Tallinn

Tallinn city breaks

Estonia’s charming capital is the ideal choice for a long-weekend city break. Start your trip at its medieval Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which will enchant with cobblestone streets, colourful merchant houses and towering spires. Bit of a history buff? Make a beeline for Toompea Castle and Alexander Nevsky Cathedral. When it comes to food and drink, the city offers a vibrant café scene, craft breweries and cosy restaurants serving Nordic-inspired cuisine. Tallinn is compact and walkable too, so it’s great if you want to explore it all in a weekend. Get ready for medieval charm with a contemporary flair on a city break to Tallinn...

Things to do in Tallin

Tallinn by night

Tallinn by night

Tallinn’s nightlife is lively and varied, from trendy rooftop bars in the Old Town to underground clubs in former factories! Locals and visitors mingle in cosy pubs, cocktail bars and live music venues. Neighbourhoods like Telliskivi and Rotermann buzz late into the night, if you’re up for partying until the early hours.

Top sights to tick off

Top sights to tick off

There’s so much to see here, but it’s a good idea to start in the fairytale Old Town with its cobblestone streets and medieval walls. Then head up to Toompea Hill for panoramic views and stop off at Alexander Nevsky Cathedral to admire its striking domes. Don’t miss Town Hall Square, St. Olaf’s Church and Kadriorg Palace too!

Try out the local cuisine

Try out the local cuisine

Bit of a foodie? You’ll love sampling hearty Estonian dishes like black bread, herring and meat stews. If you prefer a more modern style, there’s plenty of contemporary Nordic cuisine on offer in stylish restaurants. Make a beeline for the Balti Jaam Market for local artisans, while cosy cafés serve fresh coffee and pastries. Craft beer bars and speakeasies showcase the local brewing culture.

Centennial Nexus Hotel Tallinn
Jet2CityBreaks

Centennial Nexus Hotel Tallinn

Tallinn City, Tallinn

Our rating

Based on 678 reviews

  • Contemporary and spacious rooms
  • Modern design
  • 850m from Freedom Square
  • 950m from Alexander Nevsky Cathedral
  • 1.2km from Tallinn Town Hall Square and Christmas markets
Hampton by Hilton Tallinn
Jet2CityBreaks

Hampton by Hilton Tallinn

Tallinn City, Tallinn

Our rating

Based on 31 reviews

  • Contemporary design
  • Excellent transport links
  • 1.7km from Tallinn Town Hall Square and Christmas markets
  • 2.1km from Toompea Castle and Hill
  • 2.4km from Balti Jaama Turg
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Tallinn Christmas markets
Get in the festive spirit as the city’s Town Hall Square transforms into a winter wonderland. Wooden stalls glow with festive lights, selling handmade crafts, mulled wine and local treats. The scent of gingerbread fills the air, while carollers perform beside the towering Christmas tree. It’s one of Europe’s most magical settings come Christmastime!
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Alexander Nevsky Cathedral 

Alexander Nevsky Cathedral 

Tallinn city break

The Alexander Nevsky Cathedral is an iconic Russian Orthodox church, built in the late 19th century. Its striking black domes and ornate design reflect the Byzantine architectural style, and it stands tall...
Balti Jaama Turg 

Balti Jaama Turg 

Tallinn

Fancy a spot of retail therapy? Head to the historic market of Balti Jaama Turg for a vibrant mix of local produce, artisanal goods and international food stalls. Nearly 300 in total, across three floors!...
Estonian Film Museum

Estonian Film Museum

Tallinn City, Tallinn

If you fancy yourself as a bit of a film buff, you’ll love the Estonian Film Museum. Located just outside the city centre, this museum introduces the filmmaking process and the history of Estonian cinema. You...

Language

Estonian

Currency

Euro (€)

Time difference

+2hr

Cost of a beer

£4.20

One-way local transport ticket

One-way bus ticket £1.70

Three-course meal for two

£59.00

Sightseeing
Ready to sightsee? Wander through the spellbinding Old Town which is all spires and secret courtyards or climb Toompea Hill for picture-perfect panoramas. Whether you’re admiring the pastel façades by day or the twinkling lanterns by night, Tallinn’s oozes medieval magic and modern in equal measure.
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Eating and drinking
When it comes to Estonian cuisine, Tallinn’s got you covered. Discover comfort food like wild game stews or golden schnitzels. Grab a craft beer in a cosy cellar bar or toast your trip with a smooth sip of Vana Tallinn liqueur. From snug cafés to waterfront terraces, every meal here feels like a warm welcome.
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Shopping
If you fancy some retail therapy, make a beeline for Viru Street and the sleek Rotermann Quarter, where you’ll find well-known brands. If it’s designer gear or quirky finds you’re after, Telliskivi Creative City, packed with independent designers, vintage trinkets and local art. And don’t skip the markets – they're brimming with handmade crafts, Baltic jewellery and sweet marzipan souvenirs.
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Getting around
Most of the sights are just a short stroll apart, so walking is half the fun. Need to cover more ground? Local trams and buses make zipping around effortless and affordable. Or hop on a ferry across the water for a different view of the city.
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FAQs

What are the must-see attractions in Tallinn Old Town?

Tallinn's UNESCO-listed Old Town is the main draw. Don't miss the Town Hall Square (Raekoja Plats), St. Olav's Church (climb for panoramic views!), Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, Toompea Castle, and the charming streets like Katariina Käik (St. Catherine's Passage). Walk along the city walls and discover hidden courtyards. Outside the Old Town, consider Kadriorg Park and Palace.

How many days should I allocate for a Tallinn city break?

For a focused city break, 2 to 3 full days is generally sufficient to explore the Old Town thoroughly, visit a museum or two, and enjoy some local cuisine. If you wish to take a day trip (e.g. to Lahemaa National Park or Helsinki via ferry) or explore more of the city's modern districts, then four to five days would be ideal.

Is Tallinn a good city break destination for families with children?

Yes, Tallinn can be an excellent choice for families. Many attractions are engaging for children, such as exploring the city walls, climbing Toompea Hill, or visiting Kalamaja and Telliskivi Creative City with its fun street art and playground areas. Beyond the Old Town, there's the Seaplane Harbour Museum (Lennusadam), a fantastic maritime museum, and the Tallinn Zoo. Kadriorg Park also has playgrounds and beautiful open spaces.

What's Tallinn like for nightlife?

Tallinn has a surprisingly vibrant nightlife, especially for a city of its size. The Old Town is full of traditional pubs, lively bars and some bigger nightclubs. Outside the Old Town, the Telliskivi Creative City offers a more alternative scene with craft beer bars and unique venues. There are also plenty of sophisticated cocktail bars and even a few casinos.