3-Day Tallinn, Estonia Travel Itinerary

Introduction:

Tallinn is the capital city of Estonia, located on the northern coast of the country along the Gulf of Finland. It is known for its perfectly preserved medieval Old Town, vibrant digital innovation culture, and its position as a historical crossroads between Eastern Europe and Scandinavia. Tallinn’s compact size makes it easy to explore in just three days, while its rich architecture, museums, and culinary scene offer depth for curious travelers. This 3-day itinerary will guide you through Tallinn’s medieval past, artistic present, and nature-filled surroundings.

Places to Visit:

1. Tallinn Old Town (Vanalinn): This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its cobbled streets, Gothic spires, and merchant houses. It is the most iconic part of the city.
2. Toompea Castle and Alexander Nevsky Cathedral: This castle houses the Estonian Parliament and sits on a limestone hill beside the onion-domed Russian Orthodox cathedral.
3. St. Olaf’s Church: This church was once the tallest building in the world. Its tower offers panoramic views of the city and the Baltic Sea.
4. Kumu Art Museum: Estonia’s national art museum features modern and historical art in a stunning, contemporary building in Kadriorg Park.
5. Kadriorg Palace and Park: Built by Peter the Great, this baroque palace and its expansive gardens are a peaceful escape east of the city center.
6. Seaplane Harbour (Lennusadam): This maritime museum displays historic ships, submarines, and seaplanes inside a converted seaplane hangar.
7. Balti Jaam Market: This market near the train station offers Estonian food, local crafts, vintage finds, and hip eateries.
8. Telliskivi Creative City: This former industrial complex is now a cultural hub filled with street art, indie shops, cafes, and creative workspaces.
9. Patarei Prison and Sea Fortress: This haunting historical site gives insight into Estonia’s Soviet past and sits dramatically on the waterfront.
10. Tallinn TV Tower: This tower stands at 314 meters and features a glass-floored observation deck with sweeping views and interactive exhibits.

Sample Itinerary:

Day 1: Medieval Tallinn and Historic Heights

• 9:00 AM – Explore Tallinn Old Town: Begin your day at Town Hall Square, visit Raeapteek (Europe’s oldest pharmacy), and stroll through Viru Gate and Pikk Street (2.5 hours).
• 11:30 AM – Walk uphill to Toompea Castle and Alexander Nevsky Cathedral (10-minute walk): Visit the Parliament building and explore the cathedral’s detailed interior (1 hour).
• 12:30 PM – Lunch at Rataskaevu 16: Enjoy Estonian dishes in a charming Old Town setting.
• 2:00 PM – Climb St. Olaf’s Church Tower (5-minute walk): Take in breathtaking views of Tallinn and the Gulf of Finland (45 minutes).
• 3:00 PM – Visit Balti Jaam Market (10-minute walk): Explore food stalls, souvenir shops, and sample Estonian snacks (1 hour).
• 4:30 PM – Relax at Telliskivi Creative City (5-minute walk): Discover street art, sip coffee at Reval Café, or browse local boutiques (2 hours).
• 6:30 PM – Dinner at F-Hoone in Telliskivi area.

Day 2: Art, Palaces, and Maritime History

• 9:00 AM – Visit Kadriorg Palace and Park (15-minute tram ride): Stroll through the formal gardens and explore the baroque interior (1.5 hours).
• 10:30 AM – Tour the Kumu Art Museum (10-minute walk through Kadriorg Park): View Estonian modern and classic art exhibitions (1.5 hours).
• 12:30 PM – Lunch at NOP Café nearby.
• 2:00 PM – Head to the Seaplane Harbour (20-minute taxi or tram ride): Explore historic submarines, sea mines, and seaplanes in an immersive museum setting (2 hours).
• 4:30 PM – Walk along the waterfront to Patarei Prison (15-minute walk): Learn about Estonia’s 20th-century political history in this former KGB prison (1 hour).
• 6:00 PM – Return to the city center and dine at Lore Bistroo in Noblessner Port.

Day 3: Elevated Views and Modern Tallinn

• 9:00 AM – Visit the Tallinn TV Tower (30-minute tram ride): Enjoy interactive exhibits and views from the glass-floored deck (1.5 hours).
• 10:45 AM – Walk in the nearby Tallinn Botanic Garden: Discover Estonia’s native and exotic plants (1 hour).
• 12:00 PM – Return to the city center and have lunch at Vegan Restoran V in Old Town.
• 1:30 PM – Free time for shopping or visiting any missed museums like the Estonian History Museum or Niguliste Museum.
  
• 4:00 PM – Coffee and pastry at RØST Bakery near the train station before departure.

See Itinerary Map (Includes Places to Visit and Accommodations)

Best Time To Go:

The best time to visit Tallinn is from May to September, when the weather is warm and ideal for walking tours, open-air markets, and festivals. During these months, temperatures range from 17°C to 24°C (63°F to 75°F). July and August are the warmest but also the busiest. June offers long daylight hours due to the northern latitude, often extending past 10 PM. December is magical with Christmas markets and snow, but it is colder and suited for a different travel style.

Activities To Do:

• Join a ghost tour in Tallinn Old Town: Guided night tours offer spooky stories and legends tied to the medieval city’s dark past.
• Visit a traditional Estonian sauna: Saunas are central to Estonian culture. Try Kalma Saun, one of the oldest public saunas in the city.
• Take a ferry to Helsinki, Finland: Day trips across the Baltic are possible from Tallinn Port, taking about 2 hours each way.
• Attend a digital innovation tour: Estonia is a pioneer in e-governance. Join a tour to learn about its e-residency and tech-forward initiatives.
• Enjoy a rooftop drink at Hotel Telegraaf or Radisson Blu Sky Lounge: These bars provide excellent city views, especially during sunset.

Accommodations:

• Hotel Telegraaf, Autograph Collection: A luxurious 5-star hotel in a former post office building, offering spa services and fine dining.

• Swissôtel Tallinn: A high-rise modern hotel with a spa, panoramic views, and business amenities.

• Schlössle Hotel – The Leading Hotels of the World: A romantic boutique hotel set in a medieval building, offering personalized service.

• Palace Hotel Tallinn, a member of Radisson Individuals: Known for comfort, stylish interiors, and its location near Freedom Square.

• Hestia Hotel Ilmarine: Offers modern rooms in a historic building close to the Old Town and Kalamaja district.

• Draper Startup House for Entrepreneurs: A hostel-meets-co-working-space with affordable shared and private rooms.
• Tabinoya – Tallinn’s Travellers House: A cozy guesthouse in Old Town offering basic yet charming accommodation.

Transportation Options:

• Walking: Most attractions, especially in the Old Town and central districts, are easily walkable due to Tallinn’s compact layout.
• Trams and Buses: Operated by Tallinna Linnatranspordi AS, these public transport options are efficient, affordable, and connect all major areas.
• Taxis and Ride Apps: Bolt (founded in Estonia) is the most reliable ride-hailing app. Taxis are also available, but app rides are cheaper and trackable.
• Bicycle and Scooter Rentals: Lime and Bolt offer e-scooter rentals throughout the city. Bike paths are common in parks and residential areas.
• Ferries: The Tallinn Port provides access to Helsinki, Stockholm, and St. Petersburg via daily ferries.
• Airport Connections: Tallinn Airport is just 4 km from the city center and easily reached by tram or taxi.

Tips:

• Use the Tallinn Card: This tourist pass includes free public transport and entrance to over 40 museums and sites.
• Download the Bolt app: This local app provides cheaper and faster rides than traditional taxis.
• Mind cobblestones in Old Town: Wear comfortable shoes since many streets are uneven and historic.
• Try speaking Estonian phrases: Locals appreciate the effort, though English is widely spoken.
• Use contactless payments: Estonia is one of the most digitalized countries in Europe, and most places accept cards or mobile payments.

Tallinn is a perfect blend of medieval charm and modern innovation. This 3-day itinerary allows travelers to explore Estonia’s rich history, its vibrant art and tech scenes, and its natural beauty. From the ancient towers of Vanalinn to the cutting-edge exhibits of the Seaplane Harbour and TV Tower, Tallinn reveals a city rooted in tradition but always looking forward. Whether you’re a culture lover, a foodie, or a digital nomad, Tallinn offers an unforgettable European city experience with a unique Baltic twist.