How I’d Recommend Spending 3 Days in Tallinn, Estonia: A Complete Iitnerary

Tallinn is a popular day trip from Helsinki, and it’s well worth visiting when you’re in the region. But while you can see some of Estonia’s capital in one day, I feel like staying overnight—and preferably for a long weekend—is necessary to really explore the city. 

While its Old Town gets a lot of attention, Tallinn has even more to offer beyond the Medieval walls. The city effortlessly blends traditions with modernity in a way that few other cities can replicate. It has a distinctly Northern European feel, and its forward-looking mindset is inspirational. To say that the future is looking bright for Tallinn would be an understatement. 

That said, Tallinn is already great. I have visited five times, and each time I return, I’m impressed by just how much has changed since I was most recently there beforehand. I am certain that this city will win you over without even trying, and you’ll probably want to return before too long. 

Based on my comprehensive experiences in Tallinn during all seasons, I’ve put together this complete weekend guide. You’ll find an in-depth itinerary to follow, with restaurant recommendations, suggested breweries, museums, and much more. To ensure you’re fully prepared, you will also find the practical information you need. 

Day 1: Tallinn’s Old Town and the Rotermann Quarter

On your first day in Tallinn, you’ll spend most of your time in the central districts. Many of the main sights are concentrated in this area, making it a logical place to start. 

The Rotermann Quarter, which is where I recommend booking your hotel, is also nearby—making it convenient to explore. 

Morning

After arriving in Tallinn, ask your hotel if you can leave your luggage there. Alternatively, you can pay to use the luggage storage facility at GO Hotel Shnelli—which is next to the city’s main train station.

Head into Tallinn’s Old Town after dropping off your luggage. If you’re feeling hungry, Pulla Bakery is a good place to start the day. The focaccia bread is really good, and you’ll find various sweet treats here, too. Indoor and outdoor seating is available. 

After having some food, go to St. Olaf’s Church. The observation deck has fantastic views of Tallinn in all directions, including over the Old Town and the Baltic Sea. The tower is open from May to October, and it’s an absolute must if you’re in the city at this time. The climb up will be challenging, with narrow staircases, but the views are worth it.

Tallinn does not hide away from its history, and learning about the era of Soviet occupation is an essential part of your visit. In my opinion, the best place to do that is at the KGB Cells—which are very close to St. Olaf’s Church. The museum details the horrific conditions for inmates, with stories of those who fought for Estonia’s freedom. You can also sit inside the solitary confinement cell; I challenge you to last longer than a minute in there. 

Afternoon

Stop for some lunch at Restoran Olde Hansa. Though a bit touristy, I actually quite liked visiting here. The portions are generous, and it’s fun to be served by staff wearing Medieval clothing. I suggest booking a table in advance, which you can do on the website. 

Head to Raekoja Plats, the Town Hall Square, after having lunch. If you’re visiting between May and August, visiting the Tallinn Town Hall is a must. You’ll find in-depth exhibitions and views of the main square; we visited in the summer of 2025 and really enjoyed it. 

If you’re visiting in the run-up to Christmas, you should still check out Raekoja Plats for its Christmas market. I’ve been twice, and this is one of my favorite Christmas markets in Europe. Munich and Bruges are the only two that I would say I prefer to Tallinn. You can get glögi and various other hot drinks, alongside food and souvenirs. 

Spend some time afterward wandering around the Old Town. Be sure to visit its various free lookout spots, including the Kohtuotsa Viewing Platform. Offering a panorama of the Old Town and newer districts, you might even see the famous seagull here. Kohtuotsa gets *very* crowded at peak times, so you may want to wait until the day trippers have left before coming here. 

The Patkuli Viewing Platform is also worth checking out. St. Olaf’s Cathedral is the main attraction you can see from here, though you can see the Tallinn TV Tower in the background, too. As you wander around the Old Town, I recommend quick stops at Alexander Nevsky Cathedral and Toompea Castle (plus the nearby park.

If you have time, I recommend going to the Estonian Architecture Museum. In my opinion, Estonia is one of Europe’s most underrated countries for architecture—and you can learn all about its heritage here. Several exhibitions cover multiple floors; it’s very close to the Rotermann Quarter. The museum is also included in the Tallinn Card.

Evening

Finish your first day in Tallinn with some dinner at Bruxx. I wrote about our experiences at this restaurant, which serves New Belgian cuisine. It’s one of the more unique places I’ve eaten in Northern Europe, especially in the Baltics, and it’s well worth indulging in. 

You can reserve a table in advance on the Bruxx website. In addition to a comprehensive menu, you’ll find various drinks on the menu. 

After eating dinner, I recommend having a walk around the Rotermann Quarter. This district primarily features shops, hotels, and restaurants. However, the architecture is also pretty interesting. 

Day 2: Kalamaja and Telliskivi Creative City

Day 2 will have a completely different theme. Whereas we spent most of our time in the Old Town on the first day, the second day will cover some of Tallinn’s more unique (and lesser-explored) districts. By the end of the day, you’ll have seen the city’s creative edge with your own two eyes. 

We will, however, also return to the Old Town in the evening for some food.  

Morning

Start the day at RØST. This is the best bakery in Tallinn, in my opinion, and the regular queues outside are justified. The cinnamon buns are very *drool emoji*, and we also enjoyed the sandwiches here. The coffee is nice, too. 

RØST is quite small, so you might need to take your food elsewhere. Regardless, stopping here is an absolute must. The bakery is in the heart of the Rotermann Quarter. 

From here, take the 30-minute walk to Telliskivi. This is Tallinn’s creative heart, with lots of interesting galleries and shops. While you’re here, I strongly recommend visiting Fotografiska. While small, the exhibitions are fantastic. 

From the rooftop bar at Fotografiska, you’ll get great views of the district and its surrounding areas. Moreover, you can pick from various cocktails and mocktails. The restaurant has a Michelin Green Star, too.  

Afternoon

In the afternoon, walk over to Kalamaja. This neighborhood, which is around 20 minutes on foot from Telliskivi, has a mixture of old wooden houses and newer architecture. It’s a really quirky part of town—some could argue even more so than Telliskivi.

When you’re ready for lunch, Põhjala is *the* place to be. This craft beer brewery reminds me a lot of Warpigs in Copenhagen, and you’ll find several excellent beers on tap. As always, I naturally went for the darkest one on the menu. And… I can confirm it’s good. 

The food at Põhjala is nice as well, and there’s plenty of indoor and outdoor seating. This place can get quite hot in the summer, but I still recommend visiting. The shop is worth checking out, too; I really like their range of T-shirts. 

After some food and a couple of drinks, go for a lazy wander around the waterfront. You’ll find various modern apartments here, along with nice views out toward the Baltic Sea. You can get ice cream in the summer, too. 

Evening

Go to Beer and Barrel in the Old Town for dinner. You’ll find burgers and a handful of other dishes on the menu, along with a decent selection of drinks. You will find both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. 

After dinner, have another stroll around the Old Town. It’s generally less crowded at this time, though the bars and pubs can be quite busy on Saturday evenings. Consider ending the day with some ice cream at Gelato Ladies if you have a sweet tooth. 

Day 3: Kadriorg and the Tallinn TV Tower

Your third day in Tallinn will show yet another side to the Estonian capital that many tourists never see. Having seen some of the city’s more hip parts, you’ll discover elegance in Kadriorg. Moreover, we’ll go for another of the best viewpoints in Tallinn and some iconic architecture. 

Morning

Start the day with food in the Rotermann Quarter. And yes, RØST is so good that I’m recommending going there two days in a row.

From just outside the Rotermann Quarter, you can take the bus to the Tallinn TV Tower. If you get the Tallinn Card, you’ll get guaranteed entry; the tower has capacity limits. You’ll find exhibitions about the building inside, along with views of Tallinn and its suburbs. If you’re feeling brave, you can book a Walk the Edge experience. 

The Tallinn TV Tower is around 20 minutes from the city center by bus. Get off at the Teletorn bus stop; the tower right outside. If you’re visiting with kids, you’ll find a playground and zip line outside the TV Tower.

Afternoon

Take the bus back into town, but get off at Pirita and walk along the seafront promenade. On the way, check out Kadrioru Park and Kadriorg Palace, which is in the park. This elegant red palace has a lovely garden, and from May to September, you can visit a museum here. 

The Kadriorg neighborhood itself is lovely for a wander through. It’s one of the most upscale districts in the city, and it feels distinctly greener than some of the others. Depending on the time of your flight, you can take the tram back into town if you don’t have enough time to walk. From there, getting the tram to the airport is easy.

Alternatively, you can order a Bolt taxi and go to the airport from Kadriorg. 

Evening

If you have a later flight, you can spend some time exploring the area around Tallinn’s main harbor. You’ll find some places to eat here, along with a big shopping mall and a harbor market. It’s an ideal endpoint for your Tallinn adventure if you’re getting the ferry to Helsinki, too. 

From the harbor, you can get a tram and then change for transport to the airport. Otherwise, Bolt is another viable option and not too expensive. 

If You Have a 4th Day…

Three days is a good amount for exploring Tallinn itself, but I do recommend staying another night if you have some extra time. If you do, you will have no issues keeping yourself entertained—whether you decide to stay in Estonia or head over to Finland for the day. 

Go to Nõmme and Hiiu

Nõmme and Hiiu are very rarely seen by tourists, and they feel distinctly local. You can take the bus from Tallinn to Nõmme; we took Bolt back into the city afterward from Hiiu. 

Nõmme has a lovely little market with various food stands selling fresh produce. You should also walk to Glehn Castle, spending some time in the rest of the park while you’re here. The castle itself is cool, but the statues in Glehn Park are the main reason to visit, in my opinion. 

If you visit in the summer, be prepared to deal with horseflies. While not dangerous, they do deliver a painful bite and are often unavoidable. They’re even more annoying than mosquitoes, in my opinion—but despite their existence, I still think the park is worth seeing. 

Alternatively, Take a Day Trip to Helsinki or Tartu

If you want to see somewhere else, the Finnish capital Helsinki is just two hours away by ferry. I have visited Helsinki multiple times and always really enjoy my time here. 

Senate Square is worth seeing if you only have a day, and I’d otherwise suggest spending the bulk of your time in Punavuori and Eira. You will need at least a weekend to see everything in Helsinki, but one day in the capital can give you a nice introduction, nonetheless. 

If you just want to have a relaxed day in Helsinki, spend the day in upscale Eira and spend a few hours at the Löyly sauna. Besides sweating your worries away, you can feel alive by swimming in the Baltic Sea. The restaurant here is really nice, too. 

While Helsinki is great, Estonia in general is really cool. Tartu, the second-biggest city, is another viable day trip option from Tallinn. It’s three hours away, with regular train and bus connections. We took the train and found pretty affordable tickets, even in first class.

We did stay overnight in Tartu (and I would recommend doing the same, if possible), but you can see much of the city in a day. The main square is pretty, and Tartu is also home to several fantastic museums. I really enjoyed the Estonian National Museum, and the AHHAA Science Center is also worth visiting. Closer to the city, the Sport and Olympic Museum was one of my favorite museums on our entire summer 2025 Baltic trip.

Where I Recommend Staying in Tallinn

I’ve stayed in various hotels and hostels during my various visits to Tallinn, and Metropol Spa Hotel is my favorite. It’s in the Rotermann Quarter, and I liked how it was not right in the Old Town. Thanks to this, it was very quiet. We had nice views of the Old Town from our room, too, which was nice. 

Tips for Making the Most Out of Your Weekend in Tallinn

In addition to providing you with a comprehensive weekend itinerary, I’m also offering some of my top tips to help you get the most out of your trip.

1. Consider Buying the Tallinn Card

I’ve mentioned the Tallinn Card a lot in this article, and that’s because it offers better value for money than most city cards. You get unlimited public transport rides, which is really useful when outside the Old Town. Moreover, you’ll receive access to all the main museums and attractions. 

As mentioned in my Tallinn Card review, we saved a decent amount of money on our summer 2025 trip when using the card. Having everything included was also convenient because we didn’t need to worry about buying additional tickets. 

If you’re visiting in the summer especially, you should 100% buy the Tallinn Card. All the peak season attractions, which are only open during this time of the year, are included. However, you can also get good value for money when visiting at other times instead.  

2. Don’t Spend All Your Time in the Old Town

Most tourists concentrate their attention around the Old Town, even if they’re in Tallinn for more than a day. In my opinion, this is a mistake. While I cannot deny that the Old Town is beautiful, it’s only one part of Tallinn. 

You’ll discover the Estonian capital in all its glory by going to neighborhoods outside the Old Town. Moreover, these parts of the city have excellent places to eat and drink. Not seeing the likes of Kalamaja and Telliskivi would mean missing out on some of Tallinn’s best offerings. 

3. Note the Summer and Winter Daylight Hour Differences

Tallinn is 59ºN, which is further north than Copenhagen and slightly higher up than Stockholm. Like other cities in Northern Europe, Tallinn’s daylight hours vary significantly in the summer and winter. 

In the peak of summer, the sun rises just after 4am and doesn’t set until shortly before 11pm. However, it doesn’t get fully dark. As a result, you have all day (and night!) for various activities. 

On the flip side, winter days are very short. On December 21, the sun doesn’t rise until after 9am and is down again before 4pm. Since you have less daylight, you’ll need to think about when you do outdoor activities in Tallinn. In my itinerary, I aimed to ensure that you had minimal disruption. 

Getting Around Tallinn

Tallinn is very walkable, and everywhere in the Old Town is within walking distance of each other. You can also walk to neighborhoods like Rotermann, Telliskivi, and Kalamaja. For the main parts of the city center, I suggest getting around on foot as your main choice. 

For some parts of the city, taking the bus or tram is more convenient. This is the case if you’re going to Kadriorg, for example. You can also take a direct tram to and from Tallinn Airport. 

To buy single public transport tickets, you can download the Pilet app. Generally speaking, Tallinn has very good and affordable public transport. 

That said, waiting times can sometimes be longer than you might be used to outside the city center. Bolt is the city’s main ride-sharing service (fun fact: it’s also an Estonian company), and I recommend downloading the app as a result. 

We used Bolt in Tallinn, Riga, and Tartu without issues. Prices are very reasonable, and we normally didn’t need to wait too long. The app is useful to have as a backup if public transport is scarce or you simply don’t want to take it. 

Money

Tallinn, like the rest of Estonia, uses the Euro (€). Card payments are accepted pretty much everywhere; I have not used cash in the city since my first visit in 2018. 

When visiting Tallinn, I use a Wise card to avoid hefty foreign exchange fees. I can use an EUR account within the app, too. Signing up is completely free, and I’d recommend doing so if you’re visiting anywhere else in Northern Europe, too. 

How to Get To and From Tallinn

Tallinn is very easy to reach from multiple European cities, and you have the option to arrive by land, road, rail, or sea. 

Flying to Tallinn

Tallinn Airport (TLL) is the city’s only airport, making it a convenient option for getting into town. It’s an easy flight from London (2 hours and 45 minutes), Copenhagen (1 hour and 30 minutes), Amsterdam (2 hours and 20 minutes), and many other cities. 

A handful of continental flights, namely to and from Egypt, Vietnam, and Thailand, also go to Tallinn. 

If you’re visiting Tallinn from North America, your best option is to fly into one of the main European cities and take a connecting flight. Alternatively, you can fly to Helsinki and take the ferry to Tallinn. 

Arriving by Ferry

Several direct ferries operate between Tallinn and Helsinki daily, with the journey taking between two and two-and-a-half hours. The Viking Line takes longer, but it’s generally cheaper than Tallink. While I prefer Tallink, both are fine. You can also sail via the Eckerö Line. 

Tallink and the Eckerö Line from Länsiterminaali 2 (West Terminal 2) in Helsinki. Viking Line, on the other hand, sails to Tallinn from Katajanokka—which is closer to the center of the Finnish capital. 

Both ferries arrive at the same port, which is then around 15 minutes from Tallinn’s Old Town on foot. However, they pull into different terminals. 

In addition to arriving from Helsinki, you can take an overnight cruise from Stockholm. I used to live in Stockholm and still enjoy visiting; the Swedish capital has plenty of interesting things to do. So, if you have some more time and want to travel slowly, you may wish to combine both cities in the same trip.  

Train or Bus

If you’re exploring the rest of the Baltic region, you can easily reach Tallinn by bus. There are daily departures from Riga. The main bus station is around 30 minutes from the Old Town on foot, but you can take a tram or bus from there. 

You can also arrive in Tallinn from other parts of Estonia, including Tartu and Narva, by train. Connecting trains to Latvia and Lithuania also operate. The main train station is roughly a 10-minute walk from the Old Town. 

Final Thoughts

Tallinn is one of Europe’s best weekend destinations and the perfect city break if you want to visit somewhere unique. While the Old Town is well-known and loved (and rightly so), the city has so much to offer beyond its pastel-colored houses and cobblestone streets. The Estonian capital has a trendy feel in its other districts, along with some more upscale neighborhoods worth seeing. 

With good public transport, efficient international transport links, and still good value for money compared to many cities (despite getting more expensive), Tallinn has all the benefits of a fun getaway. Couple that with great breweries and cool museums, and you may find that you don’t want to leave.

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