Sightseeing in Tallinn

The flag on Pikk Hermann tower goes up at sunrise to the sound of the national anthem, and that is a fair introduction to a city where the sights are layered on one hill and one square. Walking the UNESCO Old Town is free; towers and museums are ticketed.

Town Hall Square

Raekoja plats is the medieval centre. The Town Hall dates from 1404, and its weather vane, Old Thomas, is the city’s mascot. The Town Hall Pharmacy (Raeapteek) is recorded from 1422 and still operates as a pharmacy. The Town Hall tower is open daily from 1 June to 31 August, with tickets at €7 or €5, and €12 combined with the Town Hall.

Toompea Hill

Toompea Castle holds the Estonian parliament, and the 45 m Pikk Hermann tower rises beside it. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral is free to enter if you dress modestly. Kohtuotsa and Patkuli platforms give panoramic views at no charge. Official visitor listings at visittallinn.ee cover the opening hours.

Churches and towers

St Olaf’s tower has 258 steps and a 60 m platform, costs €10 or €5 and is open daily 10 to 18 from 1 April to 31 October. Niguliste Museum (€15 or €10) holds Bernt Notke’s Danse Macabre. St Catherine’s Passage connects Vene and Müürivahe streets and has craft studios working with glass, textiles and leather.

Fat Margaret and the harbour

Fat Margaret, the squat cannon tower at Pikk 70, is part of the Estonian Maritime Museum. A combined ticket with Seaplane Harbour is €30 or €15.

Kadriorg

Tsar Peter the Great commissioned the baroque Kadriorg Palace in 1718, and the Art Museum there is €15 or €10. The park around it is free. KUMU next door covers Estonian art for €16 or €11.

Soviet-era history

Estonia was under Soviet occupation from 1944 to 1991, and several sites tell that story. The KGB Prison Cells at Pagari 1 are €10 or €8. The KGB Museum on the 23rd floor of Hotel Viru is guided only, at €20. The Victims of Communism memorial at Pirita tee 78 in Maarjamäe is a walk through two long black steel walls engraved with names, and entry is free.

Guided options

If you would like an expert to link these together, look through Tallinn sightseeing tours on Viator .

Verdict

Give Town Hall Square, Toompea and St Olaf’s a half day, and keep a second half for Kadriorg. A full route is in the 3-day Tallinn itinerary .

Tip: do the Toompea viewpoints early, before the day crowds reach the hill.

• Tallinn
• Estonia
• Guides