Itineraries for Your Trip to Tallinn
1 Day in Tallinn for First Timers
Of the many European capital cities I’ve visited, none have delivered on the fantasy of stepping into a fairytale quite like my first time in Tallinn. Even through unrelenting rain, the magic of walking around the city’s Old Town ringed with towers and staying in an old building within a tradesman’s courtyard swept me away.
That shine hasn't worn off on my extended returns to the Estonian capital, and there’s much more to explore in Tallinn than most tourists are prepared for, myself included. But if you only have one day in Tallinn, this itinerary will at least let you experience enough of the city and make the most of your visit.
Even on warm summer days in Tallinn, you’re never safe from rain—always pack an umbrella or rain jacket.
If you only have time for one thing, make it Toompea Castle to admire the views over the Old Town.
There’s no better place to start your visit to the city than with the famous Tallinn Old Town. Follow your feet—or a walking tour guide—around its captivating streets to admire its medieval character, starting in the lower part of town to see the Tallinn Town Hall, stretches of the Tallinn City Wall, and Freedom Square. Gradually make your way up to Toompea Castle, the upper part of the Old Town, where you’ll find excellent views over the city at the Kohtuotsa Viewing Platform, plus important landmarks such as the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral and the Dome Church.
Since time is against you, say goodbye to the old town area and see what else Tallinn offers. Venture down to the Balti Jaam Market and browse its stalls and eateries to find lunch. Once you’ve refueled, continue to the Telliskivi Creative City to see Tallinn’s artistic side, whether looking at local street art or visiting the Fotografiska photography museum. Up the road, you’ll encounter the former working-class neighborhood of Kalamaja with its tall, wooden tenements from the turn of the century.
Hunger has probably set in after a busy day sightseeing, offering you a choice: experience the novelty of eating traditional Estonian food in the medieval-themed Olde Hansa restaurant in the Old Town or see what’s going on in contemporary Estonian cuisine with dinner and drinks in the trendy Rotermann Quarter? Either way, a nice way to cap off the night is with an evening stroll once more through the Old Town or maybe even a walking tour to learn about sides of Tallinn you’re unlikely to encounter on your own.
