Europe / Estonia

Tallinn: The Historical Capital City of Estonia

This page contains affiliate links. This means that I get a commission if you purchase through my links, at no cost to you.

View over Tallinn

Tallinn is known for being the capital and largest city of Estonia and has a population of around 450,000 people. Situated on the coast of the Gulf of Finland Tallinn possesses a rich and fascinating history that can be observed in its stunning architecture. Walking around the Old Town of Tallinn can feel like traveling back in time due to its Gothic spires, colorful facades, and ornate detailing that are everywhere you look.

UNESCO Heritage in Tallinn's Old Town

The city has one of the best-preserved medieval city centers in Europe - it's no surprise that it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore its narrow alleys and discover quaint cafes and boutique shops to wander hours away. Make sure to visit St. Catherine's Passage as well to check out its hidden gem artisan workshops. The town hall in Tallinn still serves as the seat of government after being built back during the 1400s - it's also a common location for events and ceremonies. If you climb up to its tower you will experience some breathtaking views of both the city center and surrounding area.

Tallinn's Historic Town Hall

An interesting fact about the town hall is that it is home to what is said to be Europe's oldest weather vane in the shape of a little old man. Despite being steeped in history, don't overlook Tallinn's vibrant modern culture! The Kalamaja district offers trendy spots such as street art exhibits as well as quirky cafes and vintage stores where you can enjoy coffee while browsing vinyl records that take you back down memory lane. Contemporary art enthusiasts should make their way over to Kumu Art Museum - which houses an impressive collection showcasing not just local Estonian contemporary works but temporary exhibits from international artists.

Tallinn's Unique Blend of Heritage, Creativity, and Innovation

What makes Tallinn so special is how it manages to balance both tradition and heritage with new ideas and trends impeccably well! The creativity in Tallinn runs deep with artistic geniuses pushing boundaries in music, writing, and art at every turn. And it's no wonder that opportunities abound with the Telliskivi Creative City leading the way as an old industrial complex turned artsy hub for innovators and entrepreneurs alike. The variety of funky restaurants, and engaging shops all complemented by amazing galleries and design studies make this an experience not-to-be-missed place to be in Tallinn. This Estonian city is one-of-a-kind where bicycles merge harmoniously into daily life thanks to dedicated biking paths along most streets crisscrossing the lush municipality aiding commuters from all walks of life while offering great exercise routines.

Frequently Asked Questions about Estonia

  • What is the capital of Estonia?

    The capital of Estonia is Tallinn. Tallinn is known for being largest city of Estonia and has a population of around 450,000 people. Situated on the coast of the Gulf of Finland Tallinn possesses a rich and fascinating history that can be observed in its stunning architecture.

  • What currency does Estonia use?

    Estonia uses the Euro (€) as its official currency.

  • Are credit cards accepted in Estonia?

    Yes, credit cards are widely accepted in Estonia, especially in urban areas and popular tourist destinations. Visa and MasterCard are the most commonly used credit cards.

  • What is the best time to travel to Estonia?

    The best time to travel to Estonia is during the summer months, from late May to early September. This is when the weather is relatively mild and the days are longer, allowing you to enjoy outdoor activities and explore the country's natural beauty. The winters can be quite cold, but they also offer a unique experience if you're interested in winter sports and festive celebrations.

  • What is the population of Estonia?

    The population of Estonia is around 1.3 million people.

  • What language do they speak in Estonia?

    The official language of Estonia is Estonian. It is a Finno-Ugric language and is unrelated to most other European languages. English is also widely spoken, especially in urban areas and among younger generations.

  • Do I need a visa for Estonia?

    Visa requirements can vary based on your nationality and the purpose of your visit. Citizens of many countries within the European Union (EU) and the Schengen Area do not need a visa for short stays (up to 90 days) in Estonia. However, it's essential to check the latest visa requirements and regulations based on your specific situation before you travel.

  • Is Estonia a safe country?

    Estonia is generally considered a safe country to visit. Crime rates are relatively low, and the country has a stable political and social environment. However, like in any destination, it's recommended to exercise basic precautions, such as safeguarding your belongings and being aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded or tourist areas.

Hotels in Tallinn

Here’s a list of the hotels where I stayed during my time in Tallinn. Each hotel is rated based on my overall experience, and I’ve also included a price range to give you an idea of what to expect in terms of cost.

NameTypePriceRating
ibis Tallinn CenterHotels

Restaurants in Tallinn

These are the restaurants I visited while exploring Tallinn. I’ve provided my overall rating for each spot, along with a price range to help you understand how much a meal might cost.

NameTypePriceRating
Ehe MaitseRestaurants
Restaurant KaerajaanRestaurants
Restoran Olde HansaRestaurants

Activities in Tallinn

This table lists the activities I enjoyed during my visit to Tallinn. I’ve included both an overall rating and a price range for each activity.

NameTypePriceRating
Estonian History MuseumMuseums
KGB Prison CellsMuseums
Kiek in de KökMuseums

Tallinn

Tallinn is known for being the capital and largest city of Estonia and has a population of around 450,000 people.
CountryEstonia
ContinentEurope
CurrencyEuro
LanguageEstonian

About Me

Silhouette of a guy at airport

Hey there! I'm Rainier and I'm the person behind Roaming with Rainier. I've always been really into traveling and photography. I've been fortunate enough to visit incredible destinations and there are still so many more on my bucket list. My plan is to explore breathtaking places around the world and share my experiences through articles and reviews.

Read the full story

Newsletter

Sign up for my newsletter to stay informed about the best travel destinations.

Tags

  • Architecture
  • Cities
  • History
  • Medieval
  • Tourism
Tallinn, Estonia

Related Content

View over Tallinn
Blog / Group Tours

My Baltic Adventure: Exploring Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania

Aug. 24, 2023

To be completely honest, I've never really considered the idea of visiting the Baltic countries before. I'm not entirely sure why that is. In my home country, these destinations aren't particularly popular for vacations. Given that our typical summer days are often cloudy or rainy, people tend to gravitate towards warmer spots down south, I …

Read more

View over Tallinn
Travel Guides / Road Trips

Explore the Baltic Capitals on an Exciting 7-Day Adventure

July 22, 2023

In May 2023, I embarked on a truly unforgettable journey to explore the beautiful Baltic capitals of Tallinn, Riga and Vilnius. As I immersed myself in the enchanting medieval ambiance of Tallinn's Old Town, was amazed by the captivating Art Nouveau district in Riga and embraced the undeniable bohemian vibes of Vilnius, I felt compelled …

Read more

Tallinn, Estonia
Travel Guides / City Trips

Top 5 Things To Do in Tallinn

July 15, 2023

Tallinn, the captivating capital of Estonia is a picturesque destination that effortlessly combines heritage with modern elegance. Its preserved Old Town, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site captivates travelers from all corners of the globe with its cobblestone streets, medieval buildings and vibrant cultural atmosphere. Tallinn offers an array of attractions; from museums and …

Read more

GetYourGuide

Things to do in Tallinn