3 Days in Tallinn, Estonia: From Medieval Streets to Modern Innovation [2025 Guide]
Oh, Tallinn, where do I even begin? This city completely blew me away and quickly became one of my favourite places in Europe. And honestly, it’s hard to pin down just one reason why.
Estonia’s capital has a bit of everything, wrapped in a kind of quiet magic that makes it ideal year-round, whether you’re after a wintry escape, a sunny summer break, a quick weekend trip, or even a temporary base for digital nomads. (Still pushing for that one!)
Nestled along the Baltic coast with its UNESCO-listed medieval old town, known as one of the best preserved in Europe - Tallinn blends old-world charm with an impressively forward-thinking edge. It’s home to a thriving food scene, loads of green space (seriously, so many trees), and a rich arts and culture offering. And while it may not be one of Europe’s fifty largest cities, Tallinn punches well above its weight, it's considered one of the region’s leading startup capitals, according to EU-Startups.
It’s this mix of past and future, nature and innovation, that makes Tallinn feel so exciting.
We spent three nights in Estonia’s breathtaking capital, and in this guide, I’ll share the best of what to see, where to go, where to stay, and how to make the most of your time in Tallinn.
ESSENTIAL TALLINN TIPS
CURRENCY
The official currency in Estonia is the Euro (€)
LANGUAGE
The official language is Estonian, but English is widely and impressively spoken, especially in tourist areas, cafés, and restaurants.
GETTING TO TALLINN
Tallinn’s main airport is Tallinn Airport (TLL), located just 4 kilometres from the city centre. It’s well-connected with direct flights from major European cities such as Helsinki, Stockholm, Copenhagen, London, and Berlin.
For those travelling overland, buses are available from nearby cities like Riga and Vilnius, making it easy to reach Tallinn from Latvia and Lithuania.
GETTING AROUND TALLINN
Tallinn has an efficient public transportation system, including buses, trams, and trolleybuses. You can purchase a Tallinn Card for unlimited access to public transport, as well as discounts to many attractions. The city is also very walkable, with many of the main attractions located within walking distance of each other, particularly in the charming medieval Old Town. We opted to mainly get around by e-bike and scooters, which are plentiful throughout the city!
TIME ZONE
Tallinn operates in the Eastern European Time Zone (EET), which is UTC+2. During daylight savings, it follows Eastern European Summer Time (EEST), UTC+3.
When to Visit Tallinn
We visited at the end of August, and the weather couldn’t of been any more perfect. The days were warm and felt like comfortable summer weather, and the nights had a cool air with a hint of autumn on its way. We were able to visit the beach (without swimming) and enjoy an ice cream, but also enjoy a warm coffee without overheating.
Tallinn has very distinct seasons, and as someone living in Athens, this is something that I miss the most being from the Midwest of the US.
Summer in Tallinn is a great time to visit, with mild temperatures, long days, and plenty of outdoor events and open-air spots to enjoy. Autumn is cooler and quieter, with changing leaves and fewer crowds. Winter in Tallinn can be cold, but the snow transforms the old town into a true medieval winter wonderland. The Christmas markets in Town Hall Square are especially worth seeing, festive, traditional, and not overly commercial. Spring is when things start to pick up again — the days get longer, the weather gets milder, and the city feels like it’s waking up.
How Long to Stay in Tallinn
As I’ve mentioned before, I highly recommend staying in Tallinn for as long as you can. If you only have time for a day trip to Tallinn from neighbouring countries such as Finland, it’s definitely worth it, and a perfect introduction that will leave you wanting to return for more. For a long weekend, Tallinn is an ideal city break, giving you enough time to really get a feel for its vibe. Anything longer than a few days is even better, allowing you to explore its diverse neighbourhoods and fully appreciate all the city has to offer.
Where to Stay in Tallinn
Old Town
Tallinn’s Old Town, or Vanalinn, is the perfect place to stay, especially for first-time visitors. As the city’s most popular area, it’s just a short walk from many of Tallinn’s top sights and attractions. And really, who doesn’t want to wake up surrounded by such remarkable medieval scenery?
Located in Tallinn's Old Town, Merchant's House Hotel is a well-designed boutique hotel offering a comfortable and practical stay. Housed in a 14th-century building, it’s just a short walk from Town Hall Square and other key attractions. The rooms are spacious, clean, and thoughtfully furnished, with a sauna to relax in after a day of exploring. The staff are friendly and provide great recommendations. For a stylish, well-located stay in Tallinn, Merchants House is a solid choice.
Telliskivi Creative City
If you’re drawn to staying in the trendy and artsy neighbourhoods when you travel, I can’t recommend staying in Telliskivi Creative City any more.
Telliskivi Creative City is just a 15-20 minute walk from Tallinn's Old Town. The stroll takes you through the up-and-coming Kalamaja district, giving you a perfect mix of contemporary Tallinn, before arriving at the medieval walls of the Old Town.
Located in the former industrial complex of Tallinn, Telliskivi Creative City is truly the creative hub of the city. On the northern side of Tallinn, Telliskivi Creative City is home to over 300 companies, from supermarkets, shops, restaurants to craft breweries, galleries and more, including my next hotel pick, where we spent our first two nights in Tallinn.
The Hektor Container Hotel is a perfect blend of uniqueness, sustainability, and modern comfort. Situated in the heart of Telliskivi Creative City, this hotel stands out for its eco-friendly design. Each room is crafted from recycled shipping containers, showcasing an innovative and sustainable approach to hospitality. It’s a refreshing break from conventional accommodations, offering both privacy and an industrial charm that feels authentic to the surrounding creative atmosphere. If you’re more introverted (like me), you’ll love Hektor Container Hotel and its contactless check in.
Tallinn City Centre
While Tallinn’s Old Town steals most of the spotlight, the City Centre offers a whole other side of the city that’s equally captivating, modern, innovative, and full of energy. Staying in the heart of it all means you’re just a stone’s throw away from everything: the historic charm of the Old Town, the waterfront, the creative buzz of Telliskivi, and so much more. It’s the perfect base to soak up the best of both worlds
Our first stay at a Bob W was in Tallinn, and we were seriously impressed. Bob W has completely nailed the art of making you feel like a local, offering accommodations that feel like they could be your own flat. It’s the kind of place where you can truly relax, with all the modern comforts of home, but in a fresh, stylish setting.
We chose Bob W Kesklinn, the newest property in Tallinn, and it exceeded all expectations. The rooms are incredibly spacious, offering stunning views of both the city and the Baltic Sea. A standout feature for us was the access to a local gym during our stay, which Bob W provides for guests. It’s a great perk for anyone wanting to keep up with their fitness routine while travelling.
Another highlight was having a fully equipped kitchen. One of my favourite things about travelling is cooking with fresh, local ingredients, and Bob W made that so easy. From the minimalist design to the seamless service, Bob W Kesklinn perfectly blends modern convenience with the freedom of a more home-like experience. It’s the ideal spot for anyone looking to enjoy Tallinn, both like a local and in style.
Things to Do in Tallinn
Tallinn Old Town (Vanalinn)
It’s easy to see how Tallinn’s Old Town is known to be one of the best preserved in Europe, and there’s something about the way the city’s medieval walls and towers surround the evocative palette of amber toned buildings rising above the rest of the city. While the Old Town first appears perched back in time, there’s an abundance of life, with locals coming and going, modern restaurants, boutiques, and more.
Start in the main square, Raekoja Plats, where there’s usually something going on, from markets to street performers. From there, it’s easy to walk up to Toompea Hill for views across the rooftops and a look at the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral. Just a short walk away, the Kohtuotsa viewing platform is one of the best photo spots in town.
The incredible view of the Baltic Sea and Old Town from the Kohtuotsa viewing platform
Make time for the Kiek in de Kök Museum and Bastion Tunnels, one of the most interesting spots in the Old Town. The museum is inside a massive cannon tower, and the underground tunnels give a glimpse into how the city defended itself centuries ago, with some eerie Cold War details thrown in. This was one of the highlights of the old town for us, and the way that the museum was set up and presented was just incredible.
Just nearby, you’ll also find Munkadetagune torn, a less-visited tower that’s part of the old city wall and worth a quick stop if you’re into Tallinn’s defensive history, and remarkable views of the city.
The streets are full of small discoveries, too. St Catherine’s Passage is great for local crafts, and there are shops selling Baltic amber, vintage finds, and design pieces. If you’re wandering without a plan, you’ll likely stumble into quiet courtyards, old churches, and maybe even the city’s oldest working pharmacy.
If you want to dig deeper into Tallinn’s history, joining a walking tour with a local guide is a great way to start. I usually make it my first stop in any new city, it helps me get my bearings and gives context to everything else I see during the trip.
Insider Tip: Craving a coffee or ice cream while exploring the Old Town? Stop by Gelato Ladies, a local favourite for rich Italian gelato, offering delicious treats, artisanal coffee, and great views of the historic streets around you.
Telliskivi Creative City
Telliskivi Creative City is the perfect point in Tallinn if you’re looking for a local experience, a unique experience, and the ideal spot to just hangout and take in the vibrant energy of this incredible city.
We enjoyed a beer at sunset with a deck of cards at Vaat Brewery and Taproom, a wonderful brewery and one of the best places for a beer in Tallinn. Afterward, we tried slacklining in the open area. This was a fun surprise and really adds to the laid-back vibe of the place.
If you’re keen to dive into the “creative” side of the creative city, Fotografiska Tallinn is a solid place to start. As a contemporary photography museum housed in a former industrial building in the Telliskivi area, the museum features rotating exhibitions, a rooftop café, and a strong focus on sustainability and design.
Inglirand Beach
Whenever I’m by the coast, I can’t leave without spending time on the water. There’s something special about it. Every coastline feels unique, yet they all share that refreshing, purifying energy. After spending a few days taking in Tallinn from land and capturing numerous, striking views of the crisp, deep, Baltic Sea, we made our way to the beach to cool our feet off and enjoy some time on its soft, powdery sand.
Inglirand Beach (or Angel’s Beach) is located to the north of Tallinn’s city center, near the Russalka Memorial. It’s a peaceful spot along the coastline, just a short distance from the main city area. It’s not far from the city, making it a convenient place for a quick escape to enjoy the water and views.
After our time at the beach, we enjoyed a delicious Estonian ice cream from a vending machine, and rented e-scooters to ride along the coast at sunset back to our accommodation in the city centre.
Kadriorg Park
We took a bus from Riga to Tallinn for our time in Estonia, and one of the first things that stood out as we crossed the border and entered the country was just how green everything was, the sheer amount of forest was remarkable. Estonia is one of the most forested countries in the world, with 52% of the country covered in trees. As nature lovers, this immediately captured our hearts.
Talking to locals, it became clear just how deeply Estonians are connected to nature, with a genuine respect for the land and its wildlife that feels rare in many other places. This connection was truly inspiring, and after learning that Tallinn was named the European Green Capital in 2023, it all made perfect sense.
To make the most of Estonia’s green spaces, we spent a day in Kadriorg Park, the largest urban park in the country. Located just east of Tallinn’s city center, the park spans over 70 hectares, and is so vast that, even with plenty of visitors, it was easy to find a quiet corner. Whether walking the paths or sitting by the fountains, the park offers a welcome break from the city’s bustle.
Estonian Art Museum (KUMU)
If you’re keen to make a full day out of a visit to Kadriorg Park, or you’d like to dive further into Estonian history through art, the Estonian Art Museum, known as KUMU, is worth a stop.
Located right in the park, it’s one of the largest museums in Estonia and among the biggest art museums in Northern Europe. The building itself is striking, and inside you’ll find a thoughtful mix of permanent collections and temporary exhibitions, covering everything from classical Estonian art to contemporary works.
Walking Tour - A Deeper Look at Tallinn
Tallinn is one of those cities best explored on foot, especially if it’s your first time here. We always try to kick things off with a walking tour. It helps us get our bearings and adds so much context to everything we see after.
There are plenty of options depending on what you're into. History tours dive into Estonia’s complex past, from medieval merchants to Soviet-era stories. Food tours are a great way to get familiar with the local flavours, especially if you’re curious about traditional Estonian cooking. And if you’re into the creative side of things, there are tours focused on street art, architecture, and design that show a different side of the city you might miss otherwise.
Where to Eat in Tallinn
Tallinn has quickly become one of my favourite food cities. We were completely blown away by the range and quality of the food scene here.
From the historic Old Town, with its take on traditional Estonian dishes, to the more creative spots in Kalamaja and Telliskivi Creative City, Tallinn truly delivers. What stood out was the focus on seasonal, local ingredients, with many restaurants showcasing Estonian produce in fresh and unexpected ways. In Kalamaja, you'll find a more laid-back atmosphere with a strong emphasis on locally sourced food, while Telliskivi Creative City is packed with innovative restaurants that are redefining modern Estonian cuisine. Rotermann Quarter offers a mix of contemporary dining options, blending industrial design with creative culinary experiences. Whether you’re after traditional fare or inventive dishes featuring plant-based and seasonal ingredients, Tallinn’s food scene has something that will keep you coming back for more.
For a more in-depth guide on where to eat in Tallinn and the best restaurants in 2025, visit our guide here.
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For more travel tips on things to do, places to stay, and dine in Tallinn and beyond, check out Visit Tallinn
