A view of Tallinn old town's rooftops

A day in Tallinn

Make the most of your day in Tallinn! Explore vibrant neighbourhoods, enjoy a coffee in the Old Town, and discover fun with the family at the Seaplane Harbour.

Visit Tallinn

Explore Tallinn in a day

Whether you have a few hours or a whole day, Tallinn is brimming with possibilities! What can you do in this enchanting city? What are the must-sees, and how will you make the most of your time? Let our guide inspire you to uncover the magic of Tallinn.

4 must-visit places

Tallinn Old Town
  1. Toompea Hill

    If you’re after the most stunning panoramic views of Tallinn’s Old Town, this is the spot. It’s a bit of a climb, but totally worth it.

  2. Kiek in de Kök

    Discover underground bastion passages once used to move soldiers and hide ammunition from enemies – a journey into Tallinn’s fascinating history.

  3. Fotografiska

    This art museum offers stunning photography exhibitions, plus a café, restaurant, cocktail bar, and shop all under one roof.

  4. Balti Jaam Market

    Located by Balti railway station, this bustling market offers everything from antiquarian books and vintage clothing to great coffee and street food.

Discover all the city’s districts

Tallinn is a historic city with a modern twist – a destination for everyone. To decide how to spend your day in Tallinn, it’s helpful to start with an overview of its diverse districts.

Three women walking in Tallinn Old Town

Photo: Rasmus Jurkatam / Tallinn City Tourist Office & Convention Bureau

Old Town

Tallinn’s Old Town is a fairytale come to life, with its cobblestone streets, and medieaval towers. Explore hidden alleys and soak in the city’s rich history as you wander through one of Europe’s best-preserved medieaval centres.

Summer day at Telliskivi Creative City in Tallinn

Photo: Kaupo Kalda / Tallinn City Tourist Office & Convention Bureau

Kalamaja and Telliskivi

Tallinn’s trendiest area, Kalamaja – or Hipsterville – is packed with wine bars, food trucks, retro shops, and vintage stores. In Telliskivi Creative City, you’ll find cafés, restaurants, galleries, and thriving startups.

Noblessner harbour in Tallinn

Photo: Kaupo Kalda / Tallinn City Tourist Office & Convention Burea

Noblessner

Located along Tallinn’s coast, Noblessner is a vibrant area home to Estonia’s top-rated restaurant, 180 Degrees, and the PROTO Invention Factory – a paradise for curious and playful kids.

Kadriorg Castle in Kadriorg park in Tallinn

Photo: Kaupo Kalda / Tallinn City Tourist Office & Convention Burea

Kadriorg

Kadriorg is best known for its sprawling, leafy park, complete with a baroque palace and art museum. This green oasis is the perfect escape for those seeking a break from the city buzz.

Aerial view of Pirita Convent ruins

Photo: Kaupo Kalda / Tallinn City Tourist Office & Convention Burea

Pirita and Rocca al Mare

For nature lovers, Pirita offers a long sandy beach, monastery ruins, and a botanical garden. Rocca al Mare features an open-air museum showcasing traditional Estonian village life and a zoo.

Quick tips for food and drink

A couple sitting in front of a café in Tallinn

Photo: Rasmus Jurkatam / Tallinn City Tourist Office & Convention Bureau

Coffee break

Rest your feet and recharge with a warm drink and a sweet treat after a day of exploring Tallinn. Highlights include the stylish Reval Café, Maiasmokk – Estonia’s oldest and most charming spot – and RØST Bakery in Rotermann, a favourite among locals.

Delicious food on a table at NOK NOK restaurant

Lunch and dinner

Unique dining experiences await you at every corner – from gluten-free dishes at Kivi Paber Käärid to authentic Thai flavours at Nok Nok. The city’s restaurants cater to every taste, offering Italian, Indian, Japanese, and traditional Estonian cuisine, among many others.

Bartender making a cocktail

Photo: Ken Mürk

Drink

Tallinn’s vibrant bar scene has something for everyone. Sip creative New York-inspired cocktails at the speakeasy Whisper Sister or enjoy a refreshing drink on a sunny terrace at Suveterrass. There’s no shortage of great places to raise a glass in the city.

Make the most of your visit

Whether you’re travelling with friends, family, or on a business trip, you can enhance your day with unique experiences. From relaxing at a spa to strolling through the zoo and admiring the animals, there are plenty of ways to customise your visit.

A tram in Tallinn

Photo: Rasmus Jurkatam

Getting around Tallinn – on foot or by public transport

Tallinn’s city centre is relatively small and compact, making it easy and enjoyable to explore on foot. Alternatively, the city offers an extensive network of buses and trams, ideal for longer journeys. If you only plan to use public transport a few times during your day in Tallinn, a single ticket will be an affordable option. However, if you intend to travel more frequently, it might be worth purchasing a Public Transport Card.

For added convenience, you can take a taxi by booking through apps like Bolt or Forus, calling a cab, or hailing one on the street. In the summer, you can also hop on a scooter through apps like Tuul and Bolt.