Quick Guide: Tallinn — What to See and How to Get There

Discover Tallinn's medieval Old Town, vibrant food scene and easy travel options. Plan your trip with Solvoya.

Why Visit Tallinn

Tallinn, the capital of Estonia, is one of Europe's best-kept secrets. Its UNESCO-listed Old Town is among the most beautifully preserved medieval city centres on the continent, with cobblestone streets, Gothic spires and centuries-old merchant houses that look like they belong in a fairy tale. Yet step outside those ancient walls and you'll find a thoroughly modern city buzzing with innovative startups, contemporary art galleries and a food scene that punches well above its weight.

What sets Tallinn apart from other European capitals is its unique blend of influences. Centuries of Danish, German, Swedish and Russian rule have left their mark on the architecture, cuisine and culture, creating a destination that feels unlike anywhere else. The city is also remarkably compact, meaning you can explore most of its highlights on foot in just a few days.

Whether you're drawn to history, design, nature or nightlife, Tallinn delivers — all at prices that remain considerably friendlier than those in Scandinavia or Western Europe. It's the kind of city that surprises first-time visitors and keeps pulling them back.

What to See and Do

1. Tallinn Old Town (Vanalinn)
Wander through the medieval heart of the city, starting at Town Hall Square (Raekoja plats), home to one of the oldest town halls in Northern Europe. Climb Toompea Hill for sweeping views from the Kohtuotsa and Patkuli viewing platforms, and duck into the narrow lanes of St. Catherine's Passage for artisan workshops.

2. Telliskivi Creative City
A former industrial complex transformed into Tallinn's coolest neighbourhood. Telliskivi is packed with independent shops, street art, co-working spaces, craft breweries and weekend flea markets. It's where locals hang out and the best place to feel the city's creative pulse.

3. Kadriorg Palace and Park
Built by Peter the Great in the early 18th century, this baroque palace now houses the Kadriorg Art Museum. The surrounding park is perfect for a leisurely stroll, and the nearby KUMU — Estonia's national art museum — is one of the finest in the Baltics.

4. Kalamaja and Lennusadam (Seaplane Harbour)
The colourful wooden houses of Kalamaja make for an Instagram-worthy walk, while the Seaplane Harbour maritime museum features a real submarine, a century-old seaplane hangar and interactive exhibits that appeal to all ages.

5. Estonian Open Air Museum (Rocca al Mare)
Set on a forested peninsula just outside the city centre, this open-air museum recreates rural Estonian life from the 18th to 20th centuries with farmsteads, a chapel, a schoolhouse and traditional taverns serving local dishes.

How to Get There

By air: Lennart Meri Tallinn Airport (TLL) is just four kilometres from the city centre, connected by tram line 4 in about 20 minutes. Direct flights operate from most major European cities including London, Berlin, Helsinki, Stockholm, Paris, Amsterdam and Barcelona. Budget carriers like Ryanair and Wizz Air keep fares competitive, especially if you book early. Compare flight prices on Solvoya to find the best deal from your city.

By ferry: Tallinn is just two hours from Helsinki by ferry, with multiple daily crossings operated by Tallink and Viking Line. Ferries also connect Tallinn with Stockholm (overnight crossing).

By bus: Long-distance coaches from Lux Express and Ecolines connect Tallinn with Riga (around 4.5 hours), Vilnius and St. Petersburg. Buses are comfortable and affordable.

Practical Tips

Best time to visit: June to August offers long days (up to 19 hours of daylight) and pleasant temperatures around 20°C. For fewer crowds and lower prices, May and September are excellent. December is magical if you want to experience one of Europe's most famous Christmas markets in Town Hall Square.

Budget: Tallinn is affordable by Northern European standards. A meal at a mid-range restaurant costs around 12–18 EUR, a pint of local craft beer 4–6 EUR, and public transport rides 1.50 EUR with a contactless card. A comfortable mid-range hotel runs 60–100 EUR per night.

Getting around: The Old Town is best explored on foot. For longer distances, Tallinn has an efficient network of trams, buses and trolleybuses. Estonian residents ride free, and visitors can use contactless bank cards to tap on. Bolt (the Estonian-born ride-hailing app) is widely available and inexpensive.

Currency and language: Estonia uses the euro. English is widely spoken, especially among younger people and in tourist areas. A few words of Estonian — like aitäh (thank you) — are always appreciated.

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