Tallinn is the capital of Estonia and one of the most beautiful cities in northern Europe. Many buildings and streets of its old town are kept in a magnificent state of preservation, giving it that characteristic medieval fairytale look, especially when admiring the view from the most beautiful viewpoints in Tallinn.
Tallinn is very photogenic from high. One of the must-do things in Tallinn is admiring the panoramic views of the city. Here we have collected the best viewpoints in Tallinn to make your experience smooth.
1. Patkuli Viewing Platform
Patkuli viewing platform is one of most breathtaking viewpoints in Tallinn. Patkuli viewpoint is located on a limestone cliff, on the northern side of Toompea Hill. From here you have the best possible view of the walls that surround the lower city. You can see the wall with its towers, the church of San Olaf and the port in the distance, where you can see cruise ships.
If you will be visiting the city in winter, you can be assured that seeing the snowy city from Patkuli viewpoint will be one of the best views you have ever seen. During the fireworks on New Year’s Eve, the view of the sparkling horizon is also amazing.
If you want to take brilliant pictures at Patkuli viewpoint without crowd in the background, you should visit the place in morning hours or late evening as it’s especially beautiful before sunset. During the day, the platform is swarming with tourists and large groups of guided tours.
There are restaurants, cafes and souvenir shops in the vicinity. Patkuli viewpoint is the place that is definitely worth a visit. The way has proper stairs leading up to the platform. It's an open space, so there’s no charge and it is always open.
2. Kohtuotsa Viewing Platform
Kohtuotsa viewing platform is another popular viewpoint in Tallinn. Kohtuotsa viewpoint is located on the eastern side of Toompea Hill. This is an easy access platform that can be reached after walking down some cobble stone streets. The observation deck of Kohtuotsa offers a really spectacular view over the red roofs of the old town and the Saint Olaf church tower of the medieval city of Tallinn. In addition, you have a great view of more modern parts of the city, including some skyscrapers, contemporary high-rise buildings and planes going to the airport. It's an interesting contrast between old and new.
At this stop you'll find the 'The times we had' phrase written on the wall which became symbolic about Tallinn and is very popular on social media.
Kohtuotsa viewpoint is also a popular spot for local musicians to hang out, providing some background music to the view. There is a small restaurant/bar with great options to eat and drink and souvenir shops in the vicinity.
You should try to go early or late in the day to avoid crowds ad tour groups. During our visit in the middle of the week, Kohtuotsa viewpoint was not crowded and we could admire the scenery in complete peace.
3. Piiskopi Viewing Platform
The third panoramic point is called Piiskopi. This is a small terrace located on the western side of Toompea Hill, not far from Alexander Nevsky Cathedral and right next to Tallinn St Mary's Cathedral. Piiskopi viewing platform is also known as the Bishop's Garden because in the 13th and 14th centuries the church gardens were located here.
Piiskopi viewpoint is offering the view towards the sea and the rest of Tallinn, including the railway station, Kalakaua district, and Kopli peninsula with different ports. It’s a pretty good overview of the city’s northwestern side. You can't see the old town here, but it's worth visiting if you have time. If you're looking for the view of Tallinn Old Town that would be directly over the red rooftops, then head to the two abovementioned viewing platforms instead.
Piiskopi viewpoint is a nice quiet place to enjoy some view and rest as there are several benches and shade that is especially useful on a warm summer day.
If you don’t to wander the streets trying to find the viewpoints by yourself, joining this popular Tallinn 3-Hour Medieval Walking Tour is a good chance to see all major sights and take pictures from viewing platforms.
4. St Olaf's Church
St Olaf's Church in Tallinn, the city's biggest medieval structure, took its name from the sainted Norwegian king Olav II Haraldsson. It is believed that its first construction was carried out in the 12th century but only written references to the church exist until 1264. The most characteristic feature of this church is its 124 meter tower, which can be accessed and offers some of the best views in the entire city. Although its origin dates back to the very foundation of the church, its height has varied over time, and is currently lower than it was between 1549 and 1625, when it was reaching 159 m in height.
For 3 EUR and a long climb on spiral stairs you can get a 360-degree view of the city of Tallinn. The access to the tower is open every day from 10:00 to 18:00. The climb to this tower is included in the list of attractions covered by Tallinn Card.
5. Tallinn TV Tower
Tallinn TV Tower is one of the most popular attractions in the city. The construction of the main television tower in Estonia has been scheduled for the remarkable event - the 1980 Olympics. Its height is 314 meters and at the moment it is the tallest building in Estonia.
Initially, the tower was built for the purpose of transmitting radio and television signals. In 2007, the government decided to increase the flow of tourists and started rebuilding the tower. Hundreds of people come there every year to see the wonderful panorama from the observation deck. The observation deck is reached by the high-speed lift, which passes 170 meters in just 49 seconds. You can go up not only with an elevator as once a year there is a race in the TV tower, in which the participants have to climb 870 steps to the top.
When coming to the top of the observation deck, visitors can choose to look at Tallinn through the glass or go outside. Of course, all safety rules must be followed. From the observation deck, it is enough to see the breathtaking view of Estonia. There is also an interactive screen, so you can enlarge the image or to see how the part of the landscape looked in the past.
You can come to Tallinn TV Tower by traveling for about three kilometers east from Tallinn center. If you travel by public transport, you can take buses number 34A, 38 and 49. You have to get off at the Motoklub bus stop. The CityTour tourist bus also passes close to the TV tower.
Tallinn TV Tower Ticket costs 17 EUR, which includes a visit to the observation deck.
Tips
Estonia is an exciting country to explore. Discover the best tourist spots in Estonia you should visit at least once!
If you are considering visiting Estonia, you should visit Latvia and Lithuania on your next vacation as well because these three Baltic States are more unique than similar.