Everything you need to know about Tallin, Estonia

If you are planning to visit Tallinn, the capital of Estonia, we have prepared this guide to help you plan your trip. We describe the main activities to do and sights to see in this beautiful port city. In addition, we share with you our best tips for eating locally and traveling on a budget in Tallinn.

> How to get to Tallinn, Estonia?
> How to get around Tallinn?
> The main activities in Tallinn
> What is the best time of year to visit Tallinn?
> What budget should I plan to spend in Tallinn?
> Where to sleep in Tallinn?
> The best restaurants in the Estonian capital
> Essential information to remember about Tallinn
> What else to visit in Estonia ?

How to get to Tallinn, Estonia ?

Tallinn is easily accessible by air, with direct flights from many European cities. There are two airports near Tallinn: Tallinn-Viru International Airport and the smaller Tallinn-Helsinki Airport. 

Tallinn-Viru International Airport is the main airport serving the capital, with direct flights from many European cities. The small Tallinn-Helsinki airport is served by the airlines Finnair and Norwegian Air.

How to get around Tallinn ?

Once you are in Tallinn, it is easy to get around the city. Tallinn is a small city and all the main attractions are within walking distance of each other. The best way to get around Tallinn is on foot or by bike. There are many bike paths in the city and it is easy to get from one place to another.

Tallinn’s public transport network is also very well developed and it is easy to get from one place to another by bus or streetcar. A one-way ticket costs €0.80 and is valid for 60 minutes. There are also 24-hour, 48-hour and 72-hour tickets which cost €0.60, €0.40 and €0.20 per day respectively.

The main things to do and see in the city

There are many things to do and see in Tallinn. Here is a list of the must-do activities you can do in the Estonian capital.

The Old Town 

Tallinn’s Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is a beautiful walled city with many churches, castles, museums and art galleries.

The old town of Tallinn can also be discovered directly from a guided tour, which usually starts in the very center of the Estonian capital, the largest city in the country.

A guided tour during which you will discover the different districts of the capital, the main church, the cathedral, the castle etc… In short, the perfect opportunity to take beautiful pictures.

Tallinn is a European heritage city, a symbol of western culture mixed with Russian culture, a real historical city, almost medieval.

Shopping !

Tallinn is a very nice city for shopping. There are many stores and shopping centers in the city center.

Eat local

Estonian cuisine is delicious. You can enjoy traditional dishes like meatloaf, cabbage soup and blueberry pancakes.

Visit the estonian museum of fine arts

The Estonian Museum of Fine Arts is one of the best art museums in Europe. It houses a rich collection of artworks from all over the world. There are many other museums to visit, such as the Tallinn Museum, the Maritime Museum and the KUMU Museum.

Enjoy the outdoors

For outdoor enthusiasts, there are many parks to explore, such as the Botanical Garden and Kadriorg Park. Architecture enthusiasts will enjoy a walk along Raekoja plats street, which is lined with many old buildings and monuments. On another hand, we wrote an article on the best beaches in Tallinn!

When should you visit Tallinn ?

Tallinn is a very pleasant city to visit in summer: the days are long and the nights are short. The city is lively and there is a lot to do. However, Tallinn is very pleasant to visit all year round. 

The coldest months are January and February, but there is often snow and it is very pretty. The warmest months are July and August, but there are often clouds and rain. More on this in an article about the weather in Tallinn.

Budget your trip to Tallinn

Tallinn is a relatively cheap city. Hotels are affordable and there are many options for those who like to budget.

Food is also affordable, with many places offering discounted menus. Activities in Tallinn are generally inexpensive, and there are many things to do for free in the city. You should budget around 50-60 EUR per day for an average budget.

Hotels in Tallinn

Tallinn is a small city, so there aren’t many choices in terms of accommodation. However, here are some good hotels to stay in Tallinn:

• Youth Hostel: FatMargaret, located in Old Tallinn. The hostel is clean and comfortable, and has an excellent view of the city.
• Hotel Telegraaf: A luxury hotel located in the heart of Tallinn. The hotel is beautiful, and it offers a great view of the city. In a specific article, the question of the best hotels in Tallinn is mentioned.
• AirBnb: if you prefer to have your own apartment or guest room. There are many apartments and rooms for rent in downtown Tallinn. Prices vary depending on the size and comfort of the apartment, but you can find great things for less than 50€ per night.
• Tallinn City Hostel: excellent value for money. The hostel is clean and comfortable, and has a great view of the city.

Where to eat local in Tallinn ?

Estonia is a small nation, but it has a lot to offer in terms of gastronomy. Most of the best restaurants in Tallinn can be found in the Old Town, near the Raekoja flat square.

Estonian food is mostly fresh and local, with a Russian and Germanic influence. Typical dishes include kama, a mixture of oatmeal and various spices, salted herring, black bread and apple brandy. If you are looking for a good restaurant in Tallinn, here are some suggestions:

• Domus Restaurant: located in a former 13th century monastery, Domus Restaurant serves fine Estonian cuisine in a beautiful setting.
• The Estonian: one of the best restaurants in Tallinn, the Estonian offers excellent Estonian and international cuisine.
• The Olde Hansa: This restaurant serves authentic medieval cuisine, with smoked meat and dishes in sauce. If you are looking for an authentic meal in Tallinn, this is the place to go!

Want to go further? Check out our article on the best bars in Tallinn, for a lively night out! We also talk about the best brunches in Tallinn in a dedicated topic.

Practical information regarding your trip to Estonia

Is Tallinn a dangerous city ?

From time to time, in summer, some robberies take place. However, Tallinn is a small city, not very crowded and above all, not very dangerous. If you are at least as careful as you would be at home, then you should not have any problems.

Which currency is being used in Estonia ?

The Euro is used in Estonia. In fact, you can use your bank card anywhere, anytime without having to pay bank fees for additional transactions. In short, it’s the ideal way to travel light.

What to do in case of an emergency ?

In case of an emergency, you can easily call the 112 (ambulance) or the 110 (police).

Iyf you need to get in touch with your ambassy :

• The American embassy in Tallinn is in Kentmanni 20, 10116 ;
• The Canadian embassy is in Toom-Kooli 13, 10130 ;
• The British embassy is in Wismari 6, 10136 ;
• The Indian embassy is in Tornimäe 5-2nd floor, 10145.

What else can you visit in Estonia ?

You are in Estonia and wish to visit other places than Tallinn? Don’t worry, although the country is small, it has a lot to offer. You can, for example, discover Tartu or the Lahemaa National Park. For those who have time on their hands, there are other options, such as Saaremaa, Pärnu and Narva. In short, you will certainly not have time to get bored.