Tallinn is one of those cities that feels instantly welcoming. Its fairy-tale Old Town, colourful houses, and lively neighbourhoods make it a dream for slow exploration on foot. It is one of my favourite European cities and in my opinion still too often overlooked. Whether you are wandering cobbled lanes, enjoying views from the Upper Town, or soaking up the creative vibe of Kalamaja, the city has plenty to fill two days. In this guide, I bring together the top sights, suggested two-day itinerary and solo-friendly tips to help you make the most of Estonia’s charming capital.
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How to Spend 2 Days in Tallinn (Solo-Travel Friendly Itinerary)
Tallinn quickly became my favourite stop during my solo Baltic trip, and honestly, one of my favourite European cities overall. Compact, walkable, and welcoming, Tallinn is perfect for a short city break, even more so if you’re traveling solo.
If you only have 2 days in Tallinn, this itinerary will guide you through the city’s must-see highlights and hidden gems while keeping the pace relaxed and enjoyable.
Day 1 – Explore the Historic Old Town
Start your day wandering through Tallinn’s Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that feels like stepping back in time. The Old Town is divided into two parts: the Lower Town, where merchants and craftsmen once lived, and the Upper Town (Toompea), historically home to the nobility and rulers. Together they create one of the best-preserved medieval centers in Europe.
If you want local insight, a Tallinn Old Town walking tour is a fantastic way to bring Tallinn’s history to life. Otherwise, you can easily explore on your own. In the next section, I suggest a self-guided Old Town itinerary with some highlights I loved.
Morning: Lower Town
Start your day in the Lower Old Town, the heart of Tallinn’s medieval charm. This part of the city is packed with colorful merchant houses, quiet courtyards, and Gothic landmarks that have stood here for centuries.
Viru Gate
Viru Gate is the iconic entrance into Tallinn’s Old Town and the perfect place to begin your visit. Once part of the city’s defensive walls, the two surviving towers are now surrounded by flower stalls and form a massive portal drawing you into the medieval world. This spot also makes for a wonderful first photo of your Tallinn adventure, especially if you arrive early in the morning before the crowds.
Town Hall Square
The Town Hall Square is the lively center of Tallinn’s Old Town and has been a gathering place for centuries. Here you will find the striking Gothic Town Hall, cafés with outdoor terraces, and often a seasonal market or festival. It is the best place to pause and take in the beauty of the colorful façades that surround the square. For solo travelers, the square is both a great spot to people-watch and a practical meeting point if you join a walking tour.
🎟️ Access to Tallinn’s Town Hall costs 7€ for adults and 5€ for students, seniors 65+ and disabled people. If you want to climb the Town Hall Tower as well, the combined cost is respectively 14€ and 10€.
🕒 Tallinn’s Town Hall is open for visits every day from 11.00AM to 4.00PM (6.00PM from Monday to Friday).
Town Hall Pharmacy
Just off the Town Hall Square, the Town Hall Pharmacy (Raeapteek) is one of the oldest continuously operating pharmacies in Europe, dating back to 1422. Inside, you can see displays of curious old remedies such as dried toads and powdered unicorn horn, alongside modern products. The interior feels like a small museum where you get a glimpse of medieval medical practices. Best of all, the pharmacy is free to enter and still functions as a working shop, making it a quick but fascinating stop during your Old Town walk.
St. Catherine’s Passage
Hidden behind the main streets, St. Catherine’s Passage is one of the most atmospheric alleys in Tallinn. The narrow lane is lined with stone walls, arches, and the studios of local artisans who continue traditional crafts. The passage connects Vene Street with Müürivahe Street and is often less crowded than the nearby squares. Walking here feels like stepping into a quieter side of the Old Town where history and craftsmanship still live on.
Three Sisters Houses
The Three Sisters are a striking row of medieval merchant houses built in the 14th century, standing side by side with their gabled façades. These houses once belonged to wealthy traders and showcase Tallinn’s prosperous Hanseatic past. Today, the buildings have been carefully restored and converted into a boutique hotel, but their charming exteriors can still be admired from the street. The uneven heights and decorative details make them one of the prettiest architectural corners of the Old Town, perfect for a quick photo stop.
Afternoon: Upper Town (Toompea)
After lunch in a medieval tavern or one of the cozy cafés in Lower Town, climb the cobbled streets up to Toompea Hill. The Upper Old Town offers sweeping views, ornate churches, and an entirely different atmosphere. It is quieter and grander, with plenty of opportunities to pause and take in the scenery.
Alexander Nevsky Cathedral
This Russian Orthodox Cathedral dominates Toompea Hill with its onion-shaped domes and ornate mosaics. Built in the late 19th century during the Russian Empire, it reflects a very different cultural influence than the surrounding medieval buildings. Step inside to admire glittering icons, golden altars, and the hushed atmosphere of worship. Its size and grandeur make it one of Tallinn’s most recognizable landmarks.
🎟️ Access to Alexander Nevsky Cathedral is free.
🕒 The Alexander Nevsky Cathedral is open everyday from 8.00AM to 6.00PM.
📷 Taking pictures inside Alexander Nevsky Cathedral is forbidden.
Toompea Castle and Parliament
Standing proudly at the heart of Upper Old Town, Toompea Castle has been the seat of power in Estonia for centuries. Today it houses the Estonian Parliament, known as the Riigikogu. Its pink Baroque façade is striking against the surrounding medieval stone walls, blending history with political significance. While the interior is only accessible on guided tours, the exterior alone is worth admiring, especially the Pikk Hermann Tower rising beside it. This tower is a powerful national symbol, as the Estonian flag is raised here every morning, visible across the city as a reminder of independence.
St. Mary’s Cathedral (Dome Church)
Known locally as Toomkirik, this is Tallinn’s oldest church, with origins tracing back to the 13th century. The whitewashed Gothic interior is decorated with hundreds of coats of arms belonging to noble Baltic German families, a reminder of their strong presence in Tallinn’s past. The highlight is the church’s tower, which visitors can climb for sweeping views over the city and Gulf of Finland. Unlike the richly decorated Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, the Dome Church feels serene and understated, offering a completely different atmosphere.
🎟️ Entrance to St. Mary’s Cathedral costs 2€.
🕒 St. Mary’s Cathedral is open every day from 9.00AM to 5.00PM.
City Walls and Towers
Tallinn once had nearly two kilometers of fortified walls and more than 40 towers. A portion of these medieval defenses still survives today, and you can climb a stretch of the wall near Toompea to imagine the city’s life centuries ago. One of the best places to explore is the Kiek in de Kök tower, which also connects to hidden bastion tunnels beneath the hill. Alongside, the Maiden’s Tower houses a café with atmospheric views. Walking these walls gives a more hands-on glimpse into Tallinn’s medieval past and complements the hilltop churches and castle nearby.
🎟️ Access to the City Walls and Towers costs 5€ (2€ for students).
🕒 The City Walls and Towers are open from Thursday to Monday from 11.00AM. Closure time depends on the month: 4.00PM from November to February, 6.00PM from June to August, 5.00PM the rest of the year.
Kohtuotsa and Patkuli viewpoints – My favourite spots in Tallinn
No trip to Toompea (or Tallinn, even!) is complete without enjoying its stunning viewpoints. The Kohtuotsa viewing platform offers sweeping panoramas of red-tiled rooftops, church spires, and the modern skyline in the distance. The Patkuli platform looks out toward the harbor and the Gulf of Finland. These viewpoints are the perfect way to take a break during your sightseeing day. Only downside: unless you come early in the day, expect a lot of people around!
🎟️Both Kohtuotsa and Patkuli viewpoints platforms are free to access.
Day 2 – Markets, Creativity, and Seaside Walks
On your second day, dive into Tallinn’s modern and creative side before slowing down with a walk in the city’s most elegant district.
Morning: Discover the trendy side of Tallinn
Balti Jaam Market
Located right next to the train station, Balti Jaam Market is a lively place where locals shop for everything from fresh vegetables and meats to vintage clothes and Soviet antiques. The renovated market hall has three floors filled with food stalls, bakeries, and small eateries, making it a great spot for a casual breakfast or snack.
Kalamaja
From the market, a short walk leads you into Kalamaja, one of Tallinn’s most charming districts. Known for its colorful wooden houses, Kalamaja feels like a different city compared to the medieval Old Town. Once a fishermen’s neighborhood, it’s now a trendy area popular with students, artists, and young families, all in a relaxed atmosphere.
Telliskivi
Continue into Telliskivi, a former industrial complex that has been transformed into Tallinn’s creative hub. The brick warehouses are now filled with independent boutiques, art studios, and street art covering the wall. One highlight is Fotografiska, a world-class photography museum that hosts rotating exhibitions from internationally acclaimed artists. The area is also home to the Design and Architecture Gallery, perfect for travelers interested in contemporary culture. Telliskivi’s energy is vibrant and youthful, making it a must-see for anyone curious about modern Tallinn.
Afternoon: Kadriorg Palace and Park
After the buzz of Telliskivi, shift gears in Kadriorg, Tallinn’s most elegant district, accessible by public transport or a 40-minute walk from the Old Town. The centerpiece here is Kadriorg Palace, built by Peter the Great as a summer residence and now home to the Art Museum of Estonia’s foreign collection. The surrounding Kadriorg Park is equally enchanting, with manicured flowerbeds, ponds, and tree-lined avenues ideal for a slow stroll. Not far away lies the Kumu Art Museum, the largest in Estonia, where classical works meet bold contemporary exhibitions.
🎟️ Access to Kadriorg Park is free. Entrance to Kadriorg Art Museum and Palace costs 8€. You can purchase your ticket online here.
🕒 The Kadriorg Park is open every day from 10.00AM to 6.00PM. Kadriorg Art Museum and Palace is closed on Monday.
And that’s a wrap on the best things I recommend doing in Tallinn!
What next? Maybe you are pursuing your Baltic trip? Then, these articles may interest you:
✨ An Amazing Baltic Trip: Visit 3 countries in 10 days (Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania)
✨ Vilnius Travel Guide: 12 Best Things to Do on a Budget (Perfect for Solo Travellers)
✨ Riga Travel Guide: 12 Best Things to Do for an Unforgettable City Break
Where to stay in Tallinn?
Accommodation-wise, Tallinn has everything, from budget hostels to charming historic stays, making it easy to find a base that matches your style and budget. The best areas to stay are Old Town, for postcard-worthy cobbled streets and easy access to landmarks, and Kalamaja, a hipster-friendly district full of cafes and street art just a short walk away.
🛏️ Voir plus available accommodation in Tallinn.
Please note that the prices mentioned above are indicated per night and based on the prices indicated in Summer 2025 for a stay during the summer. Prices are subject to fluctuation according to supply and demand, time of the year, and the will of the owners.
My Tips for visiting Tallinn
Is Tallinn Safe for Solo Travel?
Yes, from my experience, Tallinn is a very safe city for solo travellers, including solo female travellers. During my two trips there, I explored entirely on my own and never felt uneasy, whether walking around the Old Town by day or in the evening. The main squares, cobbled streets, and popular areas are well lit, and the compact size of the centre means you are always close to cafés, shops, or fellow visitors.
How to get to Tallinn?
✈️ En avion
Tallinn Airport (Lennart Meri) is just 4 km from the city center, making arrivals very straightforward. Trams and buses take around 25 minutes, while a taxi or Uber will get you downtown in about 10 minutes for roughly €5. Direct flights connect Tallinn with most major European cities, usually taking 2–3 hours. The airport is small, modern, and easy to navigate, which makes the whole experience stress-free.
⛴️ By ferry
If you are traveling from Helsinki, the ferry is a fantastic and straightforward option, with a two-hour crossing. Tickets cost around €35, and the journey is smooth and comfortable. Boarding in both cities is efficient, and once you arrive in Tallinn, you can either take bus 20 or 20A into town or simply walk 15-20 minutes to the Old Town. Ferries also connect Tallinn with Stockholm (overnight) and sometimes with other Baltic Sea ports.
🚌 By bus
Long-distance buses are an excellent way to reach Tallinn from neighboring Baltic countries. Companies like Lux Express run comfortable, affordable coaches with free Wi-Fi and charging ports. The Riga–Tallinn journey takes about 4.5 hours, and from Vilnius you should expect 8 to 9 hours. The bus station is well connected to the center by tram and bus.
🚆 En train
Rail connections to Tallinn are limited. Elron trains link the city with Tartu, Narva, and other towns within Estonia. If you are coming from abroad, international trains currently stop in Latvia, so buses are generally the more practical choice for cross-border travel.
How to get around Tallinn?
Tallinn is compact and very walkable, especially if you are focusing on the Old Town and nearby districts. I personally walked everywhere in this itinerary. For longer trips, public transport is efficient and inexpensive, with trams, buses, and trolleybuses covering the whole city.
Tickets cost €2 for 60 minutes, €5.50 for 24 hours, and €9 for 72 hours. You can buy them through the pilet.ee app or with a contactless credit card on board. Ridesharing is also popular, and Tallinn is the birthplace of Bolt, which works just like Uber. If you have the Tallinn Card, all transport is already included.
Bolt, the popular ride-hailing and scooter-sharing app, was founded in Estonia. What started as a small Tallinn-based startup is now one of Europe’s biggest mobility platforms. Using Bolt in Tallinn feels a bit special: you’re experiencing the service right where it all began!
Is the Tallinn Card worth it?
Whenever I visit a city, I debate whether the tourist card is worth it. When it comes to the Tallinn Card, it gives you free entry to the main attractions, unlimited public transport, and even priority entrance at some sites. You also get discounts on tours, dining, and shopping. What makes it especially useful is that it is valid for 24 hours from the moment of activation, not just for calendar days, so it works perfectly for a two-day visit.
The accompanying app is excellent, with maps, opening hours, and suggested sights. Prices are €43 for 24h, €63 for 48h, and €76 for 72h. If you are interested, you can purchase your Tallinn Card online here.
What is the best time of the year to visit Tallinn?
Both times I visited Tallinn was in summer, so I may be biased to think it is the best time to visit. Days are long, the weather is around 20+°C, and walking around is pleasant without the intense heat you get in Western Europe or in the Balkans.
That said, I heard from locals and other travellers that winter in Tallinn is magical and brings a wonderful Christmas spirit. The Old Town looks enchanting under the snow, and the Christmas market is one of the best in Europe. If you want the atmosphere without the peak summer crowds, May, early June, and September are excellent choices.
How long to stay in Tallinn? Are 2 days enough to visit Tallinn?
In my opinion, two full days is perfect to get a first taste of Tallinn. This gives you time to explore the Old Town, wander through Kalamaja and Telliskivi, visit Kadriorg Palace, and still have time for relaxed café stops or evening views from Toompea Hill. If you have three days, you can move at a slower pace or add a day trip to Lahemaa National Park or Pirita Beach.
A single day is enough to see the Old Town highlights, especially if you are visiting on a ferry from Helsinki, but you may miss out on the creative districts and Kadriorg Palace. For most travelers including myself, two to three days is the sweet spot.
I hope this suggestion of 2-day Tallinn city break itinerary has been helpful and informative!
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