Tallinn in 5 days

A fairy-tale medieval capital of cobbled lanes and spires, plus a buzzing digital-age creative scene. Best time to visit: May-September; December for Christmas markets. Average daily budget: $70 to $130 USD.

Day 1, Get oriented

Base: Old Town (Vanalinn), The walled medieval core: Town Hall Square, towers and churches.

Morning: Old Town walls & towers. Walk the cobbled lanes and climb the medieval ramparts.

Afternoon: Explore Old Town (Vanalinn), The walled medieval core: Town Hall Square, towers and churches.

Evening: Toompea viewpoints. Look out over the red rooftops from Kohtuotsa and Patkuli platforms.

Eat: Hearty Estonian black bread and pork dishes

Day 2, Iconic sights

Base: Toompea, The upper old town with viewpoints, the castle and Alexander Nevsky Cathedral.

Morning: Alexander Nevsky Cathedral. The onion-domed Orthodox cathedral on Toompea hill.

Afternoon: Explore Toompea, The upper old town with viewpoints, the castle and Alexander Nevsky Cathedral.

Evening: Telliskivi Creative City. Street art, design shops, markets and modern food halls.

Eat: Elk soup or other game in a medieval-themed tavern

Day 3, Local neighbourhoods

Base: Telliskivi (Kalamaja), A creative quarter of former factories, street art and cafés.

Morning: The Kadriorg Palace and KUMU art museum.. A local favourite most visitors miss, worth the detour.

Afternoon: Explore Telliskivi (Kalamaja), A creative quarter of former factories, street art and cafés.

Evening: Coffee and cake at a hidden old-town courtyard café.. A local favourite most visitors miss, worth the detour.

Eat: Modern Nordic-Baltic cuisine in Telliskivi

Day 4, Day trip or nature

Base: Kadriorg, A baroque palace, art museum and park east of the centre.

Morning: The Seaplane Harbour maritime museum.. A local favourite most visitors miss, worth the detour.

Afternoon: Explore Kadriorg, A baroque palace, art museum and park east of the centre.

Evening: Sunset views from the Patkuli platform with fewer crowds.. A local favourite most visitors miss, worth the detour.

Eat: Marzipan, a Tallinn specialty since medieval times

Day 5, Slow finish

Base: Pirita, The seaside district with a beach and yacht marina.

Morning: Slow start: coffee in Pirita, then an unhurried walk before the heat or the crowds.

Afternoon: Explore Pirita, The seaside district with a beach and yacht marina.

Evening: Dinner at Hearty Estonian black bread and pork dishes, then a quiet drink wherever the locals are in Pirita.

Eat: Hearty Estonian black bread and pork dishes

Hidden gems

The Kadriorg Palace and KUMU art museum.
Coffee and cake at a hidden old-town courtyard café.
The Seaplane Harbour maritime museum.
Sunset views from the Patkuli platform with fewer crowds.

Getting around

The old town is small and walkable (wear comfy shoes for the cobbles). Trams and buses reach Telliskivi, Kadriorg and the seafront cheaply, and public transport is free for registered residents but inexpensive for visitors. Fast ferries link Tallinn with Helsinki in about two hours.

Safety

Tallinn is safe and easy. Keep usual pickpocket awareness in the busy old town when cruise ships are in, and note that some old-town bars and 'hostess' clubs near the tourist core overcharge, so stick to reputable spots. Cobbles get slippery when wet or icy.

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