About Tallinn

Tallinn is the capital and largest city of Estonia with a population around over 450,000. It is situated on the northern coast of the country, on the shore of the Gulf of Finland.

Tallinn's Old Town is one of the best preserved medieval cities in Europe and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was almost untouched by war and remains a perfectly preserved walled city. Tallinn is the major political, financial, cultural and educational center of Estonia.

In addition to longtime functions as seaport and capital city, Tallinn has seen development of an information technology sector; in its 13 December 2005, edition, The New York Times characterized Estonia as "a sort of Silicon Valley on the Baltic Sea.”

THINGS TO DO

Tallinn Old Town

Once a home to wealthy merchants settling from Germany, Denmark and beyond, Tallinn Old Town today is enjoyed by locals and visitors alike, with restaurants, bars, museums and galleries bringing much life to this historical city center.

St. Olaf’s Chruch

St Olaf's Church in Tallinn, the city's biggest medieval structure, took its name from the sainted Norwegian king Olav II Haraldsson. The church was first mentioned in 1267.

Kadriorg Park

Kadriorg Park is the most outstanding palatial and urban park in Estonia, covering around 70 hectares. Its construction began in 1718 on the orders of Russian tsar Peter I. Elements of park design from the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries can be seen here.

Bastion Passages of Old Town

The mysterious passages in Tallinn’s earthwork fortifications were built along with the bastions in the 17th and 18th centuries in order to conceal the movement of soldiers, ammunition and other equipment from the enemy. They were also used to monitor the enemy’s underground mining activities.

Kumu Art Museum

Kumu, which opened in 2006, is the new and grand headquarters of the Art Museum of Estonia, which attracts everyone that is interested in Estonian art and culture. Both Estonian art classics as well as the works of artists that cultivate modern trends are on display at Estonia's largest museum. In 2008, the Kumu Art Museum was recognized as the best museum in Europe and the winner of the European Museum of the Year Award.

Tallinn Television Tower

The Tallinn Television Tower in Pirita is the tallest building in Tallinn and Estonia with 314 meters. The TV Tower is a great tourist, culture and leisure center.

www.visitestonia.com/en/why-estonia/top-10-things-to-do-in-tallinn

TRAVELING TO TALLINN

Getting There

Travelling to Estonia is quick and convenient thanks to frequent connections with Scandinavia, Russia, Eastern and Central Europe. You can fly to Tallinn with a number of direct routes from Amsterdam, Frankfurt, Istanbul, London, Paris, Vienna and many more cities. Ferry routes connect Tallinn with Helsinki, Stockholm and Saint Petersburg. Travel by international coach from virtually any country in Europe Ecolines with Lux Express and Eurolines. Arrive by train with Go Rail from China, Mongolia, Central Asia, Ukraine, Moldova and more.

Visas

Estonia is a member of the Schengen area, meaning that travellers coming from other Schengen countries do not need an additional visa to enter Estonia. Nationals of the EU, EEA, United States, Canada, Australia and New Zealand, in addition to further countries, do not need a visa to visit Estonia. Please consult the Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs website for a full list and details. If you do require a Schengen area visa, you can submit an application at an Estonian representation abroad. If there is not an Estonian embassy or consulate in your country, you can apply at the office of a Member State representing Estonia in issuing visas.

Public Transport

For routes and schedules of Tallinn public transport visit transport.tallinn.ee. Tickets can be purchased in cash from the drivers or a prepaid Smartcard (Ühiskaart) can be bought and reloaded online or at number of supermarkets, kiosks and post offices .

Taxis

Taxi rates vary by company but are posted on a yellow sticker in the right rear window of each vehicle. You can easily order taxis and verified private drivers via the Taxify mobile app.

QUICK FACTS

Tipping: It is not necessary to tip but 10% is polite for good service.

Currency: The Euro is the official currency.

Climate: In winter, the rain turns to snow and the temperature drops below zero, so wrap up warm. Weather forecast in Estonia is available at weather.ee.

Language: Estonians speak Estonian, English, Russian, Finnish, and German

Estonia Country Code: +372

Time Zone: GMT +2 in winter

Electricity: standard voltage in Tallinn (230 V) and power sockets are Type F.