Tallinn Tourist Information

Tallinn is the medieval capital of Estonia on the Baltic Sea. It sits on the southern coast of the Gulf of Finland, directly across from Helsinki, Finland (about 80 km away). Tallinn is also close to other Baltic capitals, with Riga, Latvia, to the south and Vilnius, Lithuania, further down. Its location makes it an important historical port city and cultural hub in the region. Tallinn is a city where past and present meet—with cobblestone streets, medieval towers, and cutting-edge digital innovation. Tallinn has something for everyone, whether you love history, architecture, or modern city vibes! 

History of Tallinn: From Medieval City to Modern Capital

Wars, changing rulers, and trade shaped Tallinn's long and fascinating history.

Medieval Beginnings (11th–14th Century)

• Tallinn's history dates back to at least the 11th century when it was a small fortified settlement.
• 1219 Danish King Valdemar II conquered the area, and Tallinn (then called Reval) became a key trading hub on the Baltic Sea.
• By the 14th century, it had joined the Hanseatic League, a robust trade network that had made it a wealthy and influential city.

Foreign Rule & Conflicts (15th–19th Century)

• Over the centuries, Tallinn was ruled by Denmark, Sweden, Poland, and Russia due to its strategic location.
• In 1710, during the Great Northern War, Tallinn became part of the Russian Empire under Peter the Great.
• The city retained strong German influence despite foreign rule, especially among merchants and nobility.

Estonian Independence & Soviet Occupation (20th Century)

• In 1918, Estonia gained independence, and Tallinn became the capital.
• During World War II, Tallinn was occupied by the Soviet Union (1940), Nazi Germany (1941-1944), and then the Soviets again (1944-1991).
• The Soviet era brought heavy industrialization and Soviet-style buildings, but Tallinn's medieval Old Town remained intact.

Modern Tallinn (1991–Today)

• 1991 Estonia regained independence, and Tallinn rapidly developed into a modern European capital.
• Today, it is known for its beautiful medieval Old Town (a UNESCO World Heritage site) and booming tech industry.

As of 2024, Tallinn's population is approximately 450,000, making it the largest city in Estonia. It  has a vibrant cultural scene that blends traditional Estonian heritage with modern creativity. The city has art galleries, theaters, festivals, and live music showcasing local and international talent. Here are a few highlights:

🎨 Art & Museums

• Kumu Art Museum: One of the largest and most impressive museums in the Baltic, featuring Estonian art from classical to contemporary.
• Tallinn Art Hall: A modern gallery hosting innovative exhibitions from Estonian and international artists.
• Museum of Occupations: Focuses on Estonia's turbulent history under Soviet and Nazi rule, offering insight into the country's struggles for independence.

🎭 Theaters & Performance Arts

Tallinn's cultural scene is pretty vibrant, with something for every taste:

• Estonian National Opera brings you top-tier opera, ballet, and classical music shows.
• Tallinn City Theatre has both modern and classic performances, and you'll often catch some cool international guest productions.
• No99 Theatre is all about pushing boundaries—mixing theater, performance art, and a little political commentary.

🎶 Music & Festivals

• Tallinn Music Week – One of the biggest festivals for local and international music, featuring everything from rock to electronic and jazz.
• Jazzkaar Festival – A popular jazz festival bringing top international and Estonian musicians to the city.
• Tallinn's many clubs hold live performances in popular electronic, indie, and alternative rock styles.

🎤 Folk & Traditions

Tallinn holds onto Estonian traditions, with events like the Tallinn Old Town Days celebrating medieval music, arts, and handicrafts. Additionally, Estonia has a rich folk music and dance tradition that is often showcased at festivals and performances.

International Scene

Tallinn combines deep Estonian roots with a robust global vibe. It has a booming tech scene and a diverse mix of people, as seen in the multicultural events, food festivals, and the city's eclectic art scene. The cultural scene here blends traditional charm with fresh, creative energy, making it the perfect place for anyone into history, art, or just tech-driven innovation.

Food Scene in Tallinn

In Tallinn, you will find a mix of traditional Estonian cuisine, modern Nordic dishes, and a potpourri of everything from around the world. Whether you're after a laid-back café vibe or looking for some cutting-edge fine dining, Tallinn's got you covered.

Here's a taste of what you can expect:

🍽️ Traditional Estonian Dishes

• Rye Bread (Rukkileib) – A staple of Estonian cuisine, this dark, hearty bread is served with almost every meal.
• Verivorst – Traditional blood sausage, often eaten during Christmas, served with potatoes, lingonberries, and sauerkraut.
• Kama – A unique dish made from a mixture of roasted barley, oats, and rye, usually served with yogurt or milk for breakfast or dessert.
• Mulgipuder – A comforting dish of mashed potatoes with barley and bacon, often served with pickles or sour cream.
• Kiluvõileib – An open-faced sandwich made with sprats (small fish) on dark bread, topped with egg and fresh dill.

🍴 Nordic & Modern Cuisine

• Nordic Flavors – Tallinn has many restaurants that focus on local and seasonal ingredients, offering dishes with fresh fish, game meats, and plenty of wild herbs.
• Farm-to-Table Dining – Many of the city's top restaurants pride themselves on serving locally sourced and sustainable food. Look out for menus featuring foraged mushrooms, berries, and local dairy.
• Modern Estonian Cuisine – Restaurants like Restoran Tchaikovsky and NOA offer contemporary twists on traditional Estonian dishes, elevating flavors with global techniques and creative plating.

🍻 Estonian Drinks & Specialties

• Kali – A slightly fermented, sweet, and sour drink made from bread—a perfect pairing with hearty meals.
• Vana Tallinn – A famous rum liqueur that is a great souvenir or drink in Tallinn's bars.
• Craft Beer – Estonia is known for its craft beer scene, and Tallinn has a growing number of microbreweries offering everything from IPAs to dark stouts.

🍴 International Influence

• Tallinn's position as a modern European city means there's no shortage of international options. You can find anything from Italian pizza and Middle Eastern shawarma to Asian fusion in the city's growing foodie scene.

🍰 Sweet Treats

• Kohuke – A sweet curd snack covered in chocolate, often enjoyed as a quick treat.
• Kardemummakringel – A delicious cardamom bun that's perfect with a cup of coffee at one of Tallinn's charming cafes.

A visit to Tallinn can be combine with visits to Vilnius, Riga and Helsinki. You can also see Tallinn on a day trip from Helsinki.