Any city visit inevitably draws you to the classical ‘old town’ hub, where most of its history is embedded. But to really get to know a place, you have to look beyond its tourist facade to see its true soul. So when we visited Tallinn, we set out to discover the sides of the city that were out of the ordinary. So come with us as we bring you on a tour of Estonia’s capital Tallinn that might just surprise you.

Estonia is the northern most of the Baltic states, sitting on the precarious edges of Russia and within just a handful of miles from Finland. Its capital Tallinn is nestled on the northern coast, and with its UNESCO old town is a major draw for Cruise ships and international tourists alike. It is said to be one of Europe’s finest medieval citadels, and with history dating back to the 13th century with tales of Danes, Swedes and Soviets all vying for the prize over the eons, it is easy to see why so many seek its treasures.

In this blog we want to share our personally shaped itinerary when we visited in the heatwave of summer 2025. I make a point, as a nature lover, to plan our urban visits with a bit more of an alternative edge than the tourist norm. Now don’t get me wrong, what is on offer for a tourist is breathtaking all on its own. However, for those more discerning travellers who wish to get beneath the skin of a place, then this blog is written just for you.

This article is also featured on GPSmyCity. To download this article for offline reading or create a self-guided walking tour to visit the attractions highlighted in this article, go to Walking Tours and Articles in Tallinn.

We take time to show you around;

1. The UNESCO ’Old Town’ hub
2. Share tales of folklore, legend and stories that go beyond tourist Tallinn
3. The alternative quarters of Tallinn
4. A few monuments that need checking out.
5. Practicalities for your visit to Tallinn

1. The UNESCO ‘Old Town’ hub

We cannot write a blog about Tallinn without of course sharing the very hub that makes the city such a magnet. With its 13th Century roots, from the lofty elegance of Toompea Hill with its castle, Russian Orthodox Church and stately buildings. Down to the lower ranking and yet just as beautiful cobbled street citadel that sits in Toompea’s shadow. Nestled in the heart of the city walls of which 1.85km still remain in tact, the Old Town is guarded by 26 regal defence towers. There were 46 originally, although time has weathered the city bit by bit.

The main square is the natural place to gravitate towards, although do not be fooled by the plethora of restaurants vying for your business. Look up; as it is here that you see the beauty of the city. After that, our advice? Just wander. You’ll never get lost as you will always have a church spire to recalibrate your navigation. More particularly look out for St Olaf’s Church that, at one time, used to be the world’s tallest building and was commandeered by the KGB as they sought to block international news feeds to the city. Wandering is the traveller’s greatest companion allowing you to stop to admire the buildings, the intricate details and the multitude of plaques telling you about the stories that lie within the building’s walls.

2. Folklore, legend and stories that go beyond tourist Tallinn

The very foundations of Tallinn are built on folklore and legend. No other city we’ve known has so much mystical character than Tallinn and so much of those stories are embedded subtly in the walls, floors and souls of the buildings we aimless pass by. With a little bit of research, you can unearth a whole heap of fascinating stories that, irrespective of their factual nature, remain an important part of the city’s culture. Here are a few that we found in our short visit there.

• Look out for the Little Deer statue in the lower Old Town. (59.4381548, 24.7425668) The story book tells of how the Danish King, sent to conquer the city, saw a small deer standing still, watching him. He sent out his soldiers to capture the deer so he could keep it as a pet. However, the deer was so scared that he ran and jumped off the hill to his death. The King was so upset by the events, that he named the city Ravel, which means Little Deer.
  
  

• Not too far from Ravel, you will find a restaurant, that has such a good reputation, if you don’t book well in advance, you will not get a table. Anyway that aside, the house named Rataskaevu 16 (59.437064, 24.74244) has more than delicious food to offer you. If you stand back from the door and look up at the building, you will see a window on the top left-hand side that is filled in with a picture. Legend has it, that the owner of the building, was so destitute that he was about to commit suicide, when there was a knock at the door. The visitor asked if he could book the room on the top floor for a party and he would be paid handsomely, on one condition. No one was to look into the room during the celebrations. The owner agreed. However his curiosity eventually got the better of him, and when the party was in full swing, he peeked through the key hole. And what he saw was unbelievable. It was the Devil’s Wedding party. The next morning, after dawn, he returned to the room to collect his money which was held in a goat skin purse. And on picking up the purse, the owner fell down dead, having gone against the explicit wishes of the revellers.
  
  

• The Danish Garden and the World’s oldest flag. If you go to Toompea Hill to see the castle and the unmissable Russian Orthodox Church, you will eventually find the Danish Garden. It is here, legend has it in 1215, the King of Denmark and his troops were fighting against the Estonians, and were near defeat. In his fallen hour, the king fell to his knees and in that moment a piece of material floated from the sky and landed beside him. Embroidered on the material was a white cross on a red background. From then, motivated by this celestial moment, the king rose up and his armies rallied, defeating Tallinn and taking the reins of the city. It was from that moment, that the Danish flag was created. You can find the Danish Garden here. (59.435607, 24.741320).
  
  

• Linda’s Monument. At the entrance of the south western side of Toompea Hill, there is a subtle yet important statue that you cannot miss. On Linda’s Hill you will find a grove full of beautiful and ancient trees and, sheltered in their protection, stands Linda. The statue of the grieving widow of legendary Kalev and mother to Estonia’s mythological hero Kalevipoeg, a character so embedded in Estonian culture. The epic tale of a giant so mighty, protecting his country, battling with valiance, resilience and strength for the country to be free of enemies. It is easy to see why Kalevipoeg is such an important character in their cultural values. Linda’s statue has become a national symbol for the victims of those involved in the deportation to Siberia in 1949.
  
  
  

3. The Alternative Quarters of Tallinn

As you drive into the city, there is no sense of attraction. Its outskirts are much like any other commercial city of today’s modern world. Estates full of shopping malls and big industry demonstrating Estonia’s economic prowess on the global stage. Alongside you will find remnants of Soviet influence with typical, square blocks of flats that scream out Communism. However those facades are fading now after nearly 35 years of independence.

The closer you get to downtown Tallinn, there is a shift away from the Soviet look, replaced by either smart and giant office blocks that assert their place in Estonia’s economic strength, alongside the traditional wooden clad homes from yesteryear. Both looking equally at home. The closer to the Old Town you reach, the more traditional Tallinn’s personality becomes, and yet relics from the past still exist, acting as a reminder of the story book that has been such a significant part of Estonian’s canvas.

Over our two days in the city, we found so many quarters that oozed that odd symbiosis of modern v historic, that somehow coexist to protect both their heritage and their future. Let us show you around a couple of quarters that we explored giving us a much more rounded feel for this capital city.

Kalamaja Quarter

Down towards to marina and port sits Kalamaja, with its roots paddling in the shores of the Baltic Sea. Most people think that the oldest part of Tallinn is the Old Town. Although many believe that Kalamaja is marginally older, as fishermen came upon these shores and made it their home. Kalamaja – Fish House has a number of characteristics worthy of exploring. Firstly you have its smart renovated apartments that overlook the old sea plane port and the Baltic Sea. And yet along its promenade, in stark contrast you have the old Patarei Prison. Infamous for its Communist prison culture, there are tales of torture, terror and totalitarian regimes from 1940 to 1991. Whilst the building is temporarily closed there are plans for it to reopen in 2026. However you can walk alongside the front of the building for a view that conjures up imagines of Soviet punishment.

Kalamaja is also home to some of the oldest and most sought after properties of the city. The wooden clad homes are prime real estate. However, before the homes call you, just check out the port and marina where perhaps the Iglu huts will appeal for a meeting, a weekend or just a simple sauna. It has a great vibe and some good museums, we are told.

And before we leave Kalamaja, we cannot pass by the opportunity to mention another Russian relic at Linnahall. This concrete monstrosity was built for the 1980 Moscow Olympics. It has since been a concert hall although now is a shadow of its former self, offering nothing more than a leap into a Soviet past. You can climb the walls of Linnahall for a good view across the harbours and the ghosts of past performances left to echo around the concreted pillars.

Balti Jamaa Turg

On the outer fringes of Kalamaja and the Old Town you will find this market. Now don’t be fooled by its name. This is not an Indian market. It is translated as the Baltic Sea Market and is Tallinn’s answer to Covent Garden. And what a great little spot it is too. Perhaps far from removed from a tourist’s itinerary.. However, it is here that you will find the locals. It is here that you will find the very source of organic fruit and vegetables. And, it is here that you find a little corner of a capital city where life takes on a very different pace. Come here to mooch, shop, drink and eat with everything from street food to craft beers and Estonian restaurants. And you’ve got to try their Estonia Garlic Bread. Oh my goodness it is heavenly. Check out the image below; they might look like potato wedges…. But they’re not.

Balti Jamaa Turg is a lovely blend between history, culture and local immersion with a bit of cool thrown in for good measure. From here you are then a stone’s throw away from Linda’s Hill, Toompea Hill and the Old Town.

Kadriorg Park

For a bit of respite from the hustle and bustle of city life, just two miles along the coast, past the ferry terminal, you will find greenery. A welcome sight after the trams and traffic, which in fairness for a city is pretty tame. Your first landmark as you approach the famous Kadriorg Park is the Russalke Angel. A monument that stands as one of Tallinn’s most famous sights, honouring all those who died when the Russian warship was sunk in 1893 in a severe storm.

Crossing the busy arterial road leads you into the heart of the park designed by Tsar Peter the Great, named after his wife Catherine in 1714. The park is filled with Russian opulence. Grand buildings that have the feeling of almost being secluded or protected by the grove of trees that surround them. Japanese Gardens, fountains, rose gardens, museums, canals and acres of land to walk and cycle, this park is a pleasant respite.

Peter the Great’s Kadriorg Palace is certainly a sight to behold with its salmon pink and white fascia and gardens that bellow out nobility and grandeur. Canals lead up to the palace from the Russalke statue, all creating an impressive display of power. The palace is now an Art Gallery with an entry fee of around £13. Located just behind the Palace is the Estonian President’s office. Whilst you can’t go inside, you can walk into the grounds for a photo. Wander around the gardens for an hour or two to simply drink in the architecture that is sheltered within the tranquility of the estate. Just for a while, let the peace of the park wash over you before returning to the hub of the city.

Rotermann Quarter

In the historic Rotermann Quarter, you will find a blend of historic mill buildings fused with modern apartments, hotels and offices. A maze of streets that weave around the tallest of giants giving you a feeling of Alice in Wonderland as you pass red Bulldogs, silver snakes, and intricate modern art that give the area a real chic feel. This is a great place to hang out at any time of day. Cinnamon rolls and coffee. An avocado toast with poached egg. A craft beer and Estonian Black Bread or may be an A La Carte meal option. Rotermann is a fabulous quarter that is just a ten minute walk from the Old Town and definitely not to be missed.

4. A few Tallinn monuments worth searching for

And finally before we head into some Tallinn practicalities, let’s take a moment to explore a few hidden secrets and monuments that deserve searching out. The first of which is conveniently hidden in the grounds of a Michelin started restaurant in the edge of the Old Town walls. Lee Brasserie is the place where you will find Sean Connery. Bond, James Bond 007 to you and me, oh and his fellow Scot Robert Burns. The two statues stand in the grounds of the restaurant, so you can only spot these two during their opening hours. Their place in the gardens originate from the previous owners of the restaurant, which was a Whiskey Club and the statues were designed to honour their Scottish roots.

A short walk from Sean and his mate, on the outside of the Old Town walls, there is a monument called the Broken Line. This wonderfully evocative piece of art is dedicated to those who perished in the ferry disaster of 1994. It calls for you to be still a while and remember those who lost their lives, and feel grateful to the footsteps you can place in this wonderful host city.

If you head past the Rotermann Quarter towards the Kadriorg Park, you want to be on the look out for what is probably one of Tallinn’s most obscure attractions. And you would walk by it if you didn’t know it was there. The oldest and last remaining concrete electricity pole stands alone and forlorn in the neighbourhood close to the park. You can find it here. (59.435997, 24.782932)

5. Tallinn practicalities

Any guide worth its salts will take time to consider how you might arrive at a city destination. And so in this section before we conclude our City Guide, here are some practicalities to your visit.

1. Getting here
   
   Tallinn can be reached either by road, air or sea. With its airport just a few miles outside of the downtown area, it is really easy to fly into Estonia and pick up a taxi or BOLT to get you into your hotel accommodation. There are 40 plus European airports that connect into Tallinn, so flying here has never been so easy.
   
   Perhaps you are sailing in with one of the many cruise ships that have Tallinn on their itinerary. Possibly you are already exploring Scandinavia and taking a ferry into Tallinn from either Stockholm or Helsinki.
   
   Or may be you are coming by road with your camper or motorhome like we did. Travelling around Estonia is super easy and even driving around the city roads is a breeze in comparison to many cities we have driven through.
   
   
2. Getting around
   
   Getting around Tallinn is actually pretty easy with its flat topography and compact nature. For those of you who have mobility issues however, the cobbles can be tough going for walking or with a wheelchair – just a heads up. Although bear in mind if you take in most of our suggestions in a limited one day visit, then you will be walking between 5-10 miles. So wearing comfy shoes is a must. If you are going to stick to the Old Town, then 2-3 hours will do it just fine. Alternatively you could grab one of the many trams that go around the outside of the city.
   
   
3. Where to stay
   
   If you are flying in, then there are so many options for staying in Tallinn as you might expect. From budget apartments to exclusive hotels, you have every option available to you. You could even stay in an Iglu hut down on the Kalamaja port. Otherwise it is worth checking with apps like Cozy Cozy or Booking.com to find what works for you.
   
   In terms of parking up overnight in your own campervan, there are no local campsites to stay at, although there are plenty of paid car parks where you can stay safely for the night. We stayed at two different Europark car parks. One is Linnahall Parking for €6 for 24hrs. And the second was right by the Old Town walls which cost €18 for 24hrs.
   
   
4. Other worthwhile things to mention
   
   Tallinn has a Tourist Card that, depending on what you like to do, might be worth purchasing. You can buy for 24, 48 or 72 hours and the price, per person is from €43 and will give you free access to 50 museums and much public transport.
   
   Estonia is part of the EU and they have the Euro as their currency. Like many capitals they accept cards, cash or Google or Apple Wallet payments.
   
   There is ample free WIFI hotspots around the city. You can check this website for a map of all the locations.
   
   Eating out is, as you might imagine is easy enough, although expect to pay tourist prices if you eat in the main square. Prices are somewhat cheaper in the downtown suburbs although you still need to expect capital prices. We enjoyed these two restaurants during our two days here. Chicago in the Rotermann area and Humalakoda in the Balti Jamaa Turg. And at least once, please try their Garlic (Black Bread). Oh my it is lovely.
   
   

And so that brings us to the end of this tour of Tallinn, showing you some sights and locations that might just surprise you. We hope you enjoyed it and can use this a city guide to give you a holistic experience. For more of a visual exploration, check out this YouTube video we produced to give you the perfect insight to your city break.