Things to See in the Old Town of Tallinn: A Complete Guide to Estonia’s Historic Heart

The old town in Tallinn is like stepping into a fairytale. With its medieval streets and centuries-old buildings, it truly feels like time has stood still there. Whether you're visiting for the history or just to take in the atmosphere, it's a place that any traveler can fall in love with (we know we did!).

As you wander through the winding streets, you’ll come across charming corners, historic details, and a mix of locals and travelers enjoying the city. The blend of old and new gives the area a unique energy, making it the perfect place to explore.

Whether you’re here for a few hours or a few days, there’s plenty to experience. There are so many great ways to enjoy Tallinn’s Old Town, and this guide is going to cover all of the best places to see and things to do for the perfect trip to Estonia's capital.

The Old Town in Tallinn: A Brief Intro

Before diving into all of the cool things to see in Tallinn's old town, let's go over a few of the basics.

🤩 Why is Tallinn Old Town so Famous?

Tallinn’s Old Town is famous for its well-preserved medieval architecture, fairy-tale charm, and rich history. The old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and its medieval walls date back to the 13th century! 

Despite war and modernization through the years, it is one of the most well-preserved medieval towns in Europe, making it one of the most enchanting destinations in the world.

📍Where is the Old Town in Tallinn?

The old town in Tallinn marks the center of the city, and is the area that surrounds Town Hall Square. By looking at the map below, you can see the Old Town in Talliinn inside the highlighted red area.

Places to See in the Old Town of Tallinn

The old town of Tallinn is small, but packed with cool things to see and do. Other than simply strolling the picturesque cobblestone streets, there are beautiful churches, breathtaking viewpoints, and lots of unique alleyways and architectural points of interest to add to your list while exploring the capital of Estonia.

We've gathered some of the must see spots to check out while exploring the old town in Tallinn, so you don't miss out on our favorites while visiting.

❣️ Town Hall Square

At the heart of Tallinn’s Old Town, Town Hall Square has been a gathering place for centuries, and is definitely one of the top places to visit while in Estonia's capital.

Surrounded by colorful medieval buildings, this lively square is where locals and visitors come to soak in the city's atmosphere, and also where you can find most of the Tallinn's main events.

Whether you're here for a summer festival or the incredible Christmas market, it’s the perfect spot to experience the charm of Tallinn’s historic center.

⛪️ Alexander Nevsky Cathedral

With its striking onion-shaped domes and intricate details, Alexander Nevsky Cathedral stands out as one of the most impressive landmarks in the old town of Tallinn. 

This Russian Orthodox cathedral is not only a beautiful piece of architecture, but it is also a remnant of Estonia’s complex history. Admire it from the outside, and also step inside to admire the grand interior, filled with mosaics and gilded icons.

🏰 Toompea Castle

Overlooking the city, Toompea Castle is one of Tallinn’s most historic sites. Now home to Estonia’s Parliament, the castle dates back to the 13th century, and has played a key role in the country’s political history. 

While visitors can’t explore the whole castle, the pink Baroque facade and the surrounding fortress walls are worth seeing.

🪴 Kuberneri (Governor’s Garden)

While you're at Toompea Castle don't miss out on the neighboring garden! The Governor’s Garden is a peaceful escape in the heart of the city. With well-kept lawns and a fantastic view of the skyline, it’s a great place to take have a nice break from the busier sites.

🌳 Kommandantens Have

Just across from the parliament building and Alexander Nevsky Cathedral you'll find the remaining walls to Toompea Castle. Right in front of them, you can enjoy a nice garden area to relax and enjoy the scenic views of the grassy area and surrounding historic sites.

☕️ Maiden Tower Museum-Café

Now head through the stone arch next to the garden and you'll find Also a part of Toompea Castle, you'll find a beautiful courtyard adorned with odd statues, park benches, and some beautiful views.

Head straight to the tower buildings and you'll find the Maiden Tower Museum. Not only is it a great place to learn about Tallinn’s fortifications, but it has a cozy cafe as well.

Located along the city walls, it offers exhibitions on medieval defense while also serving up great coffee with a view. It’s one of the more unique experiences in the city, and definitely one to add to your list for the Old Town in Tallinn.

🧵 Master’s Courtyard

Master’s Courtyard is a a true hidden gem in Tallinn’s Old Town, offering a quiet escape from the busier streets. 

This charming courtyard is home to artisan workshops and cozy cafés, making it a great place to browse handcrafted souvenirs or enjoy a warm drink. It's truly a charming spot that will make you feel as if you stepped right into a story book.

💊 Town Hall Pharmacy

One of the oldest pharmacies in Europe, the Town Hall Pharmacy has been serving customers since the 15th century. 

Located right on Town Hall Square, it’s part museum, and part working pharmacy. It has displays of medieval remedies and a fascinating history, making it one of the top places to see in the heart of Tallinn's old town.

🚏 St. Catherine’s Passage

One of the most picturesque streets in Tallinn, St. Catherine’s Passage is a must-visit. 

Lined with stone archways and historic buildings, this narrow alleyway is home to local artisans practicing traditional crafts.

Whether you're browsing handmade goods or simply taking in the medieval charm, this passageway feels like stepping back in time, and is also stunning for taking some photos.

🤩 Kohtuotsa Viewing Platform

If you’re looking for one of the best panoramic views of the old town in Tallinn, head to the Kohtuotsa Viewing Platform. 

From here, you’ll get a picture-perfect view of the orange rooftops, church spires, and even the modern skyline in the distance. It’s an especially popular location for sunrise and sunset, and probably one of the most Instagrammable spots in Tallinn.

👀 Patkuli Viewing Platform

The Patkuli Viewing Platform is another must-visit viewpoint in the old town of Tallinn, and offers breathtaking panoramas from Toompea Hill. 

The breathtaking views of the medieval walls, towers, and sea in the background make it a favorite for photographers (it certainly was for us!). Just a short climb up a set of stone stairs, it is well worth the effort for the stunning perspective.

🗼 Town Wall via Nunna Tower to Sauna and Kuldjala Towers

The city walls of Tallinn date back to the 13th century, and were 1.85 km of stone surrounding the old town in Tallinn. Some parts of the wall are gone, but there are still parts of the wall and towers that you can walk along! 

The longest stretch is the part of the wall connecting Nunna Tower, Sauna Tower, and Kuldjala Tower, and it has spectacular views over Toompea and the old town.

This section of Old Town gives visitors a chance to explore the stone walls, climb the tower, and learn more about Tallinn’s military history. The well-preserved structure makes it easy to imagine life in the Middle Ages, and is one of the top things to do in Tallinn's old town.

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🚶🏻‍♀️ Hellemann Tower & Town Wall Walkway

This is another section of the ancient city walls that can be explored in Tallinn. Climb the Hellemann Tower for a unique perspective of Tallinn’s Old Town, with completely different vistas than the Sauna and Nunna Towers.

This stretch of fortification offers incredible views over the rooftops and lets you imagine what it was like to guard the city centuries ago. The wooden walkway adds to the experience, giving a real sense of Tallinn’s medieval past, and there is also art to admire with history lessons along the way.

💒 St. Olaf’s Church

Once the tallest building in the world, St. Olaf’s Church remains one of the most iconic landmarks in Tallinn. 

Its towering spire is the highlight of the city's skyline, and for those up for a climb, the observation deck offers one of the best views in the city. Even if you don’t go up, the church’s Gothic architecture is worth admiring from any angle.

👮🏻‍♀️ KGB Prison Cells

A chilling reminder of Estonia’s Soviet past, the KGB Prison Cells offer an insight into the darker side of history in Tallinn. 

Located in a former detention center, this small but powerful museum tells the stories of political prisoners who were held and tortured here. If you're a history lover, then don't miss this stop for a chance to dive into Tallinn’s 20th-century past time.

✝️ Niguliste Museum

The Niguliste Museum, located in St. Nicholas' Church, is a must-visit in Tallinn for history and art lovers. 

Dating back to the 13th century, the church was damaged in World War II but later restored as part of the Art Museum of Estonia. Its highlight is the eerie "Danse Macabre" by Bernt Notke, a 15th-century painting showing Death leading people from all walks of life. 

The museum also features stunning altarpieces, religious paintings, and wooden sculptures, including the Retable of the High Altar, crafted in Lübeck. With its incredible acoustics, it’s also a popular venue for classical concerts. Plus, you can climb the tower for epic views of Tallinn!

🛣 Viru Gate

Viru Gate is a picture-perfect entrance to the historic center, and one of the most recognizable landmarks in Tallinn’s Old Town. 

The twin stone towers are remnants of the medieval fortress, and today, they lead into one of the liveliest streets in town. Whether you’re arriving for the first time or leaving after a day of exploring, it’s a sight you won’t forget.

🌊 The Great Coastal Gate

Another beautiful entrance to the old town in Tallinn is the Great Coastal Gate, which actually used to be served as the main entrance to the city!

Built to protect Estonia's capital from sea attacks, it now serves as a beautiful welcome to the charming streets of the old town in Tallinn. explore the city’s medieval past. Right next to it, you’ll find Fat Margaret’s Tower, which houses the Estonian Maritime Museum.

✨ Long Leg Gate Tower

This is one of the most iconic locations in the old town of Tallinn, and one of our favorite photo spots in the city.

Built in the 14th century, this one was one of the two gateways connecting the lower town to the upper town on Toompea hill.

The stone building with its teardrop-shaped arch will truly make you feel like you've stepped back into the past, and is a place you won't want to miss while walking around the old town in Tallinn.

🫖 Cafe Maiasmokk

While we are currently working on a food guide for Tallinn, we can't miss out including Café Maiasmokk to our list of places to see in Tallinn's old town.

Dating back to 1864, it is the oldest operating café in Estonia, known for its historic charm and elegant interior, which has remained unchanged for over a century. The café is also particularly famous for its delicious marzipan, and they have beautifully crafted figurines that make this cafe so iconic.

Whether you're stopping by for a cup of coffee or simply admiring the marzipan figurines, Café Maiasmokk is definitely something that you should add to your itinerary while in the old town of Tallinn.

Tips for Visiting the Old Town in Tallinn

Now you know all of the top things to see in the Old Town in Tallinn! We also have another article (coming up) about all of the fun things to do in Tallinn's Old Town. But before you go, we have a few other helping tips to share with you.

Here are a few things that you should know when exploring the old town in Tallinn:

⭐️ Recommendation: We suggest signing up for a free walking tour first, and then you'll know the history of everywhere, and can go to the remaining spots after!

🚶🏻‍♀️Getting Around: The old town in Tallinn has been designed for pedestrians, and everything is walking distance. It's mostly cobblestone, so avoid heels! Also, there are certain areas with lots of steps, but you can also gradually go uphill through the streets.

💶 Paying for Things: Many places accept credit card, but some attractions are cash only (like the city walls), so make sure to have euros on you.

🍴 Food & Drink: There are a ton of cute cafes and delicious restaurants with medieval recipes and modern options alike. Stay tuned for our upcoming article about eating and drinking in Tallinn!

❄️ Weather in Tallinn: Winters are extremely cold in Tallinn, and days are short. Make sure you bundle up! Summers have long and warm days, perfect for visiting the beach and enjoying the Midnight Sun!

So are you ready to experience the charming old town in Tallinn? We hope our guide has inspired to experience the best of Estonia's capital.

Want to learn more about the different things to do and see in the area? We have a few other Tallinn travel guides, as well as a few more coming up. Make sure to subscribe to our newsletter for all of our weekly updates!

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