TOP 10 things to do in Tallinn

Kadriorg Park is the most outstanding palatial and urban park in Estonia, covering around 70 hectares. Its construction began in 1718 on the orders of Russian tsar Peter I. Elements of park design from the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries can be seen here. The most popular places for a stroll in the park are the flower beds surrounding the Swan Pond and the promenade leading from there to the president's palace. There are a number of museums in the park, including KUMU (the Estonian Art Museum), Kadriorg Art Museum and the Mikkeli Museum, as well as monuments to such cultural figures as sculptor Amandus Adamson, author F. R. Kreutzwald and artist Jaan Koort.

The mysterious passages in Tallinn’s earthwork fortifications were built along with the bastions in the 17th and 18th centuries in order to conceal the movement of soldiers, ammunition and other equipment from the enemy. Tthey were also used to monitor the enemy’s underground mining activities. After the fortifications were removed from the list of military objects in 1857, parks were established on the Ingrian and Swedish bastions. In the bastion's passages, a train to the future takes you to the year 2219, another one takes you back to the 17th century. Passages are only accessible with a guide; the size of the group is a maximum of 20 people. Tunnel leading to the passages is lined with columns introducing various calendars.

Kumu is the main building of the Art Museum of Estonia and the largest and most representative exhibition place in Estonia. The task of the Kumu Art Museum, opened in 2006, is to preserve and make sense of Estonian art from the 18th century to the present day. Kumu sees its role as a initiator of social and cultural debate, both in the exhibitions of art history and in the gallery of contemporary art, which is a source of new ideas for artists from Estonia and abroad. Kumu’s permanent exhibition introduces Estonian art from the beginning of the 18th century to 1991, and the temporary exhibitions also include international and contemporary art. See the Kumu calendar for events and exhibitions taking place there.

The Tallinn Television Tower in Pirita is the tallest building in Tallinn and Estonia at 314 metres. The TV Tower is a great tourist, culture, and leisure centre. Waiting for you at the tower: - a panoramic view from 170 metres; - outdoor terrace on the 21st floor; - interactive multimedia solutions that introduce Estonia and Tallinn; - view of the ground through the glass floor of the platform; - an adrenaline-filled walk on the edge; - futuristic interior milieu; - cinema hall; - attractions for children; - mini TV studio; - gift shop. The exhibition ”GENE-IUS” takes us far into the past, deep within, and hopefully forward. Genes are a part of our inner space that you cannot negotiate with. Genes determine our appearance and also partly what our health will be like during our lives. The journey of investigating our genes is full of wonderful discoveries and is also useful! Tallinn Television Tower is closed on the 22th of September.

St Olaf's Church in Tallinn, the city's biggest medieval structure, took its name from the sainted Norwegian king Olav II Haraldsson. The church was first mentioned in 1267. It became one of the main churches in the Lower Town and formed its own congregation, which at first mostly comprised of Scandinavian merchants and craftsmen, and few Estonians. The evangelical preachings of the then chaplain of the church, Zacharias Hasse, led to the start of the reformation in Tallinn in 1523. Did you know...? *Lightning is known to have struck the tower of the church around ten times, three of which led to extensive fires – in 1625, 1820 and 193.

The Telliskivi Creative City, located in the former industrial complex, has become one of the most popular leisure centres among the locals. It is the largest and most unique creative centre in Estonia – hundreds of creative companies, NGOs, and start-ups are located here. Award-winning and diverse eateries, a shopping street focused on Estonian design, a gallery, and three theatres are waiting for you! Nearly 500 cultural events take place in Telliskivi Creative City every year, and a flea market takes place every Saturday. In the heart of the creative city, you will find the internationally renowned and modern Fotografiska Tallinn museum with Stockholm roots. There is also a magnificent graffiti wall created by artists of 12 different nationalities. How did these paintings come about and what do they represent? You can find out about this on a street art tour.

Just a 15-minute drive from the centre of Tallinn, you will find a wonderful place – the Estonian Open Air Museum, showcasing the country's rural architecture and way of life. The 14 farms in the museum provide an overview of how families from different strata of society lived in the 18–20th centuries. As you might expect to find in any proper village, there is a church, an inn, a schoolhouse, mills, a fire station, a shop, and fishing sheds by the sea. At the museum, you can buy handicrafts, ride horses, and try traditional Estonian dishes at the inn. The museum is open year-round, offering entertainment, lovely workshops and events, and something you, regardless of your age, might not have known before.  

Fotografiska is an internationally recognised museum of photography with its roots in Stockholm. It is a meeting place for art, good food, music, design, and open mindsets. The concept of the Fotografiska Tallinn Photography Museum includes an exhibition and event area, a café, a restaurant, and a fine-art photography shop. The first Fotografiska was opened in Stockholm in 2010. After Tallinn, the museum will visit New York and London.

Imagine driving the world’s first, car, locomotive, or hot air balloon, or walking on the seabed. Now, you can do it because PROTO Invention Factory, which is unique in Europe, is open! Only here, in the former secret submarine factory, you will see prototypes of incredible inventions come to life thanks to the latest technology. You will feel like you are in the laboratory of Jules Verne – this place is wilder than dreams! Want to create, invent, or fly? Come to PROTO – we have something for both younger and older visitors.

The most exciting European maritime museum is located in the Seaplane Harbour! The historical seaplane hangars display about 200 genuine items: a real submarine called Lembit, a century-old icebreaker called Suur Tõll, a Short 184 seaplane, the remains of the oldest ship found in Estonia, etc. The Seaplane Harbour is a memorable experience for the entire family: a trip around the world in Yellow Submarine, taking photos in fancy dress, a large aquarium, simulators, a cinema, etc! In addition, there is a café called MARU and a naval-themed museum shop with an excellent selection on the premises. In the outdoor area, you find a functioning harbour, ships and yachts, a magnificent view of the sea and the city, and a children's playground.