A Guide to Tallinn: 7 Must-See Spots in Old Town + More Hidden Gems

Tallinn, the capital of Estonia, is one of Europe’s most enchanting cities. With cobbled lanes, red-roofed towers, ornate cathedrals, and cozy cafés tucked into centuries-old walls, Tallinn Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site you simply cannot skip.

Whether you're visiting for a romantic weekend or a culture-packed city break, here’s your ultimate guide to the best things to do in Tallinn, including the top 7 must-see spots in Old Town, plus bonus foodie picks and day trips to round out your itinerary.

7 must-see spots in Tallinn Old Town

These are the unmissable highlights of Tallinn’s medieval Old Town—make sure to visit each one to fully experience the magic:

1. Kohtuotsa Viewing Platform

The most iconic viewpoint in Tallinn, and my favorite. Gaze out over a sea of terracotta rooftops, church spires, and the Baltic Sea beyond. For golden light and fewer tourists, visit at sunset.

2. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral

With its onion-shaped golden domes, this Russian Orthodox cathedral could be straight out of St. Petersburg. It’s a Tallinn landmark you’ll recognize instantly—and worth a look inside, too.

3. Toompea Hill & Castle

This historic hill is home to Estonia’s Parliament, Toompea Castle, and sweeping panoramic views. It’s also where you’ll find the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral and Kohtuotsa platform—making it a must-visit trio.

4. St. Catherine’s Passage

A hidden medieval alley that feels like a movie set. Artisan workshops line this candlelit corridor, where you can see craftspeople working the old-fashioned way. Blink and you’ll miss it.

5. Town Hall Square

This vibrant square is the beating heart of Lower Old Town. Surrounded by colorful Gothic architecture, it’s especially lively in spring and summer when cafés spill onto the cobblestones.

6. St. Olaf’s Church

Once the tallest building in the world! Climb its tower for a panoramic view of Tallinn that’s well worth the effort.

7. Viru Gate

A picture-perfect entrance into Old Town that looks like something straight out of a Disney intro. Don’t forget to take a photo as you pass through!

Where to eat in Tallinn

Estonian cuisine is hearty, seasonal, and steeped in tradition—think rye bread, wild mushrooms, smoked fish, and rich forest-inspired flavors. But Tallinn also offers a surprisingly modern and international dining scene.

Here are a few of our favorite spots:

• Rataskaevu 16  – Beloved by locals for warm service and soulful Estonian dishes.

• Olde Hansa – A fully immersive medieval dining experience with historic recipes and mead.

• Parrot Resto Bar – Modern Asian fusion cuisine with a hidden speakeasy bar in the back.

More things to do in Tallinn

Join a Walking Tour

Get your bearings with a walking tour of Tallinn Old Town. We highly recommend going with Kadri from ESTADVENTURES—she gave us the perfect intro to the city’s layered history and hidden stories.

Kadriorg Palace and Park

Located just outside the Old Town, this baroque palace built by Peter the Great sits in the middle of beautifully landscaped gardens. While the palace interior was underwhelming, the garden paths make a lovely stroll—especially if you walk all the way to the seaside.

Pirita Beach

Need a break from the medieval sights? Head to Pirita Beach and walk along the Baltic coastline with views of Tallinn’s skyline in the distance.

Where to Stay in Tallinn

We stayed at the Radisson Collection Hotel, Tallinn and loved it. It has a central location outside of the Old town (but a 10-min walk to it), modern Scandi-chic decor, and an incredible breakfast buffet. Some rooms even offer postcard-worthy views of the Old Town rooftops!

How long to stay?We recommend at least 2 full days in Tallinn to explore the Old Town, visit key sights, and enjoy a couple of leisurely meals. It can be rushed with one night, but you’d be missing out on the magic!

Pro tips for visiting Tallinn

• Time your visit to Kohtuotsa Viewing Platform around sunset for beautiful lighting and smaller crowds.

• Don’t leave without sampling local Estonian dishes—they're unique, comforting, and deeply tied to the country's natural landscape.

• Add Balti Jaama Turg Market to your list if you want to mix with locals and explore beyond the tourist trail.

• Consider combining Tallinn with a trip to Helsinki, which is just a 2-hour ferry ride away! Or consider one of Estonia's other cities like Tartu or Parnu as part of a longer Baltics itinerary.

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