🗺️ Where to go in Tallinn: 30 places with prices and opening hours

Tallinn fits into a couple of days of walking. The Old Town is compact, and almost all the main sights stand close together. Many people come here for a weekend and manage to see the wall, Town Hall Square, and the Toompea towers.

We've put together thirty places worth seeing in the capital of Estonia. For each one we give the location, a price reference, and an honest catch. The entire Old Town is included in the UNESCO World Heritage list, so redevelopment here is restricted and the historic buildings are well preserved.

It's useful to know about the Tallinn Card. The card gives free entry to more than 50 museums and free public transport (as of 09/2026, official website). It pays for itself if you plan to visit three or more paid sights in a day.

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1. City wall

💡 In short:

The wall rings the Old Town; some towers operate as museums and viewing platforms.
Walking along the curtain walls is free, you only pay to climb the towers.
Tower prices and hours: 09/2026, checked on the official website of the fortifications museum

The easiest way to reach the wall is from Town Hall Square or from the station. Buses and trams stop at the edge of the Old Town, and from there you walk. Vehicle access inside the blocks is restricted, so it's better to leave your car in a paid lot near the ring.

Not all towers are open to tourists. Some operate as museums, others are closed or used as workshops and cafes. Tickets are sold on site, and a combined ticket for several towers is a better deal than individual ones. With the Tallinn Card, entry to most museums is free.

The best time for a walk is early morning or evening. During the day in season, tour groups move along the curtain walls, and the narrow sections get crowded. In winter, garlands are strung over the wall, and in summer flower beds bloom around it.

In winter, wear waterproof shoes: the cobblestones and stone stairs get slippery. In summer, bring water and a hat, because there is little shade along the wall. The route is convenient to explore with an audio guide or by following the signs that lead to the main towers.

If you want to see the wall as a whole, go up to the viewing platforms at Toompea or to the Oleviste tower. From there the ring of fortifications reads clearly, and you can see how the wall connects the towers. Lighting after dark makes this route especially good for photos.

Tallinn city wall with a tower and rooftops

The city wall is considered the main symbol of Tallinn and the longest medieval fortification line in Northern Europe. It encircles the Old Town and is clearly visible from any viewing platform. It once included more than two dozen towers; about half survive today. The stone curtain walls reach the height of a five-story building, so the wall looks monumental.

It's best to explore on foot. You walk along the curtain walls and towers, step into open courtyards, and climb the towers that have stairs and a viewing platform. The most famous point on this route is the Kiek in de Kök tower, more on it below. Benches, lamps, and sculptures stand near the towers, and in summer everything is lush with greenery and flowers.

The Maiden Tower (Neitsitorn) deserves special attention. It houses a cafe with a summer terrace, and a glass museum is open in the basement. The tower's viewing platform offers a view over the rooftops of the Old Town. Go up in the morning, before tour groups take over the narrow staircase.

Plan about two hours for the walk. Wear comfortable shoes: the cobblestones are uneven, and the steps in the towers are steep and high.

2. House of the Brotherhood of Blackheads

Carved portal with a painted door on a yellow facade

On Pikk Street stands an ornate house with a Northern Renaissance facade. It was occupied by the Brotherhood of Blackheads, a society of unmarried merchants who held meetings and celebrations here. After marrying, a member was required to leave the brotherhood, so the house always remained a place for bachelors.

The facade is richly decorated. Lion masks frame the central arch, and the entrance is crowned with a coat of arms featuring Saint Maurice. Sculptures and reliefs of kings, saints, and Christ are visible around the perimeter. The house got its current appearance after a reconstruction in the early 20th century, and today it is one of the most photographed buildings in the Old Town.

Getting inside is easy. During daytime hours the doors are open and entry is free. The historic interiors have not survived; some of the furniture was transferred to the city museum. The house stands a stone's throw from Town Hall Square, so you'll stop by on your way to other sights.

In the evening the lighting comes on, and the facade looks especially striking. The catch: there is almost no information inside about the brotherhood's history, so it's worth reading up on the details beforehand. Nearby on Pikk Street are other merchant houses and souvenir shops.

3. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral

Domes of Alexander Nevsky Cathedral with crosses

Alexander Nevsky Cathedral stands on Toompea Hill, opposite the parliament building. It was built in the early 20th century for a growing Orthodox parish. The gilded domes and tented towers are clearly visible from many points in the city, so the cathedral is easy to find by them.

Inside it is spacious and solemn. The wooden iconostasis is finished with gilding, and the stained glass and mosaics were made from designs by well-known masters. Photography is not prohibited, but respect for worshippers matters: during the liturgy it's better not to walk around the church with a camera. Go in between services.

The dress code is simple. Women should wear a headscarf, and men should not come in tank tops and shorts. The cathedral has a shop selling icons and books. Entry is free, and from the church walls there is a view over the Lower Town and its tiled rooftops.

4. St. Olaf's Church

St. Olaf's Church is named after the Norwegian king Olaf II. Its spire is considered the tallest in Tallinn and is visible from any point in the Old Town. The slender tower reaches into the sky, and the vaults inside form a star-shaped geometric pattern. A relief of Saint Olaf survives near the altar, and the Chapel of the Virgin Mary stands by the eastern wall.

The main reason to climb up here is the viewing platform on the tower. From the height you can see almost the entire city: colorful houses, the Gulf of Finland, and the fortress towers. The climb takes about ten minutes. The staircase is narrow, dark, and almost one-way, so people pass each other carefully.

Assess your fitness level. If you have heart or knee problems or are afraid of heights, the climb will be tough. There are benches and a place to rest at the bottom (as of 09/2026, the church's official website). The church itself is active, entry is free, and a ticket is needed only for the tower.

Getting there is easy: from Town Hall Square, walk toward Lai Street, using the spire as a landmark. Tram stops are nearby. Go up before the tower closes, otherwise the observation deck will be inaccessible.

5. Upper Town

Toompea Hill with St. Mary's Cathedral in autumn

Upper Town, or Vyshhorod, sits on the Toompea hill. It got its name precisely because of the terrain. An old castle stands on the hill, and today it houses the parliament. That doesn't bother tourists: the streets are open, and the views from the observation platforms are free.

A walk through Upper Town is picturesque. There is plenty of greenery, the hillsides are faced with stone, and narrow streets lead to cathedrals and old houses. Museums, souvenir shops, and small cafes operate here. Some shops are built right into the ancient walls.

You can explore Upper Town on your own for free or with a guided tour. Stop by the food culture museum dedicated to a local brand; tastings are held there too. Vendors sell roasted nuts, a national treat worth trying.

6. Miia-Milla-Manda Children's Museum

The Miia-Milla-Manda Children's Museum is located in the Kadriorg district. If you're traveling with kids, this is a must-see stop on your itinerary. The museum is designed for children roughly three to ten years old, and its main theme is friendship and playing together.

Yellow wooden pavilion of the children's museum in the park

Here you can touch almost everything with your hands. Visitors are asked to take off their shoes at the entrance, which creates a homey atmosphere. Kids ski, send a boat down a stream, draw, and do crafts in separate rooms. The large toy houses and board games are a big hit.

There's a cafe with sweets on the premises. Outdoors there's a playground with slides and swings. Come in the morning to avoid school and kindergarten groups, and set aside a couple of hours.

7. St. Mary's Cathedral

Gothic portal of St. Mary's Cathedral with a wooden door

St. Mary's Cathedral is considered one of the oldest churches in Tallinn, standing on Toompea Hill. The cathedral's patron saint is the Virgin Mary. For centuries, noble citizens, military commanders, and seafarers were buried here, so the interior is full of tombstones with sculptures and stucco work. It holds one of the largest collections of epitaphs in Europe.

A local legend is tied to the cathedral. The famous wit Otto Tuve asked in his will to be buried by the entrance so that ladies' feet would walk over his ashes. Guides love to retell this story, and it has become firmly rooted in local folklore. Inside there's also a "wishing slab": touching it is said to make a wish come true.

A special feature is the wooden roof, built with proper acoustics in mind. You can climb the bell tower, and the observation deck offers a panorama of the Old Town. If you're afraid of heights, it's better to skip the climb. The cathedral regularly hosts organ concerts, which require a paid ticket.

Opening hours depend on the season: in summer the cathedral is open longer, in winter it closes earlier, and it's closed on Mondays (as of 09/2026, official website). Photography inside is restricted. Entry to the church is free, but climbing the tower costs extra.

8. Toompea Castle

Medieval Toompea Castle with towers in winter

Toompea Castle, also known as Reval Fortress, stands on the hill of the same name. Construction began back in the 13th century, and today it's one of the best-preserved historic complexes in the Baltics. The castle's inner facade is painted pink, so it's hard to confuse it with other buildings.

Only the ancient sentinel, the Tall Hermann tower, remains gray. Four watchtowers rise at the corners of the complex. The castle sits high up and is clearly visible from the sea and from the Lower Town. At night the lighting comes on, and the complex looks especially majestic.

Getting inside is difficult. On regular days you can only view the grounds from outside, and the building is open only by appointment, as part of a group, or on open-door days. Even without a tour, it's worth walking around the castle perimeter and checking out the nearby viewing platforms.

Access to the square in front of the castle is free. This is the center of the Upper Town, so it's easy to combine with a walk around Toompea. The Alexander Nevsky Cathedral and St. Mary's Cathedral stand nearby.

9. Kiek in de Kök Museum

Antique cannon and mannequins in the Kiek in de Kök Museum

The Kiek in de Kök Museum occupies an old artillery tower in the city wall system. The name translates as "peek into the kitchen": from the upper levels, defenders could see what was cooking in the houses of the Lower Town. Inside, there's an exhibition on the history of Tallinn's defense.

The tower consists of several floors and basements. Visitors climb a spiral staircase past knight's armor, old footwear, models of fortifications, and cannons. The steps run clockwise: builders designed it this way to give defenders an advantage in hand-to-hand combat.

The museum is open daily from 11 am to 6 pm. An adult ticket costs €16, child and concession tickets cost €10, and a combined ticket with the City Museum comes to €22 (as of 09/2026, official museum website).

Who it's for: if you want to understand how a medieval city defended itself against sieges. The catch: the underground passages are cool year-round, and the steps are uneven and slippery in places.

10. Lower Town

The Lower Town is the larger part of the Old Town at the foot of Toompea. It's noticeably bigger than the Upper Town and packed with sights. Guild houses, churches, monasteries, and the best viewpoints over the fortress walls are concentrated here.

The main landmark of the Lower Town is Town Hall Square. Narrow streets with workshops, cafes, and shops branch out from it. Towers line the walls, and some of them are open to visitors. You can climb the city wall for a small fee, and tickets are sold near the entrance.

Walking around the Lower Town is free. It's pleasant to simply stroll along the cobblestones, looking at facades and shop windows. In the evening the streets are lit up, and the city becomes quieter and calmer. In winter the squares get slippery, so choose shoes with non-slip soles.

11. Kadriorg Park

Kadriorg Park is a palace and park ensemble in the Northern Baroque style. It was established at the wish of Peter I, who chose these grounds for a residence. The palace was built to a design by an Italian architect, and today it's one of the city's main attractions outside the Old Town center.

Japanese garden with a pond in Kadriorg Park

The park follows a formal layout: straight avenues, symmetrical flowerbeds, and neat lines of shrubs. At its center is a pond with swans, and a small island lies in the middle of the water. On holidays an orchestra plays there, creating a special atmosphere.

Several museums operate on the grounds, with paid admission. The park is easy to reach by tram or bus from the center. Walking in the park is free and unlimited, so give yourself time for a leisurely stroll.

12. Town Hall Square

Town Hall Square in Tallinn with historic buildings

Town Hall Square is the heart of the Old Town. In the past, a market bustled here, along with performances and even executions. Today the main Christmas tree is set up on the square, and city festivals are held here. It's a convenient starting point for a walk through the Lower Town.

From the square you can see five spires at once: the town hall tower, St. Mary's Cathedral, and three churches, namely St. Olaf's, St. Nicholas', and the Church of the Holy Spirit. Locals say that if you see all five and make a wish, it will come true. The main buildings on the square are the town hall and the old pharmacy.

Guided tours are offered here at every turn, but you can also explore the square on your own. In summer, cafe terraces are open, and in winter a Christmas market sets up. Come at opening time or in the evening, because during the day in season it gets especially crowded.

13. Tallinn Town Hall

Tallinn Town Hall with its tower on Town Hall Square

Tallinn Town Hall is considered the only Gothic town hall building preserved in Northern Europe. It stands on Town Hall Square and remains the architectural center of the Old Town. The building is mentioned in written sources from the 14th century, and it took its current form after reconstruction in the early 15th century.

A tower with the "Old Thomas" weathervane rises above the square. It has become a symbol of the city and one of Tallinn's most recognizable silhouettes. Inside, there's a wine cellar, the magistrate's hall, and the Burgher's Hall with paintings on biblical themes. Some of the halls are open as a museum.

For a long time, the town hall was the center of city governance. Laws were approved here, and messengers carried decrees from here across the land. The building survived Swedish, Danish, and Russian rule but remained in its place at the very heart of Reval.

Today the town hall is open to visitors by ticket as part of a guided tour. In winter the building is closed for viewing. The Town Hall Pharmacy stands nearby, and we'll cover it below. In summer, cafes are open on the square, so it's easy to combine sightseeing with a break.

14. Craftsmen's courtyard

Cobblestone courtyard with a cafe among old houses

The Craftsmen's courtyard, or Meistrite Hoov, is a narrow stone lane between Vene and Pikk streets. It has preserved a medieval atmosphere: vaulted passages, spiral staircases, and unplastered stone walls. The lane is connected to the Dominican monastery of St. Catherine.

The courtyard is a pleasant place for a leisurely stroll. As they did centuries ago, artisans work in the workshops here, and at the street intersection artists draw portraits of tourists. It's also worth stopping at a small cafe for a cup of coffee. The walls are decorated in places with reliefs and old signs.

From the courtyard you'll come out to St. Nicholas Church and the souvenir market, and through an arched passage you'll reach Müürivahe Street. The catch: in summer the narrow lane gets crowded, but photos turn out better in the morning, before tour groups arrive.

15. Danish King's Garden

Flower beds by the fortress wall and Maiden Tower

The Danish King's Garden is a small park on the slope of Toompea Hill. Estonia's main legend is tied to this place. According to tradition, in the 13th century the Danish king Valdemar II was leading a crusade here, and in the heat of battle a red banner with a white cross fell from the sky. That, according to the legend, is how the flag of Denmark came to be.

The Danes call this place the cradle of the Dannebrog. In June the flag's birthday is celebrated here, and the park itself is decorated with sculptures of three monks and a stone cross. The park is small but historically significant, which is why it's included in almost every sightseeing tour.

You can visit the garden for free at any time. The catch is that in summer the spot is popular with groups, and the area fills up quickly. Come early in the morning or in the evening to calmly take in the sculptures and plaques.

16. Freedom Square

Victory Column and St. John's Church at night on Freedom Square in Tallinn

Freedom Square, or Vabaduse väljak, is located at the southern edge of the Old Town. It has changed names several times and was known as Peter's Square and Haymarket Square. The square got its current look after the Swedish bastion at the Harju Gate was demolished.

City and international events are held here. The square's main feature is the Victory Monument of the War of Independence. Beneath the square, the foundations of ancient fortifications found during excavations have been preserved. Their fragments are visible behind glass at the dead end of Harju Street.

The square is part of the pedestrian zone and is open around the clock. The Art Hall and cafes stand nearby. For tourists, it's a convenient entry point to the Old Town from the modern districts, so it's easy to reach from the train station and public transport stops.

17. Suurupi lower lighthouse

White wooden lighthouse and stone cottage at sunset

The Suurupi lower lighthouse stands on a rocky shore not far from Tallinn. It's a wooden structure with a gabled roof, the only operating building of its kind. It was built in the second half of the 19th century to ensure safe navigation near the Suurupi Peninsula.

The lighthouse is visible from afar thanks to its elevated position and the beacon at the top. The wooden structure is listed among the historic lighthouses of the International Association of Marine Aids to Navigation and Lighthouse Authorities. Nearby are the upper lighthouse and a whole complex of service buildings protected by the state as part of the cultural heritage.

You can get here by bus or car; the drive takes about half an hour from the center. There are no viewing platforms for tourists, but the views of the bay and the cliffs are worth the trip. Wear comfortable shoes: the paths are rocky and slippery in places after rain.

18. Kadriorg Art Museum

Kadriorg Palace at night in the park in Tallinn

The Kadriorg Art Museum occupies a palace in the Northern Baroque style. The building was commissioned by Peter I as a summer residence for his wife Catherine. The best European masters worked on the project, including the Italian architect Nicola Michetti, and later the construction was headed by the Russian architect Mikhail Zemtsov.

Building materials and workers were brought in from the Russian Empire. The palace was compared to a miniature Versailles: a park, fountains, formal alleys, and pavilions. Today the museum halls display a collection of European painting spanning several centuries.

Visitors are shown the state rooms with stucco work and refined interiors. A small Japanese garden is laid out nearby. The palace stands in Kadriorg Park, so a visit is easy to combine with a walk. The catch is that the state rooms are small, and in season it can get crowded.

19. St. Nicholas Church

St. Nicholas' Church tower above the tile roofs of Tallinn

St. Nicholas Church was built by German settlers from the island of Gotland. It bears the name of Saint Nicholas, the patron saint of seafarers, and is also known as the Church of Saint Nicholas. In the Middle Ages such buildings combined the functions of a church and a fortress, which is why Niguliste looks austere and resembles an outpost.

Inside is the famous fragment of the painting "Dance of Death" by Bernt Notke, created in the 15th century. The painting serves as a reminder of the equality of all estates in the face of death. The church was heavily damaged in a bombing during World War II, after which it was restored as a museum and concert hall.

Today Niguliste is part of the Art Museum of Estonia. Organ concerts are held here regularly, and the hall's acoustics are considered among the best in the city. Museum admission is paid, and concert tickets are sold separately.

The catch: access to the tower is only available in the warm season. But the viewing platform offers a fine view of Town Hall Square and the rooftops of the Old Town.

20. Church of the Holy Spirit

White Gothic Church of the Holy Spirit with a clock

The Church of the Holy Spirit, or Püha Vaimu kirik, stands a stone's throw from Town Hall Square. It's one of the city's oldest churches and a 14th-century architectural monument. This is where sermons were first delivered in Estonian, and its pastors played an important role in the development of local culture.

The church's main decoration is the carved clock installed in the 17th century. It's the oldest public clock in the city, and it still works. The bell bears an inscription saying that it strikes equally for everyone. Inside, the walls are painted with scenes from the Bible, which in old times were called the "Bible for the illiterate."

The interior is modest. Attention is drawn to the suspended pulpit, the altar by Bernt Notke, and the Renaissance-style chandeliers. The main altar dates back to the 15th century and depicts the descent of the Holy Spirit.

You can listen to the organist play for a small fee. In summer the doors stay open longer, and in winter the hours are shorter. Admission to the church is free, and concerts are paid separately, so check the schedule on site.

21. Kaarli Church

Facade of St. Charles's Church with towers and a clock

Kaarli Church was built in memory of the era of Swedish rule. The building was erected on the edge of Toompea Hill to a design by the St. Petersburg architect Otto Pius Hippius. It's one of Tallinn's most imposing religious buildings, constructed from large stone blocks.

Inside, everything is designed so that the altar and pulpit are clearly visible from any point in the hall. The lighting and excellent acoustics create a special atmosphere. The altar was made by the artists J. Köler and S. Kügelgen, and the tower clock was installed in the late 19th century.

The church's main pride is its large organ with a mechanical action. It's the country's largest musical instrument, which is why concerts of classical and sacred music are often held here. Both parishioners and tourists attend them.

The parish traces its history back to the 17th century, when local Finns and Estonians united. The first wooden building was destroyed in a fire. The current two towers in the Neo-Romanesque style are adorned with bells cast in Stockholm and Bochum.

On Sundays the church opens in the morning, and on Tuesdays concerts are held here. Admission is free, and donations are welcome.

22. Monument to the battleship Rusalka

Monument to the battleship Rusalka with an angel and a cross

The monument to the battleship Rusalka is considered one of Tallinn's symbols. It is a bronze angel with a cross, set on a round platform shaped like a compass. The monument was created by sculptor Amandus Adamson in memory of the sailors who died when a Russian battleship sank in the late 19th century.

The granite pedestal bears an inscription saying that Russia does not forget its heroes. The ship sank during a severe storm: it was returning from exercises, lost control, and went to the bottom. Some of the wreckage was found many years later far from the site of the sinking. An angel, not a mythical mermaid, stands on the pedestal.

The sculpture holds a gilded cross facing the direction of the wreck. Steps of the obelisk lead to a bas-relief with the names of the fallen officers, and anchor chains surround the platform along its perimeter. In the evening, floodlights illuminate the monument.

Both tourists and locals come here. It offers a view of the sea and the waterfront. The catch is that the platform is exposed to all winds, so it's uncomfortable here in cold weather.

23. Fat Margaret Tower

Round stone tower Fat Margaret with a red roof

Fat Margaret, or Paks Margareeta, is a round tower at the exit from the Lower Town toward the seaport. It was built as a fortress to protect the Great Coastal Gate. Because of its unusual shape for a tower and its impressive diameter, it got this name.

The structure looks massive. Numerous embrasures are visible in the walls at different heights, and the masonry is so thick that a cannonball could not penetrate it. Today, the Estonian Maritime Museum operates inside, with a collection of weapons and old navigational charts.

A viewing platform is set up at the top for tourists. From here you can see the port and the Gulf of Finland. Nearby there is a cafe with a view of the harbor. The tower is easy to reach on foot from Town Hall Square.

The only catch: the line for the viewing platform can be long during cruise season. Go at opening time to get up without waiting.

24. Tall Hermann Tower

Tall Hermann tower and the pink Riigikogu building

Tall Hermann, or Pikk Hermann, is the tallest of the watchtowers of Toompea Castle. Today the Estonian parliament sits in the castle. The tower was built in the 14th century, and the complex acquired its current appearance by the end of the 15th century.

From the upper level, defenders were the first to spot enemy forces at sea and on land. The ground floor housed a dungeon, and above were barracks and rooms with embrasures. Between levels, people climbed an external staircase that was removed during a siege.

Today, visitors climb a long staircase to the very top. The Estonian national flag flies there, raised every morning and lowered at sunset. Tourists are allowed inside the tower only on open house days.

The garden at the foot of the tower is open to everyone. It offers a view of Toompea and the rooftops of the Old Town. This is a free viewpoint worth including in your Upper Town route.

25. Seaplane Harbour

Aerial view of the Seaplane Harbour with hangars and piers

Seaplane Harbour, or Lennusadam, is a maritime museum in former seaplane hangars. It houses the main exhibition of the Estonian Maritime Museum. The museum was founded back in 1935 on the initiative of a group of captains and retired sailors who wanted to preserve unique exhibits (as of 09/2026, official website of the Maritime Museum).

After the war and until the restoration of independence, the area was a closed military site. Today, real ships and equipment are on display in the hangars. Visitors go inside the submarine Lembit, examine a British seaplane, and the hull of the oldest ship, Maasilinna.

The museum has simulators, a children's play area, a cafeteria, and a restaurant. The icebreaker Suur Tõll and a seaplane are displayed in the outdoor area. It's easy to spend several hours here, so plan your time with a buffer.

The catch is that the museum is located away from the Old Town, near the port. The trip takes about twenty minutes by tram or bus.

26. Town Hall Pharmacy

Facade of the Town Hall Pharmacy in Tallinn with a sign

The Town Hall Pharmacy is considered the oldest pharmacy in Europe that has maintained its medical profile for centuries. It stands on Town Hall Square and long belonged to a single dynasty of healers. In the documents of the magistrate, the pharmacy is mentioned almost six hundred years ago, and its history is counted from the 15th century.

It may be the oldest pharmaceutical institution not only in Europe but in the world. It was operating when official medicine did not yet exist, and illnesses were treated with herbal remedies. The shelves sold not only tinctures but also powdered unicorn horn, viper fat, and dried toads. Some of the old remedies are now displayed as exhibits.

According to legend, the first marzipan and the drink Claret were made here. Today, a museum operates in the pharmacy, and you can buy products from modern pharmaceutical companies at the counters. Admission is free, and the visit takes no more than half an hour.

27. St. Bridget's Monastery

Modern building of St. Bridget's Convent and ruins

St. Bridget's Monastery in the Pirita district is the ruins of a convent on the riverbank. It was the largest in Livonia and one of many holdings of the Order of St. Bridget that once stretched from Estonia to Spain. The convent was founded in the 15th century, and its patrons were Reval merchants.

The monastery was named after St. Bridget, founder of the mother monastery in Sweden. Next to the surviving walls are a picturesque park and an old cemetery. Nominally, the building still belongs to the sisters of the order, while the monastery itself has been turned into a museum.

The troops of Ivan the Terrible ravaged the convent in the late 16th century, and only the sturdy stone walls remained of the building. Recently, large-scale excavations and foundation conservation work were carried out here to preserve the facade, cellars, and perimeter walls.

Today people come here for the history and the views of the river. The catch is that the monastery is far from the center, and the trip takes about half an hour. On the plus side, Pirita Beach is nearby, so the visit is easy to combine with a walk by the sea.

28. Estonian Museum of Architecture

Stone building of the Estonian Museum of Architecture

The Estonian Museum of Architecture was founded in the early 1990s. Its mission is to collect urban planning documentation and introduce residents to the history of modern architecture. The museum's main focus is Estonian architecture of the 20th century and today.

Later, the museum moved into the Rotermann salt storage building, designed by German engineer Ernst Boustedt. The vaulted ground floor once served as a warehouse, while raw materials were processed above. After reconstruction, the exhibition hall was turned into an open loft space.

The museum is a member of the international confederation of architectural museums. Today, drawings, models, and project plans for modern Tallinn are of particular value. The catch is that the exhibition changes, so the permanent halls are sometimes closed for installation.

29. Marzipan Museum

Entrance to the Kalev marzipan room on Pikk Street

The Marzipan Museum is a small exhibition at the historic Maiasmokk confectionery near Town Hall Square. There are few such museums in the world, and Tallinn claims to be the birthplace of marzipan: the oldest recipe for the treat was found here. It has been made in the city for several centuries.

The exhibition tells how marzipan appeared in Estonia and how the technology changed. Among the exhibits are figures made of marzipan dough, confectionery bars, and cakes. On request, the masters also create unusual works, such as a portrait silhouette. Some figures are displayed in showcases and are easy to mistake for dessert.

At the museum cafe, you can appreciate the work of local confectioners over a cup of coffee. Edible souvenirs are also sold here. The catch is that the museum itself occupies one room, so half an hour is enough for the visit.

30. Kumu Art Museum

Green facade of the Kumu Art Museum with windows

The Kumu Art Museum is the main building of the Art Museum of Estonia and the country's largest exhibition venue. The building was designed by Finnish architect Pekka Vapaavuori, who won the competition. The museum is known far beyond the Baltics and has received the title of European Museum of the Year.

Permanent and temporary galleries occupy different floors. The main exhibition introduces the region's art from the 18th century to the present day. One floor presents the history of Estonian art up to World War II, while another houses the Soviet-era collection. A separate wing displays contemporary art.

The museum's collection is considered one of the largest in Northern Europe. Exhibitions are periodically updated, so it's worth checking the halls on the website before your visit (as of 09/2026, official website). The catch is that Kumu is located away from the Old Town, near Kadriorg Park. The trip from the center takes about fifteen minutes by transport.

Tallinn attractions on the map

All thirty places from this selection are marked on the map. Open it on your phone and build your route through the Old Town and Kadriorg. This makes it easier to see which spots are close to each other.

Sights of Tallinn

Places on the map

1City Wall Northern Europe's longest medieval fortress line, walking along the wall sections is free
2House of the Brotherhood of Blackheads Northern Renaissance facade on Pikk Street, free entry during the day
3Alexander Nevsky Cathedral Early 20th century on Toompea Hill opposite the parliament, free entry
4St. Olaf's Church The city's tallest spire, about a ten-minute climb to the viewing point, narrow staircase
5Upper Town The upper citadel on Toompea heights, streets and viewpoints are free
6Miia-Milla-Manda Children's Museum In Kadriorg, for children roughly aged three to ten, almost everything can be touched
7Dome Cathedral One of the oldest churches on Toompea, a collection of epitaphs, paid tower climb
8Toompea Castle 13th-century Reval fortress with a pink facade, interior visits by appointment only
9Kiek in de Kök Museum Artillery tower with a defense exhibition, adult ticket €16
10Lower Town Most of the Old Town at the foot of Toompea, guild houses, churches and towers
11Kadriorg Park Peter I's palace-and-park ensemble, a pond with swans, free to stroll
12Town Hall Square Heart of the Old Town, five spires visible from here at once, Christmas market in winter
13Tallinn Town Hall The only surviving Gothic town hall in Northern Europe, the Old Thomas weathervane
14Masters' Courtyard A narrow stone alley between Vene and Pikk streets, craftsmen's workshops
15Danish King's Garden A small park on the slope of Toompea, the birthplace of the Danish flag, sculptures of three monks
16Freedom Square At the southern edge of the Old Town, the Victory Monument of the War of Independence
17Suurupi Lower Lighthouse A working 19th-century wooden lighthouse on a rocky shore, about half an hour from the center
18Kadriorg Art Museum Palace in Northern Baroque style, a collection of European painting and a Japanese garden
19St. Nicholas' Church A fragment of Bernt Notke's Dance of Death, organ concerts, paid museum entry
20Holy Spirit Church A 14th-century monument by the Town Hall Square, the city's oldest public clock
21St. Charles's Church Neo-Romanesque towers on the edge of Toompea, the country's largest organ, free entry
22Russalka Memorial Amandus Adamson's bronze angel on a compass-shaped platform, sea view
23Fat Margaret Tower A round tower by the Great Coastal Gate, home to a Maritime Museum and a viewing platform
24Tall Hermann Tower The tallest tower of Toompea Castle, the Estonian flag is raised every morning
25Seaplane Harbour Maritime museum in seaplane hangars, the Lembit submarine and the Suur Tõll icebreaker
26Town Hall Pharmacy Europe's oldest pharmacy on Town Hall Square, free entry, up to half an hour to visit
27St. Bridget's Convent Ruins of a 15th-century convent in Pirita, with a park, cemetery and beach nearby
28Estonian Museum of Architecture Rotermann's salt warehouse, a loft with drawings and models, paid entry
29Marzipan Museum Exhibit at the Maiasmokk confectionery near Town Hall Square, one room and workshops
30Kumu Art Museum Main building of the Art Museum of Estonia near Kadriorg, European Museum of the Year

The map is also useful on the go if you want to change your plan along the way. Save it in advance so the link opens even without mobile internet.

Tours and tickets in Tallinn

Guided tours, skip-the-line tickets and activities — most offers can be cancelled free of charge.

See offers on Tiqets

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⁉️🤔 Frequently asked questions

How many days do you need to see Tallinn?

One day is enough to see the Old Town if you move quickly. With two or three days, the pace becomes more relaxed: you have time to visit museums, climb towers, and take a trip to Kadriorg or Pirita. Allow time for leisurely walks along the cobblestones between sights.

When is the best time to visit Tallinn?

The most comfortable time is late spring and early autumn, when there are fewer tourists and the weather is mild. In summer, the Old Town is full of tour groups, and in winter it gets dark early. But December brings the Christmas market and festive lighting on the walls and squares.

How much does it cost to enter museums and towers?

The Old Town and most streets are free. You pay to climb towers and for museum tickets; prices start at a few euros and go up for major collections. Check exact rates on the official websites of the attractions before your visit, because they change by season.

Where to stay in Tallinn?

The most convenient option is to stay in the Old Town or right next to it, so all the main sights are within walking distance. The Kadriorg area and the port area are quieter and more spacious, but you'll have to travel to the center. Book accommodation in advance, as there are few available rooms in season.

Can you see the main sights in one day?

Yes. Start at Town Hall Square, walk along the city wall, climb St. Olaf's Tower, and stop by Toompea. If you still have energy, take a trip to Kadriorg. In one day you'll cover the essentials, and leave the museums for next time.

In short: what's worth booking

If you only have one day, go for Town Hall Square, the city wall, and Toompea. If you're traveling with kids, add the Miia-Milla-Manda Children's Museum and the Seaplane Harbour. If you want to see the city from above, climb St. Olaf's Tower or head to the viewing platform at Toompea Castle.

Tickets for towers and museums are convenient to book in advance: tickets on Tiqets. Old Town tours are available on GetYourGuide. Look for accommodation in the center on Trip.com.

What to see in Tallinn: the wall, towers and museums of the Old Town