A day in Tallinn

Here’s how to spend a day in Tallinn if you are visiting Estonia.

I suggest stopping there for a whole day because there are many things to see, plus the atmosphere is really enjoyable, you will spend hours wandering in the charming little streets.

Tallinn is the capital and largest city of Estonia, located on the northern coast by the Baltic Sea. Known for its well-preserved medieval Old Town and vibrant mix of historical and modern architecture, it serves as Estonia’s cultural and economic center.

So here’s the ultimate itinerary around Tallinn, from the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral to Toompea Hill, including the charming old town !

Tallinn circuit : 1 hour walk, 10 stops

Start your day at Raekoja plats, Tallinn’s Town Hall Square. This is the centerpiece of the Old Town, surrounded by colorful medieval houses, cafes, and the Town Hall.

Stroll through the little cobblestone streets of the Old Town, where charm unfolds at every turn :

10 minutes from the Town Hall is the Kohtuotsa Viewing Platform. Located on Toompea Hill, this platform offers one of Tallinn’s most beautiful views, with panoramas of the Old Town’s medieval rooftops, spires, and the Baltic Sea beyond (see picture 1 and 2).

Also perched on Toompea Hill, Patkuli Viewing Platform offers breathtaking views over the Old Town, the city walls, and the port (see picture 3).

It’s located 3 minutes from the previous viewpoint.

A 7 minutes walk will take you to Toompea Castle, located on Toompea Hill. Completed in 1773, this fortress is a symbol of Estonia’s history and governance, now home to the Estonian Parliament (see picture 1 down below).

Next we have the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, which was completed in 1900 and is a stunning example of Russian Orthodox architecture (picture 2 further down).

Entrance fee : Free

Opening hours : Everyday from 8am to 6pm

3 minutes from the Cathedral is the Danish King’s Garden. This little park was established in the 19th century, and features a statue of the Danish king Christian IV. See pictures 3 and 4 below.

7 minutes from the garden is the Viru Gate. Featuring two well-preserved towers, it serves as the entrance to Tallinn’s Old Town (see picture 2 further down).

A 10 minutes walk will take you to St. Olaf’s Church, built in the 12th century and adorned with a towering Gothic spire in the late Middle Ages. At its peak height in the 16th century, the church reached approximately 159 meters, making it one of the tallest buildings in the world at that time (see picture 1 below).

10 minutes from the church is Balti Jaama Turg. This vibrant market with many eateries is located next to Tallinn’s main train station. A great place to try the local cuisine !

Last stop is 8 minutes away. Telliskivi Creative City, is set in a former industrial complex, and has become Tallinn’s hub for artists and creatives. Home to studios, galleries, cafes, and unique shops, this is a great spot to explore Estonia’s dynamic cultural scene.

If you are staying an additional day or morning, head to Kadriorg Park. It is 40 minutes by foot, or 20 minutes if you take a tramway.

The park itself is quite large and beautiful, but don’t miss stopping by the Kadriorg Art Museum. This original Baroque palace is Estonia’s most prestigious art museum, showcasing a collection of European and Russian art from the 16th to the 20th centuries.

That’s it for my Tallinn recommendations !

I hope this article gave you a better idea of what to expect from a day in Tallin, it’s definitely worth to stop by if you are coming to Estonia !

If you plan on coming to Estonia soon you can check out my other article about the top places to see in Estonia. 

If you need more information about what to know before going to Estonia, you can check out this article.

If you need a custom itinerary, you can fill this form and I’ll make your own personalised itinerary.