Instagrammable places in Tallinn
Tallinn has a stunning old town with ideal places to take awesome Instagrammable photos. Keep in mind that the old town is quite small, and while it doesn't have nearly as many tourists as, say, Rome, it does get quite crowded during peak tourist times (June to August).
That's why I recommend shooting early in the morning or late at night - Not only will you get pictures where you can see the surroundings and there is no "noise" in the pictures, but the lighting will be much better. At noon, the old town is quite overlit on a sunny day. Since Estonia is located quite north due to its location, we have quite long days, where the sun rises at around 5 am and sets at 10 pm.
Here are a total of 17 instagrammable photo spots in the Old Town of Tallinn and Kadriorg through the eyes of a local.
1. Town Hall Square
Probably the most legendary place in Old town of Tallinn is the town hall square. These houses (restaurant Troika and Tudengimaja) are on the left side of the Town Hall.
2. Saiakangi street (Saiakäik)
Opposite the Town Hall building is a small narrow Saiakang street - enter through the arch and you will see this view. There is an Estonian design shop in this red building (go and see ;) ). And there are also some lovely cafes on the street.
If you go early in the morning, you might have a chance to meet this little black cat that guards the houses against mice.
3. Rataskaevu street
Not far from the Town Hall square is a colorful street called Rataskaevu (it means wheel well, because there is a well in the middle of the street and it can still be seen there today).
Ratakaevu is one of three streets in the old town with a great view along the street.
4. Katariina käik (Katariina’s passage)
The Old Town of Tallinn is known as one of the best-preserved medieval old towns in Europe. And in the southernmost part of the street called Katariina's passage, you can even see houses from the 15th-17th centuries. There are many craft workshops on this street where you can buy and admire their work.
5. Mündi street
An extremely good view of the Town Hall along Mündi street. During the day, in the summer, there are restaurant tables outside on the street, so be sure to go early in the morning to get a picture without background noise.
6. Kohtuotsa viewing platform
Many slogans have been written on this wall of the Kohtuotsa viewing platform in the past - before "Tallinn" it was "The times we had" - so if you're looking for that slogan you've seen on social media before, this is what the wall is like now. However, the view is still indescribable.
7. Long street (looking towards the street Pikk jalg)
One of the cool streets the take photos. On back is Mündi street and the second street in front is actually Rataskaevu street. All spots in the same place. From this place you can see different layers of the old town and up there is a Toompea district.
8. Patkuli viewing platform
The second best viewing platform in Tallinn. Stand on the left corner of the platform and have someone take a photo of you, so they go towards the stairs and down one level and take the photo by raising the camera over the wall.
9. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral
Up in Toompea, across from Toompea Castle and the Riigikogu building, there is a large cathedral, which today is a Russian Orthodox church and was built in 1900. With its rich decorations, it makes for a great photo spot, but go see it from the inside too.
10. Danish King's Garden
It’s the third viewing platform in Tallinn, but is does not offer as good panoramic view as two other mentioned before. But the left corner of the garden offers great photo opportunity where there are visible three church towers.
11. Kadriorg Palace
Kadrioru Castle is an 18th-century baroque palace in Kadrioru, built by Peter the First as his summer palace. Today it houses an art museum, but the garden and its surroundings are free to visit. The palace, with its bright red color, is a popular photo spot for many tourists.
12. Müürivahe street 33
This is a small courtyard of a former Dominican monastery. Close to Catherine's passage, therefore the house is in medieval style. The oldest building in Tallinn is located in the yard, which dates back to 1246.
Currently, there is a small art workshop and a museum there. It's kind of a hidden place and many locals don't even know about this place (I found this place on a guided tour a few years ago).
13. Pühavaimu street
Extremely colorful houses belonging to a luxury hotel on Pühavaimu Street. For years, it has had a vibrant and eye-catching colorful style that invites you to take pictures.
14. Amazing doors in the old town
14.1. House of the Black Heads
Address: Pikk 26, 10133 Tallinn
A spectacular and eye-catching door in the old town. They actually use this door, so be careful when shooting in front of it.
14.2. The Chapel of the Lutheran Consistory
Address: Kiriku plats 3, 10130 Tallinn
A fun blue house with a blue door. Dress in blue or wear contrasting colors for great photos.
14.3. Kohtu street 2 (Amber waves)
The house next to the chapel of the Lutheran Consistory. The door has been very well restored and the organic green and orange complete the photo.
14.4. Lai street 20
A lovely and unexpected door on a not-so-photographic street. But the color spectrum of the door makes for a fun photo opportunity.
