12 Reasons to Visit Tallinn, Estonia
Why should you visit Tallinn, Estonia?
Are you wondering what to do in Tallinn in one day? We spent 24 hours exploring the fairytale city of Tallinn, Estonia. Tallinn is a well-preserved medieval city with plenty to do and see. In our Tallinn travel guide, we give you 12 reasons to visit the city of Tallinn.
Continue reading to get all the information you need to have the perfect 24 hours in Tallinn, Estonia.
We cover location, main sights, where to eat, and other tips to have a fantastic time in Estoniaโs capital.
In addition, we include information for visiting the other Baltic countries of Vilnius, Lithuania, and Riga, Latvia.
*Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. If you buy something using the links, we will receive a commission. Using the link is at NO extra cost to you. We appreciate it when you buy through one of our affiliate links. It is a great way to show your support for us. It will allow us to continue to bring you valuable, free content.
Be sure to check out our full walking tour of Tallinn. We go to each of the places mentioned in this post: 12 Reasons to Visit Tallinn, Estonia.
12 Reasons to Visit Tallinn, Estonia
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Where is Tallinn, Estonia?
Tallinn is the capital of Estonia as well as its largest city. It is south of Helsinki on the Bay of Finland and boasts a busy harbor.
What are the main sights to see in Tallinn?
These are the main sights in Tallinn that you can visit in 24 hours and the 12 reasons to visit Tallinn, Estonia.
-Kalamaja
-Balti Jaama Turg
-Old Town
-Long Leg Gate Tower (Pika jala vรคravatorn)
-Alexander Nevsky Cathedral
-Toompea Castle
-Tall Hermann (Pikk Hermann)
-Danish King's Garden
-Kiek in de Kรถk
-Freedom Square
-III Draakon
-Olde Hansa
1. Kalamaja
During your time in Tallinn, we recommend staying in the Kalamaja neighborhood.
The name Kalamaja means fish house in Estonian, and the area is the main fishing port. It has colorful wooden houses right outside of Tallinn's Old Town.
With its Bohemian charm and thriving art scene, Kalamaja is worth checking out. There are plenty of cafes, restaurants, and bars in this hipster neighborhood.
A fabulous place for breakfast in Kalamaja is Boheem. It is a cute cafe with a bunch of different rooms.
The cafe makes you feel like you are at home. They are pet friendly and super nice!
2. Balti Jaama Turg (Baltic Station Market)
Balti Jaama Turg is in Kalamaja. It is a three-level market hall with tons of fresh food, cafes, and shops.
You can spend some time wandering around the market, shopping, and trying street food.
Be sure to visit Kalev to try Estonian chocolate.
3. Tallinnโs Old Town
The Old Town of Tallinn is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
With its well-preserved medieval buildings and cobblestone streets, wandering around the Old Town is a highlight of visiting Tallinn. The Old Town houses many of Tallinnโs attractions.
4. Long Leg Gate Tower (Pika jala vรคravatorn)
Long Leg Gate Tower (Pika jala vรคravatorn) is an entry gate into Tallinn's Old Town. It is part of Tallinn's medieval wall.
Wear comfortable shoes because the cobblestone road on this path can be tricky. Follow the cobblestone path up. Once you reach the top, you will be on Toompea Hill.
You will have a spectacular view as soon as you reach the top of Toompea Hill.
5. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral
The Alexander Nevsky Cathedral is a beautiful church in Tallinn's Old Town. It is on Toompea Hill and right across the street from Toompea Castle.
The Orthodox cathedral gets its name from Saint Alexander Nevsky.
It has five onion-shaped domes and 11 bells. One of the bells is a massive 15 tons.
6. Toompea Castle
Also located on Toompea Hill is Toompea Castle. The castle is an entire complex with several buildings.
Free visits to the castle happen Monday to Friday. You have to book the castle visits ahead of time.
One of the buildings that make up the castle complex is the Parliament of Estonia (Riigikogu).
7. Tall Hermann (Pikk Hermann)
Tall Hermann is a flag tower of Toompea Castle and a symbol of Estonian independence.
Estoniaโs flag is raised here at sunrise every day while the national anthem plays.
8. The Danish King's Garden
From Toompea Castle, the Danish King's Garden is only a short distance. In the garden, there are three faceless monk statues. There are also magnificent views of St. Nicholas Church.
St. Nicholas Church had scaffolding and was under renovation during our visit.
Legend has it that the Danish flag was born here. According to the story, a flag fell from the sky. The flag falling from the sky changed the course of the battle in favor of Denmarkโs King. It was this flag that later became the Danish flag.
9. Kiek in de Kรถk
Kiek in de Kรถk is one of Tallinn's artillery towers.
The name Kiek in de Kรถk means peek in the kitchen. The tower got its name because people inside could easily see into the kitchens of the houses below.
The tower still has cannonballs stuck in the walls from the 1500s.
The tower is now a museum and gallery. The tickets are โฌ12.
Entrance to the Kiek in de Kรถk Fortification Museum includes walking along the town walls from one tower to the next. Entrance into the underground bastion passages is also part of the ticket.
10. Freedom Square
Freedom Square is on the southern end of Tallinnโs Old Town. Itโs a popular meeting place and home to the War of Independence Victory Column.
When we were there, a protest against the invasion of Ukraine was happening.
11. III Draakon (The Third Dragon)
The Third Dragon Medieval Tavern is in Tallinn's Town Hall. Here visitors will experience an authentic medieval tavern.
The staff at the Third Dragon stay in character to bring visitors an authentic medieval dining experience.
The tavern does not take reservations. Just line up and take a table whenever one becomes available.
The Third Dragon Tavern has cozy candlelit dining areas.
The beer at the tavern comes in clay jugs.
For food, the tavern sells several types of pies (elk meat, spinach, carrot, cabbage, and apple). They also have ox meat sausage and ribs and elk meat soup.
We highly recommend visiting the Third Dragon. Itโs a unique experience that will make an impression, and the food and beer are delicious.
12. Olde Hansa
Another dining option for an authentic medieval experience is Olde Hansa. It is in the heart of Tallinnโs Old Town.
Dining here feels like you have gone back to the 15th century. The dining area has candles and wooden tables.
The food comes from 700-year-old recipes.
The Medieval troubadours play every night except Monday from 7 pm - 9 pm.
Visiting Old Hansa was one of our favorite things to do in Tallinn. It is an authentic medieval dining experience with great food, live music, and friendly staff.
Those are our 12 reasons to visit Tallinn. We hope that these 12 reasons have inspired you to want to visit Tallinn, Estonia.
Interested in visiting the Baltics? Check out our Ultimate Guide to the Baltics!
We had an epic time road-tripping through the Baltic capitals of Vilnius, Riga, and Tallinn. Our week-long Baltic road trip includes our favorite sights in the three Baltic countries of Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia. We also give our recommendations for must-try Baltic food.
Interested in traveling to Vilnius, Lithuania?
The Lithuanian capital of Vilnius is a quirky city that is often underrated. It boasts a magic tile in Cathedral Square and Uลพupis, a tiny Bohemian republic. Our Vilnius Travel Guide will show you why Vilnius should be on your list of places to visit!
We give you all the information you need to have the perfect 24 hours in Vilnius, Lithuania.
We cover location, main sights, where to eat, cost, and other tips to have a fantastic time in Lithuaniaโs Capital.
You could also check out our Vilnius Walking Tour Vlog.
Interested in traveling to Riga, Latvia?
The Latvian capital of Riga is full of fascinating things to do. From the spot of the first Christmas tree to the controversial Cat House and the Black Magic Bar, Riga has plenty of attractions to keep you busy. In our Riga travel guide, we give you 13 reasons why you have to visit Riga.
We give you all the information you need to have the perfect 24 hours in Riga, Latvia.
We cover location, main sights, where to eat, and other tips to have a fantastic time in Latviaโs capital.
You could also check out our Riga Walking Tour Vlog.
Want to know how we captured our photos and videos?
Check out our Vlogging Gear Blog or Vlog to find out what cameras and equipment we use.
*The links in this post are affiliate links. If you buy something using the links, we will receive a commission. Using the link is at NO extra cost to you. We appreciate it when you buy through one of our affiliate links. It is a great way to show your support for us. It will allow us to continue to bring you valuable, free content.
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