Toompea Hill, Tallinn: Our most recommended tours and activities

Helsinki: Tallinn Guided Day Tour with Ferry Crossing

1. Helsinki: Tallinn Guided Day Tour with Ferry Crossing

Cross the Gulf of Finland by ferry and join a guided city tour of Tallinn on a day tour from Helsinki. Step back to medieval times in Old Town, and see past Russian influences in the architecture of Aleksander Nevski Cathedral and Kadriog Park. After an easy 2-hour ferry crossing from Finland to Estonia, you will be met at the port by your guide. Your guided city tour will take in all the major sites of Tallinn, followed by some free time to explore at your own pace. The most popular destination in Tallinn is Old Town, an area which has maintained its medieval character and charm to this day. Stroll the cobblestone streets, walk through ivy-covered Viru Gate and explore the gothic Town Hall. On Toompea Hill discover the perfectly pink Toompea Castle, built in the 13th century, now home to Estonia's parliament. Directly across from the castle is Aleksander Nevski Cathedral. This striking Russian Orthodox-style cathedral with onion bulb domes will certainly capture your attention. For a dose of nature, the beautiful gardens at Kadriog Park beckon visitors to Tallinn. With geometric flower beds, Japanese garden and a lovely swan pond, there is plenty to delight the senses for all ages. At the end of the day you will return to the port for your ferry trip back to Helsinki where your tour ends but memories will remain.

Tallinn Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour

2. Tallinn Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour

The Estonian maritime city of Tallinn is truly one of the gems of Northern Europe. The old town has been astonishingly well preserved and was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997. There is also a new town center, called Vabaduse Valjak or Freedom Square, at the edge of the old town. Nearby is the giant matchbox of Hotel Viru, a former tourist flagship and notorious den of Cold War intrigue. During this era, every room was tapped and monitored by the KGB! The city has been influenced by Germany, Italy, Russia, and Scandinavia. Tallinn’s calendar is packed with festivals celebrating music, film, art, theater, culture, and food. Sea-faring festivals, the Opera Festival, and the Tallinn Marathon also feature prominently on the calendar. Explore this alluring city and take advantage of all there is to see and do during your stay. Take the bus tour to the old town and admire the 14th and 15th-century architecture and narrow, twisting streets. You can also try out the local cuisine at any of a number of restaurants here. Tour Stops: Historic Centre & Old Town Stop 1 - Mere Pst. 5 / City Centre Stop 2 - Toompea / Old Town Stop 3 - Kadriorg Park / Swan Lake Stop 4 - City Harbour D- Terminal Stop 5 - City Harbour ABC- Terminals Stop 6 - City Harbour Cruise Ship Terminal Pirita & Historic Suburbs Stop 1 - Mere Pst. 5 (in front of Russian Cultural Centre) Stop 2 - Toompea / Old Town Stop 3 - Railway Station / Towers Park Stop 4 - Fat Margareth Tower Stop 5 - Song Festival Grounds Stop 6 - Song Festival Grounds / Beachwalk Stop 7 - Maarjamae Castle Stop 8 - Pirita Stop 9 - Rummu / Pirita TOP Spa Hotel Stop 10 - Kadriorg Park / Swan Lake 2 Stop 11 - City Harbour D- Terminal Stop 12 - City harbour ABC- Terminals Stop 13 - Coty Harbour Cruise Ship Terminal

Medieval Tallinn 2-Hour Old Town Walking Tour

3. Medieval Tallinn 2-Hour Old Town Walking Tour

Welcome to Tallinn, the beautiful capital of Estonia! This walking tour will take you through the charming cobbled streets of Tallinn's Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Over the course of two hours, you will discover the city's rich history, architecture, and culture. Our tour will begin at Town Hall Square, the heart of the Old Town. Here, we will admire the beautiful Gothic architecture of the Town Hall building and learn about the square's importance in Tallinn's history. Next, we will make our way through the narrow streets and alleyways of the Old Town, passing by the stunning St. Olaf's Church, the tallest church in Estonia. We will also visit the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, a beautiful Russian Orthodox church with stunning onion-domed towers. As we walk through the Old Town, we will learn about Tallinn's medieval past, including the city's fortifications, guilds, and trading history. We will also explore some of the city's hidden gems, such as the picturesque St. Catherine's Passage, lined with artisan workshops and galleries. Our tour will end at Toompea Hill, the site of Tallinn's historic castle and the Estonian Parliament building. From here, we will enjoy stunning views of the city and learn about the rich political history of Estonia. Throughout the tour, your guide will share fascinating stories and insights into Tallinn's history and culture, making this a truly memorable experience. Come join us for a delightful stroll through the charming streets of Tallinn's Old Town!

Tallinn: 1.5-Hour Old Town Walking Tour

4. Tallinn: 1.5-Hour Old Town Walking Tour

Explore the best of Tallinn's charming Old Town on this walking tour. Visit the historic Town Hall Square and hear stories about how the weather-vane got its name and which famous recipe was invented in the Town Hall Pharmacy. Marvel at the medieval churches as you listen to your guide's interesting commentary. Learn more about the city walls and take pictures from the viewing platforms on Toompea Hill. You will also visit the Parliament of Estonia.  Walk in St. Catherine's Passage, one of the most picturesque Old Town lanes. Discover St. Catherine’s Guild, a collection of craft workshops where traditional artists create and sell glassware, hats and other goods. End your tour with a visit to the city’s oldest existing building, the Dominican Monastery, which dates to 1246. 

From Helsinki: Tallinn with Round-Trip Ferry & Guided Tour

5. From Helsinki: Tallinn with Round-Trip Ferry & Guided Tour

Embark on a day trip from Helsinki to Tallinn with a 3-hour guided tour in the city. Board a ferry to Tallinn from Helsinki’s port. Be welcomed by your local guide, who’ll take you from the harbor to explore the town. See the highlights of the city, like its main square, Tallinn Town Hall, Aleksander Nevsky Cathedral, Toompea Castle, and much more. Tallinn, Estonia’s capital on the Baltic Sea, retains its walled and cobblestoned Old Town, which is home to cafes and shops as well as Kiek in de Kök, a 15th-century defensive tower. The Old Town, dating from around the 15th century, is Estonia’s only UNESCO World Heritage Site. Spend the rest of the afternoon exploring the city at your own pace. When your tour is finished, you’ll be transferred back to the Port to prepare to embark on Helsinki. On the way back, you can relax and enjoy the services before arriving in Helsinki.

Tallinn Self-Guided Audio Tour

6. Tallinn Self-Guided Audio Tour

Download our handy app or a vibrant MP3 self-guided audio tour combined with a fully detailed map of the area of your tour. This scenic city of Tallinn, Estonia's capital, will bring you to some of the best views in the country. On this audio tour, you'll learn about its history with Germany and visit areas in the city with different historical influences like the Great Coastal Gate, and Freedom Square. You will also see St Olaf's Church, Tower Square, the House of the Brotherhood of Blackheads, Town Hall Square, the Dominican Monastery with St Catherine's Passage, the Toompea Hill and Castle, the Kiek in de Kok, and the Tammsaare Park with the Anton Tammsaare Statue. There is also an additional option to see the Kadriorg Park and Palace. With so much history and so many stories to tell, this visit to the ancient city of Tallinn is one to savor. Take your time and meander through the cobbled streets, enjoying the ever prevalent street music .

From Helsinki: Tallinn Guided Full-Day Tour by Ferry

7. From Helsinki: Tallinn Guided Full-Day Tour by Ferry

Your guide will greet you and pick you up in the morning from your hotel or Helsinki port.  After pick-up, cruise across the Gulf of Finland to Estonia by comfortable ferry. The excursion starts in front of the oldest town hall in Scandinavia and the Baltics. The walk follows the old street grid now enshrined on UNESCO’s heritage list, resembling a visit to an outdoor museum containing rarities. The sights you will see include storied landmarks such as the Raeapteek apothecary shop, the Great Guild, Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, Toompea Castle, Neitsitorn tower and many others, along with unforgettable panoramas of the lower town and sea from two observation platforms.  The full-day tour includes a two-hour ferry trip in both directions, as well as a city tour and free time. You will arrive back in Helsinki at 9:30 PM and then be transferred back to the port or your hotel.

Iconic Old town Tallinn

8. Iconic Old town Tallinn

As a UNESCO World Heritage site, the Old Town is a must-see destination for anyone visiting Tallinn. Our two-hour tour will take you through the charming cobbled streets of the Old Town, passing by stunning landmarks such as the St. Olaf's Church and Alexander Nevsky Cathedral. We will also explore hidden gems like St. Catherine's Passage, a picturesque alleyway lined with artisan workshops and galleries. Along the way, you'll learn about the city's medieval past, fortifications, and trading history, as well as enjoy stunning views of the city from Toompea Hill. Book your tour today and experience the magic of Tallinn's Old Town!

All-in-One Tallinn Shore Excursion for Cruise Ships

9. All-in-One Tallinn Shore Excursion for Cruise Ships

After meeting your host at the terminal, take a bus ride to the Upper Old Town. During this 15-minute transfer with other passengers, you can admire the beautiful parks surrounding Old Town and observe the 13th-century medieval Toompea Castle standing majestically at the top of Toompea hill. Start the walking tour at the Upper Old Town. See the Estonian Parliament and visit the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral. After a stroll through the narrow cobblestone lanes, you'll visit the oldest church in Tallinn - Dome Church. Experience magnificent panoramic views from the Kohtuotsa Viewing Platform. From here, you'll descend to the much livelier Lower Old Town. The main attractions here are the gothic-style merchant houses, the Town Wall with its beautiful towers, as well as the St Nickolas Church and Holy Ghost Church. The tour continues on to the historical city center, Town Hall Square where one of the oldest pharmacies in the world can still be seen next to the 15th century Town Hall. Next, take a walk through St Catherine’s Passage and admire the private studios of the local artists. The tour ends at the Viru Gate where you'll be given 2 hours of free time to have lunch and to do some shopping. At the scheduled time, from the city center, the bus will take you back to the port. 

Tallinn: Private City Highlights Walking Tour

10. Tallinn: Private City Highlights Walking Tour

Meet the guide at the lobby of your centrally located hotel or at the Viru gate (entrance to the Old town). Start the tour by strolling the main street of the Old town, see the Town hall square and the Dome church, admire the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, visit the Old Pharmacy, dating back to the 13th century, Climb the upper town and admire the beautiful panoramic views of Tallinn from Toompea Hill.

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What people are saying about Toompea Hill, Tallinn

Overall rating

4.3 / 5

based on 3 reviews

Alice was an excellent and very knowledgeable guide, one of the best I have ever experienced. She was also very helpful and very personable. Brilliant Alice thank you very much. 10/10

Fantastic experience! Marie was such a lovely tour guide and a lovely person to spend 2 hours with through the streets of Old Town Tallin. Everyone should book a tour with her!!!

Such a lovely tour we had with a knowledgeable and friendly guide. Everything went smooth and hassle free including timely port transfers. Highly recommended!!

The walking tour was incredible. The guide was friendly and very informative. Great way to explore Tallinn and learn about it’s history.

Great tour with lots of cultural insights and a weave between the past and present. Anastasia was an excellent guide.