Tallinn, Estonia-6-day-itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Exploring the Old Town

  • Arrive at Tartu Airport (TLL) or take a bus/train from Helsinki
  • Check-in at Hotel Telegraaf ( approx. €100 per night), a 5-star hotel in the heart of Old Town
  • Visit the Toompea Castle, a medieval castle that now houses the Estonian parliament building
  • Walk through the charming streets of Old Town, taking in the colorful buildings and quaint shops
  • Stop for lunch at Põhjala (€15-20 per meal), a modern Estonian restaurant serving local cuisine
  • Visit the Town Hall Square, a bustling hub with cafes, shops, and street performers
  • Enjoy dinner at The Pigalle (€30-40 per meal), a stylish bistro offering French-inspired dishes

Day 2: Tallinn’s Hidden Gems

  • Start the day with breakfast at Kohvita Tartu 101 (€5-10 per person), a cozy cafe serving delicious pastries and coffee
  • Visit the Tallinna Raekoja (€8 admission), a beautiful Baroque-style town hall that now serves as a concert venue
  • Explore the nearby Raeküla Street, lined with boutique shops, galleries, and cafes
  • Stop for lunch at Merekeskus Kaljas (€15-20 per meal), a seafood restaurant offering fresh catches of the day
  • Visit the Nikolai Cemetery, a historic graveyard featuring impressive sculptures and mausoleums
  • Enjoy dinner at Lido (€30-40 per meal), a popular Estonian restaurant serving hearty meat dishes

Day 3: Sea and Parks

  • Spend the morning exploring the Tallinn Botanical Garden (free admission), a beautiful park featuring over 5,000 plant species
  • Visit the nearby Rocca al Mare Park, a stunning coastal park with hiking trails and scenic views
  • Stop for lunch at Lido Tallinna Rannapark (€15-20 per meal), a beachside restaurant serving fresh seafood
  • Visit the Seal Sandbanks, a nature reserve featuring an abundance of seals and sea birds
  • Enjoy dinner at Café Eesti (€25-35 per meal), a cozy cafe offering traditional Estonian cuisine

Day 4: History and Architecture

  • Start the day with breakfast at Kohvita Tartu 101 (€5-10 per person)
  • Visit the Tallinn City Museum (€6 admission), showcasing the city’s history and cultural heritage
  • Explore the stunning St. Nicholas’ Church, a beautiful Gothic-style church featuring intricate carvings
  • Stop for lunch at Must Pamuk (€15-20 per meal), a cozy cafe serving traditional Estonian dishes
  • Visit the Tallinn Stock Exchange Building, an impressive example of Art Nouveau architecture
  • Enjoy dinner at The Bistro (€30-40 per meal), a stylish restaurant offering modern Estonian cuisine

Day 5: Day Trip to Lahemaa National Park

  • Take a bus or taxi to Lahemaa National Park ( approx. €10-20 return)
  • Visit the stunning Riisipere Manor, a beautiful Baroque-style mansion featuring impressive art collections
  • Explore the picturesque Altja Fishing Village, a historic settlement with traditional wooden houses
  • Stop for lunch at Tallinn Food Hall (€15-20 per meal), a popular food court offering local cuisine
  • Visit the Palmse Manor, an impressive Baroque-style mansion featuring beautiful gardens and art collections

Day 6: Shopping and Relaxation

  • Spend the morning shopping at Viru Keskus (free admission), a large shopping mall with international brands
  • Stop for lunch at Restaurant Tartu (€15-20 per meal), serving traditional Estonian cuisine
  • Visit the Tallinn Harbour, a bustling hub with ferries and boats offering scenic views of the city
  • Enjoy dinner at Café Eesti (€25-35 per meal), a cozy cafe offering traditional Estonian cuisine
  • Spend the evening relaxing in your hotel or exploring the Old Town’s nightlife

Transportation:

  • Tartu Airport (TLL) is located 4 km from Tallinn city center. Bus and taxi services are available.
  • Public transportation: buses, trams, and taxis are widely available.
  • Bike rental: €10-15 per day.

Tips:

  • Learn some basic Estonian phrases, such as “tere” (hello), “tänan” (thank you), and “see uks” (goodbye).
  • Be prepared for chilly weather, even in summer.
  • Respect local customs and traditions, especially when visiting churches or historic sites.
  • Don’t forget to try traditional Estonian cuisine, such as verivorst (blood sausage) and haavikesed (herring with potatoes).

Places to Eat:

  • Põhjala (modern Estonian cuisine)
  • The Pigalle (French-inspired dishes)
  • Lido (seafood restaurant)
  • Café Eesti (traditional Estonian cuisine)

Accommodation:

  • Hotel Telegraaf (5-star hotel in the heart of Old Town)
  • Tallink Hotel Spa & Conference Centre (4-star hotel with spa facilities)
  • Airbnb apartments and rooms

Things to Know:

  • Estonia is a member of the European Union, but not yet part of the Eurozone. Credit cards are widely accepted.
  • Be prepared for some basic language barriers, as English proficiency can vary among locals.
  • Respect local customs and traditions, especially when visiting churches or historic sites.

Additional Activities:

  • Visit the Tallinn City Museum to learn about the city’s history and cultural heritage.
  • Explore the stunning St. Nicholas’ Church, a beautiful Gothic-style church featuring intricate carvings.
  • Take a scenic boat tour of the city’s coastline.