Things to do in

Toompea Hill, Tallinn

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. You will visit the viewing points and cover all the highlights on the medieval part of Tallinn 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.

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 (Tallink) Stop 5 - City Harbour ABC- Terminals Stop 6 - City Harbour Cruise Ship Terminal (Cruise Only) 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 Stop 11 - City Harbour D- Terminal (Tallink) Stop 12 - City harbour ABC- Terminals Stop 13 - Coty Harbour Cruise Ship Terminal (Cruise Only)

Unique walking tour with a lot of tales about medieval Tallinn - get to know the most interesting stories from our history. How the city of Tallinn came to be, what was its importance in medieval politics, why the Danes regularly give us their flag, and what legends still influence our lives here. No boring dates and unknown names, these are Tallinn Tales! Attention! This is the tour with around of 2 km of walking on feet. Prepare warm clothes, if you are arriving in winter - usually it's quite cold outside.

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!

Experience Tallinn like never before with our unique walking tour, where medieval tales come to life. Discover fascinating stories about Tallinn’s origins, its role in medieval politics, the curious tradition of the Danes gifting us their flag, and the legends that continue to shape our lives. Our energetic and passionate guides, who love both the city and their work, will make this an unforgettable adventure. Forget about dry facts and obscure names—this is all about Tallinn Tales! Please note, the tour involves approximately 2 km of walking. If rain is expected, be sure to dress appropriately.

NB! This is a combined tour: 2 hours by bus with stops to explore sights, and 2 hours of walking. The total walking distance is around 3 km. Explore fascinating sites from the XV-XVIII centuries in Tallinn and uncover the most intriguing stories from Estonia's history. Hear tales about Emperor Peter I and his creation of Kadriorg Park, why St. Bridget Monastery was never fully restored, and why the "Mermaid" monument resembles an angel. You'll encounter historical architecture in everyday use and might even glimpse our president or prime minister. During the walking tour, you'll learn how Tallinn was founded, its significance in medieval politics, why the Danes regularly gift us their flag, why our city limps on one leg, and many other stories that continue to shape our lives. No boring dates or obscure names—just captivating Tallinn Tales. This tour is split into two parts: the first 2 hours are a bus ride around the city with several stops, followed by a 2-hour walk through the medieval heart of Tallinn. Check the weather forecast and dress accordingly. Tallinn's weather is unpredictable, so we often carry an umbrella and sunglasses.

Panoramic Tour of the Old Town: Embark on a captivating journey through Tallinn's Upper Town, Toompea, a small hill at the heart of the old city. Our exploration begins at the foot of the hill, where a medieval knight's castle awaits, setting the stage for tales of the Livonian Order, the legend of Linda and Kalev, and a 19th-century dispute shaping one of Tallinn's streets. As we continue, we encounter Ibrahim Hannibal's house on the corner, prompting reflections on the events of August 1991. Our path leads to the city's largest tower, Kiek in de Kök, evoking memories of the Livonian War and Ivan the Terrible. Descending into the "Danish King's Garden," we traverse the Short and Long Leg streets. The journey unfolds on Palace Square, showcasing the magnificent façade of the Governor's Palace and the later, equally splendid Alexander Nevsky Cathedral. Following our visit to the cathedral, where Patriarch of all Russia Alexy II served and St. John of Kronstadt attended the consecration, we stroll through "House School" alley to the white Gothic church, the oldest structure on Toompea. Originally a Catholic cathedral for three centuries, it now stands as a Lutheran cathedral, hosting a remarkable collection of heraldry, epitaphs, and sarcophagi of renowned seafarers such as Krusenstern and Wrangel. Honoring the memory of the hero of the Patriotic War and General Kutuzov's son-in-law, Tiesenhausen, we delve into discussions on the Protestant Reformation and its impact on Europe. Despite its modest 7 hectares, Toompea Hill encapsulates Estonia's political history, guiding us past the majestic Benckendorff House towards a breathtaking viewing platform overlooking the Lower Town, which thrived under the rule of merchants trading with Russia. Indulging in glazed nuts and sipping hot Glintvein, we progress towards the government building terrace. Here, we delve into discussions about islands, the fortress wall, and politics. Descending via stairs, we find ourselves in the Lower Town near the former city gates. Here we will find a Boris Yeltsin memorial plaque. Strolling down Monastery Street and entering the Transfiguration Cathedral to admire Ivan Zarudny's majestic baroque iconostasis. The cathedral will be opened just for us. Our journey continues through Lai Street to Oleviste Church, enjoying views of the Three Sisters, Sea Gates, and landmarks like St. Olaf's and St. Canute's Guilds, the Russian Embassy, and the Church of the Holy Spirit. Passing through a charming passage, we reach Town Hall Square, where we explore the world's oldest pharmacy. The tour will end near Viru Gate. Join me on this panoramic tour, and let's uncover the periods of Tallinn's rich history together!

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. 

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!

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.