Here’s a fun pop quiz on Tallinn: How many towers can you find in Tallinn Old Town? In fact, 26 defensive towers have been preserved to this day! Do you know where to find Tallinn’s guardian, Vana Toomas (Old Thomas)? Or where in Tallinn ghosts are most frequently spotted? Sounds like you could use a little virtual tour.
I’ve been to Tallinn before and loved it so much that I just had to return. This time, I researched the most interesting landmarks in the Tallinn Old Town and even tracked down the address of a medieval restaurant. So if you’re wondering what to see in Tallinn, let me show you around!
Location: Tallinn, Estonia
Cost: Mix of paid and free entrances (see details below)
Length: 2 days
How to get there: Flying, public transport or driving.
What to See on Your Way to Tallinn (if Driving from Riga)
Although our main destination is Tallinn, the long drive from Riga can be tough without a quick break to stretch our legs. This time, I decided to make the stop a bit more unusual—by visiting some cute animals!
Or skip to attractions in Tallinn old town
Meet the Alpacas at the Pärnu Alpaca Farm (Alpakafarm OÜ)
Paid entrance (prices & working hours)
Location of Alpaca farm
Alpacas are absolutely adorable! With their big, soulful eyes, quirky hairstyles, and impossibly soft fur, it’s impossible not to fall in love. It looks like they’ve just been sheared, leaving their bodies sleek, but their neck fur remains luxuriously fluffy—so soft, you’ll be tempted to pet it!
Here’s a fun fact: Alpacas aren’t fans of head pats! They much prefer a gentle stroke on their necks—so keep that in mind if you’re hoping to make friends. And if you want to get them to come closer, a little carrot goes a long way. For just €1, you can grab a cup of chopped carrots, and you’ll be amazed at how far that small cup can stretch. Just make sure to leave the snacks from home behind—feeding them anything but the provided carrots is strictly forbidden!
Besides alpacas, the Pärnu Alpaca Farm is also home to sheep, goats, and guinea pigs, but let’s be honest—alpacas steal the spotlight!
This is a truly heartwarming stop. But if you’re looking for other ideas on stops along the route from Riga to Tallinn check out my other Estonia road trip itineraries.
What to See in Tallinn Old Town
I knew that one of the most popular attractions to see in Tallinn is the TV tower. I had also heard about the Tall Hermann (an especially tall tower) and the Fat Margaret (an especially wide tower). But it turns out that Tallinn Old Town is full of defensive towers and fragments of city walls that have been surprisingly well-preserved—much better than in Riga, I must admit. These towers are scattered among the buildings of the Old Town, and as you wander through the streets, you’ll occasionally stumble upon one. There are said to be 26 in total, but I haven’t found them all yet. So, I challenge you to join me in a little game of Tallinn Old Town Tower scavenger hunt. Let’s see how many you can spot.
Total distance of our Tallinn Old Town Sightseeing Walk
~ 2,7 km
Parking in Tallinn
If you’re not lucky enough to be able to leave the car at your hotel, you would have to go for a paid parking. Some of the parking lots have the cash machine, but mostly you would use the PARGI.EE app to pay for your parking ( see instructions on how to use the parking app)
The Picturesque Towers’ Square
Location of Tower square in Tallinn
All the preserved towers in Tallinn from the ancient fortifications seem to share a similar style, with thick stone walls, making them look like close relatives.
If you’re someone who checks Instagram for travel inspiration, you’ve probably come across the iconic spot where four defensive towers with sharp, red roofs are lined up in a single frame. You can recreate that picture right here in Tallinn’s Tower Square.
Tallinn’s House of the Blackheads (Mustpeade Maja) & Historic Architecture on Pikk Street
Location of Mustpeade Maja in Tallinn
As a Latvian, when I discovered that one of Tallinn’s must-see attractions was the House of the Blackheads, I couldn’t resist comparing it to Riga’s own. Both buildings once served the Brotherhood of the Blackheads, a guild of unmarried foreign merchants in Livonia, but I’d say they have quite distinct styles. What stood out most to me at Tallinn’s House of the Blackheads was its lavish front door—a real showstopper. I’ve also heard that Tallinn is known for its stunning array of doors. In Dublin, there’s a popular trend of hunting for beautiful, colorful doors to photograph.
But the House of the Blackheads isn’t the only architectural treasure on Pikk Street. The street is dotted with historic buildings boasting captivating facades, like the Dragon Gallery, whose exterior is decorated with fierce dragons. If you’re an architecture lover, Pikk Street in Tallinn Old Town is definitely worth a stroll!
Tallinn Town Hall Secrets You Might Have Missed
Last time, I shared my thoughts on the colorful buildings in Town Hall Square and how I hilariously mistook the Town Hall for a church. But this time, let’s focus on some of the fascinating details of this building some may miss.
As you wander through Tallinn Old Town, you’ll likely find yourself searching for the tower with Vana Toomas (Old Thomas)—the legendary weather vane and guardian of the city. He’s become one of Tallinn’s most famous symbols! But after wandering around for what felt like forever and not spotting him on top of any towers, I pulled out my phone for a little help from Google. Guess what? Turns out Vana Toomas (a replica, mind you, not the original) is actually right on top of the Town Hall Tower! And we had walked right past it this whole time! If you look up now, you’ll spot the weather vane in the form of a guardian holding a flag, proudly standing at the very top.
But wait, there’s more! Look closely at the Tallinn Town Hall building, and you’ll spot dragons emerging from the wall. Yep, dragons! And not just any dragons—these ones are sporting crowns on their heads. What’s their deal? What do they symbolize? It’s the kind of thing that will have you pondering as you explore this charming city!
The Photogenic St. Catherine’s Passage in Tallinn Old Town (Katariina Käik)
Location of Catherine’s Passage in Tallinn
Skaista vēsturiska ieliņa, fotovieta. Iepriekšējā ceļojumā jau novērtējām sijas, kas iet pāri ejai un padara šo ieliņu atšķirīgu, bet šoreiz nesteidzīgā garā pamanījām arī vēsturisko plākšņu fragmentus uz sienas… Parakņājos internetā, lai noskaidrotu, kas tie tādi, un izskatās, ka tie ir kapakmeņi no svētnīcas iekšienes. Viena no sienām Katrīnas pasāžas ejā ir daļa no kādreizējās Svētās Katrīnas Baznīcas, no kā ieliņa arī ieguvusi savu nosaukumu.
Climbing the Old City Walls of Tallinn (Hellemanni Torn ja Linnamüüri Platvorm)
Paid entrance (prices & working hours)
Location of Tallinn Old Town walls
For a small fee, you can walk along a section of the old city fortifications (which, by the way, are surprisingly well-preserved) and enter two of the towers. It’s fun to imagine how difficult it must have been for knights in full armor to climb those narrow staircases!
Overall, it’s a lovely little walk, but there’s one quirky detail that may make you chuckle: the medieval dry toilet in one of the towers. It’s basically a hole in the wall, meaning when it was in use, well… whatever was “dropped” would fall directly down onto the heads of unsuspecting passersby. A bit of a shocker, right? But, as we all know, medieval people weren’t exactly known for their hygiene standards!
Viru Gate of Tallinn Old Town (Viru Väravad)
Location of Viru gate in Tallinn
Two towers with sharp roofs stand as gateways to Tallinn Old Town—how many towers are we up to by now?
According to the info I found online, these two towers once served as outer gates, with another set of gates behind them. There’s just one thing that bugged me a bit: the modern building visible through the gates doesn’t quite blend with the historical vibe of the scene. But, of course, that’s just a minor detail in the grand scheme of things!
Haunting Legends in the Danish King’s Garden (Taani Kuninga Aed)
More towers, you say? Oh, absolutely—as I mentioned there are plenty of them in Tallinn. But the Maiden’s Tower (Neitsitorn) is a little more unique. Forget the typical cylindrical shape—this one is square! Now, here’s the spooky part: this tower is known as the most hounted spot in Tallinn! There have been ghost sightings of a mysterious woman, monks, and even a dog! And with its dark past as a prison, it’s no surprise.
The ghosts of monks might just be the inspiration for the creepy monk statues in the nearby park. I don’t know about you, but those faceless figures definitely gave me the chills!
Tall Hermann (Pikk Hermann)
As you get closer to this towering beauty, you’ll definitely need to crane your neck to catch a glimpse of its peak, with the Estonian flag proudly fluttering at the top. This is Tall Hermann, the most famous of Toompea Castle’s three towers (unfortunately, the fourth one didn’t make it).
Honestly, I didn’t even know about the other towers before my visit—how embarrassing, right? But what’s really fascinating is the combination of architectural styles. Part of the castle, which now houses the Estonian Parliament, is a solid stone fortress, while another section showcases a stunning Baroque flair.
Kohtuotsa Viewing Platform—Tallinn’s Best Free Panoramic View
In my subjective opinion, this is the most beautiful view of Tallinn. The rooftops, the church spires… There’s a street musician playing in the background. It’s a perfect photo spot and a perfect way to end a tour of Tallinn Old Town.
A Medieval Feast in Tallinn Old Town
Olde Hansa restaurant
Location of Old Hansa restaurant
Since the entire Tallinn Old Town itinerary had been steeped in history, a restaurant offering a medieval experience—complete with candlelight, medieval music, and a menu fit for a noble—seemed like the perfect choice. But let’s be real, you’re paying for the experience, so don’t expect the food to be on the cheaper side
What to Expect in Tallinn’s Medieval Restaurant?
This restaurant feels like you’ve stepped right into a medieval fantasy! The whole place is lit by flickering candlelight, and every corner oozes historical charm. The staff plays along too—forget “20 euros,” here it’s all about “20 golden coins.”
The drinks come in sturdy clay mugs, and if you’re into unique brews, the dark beer infused with medicinal herbs is like sipping on a magic potion. The menu is a delightful mix of quirky medieval dishes and some modern comfort foods. I’ve tried roasted salmon with barley, drenched in a rich forest mushroom sauce and paired with a mysterious pastry (or was it bread?)—honestly, I still have no clue what it was, but it added to the medieval vibe and, most importantly, it was absolutely scrumptious!
And if you’re itching to take a piece of this time-traveling experience home, pop into the little shop next door. They’ve got everything from the same dark beer to exotic spices, snacks, and quirky souvenirs to help you remember your medieval adventure long after you’ve left Tallinn.
Beyond the Tallinn Old Town – What to See in Other Parts of Tallinn
Last time we were in Tallinn we used the chance to climb into a real submarine in Tallinn Seaplane Harbor museum, which was a lot of fun.
This time we will be enjoying some of Tallinn’s finest landscaping.
A Stroll Through the Grand Kadriorg Palace Gardens (Kadrioru kunstimuuseum)
The Baroque-style castle with its garden reminded me of Rundale, but with a different color palette and a slightly smaller building. We didn’t visit the museum inside, but I highly recommend taking a stroll through the expansive garden, which features a gazebo, fountains, beautiful flower beds, and tunnels created by overgrown plants.
There are also many little bridges in the park. And according to a superstition I know, every time you cross a new bridge, you can make a wish. So, in this park, you’ll have more than enough opportunities to supercharge your wishes!
Behind the castle, the park extends with tall trees and large stones. Here’s a fun challenge for you: can you find the dead tree that’s shaped like a person? It’s one of those quirky details that add a touch of magic to the place!
Continue walk on Tallinn’s Japanese Garden(Jaapani Aed)
Location of Tallinn’s Japanease garden
This garden is actually located at the far end of Kadriorg Park, so it’s easy to explore it along with the park itself. The garden is inspired by Japanese style, but since I don’t know much about how a traditional Japanese garden should look like, I just found it to be a lovely and serene space, complete with a small waterfall, a charming bridge, and a peaceful pond.
Thoughts?
I’d say our tower scavenger hunt was a major success! While I’m not exactly a history enthusiast, I do love discovering those little details that make a place unique—whether it’s an intriguing story, a hidden legend, or just something fun to capture in a photo. Tallinn Old Town is the perfect spot for all that and more. It’s a charming maze of history and mystery, just waiting to be explored. And with its proximity to Riga, it’s an easy weekend escape that guarantees a memorable adventure.
Other Things to Do in Estonia
FAQ About Visiting Tallinn Old Town
If you had to pick only one attraction what to see in Tallinn Old town – what would that be?
I would have to go with the Tallin Town hall – the little hidden details are fun and the Tallinn Town hall square is also filled with colorful houses and bustling with life.
How to get around Tallinn Old Town?
I would recommend walking.