Tallinn Travel Tips. An article sharing travel tips about visiting Tallinn. How to get there and more…

Mark Ford, Founder of Plus1 Travel

It’s great to have you here searching for Tallinn travel tips. Tallinn is the capital, primate and the most populous city of Estonia. Located in the northern part of the country, on the shore of the Gulf of Finland of the Baltic Sea, it has a population of over 400.000. Administratively a part of Harju maakond (county), Tallinn is the main financial, industrial, cultural, educational and research centre of Estonia. From the 13th century until the first half of the 20th century Tallinn was known in most of the world by its historical German name Reval. 

Tallinn, first mentioned in 1219, received city rights in 1248, but the earliest human settlements date back 5,000 years. The first recorded claim over the land was laid by Denmark in 1219, after a successful raid of Lyndanisse led by king Valdemar II, followed by a period of alternating Scandinavian and Teutonic rulers. Due to its strategic location, the city became a major trade hub, especially from the 14th to the 16th century, when it grew in importance as part of the Hanseatic League. Tallinn’s Old Town is one of the best preserved medieval cities in Europe.

Tallinn Travel Tips – How To Get From The Airport To Tallinn

Tallinn is served by Tallinn Airport is located just 4 km from the city centre making the airport easily accessible. When searching for Tallinn travel tips, the airport has good public transport connections, offers sufficient access for taxis and provides plenty of options for parking your car.

Tram

Tallinn City

Tram line no. 4 stops are located on the city side of the passenger terminal of the airport. The last tram from the airport leaves at 12:45 am, allowing also the passengers arriving on the late evening flights to reach the city centre with public transport. The journey to the city centre takes around 15-20 minutes. A single trip you can buy the ticket from the driver (2€) or buy a QR-ticket online (1€).

Bus

Tallinn City Transport Busses #2 and #65 stop at the airport. Bus #2 runs on the City Centre – Mõigu route and stops at the airport in both directions. You can check out the bus timetable. Bus #65 runs on the Lasnamäe – Airport.

Both Tallinn Ühiskaart Transport Card and single tickets can be used on city buses. Tickets are sold by the bus driver at the entrance to the bus, and the price is €2.

Taxi

Getting from the airport by taxi is very convenient, as taxis can be found at the car park in front of the passenger terminal for 15 minutes free of charge. Use the Google map below to see how far the airport is from your location and make sure you have enough time to get to the airport on time.

Tallinn Travel Tips – How To Get Around Tallinn

When searching for Tallinn travel tips, the city is very compact and easy to get around. Reaching farther out destinations is simple thanks to the city’s network of buses, trolleys and trams.

Tallinn Old Town

You can buy tickets on-board, online, and at ticket machines in Tallinn’s major transport hubs. Tickets and money can also be loaded on Ühiskaart, a green plastic travelcard (also known as a smartcard) for the city’s public transport.

Ticket prices

1 hour ticket: €1,50 

24 hour ticket (24h): €4,50 

3 day ticket (72h): €7.50 

5 day ticket: €9

Best Places To Stay In Tallinn

Estonia’s capital on the Baltic Sea, is the country’s cultural and economic hub. When searching for Tallinn travel tips you can explore a historic and medieval city with a bustling square – one of the prettiest capital cities on the continent – without the price tag of Western (or even Central) Europe. In this guide you’ll get to know more on where to stay in Tallinn 

Old Town has medieval churches and towering stonewalls to heritage pubs and old wooden houses, this neighbourhood is packed with great sights to see. Old Town is the crown jewel of the Estonia capital city. It is one of the most beautiful and charming neighbourhoods in the city and is where you’ll find history on every corner. This area of the city is where you’ll find the majority of Tallinn’s historic attractions. 

Recommended Hotel: Taanilinna Hotel

Tallinn Architecture

Old Town is also the best place to stay if you’re travelling on a budget. Located within the walls and winding streets of Old Town are a great variety of accommodations. From backpacker hostels to budget hotels, there are housing options to meet every style and budget. There is also plenty you can do in Tallinn without breaking the bank. Enjoy walking tours and inexpensive food all in the heart of the city.

Recommended Hotel: Metropol Hotel Tallinn

The City Centre is the commercial and economic hub of Tallinn. The area is located southeast of Old Town, this neighbourhood is where you’ll find a good number of skyscrapers, restaurants, shopping malls, and supermarkets. The city center is also the area for the best clubs and hottest bars in Tallinn. There’s something for every taste and style in this area. Whether you want to enjoy a night of smooth jazz, sample local craft brews, or dance until dawn, there’s a bar or club for you!

Recommended Hotel: Tallink City Hotel

Top 7 Experiences You MUST Have In Tallinn

1. Enter Tallinn’s marvelous old town through Viru Gate, which was part of the city’s 14th-century extensive defense system. Though a portion of the Viru Gate was demolished to allow for horse-drawn traffic, the towers of the gate remain. The area around Viru Gate is now home to market stalls selling woolen mittens, sweet smelling roasted nuts, and numerous restaurants.
2. The Old Town has to be the top draw for visitors to Tallinn. Featuring beautiful architecture and locals dressed in medieval clothing, the Old Town somehow escapes feeling overly touristy or kitschy that other cities with costumed workers might experience.

3. Kohtuotsa Viewing Platform is the place for the best view of Tallinn, and to take your own stunning photo for Instagram. Located on Toompea Hill, visitors will be treated to unobstructed views of the harbor, bell towers, and the terra-cotta colored roof tiles. This is also a popular spot for local musicians to hang out, providing some background music to the view.

St Olafs Church

4. Also located on Toompea Hill, the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral is a relatively recent addition to the medieval old town — it was completed only in 1900. This Russian Orthodox church has distinct, black onion domes that can be easily spotted towering above Tallinn. The interior of the church can be visited, although visitors should first check service times and be respectful of private services as this is an active church.
5. St. Olaf’s Church is one of the most important structures in Tallinn, and is the city’s largest medieval building. This well-preserved church was likely built in the 1200s and is notable due to its high church tower that has been struck by lightning numerous times throughout its history. St. Olaf’s Church is open from April until October and is free of charge.
6. Stunning in every season, but particularly during the annual Christmas market, Town Hall Square has been the heart of Tallinn since the 13th century. The Town Hall Square sees bustling activity with café chairs and tables spilling into the square in the summer, numerous tour groups, and occasional festivals. The surrounding architecture is also stunning; keep an eye out for dragons on the Town Hall!
7. Located next to Alexander Nevsky Church, the present Toompea Castle was built in the late 1700s. A large park can be found next to Toompea Castle, providing visitors with a bit of a green reprieve from city life. This understated castle features a salmon pink exterior, white details, and the national flag and crest. The castle can be visited on weekdays, but visitors must book ahead of time. 

Tallinn Travel Tips Video

Accreditation: HONEST GUIDE

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Mark Ford – Founder of Plus1Travel.com – For More Travel Tips > Go Here