Tallinn is one of my favorite cities in Europe and I recently wrote a blog post covering how to spend 2 days in Tallinn. However, I recognize that Tallinn is also a very popular city for a day trip may it be via a short ferry ride from Helsinki or a port of call on a cruise where the ship docks in the morning and leaves in the evening. This post is for anyone who has only one day in Tallinn and wants to experience some of its best sights and sounds.
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How to Spend One Day in Tallinn
With just one day in Tallinn, I think you should concentrate your efforts on Old Town and seeing the sights there. That is what this post will cover. Although there are lots of fun things you can do outside of Old Town, realistically, you won’t have time for them. Even if you only have one day in Tallinn, spending a night here will make a difference as you then don’t have to rush back on a ship. If you are coming from Helsinki, then consider taking the very last ship back to Helsinki so that you can maximize your one day in Tallinn.
More Than One Day in Tallinn?
Ideally 2-3 full days in Tallinn is the perfect amount of time in my opinion to really explore and enjoy the city. If you do have more than none day in Tallinn, then take a look at this post to see how you can spread out your activities and also see more things that Tallinn has to offer.
See my detailed post on spending 2-3 days in Tallinn HERE!
Getting to Tallinn
From Helsinki
Getting to Tallinn from Helsinki is easy. Because you only have one day in Tallinn, I highly recommend taking the earliest ferry in and taking the last one back to Helsinki.
Your Options:
| Operator/Line | Typical Travel Time | Earliest Departure → Arrival | Latest Departure → Arrival | Notes |
| Tallink Silja | 2 hours | 07:30 → 09:30 (Megastar/MyStar) | 22:30 → 00:30 (MyStar/Megastar) | *Like a full cruise ship *Cheaper day trip option *Need to buy tickets in advance for best rate |
| Viking Line | 2 hrs 15 min | 07:45 → 10:00 (XPRS) | 21:00 → 23:30 (XPRS) | |
| Eckerö Line | 09:00 → 11:15 (M/s Finlandia) | 21:40 → 00:10 (M/s Finlandia) | ||
| Linda Line (Linda Express) | 1 hr 40 min | *High-speed catamaran; operates seasonally |
Summary – Tallink Silja Line is the quickest crossing with year round service. They have the earliest crossing and last departure. They offer a day trip rate which is cheaper than buying 2 one way tickets and the ship is absolutely amazing!
From Riga or Latvia
Getting to Tallinn from Riga takes about 4.5 hours either by car or by bus. With only one day in Tallinn, you should aim to get to Riga as early in the morning as possible so that you arrive in Tallinn with plenty of time to explore the city. If you are thinking of taking the bus, I used Lux Express and had a great experience. The buses were very comfortable, clean and punctual. It was like being on an airplane.
On a Cruise
Try and get off the ship as soon as you dock so that you have a decent amount of time to explore Tallinn.
Getting Around Tallinn
Whether you are coming from a multi-day cruise or from Helsinki, it takes about 25 minutes to walk from the cruise port to Old Town. The bus and tram options are not that great either as it takes more or less that same amount of time and you still need to walk a bit. If you are looking to expedite your journey to Old Town, then your best option is to catch a Bolt. Download the app and you can use it like Uber. Bolt is actually relatively inexpensive in Estonia.
Things to Do with One Day in Tallinn
As I mentioned with one day in Tallinn, you will have just enough time to explore Old Town. The sights below are mapped out in order.
Viru Gate
There is no better and more iconic place to start your one day 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. 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!
Dinner
I have a recommendation for an amazing restaurant in Tallinn but you need about 3.5 hours for this meal. If you need to rush back to your cruise ship or ferry back to Helsinki, then consider eating at Telliskivi Creative City at a place like F-Hoone or at a restaurant like Moon that serves Slavic Food.
If you do have 3.5 hours then check out NOA Chef’s Kitchen which is a Michelin star restaurant. They have an amazing tasting menu that focuses on ingredients and 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.
Tallinn Guided Tours
If you would rather do a guided tour of Tallinn, here are some well rated tours.
More to Do
If you get done exploring Old Town early and have more time, then consider visiting KUMU which is the national art museum of Estonia and Northern Europe’s largest art museum. Alternatively you could also visit a spa. Check out a hotel spas like Pürovel Spa & Sport at Swissôtel Tallinn or Eforea Spa at Hilton Tallinn Park or a dedicated spa complex like Elamus Spa, Kalev Spa Water Park (great if you have kids) or Aqua Spa (Tallink). You need about 1.5 hours for KUMU or the spa.
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