If you enjoy visiting charming cities, then a trip to Tallinn should be on the cards during your next ferry trip. The capital of Estonia is filled with culture, from its Gothic Revival architecture to the buzzy cafes, and has gone from an under-the-radar spot to a thriving tourist destination. But even with its increased popularity, Tallinn is quieter than many other Eastern European locations. It’s easy to wander this majestic city without bumping shoulders with people in huge crowds. Here, we look at the best places to visit in Tallinn on your Estonian ferry trip, from trendy neighborhoods to must-see attractions.
Where is Tallinn?
You’ll find Tallinn on the northeastern coast of Estonia, bordering the Gulf of Finland. It’s the capital of Estonia and sits next to many lakes, such as Lake Ülemiste. The scenic settings make Tallinn a popular tourist destination, especially with residents of Scandinavia and other Eastern European countries. The city is known for its Old Town, a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site.
How can I get to Tallinn?
Tallinn may sound like a far-away destination, but it’s actually an accessible city from many different countries. With an international airport, flights arrive from Scandinavia, Holland, France, the UK, Italy, and Germany in Europe, as well as international destinations.
There’s also a wide variety of train services from other parts of Estonia and different countries. A train from Berlin to Tallinn takes around 24 hours, so be prepared for the journey if you’re arriving in the capital from a country like Germany.
For many, the popular way to travel in Tallinn is by ferry. You can book tickets to Tallinn from Helsinki with Ferryscanner, and trips take between two-and-half and three hours, with a distance of a little over 80 kilometers. The city also has some ferry services to Scandinavia. Indeed, Tallinn’s excellent ferry connections are one of the reasons why it’s so popular with Scandinavians.
Best time to visit Tallinn
Temperatures in Tallinn can reach as high as 28 degrees Celsius in the summer and as low as -15 degrees Celsius in the winter. The sweet spot is between May and June when the weather is pleasant without being too hot or cold. It’s during these months when the city is at its busiest.
Still, you can visit Tallinn anytime during the year, and it doesn’t have popular seasons like many Mediterranean destinations. Tallinn looks particularly impressive under the golden glow of autumn, and it can even be fun during the height of the winter – snow often falls, leaving an enhancing look and feel in the city.
Best neighborhoods in Tallinn
Tallinn’s neighborhoods will charm you with their scenic sites and vibrant atmosphere. There’s something in the city for everyone, whether you’re a couple looking for a romantic getaway, a solo traveler, or a family visit.
The Old Town
The Old Town encapsulates the best of Tallinn and features the city’s most beautiful and historic buildings. Wander the narrow stone streets, learning about Tallinn through the ages as you stop to snap medieval churches and the huge City Hall. Stop by one of the many traditional Estonian pubs and grab a bite in restaurants and cafes.
Kadriorg
The most expensive neighborhood in Tallinn, Kadriorg is an upscale neighborhood in the city that happens to be home to the president of Estonia. Russian Czar Peter influenced Kadriorg when he established it more than 300 years ago, and you quickly notice the striking old wooden villas from the 19th and 20th centuries. Culture vultures will appreciate the seven museums and open-air events.
Kalamaja
Kalamaja is home to many students, making it a popular neighborhood for lively bars. You’ll even find a deserted prison here, which you can stroll around, as well as an old Estonian submarine from the 1930s. Kalamaja is filled with many restaurants, cafes, and markets.
Uus Maailm
Perhaps the most bohemian spot in the city, Uus Maailm is all about the relaxed vibes where people can relax and be themselves. You’ll find regular street festivals, friendly locals, and a strong community spirit here. It’s an excellent neighborhood for relaxing and enjoying the day.
Pirita
Tallinn is a port city, hence its fantastic ferry connection. The port, which is located in Pirita, is also a charming neighborhood well worth a visit. Here, you can swim in the Baltic Sea during the warmer months and spend some time at the old Pirita monastery to discover Tallinn’s history.
Best Tallinn attractions
You can easily wander the cobblestone streets of Tallinn for hours, admiring the architecture and stopping by restaurants and cafes. But doing so would mean missing out on the best Tallinn attractions, from historic sights to notable landmarks. Here are the best things to do and see when in Tallinn.
Viru Gates
One of the best places to visit in Tallinn, Viru Gates marks the point where you enter the city’s marvelous Old Town. These gates stood strong in the city since the 14th century, when they were Tallinn’s primary defense system. The towers of the gates remain to this day, and the area around Viru Gate is home to quaint market stalls selling everything from woolen mittens to roasted nuts. Your visit to Tallinn will feature plenty of snaps of Viru Gates.
Jagala Waterfall
The surrounding areas of Tallinn are worth your time, thanks to places like the Jagala Waterfall. It’s Estonia’s highest natural waterfall and is located half an hour outside the city. The drive there features plenty of nature to admire on the way. Try and visit in the autumn when the trees are a crisp golden brown. It’s also impressive during the winter – the waterfall often freezes and looks incredibly majestic.
Estonian Maritime Museum
Estonia’s maritime history is vast, which shouldn’t come as a surprise considering there are more than 2,300 islands in the country. The Estonian Maritime Museum takes you back in time with exhibits like the Lennusadam Seaplane Harbour, where you can step inside Submarine EML Lembit before discovering hundreds of artifacts displayed throughout the museum.
Kadriorg Palace and Kadriorg Park
One of Europe’s finest examples of Baroque architecture, Kadriorg Palace was built in 1718. Today, it features the Kadriorg Art Museum, where you can explore a collection of national and international art pieces from the 16th to 20th centuries. Once you’re finished with the Palace, head to Kadriorg Park. It offers picturesque walking paths with fountains and a must-see Japanese Garden with vibrant plants among the stone bridges.
See the oldest building in Tallinn
The Dominican Order of Monks was set up in Tallinn in 1246, making St. Catherine’s Monastery their home. The building still stands to this day and is the oldest of all the buildings in the city. You can enjoy private tours, programs, galleries, and more.
Best restaurants in Tallinn
If you’re after a culinary experience, Tallinn won’t disappoint. You’ll find restaurants and cafes dotted all over the city, offering just about everything cuisine, from traditional dishes to European and international flavors.
Lee
Uus 31, 10111 Tallinn, Estonia
Located in the heart of the Old Town, Lee is an archaic word meaning “to gather around the fireplace, exchange stories, and share good food.” The restaurant iteration of Lee has evolved things further, offering a fine-dining experience headed by the Lee menu. It’s six courses designed for sharing, each made from local, seasonal ingredients.
Paju Villa
Vabaduse pst 88, 11617 Tallinn, Estonia
This bright and airy spot in the Nõmme neighborhood offers an escape from the hustle and bustle of the Old Town. Known as one of Tallinn’s wealthiest districts, the food in Paju Villa is upmarket and has a menu featuring a blend of international and Estonian flavors, including steaks, pies, and seafood. Paju Villa was built in 1931 as a family home that housed 15 Estonian families during the Soviet era. It then became a restaurant but has retained that wholesome family vibe over its two floors and garden area.
Rado
Vene 7, 10123 Tallinn, Estonia
Back to the Old Town, but this time to visit Rado. It’s one of the best places to visit in Tallinn when it comes to restaurants and serves a small menu featuring local dishes, including roasted cauliflower in goat’s cream. The food here is about as authentic as it gets, with all ingredients sourced from the Tallinn Central Market.
Are there any beaches in Tallinn?
Tallinn isn’t known as a beach destination, but it does have soft sands for you to laze the day on during the summer. Pirita Beach is located in the Pirita neighborhood and features soft, golden sands and the relaxing waters of the Baltic Sea. The beach stretches over two kilometers, and there’s also a coastal pine forest complete with an adventure park to discover.
The best places to visit in Tallinn
Tallinn has more than enough attractions for multiple visits. But whether you’re on a day-trip excursion or spending a few days or longer here, Estonia’s capital will draw you in with its historic and beautiful buildings and keep you hooked with friendly locals and a strong community atmosphere. From bohemian neighborhoods to important landmarks, Tallinn has some of the best places to visit in Estonia and turns on the charm for visitors and locals alike.