Explore the top things to do in Old Town Tallinn. Journey through the maze of quaint streets to uncover the rich medieval and Hanseatic history.
Old Town dates from the 13th century and it consists of two areas; Toompea Hill and Lower Town.
The charming, winding cobblestone streets lead you into an enchanting world. Discover a walled city of impressive medieval buildings, houses, warehouses and narrow alleyways. The architecture is incredible. It is one of Northern Europe’s most finely preserved city centres.
In 1997, Tallinn Old Town became a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Top things to do in Old Town Tallinn – There is plenty to discover in Tallinn’s Old Town. It is rich in medieval and Hanseatic history and is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. Photo Credit: Wendy Nordvik-Carr
Top things to do in Tallinn – There is plenty to discover in Tallinn’s Old Town. It is rich in medieval and Hanseatic history and is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. Photo Credit: Wendy Nordvik-Carr
Top things to do in Old Town Tallinn – There is plenty to discover in Tallinn’s Old Town. It is rich in medieval and Hanseatic history and is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. Photo Credit: Wendy Nordvik-Carr
Tallinn’s defensive Town Wall is one of the best medieval examples in Europe. Construction of the walls began in 1265. The limestone walls are up to three metres thick and as high as 16 metres tall. In the 16th century, the wall had a total of 46 towers and eight gates and was about 2.4 km in length. Today, 1.9 kms of wall remain with 20 towers. Some of the towers are now used as museums and others offer opportunities to climb and explore. View more photo galleries of Old Town Tallinn.
18 Top things to do in Old Town Tallinn
1. St. Olaf’s Church and Tower
Built in the 16th century, St. Olaf’s Church and Tower provides wonderful views from the top of the tower climb. The tower made this building one of the tallest in the world at the time.
2. St. Mary’s Cathedral
The medieval domed church, St. Mary’s Cathedral was built in 1233. Visitors can climb to the top of the 69 metre Baroque bell tower for breathtaking views of the city.
St. Mary’s Cathedral is a medieval domed church founded in the 13th century. Photo Credit: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
St. Marys Cathedral in medieval Old Town Tallinn Estonia. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
3. Viru Gate
Viru Gate stands as a reminder of the Old Town’s 14th century defense system. These large watchtowers act as a gateway to the busy pedestrian only streets. There are many market stalls, shops and restaurants are in this area. The market stalls sell wonderful handmade knit goods, roasted nuts and spices, all offered at reasonable prices.
Top things to do in Tallinn – There is plenty to discover in Tallinn’s Old Town. It is rich in medieval and Hanseatic history and is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. Photo Credit: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
4. Kohtuosta Viewing Platform
Stunning panoramic views of Tallinn and its harbour can be accessed from the Kohtuosta Viewing Platform There are also plenty of shops nearby offering lovely knitted sweaters and souvenirs.
5. Bastion Passages
Explore the Bastion Passages, tunnels dating from the late 17th century. Book a guided tour to access the tunnels. The entrance is located at Kiek in de Kök. Be prepared for steep stairs on the tour. The passages are a little chilly, with temperatures ranging from 7-10 degrees Celsius. The entire fortification has about 1.3 kms of tunnel, but they are not all continuously connected. To date, 470 metres of tunnel has been restored and await exploration. The Carved Stone Museum is also found in the passageways. Book the tour here.
6. Town Hall Square
Town Hall Square (called Raekoja Plats) is in the centre of Old Town. It is has been buzzing with activity since the 13th and 14th centuries.. Many cafes, restaurants and souvenir shops rim the square.
Top things to do in Old Town Tallinn. There is plenty to discover in Tallinn’s Old Town. Town Hall Square is in the centre of Old Town. Photo Credit: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
7. Visit Maiasmokk Cafe to See Marzipan Creations Being Made
Visit the oldest cafe in medieval Tallinn. Maiasmokk Cafe has been serving up sweet treats since 1864 and is known for its amazing marzipan creations.
The shop is located near the main square of Old Town of Tallinn, and it’s definitely worth a visit! See the video here.
The fine art of marzipan painting at Maiasmokk the oldest cafe in medieval Tallinn Estonia. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
8. Gothic Town Hall
Built in the 13th century, the Gothic Town Hall is the oldest town hall in Northern Europe.
9. Kiek in de Kök
The six-story defense tower Kiek in de Kök was built in the late 15th century. It now houses a museum and the Bastion Passages are accessible at this location.
10. Tallinn Town Wall
Construction of the Tallinn Town Wall began in 1265. They are one of the best medieval example in Europe. The limestone walls are up to three metres thick and as high as 16 metres tall. In the 16th century, the walls originally ran about 2.4 km in length and had a total of 46 towers with eight gates. Today, the wall is 1.9 km long, with 20 towers. Some of the towers are now used as museums, others offer opportunities to climb and explore.
11. Toompea Hill
Access breathtaking harbour views from the Toompea Hill viewing platform. Most buildings surrounding the hill date from the 18th and 19th centuries.
12. Toompea Castle
Sitting on top of Toompea Hill, Toompea Castle now houses the Estonian parliament. Through the centuries, the Baroque style castle has been used by all ruling empires. Pikk Tower (Tall Hermann) is part of the defensive wall of Tallinn’s Old Town. It was built around 1371 on Toompea Castle’s southwestern corner. The flag indicates the ruling power. Each day the national anthem is played as the flag is raised at sunrise and lowered at sunset.
Tall Hermann tower is part of the defensive wall of Tallinn’s Old Town. It was built around 1371 on Toompea Castle’s southwestern corner. The flag shows the ruling power and is raised and lowered every day. There is plenty to discover in Tallinn’s Old Town. It is rich in medieval and Hanseatic history and is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. Photo Credit: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
13. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral
The 19th century Russian Orthodox Alexander Nevsky Cathedral is located in the Toompea area. The colourful distinct architecture of black dome-like towers can be seen from many areas of Old Town. The church towers hold a set of 11 bells. The cathedral is an example of Russian Revival Style and Neo-Byzantine architecture.
14. St. Nicholas Church
Built in the 13th century, St. Nicholas Church is now the Art Museum of Estonia.
15. Danish King’s Garden
The Danish King’s Garden is one of the most famous parts of The Wall.
Danish King’s Garden is the location of the most famous parts of The Wall. There is plenty to discover in Tallinn’s Old Town. It is rich in medieval and Hanseatic history and is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. Photo Credit: Wendy Nordvik-Carr
16. Catherine’s Alley
Catherine’s Alley is one of my favourite places to explore in Tallinn. This fine medieval passage was restored in 1995. It dates from the time of when St Catherine’s Church was built about 700 years ago. The passage contains 15-17th century homes, artists workshops and a few cafes.
17. Tallinn’s Town Hall Pharmacy
See Tallinn’s Town Hall pharmacy (Raeapteek). The pharmacy dates from 1422 and makes it one of Europe’s oldest. Be sure to checkout the back room and basement.
18. The Song and Dance Festival
The Song and Dance Festival started in 1869 and is part UNESCO World Cultural Heritage. Over 40,000 dancers and singers come together, dressed in traditional Estonian costumes. Due to COVID delays, the event is now scheduled to take place in 2025. Find out more about the Song and Dance Festival.
Traditional costumes worn at the famous Estonian Song Festival. Photo Credit: Visit Estonia – Jaak Nilson
Quick Facts about Estonia
- Tallinn began as a settlement named Reval and is the capital of Estonia
- In 1248, the King of Denmark allowed this location to become a city.
- From 1219-1346, Estonia was known as Danish Estonia.
- Tallinn joined the Hanseatic League in 1285.
- The city was on the northern European trade route.
- Danish ruled again but only in Saaremaa (Western Estonia) 1559-1645.
- Estonia (excluding Saaremaa) was under Swedish rule from 1561-1645, when Sweden also took Saaremaa until 1710.
- Germany ruled the country from 1941-1944.
- It was under Soviet Russian rule from 1944-1991.
- In 1991, Estonia re-established its independence.
- The currency used in Estonia is the Euro.
- The language spoken is Estonian. Most residents are bilingual and also speak Finnish, English, German or Russian.
- There are more than 2,000 islands in Estonia.
- Estonia has 133,000 written folk songs making it one of the biggest collections in the world.
- In the 11th century, Estonian Vikings kidnapped Norway’s Queen Astrid and her son Olaf, Norway’s future king.
- Estonia has the largest number of meteorite craters per square kilometres. Read more.
- Tallinn’s Town Hall pharmacy dates from 1422, making it one of Europe’s oldest.
- In 1441, the world’s first Christmas tree was raised in the Town Square by the Brotherhood of the Blackheads. Riga, Latvia claims it was the birthplace of the Christmas tree in 1510. Latvian historian Gustava Strenga told National Public Radio, Germany had the first Christmas tree in the 16th century and not the Baltics. Listen to his interview.
- Tallinn’s Gothic style 13th century Town Hall is the oldest in Northern Europe.
Coming soon learn about the traditional food of Estonia.
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