Planning a solo trip to Tallinn, Estonia? Here’s everything you need to know for your visit:
QUICK FACTS
- The capital and largest city of Estonia, with a population of around 460,000.
- Founded in the early medieval period, Tallinn became a significant center for trade and commerce in the Baltic region.
- Recognized for its well-preserved medieval Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, where visitors can find a blend of history and modernity.
- Nickname: The City of a Thousand Spires.
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
- Currency: Euro (EUR).
– Many places accept card payments, and Estonia is moving towards a cashless society. - Spoken languages: Estonian, Russian, and English.
- Best time to visit: May to September for warmer temperatures and festivals. Be prepared for rain, especially in the late summer. August is the warmest month with average temperatures around 17°C (63°F)
- Great festivals to catch:
– Estonian sauna marathon: held annually in February, where participants visit as many saunas as possible in 6 hours.
– Tallinn Music Week
– Medieval Days - Arriving via airport: from Lennart Meri Tallinn Airport (TLL) take Tram Line 4 to the city center (runs every 6-8 minutes, €2.00).
– Taxis are available at the designated taxi ranks and typically charge €15-20 to the city center. - Estonia is known for its digital innovation and e-government. Take advantage of free Wi-Fi available in many public areas.
WHERE TO STAY
- The Old Town is the most popular area for tourists, featuring charming cobblestone streets, historical landmarks, and a vast array of restaurants and shops.
- Kalamaja, a trendy district known for its wooden architecture, is a great option for hipster vibes and proximity to the seaside.
- Noblessner is a revitalized area with luxury accommodations, waterfront dining, and cultural institutions, ideal for those seeking a modern experience.
- Rotermann Quarter for those interested in modern architecture and design.
GETTING AROUND
- Tallinn has an efficient public transport system including buses, trams, and trolleybuses. A single ticket costs €2.50 and is valid for 1 hour. A Day Pass is available for €6.
- The Tallinn Card grants unlimited public transportation use, free entry to over 40 attractions, and discounts at various local businesses. A 24-hour card costs €34, a 48-hour card €49, and a 72-hour card €59.
- Taxis have a fixed starting fare of around €3 plus approximately €0.50 per kilometer.
- Recommended taxi services include Tallink Takso and Bolt app for ridesharing.
TALLINN NIGHTLIFE
- Drinking age is 18, with last call typically around 4 am in many places.
- Popular districts include Old Town for pubs and clubs, and Telliskivi Creative City for bars and live music.
- Great bars to check out: Pikk Tanav, Valli Baar (local favorite), Beer House for local brews, and Sveta Baar for its alternative scene and live music.
- Looking for clubbing? Check out Club Prive, or for live music, visit the Tallinn Music Week events during late March or early April for an eclectic mix.
UNIQUE LANDMARKS TO VISIT
- Raekoja Plats (Town Hall Square) is the heart of Old Town and is home to the stunning Gothic Town Hall, one of the best-preserved medieval structures in northern Europe.
- Toompea Castle perched on Toompea Hill, now houses the Parliament of Estonia and offers stunning city views.
- Alexander Nevsky Cathedral is a striking Orthodox cathedral with impressive domes and rich history located on Toompea Hill.
- The Kumu Art Museum offers contemporary art exhibitions and showcases Estonia’s rich artistic heritage.
- The KGB Museum located in the Hotel Viru gives insight into the Soviet era in Estonia, showcasing artifacts and stories from that time.
- Tallinn TV Tower, offering panoramic views from 170 meters high.
- Seaplane Harbor Museum – massive maritime exhibit in a 1920s hangar.
- Day trip ideas: Lahemaa National Park or the seaside town of Haapsalu.
INTERESTING WALKS
- Stroll through the cobblestone streets of Old Town, soaking in the picturesque medieval architecture and stopping by the many cafes and shops.
- Walk along the city walls for breathtaking views of Tallinn and the Baltic Sea.
- Explore the seaside promenade at Pirita, perfect for a scenic walk or a bike ride.
- Visit the vibrant Telliskivi Creative City, a former industrial area filled with art studios, restaurants, and markets.
- Explore Kadriorg Park, a beautiful area featuring the Kadriorg Palace and ample greenery, perfect for a leisurely walk.
- Walk the Culture Kilometre, a 2.2 km walking path connecting Tallinn’s port area to Kalamaja, passing several cultural sites.
WHERE TO EAT
- Try local delicacies such as black bread (leib), marinated herring (söögiheering), and traditional pastries like kringel.
- A hidden gem for drinks and snacks is F-hoone in the Telliskivi Creative City, a funky and welcoming venue.
- Local favorites for dining include: Rataskaevu 16 (Estonian cuisine), Lido (self-service) and the trendy street food scene at Balti Jaama Turg (try elk burgers).
- Cheap eats: Kompressor for large, tasty pancakes (6-8 EUR), and III Draakon in the Town Hall for medieval-style snacks.
- While still not mandatory, 10% is becoming more expected in restaurants, especially in tourist areas.
LOCAL WISDOM
- Estonians love their sauna culture, with many locals enjoying weekly sauna visits. Be sure to join in for an authentic Estonian experience!
– Tip: Kalma Saun (Kalamaja) added a rooftop ice pool for winter dips (€15 entry). - Cultural etiquette: Estonians generally prefer personal space and may seem reserved at first, but are friendly once you get to know them.
- Dangerous areas: be cautious around crowded tourist areas where pickpockets might operate; otherwise, Tallinn is relatively safe.
Recommended trip duration: 2-3 days