Tallinn Car Hire

Guide of Tallinn

Things To Do in Tallinn

Arguably one of the most beautiful cities in Northern Europe, Tallinn is steeped in history and culture. The medieval stone walls that encompass the city are a sight to be seen, as well as the winding cobble streets and open courtyards that draw thousands of tourists each year. But with such a jaw-dropping city, where do you start? There is so much to do in Estonia’s capital you won’t want to miss.

Old Town

You can’t visit Tallinn without stepping into the Old Town – it truly is like stepping back in time. From the second you enter the town, your eyes will be drawn to locals dressed in medieval clothing and the beautifully preserved architecture from years gone by. The Old Town has somehow escaped the influence of the outside world and never feels overly ‘touristy,’ despite it being one of the top attractions. For an authentic look at what Estonia may have been like over the years, the Old Town is a must.

Viru Gates

To get to the Old Town, you must first walk through the Viru Gates. The Viru Gates make up part of the city's defence system that was first built in the 14th century. Though part of the gates was demolished to allow for redevelopment (such as the need for horse-drawn carriages to be able to get in and out) the gates still remain intact and in near-perfect condition. The area around the gates has charming market stalls that sell woollen products, roasted nuts and a handful of Estonian restaurants – so your sense will come alive as soon as you enter the gates.

Port of Tallinn

If you’re arriving to Tallinn by boat, you’ll likely spend some time walking through the port. The Port of Tallinn is in the ‘Sadama District (or harbour district) and is one of the best places to see the culture of Tallinn come alive. In the area, you will find affordable restaurants and hotels, as well as the Museum of Estonian Architecture which is known for its contemporary work and ever-changing exhibitions.

Kohtuotsa Viewing Platform

You cannot go to Tallinn without seeing the view from the Kohtuotsa Viewing Platform. The Kohtuotsa Viewing Platform is by far the best view of Tallinn and is worth the climb. Situated on Toompea Hill, you’ll be able to see views of the Port of Tallinn, bell towers and the picturesque orange roof tiles the capital is known for. The Kohtuotsa Viewing Platform is a popular destination for musicians to spend time playing live music and entertaining both locals and tourists alike, so the atmosphere is unlike any other.

Eating Out in Tallinn

Tallinn is home to some of the best restaurants in the Baltic states – so eating out will never be a challenge here. Tourists from all over can indulge in anything from traditional Estonian cuisine like Kiluvõileib to medieval foods and drinks. The Estonians are passionate about their food and their service, so you absolutely must visit as many restaurants as possible on your visit.

Try out their local beers

It is a well-known fact that the Baltics are known for their craft beers, and the Estonians definitely lead the way with this. Craft beers can be found all over the city, with special events occurring all year round to celebrate the unique taste of Estonian local beers. Some of the best and most well-loved Estonian breweries are the Põhjala Brewery, Beer Shop and Porgu Beer Cellar.

Lee

Situated in the Old Town of Tallinn is Lee. ‘Lee’ is an archaic Estonian word that means to gather around a fireplace, share stories and eat good food – and it is no wonder that this restaurant has been named after this. Lee is a fine dining restaurant surrounded by medieval architecture and the best way to discover what excellent food there is on offer in Tallinn. The menu at Lee changed weekly, so each visit is exclusive and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. The award-winning chefs at the restaurant only use local produce and pride themselves on their ever-changing menu and dedication to their Estonian roots.

Tuljak

Located inside one of the city's most artistically restored pieces of Estonian architecture is Tuljak. Designed in the 60s by one of Estonia's most influential female architects, Tuljak was restored to its former glory and reborn in 2015 becoming a Michelin Star establishment in 2022. Here, you can have some of Estonia’s most famous dishes, along with enjoying the panoramic sea views while you eat.

Transport

Tallinn Airport is Estonia’s biggest (and only) international airport. It caters for people all over the world to get in and out of the country, and hosts airlines like Nordica, AirBaltic and LOT Polish Airlines – as well as other airlines from around the world. Given that the nation is quite low-lying, getting yourself around the city is quite easy. Biking is a great way to see the sites, but there is also an array of public transport options too. If you’re looking to see other cities during your stay, you can get domestic flights to places like Hiiumaa and get there and back relatively quickly (just make sure you check there are flights beforehand!) However, if you’re looking to just stay within the city, most of Tallinn’s main landmarks are within walking distance of each other, so stretching your legs and walking around the old-fashioned way, if possible, is a great idea to soak up the sights. Along with walking and public transport, cars can be hired for those longer journeys to be able to see the rest of the country with ease and in a hassle-free way.