Tallinn Travel: 100 Questions Answered

You can see the main sights of the Old Town in a weekend or a couple of days, but a longer trip (3-5 days) is recommended to explore more museums, districts, and take a day trip.

Is Tallinn expensive?

Compared to Western European cities, Tallinn is generally considered affordable, although tourist-heavy areas like the Old Town can have higher prices.

What’s the best time of year to visit Tallinn?

Summer (June-August) is the most popular, with long daylight hours and a lively atmosphere. Winter is also magical, especially with the Christmas markets. Spring and autumn are less crowded.

What’s the weather like?

The weather is unpredictable. It’s best to pack layers, including a waterproof jacket, even in the summer. Winters are cold and snowy.

Is the Tallinn Card worth it?

Opinions vary. It can be a good value if you plan to visit a lot of museums and use public transport frequently, but it may not be for everyone.

Is Tallinn a safe city?

Yes, it’s considered a very safe city for tourists, including solo travelers.

Do I need cash?

Estonia is very tech-savvy. Card, Apple Pay, and other digital payments are widely accepted, but it’s prudent to carry a small amount of cash just in case.

What is the currency?

The currency is the Euro (€).

How do you pronounce “Tallinn”?

“Tah-lin,” with the emphasis on the first syllable.

Getting Around

How do I get from the airport to the city center?

Tallinn Airport is very close to the city. A taxi (or ride-sharing app like Bolt) is a quick and affordable option (around €7). Public transport is also available.

Is public transport reliable?

Yes, Tallinn has a reliable public transport network of buses, trams, and trolleybuses.

How do I pay for public transport?

You can pay with a contactless card directly on the first validator inside the vehicle. You can also purchase a special Tallinn transport card or use a mobile app.

Is the Old Town walkable?

Yes, the Old Town is very walkable and is best explored on foot.

Are ride-sharing apps like Uber available?

Yes, Bolt is the most popular and widely used ride-sharing app.

Is it easy to rent a car?

Yes, car rental is an option, especially if you plan on day trips outside the city. There are also app-based car-sharing services like Bolt Drive.

Sights & Attractions

What are the top must-see sights in Tallinn’s Old Town?

Town Hall Square (Raekoja plats), St. Catherine’s Passage, Patkuli and Kohtuotsa viewing platforms, Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, and the city walls and towers.

What is the best way to see the Old Town?

A walking tour, especially a free or ‘pay-what-you-want’ one, is a great way to get an overview and hear stories. Otherwise, simply wandering the cobblestone streets is the best way to explore.

What are the best museums?

Lennusadam Seaplane Harbour (maritime museum), Kumu Art Museum, and Kiek in de Kök Fortifications Museum are highly recommended.

Is there anything to see outside of the Old Town?

Yes, definitely! Don’t miss the Telliskivi Creative City, the Kalamaja district with its wooden houses, and the Kadriorg Park and Palace.

What is the TV Tower (Teletorn)?

The Tallinn TV Tower is the tallest building in Estonia and offers panoramic views of the city and surrounding area.

What is the best viewing platform?

Kohtuotsa viewing platform is famous for its “The Times We Had” sign. Patkuli viewing platform offers a different but equally stunning view.

Is the Old Town Hall worth visiting?

The Town Hall is a magnificent example of Gothic architecture and functions as a museum. Its tower has limited opening times, but the climb offers great views.

Are there any unique experiences?

Exploring the Bastion Passages (underground tunnels), climbing the city walls, and visiting a medieval-themed restaurant are all popular and unique experiences.

Is it worth visiting Tallinn during a cruise stop?

Yes, the Old Town is a short walk from the port, making it a perfect destination for a day trip.

Food & Drink

What is the food scene like in Tallinn?

Tallinn has a diverse and high-quality food scene, ranging from traditional Estonian fare to modern, international cuisine.

What are some recommended restaurants?

In the Old Town: Rataskaevu 16, Kolmas Draakon (for a medieval experience), Olde Hansa (also medieval).

Outside the Old Town: F-Hoone (Telliskivi), Moon (modern Slavic), Lore Bistroo (Noblessner).

Where can I find affordable food?

Look for “päevapakkumised” (daily specials), which are affordable lunch deals offered by many restaurants. Balti Jaama Turg (market) has many food stalls with good options.

What is a traditional Estonian dish I should try?

You can try blood sausage (verivorst) in the winter, or a traditional rye bread.

Where can I get a good coffee?

Tallinn has many excellent cafes, especially in the Kalamaja and Telliskivi areas.

What is Glögg?

A hot spiced wine, similar to German Glühwein or mulled wine, a popular drink in the colder months.

What’s a local drink to try?

Vana Tallinn, a dark rum-based liqueur, is a popular choice.

Nightlife

What is the nightlife like in Tallinn?

Tallinn has a lively nightlife scene with a variety of bars and clubs.

Where are the main nightlife areas?

The Old Town is home to many tourist-friendly pubs and clubs. The Telliskivi area has a more alternative and local feel with bars like Sveta Baar.

Are there any good clubs?

Clubs like Hollywood, Venus, and Studio are popular choices. For a rock/metal scene, Barbar is an option.

What’s the atmosphere like on a Saturday night?

The city, especially the Old Town, is bustling with both tourists and locals.

Day Trips

What are the best day trips from Tallinn?

Lahemaa National Park for nature, Tartu (Estonia’s second-largest city and university town), and Viljandi (a small town with castle ruins) are all popular choices.

How do I get to Lahemaa National Park?

Renting a car is the most convenient option as public transport is limited in the park itself.

Is it possible to visit a bog on a day trip?

Yes, Viru Bog is a popular and accessible option, with buses stopping nearby. Pääsküla bog is also within the city limits.

How do I get to Helsinki from Tallinn?

The ferry is the most common way. The trip takes about two hours, and there are several competing companies (Tallink, Eckerö Line, Viking Line).

Is the ferry between Tallinn and Helsinki reliable?

Yes, the ferries are large, modern ships. The journey is generally smooth, though the sea can be choppy on stormy days.

Tips & Practicalities

Are there public toilets in the Old Town?

Public toilets are available, but many cafes and restaurants will also have them for patrons.

Is it okay to wear comfortable shoes?

Absolutely. The cobblestone streets of the Old Town are beautiful but can be hard on the feet. Comfortable shoes are a must.

What is the Estonian language like?

Estonian is a Uralic language. Most Estonians, especially those in the service industry, speak excellent English.

What’s a polite phrase to learn in Estonian?

“Tere” (hello) and “Aitäh” (thank you) are a good start.

Is it easy to find vegetarian/vegan food?

Yes, Tallinn has a growing and excellent selection of vegetarian and vegan restaurants, like Vegan V.

What about tap water?

The tap water is safe and delicious to drink.

Is it a good destination for a solo traveler?

Yes, Tallinn is very safe and easy to navigate for solo travelers.

Can I see Tallinn in one day?

You can get a good feel for the Old Town in one day, which is why it’s a popular day trip from Helsinki.

What’s a good place to find local souvenirs?

Balti Jaama Turg (market) has many stalls with local crafts and souvenirs, as do shops within the Old Town.

51-100: Additional & Specific Questions

Accommodation: Where is the best place to stay? Old Town for convenience and atmosphere, or outside for a more local feel and potentially better prices.

Budgeting: How much money should I budget per day? A mid-range budget would be around €50-€100 per day, excluding accommodation.

Family Travel: What are some things to do with kids? The Seaplane Harbour, the TV Tower, and the Tallinn Zoo are all family-friendly.

Art & Culture: Is the art scene good? Yes, the Kumu Art Museum is a highlight, and the Telliskivi area has many galleries.

Winter Travel: Is it worth visiting in the winter? Yes, the Christmas market in Town Hall Square is famous and creates a fairytale atmosphere.

History: What is the Soviet history like? You can visit the Museum of Occupations and Freedom to learn about this period.

Photography: What are the best photo spots? The viewing platforms, the streets of the Old Town, and the colorful wooden houses of Kalamaja.

Shopping: What are some good shopping areas? Viru Street in the Old Town, Viru Keskus and other malls in the city center, and the unique shops in Telliskivi.

Hidden Gems: Are there any less-known spots? Explore the side alleys of the Old Town, the Rotermann Quarter for modern architecture, and the Noblessner Port for a seaside stroll.

Safety at Night: Is it safe to walk around at night? Yes, the city center and Old Town are well-lit and generally safe.

Health: Do I need to worry about anything health-wise? No, standard travel precautions apply. The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) is valid.

Tipping: How much should I tip? Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated for good service, usually around 5-10%.

Dining Etiquette: Are there any dining rules I should know? No specific rules, but making a reservation for popular restaurants is recommended, especially on weekends.

Public Holidays: Are places open on public holidays? Most tourist attractions, restaurants, and shops remain open on major holidays like Easter, though some may have reduced hours.

Souvenirs: What are good souvenirs to buy? Marzipan, hand-knitted wool items, and local Estonian crafts.

Accommodation Types: Is it better to stay in a hotel or an Airbnb? Both are widely available. An Airbnb can offer a more local experience, while hotels offer standard services.

Visa: Do I need a visa? Estonia is part of the Schengen Area. Check your country’s specific visa requirements.

Connectivity: Is it easy to find Wi-Fi? Yes, Tallinn is known for its excellent public Wi-Fi access.

Language Barrier: Is the language barrier a big issue? No, English is widely spoken, especially by younger generations and in tourist areas.

Cost of Alcohol: Is alcohol expensive? It can be, but it’s often cheaper than in neighboring Finland.

Accessibility: Is Tallinn accessible for people with mobility issues? The Old Town has many cobblestone streets and stairs, which can be challenging, but many main attractions are accessible.

Solo Female Travel: Is it a good destination for a solo female traveler? Yes, it is considered very safe.

Nature: Are there good hiking spots near the city? Yes, Pääsküla bog and other nature reserves are accessible by public transport or a short drive.

Day Trip to Russia: Can I do a day trip to Russia from Tallinn? This requires a visa and is not a common or straightforward day trip.

Local Neighborhoods: What’s a good neighborhood to explore outside the Old Town? Kalamaja, Telliskivi, and Kadriorg are the most popular.

Hidden Bars: Are there any cool speakeasy-style bars? The Old Town has a number of cozy, tucked-away pubs.

Museum Pass: Is there a pass for museums? The Tallinn Card includes museum entrances.

Medieval Theme: Is the medieval theme overdone? While a major part of the tourist experience, it is also a genuine aspect of the city’s history.

Tours: Are there specific tours I should take? Walking tours, beer tasting tours, and Soviet-themed tours are all popular options.

Safety for LGBTQ+ Travelers: Is Tallinn an LGBTQ+ friendly destination? Yes, it is considered a progressive and safe city.

Christmas Markets: When do the Christmas markets start? They typically open in late November and run through the new year.

Currency Exchange: Where can I exchange money? Currency exchange offices are available, but using an ATM is usually the best option.

Getting to Tartu: How do I get to Tartu from Tallinn? The bus and train are both efficient and comfortable options.

Baltic States: Can I visit other Baltic capitals from Tallinn? Yes, buses run frequently to Riga and Vilnius.

Public Transport Map: Is it easy to find a public transport map? Yes, maps are available at bus stops and online.

Ferry to Helsinki: Do I need to book the ferry to Helsinki in advance? It’s recommended to book in advance, especially during peak season, but same-day tickets are often available.

Tallinn’s History: What is the city’s history? Tallinn’s history is shaped by its time under Danish, Swedish, German, and Russian rule.

Free Things to Do: Are there free things to do? Yes, walking the Old Town, visiting the viewing platforms, and exploring parks are all free.

Best Time to Walk the Old Town: What time is best to walk the Old Town? Early morning or late evening when the crowds are smaller.

Tourist Traps: Are there any tourist traps I should avoid? Be wary of restaurants in the main square that are expensive and offer lower quality food.

Local vs. Tourist Areas: What’s the difference between Old Town and the modern city? Old Town is for tourists, while the areas outside are where locals live, work, and socialize.

Bike Rentals: Can I rent a bike? Yes, bike rentals are available, especially in the summer.

Concerts/Events: Where can I find out about local events? Check the VisitTallinn website or local event listings.

Shopping for Clothes: Is there good shopping for clothes? Yes, there are many international brands and local boutiques.

Cost of Coffee: How much does a coffee cost? A coffee can range from €2.50 to €4.

Photography Rules: Are there any photography rules? No, you are generally free to take photos of public spaces.

Best Souvenir for a Foodie: What’s a good food-related souvenir? Marzipan or a bottle of Vana Tallinn liqueur.

Airport Security: Is airport security quick? Yes, Tallinn airport is relatively small and efficient.

Is it a good destination for a romantic getaway? Yes, the fairytale Old Town is a perfect backdrop for a romantic trip.

General Travel & Planning