Top Places for Art and Cultural Activities in Tallinn

A trip to Tallinn cannot be complete without understanding its rich heritage. The art and cultural activities in Tallinn will give you an insight into the city's history, traditions, and artwork. While visiting the cultural attractions in Tallinn would prove to be informative, attending its artsy events will leave you entertained. From cultural performances to historical monuments that give you a glimpse of the past, take a look at this list to know Tallinn better. Include these in attractions in your itinerary for Tallinn and have a great vacation.

Check the list of top places for art and culture in Tallinn:

  1. Tallinn Old Town

    Walking Area, Town, Neighborhoods

    Cobbled pathways that make way for medieval buildings and markets, gabled homes, old churches and courtyards where you can see the world go by, the Old Town of Tallinn offers a time-warped experience. The city’s old walls with watch towers are still preserved here and add to the charm of the place. The history of Hanseatic League is synonymous with the place when trade was flourishing in ...Read more
  2. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral

    4.6 (569 Votes)
    Alexander Nevsky Cathedral

    Religious Site, Architecture , Cathedral

    Built in the late 19th century in a typical Russian Revival style of architecture, the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral’s onion shaped domes catch your attention straight away. The cathedral is placed on a mount where Kalev is believed to be buried and where Linda mourned for him. The main alter with golden embellishments, mosaic elements that are seen throughout the Cathedral, stained-glass wi...Read more
  3. St Olaf's Church

    4.6 (672 Votes)
    St Olaf's Church

    Church, Religious Site

    The Oleviste Church was founded in the 12th century and dedicated to King Olaf II of Norway. Even though rebuilt in the 14th century, the church’s history is traced in documents to the 13th century. The building is quiet famous for being struck by lightening 10 times in its lifetime- a controversial but popular fact. Today, the church’s silhouette adorns the skyline of Tallinn and i...Read more
  4. Tallinn Town Hall

    4.7 (358 Votes)
    Tallinn Town Hall

    Architecture , Hall

    Being the only surviving Gothic town hall in Europe and the oldest town hall in the Baltic and Scandinavia region, the Tallin Town hall was completed by the early 15th century. The weather vane of Old Thomas that adorns the top of the town hall tower was added in 1530 and is iconic to Tallinn. The tower itself is 64 meters tall. The highlight of the town hall is when it is hosting elaborate eve...Read more
  5. St Mary's Church

    4.5 (499 Votes)
    St Mary's Church

    Church, Religious Site, Tomb

    Dating back to the 13th century, the St. Mary's Church is the oldest church in Estonia. Many popular people are buried at the church including a number of military admirals, officers and their families. The tomb of Adam Johan von Krusenstern – the first man to lead a Russian round-the-world voyage, is the highlight of the church. The interiors of the church echo its past and you will find...Read more
  6. Pirita

    3.9 (423 Votes)
    Pirita

    Neighborhoods

    Mainly a residential place for the privileged with modern houses, rather less crowded streets and the popular Pirita Beach to its credit, the district of Pirita offers a lot to visitors. Pack a wholesome picnic to take to the beach during summers and soak in the sun as you are treated to a wonderful view of the Tallinn Bay. The nearby cafes and restaurants are perfect to drop by a meal. Other H...Read more
  7. Church Of The Holy Spirit

    4.6 (38 Votes)
    Church Of The Holy Spirit

    Church, Religious Site, Statue

    Dating back to the 13th century, the Church of the Holy Spirit’s deceptively simple exterior tricks you till you see its elaborate interiors. The beautiful alter with statues that juxtapose against the golden embellishments, gorgeous stained-glass windows and the historic Clock of the Church of the Holy Ghost in Tallinn made by Christian Ackermann, are only a few of its many highlights. T...Read more
  8. Kadriorg Palace

    4.6 (275 Votes)
    Kadriorg Palace

    Art Museum, Garden, Architecture , Hall

    Built for Catherine I of Russia, the Kadriorg Palace dates back to the early 18th century and is loved for its Petrine Baroque architecture. The palace holds foreign art in the Kadriorg Art Museum but its charm is overwhelmingly seen from its exteriors as well. The Great Hall is the highlight of the palace with embellishments customized to incorporate Catharine’s name along with other add...Read more
  9. Russalka

    4.6 (11 Votes)
    Russalka

    Monument, Statue, Sculpture

    Named after the Russalka Ship on which many people lost their lives at the Gulf of Finland, the Russalka monument is quiet a sight with a 16-meter sculpture of an angel placed on a granite pillar. The monument was built in the early 20th century with the statue holding across and figuratively pointing towards the shipwreck. In the evenings, the beauty of the monument magnifies with warm lights ...Read more
  10. Estonian History Museum - Great Guild Hall

    Museum, Architecture , Hall

    Dating back to the early 15th century, the Great Guild Hall’s Gothic architecture was used for storing wine during the 18th century and as an arts venue during the 19th century. Today, it accommodates the Estonian History Museum that showcases artifacts and documents from the prehistoric times to the 20th century. Take a walk around the building and see the vast collection kept in the bui...Read more
  11. Pirita Klooster

    4.6 (147 Votes)
    Pirita Klooster

    Walking Area, Monastery

    Dedicate to St. Brigitta, the Convent was built in the 15th century and during its prime, was one of the largest Catholic monasteries in Old Livonia. Even though the monastery was attacked during the Livonia war by Russian troops, today, the place still stands tall with classic Tallinn architecture in stone construction. Visit the ruins to see a chapter of the city’s history that was shor...Read more
  12. Telliskivi Loomelinnak

    4.6 (8 Votes)
    Telliskivi Loomelinnak

    Art Gallery, Cafe, Restaurant, Flea Market

    Forming the creative center in Tallinn, the Telliskivi Loomelinnak is where you go if you want to explore art galleries, studios, shops, cafes, restaurants and anything that promises a good time. Over 400 events take place here every year with weekends being the most popular days to visit. The Saturday Flea market- one of the highlights of the place, is perfect to shop for locally made goods in...Read more
  13. St. Nicholas' Orthodox Church

    Church, Religious Site

    Having one of the most gorgeous iconostas, the St. Nicholas' Orthodox Church was built in the 13th century and is dedicated to St Nicholas- the patron saint of fishermen and sailors. The church was partially destructed in World War II and was restored to preserve its iconic architecture and embellished interiors. Visit the church to see the beautiful High Alter that is sure to take your breath ...Read more
  14. Dominican Monastery Claustrum

    Library, Garden, Monastery

    Offering a peek into the life of monks in Tallinn during the 13th century, the Dominican Monastery Claustrum consists of a dormitory, a library, living quarters and a tranquil garden. Some of the rooms have fabulous paintings that adorn the walls while some rooms are acoustical constructed to host services and masses. The highlight of the monastery is the ‘energy pillar’- believed t...Read more
  15. House Of The Blackheads

    4.5 (7 Votes)
    House Of The Blackheads

    Architecture , Heritage Building

    Dating back to the 14th century, the House of the Blackheads headquarters was formerly used for the functioning of an association for merchants, ship-owners and traders. The building’s elaborate entrance door and external architecture is only the tip of the iceberg and if you are lucky to see the interiors during a live event here, do take time to see the vaulted hall that dates back to t...Read more