Best attractions in Tallinn: Top 31
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A Baltic city with an outstanding history undoubtedly deserves the degree of tourist “attention” that falls on the capital of Estonia. Sightseeing in Estonia is found not only in the capital of the country, however, the unique architecture of Tallinn and the special “spirit” of the city will allow you to fully enjoy your visit to the capital. After reading this material, the skilled traveler as well as the average citizen will get an answer to the worrying question: “What to see in Tallinn. Moreover, using the materials sights of Tallinn with photos with names and descriptions of the tourist will get the right stock of information for your trip.
What to see in Tallinn first?
A trip to the Baltic States should start with the unique Estonia. The capital city of Tallinn offers tourists a lot of positive experiences and unforgettable emotions. What to see in Tallinn in 1 day? Where to go and visit the capital on your own should follow the route of the following places:
1. Old city
A magnificent ensemble of architectural structures of the early Middle Ages. The territory of the Old Town is divided by the castle wall into two parts: the Lower Town - the abode of artisans and the so-called “middle class” of the time; the Upper Town - the buildings and castles where the nobility and titled individuals of the state lived. The architectural monument is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The territory of the Old City is striking not only visually, but also in its size of 118 hectares.
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2. Town Hall Square and Tallinn Town Hall
Medieval city Revel - the name of the capital of Estonia before the 20th century - like most European cities had a town hall (the building where the nobility, governing the year, sat) and town hall square. Among the many European capitals, Tallinn preserved its town hall during the devastating effects of the two World Wars. Amazing building in the Gothic architectural style strikes the eye of an experienced tourist. The Town Hall Square is not only a stunning place for festivals and celebrations, but also the only place from where you can see the main spires of the Old Town.
Official website: http://raekoda.tallinn.
3. Town Hall Pharmacy
An incredible feature of this medical institution is that the pharmacy is still operating as a commercial and medical establishment. In addition, among European counterparts, the pharmacy is the oldest of all. At the moment there is a museum in the premises of the pharmacy, in which medieval medical instruments and preparations are displayed.
Official website: http://raeapteek.ee/ru/
4. Tallinn city wall
The capital of Estonia is fortified by many towers (more than 30), which are exceptional structures of XIII century. The original purpose of the fortifications was to protect against attacks by local tribes and later also against the Danish and German kings. The fortification wall surrounding Old Tallinn gives the city a “highlight” of the outstanding Medieval period.
5. Fat Margaret’s Tower
The striking size, diameter of the tower is due to the original purpose of this element of the fortress wall. Immediately after its construction in the fourteenth century the tower was an ideal defensive structure. More than a hundred loopholes, 25 meters in diameter and the unique Estonian Maritime Museum are reasons to visit the place. Moreover, the tower is on the list of “Interesting places in Tallinn” for a reason, as lovers of old love stories will be satisfied by reading the reason for the tower’s name “Fat Margaret”.
Official website: http://meremuuseum
Check out Tallinn's beautiful places in this great video!
6. Maiden’s Tower
The southwestern part of Old Tallinn is represented by the so-called Maiden’s Tower, part of the capital’s defensive structure. The four-sided construction of the tower gives the structure expressiveness and extra peculiarity. The name of the architectural monument is derived from the commandant Hinse Meghe. The purpose of the tower has historically changed - from the 17th century it was used as a prison, afterwards, exclusively as a dwelling.
Official website: https://linnamuuseum
7. Kick-in-de-Keuk
The defensive, artillery structure as part of the fortress wall got its name because of one interesting feature. In Lower German the name of the tower translates as “peep into the kitchen”, the reason for this was that everyone who was in the tower could literally see what was going on in the kitchen rooms of the neighboring houses. An interesting feature is that the walls of the structure still have real, battle cannonballs embedded in them.
Official website: https://linnamuuseum.
8. Viru Gate
More than 8 gates were added during the expansion of Tallinn as well as the main fortifications of the city walls. The Vira Gate is unique in that it was used as a passageway for the horse-drawn tramway, which was the connecting route between the Old Market and Kadriorg. In addition, the Viru Street leading from the gate is most popular with visitors and residents in the city as a place for pedestrian walks.
9. Catarina Alley
In the question of “Where to go in Tallinn”, the undoubted priority should be given to the small and narrow Katharina Street. Its distinctive feature is the many small stores and stores with handmade knitwear. The alley gets its name from the location of the Guild of Saint Katharina, which specializes in creating unique objects, glass and ceramic jewelry.
Official website: https://www.katariinagild
10. Liberty Square
Estonia’s best sights are represented by the capital’s main square. The unimaginable size of the paved stone square, many beautiful architectural buildings. The main building on this square is the large-scale Victory Monument, which commemorates the victory of the Estonian army against the Red Army troops.
11. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral
Truly a holy place, stirring the heart and capturing the soul of tourists. The Orthodox, five-domed temple in the Moscow architectural style receives Christian pilgrims from all over the world. Designed by the outstanding architect of his time, Mikhail Preobrazhensky, the cathedral is the place to go in Tallinn.
12. Dome Cathedral
Historically, there was a wooden church on the site of the cathedral back in 1219, which centuries later took on the form of a Lutheran church. The Protestant cathedral belongs to the Baroque style only partially - the chapel annexes are attributed to later architectural styles. The church contains many graves, unique coats of arms and epitaphs.
13. St. Olaf’s Church
The most unique and famous viewing platform on the center of Old Tallinn is located exactly in the St. Olaf Baptist Church. Built in the XIII century the church belongs to the gloomy Gothic architectural style. During the tour of Tallinn, knowledgeable people will give recommendations to visit this place, and for good reason. In addition to the amazing, dizzying observation deck, visitors can enjoy the inner atmosphere of the temple.
13. Kaarli Church
Tallinn’s main attraction is the huge, mind-boggling Kaarli Church inside. An interesting feature is that inside the temple fits a thousand and a half seats. The construction of the Lutheran shrine was done by the architect Otto Hippius, who chose the direction of architecture with the impressive name “neo-Gothic”. As for the name of the church - everything is simple, the temple was awarded the name in honor of the great monarch Charles IV.
Official website: https://www.kaarlikogudus
15. Niguliste Church
Branch of the Estonian Art Museum, Concert Hall Museum - brief information about St. Nicholas or Niguliste Church. The church was erected in honor of the famous Christian patron saint of sailors, St. Nicholas. First as a Lutheran church, after, as a concert hall the church continues to attract crowds of tourists. As a museum, the church is an outstanding site for lovers of historical rarities.
Official website: https://nigulistemuuseum
16. Church of the Holy Spirit
The unique, incomparable feature of the structure is its pristine appearance since it was built. Namely, since the XIV century, the church has not been changed and an interesting fact is that in the Church of the Holy Spirit a number of services in the native language of Estonians was held for the first time. At the moment, the church is under the patronage of the Estonian Evangelical Lutheran Church.
17. Kumu Art Museum
The largest and main office of the Estonian Museum of Art. Moreover, one of the outstanding museums in the entire Baltic region. The abbreviation “KUMU” means art museum. Exhibitions of the museum includes many temporary exhibitions from the medieval period to the Soviet era. In addition, the exhibitions are regularly supplemented with foreign and Estonian exhibits of modern currents, and the reviews of international critics remain commendable.
Official website: https://kumu.ekm.ee/ru/
18. Lennusadam Museum-HydroAirport
Tallinn’s modern Lennusadam Museum is known for its reinforced concrete seaplane hangars. And historically, the museum was part of the great defensive complex of Peter the Great - the Sea Fortress. “Lennusadam” is included in the list of protected architectural monuments in Estonia.
Official website: http://meremuuseum.ee
19. Museum of knightly orders
Lovers and connoisseurs of phaleristics must visit this place. A huge collection of various insignia (medals, orders). The exhibition attracts connoisseurs from all over the world. Jewelry of high quality work, historically priceless items - the characteristics of this amazing place.
Official website: https://tallinnmuseum.
20. Tallinn Zoo
A zoo is a fascinating and full of fresh experiences. In this case, even a historically interesting place. Like most European countries, Estonia was able to restore the economy and establish a zoo only by the beginning of World War II. Thus, the zoo was opened in 1939. The emblem of the place is another interesting fact that needs attention. In 1937, the Estonian shooting team took the title of champions in Argentina and as a reward brought home a trophy - a lynx, which became the symbol of the future zoo.
Official website: http://tallinnzoo.ee/ru/
Tallinn sights: what else to visit in Tallinn?
In addition to the complex of major attractions in Estonia, we should not forget about the curious places that are in Tallinn. Guides in Tallinn will help you see not only the aforementioned places, but also point out the best hotels in Estonia. Guided by the following information, it is recommended to visit such special and amazing places.
21. Botanic Garden
Following the example of most of the capitals of the Republics of the Soviet Union, the Botanical Garden in Tallinn was built. The location of the place will allow you to enjoy not only the rich variety of plants of the garden, but also to finally determine for yourself what to visit in Estonia.
Official website: http://botaanikaaed.
22. Marzipan Gallery
Connoisseurs of the European delicacy, marzipan, owe it to themselves to try the sweet. Museum of marzipan founded in 2006 offers many entertainment programs, including: viewing the exhibition of marzipan products; guided tours with a practical component (molding and making the delicacy by hand).
Official site: http://martsipan.
23. Tallinn TV Tower
The imposing 314-meter tall tower is located in the Tallinn neighborhood called “Kloostrimetsa”. The construction of the structure began in 1975, which, by the way, was worked on by specialists from Moscow.
24. Rotermann quarter
The central district of the city is an amazing combination of old industrial buildings in a new, modern architectural shell. Many industrial buildings, stores, and a movie theater will keep visitors busy.
25. Olde Hansa Restaurant
The “Golden Age” of the Middle Ages will greet the visitors of the restaurant. Located in the heart of the Estonian capital, the restaurant will impress tourists not only with its unique menu but also with its exciting, stylized interior.
Official website: https://www.oldehansa
26. Singing Field
Uniqueness and scale are a brief description of this amazing venue. Located on a natural slope that leads to the sea, the singing field hosts many listeners of Estonian folk music. And the view from the stage will amaze even the experienced traveler.
Official website: https://lauluvaljak
27. Kadriorg Palace and Park Ensemble
The Baroque ensemble is a breathtaking structure named after the wife of Peter the Great, Catherine the Great. Catherine is a park of 300 hectares, as well as a house-museum of the Russian Tsar Peter I. The palace, the swan pond are the beauties of Russian imperialism.
Official site: https://kadriorumuuseum
28. Maarjamägi castle
The summer residence of Count Orlov-Davydov in the suburbs of Tallinn will impress you with its medieval style and the beauty of the surrounding nature. Currently, a branch of the Estonian Art Museum will allow you to visit the structure inside and enjoy the architectural monuments from the times of the Empire.
Official site: https://www.ajaloomuuseum
29. Glen Castle
The former residence of Nikolai von Glen is situated on the slope of a picturesque hill. The neo-Gothic style and special charm of the castle made it possible to film the cult Soviet film “The Hound of the Baskervilles” in this very spot.
30. Toompea Castle
Toompea Castle has an amazing degree of preservation among such buildings. It is the most beautiful representative of the medieval castles in the Baltics. It is located in the center of Old Tallinn.
Official website: https://www.riigikogu
31. The Estonian open-air museum Rokka al Mare
Estonian traditions and culture are represented in this iconic place. The museum has an exhibition on the regions of Estonia: Northern, Western, Southern, and Eastern. Each of them, has exhibits of tools, furniture and utensils of rural Estonian culture. The rating of the place is extremely high as the interest in the folk traditions of the Baltic is rapidly growing.
Official site: https://evm.ee/rus/nachalo
An immersion in the amazing, historically rich Estonia will ensure a visit to the capital, Tallinn. A study of historical references will enhance the future impression of visiting this amazing corner of the Baltics.
