TOP 10 things to do in Tallinn

Tallinn was born at a crossroads of medieval trade and is now more than ever a treasure of the Baltic. Estonia's capital combines ease of travel with cultural richness, resulting in a destination to delight travellers of all tastes. Experience traditional 18th century Estonian life, sample handmade chocolates or jump into the contemporary art scene - these activities and sights showcase the city's best.

PROTO Invention Factory

Harju maakond, Põhja-Tallinna linnaosa

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.

Fine-art photography centre Fotografiska Tallinn

Harju maakond, Põhja-Tallinna linnaosa

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.

Telliskivi Loomelinnak

Harju maakond, Põhja-Tallinna linnaosa

Telliskivi Loomelinnak (Creative City), which is located in a former industrial complex next to the Balti Railway Station on the borders between the City Centre, Pelgulinna and Kalamaja districts, is the creative centre of Tallinn. This is the largest creative centre in Estonia consisting of ateliers, studios, creative companies and offices of artists and NGOs. In the Creative City, you are going to find a unique selection of shops offering design, interior design and natural products, various cafés and restaurants and different services. In the halls and yards of Telliskivi, over 400 cultural events take place in a year; each Saturday, we host a flea market. The Creative City is also a home to Vaba Lava Theatre and Sõltumatu Tantsu Lava.

Kadriorg Park

Harju maakond, Kesklinna linnaosa

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.

Bastion passages in the Old Town of Tallinn

Harju maakond, Kesklinna linnaosa

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 Art Museum

Harju maakond, Kesklinna linnaosa

Kumu is the main building of the Art Museum of Estonia and the largest and most representative exhibition place in Estonia. In 2008, Kumu won the title of European Museum of the Year. This is a significant international recognition of Kumu’s ambition to be a truly contemporary art museum and a space for active spiritual activity, from educational programmes for young children to discussions on the nature and meaning of art in the modern world. Kumu’s permanent exhibition introduces Estonian art from the beginning of the 18 th century until 1991, and the changing exhibitions also include international and contemporary art. Good to know: Kumu calendar

Tallinn Television Tower

Harju maakond, Pirita linnaosa

The Tallinn Television Tower in Pirita is the tallest building in Tallinn and Estonia with 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, brasserie/restaurant and terrace on the 22nd floor; interactive multimedia solutions that introduce Estonia and Tallinn; view of the ground through the glass floor of the platform; futuristic interior milieu; attractions for children; mini TV studio, gift shop.

Estonian Open Air Museum

Harju maakond, Haabersti linnaosa

Just 15 minutes from the city centre of Tallinn is 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 18th, 19th and 20th centuries. As you might expect to find in any proper village, here there is a church, a tavern, a school house, mills, a fire station, a shop and fishing sheds by the sea. You can buy handicrafts, ride horses and try traditional Estonian dishes at the tavern. The museum is open year-round. Tallinn Card holders can use the museum's audio guides free of charge.

St Olaf's Church in Tallinn

Harju maakond, Kesklinna linnaosa

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 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 1931

Seaplane Harbour (Estonian Maritime Museum)

Harju maakond, Põhja-Tallinna linnaosa

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.