3-Day Family Adventure: Sightseeing and Shopping in Tallinn, Estonia
Tallinn, Estonia
3 days
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.
3-Day Itinerary
Day 2
Art, Architecture, and Shopping in Kadriorg and Rotermann
Morning
Start your second day with a visit to the Kumu Art Museum, which showcases both classical and contemporary Estonian art.
Lunch
Have lunch in a cozy café in the Kadriorg area. Try some local pastries and coffee.
Afternoon
Spend the afternoon exploring the Rotermann Quarter, a trendy area with unique architecture and a variety of shops.
Dinner
Enjoy dinner in a restaurant in the Rotermann Quarter. Try some international cuisine or stick to local Estonian dishes.
Evening
Take a leisurely walk around the Rotermann Quarter, enjoying the unique atmosphere and maybe doing some window shopping.
Day 3
Maritime History and Creative Vibes in Seaplane Harbour and Telliskivi
Morning
On your last day, visit the Seaplane Harbour Museum, which offers interactive exhibits about maritime and military history.
Lunch
Have lunch in a restaurant near the Seaplane Harbour. Enjoy the view of the sea and the ships.
Afternoon
Spend the afternoon in the Telliskivi Creative City, a former industrial complex turned into a creative hub with shops, galleries, and studios.
Dinner
Have your last dinner in Tallinn in a restaurant in the Telliskivi area. Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere and the creative vibe.
Evening
End your trip with a visit to the Linnahall, an old concert hall with a rooftop that offers a great view of the city and the sea.
Attractions in Itinerary (8)
1Tallinn Old Town
The historic and picturesque heart of Tallinn, filled with medieval buildings and charming cobblestone streets.
2Town 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.
3Kadriorg Palace
A baroque palace built for Catherine I of Russia by Peter the Great in Tallinn, Estonia. Today the palace houses the Kadriorg Art Museum.
4Kumu Art Museum
Estonia's largest and most cutting-edge art museum, showcasing both classical and contemporary works.
5Rotermann Quarter
A trendy and modern part of Tallinn, known for its unique architecture and bustling shopping and dining scene.
6Seaplane Harbour Museum
A maritime museum, located in a historic seaplane hangar, featuring various naval and military exhibits.
7Telliskivi Creative City
A creative and cultural hub, filled with studios, galleries, shops, and restaurants, located in a former industrial complex.
8Linnahall
Linnahall is a massive brutalist concrete structure that serves as a concert/sports venue. It's a unique example of Soviet-era architecture and offers panoramic views of the city and sea from its rooftop.
Local Food and Drinks (12)
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
An open-faced sandwich with sprats, a popular fish in Estonia. It's a common snack or light meal in Tallinn.
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
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
A jellied meat dish made from pork. It's a traditional Estonian dish often served during holidays and special occasions in Tallinn.
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
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.
| Date | Day | Holiday 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 |
How to get around
Public Transport
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.
Taxi
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
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.
Bicycle
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.
Car Rental
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.
Walk
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.
Ferry
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.
Train
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.
Important information
Currency€ EUR
Time zoneUTC+2
Driving sideRight
Emergency phoneAmbulance: 112; Fire: 112; Police: 110
Drinking waterYes
Power sockets
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 (3 pairs)
Socks (3 pairs)
T-shirts (3)
Pants/Jeans (2 pairs)
Sweater or Jacket
Comfortable walking shoes
Sleepwear
Swimwear (if planning to visit a spa or sauna)
Scarf, gloves and hat (if traveling in winter)
Toiletries
Toothbrush and toothpaste
Deodorant
Shampoo and conditioner
Body wash or soap
Razor and shaving cream
Makeup and makeup remover
Sunscreen (if traveling in summer)
Hand sanitizer
Travel documents and essentials
Passport
Driver's license (if planning to rent a car)
Health insurance card
Credit and debit cards
Cash in local currency (Euros)
Hotel and transportation reservation confirmations
Emergency contacts and addresses
Electronics and gadgets
Smartphone
Charger for smartphone
Headphones
Camera (if not using a smartphone camera)
Charger for camera
Universal power adapter (Estonia uses Type F plug)
Portable power bank
Miscellaneous items
Travel guidebook for Tallinn
Map of Tallinn
Snacks for the journey
Water bottle
Travel pillow and blanket (for the flight)
First-aid kit
Umbrella or raincoat (weather can be unpredictable)
Reusable shopping bag (for souvenirs or groceries)
Travel-sized laundry detergent (if planning to wash clothes)
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!
| Month | Hi / 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?
Places near by Tallinn, Estonia
Haapsalu
A seaside resort town known for its wooden houses and medieval castle
Rakvere
Known for its castle ruins, contemporary architecture and the unique Tarvas statue
Pärnu
A popular summer holiday resort with many hotels, restaurants, and large beaches
Saaremaa
The largest island in Estonia, known for its windmills, lighthouses, and the medieval Bishop's Castle in Kuressaare
Tartu
Estonia's second-largest city, known for its universities, museums, and parks
Hiiumaa
The second largest island in Estonia, known for its lighthouses, ancient churches, and Hill of Crosses
Helsinki
The capital of Finland, known for its beautiful archipelago, modern architecture, and vibrant culture
Riga
The capital of Latvia, known for its wooden buildings, art nouveau architecture, and the medieval Old Town
Stockholm
The capital of Sweden, known for its archipelago, historic sites, and modern Scandinavian design
St. Petersburg
Russia's second-largest city, known for its iconic Hermitage Museum, the Peter and Paul Fortress, and the Mariinsky Theatre
