Medieval and Modern Estonia Tallinn Old Town Walking Tour

Tallinn, Estonia
Duration2h 30m
Free cancellationFull refund up to 24 hours before
Instant confirmationYour booking is confirmed right away
TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted
LanguagesEnglish
Group sizeUp to 30 travelers

Overview

Explore Tallinn’s Old Town, where most of the landmarks take you back to the medieval period between the 13th and 16th centuries. Along the way, discover other chapters of the city’s history, from the 19th century to the present day.

Be ready for plenty of legends, folklore and historical discoveries as we explore Tallinn through the centuries. Towards the end of the tour, enjoy beautiful viewpoints from the upper part of the Old Town, offering a different perspective of the city.

Visiting during the Christmas season? From November 20, 2026, to January 6, 2027, the tour will also include a visit to Tallinn’s Christmas Market on Town Hall Square (Raekoja plats), where you can enjoy the festive atmosphere as part of your experience.

You will also receive recommendations on places to visit and things to do in Tallinn during the tour, helping you make the most of your stay.

What's included

  • Government Fees
  • Meals

What to expect

  1. Viru Gates
    15m
    Meet your guide at Viru Gate, one of the most recognizable entrances to Tallinn’s Old Town. Take in the medieval towers as your guide introduces you to the history of Tallinn’s fortifications and explains how this once-defended entrance connected the city to the world beyond its walls. Then, walk through Viru Gate and begin exploring the historic streets of the Old Town.
  2. St. Catherine's Passage
    15m
    Step into one of Tallinn’s most atmospheric medieval lanes as you explore St. Catherine’s Passage. Walk between centuries-old stone walls and historic buildings, discover the connection to the former Dominican monastery, and see the traditional craft workshops of St. Catherine’s Guild. Your guide will bring the passage to life with stories of the monks, craftsmen, and people who once lived and worked in this part of Tallinn.
  3. Tallinn Town Wall
    5m
    Walk alongside one of Tallinn’s best-preserved medieval fortifications and discover how the city was protected centuries ago. See the massive stone walls and defensive towers while your guide explains how the fortifications shaped life in medieval Tallinn.
  4. Town Hall Pharmacy
    15m
    Step inside the historic Town Hall Pharmacy, one of Tallinn’s most fascinating landmarks. Discover how medicine and pharmacy worked centuries ago as your guide shares stories about the remedies, ingredients, and unusual treatments once used to care for the people of medieval Tallinn.
  5. Great Guild Hall
    15m
    Visit the impressive Great Guild Hall, a historic meeting place of Tallinn’s wealthy merchants and one of the most important buildings in the medieval Lower Town. Explore its grand exterior while your guide explains the power and influence of the merchant guilds, how they shaped the city’s trade and politics, and what life was like for Tallinn’s medieval elite.
  6. Cat's Well
    15m
    Stop at the mysterious Cat’s Well, one of Tallinn’s most intriguing hidden landmarks. See the historic well and its surroundings while your guide introduces you to one of the Old Town’s most unusual tales. Discover the mystery behind the well during the experience.
  7. Danish King's Garden
    15m
    Explore the atmospheric Danish King’s Garden, a peaceful medieval spot tucked between Tallinn’s historic streets and fortifications. Take in the views of the Old Town walls and towers while your guide introduces you to the legends and events connected to this unique corner of Tallinn.
  8. Aleksander Nevski Katedraali
    15m
    Admire the striking Alexander Nevsky Cathedral from the outside and discover one of Toompea’s most recognizable landmarks. Take in its distinctive domes and richly decorated façade while your guide introduces you to the stories and history surrounding this important cathedral.
  9. Toompea Castle
    10m
    See Toompea Castle, one of Tallinn’s most important symbols of political power. Admire the historic castle complex from the outside while your guide introduces you to the rulers, events, and changing powers that shaped Tallinn and Estonia from this hilltop.
  10. St Mary's Cathedral
    Pass by
    Pass by the peaceful garden of St. Mary’s Cathedral and take in the historic surroundings of Toompea. Your guide will point out the cathedral and its setting while sharing a little of the history connected to this important part of Tallinn’s Upper Town.
  11. Piiskopi Viewing Platform
    5m
    See the views from Piiskopi Viewing Platform and take a quick look across Tallinn’s Old Town before continuing the walking tour.
  12. Viewing Point Kohtuotsa
    10m
    Stop at Kohtuotsa Viewing Platform for one of Tallinn’s most memorable panoramic views. Take in the red rooftops, medieval towers, city walls, and the modern city beyond as your guide points out some of the landmarks visible from Toompea Hill.
  13. Patkuli Viewing Platform
    5m
    Stop at Patkuli Viewing Platform and enjoy spectacular views over Tallinn’s medieval Old Town. Take in the rooftops, towers, and city walls while your guide points out the Lower Town below and explains how Toompea connects to this historic part of Tallinn.

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

The meeting point is at Viru Gate, the iconic medieval entrance to Tallinn Old Town. From Tallinn city centre, walk towards Viru Gate and look for the two tall medieval stone towers marking the entrance to the Old Town. The meeting point is just outside the gates.

End point

The tour ends at the viewing platform, where you can enjoy the views and then continue exploring Tallinn or make your own way back at your convenience.

Additional information

  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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€30.00 per person
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  • You'll choose your date and travelers and pay on viator.com. Prices vary by date, group size and option.
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