Places to visit

It’s quite a task to choose only ten things one must see in Tallinn. From the city’s many intriguing sights, these stand out because each has a unique story and cannot be found

anywhere else in the world. So if you’re in Tallinn for a limited time, or are looking for something truly special, check out this list of noteworthy sights.

Diamonds of Tallinn

Raekoja plats

Raekoja plats – picturesque Town Hall Square has been the undisputed hub of Old Town for the last eight centuries. Surrounded by elaborate merchant houses and, in summer, packed with café tables, it’s a natural magnet for tourists.

Town Hall Pharmacy

Town Hall Pharmacy – open since 1422, this curious little shop on Town Hall Square is in fact the oldest continuously running pharmacy in Europe. Ten generations of the same family, the Burcharts, operated it from 1581 to 1911.

Seaplane harbor

Seaplane harbor – the unforgettable Seaplane Harbor is home to a super modern maritime and military museum, complete with historic ships to tour.

Bastion passages

The mysterious Bastion passages, dating back to the 17th century, run beneath Toompea and are an integral part of the city’s defense system together with the town wall and its towers.

Tallinn Town Wall

Tallinn Town Wall – visit this portion of the wall connecting Nunna, Sauna and Kuldjala towers to imagine guarding the town against medieval invaders. With 1.9km of its original city wall and 20 defensive towers wall still standing, Tallinn boasts one of Europe’s best preserved medieval fortifications.

Estonian History Museum

Films and hands-on displays at this extensive museum show how Estonian dwellers lived, fought and survived through 11,000 years. The museum covers Estonia’s history from prehistoric times right up to the end of the 20th century.

Estonian Open Air Museum

Travel back to the rural Estonia in this vast, living museum filled with recreated, 18-20th century villages. The forested park comprises numerous thatched farm buildings as well as historic windmills, a wooden chapel and a village school. Staff is period costume demonstrate how people lived and worked in times past.

Vabamu Museum of Occupations and Freedom

Vabamu focuses on personal narratives about crimes against humanity to help us better appreciate justice and freedom. The museum explores Estonia’s recent history, occupations, freedom and the individual stories behind them.

NUKU Museum of Puppet Arts

NUKU invites visitors of all ages to come and discover the magical world of theater. You can explore the history of puppet theater and admire displays of puppets from Estonia and all over the world.

Kadriorg Palace - Kadriorg Art Museum

This grand, baroque palace built for Peter the Great in 1718 now houses the Art Museum of Estonia’s foreign collection. A trip to Tallinn isn’t a trip to Tallinn without a visit to the northern Baroque palace. Designed by Italian architect Niccolo Michetti, the palace and surrounding manicured gardens are a humbling example of Tsarist extravagance.