What to See in Tallinn in One Day

Tallinn, Estonia is a bit of an underrated gem on European travel bucket lists. With its charming old town, tall steeples, and conical towers, Tallinn is perhaps the most fairytale like capital city on the continent.

I spent two months in Tallinn one summer for work and absolutely loved it. If you’re wondering what to see in Tallinn in one day, this guide has got you covered.

Tallinn is known for its well-preserved medieval Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is also known for being a budget friendly destination in Europe and a lovely place especially in the summer. In the winter, Tallinn is popular for its Christmas markets.

Read on to explore what to do in Tallinn in one day, how to get there, where to stay, and where to find the best drinks and nightclubs.

Where is Tallinn?

Tallinn is the capital and largest city of Estonia, located in the Baltic region of Northern Europe. It is found on the southern coast of the Gulf of Finland, across the bay from Helsinki.

The city is approximately 50 miles (80ish kilometers) south of Helsinki, Finland. The two cities are separated by the Gulf of Finland and are connected by regular ferry services.

In the other direction, Tallinn is about 193 miles (310ish kilometers) north of Riga, Latvia. The trip between the two cities can be made by car or bus, taking around 4 to 5 hours.

Tartu, which is the second-largest city in Estonia, is located about 115 miles (185ish kilometers) southeast of Tallinn. Tartu is known as a university town. It is home to the University of Tartu, Estonia’s oldest and most prestigious university.

Getting to Tallinn

Getting to Tallinn is pretty simple and easy given that there are a lot of ways to do it.

First, you can reach Tallinn by air through many European cities. You can fly into Lennart Meri Tallinn Airport, which is about 4 kilometers from the city center and offers international and domestic flights. I once even walked to the airport for a flight; it was so close.

If you are in Finland especially, ferry is a good option. There are regular services from Helsinki, Stockholm, and other Baltic ports, with the Helsinki-Tallinn ferry being particularly popular.

You can reach Tallinn by bus easily too. Companies like Lux Express and FlixBus connect Tallinn with other major cities in the Baltics and beyond. I used the bus network in Estonia to travel throughout the Baltics. It is super easy and affordable. Plus, the buses were really nice.

You can travel from neighboring countries by train as well, though options are more limited compared to other modes. It exists, but I don’t recommend it nearly as much as the bus.

Finally, you can of course also you drive yourself to Tallinn if you have a car via well-maintained roads and highways.

Related: One Day in Vilnius, Lithuania

Top Things to See in Tallinn in One Day

A list of what to see in Tallinn for a short visit includes Old Town, viewpoints from Toompea Hill, the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, and heading to the top St. Olaf’s Church at a minimum. Here is a one-day itinerary and overview for a quick visit to Tallinn.

First, you’ll head to Old Town. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Tallinn’s Old Town is the #1 thing to explore during a one-day visit to Tallinn. This medieval area is famous for its cobblestone streets, Gothic architecture, and well-preserved city walls. A great way to get to know the history of the country and city is through a Tallinn walking tour. Key landmarks within Old Town include the Town Hall Square and the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral.

The Alexander Nevsky Cathedral is an Eastern Orthodox Cathedral that was built at the turn of the 20th century. It is heritage from the Russian Empire and notably survived Communist rule under the USSR. Although it was neglected during those decades, it has been restored and is a beautiful onion-domed building today.

The historic and political center of Tallinn is Toompea Hill. Scattered around Toompea Hill are various viewpoint and photo opportunity platforms. From here you can see the old contrasted with the new in the distance. Notable sites on the hill include Toompea Castle, the Estonian Parliament, and the medieval St. Mary’s Cathedral. A bright white building with a tall steeple and dome, St, Mary’s Cathedral is the oldest church in Tallinn and mainland Estonia.

A cool thing to do in Old Town Tallinn is to walk the Old Town Walls. You’ll climb through narrow doorways and take in nice views of the city from elevated wooden platforms. It is great photo opportunity. This is one of the best things to do in Tallinn. It is not every day you see such well preserved, old fortress-like walls.

Be sure the save time to go to the top of St. Olaf’s Church. This is the best view in the city (pictured above)! It is a Tallinn must do in my opinion.

Nearby Old Town, you can find the historic Freedom Plaza. In Freedom Plaza, you can find the tall Cross of Liberty and the Monument to the War of Independence. This is a famous landmark in Estonia, as it marks the country’s new independence from the Soviet Union in 1990.

If you have time, there are worthwhile things to see outside of Old Town. Built by Peter the Great, the Baroque Kadriorg Palace and Park houses the Art Museum of Estonia. The surrounding park is perfect for picnics and wandering. Here you can also find the presidential palace and various museums.

Finally, if you still have more time, you could check out the hipster Kalamaja neighborhood. Known for its bohemian vibe, wooden houses, and creative scene, it’s great for a more local experience. Historically, Kalamaja was a fishing village, with its name meaning “fish house” in Estonian. In the 19th century, the area began to transform as industrialization took hold.

Today, Kalamaja is one of Tallinn’s trendiest neighborhoods, known for its bohemian vibe and creative atmosphere. Visitors can explore the Telliskivi Creative City, a modern restoration filled with galleries, studios, shops, and cafes. It’s also home to the Fotografiska Tallinn, an international photography museum. Spending time in this area is a little more off the tourist beaten path, making it a more unique thing to do in Tallinn.

Where to Stay in Tallinn

For a short visit, I have to recommend staying in Old Town or very close to the center. Old Town is perfect for those who want to get the most out of the fairytale charm and cobblestone streets. Plus, there are tons of food and drink options in walking distance. Accommodation options range from luxury hotels to cozy apartments and hostels.

If you are looking for a 5-star hotel in Tallinn, the best option is the Radisson Hotel. It is well located and a popular choice for business travel. It is among one of the tallest buildings in Tallinn and is a modern style hotel. I stayed in a VRBO apartment very close to the Radisson and found the area very chill, close to a grocery market, and with lots of dining options. It is also an easy walk to Old Town.

If you are looking for more rustic, fairytale charm head to Tallinn City Apartments for a centrally located room right in Old Town. The views of Old Town are hard to beat, plus it has the conveniences of an apartment.

If you are on a backpacker budget, head to Monk’s Bunk Hostel. It is well located near the ferry port and Old Town. It is also a 2024 Hostelworld award winner. They have a range of room sizes, as well as female only rooms.

Related: How to Book a Great Hostel

Drinks in Tallinn

There are tons of cool places to explore in Tallinn. Two of my favorite spots that I went to again and again while I was working in Tallinn were Hell Hunt, a beer-oriented place with filling pub grub, and Sazerac, a jazzy, hip cocktail lounge.

Tallinn is also known for being a bit of a party destinations among younger folks. There’s great music, fun crowds, cheap drinks, and the sun doesn’t really quite set in summer. I was 21 years old when I was working in Tallinn and definitely sampled my fair share of Tallinn nightlife. While they are also some of Tallinn’s hotspots, some of my favorites were Privé, Club Hollywood, and Venus.

Related: Budva on a Budget – Party Capital of Montenegro

Is Tallinn Worth Visiting?

100% yes, Tallinn is definitely worth visiting! I spent a whole summer working in Tallinn and loved it. There are many sights to see and things to do in Tallinn, Estonia. The city is quite affordable for young travelers, and I love that it is off the beaten path in Europe. It is also full of good food, drinks, and art. Plus, it has fun outdoor activities and festivals in the summer. Tallinn is one of my favorite cities in Europe and holds a special place in my heart.

Follow on Instagram!