The capital of Estonia, Tallinn, is one of the best-preserved cities in the Baltic region. Its historic centre, which retains its medieval character, with its cobbled streets, towers and pastel-coloured houses, looks like something out of a fairy tale. The city’s enchanting old town is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, but Tallinn is not just about history; it is also a city that exceeded our expectations in terms of design, contemporary art and gastronomy.
Strolling through the streets of the Old Town (Vanalinn), exploring the cafés and galleries in the modern Kalamaja district, or spending time at the seaside Telliskivi Creative City are the best ways to discover Tallinn’s different faces.
Tallinn is a slightly more affordable and smaller city compared to Helsinki. Nevertheless, the quality of its restaurants and cafés is surprisingly high; the New Nordic style of cuisine, local producers and small independent businesses are particularly noteworthy. We took the ferry from Helsinki in August and stayed in Tallinn for three days — with its long summer days, sea air and lively street atmosphere, we can easily say it’s one of the most enjoyable cities in the Baltics. Three days was a bit too long for Tallinn in our opinion, as there isn’t much to do, but we set aside this amount of time so we could try out lots of restaurants. If you don’t plan on straying too far from the city centre, 1-2 nights is sufficient, as there aren’t many places to visit. Tallinn is also bustling during the Christmas market season in December, and it even has a more romantic Christmas market than Helsinki.
Tallinn can be visited all year round, but the city is at its liveliest between May and September. In summer, the weather is cool, and the parks and seaside are bustling. In winter, the snow-covered Old Town takes on a completely different atmosphere — the Tallinn Christmas Market, famous for its Christmas stalls, is one of Europe’s most beloved destinations.
Day trips from Helsinki are quite popular, but we believe Tallinn is a city that deserves an overnight stay. Seeing the light reflected off the towers of the old town at sunset alone makes it worthwhile.
Direct flights are available from Turkey to Tallinn, and the journey takes approximately 3–3.5 hours. The city centre is only 10–15 minutes away from Lennart Meri Airport, but we didn’t use the airport as we arrived from Helsinki by cruise ship. You can easily reach the centre by Bolt or tram.
If you are travelling via Helsinki, the journey between the two cities is extremely easy. There are regular daily sailings between Helsinki and Tallinn; the journey takes approximately two hours on ships operated by Eckerö Line, Tallink Silja and Viking Line. As the ferries dock at ports very close to the city centre, getting around is extremely convenient.
• NOA – Modern Nordic cuisine by the sea. It is headed by one of Estonia’s most renowned chefs. The same chef’s Michelin-starred restaurant is also located here, while NOA is a Bib Gourmand.
• Fotografiska – It has a wonderful terrace view. This is a Michelin green star restaurant that works towards zero waste.
• Rado – An authentic take on Estonian cuisine, created with seasonal produce. It became our favourite restaurant in Tallinn. There are plenty of mushrooms on the menu this season.
• Radio – Natural wines, creative and unpretentious dishes. Extremely comfortable and enjoyable a place.
• Âme Restaurant – A stylish restaurant on the ground floor of a hotel in the old town, the service was attentive.
• Barbarea – Run by the same team as Karjase Sai, this bistro offers small sharing plates and delicious wines.
• Vesta – Skillfully prepared dishes using simple ingredients; local wines, pleasant atmosphere.
• The Kurze – A restaurant in Estonia that specialises in Caucasian cuisine (Dagestan). Their dumplings are delicious.
• La Pizzeria di Orm Oja – One of 50Top Pizzeria’s favourite pizzerias in Estonia, with delicious dough, in a very touristy location.
• Viru Burger – We tried many burgers in Tallinn, and Viru became our favourite.
Breakfast / Bakery:
• Karjase Sai – One of the city’s most trendy bakeries with several branches. The products aren’t bad, the place is comfortable.
• Maison François – A more French-inspired patisserie and croissant shop.
• Pulla Bakery – Located in the historic city centre of Tallinn, butter-filled buns stand out from the crowd at this bakery.
• RØST Bakery – The city’s most beloved bakery could be, but in Tallinn, bakeries are not at the level of Copenhagen or Stockholm, but here has reached the quality of its nearest products a13> closest a14> to There is always a queue at the door. Seating is limited.
Specialty Coffee:
• The Brick Coffee – A minimalist roastery / coffee shop.
• Paper Mill – A coffee shop you’ll come across in several different corners of the city.
• KALVE – They source their bakery products from Karjase Sai. Ideal for pastries and coffee.
• Põhjala Brewery – a local craft beer paradise. • Mikkeller Tallinn – A delightful meeting point for those who love Nordic beer producers. • Whisper Sister – A speakeasy bar in the city centre.
Estonia, Baltic region’s most innovative and digitally advanced country. Tallinn is one of the few cities that blends the spirit of the Middle Ages with modern technology and a15> intertwined with modern technology one of the rare cities. Its towers, Albanian cobblestone streets and calm energy connect it to the past amongst today’s many unique cities. a27> today’s between very special a balance creates.
💶 The currency is the Euro, cards are accepted almost everywhere, and tipping is virtually non-existent. You can make all payments contactless without needing to carry cash.
🚶♀️ The city is quite compact, walking is the most enjoyable form of transport available. If you wish Bolt app affordable priced transport is also possible.
🌡️ In summer 20–25 °C around cool but sunny a weather prevails. In winter however the old town is covered in snow and with its lights takes on a magical atmosphere .
🏠 Accommodation for Vanalinn (Old Town) historic and central, Kalamaja more local and creative, Noblessner a57> is by the sea a modern and peaceful area a region. We stayed in a house we rented from Airbnb, you can reach the house from here, and the location is within walking distance to every place.
☕ Tallinn is small but has begun to fill up with third-wave coffee shops that have opened in recent years. 🍽️ Restaurants are simple but creative; the New Nordic cuisine in particular combines local ingredients with modern interpretations. Prices are slightly more affordable than in Helsinki.
🏛️ The heart of the city is Old Town (Vanalinn); this UNESCO-protected area is surrounded by Gothic towers, pastel-coloured facades and cobbled streets.
✨ However, Tallinn stands out not only for its medieval aesthetic, but also for the reinterpretation of industrial areas such as Telliskivi Creative City.
🧭 While you’re here:
Helsinki is only a 2-hour ferry ride away, while Riga, the capital of Latvia, is a 4-hour bus ride away. Planning a short Baltic route covering both countries in the summer is a great idea.
Vanalinn (Old Town) – The heart of the city. Surrounded by red-roofed towers, cobbled streets and Gothic buildings, this area is Tallinn’s most photogenic spot. It’s particularly enjoyable to wander around early in the morning before the crowds arrive.
Town Hall Square (Raekoja plats) – Right in the heart of the Old Town. In summer it’s filled with open-air cafés, while in winter it hosts one of Europe’s most beautiful Christmas markets.
Nun Tower and City Walls – You can walk along Tallinn’s walls and climb the towers to see the city’s history from above. The nearby Monastery Gate (Dominator’s Gate) is also worth seeing for its Gothic architecture.
St. Olaf’s Church – Dating back to the 13th century, this church was once the tallest building in Europe. The view of the Old Town from its tower is breathtaking.
Alexander Nevsky Cathedral – Located on Toompea Hill, Tallinn’s most magnificent building with its colourful mosaics and intricate domes.
Toompea Hill & Castle – This hill, which also houses the Parliament building, offers magnificent views overlooking the city. The Patkuli Viewing Platform is particularly spectacular at sunset. The Patkuli Stairs leading up to it also allow you to see the view from a different angle.
St. Charles’s Church – Located at the foot of Toompea, this neo-Romanesque church is an important part of Tallinn’s skyline.
Danish King’s Garden – Between Toompea and Old Town, there is a small but symbolic a garden. According to legend the Danish flag was born here in this garden.
Niguliste Museum (St. Nicholas Church) – This museum, which displays medieval religious artworks, is a wonderful stop for understanding the city’s cultural history.
St. Catherine’s Passage – One of the old city’s most romantic streets; stone arches and hand-made ceramics, glass and textile workshops reflect Tallinn’s craft tradition.
Kadriorg Palace & Park – 18th century, commissioned by Tsar Peter the Great, today Estonia Art Museum home ownership does. The park surrounding Lugemispaviljon Valge Leht, architectural enthusiasts for worth seeing a modern pavilion.
Kumu Art Museum – Located within Kadriorg Park, this modern art museum is one of Estonia’s largest art institutions. It is also architecturally noteworthy.
Telliskivi Creative City – Converted industrial buildings café, galleries, concept shops and bars are between them creative space. Street walls adorned Murals of Telliskivi adding colour to the area a26> to the area.
Fotografiska Tallinn – A contemporary photography museum located in the heart of Telliskivi. Regular exhibitions, terrace on the first floor and its view represent Tallinn’s modern face and do so.
Kalamaja District – This former working-class neighbourhood is now the city’s bohemian district. With its colourful wooden houses, vintage shops and coffee houses, it is one of Tallinn’s most liveable areas. The Kalamaja Museum in the district tells the story of the neighbourhood’s past.
Lennusadam Seaplane Harbour Museum – Housed in an old seaplane hangar, this maritime museum is highly impressive with its giant submarine and interactive exhibitions.
Patarei Sea Fortress – Prison Museum (Patarei Merekindlus) – This old seaside prison, dating back to the Soviet era, is an impressive stop for those interested in Tallinn’s recent history.
Rotermann Quarter – This area, where historic industrial buildings have been transformed with a modern touch, is one of the city’s liveliest spots for restaurants, cafés and boutiques.
Port Noblessner – Tallinn’s rising star, right by the sea, with its modern architecture, art galleries and fine dining restaurants. Ideal for sunset viewing.
Põhjala Brewery – Located in the south of the city, this cultural complex was converted from an old rubber factory. It is Tallinn’s new creative hub, filled with microbreweries, roasters, galleries and independent brands.
Balti Jaama Turg (Market Hall) – A three-storey market filled with local produce, vintage goods and small food stalls. Ideal for sampling local flavours.
Kohtuotsa Viewing Platform – The most popular viewing spot, offering panoramic views over the city’s red rooftops. Particularly beautiful at sunrise and sunset.
Morning:
Start your day in Vanalinn (Old Town). Stroll along the cobbled streets, explore around Town Hall Square, then climb the tower of St. Olaf’s Church. There’s a splendid view over the city’s red rooftops.
Don’t forget to visit Alexander Nevsky Cathedral and Toompea Hill; the Patkuli Viewing Platform in particular offers splendid photographs in the midday light.
☕️ Breakfast / Bakery stops:
• RØST Bakery – The city’s most popular bakery; their cinnamon rolls are legendary.
• Maison François – A stylish option for French-style breakfast and croissants.
• The Brick Coffee – A minimalist coffee shop, the espressos are excellent.
Lunch:
Take a short walk from the old town to the Rotermann Quarter. This area, where industrial buildings have been converted, features lovely restaurants and shops.
🍽️ Lunch recommendation:
• Rado – One of Tallinn’s best restaurants, with a menu featuring seasonal produce.
• Alternative: Âme Restaurant – A pleasant break in the Old Town with its stylish atmosphere and attentive service.
Afternoon:
Historical in the city Niguliste Museum, St. Catherine’s Passage and Nun Tower area walking on the a17> on top of the walls walking path go up.
Coffee break for KALVE or Paper Mill Coffee stops one is ideal.
At the end of the day at Kohtuotsa Viewing Platform sunset from the Kohtuotsa Viewing Platform.
🍽️ Evening:
• Âme Restaurant or Radio – Natural wines, relaxed atmosphere and creative dishes.
• Whisper Sister – A hidden speakeasy bar for cocktails at the end of the day.
Morning:
Start your day with breakfast at Karjase Sai or Pulla Bakery. Then head to Telliskivi Creative City — the creative heart of Tallinn. Explore the streets filled with street art at Murals of Telliskivi, then stop by Fotografiska Tallinn. The restaurant on the top floor is worth visiting for both its views and its sustainable cuisine.
Lunch:
Walk to Kalamaja District. One of Tallinn’s most charming areas with its colourful wooden houses. Visit the small but impressive Kalamaja Museum, then walk towards the waterfront to reach the Noblessner area.
🍽️ Lunch:
• Barbarea – Small plates, good wines and a relaxed atmosphere.
• Alternative: Vesta – Perfect for lunch in a modern bistro style.
Afternoon:
You can visit the Lennusadam Seaplane Harbour Museum by the sea, then take a short walk to the Patarei Sea Fortress.
If you are looking for a quieter alternative, head to the vicinity of Kadriorg Park and visit the Kumu Art Museum and Kadriorg Palace. If you would like to see a small library in the park, Lugemispaviljon Valge Leht is a very interesting stop from an architectural point of view.
🍽️ Evening:
• NOA – Modern Nordic cuisine by the sea; Bib Gourmand award-winning, reservation required.
• Alternative: Fotografiska Restaurant – Green Michelin-starred, an impressive experience with its sustainable menu.
🍷 Evening:
• Põhjala Brewery – Round off the day with local craft beers.
• Mikkeller Tallinn – A delightful spot for those who love Nordic beer producers.
