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10 Things to Do in Tallinn Estonia’s Old Town if You Only Have One Day
Many travelers visit Tallinn for the day by taking the ferry from Helsinki or Stockholm. For others, it’s a stop on a Baltic Sea cruise. Indeed, it was one of my favourite ports on my small ship luxury cruise that was passing through.
Either way, many travelers end up there with only a day to take it in before sailing to the next destination. This was the case for me.
While there is plenty to see in Tallinn, one day is more than enough for its medieval Old Town to steal your heart. You can’t help but be swept away by the old world charm of its maze of cobblestone streets lined with pastel-coloured buildings.
Here is a quick guide of things to do in Tallinn Estonia that you definitely don’t want to miss, so you can make the best use of your one day and have a wonderful visit.
TABLE OF CONTENTS:
Getting Into and Around Tallinn
Things to do in Tallin Estonia:
1. Get lost in the medieval streets
2. Town Hall Square (Raekoja plats)
3. Town Hall Pharmacy
4. St. Catherine’s Passage
5. Knit Market
6. Have lunch at Rukis
7. Toompea Hill Lookout
8. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral
9. St. Olav’s Church
10. Toast the day with beer in Town Hall Square
Other interesting things to do in Tallinn
Getting into and around Tallinn Estonia
If you’re visiting Tallinn as part of a boat or cruise trip, you’ll be arriving into town at the cruise pier.
It takes about 15 minutes to walk from the cruise pier to the Pikk Gate of Old Town Tallinn. A shuttle service is usually provided by the cruise line to the main gate, Viru. The hop on hop off bus also stops at the cruise terminal, so you have options.
Old Town Tallinn is small enough to explore on foot, and that’s also the best way to get a feel for the place.
Things to do in Tallinn Estonia:
If you’re wondering what to do in Tallinn after you arrive, here’s a list of 10 things to do if you only have one day.
1. Get lost in the medieval streets
Once inside the gates of Old Town Tallinn, be sure to reserve some time to wander the ancient streets.
A UNESCO World Heritage site, the origins of Tallinn date back to the 13th century when crusading knights first built a castle there, so walking around these genuinely medieval streets feels magical.
Pikk street (photo above) is the oldest and longest street in Tallinn’s centre. This was the main street in the middle ages. Stop by the famous Three Sisters at Pikk 71, a trio of beautifully restored homes dating from the 15th century.
Tallinn’s tourism office calls Aida street (photo below) the most authentic medieval street in Old Town.
The street is almost untouched and feels like you have jumped back to the Middle Ages. It leads to the city’s summer stage, a small amphitheatre where I happened upon a performance by three female singers. Accompanied by an accordion, they sang what I imagined to be local folk songs, their voices echoing softly off of the old buildings.
If you prefer to have some guidance with your wandering, book this two-hour walking tour of Old Town Tallinn.
2. Town Hall Square (Raekoja plats)
In Tallinn, all roads lead to Raekoja plats, the Town Hall Square and the hub of Old Town Tallinn.
Surrounded by elaborate merchant houses, it has served as a market and meeting place since the 11th century. It was even the site of at least one execution, resulting from a dispute over a bad omelette. Some things are just unforgivable.
Today, you’ll still find market stalls and plenty of café tables hosted by wait staff in medieval costumes.
One side of the square is dominated by the Town Hall — the only intact Gothic town hall in Northern Europe. At one time, it held criminals chained to the walls or pillories for public humiliation. It’s mainly used for concerts or special occasions now. If you’re not interested in some humiliation outside, you can visit inside the building during the summer months of July and August.
3. Town Hall Pharmacy
In an opposite corner of Town Hall Square, you’ll find the Town Hall Pharmacy. Dating back to 1422, it’s said to be the oldest continuously running pharmacy in Europe.
Some of the remedies available at the pharmacy throughout history include mummy juice, unicorn horn powder, bat powder and hedgehog powder. It was so famous in its day that the Russian Tsar used to order medicines from here. Perhaps this explains some things.
The site still operates as a pharmacy today. One of its bestsellers is marzipan, which, according to legend, was invented as a remedy here in the 15th century. There is also a museum inside which displays curious medieval medical instruments.
4. St. Catherine’s Passage
One of the most picturesque lanes in Old Town Tallinn, St. Catherine’s Passage is home to a collection of craft workshops.
The passage connects Vene and Müürivahe streets. Here, artists use traditional methods to create glassware, ceramics, jewellery, hand-painted silk and the like.
There are also a few cafés along the passage where you can sit and soak in the creative medieval ambiance. It’s one of my favorite things to do in Tallinn.
5. Knit Market
At one end of St. Catherine’s Passage, you’ll find Müürivahe street, where the town’s famous knit market operates.
Given its long, cold winters, local crafts people are skilled at making knitwear for bundling up in the cold weather.
I bought two pairs of knitted slippers from this lovely woman, perfect for winter at home in Canada.
6. Have lunch at Rukis
Estonian food is based on tradition and nature. And pastries. As such, Tallinn is filled with elegant cafés and bakeries, with fresh pastries, delicious cakes and an impressive choice in teas.
Rukis is a dessert café and bakery at the Farm Restaurant on Viru street, which is definitely worth a try. The name means ‘rye’, which is close to the hearts of Estonians and is something Rukis is famous for making.
I enjoyed a lunch of local desserts and pastries there.
If you’re looking for something more substantial, see this list of 5 of the best places to eat in Tallinn from the food and travel blog Beer and Croissants.
7. Toompea Hill Lookout
Fueled up on lunch (or sugar), it’s now time to head uphill to Toompea, the upper part of Old Town Tallinn.
There are two streets that lead up to Toompea: Pikk Jalg means “long leg” in Estonian and, the parallel street, Lühike Jalg means “short leg”. Either way, it’s a fairly steep climb on cobblestones.
There is also a mini-train trolley that will take you to the top. A taxi is a relatively inexpensive option as well. (approx 5 Euros)
At the top, there are three platforms overlooking the city with great photo opportunities (Kohtuotsa, Patkuli and Piiskopi).
8. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral
The Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, the largest orthodox church in Tallinn, was built in 1900 when Tallinn was part of the Russian empire. It was originally intended as a symbol of the empire’s dominance over this Baltic territory.
The cathedral is worth a quick look inside and, if you happen to visit on a day when there is a service, listen for the tunes played by the 11 powerful church bells before each service.
Across the street, you’ll see a pink palace built by Catherine the Great as an addition to Toompea Castle. Today, it’s the Estonian Parliament building.
9. St. Olav’s Church
When you’re wandering the streets of Old Town, make sure you take a look in St. Olav’s Church.
If you’re feeling very energetic, climb the 234 stairs to the top for another great view of the town (3 Euros or free with the Tallinn card).
I must confess, I prioritized the pastries and didn’t make the climb, but the photos I’ve seen from the top are impressive.
When it was built, this Gothic church was the tallest building in the World. It’s gigantic spire was meant to be a signpost for ships.
But it was also a good lightning rod and the church burned down several times. As a result, the spire was scaled back to 124 metres, but it’s still an important symbol of the town.
10. Toast the day with beer in Town Hall Square
After the day’s walking (and climbing), take some time to relax and enjoy the atmosphere in the Town Square.
Brewing in Estonia dates back for thousands of years when barley, wheat and rye were first grown here. In recent years, the craft beer scene has taken off.
You can relax with a brew in the square or enjoy a tasting of the best Estonian craft beers.
So raise a glass and say “Terviseks” (cheers) to a great day exploring Tallinn Estonia, one of the true gems of the Baltic region.
Other interesting things to do in Tallinn
If you find yourself able to spend more than a day in Tallinn, there are lots of other interesting things to do, in and out of Old Town Tallinn. Here’s a small sampling:
- The KGB Museum at the Viru Hotel
- Telliskivi Creative City
- Kadriorg Park and Palace
- Soviet Statue Graveyard behind Maarjamäe Castle
- A day trip to Lahemaa National Park and the Viru Bog
More Information:
You can read my article on my cruise with Windstar Cruises here.
If you plan to stay in Tallinn, you can check pricing and availability on accommodations here.
Tourism Information: Visit Tallinn
Guide book: Top 10 Tallinn (EYEWITNESS TOP 10 TRAVEL GUIDE)
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The colors are so lovely Cindy. How brilliant. Eye-popping really.
Thanks so much Ryan. Tallinn is exceedingly photogenic!
The streets and architecture is a photographers dream. So many interesting textures and colours. I bet you blew through thousands of photos while you were there. I really like the photo of the woman at the knitting stand. She seems so proud of her work…
Thanks for sharing. Keep travel blogging. Adventure is better shared with friends!
Thank you Anthony! You are right about the woman at the knitting stand being proud of her work. She just lit up when I asked her if I could take a picture.
I love St Kathrine’s Passage. It looks exactly like a medieval street scene I would imagine. I could see them selling wands and butterbeer. You have great photos of Tallin.
Thanks so much! I love that – – it would be just a perfect spot for a butterbeer.
Im not going to lie, I dont think I’ve heard of Tallinn. What a gorgeous place though. Some many photography moments. The buildings and pastels colours are stunning!
Thanks Lauren! It really does feel like one of those fairy tale towns.
I’ve always wanted to visit Tallinn but still haven’t made it there. It’s such a gem of a city! It’s just oozing history.
Thanks Jenia! It truly is a gem. I hope you get a chance to go.
As a photography enthusiast, I wouldn’t mind staying for more than a day to explore this Old Town. Your photos are beautiful, looking at them transports me right to Tallin.
Thanks so much Jing. Truth be told, I would have loved to stay for more than a day too!
Stunning photographs! Especially the one of St. Catherine’s Passage. So far the only Baltic destination I’ve visited in Vilnus (Lithuania), but I fell absolutely in love with it and have been daydreaming about going back up to do a longer road trip through the region. I love the pastel architecture, the timeless cobbled passages and the FOOD! That cold beet soup is to die for, and don’t even get me started on the pastries! Lithuania also has a pretty vibrant craft beer scene – did you see anything like that in Estonia? I love checking out local breweries on my travels!
Thanks so much Erica, Yes, I did see several craft beer pubs in Tallinn as well, although I must admit, I was more focused on the pastries!
The Baltic Republics are way high on my list – unfortunately, these are the places where I think ‘oh well, they are so close, I always can go…’ which ends in not going at all. However, these cute little alleys are so beautiful – and I love the knitwear. I bought some of these sweaters really cheap a couple of years ago: They sold them at a convention in September and it was exceptionally hot and nobody was into buying big sweaters, so…. But they are worth even a high price since they are so beautiful and unique.
Thank you! The knitwear was was really nice quality, and you can’t go wrong wandering the medieval streets of Tallinn!
Tallinn sounds like the kind of place where one day will entice you to stay much longer. St. Catherine’s Passage sounds absolutely magical … as does much of the town. Exploring the Baltic region is high on our list. Never been much for cruises (other than active one where you can bike or hike when you get into port) but Windstar does sound intriguing. Will have to read your post about the company too now.
Thank you Michael. I think you would find that Windstar is quite different from what you would expect on most cruises. They do have have cruises suited to the active traveler as well (e.g. Iceland, Norway etc.).
I’ve never heard of Tallinn! But it looks fascinating and so historic. How cool that they have that street that hasn’t been touched since the Middle Ages! And yes, a bad omelette can be quite unforgivable haha
Thanks Maggie! So glad to introduce you to Tallinn.
Wow! Love all the colorful photos. I would have so much fun here getting lost and wandering around. The buildings are so cute and colorful and I love the cobblestone roads (although they kill my feet).
Thanks Candy! Well, when your feet get tired in Tallinn, it’s time to sit and have pastries.
I’ve never been to Tallinn yet, but have been seeing lots of photos lately. It makes me think of a combination between Prague, Sibiu and Sofia, because of the buildings and their colours, the passage you photographed, too, plus the cathedral.
Thank you! I hope you get a chance to see it.