St. Olaf’s Church (Oleviste kogudus)
The Oliviste Church Tower is Tallinn’s main observation point and one of the city’s visiting cards. It was erected in the 12th century, expanded and completed over the next four centuries. By the beginning of the 16th century, the height of the tower was 159 meters, making it the tallest building in the world. In 1625, lightning struck the spire, a fire destroyed the building, and the honorary title passed to the German church of St. Mary of Stralsund.
In its present form, the church is 123.7 meters high and the observation deck is 60 meters high. A spiral staircase of 258 steps leads to the top. The panorama is 360 degrees. By order of the city authorities, even modern skyscrapers in the business center cannot be taller than the church tower (the exception is the TV tower).
- Opening hours: in season only, from April 01 to October 31 from 10:00 to 18:00.
- Cost: adult 3 €, student (up to 25 years old) 2 €, child (7—14 years old) 1 €, up to 7 years old and with Tallin card — free of charge
- Website
Kohtuotsa Viewing Platform (Kohtuotsa Viewing Platform)
One of the most popular sites with a beautiful panorama. From here you can see the heart of the city and its centuries-old spires. All year round, local stalls sell sweets, roasted nuts and chestnuts with various spices, mulled wine and lemonades. In summer you can meet street musicians and take part in a dance party.
- Opening hours: all year round, 24 hours
- Admission is free
- Website
Patkulia observation platform (Patkuli Vaateplatvorm)
The 157-step staircase leading to the site was built in 1903. View of the fortress walls, harbor, ferries, ocean liners and St. Olaf Church. The residential areas of Kalamaja and Pelgulinn can be seen in the distance.
- Opening hours: all year round, 24 hours
- Admission is free
- Website
Piiskoped (Piiskopi vaateplatvorm)
The least known, and therefore the quietest observation deck. The view is no worse than from the other free sites. The other name of the place is Bishop’s Garden, it used to be the gardens of the Dome Cathedral.
- Opening hours: all year round, 24 hours
- Admission is free
- Website
Tallinn Town Hall (Tallinna raekoda)
It was completed in 1404. The tower originally had a Gothic pyramidal keystone, which was replaced in the 17th century by another late Renaissance style. From the narrow windows of the tower, from a height of 34 meters, you can see the main square and the rooftops of the central district. There are 115 steps leading up to the top, the ascent is steep and narrow. Since 1530, the weathervane of the steeple has had a warrior figure on it, which the locals call Old Toomas.
- Hours of operation: in season only, May 15 through September 15, 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. (closed June 23—24)
- Cost: adult 3 €, child (up to 16 years old) 1 €, free with Tallinn Card
- According to the official website, it is not recommended for the elderly, overweight or with small children.
You can also have a snack here. Here are 2 options that will help you feel the medieval spirit even more. Both are near the town hall.
The Third Dragon Inn (III Draakon)
The door is 10 meters to the right of the tower entrance. There are no lights here, only candles. On the menu: game soup, pies with moose or vegetables and draught beer in clay glasses. Pickles can be fished out of a large barrel by yourself, it’s free of charge.
- Prices per dish are 1—3 €. At peak hours there is a queue, but the wait will be worth it.
- Open from 9 a.m. to midnight.
- Website
Restaurant Olde Hansa
Located 50 meters from the town hall, it has been operating since 1475. The interior, waiters' outfits, lamps on the tables immediately take you back 500 years. Even bear meat is on the menu, and beer is brewed with spicy herbs or honey. The restaurant building is 3-storeyed, with a summer terrace, but it is better to book tables for dinner in advance.
- Open from 9 a.m. to midnight.
- Website
Tallinn Town Wall Towers (Tallinn Town Wall)
The city fortifications are considered one of the best preserved in Europe. The present outline of the wall received in the 14th century, and by the 16th century it was already 2.4 km long, 14—16 m high and up to three meters thick, and included 46 towers. Up to our days have survived 20, three of which: Nunna, Sauna and Kuldjala towers are observation platforms. The view opens up in all directions.
- Opening hours: depending on the season, check website for details
- Cost: adult 2 €, child (up to 16 years old) 1 €, free with Tallinn Card
- Website
Fat Margareeta (Suur Rannavärav ja Paks Margareeta)
The massive tower, 20 meters high and 25 meters in diameter, is part of the maritime museum. It offers the best view of the harbor and the port. There is some debate about the name. According to one legend, the tower was named after one of the most powerful cannons that used to stand here; another legend says that a fat cook named Margarita once worked in the tower.
- Closed for renovation until the end of 2019.
- Cost: adult 10 €, student 5 €, family 20 € (two adults and children up to 18 years old), free with Tallinn Card
- Website
Tallinn TV Tower
The tallest building (314 m) and observation tower (170 m) in Estonia. In addition to a panorama of wooded suburbs, there is an interactive exhibition about the achievements of the country and Estonians in the world (for example, the development of Skype). The museum exhibits are made in the form of multimedia «mushrooms» that react to movement and turn on automatically. Monitors with views of the surrounding area can be zoomed in ten times. Here you can also record a video message in a real TV studio and email it to your friends. The tower is located 10 km from the city, and there is a botanical garden nearby.
- Opening hours: daily from 10:00 to 19:00 (entrance and tickets until 18:30)
- Cost: adult 13 €, discounted 7 € (children 7—18 years old, schoolchildren, pensioners, students), family 27 € (two adults and children up to 18 years old), free of charge and out of turn with Tallinn Card
- Website
Other places with panoramic views:
- Garden of the Danish King. Excellent view of Alexander Nevsky Cathedral. Entrance is free, open all year round. Website
- Lounge 24 bar at the Radisson Blu Sky Hotel. You don’t have to buy anything from the bar, the observation terrace is free. Website
- Kohvik Komeet Cafe. Located on the roof of Solaris shopping center. The place is popular, it is better to book tables in advance. Website
- Horizont restaurant in Swissôtel Tallinn. View of the historic center from the 30th floor. Website
Tallin Card
If you plan to visit several sightseeing, museums and other paid attractions, I recommend considering buying a single Tallin Card. In addition to all of the above mentioned paid venues, you will have access to over 40 museums and other venues(list), free public transportation, discounts at some cafes and stores, and for PLUS cards, Hop on Hop off tour bus passes.
- Prices: from 26 € for a day to 47 € for 72 hours; PLUS cards from 36 to 58 €
- Points of Sale. You can buy online and use the QR code from your phone screen
- Other details on the website