Planning to spend one day in Tallinn and not sure where to start? Then you’re in the right place.
When I set off on a road trip through the Baltic countries, I had no idea Estonia’s capital would leave such a lasting impression.
Tallinn surprised me in all the best ways: fairytale streets, medieval vibes everywhere, and views that made me stop for photos every minute.
So if you’re looking for a Tallinn itinerary that helps you make the most of your time, this guide is exactly what you need.
I’ll show you what to see in Tallinn in one day, how to get around, and which corners of the city are truly unmissable.
Plus, I’ll share my personal tips from exploring the city on foot, getting lost in St. Catherine’s Passage, and standing in awe at the Kohtuotsa viewpoint.
Tallinn’s old town has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997, so trust me when I say you’ll be blown away by what you’ll see.
And if you have a bit more time in Estonia, besides the things to do in Tallinn, at the end of the post, you’ll find bonus ideas of other places to visit around Tallinn, like Viru Bog or even a quick ferry trip to Helsinki.
In a hurry? Plan your trip to Tallinn now!
📍What to see in Tallinn: Town Hall Square | Town Walls | Kohtuotsa Viewpoint | Patkuli Viewpoint | Piiskopi Viewpoint | St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral | St. Catherine’s Passage
🚇 How to get around: Tallinn’s Old Town is compact and walkable.
⌛ How many days in Tallinn: 1 day is sufficient to explore the main attractions. Extend to 2 days for a more relaxed pace or to venture into nearby areas.
🌟 Most popular tours in Tallinn
1. Guided Old Town Historical Walking Tour
2. Return Day Trip Ferry Transfer to Helsinki
3. Day Trip to Lahemaa National Park
4. Estonian Food, Drinks and History Tour
😴 Where to stay in Tallinn: Hotel Meltzer Apartments | Kreutzwald Hotel Tallinn | Bob W Telliskivi
💊 Best travel insurance for Estonia – I recommend Heymondo for its excellent balance between affordability and quality.
🛜 Best way to stay connected in Estonia – If your smartphone allows an eSIM, I recommend using Airalo (MARIAN4315 = 3$ off).
What is the best time of year to visit Tallinn?
Being a city in Northern Europe, you can expect very harsh winters with lots of snow. That’s why it’s best to visit Tallinn when temperatures are more inviting, such as from May to October.
These will also be the busiest times, but if you go on May or October you can slightly avoid the crowds.
June is one of the best months to explore the city as the days are very long and you can visit more sights in a day in Tallinn.
On the longest day of the year, the sun rises at 04:03 am and sets at 10:42 pm. On the other hand, in winter, the days are much shorter, with the sun setting as early as 3:19 pm.
Despite the chilly temperatures—averaging lows of -5°C and highs of 1°C—Tallinn is a magical destination between late November and December, thanks to its enchanting annual Christmas Market, which transforms the Old Town into a festive wonderland.
How many days to visit Tallinn?
Like the other capitals of the Baltic countries (Riga, Vilnius), Tallinn is a small city. We easily walk through its streets and manage to visit the city in just one day.
However, if you have more time available, 2 days is the ideal length to enjoy the city more calmly or even, who knows, to visit other points of interest located less than 1 hour from Tallinn (more information at the end of the post).
How to get to Tallinn?
Tallinn is well connected to many major cities across Europe, making it an easy destination to reach by air or sea.
The city’s international airport (Lennart Meri Tallinn Airport) is located just 4 km from the Old Town and serves direct flights from several European hubs.
For those traveling from nearby countries, ferry services are a convenient and scenic option. Regular ferries operate between Tallinn and Helsinki, with the journey taking approximately 2 hours. It’s perfect for a quick day trip across the Gulf of Finland. That’s how I visited Helsinki my first time back in 2019.
Once you arrive, public transportation and taxis are readily available. However, most visitors will find that Tallinn’s compact size makes walking the easiest and most enjoyable way to explore.
How to get from Tallinn airport to the city centre?
To get to downtown Tallinn from the airport, you can take bus number 2 or 15, which depart from the lower level of the terminal (stop “Lennujaam”).
The ride takes around 20 to 25 minutes and tickets cost 2€. You can check updated schedules and fares online.
If you prefer a more stress-free arrival in the city, I recommend booking a private transfer with Welcome Pickups. Someone will be waiting for you at the airport to take you directly to your accommodation.
Accommodation in Tallinn
During my trip to Tallinn, I stayed three nights in an Airbnb in the Kalamaja district (though it’s no longer available).
The price was very reasonable—just €108 for two people—and the apartment itself was cozy and comfortable. That said, it was located in a traditional wooden house that had definitely seen better days, and the entrance felt a bit eerie at night.
Fortunately, there are several great accommodation options available in Tallinn right now, offering something for every style and budget:
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Tours & Activities in Tallinn
Tallinn Attractions Map
To help you plan your Tallinn 1 day itinerary, this Tallinn map highlights all the key sights mentioned in this guide.
How to spend one day in Tallinn
If you’re looking for the best things to do in Tallinn in one day, this section will guide you through the city’s top highlights.
From historic viewpoints and medieval streets to iconic landmarks like St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, these must-see spots will help you experience the essence of Tallinn in just 24 hours.
» Town Hall Square (Raekoja plats)
We start this Tallinn one day itinerary with one of the most charismatic places in the city.
The Town Hall Square is located right in the heart of the Old Town and, as the name suggests, here we can find the Town Hall – built in 1322.
I recommend stopping for a moment to appreciate the beautiful tones of the facades of the various buildings or even to have a drink or a snack at one of the many terraces available there.
However, for more complete meals, try to avoid this square as the prices are quite inflated since it is one of Tallinn’s main tourist attractions.
If you visit in summer, you will probably find that this is a square that is full of life all day long.
If you visit in winter, you will certainly find the square emptier, but still charming! Special mention also goes to the Christmas Market that is held at the Town Hall Square every year.
🎫 Want to discover the stories behind Tallinn’s medieval streets? Book this guided Old Town walking tour. It’s the perfect introduction to the city’s rich history and hidden gems.
» Toompea Hill and Castle
It is from Toompea Hill that we find some of the best views of Tallinn’s historic centre. Here you can also visit Toompea Castle, which was built in the 18th century on what remained of the city fort.
Today Toompea Castle also serves as the Estonian Parliament building.
💡 EXTRA TIP: It is possible to visit the Castle through guided tours, which are free of charge. Visits must be booked in advance and are available from Monday to Friday. Check the updated information beforehand.
» Kohtuotsa Viewpoint
Whether it’s sunny or snowing, one of the best viewpoints in Tallinn is the Kohtuotsa viewpoint. It is one of the most Instagrammable places in the city (this is where the famous wall with the phrase “The Times We Had” is located).
Furthermore, from here we can see the top of some of the most important buildings in the city, with special attention to St. Olaf’s Church.
» Patkuli Viewpoint
A few metres from the previous viewpoint, we have another platform that also offers some of the best views of the city of Tallinn. Get ready for a few more photos of the Old Town, including its wall and towers.
» Piiskopi Viewpoint
Tallinn is full of scenic viewpoints, and one more worth adding to your itinerary is the Piiskopi viewpoint, which offers peaceful views over the neighborhoods of Pelgulinn and Kalamaja.
» St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral
The Orthodox Cathedral St. Alexander Nevsky is probably one of the most beautiful churches in Tallinn.
It was built in the early twentieth century when Tallinn still belonged to the Russian Empire.
It was even considered to be demolished in 1924, as it was considered by many to be a symbol of the oppression of the Estonian people. However, this did not happen and this is one of the monuments that you really must visit in Tallinn.
📝 USEFUL INFORMATION: Entrance to the Cathedral is free and its interior can be visited from 8 am to 6 pm (7 pm on Saturdays).
» St. Nicholas Church
Another church worth visiting in Tallinn, is the church dedicated to the patron saint of fishermen and sailors – St. Nicholas.
Although it was built in the 13th century, St. Nicholas Church was destroyed during the Second World War, and was subsequently rebuilt in the 1980s. Currently, it also functions as a sacred art museum.
📝 USEFUL INFORMATION: The entrance ticket costs 12€ (free with Tallinn Card). Its opening hours are from 8 am to 6 pm.
» St. Mary’s Cathedral
Located in the centre of the Toompea hill, St. Mary’s Cathedral is a medieval church with various architectural styles. In addition to visiting its interior, you can also climb to the top of its tower.
» St. Catherine’s Passage (Katariina Käik)
St. Catherine’s Passage is clearly one of the most magical places in Tallinn. Located next to the old Church of St. Catherine, this passage connects Vene Street to Müürivahe Street.
In the summer, we find several terraces and many tourists all along the street. In addition, we can also find handicraft shops, where there are usually workshops of the most varied arts and crafts.
» St. Olaf’s Church
Time to head to yet another church, this time dedicated to King Olav II of Norway (also known as Saint Olav).
Besides visiting the church, it’s also possible to climb to the top of its 124 meters high tower 😊. From there we’ll have another superb view of Tallinn’s historical centre.
📝 USEFUL INFORMATION: The visit to the church is free, but to climb the tower you have to pay 8€. If you have a Tallinn Card, you can go up for free.
» Town Wall of Tallinn
Another place you must include on your Tallinn 1 day itinerary is the city’s town wall.
Tallinn’s town wall currently stretches for almost 2 km, has over 26 towers and 2 gates (the most famous being Viru Gate)! It is a real trip into the past with some parts of the wall dating back to the 13th century.
One of the best places to view what is one of the best preserved walls in Europe is at the Patkuli viewpoint, mentioned earlier.
In addition, we can also walk on the wall and climb the Hellemann Tower, built in the 14th century. Entrance costs 4€, but is free for Tallinn Card holders.
» Telliskivi Creative City
I suggest ending the day at a place located slightly outside the historic city centre. I’m talking about the creative town of Telliskivi.
Located in a former industrial complex, here we find a bit of everything: from local shops, to companies or even restaurants, bars and cafés.
There, you can also find the Tallinn Museum of Photography and many walls filled with street art.
Take the opportunity to get to know the Kalamaja district better (where Telliskivi Creative City is located). Considered one of the coolest areas of Tallinn, here you can see the traditional Estonian wooden houses.
Other things to visit in Tallinn
If you’re still wondering what to do in Tallinn with a few extra hours, consider adding one or more of these additional points of interest to your itinerary. They offer a deeper look into the city’s rich history and culture.
- Kadriorg Museum of Art and Park
- Lennusadam – Maritime Museum
- Estonian Open Air Museum
- KGB Museum
- Tallinn’s Botanical Garden
- Pirita Convent Ruins
What to visit near Tallinn
While Tallinn offers plenty to explore, the surrounding region is just as rewarding. If you have extra time and are curious about what to visit near Tallinn, these nearby destinations make for easy and memorable day trips.
» Helsinki
If you have a few extra days in your Tallinn itinerary, consider taking a day trip to Helsinki.
The Finnish capital is just a 2-hour ferry ride across the Gulf of Finland, making it a convenient and rewarding extension to your Baltic adventure.
You’ll disembark near the city center, making it easy to explore top sights like the Helsinki Cathedral, Market Square, and more, all in just a few hours.
I did exactly that on my 2019 visit, and it turned out to be one of the highlights of the trip.
For a detailed route, sights, and tips, check out my full 1-day Helsinki itinerary. It covers everything you need to know to make the most of your time in the city.
🎫 You can also book your round-trip ferry from Tallinn to Helsinki. It’s a convenient option with flexible departure times and includes everything you need for a stress-free cross-border journey.
» Viru bog (Lahemaa National Park)
Visiting Estonia should always include a trail in one of its famous bogs. Many of these bogs were formed thousands of years ago. Some say 1/5 of Estonia is covered in bogs and Viru Bog is one of them 😊.
Located in the Lahemaa National Park, Viru Bog is one of the most accessible bogs in the region.
Next to the bogs it is possible to walk a trail on a kind of wooden planks. The trail is 3,5km (one way) and takes about 1h30 to 2 hours to complete (both ways).
💡 EXTRA TIP: For those who do not wish to walk the entire route from start to finish, it is possible to walk to the observation tower and back. In this case, the total route is shortened to 2,8 km.
This is certainly a very different activity from what we find in the historical centre of Tallinn and it is only 40 minutes away by car or 1h20 by public transport.
🎫 This Lahemaa National Park day trip from Tallinn includes round-trip transport, a professional English-speaking guide, and visits to key sights such as Sagadi and Palmse Manor, Jagala Waterfall, and the Viru Bog trail. It’s a hassle-free way to explore Estonia’s largest national park in just one day.
» Jägala Waterfall
Located just a 30-minute drive from Tallinn’s historic centre, the Jägala waterfall is the largest waterfall in Estonia at 8 metres high. Whether in summer or in winter with the waterfall completely frozen, it is truly worth a visit.
It is also possible to get here by public transport, however the journey takes about 1 hour (see Google Maps for available routes).
🎫 Discover the natural and cultural highlights of northern Estonia on this Jägala Waterfall and Harju County tour from Tallinn. The tour includes round-trip transport, a professional guide, and stops at Estonia’s largest waterfall, charming countryside villages, and historic manor houses.
» Rummu Underwater Prison
Although a less touristy place, the underwater Rummu prison is another interesting spot we can visit near Tallinn (about 50 minutes by car).
What was once a Soviet Union prison and a limestone quarry is now a place that attracts a few people.
🎫 This Coastal Cliffs and Rummu Submerged Quarry Day Tour includes round-trip transportation, a knowledgeable guide, and visits to the striking Pakri Cliffs, the abandoned Soviet prison at Rummu, and the scenic Keila-Joa waterfall.
Abandoned since the end of the Soviet occupation of Estonia in the early 1990s, today it is possible to do various activities (such as snorkeling, paddle or canoeing) in these crystal blue waters.
📝 USEFUL INFORMATION: You must pay 7€ to visit the quarry and 10€ to also visit the prison. The facilities are open from 10 am to 8 pm, but I recommend checking the updated opening hours.
» Hara – Abandoned Submarine Base
Located 55 minutes drive from Tallinn, we have yet another abandoned place to visit that takes us back in time.
Built in the 1950s by the Soviet Union, this underwater station was used until the early 1990s when Estonia regained its independence.
It is a sui generis space, to say the least, often used for urban art, such as graffiti, and currently, you have to pay 10€ to visit. More information.
Final thoughts on this Tallinn Itinerary
Spending just one day in Tallinn might sound short, but trust me, it’s more than enough to fall in love with this Baltic gem.
From the fairytale vibes of the Old Town to the sweeping views from Toompea Hill, Tallinn is the kind of place that’s easy to fall in love with, even if you’re only passing through.
Whether you’re planning a quick stop or using this Tallinn itinerary as part of a longer Baltic adventure, I hope this guide helped you feel more prepared and more excited for your trip.
Have you already been to Tallinn? Or are you planning your visit soon?
I’d love to hear your thoughts, questions, or even your favorite hidden spots! Drop a comment below. I always reply and love swapping travel tips.
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