Have you ever arrived in a city and instantly felt like you had stepped into a storybook? That’s exactly how I felt the moment I set foot in Tallinn, Estonia.
I traveled to Tallinn on a two-hour ferry ride from Helsinki, crossing the Baltic Sea to Estonia’s capital. The city greeted me with its cobblestone streets, medieval towers, and timeless charm, making it feel like I had stepped into another era.
With so much history and beauty to uncover, here are some of the places that made my time in Tallinn unforgettable.
Wandering Through the Storybook Charm of Old Town
A step into Tallinn’s Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is like stepping back in time. This is one of the best-preserved medieval cities in Europe, where every cobblestone street, towering church spire, and medieval wall whispers stories from centuries past.
With nearly two kilometers of medieval walls and numerous defensive towers still intact, the Tallinn City Walls are a striking feature of the skyline. These fortifications are among the best-preserved in Europe, adding to the city’s fairy-tale charm.
A great place to start your exploration is Town Hall Square, the heart of Old Town. Here, you’ll find the impressive Gothic-style Town Hall, dating back to the early 13th century. It holds the title of the oldest city hall in Northern Europe!
Breathtaking Views from Toompea Hill
A 10-minute walk from Town Hall Square leads to Toompea Hill, one of Tallinn’s most significant landmarks. Not only does it offer some of the best panoramic views of the city, but it is also home to several historic sites.
One of my favorite spots is the Kohtuotsa Viewing Platform, located on the northern side of Toompea Hill. From here, I was mesmerized by the stunning contrast of Tallinn’s red-roofed medieval Old Town against the modern skyline, with the Baltic Sea shimmering in the distance.
Just a short walk away, I visited St. Mary’s Cathedral, also known as Dome Church—the oldest church in Tallinn and mainland Estonia. Established by the Danes in the 13th century, it is the only building in Toompea that survived the devastating fire of the 17th century.
What makes St. Mary’s Cathedral unique is its collection of historic gravestones (13th–18th century) and coats of arms (17th–20th century), once used to identify noble families.
💡 Tip: If you love panoramic city views, climb the 69-meter Baroque-style bell tower for a breathtaking view of Tallinn!
Continuing my walk, I arrived at the magnificent Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, Tallinn’s largest and most grand Orthodox church. Inspired by Russian architecture, its construction began in 1894 and was completed in 1900.
Right across from the cathedral stands Toompea Castle, built between 1767 and 1773.
Over the centuries, this medieval fortress has transformed into a modern center of government and today houses the Riigikogu (Estonian Parliament). 👉 Learn more about its history!
A Stroll Through the Tranquil Kadriorg Park
For a change of scenery, I took a leisurely 30-minute walk from Old Town to visit Kadriorg Park. Spanning around 70 hectares, this lush urban park is a paradise for nature lovers.
From the meticulously designed baroque gardens to the expansive green spaces, the park offers a beautiful mix of formal landscaping and natural beauty. One of the highlights is the Swan Pond, surrounded by vibrant flower beds, leading to the President’s Palace.
Another unique feature is the Japanese Garden, an authentic piece of Japan right in Tallinn’s heart. Designed by renowned Japanese landscape architect Masao Sone, this peaceful retreat is perfect for those seeking tranquility.
Reaching New Heights at Tallinn TV Tower
One of the most thrilling highlights of my trip was visiting the Tallinn TV Tower (Tallinna Teletorn)—the tallest structure in Estonia at 314 meters!
The observation deck at 170 meters (558 feet) offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Old Town, Muuga forests, and the Baltic Sea.
For adrenaline seekers, there’s even an option to walk along the edge of the roof on the 22nd floor—definitely not for the faint-hearted!
🔽 Watch this YouTube video to see what it’s like!
Located just a 30-minute drive from Old Town, the Tallinn TV Tower is an experience I highly recommend for an unforgettable view of the city.
Discovering Tallinn: A Hidden Gem of Northern Europe
Perched on the northern coast of Estonia, along the Baltic Sea, Tallinn remains one of Europe’s best-kept secrets. With a unique blend of Scandinavian, Russian, and Eastern European influences, this city is a dream for history lovers, architecture enthusiasts, and anyone in search of a magical European getaway.
If you’re planning a trip to Europe, don’t overlook Tallinn—it might just steal your heart too.
I Want to Hear from You!
Has a city ever captured your heart and stayed with you for years? I’d love to hear about your own fairy-tale destination—share your stories in the comments below!
Where Jasz Explores 
Sister, I really envy that you can travel to so many countries. When I have time, I will also see more of the world. I hope you can continue to keep this kind and brave initial heart, continue to see the world you want to see and meet the people you want to meet.
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