Tallin, Estonia

Estonia's ancient seacoast capital, Tallinn exudes a sense of romantic history, being one of the most completely preserved medieval cities in Europe, a gem on the UNESCO World Heritage List that is only beginning to be discovered by delighted visitors of all ages. A spirit of mystery still pervades the cobbled courtyards of the picturesque Old Town, the winding alleys overhung with original 12th and 13th century merchant's houses, barns, warehouses and a profusion of perfectly preserved medieval church and state buildings.



While preserving its past Tallinn is as forward-looking and progressive as any other modern European capital. This is probably best reflected in the interactive exhibits at the Tallinn Science and Technology Centre, the city's showcase for the arts and sciences. Public transport is modern and efficient; the nightlife is pumping from cigar bars and pool halls to nightclubs; and dining out is a tasty choice from take-away pizza and Chinese to formal French and traditional Estonian cuisine.

Tallinn Attractions A city steeped in history and a rich cultural heritage, Tallinn is a sightseer's paradise and a great place to explore on foot or by bus. Dubbed 'mini Prague', the beautiful cobble-stoned streets of the Old Town are the perfect place to start your discovery of the city. Featuring old buildings and churches, such as Alexander Nevsky Cathedra and St Olav's, the tallest church in Medieval Europe, travellers will love the enchanting feel of the town. Stroll through the Estonian Open Air Museum, take the kids to the Tallinn Zoo for the day, or pack a picnic and enjoy a day out at the Botanical Gardens. Visitors in Tallinn keen on doing a lot of sightseeing should look into purchasing a Tallinn Card, which enables the bearer to free public transport, a free two-hour city sightseeing tour, and free admission to all of Tallinn's museums. The card is available for 6 hours, 1, 2 and 3-day options starting at EEK 185 for adults and EEK 95 for children. The card can be bought from the airport, harbour, tourist information offices and most hotels. The Old Town The winding, cobbled streets of Tallinn's historic centre are the focus for most visitors to the city and the hub of the major tourist attractions, which can all be enjoyed on a walking tour. The walled old town is divided into two parts:...  see full details Tallinn Zoo The Estonian capital's most popular family attraction is the zoo, crammed with close on 6,000 animals from Polar bears to Siberian Tigers, as well as species from warmer climates, like crocodiles and chimpanzees frolicking in the Tropical House. There is also a delightful petting...  see full details Tallinn Botanical Gardens Tallinn's magnificent Botanical Garden covers 110 hectares and contains more than 8,000 plant species. The flora comes from all around the world, displayed in arboretums, glasshouses, open fields and thematic gardens. In just a few steps visitors are transported from European meadows to African...  see full details Kadriorg Palace and Park The beautiful pink baroque Kadriorg Palace was the summer residence of Russian Tsar, Peter 1, and today stands proudly in the centre of its namesake seaside resort suburb of Tallinn, where the streets are lined with noble villas and summer estates. The Palace today...  see full details Estonian Open Air Museum On a picturesque expanse of forest parkland on Kopli Bay is preserved a collection of historic Estonian buildings, transplanted from around the country to represent rural life through the centuries. Exhibits consist of various farm buildings, windmills, watermills and other country clutter offering pleasant...  see full details

Tallinn Day Trips

Lahemaa National Park

Roughly 31 miles (50km) east of Tallinn, Lahemaa National Park is a popular day trip for tourists looking to explore the Estonian countryside. The park contains varied terrain and ecosystems that include forests, swamps, bogs and even beaches. A number of marked trails make hiking a good activity, and visitors can take a rest at Sagadi Manor, a 500-year-old building that is now an education centre with a forest museum, hotel and restaurant.

Tallinn Events

Jazzkaar

The annual festival celebrates jazz music from both local and international entries throughout the bars and clubs in Tallinn. ...  see full details