Tallinn, Estonia’s capital, is an enchanting city nestled on the Baltic Sea. The Old Town seems straight out of a fairytale with its beautiful pastel buildings, red clay-tile rooves, soaring turrets of Toompea Castle, winding cobbled streets, and hidden patios.
Venturing outside the charming Old Town rewards with creative hotspots like the Telliskivi Creative Market or the sprawling palatial Kadriorg Park. Tallinn is an absolute gem and my favorite of the Baltic capitals, explore these eight things you can’t miss on your next visit to Estonia’s largest city.
1. Shop local in Balti Jaama Turg
This charming indoor market on the outskirts of the Old Town is the perfect spot to shop or grab lunch. The lower level houses a collection of food stalls, serving anything from Taiwanese bao and Italian street food to traditional Estonia fare.
The upper level has a multitude of vintage and independent vendors; if you’re looking to take home a unique souvenir from Tallinn, check out this spot. From vintage military jackets and collectible spoons to artisan earrings and hand-curated dress collections, Balti Jaama Turg is a must-visit.
2. Step back in time at the Town Hall Pharmacy
Located in the heart of the Old Town at Town Hall Square, the Town Hall Pharmacy (Revali Raepteek) is a little slice of apothecary history. In addition to a functional pharmacy dating back to 1422, the building has a small museum dedicated to the history of medicinal remedies.
The sturdy wooden cabinets display instruments, lab equipment, and vials, along with articles and explanations, transporting you back in time through the pharmacy’s history. The museum is open Monday-Saturday from 10:00 am – 6:00 pm and is free to visit.
3. Vibe with local art at Telliskivi Creative City
Nearby Balti Jaama Turg is the Telliskivi Creative City, a cultural center with epic artsy vibes. The center is home to various local galleries from ceramics to textiles to jewelry, a collection of independent shops, and tons of murals and street art. Also in the area are several excellent breweries and restaurants.
4. Explore Toompea
Historically, Tallinn’s Old Town has been divided into two parts, upper and lower. Toompea (or Toompea Hill) is the charming upper section that overlooks the lower Tallinn cityscape, a mass of orange clay-tile rooves and pastel-toned buildings.
Following a brisk climb up the hillside to reach Toompea, reward yourself with dazzling city views from the Kohtuotsa viewing platform. Make your way to the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, a richly ornamented Eastern Orthodox cathedral with iconic cupolas, mosaics, and religious iconography. The Cathedral is free to visit and open daily from 8:00 am – 6:00 pm.
Toompa’s most prominent feature is of course the Toompea Castle, a limestone fortress now home to the Estonian Parliament. If you wish to visit the parliament building/castle, tours in English are offered regularly throughout the week (availability depends on the season). Visit their website for more details.
Tucked behind Toompea is the tranquil Toompark, a green space punctuated by the snaking Skelli Pond and its resident waterfowl. Toompark is the perfect place for a stroll, or to sit on a bench and unwind after a day of sightseeing.
5. Climb the tower at St. Olaf’s Church
Although unassuming in appearance with both its interior and exterior, St. Olaf’s Church offers the best views of Tallinn from its soaring 123 m spire. The viewing deck sits at 60 meters with sweeping views of the Old Town.
Entry to the church is free, but they charge a small fee of around €3 to climb the tower.
6. Shop artisan goods at The Masters’ Courtyard and St. Cathernie’s Passage
The Masters’ Courtyard and St. Catherine’s Passage were my absolute highlights of Tallinn as an artist and appreciator of the arts.
The Masters’ Courtyard is a charming nook off Vene Street, just a short walk from Town Hall Square. This square features several cafes with outdoor seating in the summer months, including Pierre Chocolaterie. This delightful chocolaterie serves delectable chocolates and cafe fare with seating and their iconic red-parasol-covered bicycle cart out front.
This tiny medieval alleyway is the perfect spot to buy artisan souvenirs, from blown glass, jewelry, and other handicrafts from workshops lining the square.
Not far from the Masters’ Courtyard is St. Catherine’s Passage (Katarina Käik), a narrow alleyway connecting Vene and Müürivahe streets lined with art galleries and workshops.
7. Browse fresh produce at the Central Market
The Central Market (Keshturg) is an adorable covered market bursting with authentic flavors. I stumbled upon this little gem while walking from the bus station to the Old Town and was drawn in by the hustle and bustle. Mostly patronized by locals, this hopping market bears all the necessities, from fresh produce to fillets of fish and meats.
8. Stroll the pristinely manicured Kadriorg Park
Bask in grandeur at the beautiful Kadriorg Park, just 20 minutes via Tram 3 from the city center. Stroll around Swan Pond, with its majestic central water features and gazebo, or walk along the varicolored flower beds in full bloom during summer.
The park is home to several museums, including the Estonian Art Museum (KUMU), the Kadriorg Art Museum, and the Mikkeli Museum. The park’s crowning glory is Kadriorg Palace, a striking orange and yellow Baroque palace that now houses the Kadriorg Art Museum.
