Tallinn

Day 1: Medieval heart and panoramic views

Ease into Tallinn by wandering its UNESCO-listed Old Town, where Hanseatic merchant houses meet soaring spires. Wear sturdy shoes for cobbles and steps; in summer start early to beat cruise crowds, in winter expect a later, pink-hued sunrise.

• Morning: Enter via Viru Gate and trace Müürivahe to St. Catherine’s Passage for artisan workshops and a coffee in the quiet Masters’ Courtyard. Explore Town Hall Square and the Town Hall Pharmacy, then (seasonal) climb the Town Hall or St. Olaf’s tower for a skyline orientation; arrive at opening time to avoid queues.
• Midday: Dive into the Kiek in de Kök Fortifications Museum and Bastion Passages (pre-book guided slots); if you prefer fresh air, walk the city wall between Hellemann and Nunne towers. Lunch on simple medieval fare at III Draakon or book ahead for modern Estonian dishes at Rataskaevu 16 (reservations essential).
• Afternoon: Ascend Toompea: circle Toompea Castle and Pikk Hermann, visit the Dome Church, and step into Alexander Nevsky Cathedral (keep voices low; no flash photography). Linger at Kohtuotsa and Patkuli platforms for classic red-roof views; if it’s rainy, swap in Niguliste Museum to see Bernt Notke’s Danse Macabre.
• Evening: Dine at Pegasus or Leib and time a golden-hour stroll to the Danish King’s Garden. Catch sunset from Linnahall’s broad steps (exterior only); in December, warm up with mulled wine at the Christmas Market on Town Hall Square.

Day 2: Palaces, seaside and creative quarters

Today contrasts imperial elegance with maritime heritage and contemporary cool. Use trams 1 or 3 (tap a contactless card) to move smoothly between districts; long summer evenings make this day feel delightfully unhurried.

• Morning: Glide to Kadriorg for the baroque palace and park, then the KUMU Art Museum’s bold galleries; pop into Peter the Great’s cottage if open. The calm, tree-lined streets and wooden villas are perfect for a mid-morning coffee.
• Midday: Continue to the Song Festival Grounds (climb the light tower if open) and on to Maarjamäe Palace for Estonia’s modern history and the outdoor “sculpture graveyard” of Soviet monuments. Walk or bus the Pirita promenade for a breezy seaside lunch; in winter, swap the stroll for a cosy café stop.
• Afternoon: Head to Kalamaja: visit the Seaplane Harbour’s spectacular hangars (great with kids) or wander the wooden-house streets. Nearby Noblessner pairs waterside art spaces (Kai), the Proto Invention Factory and Baltic sunsets—bring a layer; sea breezes can be brisk even in July.
• Evening: Settle into Telliskivi Creative City for dinner and craft drinks; Fotografiska’s rooftop is a fine place to toast the skyline. Check what’s on—Tallinn Music Week, Jazzkaar or pop-up markets often animate these courtyards; in winter, choose a candlelit cellar bar for a snug finish.

Day 3: Memory, modernity and a sauna send-off

Balance reflection on the 20th century with Tallinn’s forward-looking architecture and design. Keep the pace flexible—museums here are rich with personal stories, and you may want extra time.

• Morning: Visit the Vabamu Museum of Occupations and Freedom, then the KGB Prison Cells on Pagari Street (pre-book timed entry). It’s emotionally heavy—plan a short café pause afterwards.
• Midday: Walk the waterfront to Patarei Sea Fortress and the International Museum for the Victims of Communism (check current opening hours; dress warmly—interiors can be cool). Lunch back at Balti Jaama Turg food hall for local bites under one roof.
• Afternoon: Explore the Rotermann Quarter’s striking adaptive reuse and the Museum of Estonian Architecture; try the Tallinn City Museum in the Old Town if you prefer a compact city story. Pick up handmade pieces from St. Catherine’s Guild or use an AR app to see medieval façades “reappear” as you roam.
• Evening: Book a traditional sauna session (many hotels and historic bathhouses offer slots) and then celebrate with a final Estonian supper—smoked fish, rye bread, forest mushrooms and local beer. If you’re here in early July of a Song Celebration year, join the crowds at the Song Festival Grounds; otherwise, take one last look from Kohtuotsa as the city twinkles below.

By Air

• Tallinn Airport (TLL, Lennart Meri Tallinn) sits about 4 km southeast of the centre.
• Tram 4 runs airport–city centre (Hobujaama/Viru) in 15–20 minutes; Bus 2 links the airport with the Old City Harbour. Taxis/Bolt take 10–20 minutes.
• Direct flights connect to major hubs including Helsinki, Stockholm, Copenhagen, Oslo, Riga, Warsaw, Frankfurt, Munich, Amsterdam, Paris, Vienna, Brussels, London, and Istanbul (plus seasonal routes).
• Useful alternates: Helsinki (HEL) with a 2–2.5 hour ferry to Tallinn; Riga (RIX) with a 4–5 hour coach to Tallinn.

By Train

• Tallinn’s main station is Balti jaam (next to the Old Town/Telliskivi).
• Elron domestic services connect Tallinn with Tartu (~1 h 50–2 h), Narva (~2 h 20–2 h 45), Viljandi (~2 h 10), Rakvere (~1 h 20) and Paldiski (~1 h 10).
• There are currently no regular international passenger trains to/from Tallinn. Rail Baltica (under construction) will introduce direct services to Riga/Kaunas/Warsaw in the future.

By Bus

• The main hub is Tallinn Bus Station (Tallinna Bussijaam), ~2.5 km southeast of the Old Town (tram stop “Bussijaam”).
• Frequent international coaches (e.g., Lux Express, Ecolines) connect:
  • Riga: 4–5 hours (very frequent daily).
  • Vilnius: 8–9 hours.
• Dense domestic network to Tartu (~2–2.5 hours), Pärnu (~2 hours), Narva (~3–3.5 hours) and other towns.

By Ferry

• Old City Harbour (Vanasadam) is 1 km from the Old Town; Terminal D (Tallink) and Terminal A (Viking Line/Eckerö Line).
• Helsinki: multiple daily departures year‑round (Tallink, Viking Line, Eckerö Line), 2–2.5 hours; some fast services under 2 hours.
• Stockholm: overnight ferries (Tallink), roughly 16–17 hours.
• New tram line links the harbour with the centre and airport.

By Car

• From Riga via E67 (Via Baltica): ~310 km, 4–4.5 hours. From Tartu via E263: ~186 km, ~2–2.5 hours. Roads are generally in good condition; no tolls.
• Winter tyres are mandatory 1 Dec–1 Mar (period may extend in severe weather). Drive with lights on at all times.
• Old Town access/parking is restricted; use paid car parks or park‑and‑ride and continue by tram/bus.