Hosting Friends or Family in Tallinn? Here’s What to Show Them
Have friends or family visiting Tallinn soon?
Or maybe you’ve just moved here and still feel like you don’t really know what this city has to offer?
Whether it’s your cousin from Italy in winter or your parents visiting during summer, this guide is for you!
Here’s how to show your guests the best side of Tallinn, and enjoy it yourself, season by season.
Start With the Old Town
No matter the season, Tallinn’s Old Town is magical! and definitely the best place to start.
You’ll probably discover something new every time you go. That’s what happens to us, at least!
Tallinn Old Town
Go-to spots worth revisiting:
Kohtuotsa & Patkuli viewing platforms (In foggy autumn = sooo moody and perfect! Lovely in the summer too, of course.)
St. Catherine’s Passage: Medieval vibes, and handicraft workshops can be found here, in which you can watch the artists at work such as creating ceramics, hats, glass, and more!
Maiasmokk Café: Estonia’s oldest café (since 1864!) with marzipan figurines
Hellemann Tower: Open spring through fall, to climb to enjoy stunning views of the city!
Winter twist: Visit during the Christmas Market (late Nov - early Jan): warm glögi, lights, and snow.
Take Them to the Sea (Yes, Even in Winter!)
Tallinn is a coastal city, and locals embrace the water all year long. No joke. Even with temperatures well below 0 degrees.
Year-round sea spots:
Linnahall: for cinematic, slightly haunting sea views
Noblessner: art, wine, design shops and a sea breeze
Pirita: walk, bike, run.. The seaside is lovely!
Pikakari or Stroomi: good for beach picnics or walks
Aegna Island: Near Tallinn, just 14 km from the city center! It’s a small island, only 3 km² in size.
Winter bonus: Brave guests? Introduce them to ice swimming (or at least watch others do it with a sauna nearby).
Escape (not too far) Into Nature
Tallinn’s parks and forests luckily are not far at all. Even 10 minutes from the city center, you can find a green spot to have a nice relaxing walk, a picnic or just chill.
For long walks or quiet hangs:
Pääsküla Bog: wooden trail, great for misty photos or birdwatching
Nõmme Forest: peaceful, and there’s a ski track in winter
Paljassaare Peninsula: wild, weird, and full of seagulls
Harku Forest: forest trails + lakeside = great year-round combo
Need some more inspo? Best 5 parks in Tallinn and Day trips from Tallinn here!
Rainy day alternative: Take them to the Botanic Garden or to the TV Tower!
Eat and Drink
Skip the generic and let your guests taste the comforting, very-Estonian side of life here.
Some local classics:
Black bread with butter, fish, or egg
Kama: sweet, grainy, very Estonian
Kohuke: little dessert bars, very addictive
Source: https://visitestonia.com/en/olde-hansa
Cozy cafés: Røst, Karjase Sai, NOP, and Caffeine are all safe bets
Cool lunch/dinner spots: F-hoone, Kaja Pizza, Väike-rataskaevu, Viru Food Hall for modern and quick bites, Olde Hansa for traditional food
Markets & Art
Tallinn is full of little places that don’t make it onto typical guides, but they make your guest experience feel more authentic and unique.
Balti Jaam Market: mix of farmers’ stalls, vintage shops, and food
Telliskivi Flea Market: Almost every Saturday, from 10 am to 3 pm, from October to April!
Kai Art Center: Contemporary art gallery in Noblessner
Rotermann Quarter: modern architecture, galleries, food and shops
Kids visiting as well? Then check the best family and kid-friendly activities in Tallinn!
Share the Social Side: Go to an Event Together!
After a few days of walking and sightseeing, it’s nice to do something together that connects you to the city (and makes your legs rest a bit).
That’s where Gamma comes in!
Our weekly newsletter shares what’s happening in Tallinn, all year long.
You’ll find:
Markets and festivals
Comedy shows
Board game events
Sauna parties (yes, plural)
Concerts, indie gigs, pop-up dinners
👉 Subscribe here for free, and send it to your guests too!
The Bottom Line? Show Them Your Tallinn
Whether you've lived here for 4 years or 4 weeks, I am sure you’ve already found your favorite places in the city.
Show those! The bakery you always go to. The park you walk through when you need to think. The café where they know your order already.
That's the Tallinn people remember!
Are you still feeling like reading something about Tallinn? 👇🏻
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All You Need to Know: Tallinn Public Transport
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