Free Walking Tours in Tallinn

The capital of Estonia has become renowned as the “Silicon Valley” of Europe, with multiple tech startups and developments propelling Tallinn into the future. But before the city had a spit and polish, it was fresh from the grips of the USSR.

Today the city offers a fascinating mix of medieval and modern elements that are best explored on foot. Stroll through the antique streets that are filled with charm and charisma and see how they stand in stark contrast to the developing surroundings of the city.

Fall in love with the city's character and heart on a free walking tour, one of the most popular sightseeing experiences in Tallinn.

How do free walking tours in Tallinn work?  

Doing a free walking tour in Tallinn is the best way to unlock the city’s charm for yourself. The tours are donation-based and there is no price set from the get-go. Participants in the walking tour give a tip to the expert guide once the tour has wrapped up.

How much should you tip for a free walking tour in Tallinn?

There is no set requirement for the amount you need to tip after a walking tour. Consider how informative the tour was, how much you enjoyed it and how much initiative the tour guide took.

The most common tips are between €10 and €15 per person, but you are free to tip more if you feel the guide gave exceptional value.

What are the best free walking tours in Tallinn?

Tallinn’s allure and magnetism lie in its medieval legacy locked away in architecture, tradition and monuments. These are the best walking tours that help you explore this rich history.

Tallinn historical and medieval tour

Tallinn dates back more than 800 years to a time when knights sat at a round table, damsels were in distress and kings ruled the land. A historical tour of the medieval old town will put the past eight centuries in a nutshell and show you all the most beautifully preserved sites in this UNESCO-recognized city.

Itinerary

The historical city tours start in the heart of the Tallinn Old Town close to the town square.  Here you will see the Raeapteek, the oldest apothecary in all of Europe. Marvel at the charming pastel-hued buildings and feel the pulse of the city, as the square comes to life in the morning.

Next, you will visit two of the city’s most prolific religious monuments. The first is the church of St. Nicolas, a medieval church with a spire visible from all over the city. Then you will pass by Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, an orthodox cathedral with a striking façade.

Toompea Castle is one of the key points on a Tallinn walking tour. The castle has seen the capital through medieval times all the way through to Soviet rule, making it an integral part of the city’s heritage.

Viru Gate is also a favorite stop on the tour. The two towers mark the entrance to the old town and their brick walls and red roofs come straight from a fairytale.

Some tours also include stops at the World War II memorial, the Danish King’s Garden and Saint Olaf’s Church.

Soviet Tallinn tour

Tallinn’s medieval history has captivated the minds of visitors, but its more recent Soviet history has left an equally intriguing mark on the city. The city was part of the Soviet Union from 1940 until 1991 and stories of police brutality and imprisonment are still fresh in people’s minds.

Discover the tumultuous history of Tallinn, but also see how the city has risen above its dark past to become a flourishing European hub.

Itinerary

This free walking tour of Tallinn will take you on a walk down memory lane, as locals share stories of life under communist rule. Hear tales about espionage, uprising and political turmoil that gripped Estonia for almost 50 years.

Visit Kino Sõprus, the city’s oldest cinema. It was open during the Stalinist rule and was at its height when Soviet Cinema exploded in the 1970s. Further down Harju Street, you will pass by the Estonian Writers' Union and the Russian embassy, as well as the former KGB headquarters.

Modern Tallinn tour

Despite Tallinn’s difficult past, the city has come out on top and is now one of the most desirable places to live in Europe. A tour of the modern side of Tallinn will give you a glimpse into its modern prosperity and trendy environments.

Itinerary

The tour of modern Tallinn starts with a stop at the Baltic Train Station and its neighboring market, Balti Jaama Turg. These are both iconic features in modern Tallinn with futuristic architecture, adding a well-balanced sense of community and progress to the vibrant city.

The Kalamaja neighborhood has many historical parts, but the focus of this tour will be on the eclectic urban spaces in-between. Here you will visit Depoo with scores of delectable street food on offer. You will also venture past some prominent street art and urban installations that beautify the city.

Telliskivi is a shopper’s delight and has garnered the nickname “creative city.” You will see the forward-thinking tech businesses, eccentric independent boutiques, vibrant restaurants and art studios.

In which languages are free walking tours in Tallinn operated?

The free walking tours in Tallinn are all in English, with the exception of one, which is available in Spanish. The native language in Tallinn is Estonian and local guides can speak it, but the tours are not officially offered in Estonian.

Where do free walking tours in Tallinn start?

Almost all free tours in Tallinn start in the heart of the Old Town, Vanalinn, in the Kesklinn district. Tours set off from the Tallinn Tourist Information Center on Niguliste Street.

One historical city tour starts from the northern end of the Old Town at San Olaf Church, while another departs from Alejandro Nevski Cathedral.

How long do free walking tours in Tallinn last?

Free walking tours in Tallinn average around 2 hours. The immersion tour is a tad shorter at 1.5 hours, while another popular medieval city tour lasts for 3 hours.

When is the best time to join a free walking tour in Tallinn?

Try to book your free walking tour in Tallinn for around the time that you arrive. These tours are designed to give you a brief history of the city and see all the major landmarks in the historical area. You will quickly be able to find your feet in the city, helping you to enjoy the rest of your stay with a good understanding of the city’s layout.

All the tours leave around 10:30 AM, while a select few have afternoon departures between 1 PM and 2 PM. The earlier slots are the most popular, as you can quickly join a tour after breakfast and still have the whole day ahead of you.

Should Tallinn free walking tours be booked online?

The best practice is to book your free walking tour in Tallinn ahead of time, so you are guaranteed the time slot that you want. This will give you peace of mind as you can optimize your time spent in the city knowing when your tour will be.

You can also help the guides to better plan the tour, as they know how many people will be coming. Free walking tours in Tallinn are very popular during summer and some will have as many as 30 to 50 people per tour. You won’t miss out on these coveted spots if you book online.