16 Fun Things to Do in Tallinn Old Town: Best Activities & Unique Experiences

There are so many exciting things to do in Tallinn Old Town, from medieval dining to hands-on craft workshops and immersive tours.

Whether you’re looking for unique activities, cultural experiences, or just a fun way to explore, there’s something for everyone in this medieval gem. Beyond all of the things to see in Tallinn's old town, you’ll find plenty of cool activities to make the most of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Whether you're visiting for a day or staying longer, this guide will help you discover the best things to do in Tallinn's old town. Get ready to uncover hidden gems, try something new, and make the most of your time in this enchanting part of the Estonia's capital!

Things to Do in Tallinn Old Town

There are so many great places to see in the old town of Tallinn, but other than sightseeing, there are a ton of fun things to do in Tallinn old town! Concentrated in just a small area, we're here to show you all of the possible ways to enjoy the heart of Estonia's capital.

❣️ Explore the Charming Streets of Tallinn's Old Town

Wandering through the cobblestone streets of the city feels like stepping into a medieval fairytale, and truly is one of the best things to do in Tallinn old town. 

With its pastel-colored buildings, hidden courtyards, and winding alleyways, every turn will enchant you in this part of the city.

Whether you're admiring the intricate architecture, browsing cute shops, or simply soaking in the historic charm, the Old Town’s streets are perfect for aimlessly wandering. Don't forget your camera!

🚶🏻‍ Go on a Free Walking Tour

A free walking tour is one of the best ways to become familiar with Tallinn’s history, legends, and culture. Led by passionate local guides, these tours take you through famous landmarks like Town Hall Square, St. Catherine’s Passage, and Toompea Castle, while sharing fascinating stories of the city's past. 

It’s a budget-friendly way to gain deeper insight into the Old Town while meeting fellow travelers. We love free walking tours as they are also perfect for seeing hidden gems, and typically book them through Guru Walk.

🖼 Visit the Various Museums

Tallinn’s Old Town is home to tons of great museums that showcase its rich history and culture.

Here are some of the museums in the old town of Tallinn to check out:

• Estonian History Museum: Discover Estonia’s fascinating past, from medieval times to independence, through engaging exhibits and historical artifacts.
• Estonian Health Museum: An interactive museum that explores human anatomy, medical history, and health sciences in a fun and educational way.
• Loodus Museum: A nature-focused museum showcasing Estonia’s diverse wildlife, geology, and environmental wonders.
• Adamson-Ericu Museum: Dedicated to the works of Adamson-Eric, one of Estonia’s most renowned artists, this museum highlights modern art and craftsmanship.
• St Nicholas Church & Museum: A medieval church-turned-museum displaying stunning religious art, including the famous Danse Macabre painting.
• The Estonian Archaeology Museum: Uncover Estonia’s prehistoric roots through ancient artifacts, tools, and relics from early civilizations.
• KGB Prison Cells: A haunting glimpse into Estonia’s Soviet past, where political prisoners were interrogated and held in harsh conditions.
• Banned Books Museum: A unique collection of censored and forbidden books from around the world, highlighting the fight for freedom of expression.
• Tallinn Museum of Orders of Knighthood: Explore a vast collection of prestigious medals and decorations awarded by chivalric and royal orders throughout history.

🍗 Have a Feast at Olde Hansa

This is hands-down our favorite dining experience in Tallinn, and also one of the best one's we've had around the world!

Olde Hansa is a medieval-themed restaurant where you can experience an authentic feast straight out of the Middle Ages. With candlelit wooden tables, servers in medieval costumes, and a menu featuring meats like bear, boar, and elk, dining here feels like time travel. Also, the honey beer is one of the best beers you'll ever try!

The atmosphere, flavors, and live medieval music make it one of the most immersive dining experiences in Tallinn, and truly one of the most unique restaurants in the world. Also, don't miss out on their adorable shop with authentic Estonian gifts.

🍴 Dive into a 3-Course Meal with an Estonian Chef

Looking for another unique dining opportunity in Tallinn? For a more intimate and hands-on food experience, you can join a 3-course meal with an Estonian chef. 

Learn about traditional Estonian cuisine, and enjoy a delicious variety of appetizers, two main courses, and a dessert, all prepared with locally sourced ingredients. It’s a great way to connect with local culture while indulging in fresh, seasonal flavors.

🤩 Visit One of the Panoramic Viewpoints

One of our favorite things to do in Tallinn old town is to enjoy the stunning panoramas around the city.

Head to one of the panoramic viewpoints in the Old Town like Kohtuotsa and Patkuli viewing platforms which offer stunning cityscapes, witness the iconic orange rooftops, medieval towers, and even the Baltic Sea on a clear day. Sunset is a particularly magical time to visit either of them, and sunrise to escape the crowds.

💒 Climb up to the top of St Olaf's Church

Once the tallest building in the world, St. Olaf’s Church boasts one of the most beautiful views of the city. Climbing its steep, narrow staircase may be a challenge, but the panoramic reward at the top is well worth the effort. From here, you can admire Tallinn’s Old Town, seaside, and all around it.

🚶🏻‍♀️ Walk Along the City Walls

While some of the city walls have been destroyed, there are still parts of it that are well preserved, and you can take a walk along the top! Dating back to the 13th century, Tallinn’s medieval city walls are a must for history lovers, and also offer unique perspectives of the old town.

There are a few different sections open, where you can climb one of the towers and walk along the walls to connect to another tower or two. We highly recommend the Hellemann Tower, as well as the Nunna Tower to Sauna and Kuldjala Towers.

🎄 Experience the Christmas Market

During the holiday season Tallinn’s Christmas Market transforms the Old Town Square into a winter wonderland. With twinkling lights, festive stalls selling handcrafted gifts, and a variety of incredibly tasty food, it’s one of Europe’s most underrated holiday markets.

⛸ Go Iceskating

If you're visiting Tallinn in the winter, don’t miss out on ice skating in the Old Town. The Harju Street ice rink is set against the backdrop of historic buildings, offering a magical skating experience. Whether you're a beginner or a pro, it’s a fun way to embrace the festive season right in the heart of town.

💎 Shop for Amber

Amber is a prized Baltic treasure, and Tallinn’s Old Town is the perfect place to shop for authentic amber jewelry and souvenirs. Visit local boutiques or markets to find beautiful, handcrafted pieces, ranging from necklaces and earrings to decorative carvings.

Don't have time to read the whole article and want to save it for later? Just pin it!

🪟 Attend a Stain Glass Workshop

For one of the most unique things to do in Tallinn Old Town, you won't want to miss out on this creative hands-on experience.

Head down Catherine's Passage for this true hidden gem, where you can join a stained glass workshop and craft your own colorful masterpiece. Guided by skilled artisans, you’ll learn about the art of glassmaking while creating a one-of-a-kind souvenir to take home.

Even if you don't want to do the workshop, we definitely recommend checking out the gallery to admire their stunning glass masterpieces.

🧸 Learn How to Make Marzipan Figurines

Marzipan is not just a treat in Tallinn - it’s a true form of art! Visit the oldest cafe in Tallinn and sign up for their unique marzipan workshop, where you can sculpt and paint your own edible figurines. This fun and interactive activity is perfect for all ages and perfectly integrates history and cooking all in one.

🍩 Try Authentic Estonian Donuts

Don’t leave Tallinn without tasting the traditional Grandma donuts, also known as “Vanaema’s Donuts”. They're crispy, golden, and dusted with powdered sugar, and can be found in cozy cafés and local bakeries across the old town. 

We got ours at the cutest little donut shop called Sooriku Jaam, and they were the perfect treat for taking with us while exploring all of the the incredible things to see in Tallinn's old town.

🎤 Sing at One of the Karaoke Bars

One of the things that's all the rage in Tallinn is the karaoke bars. Apparently successful Finnish people have made a habit out of coming to Tallinn and opening karaoke bars, which are notoriously popular in Estonia's neighboring country.

We went to Satumaa on a Monday night for Fede's birthday, and around midnight the place starting getting pretty busy! After meeting some new friends we all moved over to another karaoke bar called Gruuv, which was even more packed!

So head out to a karaoke bar, grab a drink, and belt out some tunes. You never know how fun your night may turn out!

🍻 Go on a Bar Crawl

Tallinn’s nightlife is vibrant and diverse, making a bar crawl the perfect way to experience it and make new friends on a fun night out. From underground speakeasies to medieval-style taverns and modern craft beer bars, the city has something for every one. 

Join a guided crawl or create your own route through the buzzing nightlife scene of Tallinn's old town.

Here are a few of the guided bar crawls that you can sign up for in the old town of Tallinn:

So are you ready to experience all of the fun things to do in the old town of Tallinn? We hope our guide has helped you plan a fun-filled itinerary in the heart of Estonia's capital.

Want to learn about things to see in Tallinn? Don't miss out on our guide for the best things to see in the old town of Tallinn, as well as some of our other Estonia travel guides. We also have a couple more coming up, so make sure to subscribe to our newsletter for all of our weekly updates!

Ready to start planning an incredible trip to Tallinn and some other Baltic cities? Well, we're here to help! Scratch Your Mapa offers custom travel planning services, that are designed to create the perfect itinerary for you and your group. Want to learn more? Simply Send us an email to get your free consultation!

Here are some other articles you'll love: