Art, culture & museums in Tallinn
Tallinn is the perfect destination for the culture-hungry traveller. This historic yet modern city will offer you experiences in art, history, and contemporary culture.
Photo: Kaupo Kalda / visittallinn.ee
Visit tallinnArt museums in Tallinn
If you’re an art lover or simply a curious visitor, Tallinn has plenty to offer. From timeless masterpieces to bold pop art, the city’s galleries and museums showcase inspiration across the centuries.
Foto: Kaupo Kalda / visittallinn.ee
Estonian Art Museum (KUMU)
Estonia’s largest art museum takes you through Estonian art from its roots to today. The bold five-storey building is a sight on its own – even featured in Christopher Nolan’s Tenet. Inside, you’ll find influential exhibitions exploring identity, history, and bold artistic expression. There’s also a café and a museum shop for a relaxed break.
Foto: Kaupo Kalda / visittallinn.ee
Kadriorg Art Museum
Set in a Baroque palace built by Peter the Great, this museum is as much about the atmosphere as the art. Inside, you’ll find European and Russian works from the 16th to 20th centuries, displayed in elegant, historic rooms. The surrounding park is perfect for a peaceful walk.
PoCo
Playful, bold, and full of surprises – PoCo brings pop and contemporary art into the spotlight. Located in the popular Rotermann district, it invites visitors to interact, snap photos, and rethink what art can be. A colourful break from tradition and a great stop for fans of visual storytelling and modern creativity.
Fotografiska
Located in Telliskivi Creative City, Fotografiska showcases thought-provoking photography from around the world. Exhibitions change several times a year, so there’s always a reason to return. The building also features a café, a design shop perfect for gifts, and a rooftop restaurant with panoramic views.
Museums and sightseeing in the Old town
Tallinn’s Old Town is like a living museum. As you explore its winding streets and hidden corners, step inside towers, churches, and guild halls that have shaped the city’s story for centuries.
Kiek in de Kök
Once part of Tallinn’s mighty defence system, Kiek in de Kök now houses a museum about the city’s fortifications. Explore the tower, underground passages, and amazing views from the top.
Photo: Kadi-Liis Kopper / visittallinn.ee
Bastion Passages
Step beneath the streets of Old Town and explore Tallinn’s secret tunnels. These 17th-century passages reveal hidden layers of history, complete with legends, exhibits, and a hint of mystery.
Photo: Rasmus Jurkatam / visittallinn.ee
Niguliste Church Museum
This medieval church blends sacred art and haunting beauty. See Estonia’s most famous altarpiece and climb the tower for sweeping city views – a peaceful yet powerful stop in the heart of Tallinn.
Photo: Toomas Tuul / visittallinn.ee
St. Mary’s Cathedral
Tallinn’s oldest church stands on Toompea Hill. Inside, you’ll find coats of arms from the 17th–20th centuries, a grand altar, and centuries-old tombstones. Climb the tower for great city views.
Great Guild Hall
A former meeting place for wealthy merchants, this grand Gothic building now tells Estonia’s story through historical exhibits, all under vaulted ceilings and centuries-old stone.
Photo: Kadi-Liis Koppel / visittallinn.ee
Town Hall
Right in the heart of Old Town, Tallinn’s Town Hall is the oldest in Northern Europe. Step inside to see medieval interiors or simply admire its Gothic façade from the lively square.
Fat Margareta
Once part of Tallinn’s coastal defence, this round cannon tower now houses part of the Maritime Museum. Climb to the top for sea views and explore exhibits inside thick stone walls.
More to explore
If you’ve explored the Old Town and are ready for more, take a short walk to Noblessner or hop on a bus to discover another side of Tallinn in Pirita or Rocca al Mare. These nearby spots are well worth the detour.
Seaplane Harbour
Set in a unique hangar, this award-winning maritime museum is full of surprises. Discover historic ships, peek inside a submarine, and explore interactive exhibits that bring sea stories to life.
Maarjämäe Palace
Explore Estonia’s recent history in a grand seaside palace. Exhibitions highlight personal stories and key events from the 20th century, with a sculpture-filled park adding to the experience.
Estonian Open Air Museum
Wander through Estonia’s rural past in this peaceful forested village. Historic farmhouses, windmills, and costumed staff bring old traditions to life – just a short ride from the city centre.
The highest views in Tallinn
If you’re not afraid of heights (or want to conquer them) Tallinn offers some of the nicest views around. The beautiful city looks even better from above.
Photo: Marko Leppik / visittallinn.ee
Tallinn TV Tower
The tallest building in Estonia stands at 314 metres. Explore interactive exhibits, and, if you dare, take a thrilling walk on the open terrace at 175 metres – right on the edge!
Skywheel of Tallinn
Ride above the city in a glass gondola on top of a shopping mall. The Skywheel offers a fun, family-friendly way to enjoy views of Tallinn from high above, whatever the weather.
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Photo: Rasmus Jurkatam / visittallinn.ee
Tallinn with kids
Exploring Tallinn with kids is both fun and surprisingly easy. From hands-on museums to playful parks and family-friendly attractions, there’s plenty to keep little travellers happy. See our top picks for things to do with children in Tallinn.
Discover what to do
Club One discounts
As a Club One member, you get more than just savings on your ferry trip to Tallinn. Enjoy discounts on museums, events, spas, accommodation, and sightseeing throughout the city. Membership is free and easy to join.
See all Tallinn offers
Tallinn Card
Planning to visit several museums during your trip to Tallinn? The Tallinn Card gives you access to top attractions, landmarks, and discounts to sightseeing tours, shops, restaurants – plus unlimited free public transport.
Club One members enjoy 2 € off adult card and 1 € off children’s card when buying 24, 48, or 72-hour Tallinn card together with a ship ticket on Tallink Silja Line’s website or on board.
More about the card