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Tallinn City Breaks

Estonia
Tallinn accommodation
Map

Diane Geddie, Product & Short Break Specialist

"Tallinn is an immersive experience of historic and cultural centres, with a patchwork of attractions each unique and memorable. The UNESCO recognized old town offers a wonderful collection of cobblestone lanes, gothic architecture and medieval markets. From the old town be sure to take Pikk Jalg up to Toompea Hill where you will find Estonia’s oldest church, St Mary’s Cathedral, and viewing platforms from which you can gaze over the city to the Baltic Sea."

Tallinn at a glance

Tallinn is an enchanting city where narrow cobbled streets and ancient churches combine with a vibrant array of boutiques, restaurants and nightclubs to create a unique atmosphere of old and new.

Established as a medieval trading city, Tallinn was ruled by both Sweden and Russia, with a brief period of independence after World War I. Known as Reval for a major part of its history, the city today presents a cultural blend of Finnish influence mixed with old European charm. 

Tallinn’s medieval Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site offering an upper town, known as Toompea, with its historic castle and cathedral, and a lower town with winding streets, the town wall and many historic buildings. 

Perfect if you’re looking for:

  • Art and culture
  • Historic attractions
  • Weekend short break

Getting around

The Old Town of Tallinn is easily navigated by foot. To explore the rest of the city sights, there is a public bus, trolley and tram network. A universal ticket can be used between all forms of transport, with ticket options ranging from single trip to multiple day tickets.

Shopping

Whether you are looking for handcrafted Estonian items such as ceramic, knitwear and leather goods or wanting to peruse the department stores and elegant boutiques in the Old Town, shopping in Tallinn offers a  variety of options for those seeking both unique and name brand items. 

Dining in Tallinn

Estonian cuisine hails from a background of simple, yet creative peasant fare, with influences from neighbouring countries such as Germany and Russia also playing a role in traditional dishes.

Rye bread is a staple served with most savoury dishes. Pork, potatoes and sauerkraut are also a very popular part of many main courses.

Must-try local dishes

  • Kartulipõrsad – pork wrapped in a potato pastry made with a mix of mashed potatoes, flour, eggs and cream
  • Pirukas – a meat pastry filled with cabbage carrots and rice, often served with bouillon
  • Karask – a traditional cake-like barley bread

Get your tailor-made city break itinerary

Osprey Holidays can create a fabulous short break to Tallinn designed completely around your needs. We can arrange whatever you need, including:

  • All travel and transfers on days of your choice
  • Accommodation from our handpicked range of Tallinn hotels, to suit your budget and requirements

Our award-winning team can provide expert advice and recommendations, from general questions to tiny details. Contact us now for your tailor-made itinerary.

Important information
Population 428,778
Languages Estonian
Currency Euro
Visa Information No visa required for UK citizens
Average temperatures

(monthly highs °C)

Interesting facts

Visit the craft shops on St Catherine's passage for the best linen and leather goods, woollen clothing and ornaments.

Featured accommodation
Distance from airports
Lennart Meri Tallinn Airport 5 km
Railway stations
Baltic Station

Things to do in Tallinn

  • Kadriorg Palace: Beautiful palace and park built for Peter the Great and his wife Catherine I.
  • Town Hall: The only surviving Gothic town hall in Northern Europe. Climb the tower for great views.
  • Toompea Castle: Estonia’s traditional seat of power, sitting on a plateau overlooking the city.
  • The Old Town: Narrow streets peppered with beautifully restored medieval homes, churches, monasteries and fascinating museums.
  • KUMU: A spectacular modern building housing Tallinn’s large new museum of contemporary art.

Tours and Excursions

Guided WalkingTour

Meet your guide in the old town and explore this fascinating medieval city on a two hour walking tour which takes in the Lower Town and the Upper Town connected by the atmospheric 'Short Leg Street'. Admire the magnificent buildings of this UNESCO World Heritage site as you pass by sights including Toompea Castle, Aleksander Nevsky Cathedral and the Gothic town hall.
 

Lahemmaa National Park

This small-group day tour, with a maximum of eight passengers, takes you the North Coast of Estonia to admire the beautiful landscape rich in flora and fauna and home to an abundance of wildlife. Stop at scenic Jagala Waterfall before heading to Sagadi Manor Museum where you can learn more about the history of the area. End the trip with a stroll round the Viru Bog trail to explore the forest, and climb the observation tower in the middle to admire the landscape.
 

Tallinn to Helsinki Round-Trip

Helsinki is just a 2-hour ferry ride from Tallinn across the Gulf of Finland. With a vibrant atmosphere, beautiful architecture, art galleries, museums and cafes, Helsinki makes an ideal daytrip. There are numerous departures daily and the Tallinn ferry terminal is only a 15-minute walk from downtown, so you can choose to spend a leisurely day or just a few hours.

We would be happy to arrange an excursion for you. To discuss options with a member of our knowledgeable team or to book, please contact us on 0131 243 8098.