If you’re looking for a fairytale festive weekend away, then you need to add Tallinn to your bucket list. It is home to gorgeous Christmas markets (voted some of the best in Europe), quaint colourful houses, and towering historic buildings. Think charming and snowy medieval village vibes, without the typical Christmas crowds. It is honestly the perfect place for a cosy winter escape. Read on to get ideas for what to do in Tallinn at Christmas.
The Practicalities:
Getting There:
There are affordable direct flights from London available daily.
Getting Around:
Tallinn is a very walkable city, so there is no need for a car. Taxis from the airport into the centre take around 15 minutes, and there are also trams and buses to get around.
When To Visit:
If you want a festive trip, I recommend visiting during the month of December when the Christmas markets are in full swing and there is likely to be snow on the ground.
How Long To Stay:
Tallinn is a very small city, so you don’t need more than a couple of days there. I would recommend a Friday-to-Sunday trip to get the most out of your visit.
Where To Stay:
The historic centre is the most obvious place to stay, but we opted for a gorgeous penthouse Airbnb in one of the nearby residential neighbourhoods to give us a more authentic local experience.
Prices:
Travel and accommodation in Estonia are surprisingly cheap, but once you get there, expect typical capital city prices when it comes to food, drinks, and activities.
Tips:
It is super important to dress for the cold. During our visit, temperatures ranged between -5°C to +1°C, so it is safe to say it is pretty chilly. Thermal base layers, thick cosy jackets, and warm accessories are essential.
What To Do in Tallinn at Christmas:
Head to Tallinn Christmas Market:
Starting with the jewel in Tallinn’s Christmas crown, the markets. They’re located in the heart of the old town, right next to the town hall. There’s a huge Christmas tree surrounded by quaint wooden huts adorned with fairy lights, selling food, glögg, ornaments, and woollen accessories. The markets are fairly small, but they pack a punch and are the perfect place to spend a festive evening.
Explore Tallinn Old Town:
This UNESCO World Heritage-listed district is not to be missed. It is packed with quaint streets, historic buildings, and plenty of cosy cafes. It is best explored on foot; you can easily wander for hours. The key sights I would recommend passing by include:
- Kiek in de Kök
- St Catherine’s Passage
- The City Walls
- The Danish King’s Garden
- The Maiden’s Tower
- Snelli Park & Towers Square (my favourite!)
- Charles’ Church
- Toompea Hill, Alexander Nevsky Cathedral & the viewing platforms (another personal highlight!)
Take a Tallinn Walking Tour:
The best way to get to know a city is to take a guided walking tour. There are plenty on offer which will show you the highlights of the old town and allow you to learn all about the history and culture of the city in both the past and present.
Go Ice Skating:
A festive weekend wouldn’t be complete without an ice skating session. There is a pop-up ice rink on Harju Street in the centre of Tallinn’s old town. It’s located right next to the historic St Nicholas Church, which provides the perfect setting for a skate.
Telliskivi Creative City:
If you want to see a different side of the city, head over to this edgy ex-industrial complex. It is an artistic haven which houses galleries, independent shops, start-ups, cafes, and the renowned Fotografiska Tallinn photography museum. It was actually one of my favourite areas as it was so different to the old town, and the abundance of street art provided a welcome contrast to the historic buildings.
Wander Through Kalamaja:
One of the oldest districts in Tallinn, Kalamaja is known for its hip laid-back village vibes, well-preserved wooden houses (head to Valgevase Street), abundance of greenery, vintage shops, and independent cafes. It is also home to Balti Jaama Turg, a huge three-storey indoor market which is packed with antiques, food sellers, and Estonian crafts.
Go to a Sauna:
There is an amazing sauna culture in Estonia, and Tallinn has a couple of pretty incredible spots you can head to on the water, so you can heat up and then take a cold plunge. If you want a more rustic experience away from the crowds, head to Logi Sauna —a wood-fired, volunteer-run public sauna in a gorgeous scenic location well off the beaten path. If you are looking for all the bells and whistles, head to Iglupark, where there are a selection of premium waterfront saunas that have private terraces, lounges, and beautiful views.
Eat Eat Eat!
The food scene in Tallinn blew me away. There are so many incredible restaurants, cafes, bakeries, and coffee shops that you can’t visit them all in a weekend! Some of our personal favourites included:
- Värav Coffee & Toast: For a morning brew, smoothie, and brunch.
- Bear Farm Chocolate: For unbelievable vegan cookies and chocolates.
- Rohe Kohvik: For epic salad bowls, matcha, and baked goodies.
- Restorant Spot: For a cosy evening dinner.
- Brick Coffee Roasters: For great coffee and baked goods.
- Kohvik Vaffel: For waffles with all the toppings.
- Röst Bakery: For Scandi-inspired buns and sourdough.
- F-Hoone: For trendy brunch, lunch, dinner, and cocktails.
- Kringel: For delicious buns, cakes, and treats.
- Rado Restaurant: For a more elevated evening meal.
Catch a Ferry to Helsinki for the Day:
The boat journey is super easy and only takes around two hours on a modern and comfortable ferry. Once you get there, you can explore the historic centre, visit the Christmas markets, go ice skating, and see the sights of another beautiful and festive capital city.
If you found this article useful, check out my other city travel guides:
- Munich Christmas Market Guide : The Top 7 Markets to Visit
- 10 Lesser Known Things To Do In Amsterdam
- London Travel Guide By A Local: The Top Things to See and Do in London
- Berlin Travel Guide: What To See, Do & Eat In Berlin
Safe travels,
Zanna x
