Estonia is one of Europe’s most underrated travel destinations, nestled between the Baltic Sea. Its capital city, Tallinn, is one of the best preserved medieval cities in the world, with the picturesque and cobblestoned Old Town dating back to the 13th century. To many people’s surprise, the country is also really technologically advanced, with self-driving buses and digital IDs being the norm. Check out my recommendations for the top things to see and do in Tallinn, Estonia…

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Viru Gate

Viru Gate is the gateway to Tallinn’s Old Town, located on the northeastern side of the Town Wall. It was built in the 13th century, and at the time, served as a vital defensive structure during the city’s medieval period.

Tallinn’s Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is surrounded by charm and beauty – ancient city walls, towers, churches, cobblestone streets and a daily flower market.

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Town Hall Square

Tallinn’s Town Hall Square is the oldest in the Baltics. It’s filled with stalls where people sell handmade items, like souvenirs, clothes, paintings and ceramics. Interestingly, this is where the world’s first Christmas tree was placed in 1441.

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Alexander Nevsky Cathedral

The Alexander Nevsky Cathedral is a beautiful Orthodox cathedral located in the centre of Tallinn’s Old Town. Its unique and dominant structure is visible from most parts of the city. 

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Cafe Maiasmokk

This is the oldest cafe in Estonia, established in 1864. The chocolates are delicious and my favourite was the marzipan room, where you can watch the sweet treats being made by marzipan artists.

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Hellemann Tower and Town Wall

Hellemann Tower is said to be named after Helle Holleman, a citizen of Tallinn in the Middle Ages. This 200m defence wall is open to the public and connects directly to the tower. Climbing up the steep stairs, you will arrive at the attic, which opens up to a must-visit medieval viewing platform…

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Kohtuotsa Vaateplats

Kohtuotsa, located on the top of Toompea Hill, offers the best free vantage point in Tallinn. The panoramic views are breathtaking and this spot is easily accessible from the Old Town via a short set of steps. 

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KGB Prison Cells

Built in 1912, this is one of the most notorious and feared pre-trial prisons, which operated in the basement of the building at 1 Pagari Street during the Soviet occupation. Arrested Estonian politicians, civil servants, intellectuals, veterans of the War of Independence, as well as ordinary people were beaten and tortured there. The former KGB prison cells are now open to the public. 

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Roaming through Tallinn’s streets

Tallinn is filled with picturesque medieval streets. Pikk Street has many examples of Art Nouveau architecture, which emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Another photogenic street is Mundi, located near the city’s Town Wall, and it’s filled with quaint corners and cute shop fronts. Tallinn’s doors are also very Instagrammable…

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Niguliste Museum and viewing platform 

This museum is one of very few in the world that is located within a church. It is home to medieval tombstones, altars and Tallinn’s most famous artwork. A glass lift takes you to the church tower and skydeck, which offer a stunning 360° view of the Old Town.

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Tallinn Botanic Garden 

Outside of Tallinn’s city centre is where nature and landscape come together. Tallinn’s Botanic Garden features over 8,000 varieties of plant species, both unique to Estonia and further afield.

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Kadriorg Art Museum

Situated in Kadriorg Park, this palace features as an art museum. This building is an architectural masterpiece and it’s worth taking time to stroll around the gardens, exploring hidden spots and taking lots of photos…

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Museum of Photography

The Museum of Photography is located in a medieval prison building. It’s got a range of photography exhibitions, an early 20th century darkroom and features ancient wooden and iron cameras dating back to the mid-19th century.

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Tallinn TV Tower

Standing at 314m high, this is the tallest building in Tallinn and is visible from almost all spots in the city. Venturing to the top gives these unparalleled views and you can truly appreciate the vast amount of green space outside of the city centre…

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Seaplane Harbour, Estonian Maritime Museum

This is the most popular maritime museum in Europe. It features hundreds of displays including a seaplane, submarine and the remains of the oldest ship found in Estonia. There are also interactive activities such as flying in a seaplane simulator (my favourite!), trying a navy uniform, and boarding an Estonian boat.

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Tallinn City Life Museum

This museum is housed in a 14th century merchant house and consists of five floor. It delves into the history of Tallinn from its establishment to the present day. 

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Estonian History Museum

The over 600 years old medieval Great Guild Hall, located in Tallinn’s Old Town, is home to Estonia’s History Museum.

In 2014, the Great Guild Hall was one of the first to receive the European Heritage Label.

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Proto Invention Factory

Estonia is one of Europe’s most futuristic countries. Proto is an interactive fantasy world where you can experience centuries old scientific discoveries and unique prototypes to envision the future, through simulations and VR glasses. The factory is located on one of Tallinn’s most scenic piers.

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Town Hall Pharmacy

Located in Tallinn’s Old Town, this is the oldest pharmacy in Europe, dating back to 1422, and is still operational as a pharmacy today! 

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Tallinn beaches

During my travels across the city, I stumbled across some beautiful beaches which was really unexpected! They’re beautiful, sandy and not too busy, the perfect way to unwind and relax…

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