Compact, relaxing, medieval, modern, magical—this is how visitors describe Tallinn, Estonia’s capital city.
It is the perfect holiday destination, combining Middle Age architecture with modern convenience, plus delightful seasonal dining options and immersive cultural experiences.
While getting caught up in Tallinn’s charm is easy, take some time to explore beyond its borders. Minutes from the city, you’ll find lush forests, mystical bogs, and thousands of kilometers of untouched coastline.
- For history lovers and culture scouts
- For foodies and flavor seekers
- For nature nomads
- For active travelers
- For slow travelers
For history lovers and culture scouts
Old Town
Tallinn received its Lubeck city rights on May 15, 1248, making it 776 years old in May 2024.
Photo by Rasmus Jurkatam
Unlike many other capital cities in Europe, Tallinn’s Old Town looks its age. Thanks to its exceptional preservation, it was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997.
Now you can meander along cobblestone streets and climb to the many lookout points to admire the red-tiled rooftops and church spires dotting the city’s skylines.
Photo source: Tallinn City Tourist Office & Convention Bureau (author: Rasmus Jurkatam)
Kadriorg
The neighborhood of Kadriorg has a royal past — the highlight is Kadriorg Palace, built by Peter the Great for his wife Catherine in the early 18th century. The palace is now a museum in the heart of Kadriorg Park.
Photo by Ken Mürk
Nearby, you’ll find the KUMU Art Museum and numerous restaurants and cafes where you can stop for a coffee before heading to the seaside to enjoy a stroll along the Pirita promenade.
Photo by Ken Mürk
Telliskivi & Noblessner
The Telliskivi area on the outskirts of Old Town is a prime example of the city’s penchant for repurposing former industrial sites as hip neighborhood hotspots.
The warehouses of Telliskivi have been transformed into creative event spaces, local design shops, and diverse restaurants.
Photo by Rasmus Jurkatam
On the other side of the Kalamaja neighborhood, you’ll find Noblessner, another example of industrial repurposing.
This former submarine factory is now home to Estonia’s only two-star MICHELIN restaurant, PROTO Invention Factory, and Iglupark’s chic seaside saunas.
Photo by Kaupo Kalda
Tartu 2024 — the European Capital of Culture
Tallinn may be the gateway to Estonia, but in 2024, it is also the gateway to Tartu!
Photo source: Visit Tartu (author: Kiur Kaasik)
A two-hour train ride will take you to Estonia’s second city, home to one of the oldest universities in Northern and Eastern Europe, the University of Tartu.
To celebrate the city’s year as the European Capital of Culture, there will be over a thousand sustainable events held in Tartu and South Estonia.
Photo by Riina Varol
For foodies and flavor seekers
MICHELIN Guide restaurants
In 2022, the MICHELIN Guide came to Estonia, the first Baltic country included in the prestigious guide. Once you’re in Tallinn, you’ll see what drew the inspectors to Estonia.
Photo by Näljane Nelik
The city’s internationally recognized chefs have their own take on New Nordic cuisine, featuring traditional Estonian food preparation methods such as smoking, pickling, and fermenting to highlight locally harvested seasonal ingredients.
Countryside cuisine
It is said that Estonia is a small country with a big heart. When looking at the variety of Estonian regional cuisines, it might be more accurate to say it’s a small country with a large stomach!
Photo by Alina Birjuk
Tallinn is not the only place you’ll find delicious dining options. Venture south to try classic dishes from Setomaa, such as sõir, a fresh cheese seasoned with caraway seeds and served with jam.
Photo by Ken Oja
The Baltic coastline is also home to numerous seaside restaurants serving traditional fish dishes, such as freshly smoked fish or hearty fish soup.
For nature nomads
Wild swimming in the city
Estonia may not be the first place that comes to mind when looking for a beach vacation, but with over 3,000 kilometers of coastline, there are plenty of spots to take a dip in the sea.
Photo source: Unsplash
Pirita Beach is Tallinn’s largest beach. Even on the hottest summer days, you’ll be able to find a place to lay your blanket.
Close to the city center, you can swim at Stroomi or Pikakari Beach, while Kakumäe Beach is located on the outskirts of Tallinn.
Photo by Andri Peetso
Most beaches offer family-friendly facilities such as toilets, changing cabins, playgrounds, and, most importantly, ice cream stands!
Wild swimming in the… wild!
Swimming in Estonia goes far beyond the sandy coastal beaches.
Photo by Linda Jekabsone
You can try swimming in the otherworldly blue waters of Rummu Quarry or take the plunge into the mystical waters of a bog — the tannins that stain the water dark brown are said to do wonders for the skin.
Photo by Romet Vaino
But if sand is still what draws you to the water, then you can head to the peaceful beaches of Vääna-Jõesuu or Laulasmaa, both less than an hour from Tallinn.
Camping in Estonia
Over half of Estonia is covered in forest, and camping is a favorite local pastime.
Photo by Sander Rannakivi
Estonia’s digital prowess extends to the outdoors, too. The Estonian Forestry Ministry (RMK) manages hundreds of campsites around the country; you can view them on their digital app.
For active travelers
Hiking trails for all
With some of the cleanest air in the world and one of the lowest population densities in Europe, a day outdoors is the best way to relax and experience a deep connection to the environment.
Photo by Sven Zacek
From long-distance hiking trails, such as the Baltic Coastal Trail and the Baltic Forest Trail, to short boardwalks designed for wheelchairs and strollers, Estonia has hiking trails for all ages and abilities.
Photo by Hans Markus Antson
You don’t even have to leave Tallinn to hike, as you’ll find trails on Paljassaare Peninsula and in Pääsküla Bog.
Bikepacking
Tallinn makes a great base for biking holidays. Several outfitters rent bikes and gear, and then you can head out onto the open—and flat—road.
Campsites along the way make multi-day bikepacking trips in Estonia a breeze.
Photo by Peeter Järvelaid
Estonian golf courses
The first golf course in Estonia—and the first course in the Baltics—opened in 1993, and Estonian golf courses are considered one of European golf’s best-kept secrets!
Photo by Robert Lindström
There are seven world-class courses with designs integrating the country’s forests, rivers, and sandy coastal areas.
The season typically lasts from May to November, and all courses are within driving distance of Tallinn.
For slow travelers
Sit back in a sauna
A trip to the sauna is the most “like a local” experience you can have when visiting Tallinn.
While it may not be as famous as Finnish sauna culture, Estonian sauna culture has deep roots. In fact, at last count, there were at least 100,000 saunas in Estonia.
Photo by Kertin Vasser
The smoke sauna traditions of South Estonia have made it onto the UNESCO List of Intangible Heritage, and you’ll find saunas in hotels, spas, and even rental apartments.
Treat yourself at a spa
Looking for a relaxing weekend city break? Then, check out one of Tallinn’s six spa hotels. You’ll be able to soak in a jacuzzi, sit back in various saunas and steam baths, or swim in an indoor pool.
Photo by Georg Svidlov
Most of these hotels have spa centers offering special treatments, such as couples massages and facials using locally made beauty products.
Photo by Ken Oja
Unique accommodations outside of the city
Tallinn has the most accommodation options in Estonia, but outside the city, you’ll find some of the country’s most unique places to stay.
Maidla Nature Resort offers luxurious cabins for two, and its restaurant received a MICHELIN Green Star in 2023.
Photo by Priidu Saart
Mirrored ÖÖD cabins are found in multiple picturesque locations around the countryside.
Photo source: Visit Estonia
Or spend the night in a treehouse for a heightened perspective on nature and life.
From meticulously maintained medieval architecture to sustainable accommodation options, Estonia’s timelessness is its uniqueness.
Whether your visit is a high-speed weekend city break or a week-long immersive adventure, you will discover something unexpected in Tallinn.
Visit Estonia. It’s about time.
Photo by Kaupo Kalda
