10 BEST Things to Do in Tallinn, Estonia for First-Time Visitors!

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Are you planning a trip to Tallinn and wondering what exactly you should do during your visit? 

Tallinn is easily one of the most magical cities I’ve ever visited in Europe, and what makes it even better is that it’s still not overcrowded. Unlike so many other European capitals that feel packed year-round, Tallinn still has that hidden-gem charm that makes wandering its streets feel special.

The Estonian capital sits right on the northern edge of the Baltic Sea and the Gulf of Finland, and it’s honestly one of the most picturesque and best-preserved medieval old towns I’ve seen. Add in a creative arts and culture scene and some of the best food I’ve had in ages, and it’s hard not to fall in love with this city.

There are SO many things to do in Tallinn, and something for just about every type of traveller, from history, to nature, coffee and food, to art and modern culture. We spent 5 days in Tallinn last summer and had the most incredible time in the Estonian capital and can’t wait to return to explore even deeper.

If you’d like a closer, first-person look at visiting Tallinn, our YouTube video has you covered!

The Best Things to Do in Tallinn, Estonia

1. Walking Tour

One of my personal favourite things to do in any new place that I visit is to head out on a walking tour the first day that I arrive. It adds SO much context to the place that you’re at, and for the rest of the trip, so much more make sense and the area is really brought to justice. 

Another thing I also love about walking tours is that there are all sorts of different types of walking tours, so no matter which angle you choose, you’ll learn so much about Tallinn. 

Walking tours are also almost always done with a local guide, so you really get to know the ins and outs of where you’re visiting, along with some local tips! 

2. Get Lost in Tallinn’s Old Town (Vanalinn) 

Tallinn Old Town, or Vanalinn, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Northern Europe’s best-preserved medieval cities. The architecture dates from the 13th to 16th centuries, when Tallinn was a prominent part of the Hanseatic League. It’s easily one of the most picturesque old towns I’ve visited. The area is compact and completely walkable, with every alley and cobbled corner offering something new to discover. From red-roofed towers and striking church spires to the lively Town Hall Square, wandering here truly feels like stepping back in time.

3. Step Back in Time in St. Catherine’s Passage

One of my personal favourite spots in Tallinn during our visit was St. Catherine’s Passage, also known as St. Catherine’s Alley. Tucked away just off Vene Street, this narrow medieval lane feels like a hidden portal to another time. It’s lined with centuries-old stone walls, archways, and artisan workshops where local craftspeople still create ceramics, jewellery, and glass by hand. As you walk through, you can almost imagine merchants passing by hundreds of years ago when this area was part of the old Dominican monastery. It’s quieter than the nearby Town Hall Square, which makes it the perfect place to slow down, explore at your own pace, and take in the incredible sense of history that Tallinn’s Old Town is known for.

4. Exploring Tallinn’s Medieval Defences at Kiek in de Kök Fortifications Museum

Kiek in de Kök is one of Tallinn’s most fascinating landmarks and a must-visit for anyone interested in the city’s medieval history. The name translates to “peek into the kitchen,” a nod to how guards once joked that they could see straight into people’s homes from the tower’s height. Built in the 15th century, it was one of the strongest artillery towers in the Baltics and played a key role in defending the city. Today, it’s part of the Tallinn City Museum and connects to underground bastion tunnels that once served as secret passageways during times of war. The bastion tunnels were so fascinating and felt like stepping back into time that has stopped.

Climbing to the top rewards you with panoramic views over the red rooftops of the Old Town and offers one of the best vantage points in Tallinn.

Museums inside historical sites can be a hit or miss, sometimes they fail to capture the story behind the monument or don’t engage visitors beyond the displays. The Kiek in de Kök Fortifications Museum completely exceeded my expectations. Every exhibit felt intentional and immersive, bringing Tallinn’s medieval history to life in a way that was both fascinating and easy to follow. It’s one of the most impressive museums I’ve visited.

5. Take in the City and Baltic Views from the Kohtuotsa Viewing Platform

When we visited Tallinn, we stumbled upon the Kohtuotsa Viewing Platform completely by chance, and it ended up being one of the most incredible spots. After wandering through the quieter backstreets of the Old Town and passing the impressive Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, we found ourselves at this incredible lookout on the northern side of Toompea Hill.

It’s not too high to reach the top, and you’re treated to quintessential Tallinn views of the Baltic Sea, red rooftops, church spires, and more. Afterwards, you can walk directly down from the steps and be brought directly to the outside of Old Town. It’s often called the best viewpoint in Tallinn, and after seeing it for ourselves, we can definitely see why.

6. Beer and Art Crawl at Telliskivi Creative City

Aside from the Old Town, this was easily our favourite area in Tallinn. Telliskivi Creative City is where the city’s modern and creative side comes together. Once an industrial complex, it’s now a lively district filled with independent shops, studios, restaurants, bars, and galleries such as Fotografiska. The atmosphere is young and energetic, and it’s a great place to spend an afternoon exploring.

We spent hours wandering through the murals and art installations, visiting local shops, and even tried a bit of slacklining in one of the open areas. The food scene is excellent, with a mix of Estonian and international options, and there are plenty of spots for craft beer. We ended our day at Vaat Brewery and Taproom, playing some games and enjoying a house-brewed IPA, which was the perfect way to finish the evening.

7. Kadriorg Park and Palace: Where Greenery Meets History

One of the first things I noticed as we arrived in Tallinn by bus from Riga was just how incredibly green the city was, with lush trees and forests surrounding not only the outskirts but also the very centre.

Kadriorg Park is a vast 250-acre green expanse just a stone’s throw from Tallinn’s Old Town. With its edge close to the coast, it’s what truly made me fall in love with the city, creating an idyllic blend of urban life and nature that lets locals experience the best of both worlds.

The park was officially established in 1718 by command of Russian Tsar Peter the Great for his wife, Catherine, and today it’s also home to the beautiful Kadriorg Palace, now known as the Kadriorg Art Museum. The surrounding neighbourhood is elegant and leafy, making a day in Kadriorg, with time spent strolling through the park, visiting the palace, wandering the area, stopping for lunch, and finishing with a seaside walk, the perfect way to spend a day in Tallinn.

8. Estonian Art Museum (KUMU)

The Estonian Art Museum, known as KUMU, is one of the most impressive modern buildings in Tallinn and the country’s largest art museum. Located in Kadriorg Park, it’s a short tram ride from the city centre and well worth the trip. The museum showcases Estonian art from the 18th century to today, covering everything from classical portraiture to bold contemporary installations. The layout is spacious and easy to navigate, and the exhibitions are both thought-provoking and accessible, even if you’re not an art expert. Again, we were well impressed by this museum, and it was so interesting to learn about Estonian culture and history through local artists and exhibits.

We spent a few hours here and found it to be a great change of pace from exploring the medieval streets of the Old Town. The architecture alone is worth seeing, with clean lines, glass walls, and open spaces that contrast beautifully with its green surroundings.

9. Take a Walk in Kalamaja

Kalamaja is one of Tallinn’s oldest districts and one of its trendiest today. Once home to fishermen and factory workers, the area has undergone a clear resurgence, blending its working-class past with a creative and youthful energy. The timbered houses, most of which are still preserved, give the neighbourhood a distinct identity. It feels both homely and alive, like a small village tucked inside the city.

What makes Kalamaja stand out is its mix of old and new. Independent boutiques, art galleries, and bars now fill spaces that were once workshops or storage buildings, and there’s a constant rhythm of community festivals and street events throughout the year. The streets feel warm and lived in, and the timber-lined buildings surrounded by greenery make the area feel grounded in nature while still being part of the city. It’s the kind of place where you can spend hours wandering, stopping for coffee or a quick drink, and simply observing how Tallinn has evolved without losing its original character.

10. Climb Olav’s Tower

Olav’s Tower stands as one of Tallinn’s most recognisable landmarks, part of St. Olaf’s Church, which dates back to the 12th century. The church was once among the tallest buildings in the world, used by sailors as a navigational point long before modern instruments existed. The climb to the top is steep and narrow, with over 200 steps spiralling through the stone interior, but the reward is a complete view of the city’s layout.

From the top, you can see the sharp rooftops of the Old Town, the harbour cranes, and the sea stretching into the distance. It’s one of the few places that really shows how compact Tallinn is, with the medieval centre, green parks, and coastline all visible in one frame. The tower isn’t just a viewpoint, but a reminder of the city’s history as a Baltic trading port and the way it has balanced preservation with progress over the centuries.

Tallinn is easily one of the most charming cities in Europe and a true gem of the Baltic. Visiting in summer for us meant long, bright days filled with fresh local food, slow walks through cobbled streets and green parks, and constant reminders of the city’s long, layered history.

Whether you explore the alternative side of Tallinn in Kalamaja and Telliskivi or spend your time uncovering the layers of history in the Old Town, Tallinn easily earns its place on any Baltic itinerary.