Ultimate Itinerary For 2 Days In Tallinn, Estonia 2025

As one of the most well preserved medieval cities in Europe where new Scandi cool meets rich Baltic tradition, Estonia’s capital has a whole lot to offer travellers in 2025.

To help you get there and have the best experience, I’m sharing my tried and tested itinerary for the best two days in Tallinn. Including the must-see sights, tastiest restaurants, cosiest stays and some hidden gems…

Read on from the top for all the details or use the options below to jump to the sections you’re most interested in. Let’s go!

1. Is Tallinn worth visiting & is two days enough?
2. How to get to & around Tallinn
3. Best time to visit Tallinn
4. Day 1: Explore the heart of old town & soak up the medieval charm
5. Day 2: Relax in a sauna, dip in the Baltic Sea & see modern Tallinn
6. Best places to eat & drink
7. Best places to stay
8. What to pack & know before you go
9. How much a trip to Tallinn costs

Disclaimer: This post may include affiliate links, so if you do make a purchase through them I may get a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting my blog!

TOP MONEY-SAVING TIP: If you’re planning to visit most of the sights mentioned in this blog, it usually works out cheaper to get a Tallinn Card. This will give you access to over 50 of the most popular sights in the city for free. You can buy your Tallinn Card here.

Tallinn at a glance:

• My favourite place to stay (from £70 per night)
• Easiest Estonia eSIM (starting at £3.50)
• Must-visit restaurant
• Best coffee in the city
• My favourite sauna

Is Tallinn worth visiting & is two days long enough?

Before we get into the full itinerary, you might be wondering if Tallinn is actually worth spending your precious annual leave on… As you can probably guess by this blog, my answer would be 100% YES!

I didn’t know a lot about Estonia before I visited and wasn’t sure what to expect but over the course of our stay, it soon became one of my favourite European cities. Here’s why:

Medieval charm: Tallinn is one of Europe’s best preserved medieval cities where you can step back in time 700 years to the cobblestone streets of the Old Town. Recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, just wandering the winding streets of old Tallinn is an adventure in itself and well worth exploring.

Beautiful architecture: Because of it’s well-preserved history, Tallinn has also retained many of it’s traditional buildings which are so unique and colourful with quaint details. Further out of the Old Town, you can also explore classic timber houses in cool Kalamaja district and contrasting modern designs in Telliskivi Creative City.

Fascinating culture: When it comes to culture, Tallinn has an alluring mix of Nordic charm and relaxed Scandi chic combined with Baltic flavours and traditions set against a complicated Soviet past. This melting pot of ideas and influences only serves to make Tallinn an even more intriguing destination!

Closer to nature: Lastly, as Tallinn is a smaller city you can quickly find yourself reaching its outer limits and heading into wilder spaces. Whether it’s the beach, lakes, beautiful birch forest or even local parks, there’s plenty of opportunities to get out into nature in this green country.

But with so much to see and do, is two days really enough? Of course you can always spend longer but I think for a first time visit to Tallinn, two days is the perfect amount of time to get a feel for the city. It is pretty compact and you can easily get around the major sights in that time with some breathing room to relax.

If you did want to extend your trip, I’d recommend looking at day trips to Lahemaa National Park, Jägala Waterfall or Rummu Underwater Quarry to make the most of your time and see more of this special country.

How to get to & around Tallinn

Now you know why Tallinn should be on your travel list, let’s look at the easiest ways to get there and around the city. As you can see from the map below, Estonia is the most northern of the Baltic countries sat above neighbouring Latvia and just across the Baltic Sea from Finland.

The capital, Tallinn is on the northwestern coast basically opposite Helsinki and east of Stockholm so it’s well positioned for connections in the region. With that in mind, here are your main transport options:

By air: If you’re travelling to Tallinn from further afield, by far the easiest option is to fly directly into Tallinn airport (TLL). The airport services most of Europe as well as part of North Africa and Asia so you’ll be able to find a direct or connecting flight. When you land, it’s just a short 15 minute drive into the centre of the Old Town. For this we took an Uber for ease but you could also take the bus that runs from just outside the airport.

By sea: If you’re travelling from Finland, the easiest option is to take the ferry across from Helsinki to Tallinn. It takes about 2.5 hours and tickets range from £15 – £20 depending on the provider and time. There are multiple ferry crossings each day so you can choose the one that works best for you.

Find the full timetable and book your ferry tickets in advance here.

By bus: If you’re travelling from neighbouring Baltic countries like Latvia or Lithuania, there are plenty of bus and coach services connecting the two.

Bus from Riga, Latvia to Tallinn: 2.5 hours and tickets range from £10 – £20. Find the full timetable and buy your tickets in advance here.

Bus from Vilnius, Lithuania to Tallinn: 8+ hours and tickets cost around £25. Find the full timetable and buy your tickets in advance here.

By car: Of course, if you’re renting a car or driving your own, you can also easily get into the centre of Tallinn. There’s plenty of car parking around the city and navigating the roads is generally easy and safe.

Best time to visit Tallinn

When it comes to planning the best trip, timing is also key. So when’s the best time to visit Tallinn? As you can see from the table below, the weather in the city does change pretty drastically throughout the year. From balmy dry summer days to freezing winters with higher rainfall, the month you choose to travel in could completely change your experience.

But that doesn’t mean one is better than the other. It just depends on what you’re looking for. If it’s a dose of sun and to be able to spend more time outdoors and in nature then June and July would be the best months to visit Tallinn. You’ll get the best of the summer weather with the lowest chance of rain while dodging the later summer crowds.

On the other hand, if you’re all about the festive feeling and wanting a cosy winter escape, the best months to visit Tallinn are late November and December. The city is usually blanketed in a soft layer of snow, the Christmas markets are serving spiced mulled wine and the medieval restaurants and bars glow against the clear night sky. I visited during December for this very reason and absolutely loved it. You can enjoy the magic of a white Christmas without the enormous crowds that descend on more famous markets like those in Germany. Plus, all the same attractions are still open and visitable – just expect to spend a little less time swimming post-sauna! 😂

Month	Average High Temperature	Average Low Temperature	Average No. Rainy Days
January	-1°C	-7°C	13 days
February	-1°C	-7°C	10 days
March	3°C	-4°C	8 days
April	9°C	0°C	7 days
May	16°C	5°C	6 days
June	20°C	9°C	7 days
July	22°C	12°C	9 days
August	21°C	11°C	10 days
September	16°C	7°C	10 days
October	10°C	3°C	12 days
November	4°C	-1°C	13 days
December	1°C	-5°C	14 days

Day 1: Explore the heart of old town & soak up the medieval charm

On your first day in the city, get your bearings by visiting the most beautiful viewpoints, scaling towers and walking the old city walls. It’s also your chance to learn more about Tallinn’s complex past – here’s what I’d recommend…

Stroll through Viru Gate

Start your day of exploring at Viru Gate. This is part of the original city walls from the 14th century and the perfect point to enter the Old Town as it’s one of the main streets through the city.

Spend a moment here admiring the pretty towers before you follow the cobbled road onto the next stop!

Wander historic Saint Catherine’s Passage

Just a short stroll away, you’ll find another historic gem. This is St. Catherine’s Passage, a beautiful little alley that acted as a short cut between main streets when it was first built more than 700 years ago.

The buildings either side of the passage date back between the 15th and 17th centuries and have maintained their mostly original features. That includes the pretty arches that offer structural support as well as a unique photo opportunity like you can see above. Down this path you’ll also find some handicraft workshops and small shops selling locally made goods like stained glass, pottery and textiles. It’s also home to my favourite tavern bar, but more on that later…!

Visit the Town Hall Pharmacy dating back to 1422

Just when you think the place can’t get any older, you’ll stop by the Town Hall Pharmacy which has been providing the city with medicine and medical advice since 1422. Yep, that’s over 600 years in business and still going strong! 😂

While you can incredibly still pick up your prescription here or a packet of ibuprofen for your headache, it’s perhaps a little more fun to see some of the original artefacts from the pharmacy.

As this is a still an operating shop, you can enter for free and wander past their classic medicine counter into the room behind the shop where there’s a small exhibit. Here you can learn about medieval healing methods and see some of the equipment and medicines used over the years.

The pharmacy is open all year from Monday to Saturday, 10am to 6pm.

Explore Town Hall Square (& the Christmas market)

You’ll now find yourself in the centre of Tallinn Old Town, at the Town Hall Square. I think at this point you really feel like you’re stepping back in time as you can appreciate just how old all the buildings are.

During summer this is a lovely place to grab a coffee and explore or if you’re visiting during winter you’ll be greeted by a scene like you can see above. From late November to December the city’s incredible Christmas markets arrive and drape the square in twinkling lights and the smell of mulled wine (or glögg as it’s called in Estonia) fills the air.

If you are visiting around Christmas, expect to spend more time here wandering the different stalls, admiring the huge Christmas tree and sampling festive treats. It really is magical!

Christmas Market Dates 2025: This year, Tallinn’s Christmas market will open from 21st November until 27th December. Stalls are open every day from 10am until 10pm on weekdays and Sunday, and until 11pm on Fridays and Saturdays.

Walk Saiakang Street & spot the little red house Oma Asi

On a small side street (technically the shortest street in the city) you’ll find officially the smallest building. This is the Little Red House which is home to the work of some of Estonia’s most-loved artists and designers.

So whether you want to shop for some local art or just admire this tiny red house, this is a nice little stop! There also happens to be a good Estonian donut shop on the corner if you’re in need of a sweet treat…

The Little Red House is open every day from 10am until 6pm.

Marvel at Alexander Nevsky Cathedral

After exploring the lower parts of town, it’s time to head upwards. Climb the hill just west of the Old Town to find majestic Alexander Nevsky Cathedral perched overlooking the city.

If you think the style of this church reminds you of Russian Orthodox cathedrals then you’d be right. It was completed in 1900 when Estonia was still part of the Russian empire and richly decorated to match tastes of the time with elaborate towers and mosaics. The cathedral also has 11 bells, one of which is the biggest in Estonia weighing 15 tons. It’s a stunning sight to see!

You can visit the inside of the cathedral for free, just note some areas are off limits to worshippers only. It’s also almost exclusively lit by candle light which only adds to the incredible atmosphere. Just watch out if you’re wearing a coat or have long hair, you don’t want to accidentally catch a flame!

The cathedral is only open on weekends from 9am to 12pm and again at 4:30pm to 7pm on Saturdays and only 9am to 12:30pm on Sundays so make sure you time your visit right.

Spot the pink parliament building (Toompea Castle)

Directly opposite the cathedral you’ll find the most politically important building in the city, Toompea Castle. This is where the Riigikogu (Estonia’s parliament) sit. The part you can see from the cathedral is a pretty pink Baroque façade that was built in the 1700s and today the colour and grandeur of the building still make it a striking sight.

Behind this section of the building you can see the original castle which was built in the 13th and 14th centuries as well as a 45 metre tower. If you’re interested in learning more about Estonian politics and history you can book onto a tour to see the inside of the parliament but we chose to just admire it from the outside.

For more information about parliament tours and to book on, click here.

Visit medieval St. Mary’s Cathedral to see hundreds of ancient crests (free with a Tallinn Card)

Just around the corner, you’ll start to see the spire of St. Mary’s Cathedral. This huge church was built in 1233 (making it the oldest in Tallinn) and has some of the oldest gravestones in the city with notable people including Swedish King Johann III’s daughter, Sophia Gyllenhelm, a Swedish military officer and an admiral buried there.

Covering most of the walls you’ll also spot coats of arms dating back to the 17th century which are really interesting to see. Plus, when the weather is good, you can also climb the bell tower for sweeping views across the city.

Just note there is an entry fee to access the cathedral and bell tower which is €2 per person. The cathedral is open Tuesday to Sunday from 10am until 4pm and the tower is accessible on days the weather is deemed safe.

Enjoy sweeping views from Kohtuotsa & Patkuli viewing platforms

Just a couple of streets away from St. Mary’s you’ll find two of the best free viewpoints in the city. Both Kohtuotsa and Patkuli offer panoramic views of the spires and roofs of old Tallinn and you can really admire the medieval history from here. So spend a few moments taking it all in before it’s time to head to the next stop!

Tour Kiek in de Kök Fortifications & Danish King’s Garden (free with a Tallinn Card)

Still up on this higher part of the city you’ll find another historic fortification which is 500 metres long and features four historic towers. The site helps explain historic warfare tactics and explains how the city has been conquered and retaken over the centuries.

Today, you can wander the bastion passages and climb the various towers to experience life as a warrior in medieval Estonia.

Opening hours change throughout the year and ticket prices vary depending on which areas of the site you want to see. So to find all the up to date information and options, click here.

Surrounding the fortification, you’ll find the Danish King’s Garden, so named because legend has it that this is the spot where a flag descended from the sky during the Danish invasion and turned the course of the battle in favour of the Danes. It’s this flag that became the classic red and white flag of Denmark and was flown in northern Estonia for over 100 years during the Danish occupation.

The Danish ‘Day of the Flag’ is still celebrated in this garden every year. But today you can wander this small park for free and read further information about the site.

Admire the tower of St. Olaf’s Church (free with a Tallinn Card)

Just down the hill from the fortifications, you’ll come to another major sight in old Tallinn. This is St. Olaf’s Church which is the largest medieval building in the city with a fantastic viewing platform 60 metres above the Old Town. To get up there, you’ll climb up the historic stone stairs and wooden ladders – it’s a tight squeeze in some parts but well worth it!

The church was originally named after Norwegian King Olav II in 1267 and grew higher ever since. Today the highest point of the tower stands at an impressive 123 metres.

Of course you can admire the church and its tower from the outside, or if you’d like to visit the viewing platform and see inside, you’ll need to pay the €5 entry fee. Just note they only accept cash so make sure you have enough before you enter! The church is open from 10am to 6pm every day.

Ride the elevator to the top of St. Nicholas’ Church for stunning city views (free with a Tallinn Card)

For more incredible views, head to St. Nicholas’ Church. This is a much newer church (relatively speaking compared to the rest of Tallinn!) only built in the early 1800s by a Russian architect and featuring a viewing tower with an elevator.

Again this is an impressive sight from the outside so if you’re feeling a little churched-out then you could easily admire this one as you walk past onto something a little different!

The main part of the church is free to enter and is painted with incredible frescoes. To ride the elevator up to the viewing platform you’ll need a ticket which costs €14. The opening hours are Tuesday to Sunday from 10am to 6pm.

Climb historic Hellemann Tower (free with a Tallinn Card)

Now I know what you’re thinking… ‘okay another view point, really!?’ and yes, when you’re in Tallinn you won’t be able to resist another look at this pretty city. In this case, we’re back closer to Viru Gate where we started the day to visit Hellemann Tower.

This is a 200-metre defensive wall that leads to the tower where you’ll find a viewing platform in the attic. Unlike some of the churches, you can really feel the rustic medieval charm up here and imagine looking out over the land for invaders. You can also take some stunning photos from up here as the walkway is open on both sides so you’re getting a better look at Old Tallinn from multiple angles.

To enter the tower and walkway you’ll need to buy a €4 ticket. Just note they only take cash here too so make sure you have enough in advance. The site is open from Thursday to Monday from 11am to 5pm.

Visit the thought-provoking Soviet Statue Graveyard

After exploring the heart of Tallinn, it’s time to take a look at it’s complex past. For this, your first stop is just outside the city. This is the Soviet Statue Graveyard, which as the name suggests is where old statues of famous Soviets have been moved to preserve their history and act as a reminder of the challenges Estonian people have been through during Soviet rule.

Today, you can see giant statues of Lenin and Stalin among other prominent Soviets crafted between 1945 and 1990 when Estonia won independence. It’s a fascinating but eerie place with more information on each statue and how or why it was moved there. The site is free to enter and open 24/7 so you can spend as long as you want taking this curious place in.

Spend some time at Maarjamäe Kommunismiohvrite Memoriaal

On the same site, just slightly further on you’ll come to a memorial to the Estonian victims of communism who lost their lives during Soviet rule. From 1940 to 1991 over 75,000 Estonians were killed, imprisoned or deported, many to far-reaching parts of Russia.

The large memorial is a moving testament to the resolve of the Estonian people who challenged the occupation. With lots of information about individual freedom fighters as well as a general insight into life during this period, it makes for a sombre but important read to help understand the nation’s past. The site is free and open to visit 24/7.

Learn about Soviet history at the KGB Prison Cell museum (free with a Tallinn Card)

Last but by no means least, to learn more about how the USSR’s infamous KGB operated, you can visit the KGB Prison Cell Museum. This underground exhibit opens the doors to the former prison to show what life was like for those deemed a threat.

The museum is open Wednesday to Sunday from 11am to 6pm. Entrance tickets cost €9 per person.

Day 2: Relax in a sauna, dip in the Baltic Sea & see modern Tallinn

On your second day in Tallinn, it’s time for some rest and relaxation. Head outside the city to enjoy the quieter side of life and see modern Estonia for yourself. Here’s the plan…

Relax in a sauna & take a dip in the Baltic Sea at Iglupark

Start your morning off the best way – with a sauna. Like most Scandinavian countries, sauna culture is definitely alive and well in Estonia. To experience it for yourself, head to Iglupark just northwest of the city centre (about a 30 minute walk from the Old Town or quick Uber ride). Here you’ll find a range of electric and wood-fired saunas perched on the edge of the water so you can sweat it out before dunking in the Baltic Sea.

I don’t think there’s anything that can wake you up more than a Baltic Sea swim in winter! 😂 But don’t let the cold put you off, this is such a lovely way to spend a morning all year around.

They have changing rooms, showers and bag storage areas as well as a little coffee shop on site. The café were even nice enough to give us some free marshmallows to toast on the open fire they had lit in the centre. Overall, this was such a lovely experience and I’d 100% recommend!

TOP TIP: Just be sure to remember your own towel, flip flops and a bottle of water! The communal morning saunas are open from 8:30am to 12pm and entrance costs €20 per person but you can stay as long as you like within that time. You can book in advance here to secure your spot.

Wander Kalamaja neighbourhood & spot traditional colourful houses

After a restorative morning, just a short walk away you’ll find the cute and colourful district of Kalamaja. This area has retained their more traditional wooden houses painted in bright shades to ward off the winter blues.

This is a great place to just explore, take some cool photos and soak up the atmosphere.

Eat your way through the market stalls of Balti Jaama Turg

Once you’ve worked up an appetite for lunch, within Kalamaja you’ll find popular market, Balti Jaama Turg. This is a multi-level indoor market with vendors selling everything from food and produce to clothing, antiques and art.

Expect to spend about an hour here wandering around and grabbing some food. Some of the best spots to look out for are Café Cape Town which is less Estonian and more South African but delicious none the less, and Pelmen Käsitöö Kohvik which serves various local and regional dumplings.

Hunt street art in Telliskivi Creative City

After lunch, wander along the road to Telliskivi Creative City. This is one of the most modern parts of the city where as the name suggests, creativity has been encouraged and old industrial buildings have been given a new lease of life. As a result, you’ll find incredible murals, street art and intriguing architecture.

There’s also more cafés and restaurants in here if you’re still hungry or fancy a quick snack. Again, it’s a place to wander and explore, seeing Tallinn from another angle!

Stroll the manicured gardens of Kadriorg Palace (free with a Tallinn Card)

In the afternoon, head back in time to Kadriorg Palace. This is a beautiful Baroque palace inspired by Versailles and designed by an Italian architect for Russian Tsar Peter I in 1718. So if it’s not feeling in keeping with the rest of the city then you can see why! Despite it’s many different influences, Kadriorg remains a gorgeous property with stunning manicured gardens and now houses the Estonian Art Museum’s collection of international art.

You can also explore the sprawling gardens for free and they’re open 24/7. So if you’re not in the mood for another museum, you can simply enjoy the park and admire the palace from the outside. If you’d like to enter the museum too, tickets cost €13 and you can find up to date opening hours on their website.

Shop for locally made handicrafts

Lastly, round out your time in Tallinn by picking up some souvenirs to help remember your time here. While you’ve been exploring the city you will have probably seen some of the main hand made souvenirs on offer. As well as the usual magnets and post cards you can find lovely ceramics, hand woven textiles and hand carved tableware.

Some of the best local shops I found were along a small cobbled passage called Masters’ Courtyard. Another great spot is Eesti Esindus Tallinnas which is lovely larger store with locally made food and drink too.

Best places to eat & drink

To fuel your days of exploring, you need the best food and drink in the city. Here are my favourite spots for coffee, pastries, breakfast, lunch, dinner and more…

La Boulangerie $

For the best freshly baked pastries in town, head to La Boulangerie. Just make sure you get here early – we arrived just before the place opened in the morning and there was already a queue forming outside. So aim to arrive 10 minutes before opening to snag your spot if you can!

You’ll be rewarded for your wait with beautiful classic croissants, pain au chocolate, sandwiches, cakes and more. Plus, their coffee is really good too!

RØST Bakery $

For more fantastic pastries with a more local and regional twist, choose RØST. This cute and cosy bakery offers freshly baked cardamom knots, cinnamon buns, saffron buns and more alongside tasty coffee so you won’t struggle to find something you like!

Just note, they’re closed on Sundays!

RUKIS $

For excellent (and filling) breakfasts, head to RUKIS. This popular spot serves incredible omelettes, eggs Benedict and other classic favourites alongside cakes, pastries and tasty coffee. It’s a warm and welcoming place to start your day and fuel up!

Paper Mill Coffee $

If you’re craving a caffeine hit, look no further than Paper Mill Coffee. They have their own on-site roastery and team of baristas serving up the freshest coffee in this warehouse inspired coffee shop. If you’re peckish they also offer a range of brunch and lunch dishes which are all made with high quality ingredients. Overall, an excellent quality brew, super friendly staff and a must-visit for any coffee lover!

Pub Kompressor $

For lunch, I’d really recommend the most famous pancake place in town – Pub Kompressor. This place might look a little simple and paired back from the outside but what they lack in elaborate interior design they make up for in pancake expertise.

Choose from their range of classic and seasonal sweet and savoury pancakes for an excellent lunch. They’re also massive so we shared a savoury one and then a sweet one – both were delicious. Just be sure to get here a little earlier than your usual 1pm lunch as this place fills up. But rest assured, if you do see a queue – it moves pretty quickly!

Headless Chicken $$

For an unforgettable drink stop, choose Headless Chicken. This medieval Lord of the Rings inspired underground bar is candle-lit and cosy. Serving classic beers, wine and cocktails as well as their own creative drinks following the theme.

As we were here during Christmas, we enjoyed one of the best glasses of mulled wine we’ve ever had and sat back to relax next to the suits of armour. This really is a must-visit spot, even if like me, Lord of the Rings isn’t really your thing.

Sessel Speakeasy $$

If you get a little thirsty while souvenir shopping then Sessel Speakeasy is the perfect spot. You’ll find this cute and cosy bar above Eesti Esindus Tallinnas gift shop. This is a beautiful shop to look around with handmade birch tree-carved gifts, textiles, food, drink and more.

Once you’ve finished shopping, simply head upstairs to sip a cocktail or soft drink made to order and sit back in one of their comfy armchairs for a mid-afternoon rest.

During winter, they serve their self-proclaimed ‘best glögg in the city’ and after tasting it, who are we to argue… 👀

Restoran Olde Hansa $$ (10% discount with a Tallinn Card)

If you only visit one restaurant on your trip, make it Olde Hansa. This is a Tallinn landmark for good reason – it’s an incredible medieval dining experience where no effort or expense has been spared in making you feel like you’ve stepped back to the 15th century.

Set in an old stone building, you can enjoy a delicious meal here lit only by candlelight, served in traditional earthenware crockery and tankards, waited on by tavern-talking hosts in period costume and entertained by musicians of the time. Now you might be thinking – okay but isn’t that a bit gimmicky…? Honestly, that was my worry too – I didn’t want this to feel like eating at a Disney set. But to my very pleasant surprise, it didn’t feel like that at all. The staff were so great and made the experience fun and in-keeping with the period without being cringey. The atmosphere was so unique with flickering candles and not a piece of plastic in sight!

Plus, the food was actually brilliant. My husband and I both thought it was one of the best meals we’d had in a while. To be in-keeping with medieval tastes, the menu was mostly centred on game meats with some vegetarian options. I had the lamb with spiced barley, vegetables and sauces and it was so delicious and tender. My husband had the venison which was equally well-cooked. After that we couldn’t resist a dessert and glass of local schnapps. A 10/10 meal! Just be sure to book a table well in advance as it is very popular!

Chakra $$

If you’re ready for a break from medieval feasting, why not mix things up with the best Indian food in the city. We were drawn to Chakra as we walked past and could smell the delicious curry.

After that we couldn’t stop thinking about it and had to try it for ourselves and it didn’t disappoint. The curries were excellent, the service was great and the setting in an old cellar still gives you that classic Tallinn feel.

More must try food & drink:

• Vana Tallinn: For the ultimate winter warmer, look to try the local spirit Vana Tallinn. This is a Jamaican rum based alcohol that’s been produced in Estonia since 1960. It’s made by adding different herbs and spices to the rum to give it it’s unique flavour. You can generally order shots of Vana Tallinn in most cafés and restaurants or enjoy it added to your glögg in winter like we did. We liked it so much, we actually bought a bottle at duty free to enjoy at home!
• A. Le Coq beer: Another alcoholic favourite is A. Le Coq beer. Now this might not sound particularly Estonian but it’s actually the oldest brewery in the country and the biggest exporter of beer to the Baltics. It was first started by a Prussian family who eventually relocated to Estonia’s second city, Tartu in 1904 and has continued making beer ever since. Like Vana Tallinn, you can find it in most places around the city so if you like tasting the local beer, this is a great one to try!
• Estonian donuts: A sweet treat you can’t miss is a classic Estonian donut. Again, you’ll find these in various shops around the city where they freshly fry the donuts ready to be enjoyed while they’re still warm. They’re simple but so delicious with a crispy outside coated in powdered sugar. I inhaled about 4 of these!
• Elk & wild boar: Lastly, something a little more quirky is the availability of more game meats. As Estonia has more well-preserved wild forests and hunting grounds, animals like elk and wild boar thrive. As a result, these stars make it onto many menus you’ll find in the city, especially the medieval restaurants. So if you want to try a new locally sourced meat, this could be a great opportunity.

Best places to stay

When it comes to getting a good night’s sleep, you won’t struggle to find great accommodation at pretty reasonable prices. Here are my favourite places…

Budget: Citybox Tallinn City Center (from £42 per night)

If you’re on a tighter budget but still want a quality room to yourself, look no further than Citybox. This is a modern and bright hotel with excellent access to the heart of Tallinn, just 500 metres away.

Plus, there’s no need to share bathrooms. Every room has it’s own private shower and toilet for your privacy. As well as communal kitchens and dining areas so you can save a little cash by cooking some of your own meals. Just look at the 21,000+ reviews to see this is a well-loved spot!

Mid-range: Bob W Kesklinn (from £70 per night)

If you have a little more wiggle room in your budget, I’d really recommend Bob W in Kesklinn. I might sound like a broken record in this blog but this is one of the best places I’ve ever stayed.

For £70 per night you get an entire newly finished apartment that’s even more spacious than the photos make it look. Complete with a luxurious bathroom, full kitchen with complementary freshly roasted local coffee, comfy lounge area with TV and games console, a cosy bedroom with excellent quality bedding and a whole balcony.

Even in the dead of winter, the apartment was perfectly warm and cosy, it’s all accessed by codes and your phone so check in and out is super easy, the building is only 10 minutes walk from the Old Town and they leave you a free tote bag, stickers and gym access if you want it. Does it get any better!?

Luxury: Schlössle Hotel (from £200 per night including breakfast)

For true indulgence, turn to internationally recognised 5-star Schlössle Hotel. This cosy hotel is housed in 13th century buildings in the heard of Tallinn’s Old Town so it’s perfectly positioned for exploring.

Each room is decorated with luxurious furnishings in-keeping with the period features of the property and no expense has been spared in ensuring a comfortable stay. Plus, with every stay enjoy a delicious breakfast (incredibly with a glass of sparkling wine!) and use of their on-site sauna.

So if you’re looking for the complete medieval experience, Schlössle Hotel is the one for you!

What to pack & know before you go

As with any new destination, there are always some helpful things to know before you go. Here’s a few of my top preparation and packing tips…

Expect calm & quiet: Generally speaking, like many northern European countries compared to their southern counterparts Estonian people are more on the reserved side. So to set your expectations, think of Tallinn more as a cool and calm capital rather than a buzzing metropolis. The local people are super friendly and more than happy to help but you won’t find them having loud conversations in the street!

Use left over Euros: As Estonia adopted the Euro in 2011, it’s a great trip to use up any left over currency you have from other European adventures. So don’t forget to pack your spare Euro coins and notes instead of keeping them in a drawer in your house (speaking from experience 😂).

Make the most of the daylight: If you’re visiting Tallinn during winter, you’ll find you don’t have many hours of light. So you need to get a bit strategic with what order you plan your day. Generally, aim to do the things that you can only enjoy in daylight first and then save museums and indoor activities for after sunset (about 3pm). As we visited in winter, the itinerary I’ve shared here today generally follows that with a couple of tweaks but it’s worth keeping in mind!

Choose comfy shoes for cobbles: I wasn’t kidding when I said much of Tallinn’s Old Town retains it’s original features – even the cobbled streets date back hundreds of years. While they’re incredibly pretty, they can be pretty intense to walk on at times as they’re quite uneven in places. So, to avoid any ankle injuries and have the best time exploring Tallinn on foot I’d really recommend choosing comfortable shoes!

Layer up in winter: If you are travelling to Tallinn during winter like I did then don’t underestimate the cold. To keep the chill out try to pack light layers you can adjust depending on the temperature. I wore a long-sleeved top with a jumper over that and then a thick long coat topped with a hat, scarf and gloves.

How much a trip to Tallinn costs

That leaves one final question… how much is this all going to cost? The good news is, Estonia in general is a very affordable country. From my experience you get a lot for your money, especially when it comes to accommodation. So if you’re on a tight budget you could expect to spend as little as £80 on groceries, some activities and somewhere to stay on your two day trip.

If you’re wanting a little more luxury and to dine out more and experience everything that Tallinn has to offer, expect to spend £300 or more during your two days.

There we have it – that’s my ultimate tried and tested itinerary for the best weekend in Tallinn. I think Estonia is now one of my favourite countries in Europe and I can’t wait to go back again and explore more. I hope you love it as much as I did and if you have any feedback, questions or tips of your own, please leave them in the comments box below. Happy travelling!

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