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Writer's pictureAbhijit Kejriwal

The Ultimate Travel Guide to Tallinn, Estonia: Accommodation, Itinerary, Transportation & More...

Updated: Jun 23

Estonia is 1 of the 3 Baltic states - Estonia, Lithuania and Latvia. Estonia is the smallest Baltic State in terms of population and consists of its capital city - Tallinn. Located in the Northern part of Estonia and Europe, Tallinn is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Tallinn is incredibly walkable and very solo traveler-friendly.


Being a small well preserved medieval city, Tallinn is known for its cobblestone streets, orange rooftops, galleries and churches. With its rich history and culture, Tallinn is the perfect place to explore the uniqueness of the Baltics.


Tallinn, Estonia, cobbled stones, orange top buildings, vibe, experience, hostels, guide

I can assure you that Tallinn offers an unforgettable experience for every type of traveller. Whether you're a history enthusiast, an art connoisseur, a foodie, or a partygoer, this city has something special in store for you. You also have a wide variety of restaurants and cafes, as well as plenty of shopping and nightlife options in Tallinn.



Here is the Ultimate Travel Guide for Tallinn, Estonia:


Transportation


To & From from Tallinn


You can arrive and depart Tallinn by all forms of transport ( Air, Train, car, bus, ferry).


Ferry


You can take a ferry from Helsinki, Finland. The ride takes 2-3 hours and will cost approximately $30 for a one-way ticket, $40 roundtrip.


Bus


 The bus is the cheapest option for getting to Tallinn. FlixBus has tickets starting as low as 5 EUR. Most buses come with outlets and free Wi-Fi. The bus connectivity in Spain is great making it a popular choice of travel amongst solo travellers.


Taxi


Taxis are a convenient way for getting to and from Seville. Kiwi Taxi  are comfortable and drop you to your destination.


Trains


If you have a Eurail pass, that might be a great option to get to and from Tallinn as well.


Flying


The fastest way to travel is by air. Ryanair  and Air Baltic offer great fares to fly to and out of Tallinn. However, being budget airlines, you do need to pay for all the extras on these cheap flights (such as checked baggage, picking your own seat, etc.) You can get a cheap flight from for as low as 25 EUR. If you are visiting from North America, you need to probably make a stop at another airport and take a connecting flight to Tallinn.


Explore flights with Expedia.


Car rental


You can catch beautiful scenic views driving around Spain in a rented car. The minimum age for renting a car is 21 and you will need an International Driving Permit prior to booking.



Ridesharing 


If you have ever been on an Uber share car, this experience is similar. You can catch a ride-sharing serve between cities that are usually offered by locals. You book one seat in their car and will be sharing the car with other travellers like yourself. Drivers are verified and it’s perfectly safe. BlaBlaCar is the biggest company.

Within Tallinn

Tallinn is a very walkable city so you probably do need transportation inside the city. However, using Uber is easy.

Accommodation


Tallinn is a beautiful city. You can stay at hotels, Airbnb's or hostels. I personally prefer living in hostels as it allows me to get the true experience of exploring the city. Tallinn has some great hostels that are cozy and have a great social atmosphere.


Tallinn, estonia, hostel, lai 22 hostel, social, fun

To discover the best hostels in Tallinn, use Hostelmatch.


Safety


In terms of safety, Europe is generally safe for travellers, with low rates of violent crime. However, pickpocketing and tourist scams are common in popular destinations. Stay vigilant, keep your belongings secure, and be cautious of strangers approaching you. Familiarize yourself with common scams in your destination to avoid falling victim.


E-Sim


E-Sims are great to get connectivity during your travels without having to worry about local sims and connections. E-sims are much cheaper, easy to activate and do not create a dent in your wallet.


Get the best E-Sim for your next trip with Airalo.


Travel Insurance


Travel insurance is one of the most important requirements as a traveller. Medical bills, Lost Baggage or cancelled trips are costly and you don't want to be stuck with a huge bill from your travels. Always be prepared with travel insurance and make sure to have one that covers you well.


Safetywing is one of the best travel insurance providers for Digital Nomads and Solo travellers.


Schengen Visa


Lastly, be aware of the Schengen visa rules if you plan to stay in Schengen for more than 90 days. The Schengen Area allows visa-free travel for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. If you wish to stay longer, explore other options like alternating between Schengen and non-Schengen countries.



Tallinn has amazing food. You can hop on food tours in Tallinn and get a feel of the most exquisite meals the city has to offer. I tried Oxtail for the first time in Tallinn and it has been one of the most adventurous and exciting meals I have had so far.


oxtail, tallinn, estonia, bar, harry potter theme

4-Day Itinerary in Tallinn, Estonia DAY 1 Morning Start your day with a visit to the Kumu Art Museum, the largest art museum in Estonia, located in Kadriorg Park. Explore the museum's collection of contemporary and modern art, including works by Estonian artists. Afternoon Head to the Seaplane Harbour, a maritime museum located in a historic seaplane hangar. Learn about Estonia's maritime history and explore the interactive exhibits, including a submarine and various vessels. Evening Take a stroll through Freedom Square, a public square in the heart of Tallinn. Marvel at the impressive architecture and enjoy the lively atmosphere. Grab dinner at one of the nearby restaurants, such as Rataskaevu 16 or Olde Hansa, for a taste of traditional Estonian cuisine. DAY 2 Morning Visit the Tallinn Cruise Port, where you can take a boat tour around the Tallinn Bay and enjoy panoramic views of the city from the water. Afterward, head to the Tallinn Song Festival Grounds, a historic venue known for its large-scale music events and festivals. Afternoon Explore the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Tallinn Old Town, one of the best-preserved medieval towns in Europe. Wander through its narrow cobblestone streets, visit the Kadriorg Palace, a Baroque palace built for Catherine I of Russia, and admire the stunning Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, an iconic Russian Orthodox church.

Tallinn, estonia, old town, colourful, bright

Evening Make your way to the Tallinn Town Hall, a Gothic-style town hall located in the heart of the Old Town. Take a guided tour to learn about its history and enjoy the picturesque views of the Old Town from the tower. End your evening with a delicious meal at one of the Old Town's charming restaurants, such as Olde Hansa or Rataskaevu 16. DAY 3 Morning Start your day with a visit to Kadriorg Park, a beautiful park that surrounds Kadriorg Palace. Take a leisurely walk through the park, visit the Japanese Garden, and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. Afternoon Explore the Toompea Castle, a medieval fortress and the seat of the Estonian Parliament. Take a guided tour to learn about its history and admire the panoramic views of Tallinn from the viewing platforms. Visit the Dome Church, an impressive medieval church located nearby. Evening Head to Pirita, a coastal district of Tallinn known for its sandy beach and beautiful scenery. Take a walk along the promenade, enjoy the sunset, and have dinner at one of the beachfront restaurants, such as Tuljak or OKO Resto. DAY 4 Morning Visit the Tallinn TV Tower, one of the tallest buildings in Estonia, for panoramic views of Tallinn and its surroundings. Take a guided tour to learn about the tower's history and enjoy the interactive exhibits. Afternoon Immerse yourself in Estonian history at the Estonian Open Air Museum, located in a picturesque forested area. Explore the traditional rural architecture and learn about the country's rural life from the past centuries. Evening Explore the Tallinn Legends, an interactive museum that brings Tallinn's legends and myths to life. Take a guided tour and experience the stories through captivating performances and special effects.


Vabamu Museum of Occupations and Freedom, tallinn, estonia, art, culture

End your night with a visit to Vabamu Museum of Occupations and Freedom, which offers insights into Estonia's history during the Soviet and Nazi occupations.


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