Tallinn is every photographer’s dream with its well-preserved medieval architecture, cultural neighborhoods, and year-round appeal of hot summers and snowy winters.
Here is a guide for the 10 best Instagram spots in Tallinn.
The best Instagram spots in Tallinn
Kohtuotsa viewing platform
For the ultimate shot of the Old Town
Climb to the top of Toompea Hill, the upper part of Tallinn’s medieval Old Town, and go to the Kohtuotsa Viewing Platform. You’ll get a great shot from here overlooking the Old Town, with its terracotta rooftops, church steeples, bell towers, and even the harbor in the distance. Talk about views for days.
The Kohtuotsa Viewing Platform provides excellent photo opportunities all year round, especially in winter, when the snow-dusted roofs look like something straight off a Christmas card.
The Kohtuotsa Viewing Platform offers a breathtaking panorama of Tallinn’s Old Town.
The Viru Gate
The gateway to the Old Town
Whether you’re into street photography or creating a perfectly framed picture, the Viru Gate is where you can do both. The main entrance into the eastern side of Tallinn’s Old Town, the Viru Gate, is a part-demolished section of the city’s defense walls and has 2 iconic turrets that hundreds of visitors pass between each day.
It’s a busy area of the city, so you’re likely to always get some people in your shot, but that only adds to the ambiance. For the best result, capture the gate at night when it’s beautifully lit. But to avoid the crowds, come here for sunrise.
St. Catherine's Passage
You’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time as you walk along the cobbles and under the archways of the charming St. Catherine’s Passage in Tallinn Old Town. Easily one of the most picturesque streets in the city, the narrow passageway with its old-world shops and studios is an Instagrammer’s dream.
Take a walk here in the daytime to capture the local shopkeepers and artists in action. Or head back here after nightfall, when the pretty lights twinkle off the cobbles. It’s beautiful in winter with snow on the ground.
St. Olav's Tower
One of the city’s best viewpoints
St. Olav’s Tower is a 12th-century Baptist church in Tallinn featuring a 405-foot tower. The church itself is well worth getting a picture of, but most people visit to enjoy the breathtaking views from the top. The tower boasts 360-degree views across the city, and you can easily pick out the castle and cathedrals atop Toompea Hill.
Built in the early 16th century, the church was once considered one of the world’s tallest buildings. It may not hold that title now, but it’s still an iconic symbol of Estonia. Remember, there are 232 winding steps leading up to the viewpoint, so be sure to pace yourself for the climb. Also, note that this part of the church is closed in winter.
Kadriorg Palace
A stunning Petrine Baroque palace
As far as palaces go, Kadriorg is impressive. The interior is grand and lavish, but add its brightly-colored exterior and neatly kept gardens, and you’ve got a winning formula to a best Instagram spots.
Inside, you’ve got the Kadriorg Art Museum and the ornate main hall that’s worth a visit, but the photos from the outside are your best shots. Take the time to walk around the surrounding park, where you can capture a few flower pics for Instagram or a winter wonderland.
Alexander Nevsky Cathedral
Resplendently decorated, outside and in
With its black onion domes and strikingly elaborate design, the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral starkly contrasts the usual ancient architecture that lines the streets of Tallinn’s Old Town. Situated at the top of Toompea Hill, it stands out from the crowd, and people are drawn to it, with cameras at the ready.
A sunny day will give you the best shot of the outside, with the white walls reflecting the sun and the domes standing against a bright blue backdrop. It’s free to look around and find the ultimate shot for the gram – just be respectful of any services taking place. Also, taking photos inside is not allowed.
Mündi Street
For a handy bit of framework
Mündi Street perfectly epitomizes Tallinn’s Old Town, so it’s no wonder many people stop and get their cameras out as they walk along its cobbles. Its quaint, independent shops have old-fashioned signs and lanterns hanging above the doors, and the ancient architecture oozes charm and character.
But this street is one of the best Instagram spots because you can seamlessly frame the distant Gothic Tallinn Town Hall on the square between the buildings. Plan to take your shot at sunset to capture the sun’s warm glow behind the tower and spire.
The colorful houses of Kalamaja
No filter needed
Behind Tallinn’s central railway station, you’ll find the trendy area of Kalamaja, often referred to as hipsterville. Located between the Old Town and the coast, you’ll discover the Telliskivi Creative City’s quirky architecture and street art. But one of the main reasons why keen photographers make their way to Kalamaja is for its Instagrammable array of colorful houses.
These historical wooden townhouses come in every color imaginable, lined up alongside each other like a row of Lego bricks, so there’ll be no filter needed for this grid post. You’ll find some of the best Tallinn houses down Valgevase, Kalevi, and Kungla streets.
St. Mary's Cathedral
The oldest church in Tallinn
At the top of Toompea Hill in Tallinn’s Old Town, you’ll find the whitewashed structure of St. Mary’s Cathedral. It’s the oldest church in Tallinn and mainland Estonia, dating back to the 13th century.
You can get a great shot of the cathedral’s Gothic exterior from the outside, with its brilliant-white walls, black Baroque bell tower, and the street’s cobbles in the foreground. Inside, the altar is simply stunning, plus you can climb the 69-meter-high tower and capture fantastic views of the city, including the domes of Alexander Nevsky Cathedral.
Danish King's Garden
Impressive history and architecture
Surround yourself with medieval walls and fascinating sculptures, and take your pick from all the great photo opportunities in the Danish King’s Garden. Located on the slopes of Toompea Hill and steeped in history and tales, it’s a tranquil outdoor space where legend has it that the Danish flag originated.
Work your camera magic with the different angles of the walls, or get a close-up of one of the faceless monks.
Pikk Street
The oldest street in Tallinn
Some Tallinn streets are so effortlessly picturesque and almost made to be captured. The colorful Pikk Street is a fine example of this.
Many areas around Pikk are picture-perfect, including this fantastic Art Nouveau building, Apotheca.
Pikk Street is one of Tallinn’s longest and most historic streets, lined with grand merchant houses, churches, and guild halls. Walking down Pikk Street is like walking through a living museum, each building telling a story of the city’s past.
The street’s architectural diversity and historical significance make it a fascinating subject for photography, offering a chance to capture the essence of Tallinn’s rich history and vibrant cultural life in every shot.
