Estimated reading time: 12 minutes
Are you planning a trip to Tallinn, the capital city of Estonia? This beautiful city, located on the Baltic Sea, offers a mix of medieval charm and modern culture, making it a popular destination for travelers from around the world. In this article, we will guide you through all the essential information you need to know about getting to and from Tallinn, as well as provide some tips on what to see and do while you’re there and landmarks and things to do while in the city.
Table of contents
Getting to Tallinn
By Air
Tallinn has one airport, Tallinn Airport (TLL), which is located only 4 kilometers from the city center. The airport serves both domestic and international flights and is easily accessible by public transportation or taxi. Airlines such as Finnair, Lufthansa, and Ryanair offer direct flights to the city from major cities in Europe. You can check your flights and compare the best prices with skyscanner.net
By Sea
Tallinn is also a popular cruise port, with many cruise ships stopping every hour of every day in the city all year round. Ferry services further connect Tallinn to Helsinki, Stockholm, and St. Petersburg (currently not operational) and Åland, making it a popular destination for travelers from Finland, Sweden. You can check the cruise operators via Eckero Line or Tallink.
By Land
Tallinn is connected to major cities in Europe by bus. Eurolines offers direct bus connections from many European cities, including Moscow, St. Petersburg, Warsaw, and Berlin. The train station is located a bit further from the city center than the airport, but it is still easily accessible by public transportation. You can check one of the bus operators schedule at luxexpress.
Getting Around Tallinn
Public Transportation
The Capital has a well-developed public transportation system, which includes buses, trams, and trolleys. The most convenient way to get around the city is by purchasing a Smartcard, which can be used on all public transportation services. The card can be topped up at various R* kiosks or conveniently you can just use your bank card or mobile pay to pay for the fair. It’s good to note that public transport in in the city is free for all residents of the city until the end of 2023. You can see all schedules of Tallinn’s transport at Tallinna Transport.
Taxi
Taxis in Tallinn are relatively affordable compared to other major European cities. However, it is recommended to use only official taxi services, such as Tallink Takso, Uber or Bolt. Bolt is quite affordable but, in my experience, both Bolt and Uber are the same price in in the city.
Car Rental
Renting a car is a good option if you want to explore the countryside around Town or visit other parts of Estonia. Several international car rental companies such as, Bolt and Beast are available.
Bike Rental
The city is a bike-friendly city, with many dedicated bike lanes and a bike sharing system called City Bike. Bikes and scooters in Tallinn can be rented from Bolt or tuul.xyz
Essential Tips for Navigating Tallinn
Safety
Tallinn is generally safer than most places but still being safe than sorry should be the way to go. In case of emergency, 112 is the number to call.
Currency
The currency in Estonia is now Euro. Credit cards are widely accepted in Tallinn. Tallinn is very digital and self-checkout and using cards and mobile payments are the primary way for transactions.
Language
The official language in Estonia is Estonian. Almost half of the population is able to speak in English. I myself after a year in Tallinn have not had issues with speaking English in almost all places.
Tallinn Neighborhoods
Old Town (Vanalinn) Main Places
- Toompea Castle
- Alexander Nevsky Cathedral
- Town Hall Square
- Europe’s Oldest Pharmacy
- St. Olaf’s Church
Kalamaja Main Places
- Noblessner
- Patarei Prison
- Fotografiska Tallinn
- Creative City Telliskivi
- Balti Jaama Turg
Kadriorg Main Places
- Kadriorg Palace
- Kumu Art Museum
Pirita
- Pirita Beach
- Tallinn TV Tower
- Pirita Convent ruins
- Botanical Gardens
Kesklinn
- Rotermanni
- Freedom Square
- Russalka Beach
What to See and Do in Tallinn
Tallinn is a city with a rich history and culture, offering many interesting sights and activities for visitors. Here are some of the top attractions to see and things to do in Tallinn:
Old Town
The Old Town of Tallinn is a UNESCO World Heritage site, known for its well-preserved medieval architecture as well as charming atmosphere. Take a walk along the cobblestone streets, visit the Town Hall Square, and admire the stunning views from the Toompea Hill.
Kadriorg Palace & Park
Kadriorg Park is in the eastern part of the of city, featuring a palace, a rose garden, and several museums. The Kadriorg Art Museum, located in the palace, houses a collection of works by Estonian and foreign artists. Kumu Art Museum is also at the end of the park.
Port Noblessner
Noblessner is a former submarine shipyard that has been transformed into a modern marina and also an entertainment complex. It is a great place to enjoy a meal at one of the many restaurants, additionally take a stroll along the waterfront, or visit the Noblessner Foundry, a contemporary art museum and Seaplane Harbour.
Rotermann Quarter
The Rotermann Quarter or Rotermanni is a modern shopping and dining district located between the Old Town and the port. It features a unique blend of historical and also contemporary architecture and is a great place to shop for souvenirs or enjoy a meal at one of its many restaurants. You will actually pass by Rotermanni if you arrive to City from Port. The nightlife is also unique in summer in Rotermann Quarter with numerous bars and restaurants.
Telliskivi Creative City
Telliskivi Creative City is a vibrant cultural hub that is home to many artists, designers, and entrepreneurs. It is further a great place to shop for unique souvenirs, enjoy a meal at one of the many restaurants and cafes, or attend a cultural event. Fotografiska, Tali and along with a smaller Põhjala Tap Room are also nearby.
Tallinn TV Tower
The TV Tower is a telecommunications tower with an observation deck offering panoramic views of of the city and the surrounding areas. The tower also features a restaurant and a museum.
Shopping in Tallinn
The city has a lot to offer in terms of shopping for all sorts of tastes and styles. You can find high-end brands in shops in Rotermanni or in Stockmann. Or if you are looking for vintage clothing you can always take a walk to Humana stores in Town.
Another shopping destination worth exploring is the Telliskivi, which is home to many unique boutiques and shops selling handmade items.
For those looking for a more authentic shopping experience, the Balti Jaama Turg is also a great place to visit. This open-air market is likewise located next to the train station and offers a wide variety of products, including fresh produce, clothes, and handicrafts. It’s a great place to get a taste of local life and to find unique souvenirs to bring back home.
Additionally, you can also check Trawell’s shopping page for the city’s and see all the options for yourself.
Walkable City and Wheelchair Access
Tallinn is also a compact and walkable city, with many of its major attractions located within a short distance from each other. The Old Town, in particular, is pedestrian-friendly and easy to navigate, with its cobblestone streets and narrow alleys adding to its charm. However, it’s worth noting that some parts of the city can be challenging for wheelchair users, particularly in the Old Town where the uneven terrain can make it difficult to navigate.
That being said, many of the city’s newer attractions, such as the Telliskivi and the Kalamaja district, have been designed with accessibility in mind, with wheelchair ramps and other accessibility features available. Additionally, the city’s public transportation system is also wheelchair-friendly, with low-floor trams and buses available on many routes.
Overall, while The Capital of Estonia may have some challenges for wheelchair users, it’s still a walkable city with many accessible options for those with mobility limitations. It’s very well worth researching ahead of time and planning your route to ensure the most enjoyable experience possible.
The summer months are the most popular for visitors, but spring and fall can also be pleasant times to visit. Winter can be cold and snowy, but it can also be a great time to experience the festive holiday season.
The city is generally quite affordable compared to other European cities but eating out can be expensive. Prices for food, accommodation, and activities are generally lower than in Scandinavian Countries.
