Things to Do in Tallinn

Tallinn manages to feel both ancient and surprisingly modern, which makes sense when you consider it's been reinventing itself for centuries. The medieval Old Town is genuinely spectacular - we're talking cobblestone streets, Gothic spires, and city walls that actually survived the centuries - but step outside those ancient boundaries and you'll find a tech-savvy capital that's home to Skype and a thriving digital nomad scene. The contrast is striking in the best possible way. What's particularly appealing about Tallinn is how walkable and manageable it feels. You can cover the main historical sites in a day or two, then spend time wandering through the Kalamaja district's wooden houses or checking out the city's surprisingly robust cafe culture. The locals tend to be reserved but helpful, and English is widely spoken, especially among younger people.

The food scene has improved dramatically over the past decade, moving beyond traditional Estonian fare to include modern European cuisine, excellent seafood, and creative interpretations of Nordic cooking. Traditional restaurants still serve hearty dishes like elk, wild boar, and various preparations of local fish, while newer establishments focus on seasonal, local ingredients. The craft beer scene is particularly strong, and you'll find good coffee culture throughout the city. Prices are generally reasonable by Western European standards, though tourist-focused restaurants in Old Town tend to charge premium rates for average food.

Late spring through early fall (May to September) offers the warmest weather and longest days, with summer bringing nearly 19 hours of daylight. July and August are peak tourist season with the warmest temperatures but also the biggest crowds and highest prices. Shoulder seasons - particularly May and September - can be ideal with decent weather, fewer tourists, and better accommodation rates. Winter is cold and dark but has its own appeal, especially around Christmas when the Old Town Christmas market creates a genuinely magical atmosphere. That said, daylight hours in December and January are quite limited.