Tallinn Old Town
Ideal: Ideal for first-time Tallinn visitors and those who love history and city walks.
One of Northern Europe's best-preserved medieval cityscapes; about 1.9 kilometers of walls remain, with 20 of 46 defensive towers still standing, and the area joined the UNESCO list in 1997. The Raeapteek on the town square has operated in the same spot since at least 1422 and still dispenses medicine — one of Europe's oldest continuously running pharmacies; its display case shows mixtures once sold here, such as frog legs and unicorn powder. The 1404 town hall is the only Gothic municipal building still standing in Northern Europe.
Did you know?
Why is Tallinn's old town so well preserved?
It was UNESCO-listed in 1997. Around 2 km of medieval wall and more than 20 towers still stand, making it one of northern Europe's most complete medieval centres.
Is the world's oldest working pharmacy here?
Raeapteek on the town hall square has operated continuously since 1422 and is among the oldest pharmacies still running in their original premises. Its cabinets display old remedies such as dried hedgehog and mummified frog.
Why is Estonia known for e-government?
Nearly all public services, from voting to tax returns, are online, and in 2014 it launched the world's first e-Residency programme. Skype was also founded by Estonian developers.
Why go?
- To see the UNESCO-listed historic city fabric
- To walk among medieval towers, walls, and stone streets
- To discover Tallinn's most iconic photo spots in one district
Travel tip
Exploring the Old Town early in the morning is quieter and better for photography.
