Tallinn, Estonia-7-day-itinerary

August 8, 2024

Day 1: Arrival and Exploration

Morning: Arrive at Tallinn Airport (TLL) and take a taxi or bus (about €3-5) to your accommodation.
9:00 AM: Check-in at Hotel Viru (or similar) in the city center, within walking distance to many attractions.
10:00 AM: Visit the Toompea Castle (free admission), a historic castle that now serves as the Estonian Parliament building. Take in the stunning views of the city from its towers.
12:00 PM: Grab lunch at Café Noor, a cozy spot serving traditional Estonian cuisine, like verivorst and mulgikapsad (€10-15 per meal).
1:30 PM: Explore the Old Town (free admission), a UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with cobblestone streets, colorful buildings, and historic landmarks. Visit the iconic Town Hall Square, where you’ll find the 15th-century Town Hall.
Evening: Enjoy dinner at II Espresso, an Italian-inspired restaurant with a cozy atmosphere and delicious pasta dishes (€20-30 per meal).

Day 2: History and Culture

9:00 AM: Visit the Estonian History Museum (€8 admission), which tells the story of Estonia’s history, from prehistoric times to the present day.
11:00 AM: Explore the Kadriorg Park, a beautiful Baroque-style park with stunning gardens and a palace that now serves as an art museum (free admission).
12:30 PM: Grab lunch at Patarei 9, a trendy spot serving modern Estonian cuisine, like burgers and salads (€15-20 per meal).
2:00 PM: Visit the Estonia Museum of Applied Art (€8 admission), which showcases traditional crafts, folk art, and modern design.
Evening: Enjoy dinner at Rummu, a restaurant serving modern Estonian cuisine with a focus on local ingredients (€30-40 per meal).

Day 3: Beach Day

9:00 AM: Take a short bus ride or taxi to the beautiful Haabersti beach (about €5-10). Enjoy the sun, sea, and sand, and take a dip in the Baltic Sea.
12:30 PM: Grab lunch at Rimi, a local supermarket with a great selection of sandwiches, salads, and snacks (€10-15 per meal).
2:00 PM: Visit the Haabersti Market (free admission), where you can find local produce, handicrafts, and souvenirs.
Evening: Enjoy dinner at Sakra, a restaurant serving modern Estonian cuisine with a focus on sustainable ingredients (€30-40 per meal).

Day 4: Markets and Shopping

9:00 AM: Visit the bustling Viru Street Market (free admission), where you can find local produce, handicrafts, and souvenirs.
11:00 AM: Explore the Old Town shopping streets, filled with unique boutiques, souvenir shops, and cafes.
12:30 PM: Grab lunch at Koobal, a cozy spot serving traditional Estonian cuisine (€15-20 per meal).
2:00 PM: Visit the Estonian Craft Market (free admission), where you can find local handicrafts, textiles, and souvenirs.
Evening: Enjoy dinner at Kreutzwald, a restaurant serving modern Estonian cuisine with a focus on local ingredients (€30-40 per meal).

Day 5: Day Trip to Lahemaa National Park

9:00 AM: Take a guided bus tour or drive to the stunning Lahemaa National Park (about €50-70 for a day trip, including transportation and entrance fees).
11:00 AM: Visit the beautiful Palmse Manor (€10 admission), a 18th-century manor house with stunning gardens.
12:30 PM: Grab lunch at Lahemaa Kabinett, a cozy spot serving traditional Estonian cuisine (€15-20 per meal).
2:00 PM: Explore the park’s scenic trails, beaches, and forests.

Day 6: More Old Town Exploration

9:00 AM: Visit the stunning St. Nicholas’ Church (free admission), a beautiful Gothic-style church with a unique architecture.
10:30 AM: Explore the charming Tallinn Brewery (free admission), where you can take a tour and sample local beers (€5-10 per tasting).
12:00 PM: Grab lunch at Hansa, a cozy spot serving traditional Estonian cuisine (€15-20 per meal).
2:00 PM: Visit the St. Catherine’s Passage (free admission), a stunning alleyway lined with medieval buildings and colorful facades.
Evening: Enjoy dinner at Linnakell, a restaurant serving modern Estonian cuisine with a focus on local ingredients (€30-40 per meal).

Day 7: Last Day in Tallinn

9:00 AM: Visit the stunning St. Mary’s Cathedral (free admission), a beautiful Gothic-style church with a unique architecture.
10:30 AM: Explore the charming Tallinn’s Town Hall Square, where you can find street performers, food stalls, and souvenir shops.
12:00 PM: Grab lunch at Café Metropol, a cozy spot serving traditional Estonian cuisine (€15-20 per meal).
2:00 PM: Visit the Kumu Art Museum (€8 admission), which showcases modern and contemporary art from Estonia and around the world.
Evening: Enjoy dinner at II Espresso, an Italian-inspired restaurant with a cozy atmosphere and delicious pasta dishes (€20-30 per meal).

Things to Know:

Tallinn is generally safe, but take normal precautions to protect yourself and your belongings.
Learn some basic Estonian phrases, like “tere” (hello), “tänan” (thank you), and “see ulesse” (goodbye).
Be prepared for variable weather, as Estonia’s climate can be quite unpredictable.
Try local specialties, like verivorst, mulgikapsad, and haabersti sauerkraut.

Transportation:

Tallinn has an efficient public transportation system, including buses and trams (about €1-3 per ride).
You can also use taxis or ride-sharing services.
Consider purchasing a Tallinn Card, which grants you free admission to many attractions and discounts on public transportation (€25-30 per day).

Tips:

Try to explore the city on foot, as it’s relatively small and pedestrian-friendly.
Don’t be afraid to ask locals for directions or recommendations.
Take your time to enjoy the city’s atmosphere and scenic views.

Other Things of Interest:

Tallinn’s Christmas Market: Visit during the winter months (December) for a festive market with traditional food, drinks, and souvenirs.
Tallinn Marathon: Participate in the annual marathon or half-marathon event (usually held in September).
Tallinn Beer Festival: Enjoy local beers and live music at this popular festival (usually held in July).

I hope you enjoy your time in Tallinn!