky dining experience in Tallinn, head to Peatus (meaning ‘Stop’ in Estonian). Located in the Telliskivi area, the restaurant is located within two old Soviet trains, one of which was once the catering carriage for the train that went to and from Moscow.
We visited for dinner, and enjoyed beers and juicy burgers in our old train booth. Although the service was a little slow, we were in no rush and thoroughly enjoyed our meal there. A word of warning, however, it was fairly busy and with limited seating inside, you might want to book ahead.
There are seats outside with heaters, but it’s not quite the same experience as being inside the trains.
14. Climb the 258 Steps of St Olav’s Church
My husband and I joke that no European city break would be complete without climbing a church tower. Luckily, we found that St Olaf’s Church allows you to climb its 258 steps, and so up we went, one bright and breezy morning.
The view provided a 360 degree tour of the city, with the red tiled roofs scattered across the city. The perfect photo opportunity for any photography lovers.
15. Warm up in the Cosiest Cafes
Much like its Baltic neighbour Riga, one of the selling points of Tallinn is its endless number of cosy cafes to warm up in. As we were travelling without our daughter, we made the most of this luxury, spending many hours enjoying creamy hot chocolates and coffees in beautiful coffee shops.
My favourites during our time in Tallinn were Pierre Chocolaterie and Café Maiasmokk.
Café Maiasmokk is Tallinn’s oldest continuously operating cafe, opening in 1864. The cafe has had the same interior for over 100 years, and stepping inside is like stepping back in time.
The cafe’s interior really reminded me of a traditional coffee shop in Vienna, and it was a delight to enjoy a sweet treat and coffee as we watched customers come and go.
You’ll find Pierre Chocolatiere in the prettiest courtyard in Tallinn, named The Masters’ Courtyard. This very Instagrammable courtyard houses not only the cafe, but a handful of artisan stores selling ceramics, woollen gifts and paintings. Pierre Chocolatiere is an eccentric little cafe, with a bohemian feel, selling delicious homemade chocolates and the creamiest of hot chocolates.
Best Luxury Hotel in Tallinn
During our time in Tallinn, we wanted to treat ourselves to a luxury hotel, and decided to book the beautiful Schlösse Hotel.
I am so glad we picked this hotel – as well as being utterly gorgeous on the outside, it’s equally beautiful inside with a roaring fire, indulgent luxury bedrooms and a sauna that can be booked for just you and your group.
16. Enjoy a Pint (or 5) at Põhjala Taproom and Brewery
If you’re a beer lover, you’ll be spoilt for choice in Tallinn, given the number of artisan breweries around.
Our favourite brewery, and recommended by a local, was Põhjala Taproom and Brewery, located close to the harbour. We strolled here after our exploration of the Seaplane Museum and were thrilled at what we discovered.
Põhjala Taproom and Brewery boasts 24 taps of IPA Põhjala and alongside a delicious cold beer, you can feast like a Texan King on BBQ inspired food. We enjoyed a tipsy afternoon here, sampling the different beers and indulging in some calorific food.
Downstairs, the brewery itself is open for tours, which run Tuesday – Sunday and cost €15pp.
17. Enjoy a Romantic Dinner at Restaurant Rataskaevu 16
If you’re looking for a romantic restaurant in Tallinn, with delicious local cuisine, be sure to book ahead at Rataskaevu 16.
Rated one of the best places to eat in Tallinn, we were excited to dine here and the restaurant exceeded all of our expectations. Located inside a traditional merchant’s house, this place is cosy and welcoming, with extremely knowledgable staff.
The food is delicious and I recommend that you leave room for the traditional bread pudding, which is out of this world.
Note: this is a busy restaurant, so make sure you book in advance – particularly during peak seasons.
18. Enjoy Unbeatable Sunset Views Over the City
Finally, to end your time in the city, one of the best things to do in Tallinn is to watch the sun set over the city’s spires.
The best place in Tallinn to watch the sun set is up in Toompea, which has a number of viewing platforms. For picturesque views of the Old Town, the Patkuli platform is best. From here, you can frame the orange roofs of the old city against the blue of the Baltic Sea.
Perfection.
Pin for later: Best Things to do in Tallinn, Estonia
