30 Fun Things To Do In Tallinn: Estonia’s Medieval-Meets-Modern Capital! 🇪🇪

A captivating mixture of Medieval fairy-tale charm, contemporary New Nordic dining and hidden hipster hotspots splashed with a few cultural and architectural relics of the Soviet occupation.

There is something for everyone in Estonia’s in-vogue capital. And with these 30 fun things to do in Tallinn, I am going to make sure you love this city just as much as I did! 

Lying east of the Baltic Sea, only 70 km south of Helsinki and 300 km north of Riga, Tallinn was founded almost a millennium ago and has centuries of history trading – and being traded by –  Russia, Denmark, Sweden, and Germany.

The result is a rich cultural tapestry that has endowed Tallinn with many unique attractions. For most tourists, the top highlights are undoubtedly the beautifully preserved walled city at Old Tallinn’s heart, concealing winding cobbled streets, photogenic medieval houses, and opulent churches.

Given how frequently Tallinn was subject to ravages of fire and conflict by warring European powers over the years, it really is remarkable that the city has managed to respect and keep most of its historic architecture intact. So impressive, in fact, that the Historical Centre (Old Town) of Tallinn was rewarded UNESCO World Heritage Status in 1997.

If you ever tire of the converted medieval buildings of the Old Town, which now house trendy restaurants, relaxing hotels and fabulous museums, there is plenty more to see. There is the entire Kalamaja neighborhood, famed for its wooden architecture and free-spirited cafes, to explore – or the Telliskivi Creative City, a design and dining precinct hidden in a converted industrial complex.

Still not enough?

There is also a modern town with controversial examples of concrete Soviet-style and glass Capitalism architectural monstrosities — and so many unusual natural attractions and curious townlets right on Tallinn’s doorstep to explore if you rent a car in Estonia.

Culturally distinct from Russia and its Baltic neighbors, Latvia and Lithuania, and separated from its linguistic brother Finland by the Soviet occupation, today Estonia, a little country in the north, embraces its independence and singular uniqueness.

Culture, gastronomy, design, and nature abound, but Tallinn, its treasured merchant’s city, is still Estonia’s crown jewel and is just as bustling, buzzing, and beautiful as ever. 

1. Embrace Your Inner Bond Villian At The Seaplane Harbour (Estonian Maritime Museum)

With the design aesthetics and WOW factor of a James Bond villain lair, the converted Seaplane Harbour is easily one of the best things to do in Estonia – and possibly Europe’s most exhilarating museums. I mean, seriously, look at it!

Separated into three levels: in the air, on the sea, and below the sea – the Seaplane Harbour is a fabulous example of a renovation done correctly. It protects one of the most valuable buildings of the 20th century in the Baltic States for generations to come.

There are around 200 different maritime objects housed within this historical seaplane hangar. However, the crowning jewel has to be the Lembit submarine, the oldest submarine still afloat in the world when he was brought ashore in 2011. You are free to explore inside the sub.

Still, there is so much more here, including sailboats, special exhibits, the incredible cafe MARU, and an array of historically significant maritime boats outback you can wander aboard.

No matter where your interests lie – visiting this one-of-a-kind museum in Tallinn should be a top priority!

2. Learn About The Various Art Movements Of Estonia At The Kumu Art Museum

If you love art, you cannot miss visiting the KUMU, one of the most prominent museums in Estonia. It is even one of the largest art museums in Northern Europe.

Kumu presents both permanent collections and temporary exhibitions focusing on Estonian art from the 18th century onwards, including seminal examples from the occupations period (1940–1991) and presenting both Socialist Realism and what was then Nonconformist art.

If that isn’t enough to convince you, the temporary exhibitions often feature contemporary works, both foreign and Estonian artists, which juxtaposition nicely and avoid having the galleries feel like the stuff art museums of, say – Vienna or Paris. 

The building was designed by Pekka Vapaavuori – a Finnish architect- and is equally impressive as the work it holds. Despite its gargantuan size, it is very much hidden and in harmony with its splendid location in Kadriorg Park.

3. Delve Into The Sorrid Soviet Past At The Hotel Viru KGB Museum Or The KGB Prison Cells

While Estonia and Tallinn are very progressive and trying as hard as possible to forget about the Soviet Occupation, there are still a few places around the central city where you can go to learn about the effects this period had on Estonia.

One is the Hotel Viru and KGB Museum, which exhibits KGB artifacts from the Soviet occupation, including uniforms, cameras & spy gear that were used to spy on all guests at the hotel – including the many foreigners who stayed there.

Inside, you can learn about two parallel worlds: a fictional one in which all Soviet citizens lived in happiness, abundance, and bliss with no accidents and another, the reality in which scare tactics, spying and interrogation were the norm.

You can only visit on an organized tour and should book in advance as the tours are top-rated and do fill up. Exhibits are located on the top floor – which Soviets claim never existed – where the KGB was based. Real fans can even stay at the Original Sokos Hotel Viru still today. However, the rooms have been extensively renovated and look nothing like they would have during the Soviet era.

You can also visit the small KGB Cells Museum in the Old Town, a reminder of Estonian citizens’ inhuman treatment under the Soviet regime. A visit will only take a half-hour, but you can see the cells prisoners were kept in and some of the more chilling stories that help paint a realistic portrait of life under Soviet occupation.

4. Taste World-Class Beer At The Newly Opened Põhjala Brewery

Põhjala Beer may have only started in 2014, but it is quickly gaining an international reputation as thanks to its focus on porters, barrel aging, and rare botanical ingredients from the forests of Estonia.

Thanks to a considerable expansion in 2018, Põhjala moved their brewery to the Noblessner area of Tallinn and opened up a marvelous tap room that serves 24 Põhjala and guest beers on tap. The cuisine is centered around Texas BBQ that is smoked on the spot and features various sides, salads, sandwiches, snacks, and desserts – most of which are home-made – and perfect for enjoying with a tasting flight outside on the deck during those long summer days.

For real beer connoisseurs, we recommend signing up in advance for the 45-minute tour, which explains Põhjala beer production with information about beer making and the brewery and – obviously –  tasting of 3—4 different beers.

And if you are visiting in May, do not miss the Tallinn Craft Beer Weekend, an annual festival organized by Põhjala Brewery in May and featuring over 30 Estonian and international breweries that showcase around 300 beers.

5. Get Lost In The Best Of Estonian Design At The Telliskivi Creative City

Skip all those over-priced and tacky souvenir shops in the Old Town and head to the Telliskivi Creative City – an uber-cool creative hub in a former industrial complex just a few minutes walk from the Old Town border.

Not only will you find vintage shops, fair trade products, hip restaurants, and design stores – but you can only find bespoke events here, especially on weekends, including coffee-making championships, dance performances, or pop-up stores and markets, which take place every Saturday.

The Telliskivi Creative City is the perfect place to discover the beauty of Estonian contemporary art and design, which is similar to Nordic design ala Turku or Copenhagen and embraces simplicity, minimalism, and functionality.

Whether you are window shopping or out for a wonderfully unique keepsake of Tallinn, you can lose hours in Telliskivi, exploring its many buildings and hidden treasures.

6. See The City From Another Perspective At The Tallinn TV Tower

Northern Europe’s highest open viewing platform, this soaring 314-meter communications tower, offers a glass-floored viewing platform on the 21st level where guests can stare out over the edge and out to Tallinn, the Gulf of Finland and beyond.

Construction at the TV Tower began in 1975, and it was completed just in time for the Moscow Olympics in 1980 – during which Tallinn hosted the sailing events. The Tallinn TV Tower building was actually added to the official list of Olympic sites to ensure more accessible access to construction materials during Soviet Times – and as a result, had equipment intended initially for the Vilnius TV Tower in it, causing delays there.

Thoroughly modernized in a 2012 renovation, the highest panoramic restaurant in Northern Europe is now open here, and as of 2013, it is also possible to get an adrenaline jolt by putting on a safety harness and going out for a walk on the highest open deck in northern Europe – 175 meters above the ground!

7. Get Snap Happy At The Multi-Sensory Manna La Roosa Pleasure Palace

Where do I even start?

Manna La Roosa is possibly one of the most unique places in Tallinn, and in an urban landscape littered with extraordinary wonders, this is no small feat. Tacky as hell, but somehow, the Latino burlesque decor mixed with Gold Baroque works. Don’t even ask me what that means – Manna La Roosa is simply indescribable!

One thing, however, is for sure: you will take plenty of pictures for Instagram and nothing after Manna La Roosa will ever seem to be ‘over the top.’

Even better? The food and drinks at Manna La Roosa are out-of-this-world; I mean, it has to compete with its loud and exuberant interior. The grilled octopus with tomato and asparagus was divine, as was the Ostrich Tartare with spicy alike and quail egg. The drinks here were even more standout, so good; you can pop in for a quick nip and admire the psychedelic walls or gorgeous bar – even if you head on for dinner reservations elsewhere.

Housed in the same historic building is the equally beautiful Tai Boh upstairs with a similar LSD-inspired design palate but with an Oriental theme.  Both are a must for foodies and design fans, but reservations are essential in summer months or weekends.

It’s fair to say this self-created kitschy-freaky-crazy dining combo has been a massive hit!

8. Saunter Through A Wooden Streetscape In Bohemian Kalamaja

If you ever get sick of the Old Town, know Tallinn is more than a medieval wonder.

A prime example, you ask?

The quaint neighborhood of Kalamaja, much beloved by hipsters, is known for its quiet streets, colorful wooden buildings, and, increasingly, its youthful, creative energy. This is part of Tallinn, where you will get an authentic feel of the locals’ lifestyle – and promptly decide to move here!

While the best way to discover Kalamaja is to wander around and get lost, you should try to visit the modern Austrian-style café, Gustav, or pop into the trendy TOPS bar for a drink later in the evening. Kalamaja is also home to one of the oldest and best public saunas in Estonia, Kalma, if you want to experience the sauna the Estonian way.

Dignified architecture and traditions make Kalma sauna a soulful place and quite a different experience than visiting Tampere, the sauna capital of the world!

9. Relax In Estonia’s Oldest Cafe – Maiasmokk Café!

No visit to charming Tallinn would be complete without a relaxing coffee and sweet at Maiasmokk,  the oldest operating café in Estonia. Yes, this unique café has been in the same location since 1864, and as soon as you walk in, you really can tell that its interior décor has been unchanged for almost a century.

While in 1941, Maiasmokk became nationalized during the Soviet occupation of Estonia, it was again registered as a private enterprise after Estonian independence, and in 2006, the Estonian Post Office even released a limited-edition postage stamp to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the Maiasmokk, so you know it’s a big deal!

While the coffeehouse culture might have been perfected in Vienna and Budapest, here in this cozy little cafe, you can enjoy the experience with an Estonian twist while being served delectable and novel meals, fresh pastries, pies and cakes – and strong coffee, of course!

If you arrive early enough, head upstairs for a divine, almost private seat for two with world-class views out over the square and old town, but for the most authentic experience, the old world downstairs – always crowded and brimming with conversation is the place to be.

According to locals, Tallinn is the birthplace of marzipan, invented way back in the Middle Ages as a remedy for lovesickness, and today – rather fittingly – there is also a marzipan museum on the premises of Maiasmokk café, giving you some insight into the history of the treat. You can also watch a local artist creating Marzipan art or enjoy the 200-odd marzipan figures made from molds, which are themselves over 100 years old!

10. Visit The Birthplace Of The Singing Revolution At The Song Festival Ground

In 1869, the Estonian Song Festival was established while the nation was still a province of the Russian Empire, and what may have seemed someone significant then is today considered responsible for cultivating an Estonian national awakening. Initially held in Tartu with only men’s choirs and brass orchestras, by its sixth edition, it was mixed and moved to Tallinn, where it is still retained today.

With over 30,000 singers performing to an audience of 80,000 – it is one of the largest amateur choral events in the world and is considered by UNESCO to be a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity. Held every five years in July in the Tallinn Song Festival Grounds, the last one was in 2019, so you will actually have to wait until 2024 to have the opportunity to witness this unique performance again – but thankfully, the grounds are freely open to the public every day of the year.

In June 1988, during the Singing Revolution days, up to 300,000 people attended the Night Song Festival here, though those numbers have since been questioned -it was certainly north of 100,000 people. The grounds are also occasionally used for more contemporary musical acts, including Iron Maiden, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Metallica, who have all performed here to sell-out crowds.

11. Dine At The Acclaimed And Very Hip TABAC

TABAC is a hip French brasserie-inspired restaurant and cocktail bar mixing Estonian ingredients and an ambitious beverage menu that comes alive with excellent music in the grand Golden Age dining room.

There is a natural, effortless, ‘cool factor’ to the place – from the enormous smoky mirror to the Grand Hotel-styled bar, so it is no wonder it is one of the city’s most sought after-dinner spots – meaning reservations are recommended. Casual yet refined, we loved sitting at the window-side tables and watching the world outside go by – or why not consider a seat at the old-school bar to learn the secrets of the talented cocktail makers here?

The menu is chic yet simple and delicious. At the same time, selecting wine, spirits, and cocktails will leave you spoilt for choice. Dive in and select a few of whatever takes your fancy, or let your wait staff make their recommendations based on your personal taste.

12. Marvel At The Colourful And Baroque At The Kadriorg Art Museum

The Kadriorg Art Museum is the only museum in Estonia devoted to foreign art. It houses the country’s most extensive collection of Western European and Russian art, with about 9,000 works of art from the 16th to 20th centuries.

The museum is located in Kadriorg Park inside a Baroque palace built by Tsar Peter the Great of Russia as a summer residence. So even if you are not the biggest fan of art, the interior and grounds of the building make a visit worthwhile.

After 1944, during the Soviet occupation of Estonia, the palace served as the main venue for the Art Museum of Estonia. However, the buildings were neglected and completely run down by the time of the restoration of Estonia’s independence in 1991. Restoration works, supported by the government of Sweden, began in 1991, and the palace re-opened in 2000.

The KUMU branch of the museum, showing Estonian art from the 18th century onwards, is located nearby in the park.

13. Sift Through Soviet Bric-A-Brack At The Balti Jaam Market

This newly-renovated market complex deserves its place on any list of Tallinn things to do, being the most modern of its kind in the Baltics and bringing high-quality dining, produce, coffee, and other items together under one roof.

As you will quickly see, the Balti Jaam (Baltic Station) Market is extremely popular with locals and tourists, so you know you are onto a good thing!

While picture-postcard ‘tourist Tallinn’ was terrific, I thoroughly enjoyed exploring this market with a completely different feel. Wander through the shiny butcher, explore the variety of cafés or tempt yourself with delicious vegan food –  but the highlight will undoubtedly be upstairs.

Why, you ask?

Because tucked away on the upper floor is store after store of old Soviet-era objects, basically a more civilized version of an Estonian flea market.

Second-hand antiques, toys, bicycles, matchboxes, pots, artwork, fur coats, military gear. You name it, and you will find it here, although some hunting might be required. The walls are piled high, and space is at a premium, but you can spend hours sifting through the treasures here — much like the Campo de Santa Clara Flea Market of Lisbon.

A free museum where everything is for sale; if you want a unique gift or showpiece for your home – along with a fun story – chances are upstairs at the Balti Jaam Market is where you will get it!

14. Sample Frozen Delights At The La Muu Cafe-Laboratory

Seriously, who doesn’t love ice cream – if you ask a local Talliner about their favorite spot for a scoop of sugary goodness, they will surely tell you the La Muu Cafe-laboratory—it is just that popular!

You can spot their logo and delightful products around town. Still, for the ultimate experience, you must drop by their laboratory-café concept in the Telliskivi Creative City area. There are more than 20 different ice cream flavors on offer here, all so unique that they are not sold anywhere else, and you get the chance to be their guinea pig. Prices are affordable, and new flavors are announced monthly, so you never quite know what you will get.

A perennial favorite, there are quite a few vegan varieties and something for everyone – so sometimes there might be a little wait. But don’t worry – it is entirely worth it!

15. Hunt Down The Colourful Street Art In Tallinn

Looking for street art is one of my favorite things to do while exploring a new city.

In fact, it is fair to say I’m addicted, having gone hunting for these colorful contemporary art forms in Medellin, Sao Paulo, Bogota, Buenos Aires, and Palestine — to name a few!

And while Europe tends to er more towards old-world charm than edgy graffiti works, Tallinn surprised me (yet again) with plenty of street art displays once you get outside of the old town.

Keep your eyes peeled if you are a fan. A true connoisseur will want to seek them all out and should try along the Cultural Kilometer, a pedestrian and bike path that starts at the old Olympic venue Linnahall and goes for 2 kilometers (not one) to the Museum for Contemporary Art EKKM.

The Telliskivi Creative City is another great place to try, as it hosts the annual J-Street Baltic Street Art Jam, an ambitious street art and urban culture festival that ensures the city is topped up with creative rainbow colors every year. The chief goal is to ‘rescue’ walls scribbled with ugly tags and brighten up any blank and bleak spaces with gorgeous, striking, and often thought-provoking murals.

I could write an entire guide on the street art scene in Tallinn and the best pieces – but luckily, I do not need to as Visit Tallinn has this useful tool for sorting the latest artworks, including by suburb, their story and how to track them down!

16. Appreciate Fine Craftsmanship At The Estonian Museum of Applied Art and Design

I’ll be the first to admit that applied art is not typically my favorite thing, but I decided to give the Estonian Museum of Applied Art and Design a shot, and it turned out to be the exception to the rule.

Easily Estonia’s most notable collection of applied art from the early 1900s to today, all housed in a wonderfully converted 17th-century Old Town granary. I was impressed by the variety and breadth of this design museum, and art lovers can easily spend two to three hours viewing the works of art by local Estonian artists here in different formats: Textile art, ceramics, porcelain, leather, glass, jewelry, metalwork, furniture, and product design.

 There is also a clever upper walkway in one room to give a birds-eye view and get close to the hanging wall textiles. Well done! The ground floor hosts more temporary exhibitions from international artists to inspire and focus on newer ideas. Still, with over 15,000 objects across three levels, I’m sure you will find at least a few curious objects to pique your interest.

I know I did!

17. Be Surprised By The Cutting Edge Estonian Health Care Museum

Ok, I know what you will say: “An Estonian Health Care Museum? Come on…You have got to be kidding?” …but hear me out!

See, the Estonian Health Care Museum is included on the Tallinn Card. And since I was wandering past, I thought I would nip in — if only to see how boring it could possibly be. But again, Tallinn surprised me, and I found one of the most intriguing museums I have ever visited and ended up spending two hours here.

This cutting-edge museum showcases human anatomy and health care with interpretive displays and activities, all presented visually and engagingly. If I had been a child when I visited, I would have studied hard and become a doctor.  

Practically dissecting the human body, each room in this labyrinth facility is spread over three floors, and two internally connected buildings have a unique theme focusing on each organ.

There are exciting, hands-on exhibits, fresh looks at new topics like human evolution, healthy eating, and modern disease diagnostics and a peppering of Estonia’s medical heritage throughout. Even two human bodies have been preserved through a process called plastination and dissected to display bodily systems, similar to the famous Body Worlds, which moves around globally.

If it still sounds boring, that’s on me – because this place is anything but! You could easily spend 4 hours without reading and doing everything here. Perfect for children or curious adults who still like to learn, this has to be one of the best things to do in Tallinn on a rainy day – or even a sunny one.

One suggestion, though, guys?

A name change — the Estonian Health Care Museum just sounds plain boring and does not do the place justice!

18. Enjoy Jaw-Dropping Views At The Lounge24 Radisson Blue Sky Bar

The ultimate contradiction perhaps, but yes, it is true: the best views of Old Medieval Tallinn are to be had in the Lounge 24 Sky Bar of a capitalist glass-and-steel monstrosity. Go figure!

Still, no visit to Tallinn would be complete without heading up the lofty height of the city-center Radisson Blu Sky Hotel for glorious views, surprisingly affordable cocktails, and a casual yet refined atmosphere.

Honestly, the food was pretty terrible compared to the many, many, many other excellent dining options in Tallinn – but you can pop up for a drink if you are short on time or money. In summer, they even have an outdoor terrace setting to relax in supreme elegance, so slip that margarita slowly and lap it all in.

If you are as obsessed with great views as I am, you might want to consider staying at the Radisson Blu Sky Hotel. You get the outstanding view of the old town on one side – and on the other, you get those Baltic water views, especially if you stay on the higher floors.

While not our absolute favorite hotel in town – Hotel Telegraaf is far more deserving of that accommodation –  the Radisson Blu Sky Hotel is very close to the old town and not far from the airport and harbor if you are taking the ferry to/from Helsinki, and the room rates are very affordable for the services and quality on offer.

19. Get Close Up With Bizarre Puppets At The NUKU Museum

I had no expectations before visiting this museum – but let me assure you this is not just another puppet museum that showcases puppets and has way more to offer. Spread across multiple rooms and dungeons; the NUKU features exhibits on puppets, décor, set design, light and shadow theater, horror cellar, history and much more.

Taking a peek behind the curtains and unveiling what usually is invisible is the concept behind the NUKU Museum experience. In addition to actually playing with some puppets, you are designing your own stage sets, creating sound designs, and learning about different materials used and even the long history of puppet design. Hint: Surprisingly, puppetry didn’t start in Europe!

A couple of hours went by quickly here, and I highly recommend it for parents traveling with children – or anyone who wants to experience this authentic part of Estonian culture and the recent renovations add a whole other level to things.

To complete the experience or as an alternative, ask when the next puppet theatre show is and plan to attend. Founded in 1952, the Puppet Theatre has a quirky repertoire of plays & musicals. The onsite café is charming with great coffee, too, but as I quickly discovered in Tallinn – all coffee was made to an exceptionally high standard.

Yet another thing I fell in love with this unconventional city! 

20. Go Back In Time At The Maiden Tower Museum-Cafe

A distinctive café on three floors of a fourteenth-century defense tower is a great spot to perch with a partner (or book), enjoy a cappuccino and take in the panoramic views of old town roof tiles.

Probably the best café view in Tallinn, but the worst coffee and food – which is a shame as if the café could match the views, it would shoot straight away to #1 on this list of things to do in Tallinn. Actually, I would find it hard to drag myself away from here to do anything else.

That is not to say the coffee is bad; it just comes from a machine rather than a barista. The décor is cute, and the enormous floor-to-ceiling windows are mind-blowing. Not only is it like going back to the Middle Ages, but the service and staff are a Soviet blast from the past.

The Maiden Tower Museum-Café is somehow attached via the external tower wall to the Kiek in de Kök Museum, a wonderfully restored cannon tower dating to the 15th century, which now houses a separate museum with exhibits & tours of secret tunnels.

The Kiek in de Kök Museum is by far the better of the two, but if you have the Tallinn Card, you can enjoy included access to both.

If you want to get up on the Tallinn Old Town wall, explore and enjoy the view, then visiting the Maiden Tower Museum-Café will suffice.

21. Unravel Estonia’s Complex Past At The Estonian History Museum: Great Guild Hall 

What is Estonia, this weird little country with a curious language, quiet people, and Skype?

If you are curious about Estonia as a country and its long – and very complicated – history, you cannot miss visiting the Estonian History Museum houses in the Great Guild Hall. Here,  you can examine Estonia’s history from prehistoric times to the end of the 20th century under the arched roof of the glorious 15th-century Great Guild Hall, itself a stunning relic of Tallinn’s past.

Among the many highlights found here is an exhibition called “If Estonia is Nordic?”, a weapons chamber presenting various wars and arms through the ages and the permanent exhibition ‘Spirit Of Survival: 11,000 years of Estonian’ which helps visitors to truly understand the uniqueness of the Estonian people and how historical events have affected them.

Films and hands-on displays at this comprehensive museum explain how Estonian dwellers lived, fought and survived through 11,000 years, covering from prehistoric times to the end of the 20th century—but for more information, you’ll need to head out of the Tallinn Old Town.

22. Dive Deeper Into Estonia’s Recent Past  A The Estonian History Museum: Maarjamäe Palace

In 2018,  the 100th anniversary of the Republic of Estonia, another outpost of the Estonian History Museum was opened at Maarjamäe Palace, termed a history discovery center. The historical palace was entirely renovated, and the Estonian Film Museum was added to the park. 

There is a lot to cover here, so I won’t even try – but for those who didn’t already, Estonia achieved independence from the Soviet occupation with a four-year Singing Revolution, involving most famously spontaneous mass night-singing demonstrations at the Tallinn Song Festival Grounds. Through these actions, Estonia regained its independence without any bloodshed on 20 August 1991.

Another fun fact: Iceland was the first nation to recognize the newly restored independence of Estonia. You are welcome!

While the Great Guild location is centrally located and looks into the more distant history of Estonia, this location, with its permanent exhibition “My Free Country,” focuses on the past 100 years of Estonian history. Hence, if you are more interested in Soviet times, Estonian independence, and (re)independence, this is the spot for you. I think you should visit both!  

23. Splash Out At NOA, One Of The World’s Top Dining Experiences.

For an over-the-top fine dining extravaganza, you must head out of town to NOA, one of the world’s 50 best restaurants.

Only 15 minutes by taxi, NOA is famed for its seaside location, grand architecture, and chic interior design. Not to mention the original flavors and panoramic views of the Tallinn skyline and the sea.

A dinner at NOA does not come cheap, and you often need to reserve weeks in advance – especially during the busy summer season – but for your efforts, you will be rewarded with bold global flavors, delicious cocktails, an eccentric wine list and sea-views from every, single table.

This wood and glass architectural gem wouldn’t look out of place on a Grand Designs episode, but once you have sufficiently appreciated the design and views, you can move on to the menu. Why not start with eggplant caviar & cheese profiteroles or their signature green “taco” with Caesar sauce, walnuts, celery, apple, and crispy panko?

Then, for mains, be tempted by juicy scallops with apple-zucchini salad, shisho leaves, and a lemongrass sauce or the warming red lentil curry with papadums, coriander, curry leaves, and coconut milk. NOA changes its menu seasonally to reflect the availability of local and international ingredients, so no matter when you visit, you will surely find a delightful surprise.

One thing we hope that stays? The ‘#SEXWITHEX” dessert of goat cheese, crème brûlée, beeswax ice cream, and raspberries. It tastes are incredible as it sounds, but without the regret and emotional baggage afterward.

Overall, the architecture, views, food, drinks, and staff were all perfect – as you would expect at a restaurant of this caliber. We wish NOA were a little more locally focussed regarding their menu, but still – dining here promises to be an experience you will never forget.

24. Literally Squeeze Into A Purist Speakeasy Bar, Whisper Sister

Tallinn is not a sleepy capital with history by day and zero nightlife – no matter what you might have heard.

To prove it, all you need to do is head out after dark and follow the steady stream of Estonians and foreigners gathering at their beloved bars, pubs, and nightclubs. Trust me; there are a lot of choices and something for everyone.

One of my personal favorite places to go is the uber-cool Whisper Sister.

How cool, you ask?

So cool that there is no sign, a locked door, and no one out front. To get into this underground speakeasy, you need to call a discreet phone number listed in tiny letters on the wooden door and wait for someone to let you in. In reality, if you are a tourist without a working phone, wait for another patron to come by and tag along with them.

Inside is frequently packed, but even if you miss out on a table, you can grab a seat at the bar, where the skilled bartender crafts alcoholic works of art right in front of your eyes. The Match Gin Cocktail is divine- or why not try a Lemon Pie liquid dessert with Waqar pisco, aged Italian wine, Marsala, homemade whey, vanilla-lemon curd & melt-in-your-mouth meringue?

With a wide selection of though-out cocktails, excellent service, and a chic interior – this speakeasy is a must-visit in Tallinn.

Oh, and the address? Pärnu maantee 12.

25. Sample Local Beers In A German-Style Beer Hall

Tallinn might have plenty of fine dining options, but something you just want good food, good beer, and good company.

That’s where the Beer House comes in, an old-school gastro-brewery just off Town Hall Square with seven in-house varieties of beer brews, hearty meals, indoor and outdoor seating and live music from Thursday to Saturday!  The waitresses and staff were dressed in traditional German clothing and serving bratwurst and pork, giving a somewhat artistic license to Tallinn’s past merchant history with the Hanseatic League.

The beer-making facilities are visible from their spacious beer hall where Beer House Tallinn is famously crafting ‘living beer,’ this is nonfiltered and nonpasteurized beer –simply where the yeast falls to the bottom, and the beer is then taken from the clear top.

Living beer is somewhat rich in vitamin B and minerals, which positively affect metabolism – so you could argue that the Beer House beer is basically a health food when consumed in reasonable quantities—Just not in the quantities I consumed it!

What? Don’t judge me… It was Autumn, so I had to bring some Oktoberfest spirit to Tallinn.

With more character and soul than any of the pricey and ‘safe’ options on the Town Square, the almighty Beer House has an almost cult following, and once you match the living beer with their garlic bread (fried rye bread in garlic oil with a garlic dip) you too will understand why!

26. Take In The Panoramic Views From The Patkuli Viewing Platform

Situated in one of the most ancient parts of Tallinn, high on the Toompea hill, the Patkuli viewing platform has that postcard view of the Old Town and its towers and walls.

Something straight from a fairytale, and in comparison to the modern Radisson Blu Sky Hotel on the Patkuli Viewing Platform, you feel completely immersed in the legend of Tallinn as opposed to above it.

It takes 157 steps to Toompea from the old town below, but each step is worth it — if only because the view is free and the memory of the Church spires reaching skywards as the Baltic Sea glistens behind will stay with you forever.

Expect tourist crowds taking many photos and selfies in peak times – but you can quickly enhance the magic by visiting first thing in the morning or in the evening once the cruise ship passengers have all rushed back to the comfort of their onboard cabins bound for the next port.

27. Wander The UNESCO Listed Old Town Of Tallinn

Obviously, in Tallinn, one of the best things to do would always be to wander on your own and get completely lost on the twisty, turny streets of its Old Town.

The Historic Centre of Tallinn is an extraordinarily complete and well-preserved medieval European trading city that developed as a significant center of the Hanseatic League during the 13th-16th centuries. As a result, almost every building is of interest here – and snap-happy photographers will have a field day.

The wealth of Tallinn’s past is validated by the magnificence of the public buildings here – the churches in particular, which you should feel free to wander into. Then there is the intriguing domestic architecture of the Hanseatic merchants’ houses, which have persisted to a remarkable degree today and now beg you to explore inside. You will be rewarded with cozy hotels, trendy restaurants, relaxed cafes, and – yes – tacky souvenir stores.

In life, death, taxes, and souvenir stores in touristy cities are unavoidable, it seems. 

Have fun exploring a medieval urban fabric virtually intact from the 13th-14th centuries with narrow winding streets, many of which are still known by their medieval names, and spot iconic buildings like the town wall, Town Hall, pharmacy, churches, monasteries, merchants’ and craftsmen’ guilds.

I can – and did – spend hours wandering in Tallinn Old Town and never got bored. Different lights, times of day, and weather present a new view  – one of which I could never get bored.

Of course, if you are not into walking – there are plenty of outdoor terraces to relax, and people watch from. But that is another story…

28. Stop By Fotografiska Tallinn, A Meeting Place For Photography

An internationally renowned photographic art center that is Stockholm-based but opened its fourth branch in Tallinn. They are also found in London and New York, so this tells you a little about the quality of the exhibitions on offer here (and what cool company Tallinn keeps.).

A modern meeting place where art, good food, music, design, and an open way of thinking come together, the concept of Fotografiska Tallinn includes an exhibitions and events area, a café, a restaurant, and photography art and gift shop.

To keep things contemporary and up-to-the-minute, new installations are always being planned – but when we visited, we spent hours in wonderment staring at the scandalous moments of Alison Jackson’s “Truth is Dead” series and journeyed to some of the most remote corners of the world with Jimmy Nelson’s “Homage to Humanity”…

29. Discover The Best Of Estonian Modern Dining At Rae Meierei

As I’ve said before – one of the highlights of Tallinn is unquestionably the ‘new Nordic’ food scene – and there are far, far too many restaurants leading the way to list them all here.

As such, I have put together a separate guide to the best restaurants in Tallinn to eat so you can best experience the diversity of talented Estonian chefs fuelling a culinary revolution by fusing Scandi-style cooking with fresh, local and seasonal ingredients.  New Nordic dining with an Estonian twist.

The result is an exceptional dining scene brimming with innovative dishes at affordable prices. Unlike eating out in Copenhagen, Olso, or Bergen, indulging here does not cost the same amount as a house in a third-world nation.

Still, if I were forced to choose just one place to recommend, it would have to be the newly opened Rae Meierei, from the creators of the already famous Farm and Rukis – all of which are in the Tallinn Old Town.

To start with, the interior of Rae Meierei is unique and utterly mesmerizing with industrial details, funky art, liberal – and slightly ironic – use of wooden palettes and an open kitchen where the real magic takes place. It is here that the talented chefs create authentic and distinguishing dishes embracing Estonian and international cuisine using most ingredients from small producers in Estonia.

Fresh, rustic, and oh-so-delicious, I loved the Duck fillet, lightly smoked with apple chips, honey pear, and cherry sauce and the catfish with dill and sour cream horseradish sauce was divine. The Potato pancakes with stracciatella cheese were also how I imagined a hug from my Estonian grandma would feel if I had one. You should also try the adult Blackcurrant smoothie crafted cocktail with blackcurrant cognac, blackcurrant puree, orange juice, maple syrup, peppermint, and egg white.

Again, book ahead at peak times to avoid disappointment. Rae Meierei is justifiably popular.

30. Head Out Of Town On A Lahemaa National Park Tour

Ok – I know this is cheating, but I cannot recommend highly enough to get out and explore the Lahemaa National Park, only an hour away from Tallinn.

You can easily hire a car and head out yourself – or sign on to a popular day tour to ensure you hit all the top highlights you probably would not stumble upon.

Either way, the Lahemaa National Park is a magical part of the Estonian countryside, home to gigantic pine forests, picturesque coastlines, quaint wooden towns, and secretive bogs filled with stories. It is incredible, and there is just so much to see here that it is hard to oversell.

Stop by one of the biggest natural waterfalls in Estonia, visit old manor houses like Kolga or Sagadi, once owned by wealthy Baltic German landlords, walk-in silent forests, or get lost in utterly mesmerizing coastal villages like Käsmu and Altja.

Unquestionably, the Viru Bog is the biggest drawcard of the Lahemaa National Park, where you can wander along a 3.5 km wooden trail over the wetland. Take your camera as the lookout tower has panoramic views in every tower, or in the summer, why not brave a swim?

There is so much to explore here, and I cannot stress enough how much I love the Lahemaa National Park. No list of things to do in Tallinn could ever be complete without a visit here.

Where To Stay In Tallinn

Map Of Tallinn Things To Do

As we’ve journeyed through the captivating city of Tallinn, you’ve learned about its myriad of attractions, vibrant bars, tantalizing restaurants, and cozy accommodations. To help you navigate this historic yet modern city with ease and ensure you don’t miss out on any of the highlighted spots, we’ve compiled a detailed map for you.

This visual guide will assist you in getting your bearings and plotting your own adventure in Estonia’s enchanting capital. Whether you’re tracing the cobblestone streets of the Old Town or seeking out a contemporary hotspot, this map will be your essential companion.