Tallinn, the capital of Estonia located on the coast of the Baltic Sea, is a rare city in Europe that has preserved its medieval style and boldly integrated modern design. The cobblestone streets and church towers in the old town exude the weight of history, while the high-tech museums and Nordic-style cafes in the new town highlight its vitality as the capital of a digital power. An in-depth trip to Tallinn is not only a look back at history, but also a feeling of contemporary lifestyle.
Ⅰ. Recommended attractions
1. Tallinn Old Town: The perfect preserver of medieval style
Overview of attractions
Tallinn Old Town (Vanalinn) is a world cultural heritage certified by UNESCO and one of the best-preserved medieval towns in Europe. There are not only century-old buildings such as city walls, fortresses, churches and town halls, but also a romantic atmosphere full of handicraft shops, specialty restaurants and classical music performances.
Location and Transportation
Tallinn Old Town is located in the city center. Take tram No. 2 or No. 4 from Tallinn Bus Terminal (Tallinna Bussijaam) to Viru Station, and walk about 5 minutes to arrive.
Opening hours and recommended time to visit
The Old Town is open all day and is suitable for all-day visits. It is recommended to arrange half a day to a day to fully experience the atmosphere of different time periods, especially climbing Toompea Hill at sunset to overlook the city, which is extremely shocking.
Booking platform and cost information
The Old Town does not charge admission, but if you need to participate in a historical tour or a food tour, you can book related experience projects through platforms such as GetYourGuide, Viator or Klook. The cost is generally between 20 and 50 euros, depending on the specific project.
Suitable for people
Suitable for history enthusiasts, photography enthusiasts, couples and family tourists with children.
2. Kumu Art Museum: The intersection of modern and traditional
Overview of attractions
Kum Art Museum is the flagship museum of the Estonian Art Museum system and one of the largest art museums in the Baltic countries. The museum houses Estonian art works spanning the 18th century to the present, including classical oil paintings, works from the socialist realism period, and modern visual installations, which are of great academic and ornamental value.
Location and transportation
Located in Kadriorg Park, take tram No. 1 or No. 3 from the city center and get off at Kadriorg Station, and walk about 10 minutes to reach it.
Opening hours and recommended visiting time
Tuesday to Sunday 10:00–18:00, closed on Monday. It is recommended to reserve 2-3 hours for an in-depth tour, especially taking pictures in front of the modern architectural design outside the exhibition hall is very artistic.
Booking platform and cost information
Tickets are 10 euros for adults and 6 euros for students and seniors. Tickets or guided tours can be booked through Tiqets and GetYourGuide platforms.
Suitable for people
Art lovers, design students, architectural photography enthusiasts, and tourists who like the quiet atmosphere of the exhibition hall.
3. Tallinn TV Tower (Tallinna Teletorn): Dialogue between the city and the starry sky
Overview of the attraction
Tallinn TV Tower is the tallest building in Estonia, reaching 314 meters. In addition to the city viewing function, it also has a glass floor viewing platform, interactive exhibitions and high-altitude edge walking experience (reservation is required in advance), which is the ideal place to overlook the entire Tallinn.
Location and transportation
Located in Pirita, a suburb of Tallinn. Take bus No. 34A or 38 from the city center to Teletorn station, which is a 5-minute walk away.
Opening hours and recommended play time
Daily 10:00–18:00. The best time to visit is during the evening on a sunny day, when you can see the Gulf of Finland and Helsinki on the opposite bank (depending on the weather).
Booking platform and fee information
General tickets are 16 euros for adults and 9 euros for children, and the edge walking project is charged an additional 35 euros. Reservations can be made through platforms such as Klook, Viator, and Tiqets.
Suitable for people
Like high-altitude experience, parent-child families, city landscape enthusiasts, and architectural engineering fans.
4. Kadriorg Palace and Park: Luxurious Relics of the Tsarist Era
Overview of the Attraction
The Baroque palace designed and built by Peter the Great in 1718 was a gift to his queen, Catherine I. Today, the interior of the palace is the Estonian Museum of Foreign Art, which displays European art from the 16th to 20th centuries, while the garden outside the palace is an ideal place for photography and walking.
Location and Transportation
Located in the Kadriorg area, you can take tram No. 1 or No. 3 from the city center to Kadriorg Station, which is a 5-minute walk away.
Opening hours and recommended visiting time
Tuesday to Sunday 10:00–17:00, closed on Monday. It is recommended to arrange a 2-hour tour of the palace and garden.
Booking platform and cost information
Tickets are 9 euros for adults and 5 euros for students. There are English or Chinese guide options for booking through Klook and GetYourGuide.
Suitable for people
Suitable for history lovers, art appreciators, tourists who like to take pictures in the garden, and couples taking wedding photos.
5. Lennusadam Maritime Museum: From Underwater Submarines to Maritime Expeditions
Overview of Attractions
Lennusadam Maritime Museum (Seaplane Harbour) is one of the largest maritime museums in the Baltic Sea region. It houses a rich collection of exhibits from submarines in the early 20th century to warships during the Cold War, as well as a simulated sailing experience area, children’s interactive space and immersive underwater exhibition hall, which are very popular among children and adults.
Location and Transportation
Located near Kalasadama Road, take bus No. 73 from the city center to Lennusadam Station, or walk for about 20 minutes.
Opening hours and recommended play time
Daily from 10:00 to 18:00, all year round. It is recommended to arrange at least 2.5 hours of in-depth experience, especially for children to participate in simulated driving and submarine exploration projects.
Booking platform and cost information
Admission tickets are 15 euros for adults, 7 euros for children, and 32 euros for family packages. Reservations can be made through Tiqets and GetYourGuide platforms.
Suitable for families, military fans, technology enthusiasts, and tourists seeking interactive experiences.
Tallinn is a city that truly realizes the symbiosis of “history and modernity”. Her old town is like a frozen scroll of history, while her museums, art spaces and observation towers are constantly writing chapters of the new era. These attractions not only allow you to appreciate the cultural context of Tallinn, but also allow you to slowly experience the exquisiteness and depth of this Baltic pearl during your travels.
If you are longing for a journey through time and reality, Tallinn is the ideal choice for your next destination. Bring a pair of comfortable shoes and a curious heart, and walk into this city. Every step is a story.
Ⅱ. Tips for in-depth travel: How to really “slow down” in Tallinn
The best way to travel in Tallinn is not to check in and rush around, but to slow down and feel the traces of time left in this medieval city.
1. Reserve multiple days for slow travel: Unlock the rhythm of Tallinn in 3-5 days
If you want to really go deep into Tallinn, it is recommended to arrange at least 3 to 5 days of travel time, and experience the medieval atmosphere of the old town and the vibrant attractions of the modern new town. You can stroll through the cobblestone streets during the day and dine in a modern restaurant with a full sense of design at night, allowing history and the present to blend naturally during the journey.
2. Book online in advance: save time and peace of mind
Tallinn’s popular experiences such as the Edge Walk of the TV Tower and the immersive interactive exhibitions of the Maritime Museum are often hard to find. Use third-party booking platforms such as Klook, Tiqets, GetYourGuide, etc. to buy tickets in advance, not only to avoid the trouble of queuing on site, but also to enjoy discounts provided by some platforms.
3. Make good use of Tallinn Card: One card for the whole city
If you plan to visit multiple attractions, you may wish to buy a Tallinn Card city pass. This card includes city buses, nearly 30 museums and popular attractions tickets, as well as some sightseeing tickets. With one card in hand, you can save budget and greatly improve travel efficiency.
4. Respect cultural heritage: civilized travel is important
Tallinn Old Town is a world cultural heritage certified by UNESCO. Please do not climb ancient walls or scribble on historical buildings. When taking pictures, be sure to respect the “No Photography” signs. Protecting cultural heritage is the responsibility of every traveler.
5. Dress appropriately: Don’t be “tripped” by cobblestones
Tallinn Old Town is paved with cobblestones, which is beautiful but challenging. Especially in rainy and snowy weather, it is easier to slip. It is recommended to choose thick-soled, non-slip, and foot-fitting shoes, which will not only make walking easier, but also add a sense of solidity and calmness to your journey.
In Tallinn, traveling should not just be moving, but an immersive city dialogue. Slow down to truly hear her whispering history.