Old Town Tallinn

Tallinn
St. Nicholas\' Church which includes a city
See how this commercial hub grew, with a look at its complete, preserved historic center near the trade routes of the Baltic Sea.

The Old Town of Tallinn is a UNESCO site with fascinating medieval attractions scattered among charming plazas and cobbled pedestrian areas. Much of this quaint region dates back to the 13th century, when Tallinn became a major center of commerce. Admire the range of well-preserved architectural gems in this enchanting zone.

The area comprises the lower town and Toompea, the upper town atop limestone hills. Walk through Toompea to see the initial administrative nucleus of Estonia. Learn the history of the city through visits to the Old Town’s many museums, such as the Tallinn City Museum, the Museum of Applied Art and Design and the Estonian Health Care Museum. Tallinn has an intriguing past, involving the commercial merchant guilds of the Hanseatic League and feudal lords.

Enjoy the view of the lower town, with its many church spires. Make your way through its winding medieval streets and watch people go by. Admire the medieval houses that belonged to the bourgeois elite. Among the highlights in the lower Old Town is the Tallinn Town Hall, which has a Gothic design that stands out on its namesake square.

A little northeast is the delightful St. Catherine’s Passage, a preserved cobbled lane that runs alongside the remains of its eponymous church. Take a break at one of the cafés with outdoor tables and carved studios with artisanal trinkets for sale. Browse the items on sale in the market stalls of the Wool Wall, a knitwear hub in front of the Old Town walls at the eastern end of the passage.

The historic center is accessible to the public for free at all times. Note that individual shops and restaurants have their own opening times.

The Old Town of Tallinn is a 280-acre (113-hectare) nucleus around which the city has grown. Take a tram or bus to one of the many stops along the southeastern flank of the Old Town area. Just outside this district are many landmarks, including the Tammsaare Park, St. Olaf’s Church and the Tallinn Post Office.


Popular places to visit

Things to do


Old Town Tallinn Hotel Deals

Bern Boutique Hotel
Bern Boutique Hotel
4 out of 5
10 Aia, Tallinn, Harju maakond
The price is ¥5,837 per night from Apr 8 to Apr 9
¥5,837
per night
Apr 8 - Apr 9
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Tallinn. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and onsite parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (168 reviews)
Budget hotel near Old Town
"Perfectly good hotel--nothing special. Room was clean and simple. Location near Old Town is very convenient"

Reviewed on Mar 8, 2024

Bern Boutique Hotel
Meriton Old Town Garden Hotel
Meriton Old Town Garden Hotel
3.5 out of 5
Lai 24/Pikk 29, Tallinn
The price is ¥7,432 per night from Apr 3 to Apr 4
¥7,432
per night
Apr 3 - Apr 4
Stay at this 3.5-star hotel in Tallinn. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,010 reviews)
"Great location and very comfy and quiet at night. Would book this hotel again."

Reviewed on Mar 24, 2024

Meriton Old Town Garden Hotel
My City Hotel
My City Hotel
4 out of 5
Vana Posti 11/13, Tallinn
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Tallinn. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (905 reviews)
Great experience
"Great staff and clean and comfortable room and very reasonable. Great breakfast and bar"

Reviewed on Mar 27, 2024

My City Hotel
Nunne Boutique Hotel
Nunne Boutique Hotel
4 out of 5
14 Nunne, Tallinn, Harju maakond
The price is ¥16,248 per night from Apr 8 to Apr 9
¥16,248
per night
Apr 8 - Apr 9
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Tallinn. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Port of Tallinn and Patkuli Viewing Platform ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (174 reviews)
"We had a really nice stay in Nunne Boutique hotel. Very welcoming, helpful and friendly. Room was modern, clean and luxurious. Very quiet. Delicious breakfast and right in the most beautiful part of Talinn. Walk to everything."

Reviewed on Mar 17, 2024

Nunne Boutique Hotel
Hotel Telegraaf, Autograph Collection
Hotel Telegraaf, Autograph Collection
5 out of 5
Vene 9, Tallinn
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ¥19,066 per night from Apr 14 to Apr 15
¥19,066
per night
Apr 14 - Apr 15
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Tallinn. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and breakfast. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (999 reviews)
"My room had a window facing a shaft"

Reviewed on Mar 20, 2024

Hotel Telegraaf, Autograph Collection
Schlössle Hotel - The Leading Hotels of the World
Schlössle Hotel - The Leading Hotels of the World
5 out of 5
Pühavaimu 13/15, Tallinn
The price is ¥25,033 per night from Apr 1 to Apr 2
¥25,033
per night
Apr 1 - Apr 2
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Tallinn. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (659 reviews)
"Welcoming service. Warm and accommodating The hotel itself is charming, cosy and comforting with a nice lobby and fireplace perfect relaxing on a chilly winter day. Exceptional meal at dinner. Also, very nice breakfast."

Reviewed on Feb 16, 2024

Schlössle Hotel - The Leading Hotels of the World
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighborhoods around Old Town Tallinn

Tallinn showing a city and a sunset

City Center

Travelers come to City Center for its abundant dining options, and you can see top attractions like Freedom Square and St. Nicholas' Church while you're in town.

City Center
Alexander Nevsky Cathedral showing a church or cathedral, religious elements and interior views

Toompea

If you're spending some time in Toompea, Patkuli Viewing Platform and Alexander Nevsky Cathedral are top sights worth seeing.

Toompea
Rottermann Quarter featuring modern architecture

Rotermann Quarter

Historic sites, shopping, and restaurants highlight some of the noteworthy features of Rotermann Quarter. Make a stop by Rottermann Quarter or Fenikss Casino while you're exploring the neighborhood.

Rotermann Quarter
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Tatari

Though Tatari might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Freedom Square and Estonian National Opera.

Tatari
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Maakri

Historic sites, restaurants, and spas are some highlights of Maakri. Make a stop by Church of Our Lady of Kazan or St John's Alms-house while you're exploring.

Maakri
Kadrioru Park showing a park, a pond and a gondola

Kesklinn

4.5/5(149 area reviews)

Kesklinn is known for its waterfront views, and you can plan a trip to Tallinn Central Market and Estonian National Opera while you're in town.

Kesklinn

Old Town Tallinn