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.