Tallinn 4 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Exploring Old Town and Toompea Hill

  • Morning:

    • Check-in at your hotel (recommendations: Hotel Schlossle, Charlton Boutique Hotel, or Three Sisters Hotel & Hostel).
    • Grab a quick breakfast at the hotel or nearby café like Kohvik Keks.

  • Afternoon:

    • Visit Toompea Hill, home to the historic Toompea Castle (now the seat of Estonia’s parliament), Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, and Danish King Christian VIII’s Monument.
    • Wander through the cobbled streets of Old Town, stopping at St. Olav’s Church and Great Guild Hall along the way.
    • Visit the Tallinn Medieval Museum for an immersive experience of medieval life.

  • Evening:

    • Enjoy dinner at Paga Torn, a restaurant offering great views over Old Town with a menu focusing on local Estonian dishes.
    • Explore the vibrant nightlife in Telliskivi Creative City or the trendy bars in Rotermann Quarter.

Day 2: Museums and Art

  • Morning:

    • Start your day at the Estonian Open Air Museum for a glimpse into traditional Estonian life.
    • Head to Kadriorg Park, home to KUMU (Art Museum of Estonia) and Peter the Great’s Palace.

  • Afternoon:

    • Lunch at Restaurant Maikro, located within the Kadriorg Art Museum complex.
    • Visit the Occupation Museum (1940-1991) to learn about Estonia’s tumultuous past.

  • Evening:

    • Dine at F-Hoone, a restaurant housed in an 18th-century pharmacy with a unique atmosphere and a variety of dishes.
    • Take a sunset stroll along Pirita Beach or explore the bustling Balti Jaam Market.

Day 3: Island Hopping

  • Morning:

    • Catch a ferry to Tallinn’s closest island, KGB Museum-filled Kalevala Island (Veermaa). Spend the morning exploring this intriguing island.
    • Head to the larger and more touristy Suurikuu (Big John’s) Island for lunch at Seurahviliid Kaubund or Restaurant Mühle, known for its pancakes.

  • Afternoon:

    • Return to Tallinn and explore the Maarjamäe Palace Museum if you didn’t have time on Day 1.
    • Relax at a local spa like Lõuna-Tallin Spa or Qwintessence Spa & Wellness Hotel.

  • Evening:

    • Dine at Oleg’s Restaurant, offering traditional Estonian cuisine in a cozy atmosphere.
    • End the day with a drink at the Skywheel Bar for panoramic views of Tallinn.

Day 4: Day Trip to Lahemaa National Park or Tammsaare Museum

  • Morning:

    • Choose between a guided tour of Lahemaa National Park (nature, manors, and coastal views) or the Tammsaare Museum dedicated to Estonia’s famous writer Anton Hansen Tammsaar.

  • Afternoon:

    • If you visited Lahemaa, explore Tallinn’s lesser-known sights like the Botanical Garden, Patarei Sea Fortress, or the Creative City of Telliskivi.
    • Have a farewell dinner at NOA, a modern seafood restaurant with stunning views over Tallinn Bay.

Things to Know:

  • The official language is Estonian, but English is widely spoken in tourist areas.
  • The currency is the Estonian kroon (EEK), but euros are also accepted in many places.
  • Taxi scams are common, so use reliable companies like Taksoi Takso or Texicab.
  • Public transportation (buses and trams) is clean, affordable, and efficient. You can also explore the city on foot.
  • In summer, Tallinn’s days are very long, with sunrise around 4:30 AM and sunset after 10:00 PM.

Tips:

  • Buy a Tallinn Card for free or discounted access to museums and attractions, as well as public transportation.
  • Visit the tourist information center (located in Town Hall Square) for maps, brochures, and advice.
  • Take a walking tour with a local guide to learn more about Tallinn’s history and culture.