Tallinn holidays

How to reach Tallinn

• Flight time: Direct flights to Tallinn are available from London and take 2 hours 45 minutes to 3 hours. Other flights making a stopover elsewhere in Europe can be cheaper and take around 5 hours.

• Transfer time: The airport bus from Lennart Meri Tallinn Airport takes approximately 20–30 minutes to reach the city centre. Taxis are also available.

• Price: The airport bus costs around €2 for a one-way ticket. A taxi from the airport to the city centre will generally cost €10–€15. Ride-sharing services like Bolt are also available, often offering competitive rates.

Weather and best time to visit Tallinn

Choosing the best time for your holidays to Tallinn depends on what you want to experience, but here’s a seasonal breakdown to help you decide:

• April to June is Tallinn’s high season. This period is perfect for enjoying the city’s long daylight hours and various cultural events. Average daily temperatures rise from 7°C in April to 17°C in June, and the icy weather finishes around May. Rainfall is relatively low, but June can be wet, especially around Midsummer’s Eve.

• July and August are the warmest and driest months and some of the best to visit. Temperatures range from 20 to 30°C. While it’s a busy time for tourists, it’s ideal for enjoying outdoor activities and the beautiful beaches in Pirita.

• September to November offers cooler temperatures, from 13°C in September to 2°C in November. This shoulder season is great for exploring Tallinn’s historic sites without the summer crowds.

• December to March are the coldest months, with temperatures ranging from -1 to -4°C, although the short days can be dark. Snowfall is common, creating a picturesque winter wonderland. This is a lovely time for a cosy winter escape and experiencing traditional Christmas markets.

Practical information

• Spoken languages: Estonian is the official language, but English is widely spoken, especially in tourist areas. Learning a few basic phrases in Estonian, such as "Tere" (Hello) and "Aitäh" (Thank you), will be appreciated.

• Local habits and customs: Estonians value their personal space and privacy. It’s considered polite to maintain a respectful distance in social situations. Tipping in restaurants is not obligatory but is appreciated, usually around 10 percent.

• Health and safety: Tallinn is generally a very safe city, but it’s always wise to stay vigilant, especially in crowded tourist areas. Health care services are of high quality, and UK citizens can use their GHIC (or EHIC) cards for emergency medical treatment.

• Currency: Estonia uses the euro (€). ATMs are widely available, and credit or debit cards are accepted in most places.

• Getting around: While the Old Town can only be explored on foot, the rest of this small city has an efficient public transport system that includes buses, trams and trolleybuses. A single ticket costs around €2 and can be bought when you board or by loading e-tickets onto a smartcard. The Tallinn Card offers unlimited travel on public transport and free entry to many attractions.

• Electricity and plug types: Estonia uses the European standard of 220V, and sockets accommodate the standard European two-pin plug (type C or F). UK travellers will need an adaptor.

• Time zone: Tallinn operates on Eastern European Time (EET), 2 hours ahead of GMT, and follows daylight saving time in the summer.

• Required travel documentation: UK travellers need a valid passport to enter Estonia. No visa is required for stays up to 90 days.

Local dishes in Tallinn

Estonian food can be surprisingly hard to find in cosmopolitan Tallinn, which has a good mix of cuisines and places to eat out. Instead of the touristy restaurants, it's worth searching out the real thing to get a taste of some hearty, wholesome national dishes, especially easy if you're travelling out of the city centre towards more rural areas. Here’s a guide to some of the favourites:

Some typical dishes

• Kama: A traditional Estonian porridge made from a mixture of roasted barley, rye and oats, usually mixed with milk or yoghurt and eaten with salt or honey.

• Pirukas: Estonian pastries filled with meat, cabbage or carrot, perfect for a quick snack.

Meat dishes

• Verevorst: Traditional blood sausages, often served with lingonberry sauce and mashed potatoes, especially popular during Christmas.

• Sült: A jellied meat dish made from pork, garlic and spices, typically served cold.

• Mulgikapsad: An Estonian-style sauerkraut dish with pork and barley.

Fish and seafood dishes

• Silgusoust: A creamy fish stew made with Baltic herring, potatoes and onions.

• Suitsukala: Smoked fish, particularly several fresh varieties from Lake Võrtsjärv, served simply with bread and butter.

• Angerjas: Marinated or smoked eel are delicacies that are both rich and flavourful.

Sweets and desserts

• Kohuke: A popular curd snack, often coated in chocolate, and a favourite among locals and visitors alike.

• Kohupiimakreem: is a curd-cream dessert similar to panna cotta, often flavoured with vanilla and fruit such as berries.

• Kringle: Sweet, spiced bread, often flavoured with cinnamon and enjoyed with coffee.

Local drinks

• Kali: A fermented beverage made from rye bread, slightly sweet and mildly alcoholic, often compared to a light beer.

• Vana Tallinn: A famous Estonian liqueur with a strong, sweet flavour that can be enjoyed straight or mixed with coffee.

• Estonian craft beers: Estonia’s craft beer scene is booming, with many local breweries offering a wide range of flavours and styles to explore.

Best things to do in Tallinn

Estonia's capital is a fairytale city with the prettiest Old Town in the Baltics, where medieval buildings now blend in with the modern, along with plenty of life in the galleries, bars and cafés. Here’s a roundup of the top sights and experiences that Tallinn holidays have to offer:

Viewpoints and panoramas

• Patkuli Viewing Platform: Situated on Toompea Hill, this spot offers excellent views of the red rooftops of the Lower Town, St Olav’s Church, the town wall and several of its towers, the harbour and the Gulf of Finland.

• Hellemann Tower: This 14th-century, three-storey tower in the east is well worth a visit for its splendid views over the old fortifications and an exciting 200m-long walk along a section of medieval wall.

The best districts

• Old Town: A UNESCO World Heritage site, the Old Town is a labyrinth of cobblestone streets, medieval buildings and historic landmarks. Don’t miss Town Hall Square's Gothic Town Hall and charming surrounding cafés.

• Rotermann Quarter: Just outside the Old Town walls, this former industrial area is now a trendy neighbourhood, home to sleek modern buildings, lively bars and cafés, boutique shops and hip restaurants.

• Kalamaja: Known for its bohemian vibe, Kalamaja features colourful wooden houses, creative spaces and the bustling Telliskivi Creative City, filled with design shops, galleries, and cafés.

Historical monuments

• Alexander Nevsky Cathedral: This grand Russian Orthodox cathedral on Toompea Hill is notable for its stunning onion domes and richly decorated interior.

• Toompea Castle: Home to the Estonian Parliament, this historic castle offers guided tours and a chance to explore its medieval architecture.

• St Olav’s Church: Once the tallest building in the world and still the largest medieval building in Tallinn, the spire offers spectacular views over the Old Town and the port.

• Kiek in de Kök and Bastion Tunnels: This historic tower is now home to a museum providing insights into Tallinn’s history and military defences. The tunnels, also accessed from the tower, were built in the 1600s but saw most use during World War II and as Soviet bunkers.

Parks and gardens

• Kadriorg Park: A beautifully landscaped park commissioned by Peter the Great east of the Old Town. It’s perfect for leisurely strolls and houses the magnificent Kadriorg Palace and its art museum. In summer, the park plays host to many concerts.

• Tallinn Botanic Garden: A little way out of town near the TV Tower in the Pirita Valley, this garden is home to a vast array of plants and tranquil walking paths.

• Toompark: Encircling Toompea Hill, this park features serene forested paths, a picturesque pond, and great views of medieval walls and towers.

Day trips in the area

• Lahemaa National Park: Just 1 hour’s drive from Tallinn, Estonia's largest national park, is perfect for nature lovers. Its forests, bogs, and wildlife – including brown bears, wild boar, moose and lynx – are perfect for nature lovers. Several historic manor houses with nicely landscaped parks are also worth a visit.

• Saaremaa: Estonia’s largest island is known for its beautiful landscapes, medieval castle and charming villages, and is perfect for a getaway in unspoilt countryside.

Activities for families in Tallinn

Tallinn offers a variety of ways to keep the whole family entertained:

• Museums: Venues such as the Tallinn City Museum and Estonian Maritime Museum offer surprisingly entertaining insights into different aspects of the city and country's history.

• Art galleries: The city has several galleries worth checking out, including KUMU, a futuristic-looking building with a wide-ranging collection of surreal, abstract and pop art.

• Adventure parks: The Nõmme Adventure Park offers zip-lining, climbing and obstacle courses in a forested area and is suitable for all ages.

Free things to do in Tallinn

Tallinn offers plenty of activities that won’t break the bank:

• Free events: Throughout the year, Tallinn hosts numerous sporting and cultural events and festivals to watch and take part in, such as Tallin Old Town Days and the Tallinn Marathon.

• Free museums: Many of Tallinn’s museums offer free entry at certain times, such as the Kumu Art Museum, which is free on International Museum Day in May, and for kids on Children’s Day in June.

Wellness in Tallinn

• Spas and thermal baths: Venues such as the Kalev Spa Hotel & Water Park in Tallinn's Old Town offer a range of spa treatments and a large indoor water park. Just outside the city, the quiet Viimsi Spa hotel features a sauna centre, various massages and the Atlantis H2O Aquapark next door.

• Saunas: Experience traditional Estonian body care with a sauna at Kalma, Tallinn’s oldest public baths, followed by a refreshing cold shower or a dip in the pool.

Nature and outdoor activities

• Hiking in national parks: Lahemaa National Park offers extensive hiking trails through forests, bogs and along the coast. The Viru Bog Trail is a popular route with wooden boardwalks and observation towers.

• Cycling: Tallinn has several bike rental services, and cycling is a great way to explore the city and its surrounding area. The Pirita River trail is a scenic route leading to the Pirita beach.

• Watersports: In the summer, head to Pirita Beach for swimming, paddleboarding and windsurfing. The nearby Pirita River is also great for kayaking and canoeing.