Tallinn Holidays

Tallinn city breaks showcase the past and the present – from the Medieval old town to the hip waterfront neighbourhoods.

City breaks to Tallinn

This up-and-coming spot’s the headline act along Estonia’s northern coastline. Hundreds of years of history are packed into this relatively small capital city, from its UNESCO-ticked 13th century old town to its Soviet-style buildings on the city’s edges. And it’s come full throttle into the 21st century, too – it’s one of the most digitally advanced cities on the globe, and in 2021 it was named the best destination in the world for remote working.

A buzzing old town

Tallinn’s old town goes back centuries, and it’s the beating heart of the city. Culture vultures can walk along the Medieval city walls and soak up the views from some of the perfectly preserved towers, while night owls have tonnes of after-dark hotspots to hit up ‘til the wee hours.

Transformed Telliskivi

Nowhere highlights Tallinn’s transformation quite like this budding neighbourhood. Once considered the city’s industrial hub, its derelict factories and warehouses have been brought back to life by hipster bars, art exhibitions and design shops. And top of the pile is the aptly named Creative City – a hive of activity, with global foods, late-night bars and vintage shops.

Creative Kalamaja

Another of Tallinn’s fast-rising neighbourhoods, this one-time industrial heartland’s been busy reinventing itself in recent years. Former factories have been given snazzy makeovers, with hipster-friendly bars and restaurants taking over, and a throng of young creatives making this place home. And while you’re here, check out the colourful wooden houses that the area’s famous for.

At a glance

Climb the old town’s 13th century walls
Look out across the city from the TV Tower
Snag some bargains in trendy Telliskivi

Three swathes of caramel-coloured sand

Tallinn might not be one of the top picks for a beach break, but as a coastal city it’s no surprise that there are some sandy stretches to sprawl out on. You’ll find three here, which are all within easy reach of the city centre, and lay on some low-key watersports like paddleboarding and pedalos.
The big beach

Most of the locals flock to Pirita Beach in the summer months. It’s just a 25-minute bus hop away from the city centre, and it ticks off soft sands, sunloungers and activity areas, with leggy pine trees for a backdrop.
The secret beach

You’ll find this hidden gem just a little further along the coast from Pirita. Nature trails and health spas are two of the top to-dos in this old school town, which also ticks off first-class views of Tallinn’s old town.

Bargain Buys

Bargain hunters make a beeline for Creative City in Telliskivi. You’ll find loads of independent shops here, which sell a mix of souvenirs and handicrafts. And there’s a flea market every Saturday, too.
Mid-Range Buys

Estonia’s biggest shopping centre’s just a 10-minute drive away from the city centre. Ulemiste Centre’s home to plenty of familiar big-name brands, as well as a decent selection of local shops.
Designer Buys

The Baltics’ biggest department store’s slap bang in the middle of the city. Stockmann’s five floors of wall-to-wall designer labels are a shopaholic’s dream, with top names like Hugo Boss, Calvin Klein and Armani.

Laid-back evenings

For a bevy of bars and restaurants with a low-key vibe, head for the waterfront area of Noblessner. It’s also home to Estonia’s most popular brewery and tap room, plus an igloo-themed bar right by the water.
Lively evenings

For the liveliest nightlife, make a beeline for Tallinn’s old town. Plenty of the pubs, bars and nightclubs stay open ‘til the small hours, and there’s an eclectic mix of sounds – from heavy rock to house music.

Mulgikapsad

This slow-cooked stew consists of sauerkraut, pork and barley, and is usually served with fried onions or pork slices. It’s widely regarded as the country’s national dish, and you’ll find it cropping up at Christmas and other special occasions.
Rosolje

This straightforward salad dish has been an Estonian staple for generations. Its two main ingredients are herring and beetroot, which are mixed up with carrots, eggs, boiled potatoes and pickled cucumbers, before being drizzled in mayo.
Sult

Otherwise known as meat jelly, this is another dish that’s served up on special occasions. Its key ingredient is boiled animal bones, which form a natural gelatin once cooled. Sliced vegetables and chunks of meat are then thrown in and left to cool again, which leads to a jelly being formed.
Verikakk

This centuries-old staple roughly translates as blood dumplings. You’ll often find them being served at Christmas markets, where they’re sliced and garnished with sour cream or sauerkraut.
Vurtsikilu Suupiste

This dish is a favourite with fish fans, which you’ll often find as a starter on restaurant menus. The key ingredient is sprats - a small oily fish, similar to sardines, which are pickled and served on traditional rye bread. It’s usually served with tasty extras like cream cheese, garlic and onions.