Should You Visit Tallinn?

Is Tallinn worth visiting?

Tallinn is worth visiting for two to four days so that you can explore everything that the city has to offer. Tallinn is one of the most popular destinations in the Baltic region. It's a beautiful city with a rich culture and impressive architecture. The city is famous for its old town which is filled with cafes, shops, and pubs. Visitors enjoy the active nightlife scene as well as the beautiful architecture. During our first trip to Tallinn in 2011, we fell in love with the charming old town and quaint streets. We've come back several times since then to experience it even more. It's often mentioned as one of the best places to visit in major publications, such as in Travel and Leisure's Best Places to Visit in 2024 - Cultural Immersion.

Tallinn

Reasons to Visit Tallinn

Historical Sights
The city's medieval old town is at the heart of it's tourist attractions. The Gothic architecture, local restaurants, and cobblestone streets give the city a fairytale charm.

Museums
There are beautiful historic churches, particularly in the city's old town. A highlight is the stunning Alexander Nevski Cathedral. You'll also find some unique museums around town as well as Toompea Castle.

Nightlife
As it's grown in popularity with tourists, the city has put itself on the map as a top party destination in Eastern Europe. There's an active bar and club scene, but there are also art venues and other creative activities for everyone.

Shopping
There's a mix of quirky shops and recognizable brands around town. Old town is a popular shopping area, as is nearby Kalamaja. Visitors enjoy picking up marzipan, local crafts, and unique art.

Food
Food is affordable and hearty. Many dishes incorporate rye bread, pork, smoked fish, potatoes, or dairy products. You'll also find a lot of variation in dishes between seasons.

Is Tallinn worth visiting in the Summer?

You'll find the weather to be very nice here during summer with average temperatures around 17°C (62°F).

The peak season for travel is summer in Tallinn, so expect to see more tourists than usual. This is an extremely popular destination, and in the high season it's busier than usual as this is when most people are able to travel. Expect large crowds of tourists, longer lines, and higher prices for hotels. On the other hand, you'll find that everything is open and you'll have a wide array of activities, things to do, and places to eat.

You'll also find it quite easy to get around on foot, because this is a very walkable city, especially in the nice weather. This is a great time of year to browse the museums, admire the historic sights, and dance the night away.

Is Tallinn worth visiting in the Autumn?

Autumn is the shoulder season for travel in Tallinn. As a very touristy destination, even in the shoulder season you'll see plenty of tourists when you visit. However, good prices and deals are to be found at this time of year.

The weather in Tallinn can be quite cold during autumn, and averages around 7°C (44°F). But be prepared for much lower temperatures, too.

Autumn is a great time of year to explore the numerous museums and landmarks around town. They are fun for the whole family as well great for couples. Soaking up that old town charm in the autumn is one of the favorite activities of visitors. The quaint scenery combined with the weather this time of year is quite nice. You'll find plenty to do during autumn, as you'll be able to take in the beautiful scenery, browse around the old town, and spend time at the museums. Also, you'll be able to admire the quaint atmosphere.

Is Tallinn worth visiting in the Winter?

This is the low season for travel in Tallinn. This is an extremely touristy destination, so in the low season you'll still see plenty of other travelers when you visit, but less than other times of the year. Good deals are to be found on hotels and tours because it's not the best time of year to visit.

The weather in Tallinn can be quite cold during winter, and averages around -5°C (22°F). But be prepared for much lower temperatures, too.

You'll like that you can take public transit easily in the winter, too. You can get around quickly while avoiding bad weather if needed. During this season it's fun to experience the museums and landmarks, the cuisine, and the historic old town. Also, you can experience the nightlife.

Is Tallinn worth visiting in the Spring?

The weather in Tallinn can be quite cold during spring, and averages around 4°C (39°F). But be prepared for much lower temperatures, too.

Spring is the shoulder season for travel in Tallinn, which means slightly less visitors than in the peak season. As a very touristy destination, even in the shoulder season you'll see plenty of tourists when you visit. However, good prices and deals are to be found at this time of year.

The city this time of year is absolutely beautiful. Admire the gardens, parks, and fantastic architecture, too. Soaking up that old town charm in the spring is one of the favorite activities of visitors. The quaint scenery combined with the weather this time of year is quite nice. This is a great time of year to browse the shops, wander through the museums, and appreciate the quaint setting. Also, you can take in the beautiful scenery, admire the historic sights, and enjoy an evening out.

Things to Consider Before Visiting Tallinn

Lots of Tourists
Tallinn sees a high number of visitors every year, which means you might have to wait in line and deal with large crowds during your visit.

Not As Family-Friendly
While there are some family activities, it's not as child-friendly as other destinations.

The Cost
Depending on your budget, schedule, and travel style, Tallinn might be an expensive destination for you. You can find out the travel costs for Tallinn here or see if Tallinn is expensive here.

Related

What is Tallinn most famous for?

Tallinn is most famous for its well preserved old town and its active nightlife scene. People visit this impressive city for its great historical sights. It's also known for museums, nightlife, and shopping. And many travelers come for the food, as well. It is often described as historical, charming, quaint, and whimsical.

What is the most famous sight in Tallinn?

The most popular sight in Tallinn is The Old Town. You can see prices and costs for this and other sights in Tallinn on our travel costs page.

Or, see tickets, activities, and tours for The Old Town and other attractions here.

How touristy is Tallinn? Is it a popular city to visit?

Tallinn is a very touristy city that attracts travelers from around the globe. Here are some of the most popular activities and tours. (Prices in US Dollars)

• Guided Old Town Tallinn Historical Walking Tour: $27
• Tales of Old Tallinn 2-hour Walking Tour: $54
• Tour to Husky Park with Cani-Cross Hike: $218
• Tour of Tallinn Old Town and visit to The Seaplane Harbour: $100
• Unique and personal tours of Tallinn Old Town: $109
• Tallinn Private Walking Tour: $147
• 2 Hour Tallinn Old Town Walking Tour: $196
• Tallinn Like a Local: Customized Private Tour: $52

How long should I spend in Tallinn?

The ideal length of time for a trip to Tallinn is two to four days. Since Tallinn has a variety of activities such as historical sights, most people need this much time to see and do everything here.

If you have a specific amount of time for your trip, see our advice about how much time to spend here: Should I spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Tallinn?, Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Tallinn?, and Should I spend 1 or 2 weeks in Tallinn?.