Have you ever stumbled upon a city that completely blows you away when you had zero expectations? That is exactly what Tallinn did to me. Estonia’s capital is just a two-hour flight from Amsterdam and honestly one of the best city trip discoveries I have made in years. Medieval towers, cobblestone streets, a buzzing creative district and restaurants that genuinely surprised me. This Tallinn travel guide has everything you need: the best things to do, restaurants, hotels and hidden gems for an unforgettable visit.

If you are Dutch and you are reading this blog post in English, just tap the menu button to change the language to Dutch!

This blogpost contains affiliate links, so I earn a small commission when you book through my website, at no extra cost to you! So thank you if you book your accommodation through my website!

The beautiful old town of Tallinn, Vanalinn, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city has a turbulent history because of the Soviet era, when Russia took over the country. Nowadays, however, Tallinn is bustling with creative concepts, excellent restaurants and a packed festival calendar. In summer the climate is pleasant, with temperatures similar to the Netherlands. In winter, on the other hand, you will need your thickest coat: temperatures can drop to minus thirty degrees.

Tallinn travel guide: the creative district Telliskivi

Telliskivi is a lively, creative area located in a former industrial complex and one of the absolute highlights of this Tallinn travel guide. This is the place to be for cocktail bars, restaurants and concept stores. You can even have dinner in a camper van! Furthermore, the neighbourhood is home to some of the best cultural venues in the city. I loved every minute here.

Fotografiska Tallinn is a creative photography museum that also hosts DJs and concerts, with sustainability at its core. During my visit I saw impressive exhibitions by Jimmy Nelson and Anja Niemi. Additionally, F-Hoone is a brilliant lunch spot right in the heart of Telliskivi. For cocktails, head to Sveta Baar: during the day they sell furniture and vintage clothing, but at night it transforms into one of the best spots for drinks in the city. La Tabla serves excellent Latin American food and dangerously good cocktails, and Kivi Paber Käärid and Lendav Taldrik are both worth a visit for dinner.

The old town Vanalinn and Telliskivi, Tallinn

Tallinn travel guide: sights and things to do

Strolling around the old town Vanalinn is an absolute must. The cobbled streets, medieval towers and colourful buildings make it one of the most beautiful old towns in Northern Europe. Do not miss the stunning Alexander Nevski Cathedral, the Russian Orthodox cathedral that dominates the top of Toompea Hill. It is impossible to miss and even more impressive up close. Book an excellent guided walking tour here.

Moreover, Lennusadam, the Seaplane Harbour, is a super-modern maritime and military museum complete with historic ships to tour. It is a lot of fun, especially for families with children. For a relaxing break, head to Stroomi Rand, a beautiful beach close to the city centre. Finally, make sure to try the delicious local herbal tea: a small but genuinely lovely discovery.

For shopping, Mia & Leela in Telliskivi is located in a pretty gallery alongside other unique independent shops. The neighbourhood is worth exploring slowly, as new creative concepts keep popping up around every corner.

THE BEST ACTIVITIES AND TOURS IN TALLINN

Shopping and sights in Tallinn

Tallinn travel guide: best restaurants

The restaurant scene in Tallinn genuinely surprised me. There are excellent options for every budget and every taste, from creative Scandinavian cuisine to cosy neighbourhood spots.

Must-visit restaurants

Restaurant Farm is located in the heart of the old town and serves typical Estonian dishes in a warm, rustic setting. For haute cuisine, Restaurant Ribe is one of the most celebrated addresses in the city. Veinirestoran Dominic is a wonderful wine restaurant that pairs great bottles with creative food. Additionally, Restaurant Vintage 17 and Restaurant Controvento, one of the best Italian restaurants in Tallinn, are both worth adding to your list.

Restaurant NOA by the water is one of the most beautiful and cosy restaurants I visited during my entire Estonia trip. The cocktails here were the best of the whole trip, so be warned…

A cosy café you cannot miss

Kehrwieder Chocolaterie is the perfect spot for a coffee or hot chocolate with cake. It feels like stepping into a little Hobbit house. Consequently, it is one of the most charming and memorable stops on any visit to Tallinn.

Restaurant NOA, Tallinn

Tallinn travel guide: best hotels

During my visit I stayed at the perfectly located Hotel L’Ermitage. My room was comfortable and well equipped and the breakfast was great. The check-in was a little slow, but other than that I loved the hotel. The location is ideal: close to the old town and within easy reach of Telliskivi.

ROOMS AND RATES HOTEL L’ERMITAGE

Looking for a place to stay that feels as special as Tallinn itself? Nunne Boutique Hotel is a wonderful choice. This four-star boutique hotel sits right in the heart of the Old Town, within walking distance of Town Hall Square, and combines contemporary design with historic charm. Rooms are thoughtfully decorated with attention to detail, and the breakfast and warm personal service consistently earn top marks from guests. Nunne is the kind of place that immediately feels like home.

For those who want to go all out, Schlössle Hotel is simply breathtaking. Housed in buildings dating back to the 13th and 14th centuries, this five-star gem blends antique furnishings, candlelit ambiance and thick medieval stone walls with impeccable modern luxury. A member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World and fully renovated in 2016, Schlössle is widely considered one of the finest hotels in the Baltics.

ROOMS AND RATES NUNNE BOUTIQUE HOTEL

F-Hoone, Telliskivi, Tallinn

Tallinn travel guide: practical tips

The old town of Tallinn is compact and very walkable, so you do not need a car for the city itself. However, for day trips to the surrounding Estonian countryside a rental car is a great option. I always compare prices via Discover Cars, which finds the best deals across multiple suppliers in one search. Pick up a Saily eSIM before you leave and you are online the moment you land, without queuing at the airport for a SIM card.

Looking to escape the city for a day? A day trip to Lahemaa National Park is absolutely worth it. Located about an hour’s drive east of Tallinn, Estonia’s largest national park combines ancient forests, dramatic coastline, mossy peat bogs and manor houses frozen in time. The highlight is the hike through the surreal bog landscape, where wooden boardwalks lead you across rust-coloured pools and twisted pine trees. A small-group day tour from Tallinn is the easiest way to explore, since public transport connections are limited.

BOOK A LAHEMAA NATIONAL PARK DAY TOUR

Tallinn travel guide: frequently asked questions

When is the best time to visit Tallinn?

The best time to visit Tallinn is from May through September, when the weather is pleasant and the city is at its most lively. Summer evenings are long and the festival calendar is packed. Avoid deep winter unless you love extreme cold, though a snow-covered old town is admittedly beautiful.

How many days do you need in Tallinn?

Three days is the sweet spot. This gives you enough time to explore the old town, visit Telliskivi, see a museum or two and still enjoy long dinners at the best restaurants without rushing.

Is Tallinn worth visiting?

Absolutely. Tallinn is one of the most underrated city trip destinations in Europe. The old town is stunning, the food scene is surprisingly good and the creative Telliskivi district gives the city a modern, energetic edge that many visitors do not expect.

ROOMS AND RATES SCHLOSSLE HOTEL

What is Tallinn known for?

Tallinn is known for its remarkably well-preserved medieval old town Vanalinn, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city is also celebrated for its vibrant creative scene, excellent restaurants, the Fotografiska museum and its fascinating Soviet history.

Is Tallinn safe for solo travellers?

Yes, Tallinn is generally considered very safe for solo travellers, including women travelling alone. The old town is well-lit and busy in the evenings and the locals are friendly and helpful.

• Find the best hotels in Tallinn at Booking.com
• Book the best tours and activities at GetYourGuide.com
• Compare rental cars at Discover Cars
• Book hotels and flights at Trip.com
• Order your eSIM at Saily

MY ESTONIA HIGHLIGHTS
MY COPENHAGEN CITY GUIDE

Flight delayed or cancelled? AirHelp makes it quick and effortless to claim compensation, completely hassle-free. Whether you fly often or just once a year, it is always worth checking. Click here to see if you are entitled to money back. It takes less than a minute. I have already received 600 euros in compensation!