Things to Do in Tallinn: Museums and Views
Things to Do in Tallinn
The medieval Old Town costs nothing to walk, and that is exactly where the spending begins: every tower, hangar and gallery around it sells its own ticket. Estonia uses the euro and Tallinn takes cards almost everywhere, so a sensible day mixes a free morning with one or two paid stops.
Free to enjoy
Wander Pikk, Lai and Vene streets in the Lower Town, then climb to Toompea for the views from the Kohtuotsa and Patkuli platforms. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral on Toompea is free to enter if you dress modestly. Out of the centre, Kadriorg Park has baroque gardens and fountains, Telliskivi Creative City has murals and studios in old factory halls, and the Pirita promenade runs along the seafront for about 2 km.
Museums worth the ticket
Seaplane Harbour is the best all-weather choice. Adults pay €22, children and students €11, and the 1936 submarine Lembit and the steam icebreaker Suur Tõll are the stars. KUMU, the national art museum in Kadriorg, charges €16 or €11 and closes on Mondays. The Estonian Open Air Museum at Rocca al Mare moved to its winter season on 29 September: Tuesday to Sunday, 10 to 17, with adults at €14.
Heights and views
The tower of St Olaf’s Church has 258 steps and costs €10 or €5, open daily from 1 April to 31 October. The Town Hall tower is a summer climb, open 1 June to 31 August for €7 or €5. For the widest view, the TV Tower deck costs €18 to €19, and the harnessed Edge Walk outside the platform is €41, with age and fitness limits listed on teletorn.ee.
Getting around
Public transport is free only for registered residents. Visitors tap a contactless card for a 1-hour ticket at €2, or buy 24 hours for €5.50, 3 days for €9 or 5 days for €11. The airport is on trams T2 and T4, and bus 2 also runs from the terminal into town. The Tallinn Card costs €45, €65 or €78 for 24, 48 or 72 hours and bundles transport with entry to over 50 attractions.
If you would rather have a guide for the big sights, browse Tallinn tours on GetYourGuide and compare departure times against your museum tickets.
Winter and festive options
From 20 November 2026 to 6 January 2027 the Christmas market fills Town Hall Square, with gingerbread, mulled wine and a large spruce tree. The ice rink on Harju Hill beside the Niguliste museum runs in winter until about the end of March. The Black Nights Film Festival (PÖFF) takes over cinemas from 6 to 22 November.
Verdict
If you only have one paid morning, spend it at Seaplane Harbour and keep the afternoon free for Kadriorg. Plan a longer stay with the 3-day Tallinn itinerary , or see the Tallinn city overview .
Tip: tap the same contactless card on every tram validator rather than juggling paper tickets.