Tallinn Old Town
The charming Tallinn Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, offers a blend of medieval aesthetics with modern charm. Walking down the cobbled streets, you’ll find delightful shops, cosy cafes, and buildings dating back to the 13th century. It’s also home to Town Hall Square, a bustling hub of cultural events and festive markets.
Entrance: Free
Address: 9GF6CPPV+GR
Toompea Castle
Perched on Toompea Hill, the iconic Toompea Castle is a staple of Estonia’s history. The current building dates back to the 18th century and houses Estonia’s Parliament. The views from the Castle grounds over Tallinn are stunning, offering a perfect panorama of the city’s medieval and contemporary landscapes.
Entrance: Free
Website: riigikogu.ee
Address: Lossi plats 1a, 10137 Tallinn, Estonia
St. Olaf’s Church
Once considered the tallest building in the world, St. Olaf’s Church is an example of Tallinn’s historical significance. Its impressive Gothic architecture and the 124-meter-high tower leave visitors in awe. A climb to the top rewards you with a fantastic view of the city and the Baltic Sea.
Entrance: Admission
Website: oleviste.ee
Address: Lai 50, 10133 Tallinn, Estonia
Alexander Nevsky Cathedral
With its stunning onion domes, the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral is a beautiful testament to Tallinn’s Russian influence. This orthodox cathedral, completed in 1900, is filled with mosaics, icons, and a magnificent display of religious art. Its atmospheric chanting and bells offer an immersive cultural experience.
Entrance: Free
Website: nevskysobor.ee
Address: Lossi plats 10, 10130 Tallinn, Estonia
Kadriorg Palace
Kadriorg Palace is a vibrant example of Baroque architecture, surrounded by a beautifully manicured park. Built by Peter the Great for his wife Catherine I, this palace is now home to the Kadriorg Art Museum, displaying an extensive collection of foreign art, particularly from Russia.
Entrance: Admission
Website: kadriorumuuseum.ekm.ee
Address: A. Weizenbergi 37, 10127 Tallinn, Estonia
Kumu Art Museum
Housed in a modernist masterpiece, the Kumu Art Museum is one of the largest art museums in Northern Europe. Its extensive collection showcases both classical and contemporary works, telling a captivating story of Estonian art from the 18th century onwards.
Entrance: Admission
Website: kunstimuuseum.ekm.ee
Address: Valge 1, 10127 Tallinn, Estonia
Estonian Open Air Museum
Take a journey back in time at the Estonian Open Air Museum, a sprawling park showcasing life in Estonia over the past centuries. Traditional buildings, including farmhouses, windmills, and chapels, have been relocated here to recreate rural settings, making it a living history lesson.
Entrance: Admission
Website: evm.ee
Address: Vabaõhumuuseumi tee 12, 13521 Tallinn, Estonia
Tallinn Town Hall
The Tallinn Town Hall is a remarkable Gothic structure that has been a civic hub since the 13th century. With its intricate woodwork and unique dragonhead gargoyles, it is the only preserved Gothic town hall in Northern Europe. The Town Hall Square in front serves as a venue for various events and markets.
Entrance: Admission
Website: raekoda.tallinn.ee
Address: Raekoja plats 1, 10146 Tallinn, Estonia
Tallinn TV Tower
The Tallinn TV Tower is Estonia’s tallest structure, offering a panoramic view of the city, sea, and on a clear day, even Finland. Besides the observation deck, this modern marvel hosts exhibitions, a restaurant, and for the adventurous, an ‘edge walk’ experience on the outside of the tower.
Entrance: Admission
Website: teletorn.ee
Address: Kloostrimetsa tee 58a, 11913 Tallinn, Estonia
Seaplane Harbour
As one of Europe’s biggest maritime museums, Seaplane Harbour provides an immersive journey into the depths of the sea and the heights of the sky. The museum is housed in an architecturally unique seaplane hangar, with exhibits including a submarine, seaplanes, and a century-old steam-powered icebreaker.
Entrance: Admission
Website: meremuuseum.ee
Address: Vesilennuki 6, 10145 Tallinn, Estonia
Patarei Prison
For those with an interest in darker history, the Patarei Prison provides a sombre insight into the Soviet era. Once a sea fortress, it later served as a notorious prison, and it’s now open for exploration, complete with preserved cells and guard rooms, providing a chilling glance at life behind bars.
Entrance: Admission
Website: patareiprison.org
Address: Kalaranna 2, 10415 Tallinn, Estonia
Maarjamäe Palace
The grandiose Maarjamäe Palace, nestled amidst beautiful parkland, is a fascinating journey through Estonia’s history. Currently, it hosts the Estonian History Museum’s main exhibition, presenting a comprehensive overview of the country’s past from prehistoric times to the present.
Entrance: Admission
Website: ajaloomuuseum.ee
Address: Pirita tee 56, 12011 Tallinn, Estonia