The 10 things to do in Tallinn

Visit Tallinn: what are the best things to do and see in the capital of Estonia?

The capital of the Estonia is an architectural melo medieval and modern . On the one hand, we have the pride and joy of Tallinn through its historic old town, an enchanting neighborhood of streets, houses, towers and old places of centuries, which gives the impression of belonging to a book of tales. On the other hand, inside the same old town and around it, there are many restaurants, cafes and clubs avant-garde which give Tallinn his energy and effervescence. Free Wi-Fi throughout the city, Tallinn is connected , modern, and above all still unknown to the Lambda tourist. In addition, the cost of life is not high and people speak a perfect English (it’s always better than nothing)! Here's a list of things to visit in Tallinn Welcome to Tallinn!

1. Visit the old town (historical center) surrounded by its towers and ramparts

Flickr – www.tourism.tallinn.ee

There is so much more to see in the entire Estonian capital than in the old city alone, but this is the place where you must start your exploration of Tallinn. main square ( Raekoja dishes ) is the heart of this medieval city and the ideal place to start. Get a free plan from the city and guide you around the main points of interest. For a longer walk, make the tower of the ramparts and pass before each 26 laps of guet .

To have a more unexpected experience, leave the card aside and lose yourself in the maze of narrow alleys through courses and arches of centuries old. By acting like this, you will meet the premises and you will get away from the hordes of tourists.

2. The Sainte-Catherine passage (Katariina Käik)

Flickr – Victor Radziun

The Sainte-Catherine passage is located in the historic centre of Tallinn, and is bordered by artisanal workshops . It is a very romantic place with a medieval appearance. It connects Vene and Müürivahe streets. Don't miss!

3. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral

Wikimedia – Poco a poco

The Orthodox Cathedral Alexander Nevski 10, Lossi dishes ) is the most important and the most beautiful cathedral in Tallinn. It was built by Mikhail Preobrazhenski (Saint Petersburg), on the hill Toompea between 1895 and 1900 when Estonia was part of the Russian Empire. The church is dedicated to the Prince of Novgorod, Alexandre Nevski , which led the famous Battle of Peipous Lake on April 5, 1242, and thus stopped the advance towards the east of Germany.

Up there, you can admire the Castrum Danorum , a castle that houses the Parliament of Estonia. From the view of the cathedral you will also have a beautiful view of Tallinn.

4. The pharmacy of the Place de l’Hôtel-de-Ville (Raeapteek)

Flickr – Julia

Raeapteek is one of the oldest pharmacies in Europe still active in its original location. The pharmacy, which is at the angle of the Raekoja dishes , was first mentioned in historical documents in 1422 , but according to some, it may be even older. Today managed by the city, there are many other products in addition to medicines. Over the centuries, it has changed slightly, but it still retains the spirit of ancient times. Medieval medicinal ingredients such as bat powder and snake skin are no longer available, but you can always try it claret (a honey wine), already renamed in the Middle Ages. You will find one museum museum and one restaurant On the second floor.

5. The different churches of Tallinn

Disseminated all over the city, church bells overlook the roofs of Tallinn. L’ Saint-Olaf church date of the 12th century and is at the end of the street Pikk . It is one of the most beautiful churches in the city but also the most unfortunate: it was struck by lightning at least eight times, and burned three times. Its bell tower, height 124 meters, was at a time the highest building in the world. Mount the narrow stairs to the observation deck at the base of it for a breathtaking panoramic view. Other churches and cathedrals, such as Cathedral of the Virgin Mary , are to be seen on site, you will spot them with a map of the city.

In Pikk Street, admire the door of the Black Teast House and the beautiful facades of the buildings, especially those of the Three Sisters .

6. Kadriorg Park

Flickr – Jean-Pierre Dalbéra

When the beautiful days arrive, it is the place to go. This is park very green is located a few tram stops in the centre, and it is filled with oaks, lilacs and houses many of which house small museums. There is also one of the largest buildings in Tallinn, the park Palace of Kadriorg (or "Château de Catharinenthal"), built by Pierre le Grand from 1718 for his wife Catherine Ière of Russia. This last one exposes a collection of Estonian Art Museum .

7. Kumu, Tallinn Art Museum

Flickr – Romain Moisescot

Opened in 2006, the Kumu ( Kunstimuuseum , "Art Museum" in Estonian) is the impressive new main building Musée d’Art d’Estonie , and it is naturally an attraction for all those interested in Estonian culture. The huge high-tech establishment serves as a national gallery, exhibiting classics of Estonian art, and a contemporary art museum, presenting the latest trends.

8. Open Air Museum

Flickr – Dmitri Korobtsov

For an overview of the Estonian life of the past , visit this outdoor museum of 79 hectares, a rural village reconstituted in a forest park on the edge of the Kopli bay , accessible quickly from the centre of Tallinn. Open all year except for a few holidays, its buildings include 12 farms, windmills, watermills, church, fire station, a tavern and a school. More info on the official website .

9. Other Tallinn Museums

Wikimedia – Ivar Leidus

During your visit to Tallinn, you will not have to omit some museums like Museum of Occupations which retraces the period to which Estonia was briefly occupied by the Germans, and longer by the Soviet Union. Kiek in de Kök , one of the towers of the old town, houses an artillery museum. Take a guided tour to explore the 500 meters of underground passages that were used as shelter during the Soviet bombings of 1944.

10. Some extra visits to Tallinn

• The Russian market Balti Jaama Turgon the other side of the railway station
• The theatre Von Krahl
• Outdoor cinema and on the roof of a building Katusekino
• Prison Patarei
• To relax, the city's spas and saunas
• NightlifeOf course. Tallinn is full of nice bars and clubs, I’ll be back in an article
• Eventually one boat ride in Tallinn Bay
• And why not spend one day or two to Helsinki, the capital of Finland, right across the street

Tallinn: Where to sleep? How to come?

First, do not hesitate to take the Tallinn Card Coming. This will save you money on each visit.

For visit Tallinn , two days or three days are enough, so it is an ideal destination for a weekend for example, from Paris (or Nice, Lyon, Marseille, Toulouse, Bordeaux...). Low-cost airlines operate flights from Paris to Nice (non-stop flights). To take Ryanair or easyJet, you'll have to go through London. You can find cheap flights to Tallinn on our partner's website Skyscanner .

With regard to accommodation, you can read our article on best areas to stay in Tallinn . To find a cheap hotel in Tallinn, do not hesitate to compare the best hotels on this Compare hotels .