2-Day Local Food, Wine, and Nightlife Adventure in Tallinn with Friends

Tallinn, Estonia

2 days

City skyline
The Old City
Kadriorg Palace is a Petrine Baroque palace built for Catherine I of Russia by Peter the Great
Combination of old and modern
Japanese garden of stones in park Kadriorg

About Tallinn, Estonia

Discover the enchanting city of Tallinn, Estonia's capital, where medieval charm meets modern comfort. Explore the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Town, a maze of cobblestone streets, Gothic spires, and vibrant squares. Visit the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, an iconic symbol of Russian influence, and Toompea Castle, a historic seat of power with stunning views. Experience the city's thriving culinary scene, offering a fusion of Estonian and international cuisines. Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the picturesque Tallinn Harbour or indulge in retail therapy at the city's trendy boutiques. Don't miss the Kumu Art Museum, showcasing Estonian art from the 18th century onwards. With a rich history, vibrant nightlife, and stunning architecture, Tallinn promises an unforgettable travel experience.

2-Day Itinerary

Day 1

Exploring the Old Town and Kadriorg Park

Morning

Start your day with a visit to the Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Explore the cobblestone streets, medieval houses, and churches. Don't miss the Town Hall Square, which has been a market place and the centre of this old Hanseatic town since the Middle Ages.

Lunch

Enjoy a traditional Estonian lunch in one of the many restaurants in the Old Town. Try local dishes like black bread, herring, and beetroot salad.

Afternoon

After lunch, head to Kadriorg Park, a beautiful green space with a palace, art museum, and lovely gardens. Spend the afternoon strolling around the park and visiting the museum.

Dinner

For dinner, explore the Telliskivi Creative City, a former industrial complex turned into a creative hub with numerous restaurants, bars, and shops. Enjoy a meal in one of the trendy restaurants here.

Evening

Spend the evening exploring the vibrant nightlife in the city centre. Visit a few bars, enjoy live music, and experience the local party scene.

Morning

Start your second day with a visit to the Seaplane Harbour Museum, which houses a collection of old seaplanes and submarines. After the museum, take a stroll along the nearby marina.

Lunch

Have lunch in a cozy cafe near the marina. Try some fresh seafood or a hearty soup.

Afternoon

In the afternoon, visit the Kalamaja district, known for its wooden houses and bohemian atmosphere. Explore the local shops and galleries.

Dinner

For dinner, head back to the city centre and try another local restaurant. Estonian cuisine is a blend of East and West, so there's always something new to try.

Evening

End your trip with a visit to a local wine bar. Estonia is known for its berry wines, so don't miss the chance to try some.

Attractions in Itinerary (7)

Old Town

1
Old Town

Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage site and the most popular tourist destination in Tallinn. It is known for its well-preserved Medieval buildings, cobblestone streets, and historic charm.

Attractions
Landmarks
Cultural Experiences
Architecture
Neighborhoods
Town Hall Square

2
Town Hall Square

The heart of the Old Town, Town Hall Square has been a bustling market place and the centre of Old Town life for eight centuries.

Attractions
Landmarks
Kadriorg Park

3
Kadriorg Park

A beautiful and expansive park, home to several museums and the Kadriorg Palace.

Attractions
Parks
Gardens
Telliskivi Creative City

4
Telliskivi Creative City

A creative and cultural hub, filled with studios, galleries, shops, and restaurants, located in a former industrial complex.

Attractions
Entertainment
Shopping
Cultural Experiences
Neighborhoods
Seaplane Harbour Museum

5
Seaplane Harbour Museum

A maritime museum, located in a historic seaplane hangar, featuring various naval and military exhibits.

Attractions
Museums
Kalamaja district

6
Kalamaja district

Kalamaja is known for its colourful wooden houses and bohemian charm. It's a popular residential area with a variety of trendy cafes, restaurants, and shops.

Neighborhoods
Cultural Experiences
Architecture
Kadriorg Art Museum

7
Kadriorg Art Museum

Located in the beautiful Kadriorg Park, the Kadriorg Art Museum is housed in a Baroque palace built by Peter the Great for his wife, Catherine I, in 1718. The museum's collections include foreign art from the 16th to 20th centuries.

Museums
Cultural Experiences
Architecture

Local Food and Drinks (12)

Verivorst

Verivorst

A traditional Estonian blood sausage, typically served with sour cream and lingonberry jam. It's a staple dish in Tallinn, especially during Christmas.

Kiluvõileib

Kiluvõileib

An open-faced sandwich with sprats, a popular fish in Estonia. It's a common snack or light meal in Tallinn.

Kama

Kama

A unique Estonian dessert made from a mixture of roasted barley, rye, oat, and pea flour. It's often mixed with buttermilk or yogurt and served with berries or jam.

Mulgi Puder

A hearty porridge made from potatoes and barley. It's a traditional dish in Tallinn and is often served with bacon and onions.

Vana Tallinn

Vana Tallinn

A sweet, dark liqueur with a hint of rum, vanilla, and citrus. It's a popular drink in Tallinn and often served on the rocks or in cocktails.

Marineeritud Angerjas

Marinated eel is a delicacy in Tallinn. It's often served cold with a side of rye bread.

Sült

Sült

A jellied meat dish made from pork. It's a traditional Estonian dish often served during holidays and special occasions in Tallinn.

Kohuke

Kohuke

A sweet curd cheese snack covered in chocolate. It's a popular dessert and snack in Tallinn.

Karask

A traditional Estonian barley bread. It's often served with butter and cheese in Tallinn.

Rukkileib

A dark, dense rye bread that's a staple in the Estonian diet. It's often served with meals in Tallinn.

Kali

Kali

A traditional Estonian fermented drink similar to kvass. It's a popular non-alcoholic beverage in Tallinn.

Must Leib

A dark sourdough rye bread, traditional to Estonia. It's a common part of meals in Tallinn.

Best time to visit

The best time to visit Tallinn, Estonia is during the summer months, from June to August. During this period, the weather is warm and pleasant, with temperatures usually ranging between 15°C to 25°C. This is also the time when the city is most vibrant, with numerous festivals and events taking place. The long daylight hours also allow you to explore the city extensively. However, if you prefer a quieter vacation and want to experience the city's Christmas markets, December would be a good time to visit.

National holidays

Here you can find the national calendar of all public holidays for the year. These dates are subject to change as official changes are announced, so check back regularly for updates.

DateDayHoliday Name

January 1

Mon

New Year's Day

February 24

Sat

Independence Day

March 29

Fri

Good Friday

March 31

Sun

Easter Sunday

May 1

Wed

Labor Day

May 19

Sun

Pentecost

June 23

Sun

Victory Day

June 24

Mon

Midsummer Day

August 20

Tue

Independence Restoration Day

December 24

Tue

Christmas Eve

December 25

Wed

Christmas Day

December 26

Thu

Boxing Day

Please note that during national and public holidays, opening hours for establishments, museums, etc. may vary. Don't forget to check in advance!

How to get around

Tallinn's public transport system consists of trams, buses, and trolleys. It is a reliable and efficient way to get around the city. The Tallinn Card, which can be purchased at various locations throughout the city, offers unlimited travel on public transport.

Taxis are readily available throughout Tallinn and can be hailed on the street, ordered by phone, or picked up from designated taxi ranks. It's advisable to check the rate before starting your journey.

Ridesharing services such as Uber and Bolt are available in Tallinn. These services can be accessed via their respective apps and offer a convenient and often cheaper alternative to traditional taxis.

Tallinn is a bike-friendly city with numerous bike lanes and bike-sharing schemes. It's a great way to explore the city at your own pace.

Several car rental companies operate in Tallinn. Renting a car can be a good option if you plan to explore outside of the city. However, parking can be challenging in the city center.

Tallinn's city center is compact and most of the main attractions are within walking distance of each other. Walking is a great way to explore the city and take in its beautiful architecture and historic sites.

Ferries operate between Tallinn and Helsinki, Stockholm, and St. Petersburg. This can be a scenic and relaxing way to arrive in or depart from the city.

Trains connect Tallinn with other Estonian cities and towns, as well as international destinations such as Moscow and St. Petersburg. The main train station, Balti Jaam, is located close to the city center.

While we strive for accuracy in our "How to get around" section, the information may not always be up-to-date or 100% accurate; we highly recommend cross-checking with local resources before your travel.

Important information

Currency€ EUR

Time zoneUTC+2

Driving sideRight

Emergency phoneAmbulance: 112; Fire: 112; Police: 110

Drinking waterYes

Power sockets

Power socket type CPower socket type F

Voltage230 V

Things to know about Tallinn, Estonia as a first time visitor

1

Estonia's official language is Estonian, but English is widely spoken especially among younger people and those working in tourism and hospitality.

2

The currency in Estonia is the Euro (€). Credit cards are widely accepted, but it's always good to have some cash on hand for smaller purchases.

3

Tallinn is a very walkable city, especially the Old Town area. However, public transportation is also efficient and affordable. You can use buses, trams, and trolleys.

4

Tallinn is generally safe for tourists, but like any city, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and keep an eye on your belongings, especially in crowded areas.

5

Estonia is in the Eastern European Time Zone (EET), which is 2 hours ahead of Coordinated Universal Time (UTC+2).

6

Tallinn has a maritime climate with moderate temperatures. The average summer temperature is around 61°F (16°C), while in winter it can drop to 23°F (-5°C).

7

Tipping is not mandatory in Estonia, but it is customary to leave a 10% tip if you are satisfied with the service.

8

Estonia uses the type F power socket, and the standard voltage is 230 V. You may need a power plug adapter or voltage converter.

9

Estonian cuisine is heavily influenced by its neighboring countries. Be sure to try local dishes like black bread, herring, and kohuke (a curd snack).

10

Estonia is known for its digital society. Free WiFi is widely available in Tallinn, even in public spaces.

11

Estonia is part of the Schengen Agreement, so if you're from a non-Schengen country, you may need a visa to enter.

12

The tap water in Tallinn is safe to drink and of high quality.

13

Estonians value punctuality. It's considered polite to arrive on time for meetings and social gatherings.

14

The sales tax (VAT) in Estonia is 20%. Non-EU tourists can get a VAT refund on purchases over €38 made in shops that participate in the Tax Free Shopping scheme.

15

Pharmacies in Estonia are called 'Apteek'. They are the only places where you can buy over-the-counter medication.

16

In case of emergency, the general emergency number in Estonia is 112.

17

Estonians are generally reserved and value their personal space. It's respectful to maintain a comfortable distance during conversations.

18

Supermarkets in Estonia charge for plastic bags, so it's a good idea to bring your own reusable bag.

19

Public restrooms may charge a small fee (usually around €0.30-€0.60), so it's handy to keep some coins with you.

20

Smoking is banned in all indoor public places, workplaces, and public transportation in Estonia.

Basic Estonian to know as a first time visitor

English phrase

Native phrase

Pronunciation

When to use it

Hello

Tere

te-re

Greeting someone

Goodbye

Head aega

head aega

Leaving or saying goodbye

Please

Palun

pah-lun

Making a request

Thank you

Aitäh

eye-tah

Showing gratitude

Yes

Jah

yah

Agreeing or confirming

No

Ei

ay

Disagreeing or denying

Excuse me

Vabandage

vah-ban-dah-geh

Getting attention or apologizing

I'm sorry

Ma vabandan

mah vah-ban-dan

Apologizing

Do you speak English?

Kas sa räägid inglise keelt?

kas sah raag-id in-gli-se keelt

Asking if someone speaks English

I don't understand

Ma ei saa aru

mah ay sah ah-roo

Not understanding something

Where is the bathroom?

Kus on tualett?

koos on too-ah-let

Asking for the bathroom

How much does this cost?

Kui palju see maksab?

kooi pahl-yoo seh mahk-sahb

Asking for the price of something

Can I have the menu, please?

Kas ma saan menüü, palun?

kas mah sahn men-yoo, pah-lun

Asking for the menu in a restaurant

I would like...

Ma sooviksin...

mah soo-viks-in

Making a request or order

Help!

Appi!

ahp-pee

In case of emergency

Call the police!

Kutsuge politsei!

koot-soo-geh po-lee-tsey

In case of emergency

I need a doctor

Mul on vaja arsti

mool on vah-ya arst-ee

In case of health problems

Cheers!

Terviseks!

ter-vi-seks

Making a toast

Good morning

Tere hommikust

te-re hom-mi-kust

Greeting in the morning

Good night

Head ööd

head ood

Saying goodnight

Packing List

  • Clothing

  • Underwear

  • Socks

  • T-shirts

  • Pants/Jeans

  • Sweater or Jacket

  • Sleepwear

  • Comfortable walking shoes

  • Swimwear (if planning to visit a spa or sauna)

  • Scarf, gloves and hat (if visiting in winter)

  • Rain jacket or umbrella

  • Toiletries

  • Toothbrush and toothpaste

  • Deodorant

  • Shampoo and conditioner

  • Soap or body wash

  • Razor and shaving cream

  • Makeup and makeup remover

  • Hairbrush or comb

  • Prescription medications

  • First aid kit

  • Sunscreen (if visiting in summer)

  • Travel documents and essentials

  • Passport or ID

  • Flight tickets

  • Hotel reservation confirmations

  • Travel insurance documents

  • Credit and debit cards

  • Cash in local currency (Euros)

  • Guidebook or map

  • Emergency contacts and addresses

  • Electronics and gadgets

  • Smartphone

  • Charger for smartphone

  • Headphones

  • Camera

  • Charger for camera

  • Power adapter (if coming from a country with different plug type)

  • Portable power bank

  • Miscellaneous items

  • Snacks for the journey

  • Reusable water bottle

  • Travel pillow and blanket

  • Books or magazines for the flight

  • Travel-sized laundry detergent

  • Plastic bags for dirty clothes

  • Notepad and pen

  • Travel lock for luggage

Weather Conditions

Tallinn, the capital of Estonia, experiences a temperate and humid climate with four distinct seasons. In the winter months, from December to February, Tallinn can be quite cold with average temperatures ranging from 14°F to 30°F (-10°C to -1°C). Snowfall is common and can add a magical touch to the city's medieval architecture. However, it's essential to pack warm clothing, including a heavy coat, hats, gloves, and scarves. Waterproof boots are also recommended as the streets can become slushy. Spring, from March to May, sees a gradual increase in temperature, with averages between 30°F and 60°F (-1°C and 15°C). This is a lovely time to visit as the city begins to bloom, but it's advisable to bring a mix of clothing, including a light jacket and rain gear, as showers can be frequent. Summer, from June to August, is the warmest and most popular time to visit Tallinn. Average temperatures range from 60°F to 70°F (15°C to 21°C), but can occasionally reach up to 80°F (27°C). While the weather is generally pleasant, sudden rain showers can occur, so carrying a light rain jacket or umbrella is a good idea. Don't forget your sunscreen as well! Autumn, from September to November, can be quite chilly with temperatures falling from 60°F to 30°F (15°C to -1°C). The city is beautifully colored with autumn leaves, but rain is common, so pack a waterproof jacket and warm clothing. Regardless of the season, the weather in Tallinn can be unpredictable, so it's always a good idea to check the forecast before your trip and pack accordingly. Enjoy your visit to this charming city!

MonthHi / Lo (°C)Weather Overview

January

0° / -8°

January is the coldest month in Tallinn, with temperatures often dropping below freezing. Be sure to pack warm clothing, as snow is common.

February

1° / -8°

February continues the winter season with similar temperatures to January. Snowfall is still common, making it a great time for winter sports.

March

4° / -4°

March sees the start of spring with slightly warmer temperatures. However, there's still a chance of snow, so pack accordingly.

April

11° / 1°

April is a transitional month with temperatures rising. It's generally a wet month, so don't forget your raincoat.

May

16° / 6°

May brings warmer temperatures and longer days. It's a great time to explore the city's parks and outdoor attractions.

June

21° / 11°

June is the start of summer with mild and comfortable temperatures. It's an ideal time for sightseeing and outdoor activities.

July

23° / 13°

July is the warmest month in Tallinn. It's perfect for beach activities, but be prepared for occasional rain showers.

August

22° / 13°

August continues the warm summer weather. It's a great time to visit, but pack a light jacket for cooler evenings.

September

17° / 9°

September marks the start of autumn. The weather is still pleasant, but it can be a bit unpredictable, so pack layers.

October

12° / 4°

October sees cooler temperatures and more rainfall. It's a good time to visit museums and indoor attractions.

November

6° / 0°

November is a cold month with the first signs of winter. It's a quiet time to visit, but pack warm clothes.

December

1° / -5°

December is a festive month with Christmas markets. It's cold and often snowy, so pack warm clothing and enjoy the winter wonderland.

Did you know?

Did you know that Tallinn, Estonia is one of the best preserved medieval cities in Europe and its Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site?

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