Tallinn, Estonia is a marvelous Medieval city – and it’s an affordable place to visit, too. On our visit we found that our small budget went a long way. Especially after discovering the Fun and Free Things To Do in Tallinn!
Entry fees into most Tallinn sights are inexpensive – and there is a significant savings on sightseeing with the Tallinn Card. However, we also sought out activities that didn’t cost at all.
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Top Things To Do in Tallinn on a Budget
The Baltic countries (Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania) have a reputation for being European budget destinations – especially in comparison to their ultra-pricy Scandinavian neighbors.
Despite it’s popularity, Tallinn is no exception. To assist budget travelers (like us) we are highlighting the Best Free Tallinn Things To Do!
Save, Pin or Bookmark our Tallinn Travel Guide for your Estonia trip!
#1 Toompea Hill Tallinn Viewing Platforms
There are two main parts to Tallinn’s Old Town: the Medieval Lower Town and Toompea Hill.
Long ago, the hill provided strategic lookout points for safeguarding the city below. Today, it is one of the most popular Tallinn attractions.
It’s best known for its two free viewing platforms – Kohtu and Patkuli. From these vantage points, visitors can gaze over the historic Tallinn Old Town rooftops and rising church steeples.
There is no admission fee; you are free to enjoy the view and take photos of the stunning Old Town Tallinn landmarks.
#2 Linnahall Soviet-era Structure
Along the harbor and just outside of the Old Town is Linnahall – a gigantic slab of Soviet-era concrete.
Originally named V. I. Lenin Palace of Culture and Sport, the massive structure can reportedly be seen from outer space. It was built in 1980 for the Summer Olympics sailing events held in Tallinn.
Until 2010, Linnahall housed an ice skating rink and concert venue, but now the building is covered in graffiti.
Today, it’s mostly abandoned, but people sometimes gather here for sunset in the summer. We heard plans for renovations are often discussed, with no agreement having been reached.
Although access to the interior is forbidden, it’s free to tromp around the massive and largely crumbling structure.
Standing atop the concrete monolith provides sweeping views of Tallinn Harbor and serves as a stark reminder of the Soviet occupation of Estonia.
#3 Kalamaja – Tallinn Hipster District
Kalamaja is Tallinn’s edgy art district – and one of the best free places to visit. It’s frequented by local hipsters and people looking for a change of scenery from the medieval Tallinn Old Town.
Once an industrial area, Kalamaja is now flourishing with creativity. Abandoned factories have been repurposed to house inventive Tallinn museums, cool cafes and craft beer bars.
It’s free to stroll around the Depoo Market and Telliskivi Creative Hub and admire the Tallinn street art murals.
Visitors can also walk The Culture Kilometer, which actually stretches 2.5 km (1.5 miles) from the Linnahall building to the Seaplane Harbour Museum.
#4 Free Museums Tallinn
Most of the museums in Tallinn charge an entry fee – however, the small Contemporary Art Museum of Estonia is totally free.
The exhibitions at the EKKM rotate frequently, so there is always something new at the modern art gallery. When visiting, the garden is not to be missed!
Additionally, select Tallinn museums are free of charge on the first Sunday of the month. To gain free access, advance reservations need to be made online.
#5 Free Tallinn Parks and Green Spaces
The 18th century Kadriorg Palace sits on lush grounds among meticulous gardens, water fountains and monuments.
While the palace – which houses the Art Museum of Estonia and features a magnificent collection – requires a ticket to enter, the beautiful park is open to the public for free!
To the northeast of Kadriorg is another city park – the Song Festival Grounds – that is also free of charge.
While the green space is often used for live music concerts, it is dotted with monuments. Guests should stop by the Song Square Visitor Center for information about what to see and do.
#6 Free Walking Tour Tallinn
One of the great ways to discover any new destination is with your feet on the ground. Visitors can let a local guide lead the way through Tallinn for free!
The Tallinn Walking Tours offered by Freetour.com cover the top tourist attractions and lesser known spots.
It’s important to note, however, that while this Tallinn city tour is free, tips are hopefully deserved and certainly appreciated!
Map of Free Attractions in Tallinn, Estonia
Use this Google Map for an interactive version of our Tallinn Tourist Map below.
Travel Tips for Tallinn, Estonia
There is certainly much more to planning a trip than simply seeking out Free Tallinn Things To Do. Travelers also need to decide how to get there, where to stay and what to pack!
Save More with The Tallinn Card
As already mentioned, if visiting museums and other top sights with entry fees is on your list of Tallinn things to do, you will be able to save money by purchasing The Tallinn Card.
We share additional advice about using the city card in our Guide to Tallinn Sightseeing.
How To Get to Tallinn
Tallinn, Estonia can be reached by plane, bus, boat and train. For our trip, we arrived by bus from Riga, Latvia and departed by plane to Amsterdam.
The Tallinna Lennujaam International Airport (TLL) is located southeast of the city center. Start your search for flights to Tallinn on Skyscanner, but first read our tips for Finding Cheap Airfare.
The main bus station in Tallinn is located just outside of the city center, about halfway between the airport and the Old Town. Traveling by bus is an excellent way to get around the Baltics.
While the urban Tallinn trains are modern, the current regional trains in Estonia are slow and dated. Rail Baltica will connect top Baltic destinations with highspeed services beginning in 2028.
It is also possible to travel to Tallinn by ferry, with the most popular route being the short trip over from Helsinki, Finland.
Where To Stay in Tallinn
During our visit to Tallinn, we stayed in a cozy Airbnb. We have found that staying in apartments is often less expensive than hotels. Tallinn holiday apartments can also be found on Booking.com.
For those who prefer staying in traditional accommodations, there are many Tallinn hotels to choose from in – or close to – the city center.
Check availability at the luxury Schlossle Hotel or the affordable Hotel Palace for your upcoming Tallinn trip. Budget travelers might like the Monks Bunk Hostel and Bar.
What To Pack for a Tallinn Trip
Okay, it’s time to get out that suitcase or backpack. Grab our FREE Checklist and let’s get you to the Baltics!
Proper Walking Shoes
Ticking off our list of free Tallinn attractions will require a fair bit of walking. Make sure to pack comfortable travel shoes. I like to wear these NB Trainers and Kris prefers trail shoes by Merrell.
Travel Camera
Tallinn is incredibly photogenic! For any European trip, we recommend upgrading to an actual camera for high quality pictures.
We shoot with a Canon Rebel and an 18-135mm lens. The kit is packed with fun accessories and well-priced – making it a great camera for budget travelers.
Day Pack
We carry these small backpacks for our sightseeing adventures. It’s big enough for our camera, water bottle, Tallinn Guidebook, a jacket and umbrella. Read our reviews for the Best Day Bags for Travelers to select one that suits you!
European Travel Insurance
If you haven’t already obtained insurance for your trip to Estonia, consider traveling protected with World Nomads.
Organize Your Travels to Tallinn
As you plan your Trip to Europe, organization is key. Use our Travel Planning Printables to stay on top of the details of your vacation to the Baltics!
Start planning your trip to Estonia! Search for the lowest airfares, the best accommodations and fun things to do…then start packing! Want additional advice? Head over to our Travel Planning Page and for country-specific information, take a look at our Travel Guides Page!
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