Tallinn

Ships use Old City Harbor, just 500 meters from the city center and 1 km from the spectacular old town. It is possible to walk uphill and back down, but the extensive cobblestones can tire feet and legs; the best view is at the top. Before the climb, you pass an excellent brewery with great beer. Collect a free detailed map from the pier information stand.

The cruise ship usually provides a convenient shuttle to the city center, also known as the "old city". Tickets are sold on board or directly at the pier; a round trip is approximately 12€ per person, while one way costs 6€.

Near the docks, taxis and public transport are both plentiful.

Old terminal C houses the harbor market, created through an initiative to open the harbor area to cruise passengers, tourists and city dwellers alike. Alongside fruits, vegetables, sweets and candies, its operator sells regional handicrafts and domestic consumer goods.

On rare occasions, ships dock at Muuga Harbour, Estonia’s largest cargo harbor, specialising in transit-origin goods. It is Port of Tallinn’s principal cargo harbor, about 17 km east of Tallinn, leaving taxis and/or the ship’s shuttle as the way into town.

Completed in July 2021, the new terminal has a large three-story building, a pedestrian promenade at the pier, a children’s playground and parking spaces.

Tallinn Airport is only 4 km from downtown. Bus no. 2 runs from the airport to downtown Tallinn and the port every 20 minutes, operating from 7:00 a.m. to midnight. Buy tickets from the driver; the airport stop is in front of the departure hall.

Tallinn is Estonia’s most visited cruise port by far.

View the webcam.

Take a printable map along.

Tallinn, Estonia’s capital, is one of Northern Europe’s true gems. On the southern Gulf of Finland coast, it lies only 70 km (43 mi) south of Helsinki. Toompea hill forms the historic heart, with cobbled streets, medieval houses and alleyways. The lower town extends from its foot and remains protected by fragments of the city wall, around which well-maintained green parks provide fine strolling ground.

Follow signs for Town Hall Square, the genuine heart of Old Tallinn, then wander its wonderful cobbled side streets and alleys.

Walking is the best way to navigate the Old City; its old town is hilly and cobble-stoned, so wear comfortable shoes.

Guide to Tallinn attractions.

Hop-on/hop-off buses wait at the cruise terminal. Because the tour follows a one-way route, an extra bus will often take passengers directly back to port from the main city center stop; ask the driver.

Taxis are cheap and abundant. Check for a working visible meter and a photo registration card. Many dispatchers speak English, and taxis can be requested by phone or hailed from the street.

Trams offer an easy, pleasant way to travel around Tallinn, with four routes operating seven days a week. Every public-transport mode uses the same tickets. Buy single tickets from R-Kiosks or by mobile phones for €1, or from drivers for €1.60. Other options are a 10-ticket book (€8) and a 24-hour ticket (€4.50).

The town shuttle costs €10 return or €6 single.

Tallinn Card is an all-in-one ticket for the city’s leading attractions, but is only interesting for visits to many museums and similar places.

In northern Tallinn, Stroomi beach is a large, popular destination with clean, warm water.

Numerous other beaches lie around Tallinn.

Shopping in Tallinn is almost impossible to avoid: stores are readily reached wherever you enter the city, perhaps because Tallinn is so cosy. Roaming the shopping streets reveals a lot of unique handicrafts, plus very up-to-date fashion and designer labels, both domestic and foreign.

About 300 meters from the cruise terminal is a sizeable shopping center selling almost everything. Walk towards the ferry terminal to find it; from the cruise terminal, only its rear is visible, so the large shopping arcade inside is easy to miss.

A large local market sits behind the railroad station, and is a fun place to visit away from tourists.

The currency is the Euro.

Major hotels, restaurants and shops accept credit cards including Visa, Mastercard/Eurocard, Diner's Club and American Express, but ask first.

Estonian is the official language. Younger people in particular speak English well; German is taught in Estonian schools, and many people speak some too.

Free WiFi is available in Tallinn’s cruise-terminal area and can be received from a dockside cabin or open decks, with no login or password required. There are many other free WiFi spots throughout.

Dial 110 for police; call 112 for other emergencies, including fires.

Shops generally trade 9.30 to 18.00 on weekdays and 10.00 to 17.00 on Saturdays. Many city-center shops also usually open Sundays. Museums are often closed Mondays and sometimes Tuesday.