KGB Museum
If you’re spending only a day in Tallinn, you most likely arrived by ferry from Helsinki. About a 15 minute walk from the port, you’ll want to stop at Viru Hotel, just outside the Old City Walls. For anyone who is interested in history, this is a unique place to visit. Viru Hotel was used by the KGB from 1972 until the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991 as a base to spy on foreigners visiting Tallinn. While the “museum” is really only 2 rooms inside the hotel, they’ve been left untouched since the KGB deserted them. Your visit includes a 1 hour guided tour where you learn more about the fascinating history of Hotel Viru. We recommend pre-purchasing tickets online to ensure you can get a tour in a language that works for you!
- Cost: €13
- Buy Tickets: KGB Museum
- Time Needed: 1 hour
Viru Gate
After leaving Hotel Viru, you’ll want to head straight into Old Town. Viru Gate will be the first thing you spot of the Old City Walls. Tallinn is one of the best well preserved medieval cities left, so be sure to soak in all its charm!
- Cost: Free
- Time Needed: 15 minutes
Helleman Tower & Medieval Walls
After you walk through Viru Gate, turn right and walk a few minutes to Helleman Tower entrance. Here is your chance to walk the medieval city walls and admire some 360 views of Tallinn. Please note that the stairs needed to climb the towers are very steep and narrow. Entrance must be bought in cash, as they do not accept cards.
- Cost: €4 (Cash only)
- Time Needed: 30 minutes
St. Catherine’s Passage
After walking the walls, head back in the direction of Viru gate but look for a sign on your right hand side that says “Katarina Käik”. Catherine’s Alley, formerly called Monk’s Alley, was built more than 700 years ago! We loved how quiet and charming this street was. Local artisans have small shops along this street where they sell their handmade goods, such as ceramics.
- Cost: Free
- Time Needed: 15 minutes
Old Town Square
Tallinn’s Old Town Square (Raekoja plats) feels like you’ve stepped into a fairytale. The cobblestone plaza and colorful buildings are so whimsical! There are a few shops and restaurants lining the Square so be sure to take a lap. We recommend looking out for Tallinn Town Hall Pharmacy (Raeapteek) as it’s one of the oldest continuously running pharmacies in Europe. It has been in the same location since the early 15th century!
- Cost: Free
- Time Needed: 30 minutes
Lunch at Rataskaevu 16
After all that sightseeing, you’re going to be hungry for lunch! About 5 minutes walking from Old Town Square, you’ll find Rataskaevu 16. This restaurant is located in a historical building which means it’s full of charm. The food and service is also fantastic as well!
- Cost: Main courses range from €15 – €27
- Menu: Rataskaevu 16
- Time Needed: 2 hours
St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral
After lunch, walk 5 minutes to St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral. This was built between 1884-1900 in the typical Russian style when Estonia was part of the Russian Czarist Empire. It was dedicated to the Grand Prince of Kiev (and later Saint) Alexander Nevsky. Estonians viewed the church as a symbol of oppression and had planned to demolish it in 1924 but never did, due to lack of funds. It’s free to enter the Cathedral but remember that since it is Russian Orthodox and women must cover their hair with a scarf.
- Cost: Free
- Time Needed: 30 minutes
Toompea Castle
Across from the Cathedral you’ll find Toompea Castle, once a medieval castle and now home to Estonia’s Parliament. The castle has been used for more than 800 years! It’s free to visit the castle with a guided tour, but the days vary of when it’s open so be sure to check their website. We weren’t able to go inside during our time in Tallinn but we did stroll around the small park next to the castle which was lovely.
- Cost: Free
- More Information: Toompea Castle
- Time Needed: 1 hour
Kohtuotsa Viewing Platform
Only 5 minutes from the Castle, you’ll find Kohtuotsa Viewing Platform. This offers one of the best views of Old Town Tallinn. The red-orange roofs and towers dotting the skyline make for the perfect photo opportunity.
- Cost: Free
- Time Needed: 15 minutes
It’s about a 30 minute walk from the viewing platform back to the Port so we advise snagging a taxi or Uber! If you have time before your ferry leaves, we recommend grabbing food along Rotermanni street. It will put you close to the port so you won’t feel rushed and offers a variety of cuisines – Spanish tapas, burgers, sushi, Mexican, etc.
Overall, Tallinn really surprised us! It was the perfect day trip from Helsinki and we loved getting lost in the charming medieval streets. We followed this exact itinerary during our day here and was able to do it all without feeling rushed. We hope this itinerary helps you to maximize your one day in Tallinn, Estonia!
