Top 10 Things To Do In Tallinn

The Toompea
The Toompea is the city's vast old town district, also known as Cathedral Hill, which offers visitors a magical series of historic streets to explore. Hidden within its narrow winding lanes is the commanding Toompea Castle and Herman's Tower which provides a sweeping outlook over the city's rooftops and beyond. It also features the ornate gothic Town Hall building and the fairytale church of St Olaf's. It is a vibrant district, full of bustling markets and charming craft shops and is an essential part of any Tallinn city break.

Situated near Kopli Bay, The Estonian Open Air Museum is an expansive forest park littered with traditional regional Estonian buildings highlighting its architecture and lifestyle throughout the nation's history. It has historic farm buildings, windmills and workshops full of interesting artefacts and interactive displays and also has daily cultural performances of folk dancing and music. A visit is a colourful introduction to Estonian culture and a delightful day out for anyone interested in its history.

This is the most important palace in Estonia and a fine example of extravagant Baroque design. Built by Tsar Peter the Great, it contains an opulent Great Hall and state rooms and magnificent Royal Chapel. Part of the premises has become the Museum of Modern Art featuring contemporary Estonian and foreign works of art. 

Pirita is a weekend playground for Tallinn's population who head here to relax on its beautiful white sandy beaches during summer months. Just 10 minutes from the Old Town, it is easily accessible and is a very pleasant way to spend a few hours. Besides its picturesque coastline, it boasts many promenade cafes and seafood restaurants and Botanic Gardens full of lush and exotic vegetation.

Since independence, Estonia and Tallinn in particular, has reignited its love of the arts and culture and has the most vibrant scene in the Baltic’s. The Estonian National Opera tours throughout the world and can be enjoyed at the Estonian Concert Hall or enjoy cutting edge theatre productions at the city's Drama Theatre or Van Krahl Theatre. Nightly folk dance performances take place in large restaurants and venues throughout the city which are always highly popular with visitors. Tallinn's answer to Glastonbury Festival takes place each year called Ollesummer and attracts crowds of up to 80,000 from all across Europe.

The Occupation Museum is an award winning venue devoted to the recent social history of Estonia under German and Soviet occupation. It displays old uniforms, militaria and moving personal effects from these times along with chilling audio visual displays. It is a very informative and accessible museum and worthy of a visit during a Tallinn short break.

The town of Paldiski, situated 1 hour from Tallinn, is an intriguing choice for a day trip and anyone interested in Soviet history will find it very illuminating. It is an eerily deserted former base of the mighty Soviet navy and is made up of a rambling submarine training base and an evocative naval cemetery. There is also the historic Peter's Fortress and Pakri Lighthouse and a visit is both historically informative and thought provoking.  
  

Tallinn offers many opportunities for genuine handmade traditional gifts with bargain prices that will come as a pleasant surprise. Katarina Kaik is home to a fine glassblowing tradition where visitors can watch creations come to fruition or search for intricate quilts and lace for which the area is also famous for. Shopping in Tallinn can be quite unique as there are still in circulation plenty of quirky items and antiques left over from the cold war era. These include Soviet military items and even genuine religious icons. Simply rummaging through a Tallinn antique or second hand store will encounter some quirky items that will make a unique souvenir of a stay in Estonia.