Tallinn
Tallinn, the capital of Estonia, is a captivating city where medieval charm meets modern innovation. Founded in the early medieval period, Tallinn rose to prominence in the 13th to 15th centuries as a key member of the Hanseatic League, flourishing as a center of trade in the Baltic region. Its remarkably preserved Old Town, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a fairy-tale landscape of cobbled streets, Gothic spires, and fortified stone walls—many of which date back to the 13th century under Danish rule. The city’s layered history reflects centuries of influence from Danish, Swedish, German, and Russian powers, each contributing to Tallinn’s rich cultural and architectural legacy. During the Swedish “good old times” in the 17th century, Tallinn became a vibrant hub of learning and civic life. Today, the city balances its storied past with a forward-looking spirit, renowned as one of the world’s most digitally advanced capitals. From medieval towers and cozy cafés to cutting-edge tech and creative energy, Tallinn offers a uniquely Baltic blend of history, resilience, and modern sophistication.
💡 Tallinn: Good to Know
🛂 Visa: Canada, Australia, the US, Korea, and Japan are visa-exempt for a stay of up to 90 days
✈️ Closest Airport: Lennart Meri Tallinn Airport (TLL)
💬 Language: Estonian but English is widely spoken
🏷️ Price Level: Generally, Estonia has a lower cost of living compared to the United States
🍔 Big Mac Index: US: US$5.69 / Estonia US$ 5.60
💰 Currency: Euro (EUR)| 1 USD = ca. 0.90 EUR)
☀️ Best Times to Visit: The best time to visit Tallinn is June, July, and August
🚘 Transportation: Buses, trams, trolleybuses, and taxis
🔌 Adapter: Estonia uses type F plugs. No adapter is needed if you are from Europe but it is needed when coming from the US
🛜 WiFi: Widely available; free Wi-Fi is available in many public spaces, including the Old Town, Town Hall Square, Freedom Square, and Viru Street
🏧💰ATM and “Cash or Card”: While some stores take only cash, payments with cards are generally accepted; ATMs are available throughout the city
💸 Tipping: Tipping is appreciated but not obligatory. A 5–10% tip is polite in restaurants, especially for good service.
🚢 Cruise Terminal Address: Sadama 25, 15051 Tallinn, Estonia (docked)
✈️ 🚇🚕 Getting There and Around
🎟️ In Tallinn, paying for public transport is easy and modern—just tap a contactless bank card or use Apple/Google Pay at the orange validator near the driver when boarding a bus, tram, or trolleybus. A one-hour ticket is charged automatically, with a daily cap to ensure you never overpay. You can also use a rechargeable Ühiskaart (Public Transport Card) or buy QR-tickets online and scan them when boarding. Note that drivers don’t sell tickets, and cash is not accepted onboard.
✈️ Lennart Meri Tallinn Airport (TLL) is about 2.5 miles (4km) south of Tallinn’s Old Town.
Taking public transport from the airport to the Old Town is both affordable and efficient: simply walk down to the “Lennujaam” stop at the terminal and catch bus 2 (every 20 minutes) or bus 15, each costing 2 EUR cash or card (a one-hour QR‑ticket is 1.50 EUR if bought in advance). The bus ride takes about 15 minutes to the city centre, and once there, it's a short walk into the heart of the Old Town—quick, cheap, and easy.
🚇 Tallinn’s cruise terminal is just a short walk (0.6 miles, 1 km) from the city’s Old Town—around 15–20 minutes on foot along a well-marked path from the port. For those preferring transport, buses like line 20/20A run from the terminal for 2 EUR.
🚌 In Tallinn, the hop-on-hop-off bus follows two routes. More info can be found here.
⭐️ Top Sights in Tallinn
"Tallinn is considered the "Silicon Valley of the Baltic"."
📸 Tallinn Old Town: Tallinn Old Town is one of Europe’s best-preserved medieval centers and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enclosed by ancient stone walls and dotted with red-roofed towers, it feels like stepping into a fairy tale. Dating back to the 13th century, the Old Town is divided into two parts: Toompea Hill, home to nobles and rulers, and Lower Town, once the domain of merchants and craftsmen. Highlights include the Gothic Town Hall, colorful merchant houses, St. Olaf’s Church, and cozy cobblestone alleys lined with cafés, shops, and galleries. It's the historic heart and soul of Tallinn.
📸 Toompea Hill & Castle: Toompea Hill is the historic and political heart of Tallinn, rising above the Old Town and offering sweeping views of the city and harbor. At its center stands Toompea Castle, a medieval stronghold that has been the seat of power in Estonia for centuries—today it houses the country’s Parliament. The castle complex blends old and new, with pink Baroque facades alongside ancient stone walls.
📸 Alexander Nevsky Cathedral: The Alexander Nevsky Cathedral is a stunning Russian Orthodox church perched atop Toompea Hill in Tallinn. Built between 1894 and 1900 during Russian rule, it features striking onion domes, intricate mosaics, and richly decorated interiors. The cathedral is dedicated to Saint Alexander Nevsky, a revered Russian hero, and stands as a symbol of Tallinn’s diverse cultural history. Its impressive architecture and vibrant colors make it one of the city’s most iconic landmarks.
📸 Town Hall Square (Raekoja plats): Town Hall Square (Raekoja plats) is the vibrant heart of Tallinn’s Old Town, known for its lively atmosphere and historic charm. Centered around the Gothic-style Tallinn Town Hall, dating back to the 14th century, the square is surrounded by colorful medieval merchant houses, cafés, and shops. It hosts seasonal markets, festivals, and events year-round, making it a favorite gathering spot for both locals and visitors. With its charming cobblestones and festive vibe, Raekoja plats perfectly captures the spirit of Tallinn.
📸 St. Olaf’s Church: St. Olaf’s Church is a historic medieval church in Tallinn, once considered the tallest building in the world during the 16th century. Its towering spire offers visitors stunning panoramic views of the city and beyond. Known for its Gothic architecture and rich history, the church played an important role in Tallinn’s religious and cultural life and remains a popular landmark and viewpoint today.
📸 City Walls & Towers: Tallinn’s City Walls and Towers are impressive remnants of the medieval fortress that once protected the city. Stretching over 2 kilometers, the walls feature numerous well-preserved towers like Kiek in de Kök, which now serves as a museum. Visitors can walk along parts of the walls to experience Tallinn’s history up close and enjoy unique views of the Old Town’s rooftops and streets. These fortifications are a fascinating glimpse into the city’s defensive past.
🍽️😋 Regional Specialties
Tallinn’s cuisine beautifully blends traditional Estonian flavors with modern twists. Expect hearty dishes featuring fresh local ingredients like fish, rye bread, mushrooms, and berries. Classic Estonian meals include black bread, smoked fish, wild game, and creamy soups, often served in cozy, rustic restaurants. The city also boasts a growing scene of innovative chefs and trendy cafés offering international and fusion cuisine, making Tallinn a tasty destination for food lovers.
🍽️ Rosolje: Rosolje is a traditional Estonian salad popular in Tallinn and beyond, made from boiled beets, potatoes, pickles, and herring, all mixed with creamy mayonnaise. Its vibrant colors and rich, tangy flavors make it a favorite at festive meals and everyday tables alike. Rosolje perfectly captures Estonia’s love for simple, hearty dishes using fresh local ingredients.
🍽️ Eesti Kartulisalat: Eesti Kartulisalat, or Estonian potato salad, is a classic comfort food commonly enjoyed in Tallinn and across Estonia. Made with boiled potatoes, carrots, peas, pickles, and sometimes boiled eggs, all mixed with mayonnaise, it’s a staple side dish especially popular during holidays and family gatherings. This creamy, flavorful salad reflects Estonia’s love for simple, hearty ingredients and traditional home cooking.
🍽️ Kiluvõileib: Kiluvõileib is a beloved Estonian open-faced sandwich featuring dark rye bread topped with marinated Baltic sprats (kilud), butter, boiled egg slices, and fresh herbs. It’s a popular snack and appetizer in Tallinn, known for its savory, slightly smoky flavor and satisfying texture—a true taste of Estonia’s coastal culinary heritage.
🍽️ Mulgikapsad: Mulgikapsad is a traditional Estonian dish made of sauerkraut slow-cooked with barley and pork, creating a hearty, flavorful stew. Popular in Tallinn and throughout Estonia, it’s a comforting meal that showcases local ingredients and rustic cooking traditions, perfect for warming up during colder months.
🍽️ Frikadellisupp: Frikadellisupp is a classic Estonian meatball soup commonly enjoyed in Tallinn. Made with tender meatballs, vegetables, and a flavorful broth, this comforting dish is a staple of home cooking, offering warmth and hearty flavors perfect for chilly days.
🍽️ Verivorst: Verivorst is a traditional Estonian blood sausage, especially popular during the Christmas season in Tallinn and across the country. Made from barley, pork blood, and spices, it’s typically served with sauerkraut and lingonberry jam, offering a rich, savory flavor that’s deeply rooted in Estonian holiday traditions.
🍽️ Pirukas: This popular Estonian savory pastry is often enjoyed in Tallinn as a snack or light meal. It’s a small, baked pie filled with a variety of fillings like meat, cabbage, mushrooms, or cheese. Crispy on the outside and flavorful inside, pirukas reflects Estonia’s love for simple, comforting baked goods.
🥤 Kali: Kali is a traditional Estonian fermented drink, similar to a mild, slightly sweet rye bread soda. Popular in Tallinn and across Estonia, it’s non-alcoholic and refreshing, often enjoyed as a cooling beverage during warm months or alongside hearty meals. Kali’s unique taste reflects Estonia’s long history of fermentation and local ingredients.
🥤 Vana Tallinn: Vana Tallinn is Estonia’s famous spiced rum liqueur, beloved for its rich, sweet flavor with notes of vanilla, cinnamon, and citrus. Originating in Tallinn, it’s often enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or used in cocktails and desserts. Vana Tallinn is a popular souvenir and a symbol of Estonian hospitality and tradition.
📍🗺️ Maps, Apps & Links
🌐 Hop On Hop Off Sightseeing Tour
🚕 Uber
🚕 Bolt