The Town Hall & Square

One of Tallinn’s most famous buildings is the Town Hall (Raekoja), the only surviving Gothic town hall in the Baltic States, built between 1371 and 1404. Of particular interest are its waterspouts, just below the roof, in the shape of dragons and the steeple's 16th century weathervane, Old Toomas, in the shape of a sentry-man. Its tower also affords wonderful views of the city.

The Town Hall Square (Raekoda Plats) has been at the centre of Tallinn's community life ever since markets were first held on the flagstones, over 1,000 years ago. The main roads of the old town meet here, leading people to the cafés, restaurants and various shops that face the cobble-stoned square. In summer it's often used for concerts and in winter it’s home to a Christmas market.

On one side of the square is the Town Hall Apothecary (Raeapteek), one of the world's oldest functioning pharmacies. Medicine has been dispensed here since 1422, and in the intervening years the pharmacy has passed through ten generations of the same family. The current facade dates from the 17th century.

Kohtu Street Viewing Platform

From here you will get fantastic views of the city, over the rooftops, the Oleviste Church and beyond to the sea.

Alexander Nevski Cathedral

One of Tallinn’s main landmarks is the Russian Orthodox Alexander Nevski Cathedral, which was completed in 1900 and named after the Duke who attached southeastern Estonia and Pskov in the early 13th century.

St Olaf’s Church (Oleviste Kirik)

Once considered the tallest building in the world, its spire was used as an orientation point by seamen and later the KGB used it to send transmissions. The spire was shortened in 1820 due to reconstruction but is still an impressive sight on the Tallinn skyline and the viewing platform at the base of the spire provides breathtaking views across the city.

Kiek in de Kök

Built in the 15th-century, this 45 metre, six-storey defensive tower is home to a fascinating museum of Estonian history and several floors of contemporary art. On the exterior of the tower look are nine of Ivan IV's cannonballs embedded in the wall, left there as a reminder of the medieval-era Livonian Wars.

Katariina Kaïk (St Catherine’s Passageway)

One of Tallinn’s prettiest alleyways with its overhead vaulting, wrought iron lamps and workshops where you can see the craftsmen at work making pottery, jewellery and stained glass. Several gravestones are lined against the walls including an unusual one, dated 1381, which belongs to a woman – unusual because at that time women were not considered important enough to have individual tombs.

Tallinn City Museum

Housed in a 14th century merchant house, the Tallinn City Museum is home to a many displays demonstrating various aspects of Tallinn life through the ages including a 20 th century exhibit on the top floor which includes propaganda and artefacts from World War II and the Soviet era.

Pirita Beach

5km north of the city centre is Pirita Beach, where Tallinn locals come to enjoy the fine white sandy beach and the various activities that take in and out of the water.

Kadriorg Palace & Park

Designed in 1718 for Peter the Great, the palace was named in honour of his wife Catherine I (Catherine is Kadri in Estonian). The palace is a fine example of Baroque architecture and is also home to the Foreign Art Museum of Estonia which houses important collections of Flemish works from the 17th century and Russian portraits from the 18th century. The surrounding gardens are beautifully kept, and the impressive President's Palace is only a short distance away.

Rocca al Mare (Open Air Museum)

An open-air museum made up of 18th century farm buildings, thatched barn dwellings and windmills set in the forests overlooking Kapli Bay, which explain farming techniques over 150 years.

The Museum of the Occupation and of the Fight for Freedom

Estonia was occupied from 1939 to 1991, firstly by the Nazis and then by the Soviets. The history of this time is explained in a variety of high-tech audio-visual displays and exhibitions.

TV Tower

Opened on 7th November 1980 (Soviet Revolution Day), the 314 metre high tower is a prime example of Soviet engineering. In August 1991 it was the scene of a tense standoff between Soviet troops and the Estonians. The whole style of the tower has remained unchanged and the Galaxy restaurant 170 metres up is a good example of 1980’s Soviet decor, as well as offering quality food and great views of the city from its viewing platform; on a clear day you can see as far as Finland.

Applied Arts Museum (Tarbekunstmuuseum)

One of Tallinn’s best museums with displays of ceramics, glassware, leather, metalwork, textiles and jewellery, all of which are strong traditions in Estonia.