Tallinn might be my new favorite mid-sized city in Europe! With its medieval Old Town, colorful buildings, striking views from platforms and church towers, lively food and bar scene and interesting history , Tallinn really stole my heart! This post covers how to spend 2 days in Tallinn with a perfect itinerary for your visit. It also includes a travel guide with everything you need to know about this beautiful Baltic capital!
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Table of Contents
- Notes About this Itinerary for 2 Days in Tallinn
- Getting Around Tallinn
- Is The Tallinn Card Worth It?
- Are 2 Days in Tallinn Enough Time?
- How to Spend 2 Days in Tallinn
- More Than 2 Days in Tallinn?
- Where to Eat Dinner in Tallinn?
- Where to Stay
- Staying Connected
- Tallinn Guided Tours
- Where to Go After 2 Days in Tallinn?
- Pin this post for later
Notes About this Itinerary for 2 Days in Tallinn
- You can do these 2 days in Tallinn in any order.
- I have mapped out the itinerary in order of appearance but free to move things around if you need to.
- Tallinn is a cruise port so try to start your day early to avoid large mid-day cruise crowds.
- Make dinner reservations in advance during summer.
- The only attraction on this 2 days in Tallinn itinerary that you need to buy tickets in advance for is the KBG Museum at the Viru Hotel. You can buy the rest in-person on the day of your visit.
Getting Around Tallinn
Tallinn is quite walkable and you can get around by foot, especially in and around Old Town. In fact, you can walk all of day 1 of this itinerary. Tallinn also has Buses, trams, and trolleybuses that run from about 6 AM to mid-night. Trams are useful for getting between the city center and areas like Kalamaja and Kadriorg Park. There is also a 1 day and 3 day transit pass that you can buy.
With only 2 days in Tallinn, I didn’t want to lose time waiting on public transport so I used the Bolt app to hail taxis and they wee relatively reasonable. I’ll callout below where you may need them.
Is The Tallinn Card Worth It?
The Tallinn Card includes free public transport. It also gives you free access to a ton of museums. You may find it is useful to get for both days. However, you may want to calculate this based on what you want to see and do in Tallinn to make sure the cost is worth it. Check it out HERE. A lot of the places, towers, and museums on this 2 days in Tallinn itinerary are covered by the card but it depends on 1. if you will go to all of them and 2. if you will use public transport.
Are 2 Days in Tallinn Enough Time?
I think 2 days in Tallinn is just about enough time to explore the highlights of the city. However, it wouldn’t hurt to have one more extra day in my opinion. With one more extra day, you can spend some more time at the spa or visit more interesting museums.
How to Spend 2 Days in Tallinn
As I said, you can swap day 1 and day 2. The order of the days do not matter. However, you may want to determine this ahead of time as you will need to buy tickets to the KGB Hotel tour ahead of time.
Day 1 in Tallinn
Today, we will explore most of Old Town. The good news is that every place is walkable, so wear some cmfortable walking shoes.
Viru Gate
There is no better and more iconic place to start your 2 days in Tallinn than at the Viru Gate. This gate was originally part of Tallinn’s 14th century fortification. The two towers are the last ones standing as the rest were demolished. Walking through Viru Gate is like stepping back in time, right into winding cobbled lanes filled with medieval charm and lively shops, cafés, and restaurants along Viru Street.
Master’s Courtyard
Once a medieval merchant’s courtyard, today it is home to a collection of studios, galleries, artisan shops. Some buildings here date back to the 13th century! You can see live workshops here that show case Estonian craftsmanship like jewelry, ceramics, textiles, glasswork and more. Artists often welcome visitors to observe or participate in workshops.
Katariina Käik
This narrow alley, lined with archways is is lined with buildings from the 15th to 17th centuries and is one of the most photographs places in Tallinn.
Raeapteek
Raeapteek is the longest running pharmacy and medical institution in Tallinn. It has been in continuous operation since at least 1422. Today, you can visit the pharmacy (and get medicine) and also visit the small adjacent museum with artifacts through the ages.
Town Square
Next, enjoy the sights and sounds of the Town Hall Square. The actual Town Hall building is the oldest surviving Gothic Town Hall in Northern Europe. If you are visiting during Christmas, there is a very lively and famous Christmas market that takes place in this square.
Maiasmokk Cafe
Established in 1864, this cafe is the oldest continuously operating café in Estonia. The café serves fresh pastries, cakes, pies, and handmade candies. Inside is also a Marzipan Museum Room featuring around 200 marzipan figures. They also offer a marzipan painting workshop that you can book by reaching out to maiasmokk@orkla.ee
If you stand facing the road from this cafe’, there is a little donut shop on the opposite and left hand side. They sell Estonian donuts and it was very good!
To the right is the Great Guild Hall. Constructed between 1407–1410 and completed by 1417, this Gothic building was commissioned by Tallinn’s wealthy merchant–artisans guild. The building is home to a Great Hall, museum and exhibits. You probably will not have time to visit as there’s a lot more to do today.
Walk Around
Walk around a bit in this area. The streets are really pretty and colorful!
Lunch
For lunch head over to Restoran Olde Hansa. This medieval themed restaurant is a bit touristy but is an Old Town must. Servers dress in medieval attire while the menu is also from the middle ages. It’s a fun experience! It reminded me of a similar experience I had in Stockholm.
St. Nicholas Church and Museum
This church and museum has a tower that has some amazing views of Tallinn Old Town. I would say this was my favorite tower for views. Originally built in 13 century, the church served merchants, sailors, and artisans, dedicated to Saint Nicholas, patron saint of seafarers and traders. In addition to the views from the tower, also check out the art inside the church, especially the altarpieces.
- May–September: open daily 10:00–18:00
- October–April: closed Mondays; open Tue–Sun 10:00–18:00
Kiek in de Kök Museum and Bastion Tunnels
Kiek in de Kök is a massive artillery tower built in 1475, reaching 38 meter tall with walls 3–4 meters thick. This was a part of Tallinn’s medieval defense line. There are actually four towers here: Kiek in de Kök, Maiden Tower, Stable Tower, and Short‑Leg Gate Tower and they are connected via wall passages that offer great views over Old Town.
The towers include permanent exhibitions detailing Tallinn’s military history, guild life, and the complex system of towers and walls.
You need about 1.5 hours here just for the towers so you may have to consider visiting the bastion tunnels.
- May–September: Daily 11:00–18:00
- October–April: Tue–Sun 11:00–18:00, closed Mondays
Last admission about 1.5 hours prior to closing.
Toompea Castle
This medieval castle is now the home of Estonia’s parliament and government offices. Take a peak inside. You won’t have time for a tour but they do offer free guided visits (Monday–Friday) when booked in advance via ekskursioon@riigikogu.ee. These cover the castle courtyard, White Hall, and parliamentary spaces.
Alexander Nevsky Cathedral
The Alexander Nevsky Cathedral is one of the most iconic landmarks in Tallinn and a big part of the city’s Russian Orthodox heritage. It’s one of the most photographer landmarks in Tallinn!
Viewing Platforms
Next, check out the Kohtuotsa viewing platform and the Patkuli viewing platform this is located next door, provide great views over Tallinn and the Baltic sea.
St. Olaf’s Church
Your last place to see in the St. Olaf’s Church. This church tower also provides fantastic views over the city but getting there is no easy feat! There are many steep stairs to climb on a spiral staircase. This tower Served as a navigation landmark for ships approaching Tallinn and was struck by lightning at least 10 times and burned down 3 times between the 14th and 17th centuries. Church entrance is often free, but the tower climb has a small fee.
The tower and observation platform are only open April through October and is open from 10 AM to 6 PM.
You may have to skip this if you have mobility issues as the stairs to the top of the tower were not easy to climb. However, this area is really colorful and cute and is worth walking around a bit in.
After you are done, head just outside Old Town and walk a bit along the walls.
Pre-Dinner Drinks
If you are looking for a cool place to have drink before dinner, check out Telliskivi Creative City. You will get to check this place out well tomorrow but for today, enjoy a cocktail or two at one of the areas many bars. My favorite was an establishment called Suhe and the bar called Nudist inside it. They had the best passionfruit martinis on tap! and it was only 5 euros!
Day 2 in Tallinn
Today, we will explore outside of Old Town. This is the day you will either need public transport or need to get Bolts to get around. Figuring out public transport is relatively easy if you have Google Maps. Open maps and enter your location and where you want to go and then click “directions” and then the “transit” symbol (usually the 2nd one after the car symbol). Google will show you the fastest and most efficient way to get to your destination based on the current time.
Hotel Viru & the KGB Museum
Start your day with a tour of the KGB Museum at Hotel Viru. Tours start as early as 9 AM and I highly encourage you to pick the first tour for the day.
This hotel was opened in 1972 and was Tallinn’s first high-rise and the only hotel deemed suitable for foreign guests under Soviet control. It was designed by Estonian architects and built by the Finnish who came over from across the Baltic sea.
The Soviets needed hot currency and so they built this hotel to attract foreigners to come but spied on them. Basically the entire hotel was tapped with microphones and surveillance devices. From the cufflinks worn by the hotel drivers to the light fixtures.
The tour takes about 1 hour. See HERE to book. I highly recommend booking this tour in advance. Pay attention to the language selection. I booked a tour in another language but luckily they were kind enough to change it for me!
From Hotel Viru, you will have to get a Bolt or catch public transport to Maarjamae Palace. If you are taking public transport take buses 1, 5, 8, 34, or 38 (stop “Maarjamäe”). The ride from central Tallinn lasts around 20 minutes.
Maarjamae Palace
If you were to see only one museum in Tallinn, I would pick this one. I was not even sure about going at first but I’m so glad I did! This palace was built in 1873–74 by a Count named Anatoli Orlov-Davydov in honor of his wife Maria as a seaside summer residence. Today, it’s home to many interesting things but my favorite was the Estonian History Museum.
My Free Country
A permanent exhibition covering Estonia’s journey from its founding in 1918 to the present. This exhibition was excellent! It did a great job of telling the historical story of Estonia with artifacts from each era that made it easy to really immerse yourself in the history. The exhibit covers the Soviet Occupation in great detail and depth and I really enjoyed learning about Estonia’s past!
Children’s Republic
This is a kid friendly space where children can learn about modern statehood through play.
Outdoor Soviet Monument Exhibition
The palace park hosts the largest exhibition of Soviet-era statues and structures in Estonia.
Film Museum
Located within the palace grounds, this interactive museum lets you explore film‑making, from set design to crew roles.
Candidly with only 2 days in Tallinn, I don’t think you have time for all of the things to do here. I would focus on the historical exhibits. This should take you around 1.5 hours.
See hours of opening and cost HERE.
From here head over to Kalamaja. You will need to catch a Bolt or take public transport.
Kalamaja
Kalamaja, meaning “Fish House,” began as a 14th-century fishing and boat-building community. Its wooden houses were built for workers during the industrial boom after the Tallinn–St. Petersburg railway arrived in 1870.
The best of these colorful houses can be seen on the streets of Valgevase, Kalju, Kungla, Vana‑Kalamaja, and Niine.
Now time for lunch!
Lunch
You have 2 choices for lunch. You can either check out the local food market called Balti Jaama Turg or a popular restaurant called F-Hoone just a few minutes down the road. If you eat at Balti Jaama Turg, you should still check out the area F-Hoone is at. This area is called Telliskivi Creative City and is a lively, colorful and hip and up and coming area in Tallinn.
If you eat at F-Hoone, check out Balti Jaama Turg and maybe grab some dessert there.
KUMU
KUMU is the national art museum of Estonia and Northern Europe’s largest art museum. There are many different exhibits in the museum from national and international artists but I really enjoyed the pieces that were painted during or about the Soviet Occupation. One thing that struck me was how much art is really intertwined in a nation’s history.
See hours and cost HERE. Closed on Mondays. Guided tours are available and need to be booked in advance. To do this, you will need to buy the ticket online and add the guided tour. If you are not getting a guided tour, then you can buy the ticket in-person.
From Kumu , walk over to Kadriorg Palace and Art Museum. You may not have time to visit the art museum, but take a quick walk in the beautiful garden at the back.
The palace was commissioned by Tsar Peter the Great in 1718 and was built as a summer residence for Catherine I, Peter’s wife. The name “Kadriorg” translates to “Catherine’s Valley” in Estonian. Today it houses the Kadriorg Art Museum, showcasing European and Russian art from the 16th to 20th centuries.
Spa Time
End your day by hitting a spa before dinner. Tallinn is well known as a top rated spa destination in Europe! If you are staying at the hotel I recommend (see below), then you have access to their free spa and sauna. If not, check out other hotel spas like Pürovel Spa & Sport at Swissôtel Tallinn or Eforea Spa at Hilton Tallinn Park or dedicated spa complexes like Elamus Spa, Kalev Spa Water Park (great if you have kids) or Aqua Spa (Tallink).
More Than 2 Days in Tallinn?
If you have more than 2 days in Tallinn, you can either have a longer spa day or check out more museums. Some good ones are listed below.
Where to Eat Dinner in Tallinn?
I had dinner at two amazing restaurants in Tallinn and really enjoyed both experiences. Both were on the Michelin Guide. One had a star and the other was Bib Gourmand.
NOA
NOA has 2 restaurants. One is Bib Gourmand. This restaurant has an À la carte menu and is set in a beautiful airy covered patio overlooking the Baltic Sea. Time your dinner with the sunset for some epic views.
I had dinner at NOA Chef’s Kitchen and this restaurant is located alongside NOA but this one is has a Michelin Star. It is an elevated dining experience from the get go. They have an amazing tasting menu with ingredients or cooking methods curated from Estonia. The kitchen is all open and you can see the action happening in front of you. For one course you will be invited up to the chef’s counter.
Moon
Moon is also on the Michelin Guide and serves really good Slavic Food. I really enjoyed every dish I had, especially the dessert! Almost wiped the plate clean on that one! The service was excellent as well.
Where to Stay
In general, I always use Booking.com to book my accommodation and have been doing so for over 10 years. I really love that booking lets you filter for the facilities and amenities that you are looking for and the more you book with them, the more you get rewarded.
During my 2 days in Tallinn I stayed at the Metropol Spa Hotel and absolutely loved it! The hotel is located just outside the Old Town and is walking distance from the ferry port. The room was nice and spacious and modern. But the best part was the free spa and sauna! I could have spent hours there. I can definitely recommend this hotel.
Staying Connected
Whether it’s to map out this 2 days in Tallinn itinerary or catch public transport, having data will be very useful for your time in the city. I always use an eSim from Airalo when I travel outside the country because they are cheap and easy to set up and use. If you are going to other countries in the Baltics or to other European nation, then you can even buy a regional sim, which will work in almost all countries in Europe.
Tallinn Guided Tours
Where to Go After 2 Days in Tallinn?
From Tallinn you can catch an easy ferry ride to Helsinki, Finland (more to come soon!) or cross the border over to Latvia. Riga is only a 4 hour drive away and is easily accessible by bus too!
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