24 Hours in Tallinn: How to Make the Most of Your Stay

Planning a trip to Estonia? We can’t see how you could miss Tallinn, the stunning capital. Let’s be clear: Tallinn might be the capital of Estonia, but it’s not famous for just that; the city holds some of the most mesmerising views in the world and offers a rich and diverse cultural experience.

If you’re in Tallinn for just a day, you’re probably scrambling to find the perfect itinerary, because, let’s face it, most itineraries plan across days. Well, we’ve got you covered; here is how you spend 24 hours in the Baltic city.

Begin in the Old Town

Several Baltic cities have old towns, but Tallinn’s Old Town is a touch above the rest. This UNESCO World Heritage Site might initially seem like just a boring museum town, but stay long enough and you’ll realise it hosts creative events and is one of the most entertaining places to be. Summer brings traditional events like Medieval Days to the Town Hall Square, and winters begin with the romantic streets adorned to welcome Santa. Whether you’re celebrating Christmas or simply out for a walk, the Old Town has plenty to make your day. We recommend hitting up the Town Hall and the Estonian History Museum. If you’ve got enough time, head up to the Patkuli Viewing Platform to get a bird’s eye view of the city and finish with a romantic sunset, if you’re willing to stretch the hours.

Get the Best Views at Toompea Hill

A high, oblong-shaped limestone hill, Toompea, is where a big part of Tallinn’s interesting sights lie. Its sight is intriguing enough, but the hill is home to a local legend: locals believe Linda, the widow of King Kalev, erected a tumulus mound on his grave while mourning, and that the hill is the same mound that has grown high to become Toompea. There are also stories about her mourning tears filling a crater below, creating Ulemiste Lake. One of the most popular tourist sites is the Toompea Castle, erected first in the 13th-14th centuries, and later given a Baroque facade between 1767 and 1773. Tourists visiting the castle not only get a good glimpse into its history but can also see the Rikigou (Estonian parliament).

Masters’ Courtyard or the Meistrite Hoov is another popular destination for artists, since it is lined with galleries and studios bearing impeccable talent. The Rotermann Quarter, or basically downtown Tallinn, is yet another spot for tourists to stop and shop.

Discover Hidden Corners and Local Culture

Kalamaja is a hipster neighbourhood, just 8-10 minutes’ drive from Old Town. Here, you’ll find fun, wooden houses, hipster cafes, and cool people who love interacting with tourists. And while you’re free to explore the neighbourhood as you like, we recommend heading down to Kalamaja’s coastline, because that’s where its history lies. The entire area was built to accommodate Baltic Sea fishermen, and you’ll still find residences there. Of course, Kalamaja’s centre is a cool spot to be, especially when you’re eager to learn about its culture. The beach is also the perfect place to get a good tan.

Eat Like a Local

If you’re in Kalamaja, you have to stop by local eateries; Kalamaja serves the best seafood in Tallinn. Bars around Kalamaja keep tourists filled and entertained, though you’re welcome to skip them. If you’re sticking to Tallinn’s Old Town, you’ll also find some of the most scrumptious foods there. We recommend Argentina, one of the best spots for Argentinian food. You’ll also find eateries serving authentic Estonian cuisine like Kaerejaan, Peppersack, and Olde Hansa. They might be a tad bit overpriced, but they’re certainly worth the trip!

Explore Telliskivi Creative City

Once the Kalinin Factory of Science, Telliskivi Creative City in Kalamaja, is one of the most popular tourist spots in Tallinn. Teliskivi is basically a line of various factories, each serving a different purpose, and some serving the same. Once an important trade spot, Teliskivi Creative City is now an entertainment hub, where tourists can learn about Soviet History in Estonia. Interestingly, Teliskivi Creative City has a variety of buildings, so you can spot an incredibly diverse architecture.

Visit Seaplane Harbour

Lennusadam, or the Seaplane Harbour, is one of the most exciting and popular maritime museums in Europe. The Seaplan Harbour displays close to 200 historical items, including the Lembit submarine, the seaplane Short 184, and even remains of the oldest ship in Estonia. And that’s just scratching the surface; there’s plenty more to discover. Seaplane Harbour isn’t only popular because of its history; it’s one of the most interactive destinations, so families can finally have a breather because kids love this spot. We’re talking a children’s corner with arts and crafts, an aquarium, a simulator, and many more activities that would make even adults swoon. Oh, and if you get hungry while you’re there, you can always stop at MARU, a thematic eatery that serves some of the most scrumptious seafood.

Wrap Up with a Drink

While Tallinn is pretty much a foodie’s dream come true, you must save enough space to get a couple of drinks in. Tallinn isn’t only known for its maritime and seafaring history; after all, all those sailors must have had plenty of good reasons to stay, and most of it involves Tallinn’s exciting bars. Ülo is a pretty good eatery; it’s intimate and close, so it’s the perfect spot to celebrate something romantic like an anniversary or a proposal. Naturally, that means free-flowing wine, too. There’s also NOP, the ideal spot to crash at after you’ve spent all your energy exploring and need a pick-me-up. They serve some of the best lunches, and the coffee’s to die for, too! And of course, if you’d rather skip all the hearty meals and go directly for the places that serve beer so insane you’ll feel like extending your trip, we’ve heard a great deal about Koht and Põhjala. Talk about adding the perfect finish to your 24 hours in Tallinn.