Old Town Tallinn Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Old Town featuring a city and heritage architecture
St. Nicholas\' Church showing a city
St. Nicholas\' Church which includes a church or cathedral and heritage architecture
St. Catherine\'s Passage showing a city
Alexander Nevsky Cathedral featuring heritage architecture

See how this commercial hub grew, with a look at its complete, preserved historic centre near the trade routes of the Baltic Sea.

The Old Town of Tallinn is a UNESCO site with fascinating medieval attractions scattered among charming plazas and cobbled pedestrian areas. Much of this quaint region dates back to the 13th century, when Tallinn became a major center of commerce. Admire the range of well-preserved architectural gems in this enchanting zone.

The area comprises the lower town and Toompea, the upper town atop limestone hills. Walk through Toompea to see the initial administrative nucleus of Estonia. Learn the history of the city through visits to the Old Town’s many museums, such as the Tallinn City Museum, the Museum of Applied Art and Design and the Estonian Health Care Museum. Tallinn has an intriguing past, involving the commercial merchant guilds of the Hanseatic League and feudal lords.

Enjoy the view of the lower town, with its many church spires. Make your way through its winding medieval streets and watch people go by. Admire the medieval houses that belonged to the bourgeois elite. Among the highlights in the lower Old Town is the Tallinn Town Hall, which has a Gothic design that stands out on its namesake square.

A little northeast is the delightful St. Catherine’s Passage, a preserved cobbled lane that runs alongside the remains of its eponymous church. Take a break at one of the cafés with outdoor tables and carved studios with artisanal trinkets for sale. Browse the items on sale in the market stalls of the Wool Wall, a knitwear hub in front of the Old Town walls at the eastern end of the passage.

The historic center is accessible to the public for free at all times. Note that individual shops and restaurants have their own opening times.

The Old Town of Tallinn is a 280-acre (113-hectare) nucleus around which the city has grown. Take a tram or bus to one of the many stops along the southeastern flank of the Old Town area. Just outside this district are many landmarks, including the Tammsaare Park, St. Olaf’s Church and the Tallinn Post Office.


Popular places to visit

Activities


Our pick of the best Old Town Tallinn Hotel Deals

Meriton Old Town Garden Hotel

Meriton Old Town Garden Hotel

3.5 out of 5
Lai 24/Pikk 29, Tallinn
The price is NZ$144 per night from 27 July to 28 July
NZ$144
per night
27 July - 28 July
Stay at this 3.5-star hotel in Tallinn. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,008 reviews)
"Great location in Old Toen Tallinn. Wonderful visit!"

Reviewed on 3 Jul. 2025

Meriton Old Town Garden Hotel
Nunne Boutique Hotel

Nunne Boutique Hotel

4 out of 5
14 Nunne, Tallinn, Harju maakond
The price is NZ$232 per night from 27 July to 28 July
NZ$232
per night
27 July - 28 July
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Tallinn. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (852 reviews)
"Great hotel choice for a long break in Tallinn. All central attractions easily walkable from the hotel. Short walk (4 mins) to train station/tram stops for going further afield. Because the hotel is in an older building the room was extremely quiet. Simple but clean and quality decorations. Everything ..."

Reviewed on 16 Jul. 2025

Nunne Boutique Hotel
Bern Boutique Hotel

Bern Boutique Hotel

4 out of 5
10 Aia, Tallinn, Harju maakond
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Tallinn. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (450 reviews)
"For the price and location, it's excellent. It's very clean. Has friendly staff. Even though it's in a very old building, there no musty smells. There are nice eateries and a supermarket across the street. Old town is within a couple of minutes by foot. I'd just replace the towels."

Reviewed on 20 Jun. 2025

Bern Boutique Hotel
Hotel Telegraaf, Autograph Collection

Hotel Telegraaf, Autograph Collection

5 out of 5
Vene 9, Tallinn
The price is NZ$297 per night from 20 Aug to 21 Aug
NZ$297
per night
20 Aug - 21 Aug
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Tallinn. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,002 reviews)
"Perfectly located. Very comfortable and quiet. DELICIOUS filling breakfasts."

Reviewed on 7 Jul. 2025

Hotel Telegraaf, Autograph Collection
Three Crowns Residents

Three Crowns Residents

3 out of 5
Vene 8, Tallinn
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Tallinn. Enjoy free WiFi, room service, and an airport shuttle (surcharge). Popular attractions Port of Tallinn and Masters Yard ...
6.8/10 (854 reviews)
"Great location, nice rooms."

Reviewed on 13 Jul. 2025

Three Crowns Residents
Merchants House Hotel

Merchants House Hotel

4 out of 5
Dunkri 4/6, Tallinn
Stay at this 4-star historic hotel in Tallinn. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a sauna. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,001 reviews)

Reviewed on 16 Jul. 2025

Merchants House Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighbourhoods around Old Town Tallinn

Tallinn which includes a sunset and a city

City Center

City Center is known for its ample dining options, and you can make a stop by Freedom Square and St. Nicholas' Church while in the area.

City Center
Alexander Nevsky Cathedral showing religious aspects, a church or cathedral and interior views

Toompea

If you're spending some time in Toompea, St Mary's Cathedral and Alexander Nevsky Cathedral are top sights worth seeing.

Toompea
Rottermann Quarter which includes modern architecture

Rotermann Quarter

Historical sites, shopping and restaurants highlight some of the noteworthy features of Rotermann Quarter. Make a stop by Rottermann Quarter or Fenikss Casino while you're exploring the neighbourhood.

Rotermann Quarter
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Tatari

While there might not be top attractions in Tatari, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Solaris Centre and Nordea Concert Hall.

Tatari
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Maakri

Historical sites, restaurants and spas are just a few things travellers enjoy about Maakri. Check out Church of Our Lady of Kazan or St John's Alms-house while you're exploring the area.

Maakri
Kadrioru Park showing a pond, a gondola and a garden

Kesklinn

4.5/5(28 area reviews)

Kesklinn is known for its captivating waterfront views, and you can make a stop by Tallinn Central Market and Solaris Centre while in the area.

Kesklinn

Old Town Tallinn Travel Guide

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