Visiting Tallinn Old Town, Estonia
/Visiting Tallinn Old Town, Estonia
Tallinn is the capital of the little-known country of Estonia. With only a fairly small population of around 430,000, Tallinn city really packs a punch with its many charming attractions.
We visited this grand Baltic city on a crowded day, and checked out the sights of its Medieval Old Town. Tallinn’s charming Old Town is the best preserved Medieval old town in Northern Europe. In 1997, the Old Town was inducted as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There’s so much to see here - we already know that we’ll be visiting again someday very soon!
Here are our best pictures from our 1 Day in Tallinn Old Town.
Where to stay in Tallinn
Accommodation in Tallinn’s Old Town can range from inexpensive to luxury prices. There are a good range of hotels worth staying in, which include:
Low Range
Mid Range
High Range
Tour or self-guided?
This is a question we get a lot when it comes to our 1-day itineraries. We write our itineraries based on completing them self-guided, but of course if you’re looking for extra information and history about each place, we recommend going on a tour.
Viator has a plethora of quality tours on offer when it comes to exploring Tallinn. Some of these tours take you to places that even we couldn’t squeeze into our day - so going on one could be an efficient use of time. Some tours you may want to check out are:
1. Viru Gates
Built in the 14th century, the Viru Gates were erected to defend Tallinn City.
2. Pikk Hermann
Pikk Hermann is a medieval defensive tower that sits on top of Toompea Castle built in 1371
3. Riigikogu
Known as the official Estonian Parliament Building, the Riigikogu passes laws and resolutions for the country.
4. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral
Alexander Nevsky Cathedral is a Russian Orthodox Church built in 1900. It is Tallinn’s grandest and most famous church.
5. St Mary’s Church
The oldest church in Mainland Estonia, St Mary’s Church is the only building in Toompea which survived the 17th century fire of Tallinn.
6. Toompea Hill
An icon of Tallinn city, this limestone hill sits at the center of Tallinn and offers panoramic views of the Baltic city. Toompea Hill is a must-do when visiting Tallinn.
7. Patkuli Viewing Platform
The Patkuli Viewing Platform offers views of the Old Town and is great for a photo spot.
8. Kohutuotsa Viewing Platform
Located on the northern side of Toompea Hill, the Kohutuotsa Viewing Platform is Tallinn’s most popular viewing platform - and with good reason. The views here are breathtaking.
9. Great Guild Hall and Estonian History Museum
The Great Guild Hall used to be used by merchants and artisans coming in and out of Tallinn during the city’s heydey, and now is the Estonian History Museum.
10. Rataskaevu Street
Rataskaevu Street is one of Tallinn’s many scenic streets and a popular gathering place for locals.
11. St Catherine’s Passage
St Catherine’s Passage is a hidden walkway that perfectly encapsulates Tallinn’s medieval feel.
12. St Nicholas’ Orthodox Church
St Nicholas’ Orthodox Church is another gorgeous church in Tallinn Old Town.
13. Linnamusseum – Tallinn City Museum
The Linnamusseum is a museum featuring art and photographs of Tallinn City. Great for a quick history lesson of the city.
14. Tallinna Raekoja Plats (Town Square)
Talinna Raekoja Plats is the market place and center of the Lower Town, and has been here since the 13th century.
15. Tallinna Raekoda (Town Hall)
The Tallinna Raekoda is the oldest Town Hall in the whole of the Baltic and Scandinavian regions, and was completed in 1404.
16. Old Town Tallinn
A general stroll around Old Town Tallinn will lead to many surprising finds.
WHAT WE MISSED
Kadriorg Palace and Park
Kadriorg Palace is a colourful palace that was built for Catherine I of Russia.
We didn’t get a chance to visit this place as it was a bit further away from the Old Town (about a 10 minute drive, or 30 minute walk).
You can read what we thought of Catherine I’s other palace, Catherine Palace in St Petersburg here.
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