3 Perfect Days in Tallinn: A Cozy & Cultural Travel Guide

Explore medieval towers, scenic cafés, gothic churches, and snow-dusted parks in Estonia’s fairytale capital.

🌤️ Day 1: Old Town Magic, Historic Views & A Cozy Baltic Welcome

After an early morning flight from Berlin, we landed in Tallinn right around 9 AM — just in time to catch the quiet hum of a city waking up. The air was crisp, the sky overcast, and the streets surprisingly peaceful. Since we had the whole day ahead of us, we checked in, freshened up, and headed straight to the heart of it all: Tallinn’s Old Town.

Maiasmokk Café

We started our day with breakfast at Tallinn’s oldest operating café — Maiasmokk, open since 1864. With its grand old-world interior, chandeliers, and window displays filled with handmade marzipan, it felt like stepping back in time.

We ordered pastries and coffee and sat by the window watching early-morning locals stroll by. This place is more than just a café — it’s an institution. Don’t miss their marzipan museum corner if you have time.

Town Hall Square (Raekoja Plats)

From there, we made our way to Town Hall Square, the true center of the Old Town. Even in mid-March, it had a charm that didn’t need flowers or summer crowds. The gothic Town Hall building, dating back to the 13th century, stood tall and moody. We circled the square slowly, admiring the colorful façades and feeling the scale of history that echoed through the cobblestones.

Patkuli Viewing Platform

Next, we made our way up to the Patkuli Viewing Platform — a must-visit spot for panoramic views over Tallinn’s red rooftops and church spires. The climb up the steps was short but rewarding. It was cloudy when we visited, but the mist hanging over the city gave it that fairytale quality Tallinn is famous for. You can see the sea in the distance and the old city walls wrapping around like a storybook fortress.

Saint Alexander Nevsky Cathedral

Just above Patkuli, you can’t miss the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral — with its black onion domes and intricate mosaic details, it’s the most striking building in the city. The Russian Orthodox influence is evident here, both in the architecture and the peaceful interior. We went inside to admire the icons and dim candle-lit calm. Entry is free, and it offers a very different vibe from the Lutheran churches around.

Balti Jaama Turg Market

After all the walking, we headed toward the more modern and lively Balti Jaama Turg Market, just outside the Old Town walls. It’s a perfect contrast to the medieval side of Tallinn — urban, buzzing, and full of life. There are three levels of vendors: fresh produce, street food stalls, antiques, and Estonian design shops. Great spot for picking up snacks, browsing vintage finds, or buying some warm mittens and local souvenirs.

Museum of Medieval Torture Instruments

This small museum just steps from Town Hall Square is equal parts eerie and fascinating. It’s dark, quite literally, and filled with grim exhibits detailing medieval punishment and torture. Not for the faint of heart — but it does give you a deeper appreciation for the era’s harsh justice system. You’ll leave both horrified and weirdly intrigued.

🌨️ Day 2: Towers, Gardens & A Long Walk into Tallinn’s Quiet Corners

Our second morning in Tallinn started slower — which felt perfect. The streets were still quiet, and the chill in the air made the city feel like it belonged to us. We bundled up and headed out in search of breakfast and new places to explore, starting just outside the bustle of Old Town.

Carissimi Kohvik

We began with breakfast at Carissimi Kohvik, a quiet local café that instantly felt like a hidden gem. The interior was minimal and calming, with just the right amount of Baltic coziness. Their pastries were fresh, the cappuccino warm, and the vibe was peaceful — exactly the kind of place that makes you want to take your time.

Munkadetagune Torn (Tower Behind the Monks)

After breakfast, we made our way to the Munkadetagune Torn, one of the medieval towers of Tallinn’s old city wall. It’s often overlooked by most tourists, but it’s tucked away near the Danish King’s Garden and gives you that authentic “medieval Tallinn” vibe without the crowds. We didn’t go inside — just admired it from outside, where it stands solid and proud against the backdrop of history.

Viru Gate

Next, we passed through the famous Viru Gate, one of the most recognizable landmarks in Tallinn. These twin towers once guarded the city’s main entrance and today lead into the heart of Old Town. We walked through slowly, snapping photos, admiring the flower stalls that line the entrance, and just soaking in the moment.

The War of Independence Victory Column

Just a short walk from Viru Gate, we reached Freedom Square, where the War of Independence Victory Column stands. This tall glass cross is a tribute to Estonians who fought for their independence from 1918 to 1920. It’s modern, but it fits beautifully with the city’s layered history. Standing there felt humbling, knowing what this monument represents to the Estonian people.

Commander’s Garden & Museum Tower

From the column, we walked into the peaceful Commander’s Garden, located next to the Museum Tower. This area is beautifully landscaped, quiet, and slightly elevated — offering a nice breather between landmarks. The nearby tower adds a touch of medieval grandeur to the otherwise modern surroundings.

Danish King’s Garden & The Three Monks

Our path then led us to the Danish King’s Garden, a peaceful courtyard bordered by walls and towers. What makes it particularly memorable is the trio of monk statues — cloaked, faceless, and eerily beautiful. We wandered around, taking photos and enjoying the strange but artistic energy of the space.

Governor’s Garden & Riigikogu (Estonian Parliament)

Next up was a walk through the Governor’s Garden, a quiet, formal park near Toompea Castle, where Estonia’s Parliament (Riigikogu) is housed. The contrast between the centuries-old castle and the functioning government building was striking. Everything was still, and it felt like the kind of place where big decisions happen behind old doors.

Viru Lokaal – Wine Break & Lunch

By mid-afternoon, we needed a break — and Viru Lokaal was the perfect place for it. Tucked away but close to everything, it served good wine, hearty Estonian-inspired dishes, and had a relaxed vibe. We sat by the window, ordered warm food, and took our time — it was one of those meals where the pause felt just as important as the plate.

Long Walk to Kadriorg Park & Palace

After lunch, we decided to stretch our legs and headed out for a long, scenic walk to Kadriorg Park — one of Tallinn’s largest and most beautiful green spaces. Even in March, without the flowers in full bloom, the park felt regal and serene. At the heart of it sits Kadriorg Palace, a baroque masterpiece built by Peter the Great. The colors, symmetry, and stillness made it one of our favorite stops.

We didn’t go inside the art museum this time — just strolled the grounds, clicked some photos, and watched the early evening light fall across the frozen fountains and bare trees.

Beer House, Dunkri Tänav – Dinner & Drinks

Back in Old Town, we wrapped up the day with dinner and local beer at the lively Beer House on Dunkri Street. The interiors are rustic and beer-hall style, with warm lighting, wood paneling, and the comforting smell of malt and grilled food. We tried a few house-brewed beers, shared a big platter of Estonian pub food, and just enjoyed the unhurried pace of the evening.