Soviet Walking Tour of Tallinn: Explore the City's Hidden History
Active
2h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Uncover the hidden stories of life in Soviet Tallinn on this unique walking tour. Venture beyond the typical tourist spots and delve into the remnants of Soviet architecture, infamous buildings, and everyday spaces still in use today. This tour reveals the everyday struggles and quiet acts of defiance that characterised life under Soviet rule, offering a unique perspective on the past that lingers in Tallinn’s streets.
- Explore key sites like the former KGB Headquarters and Linnahall, an abandoned relic of grand Soviet architecture.
- Visit Tallinn’s Central Market, the last remaining Soviet-era market in the city.
- Discover the Viru Hotel, a striking Soviet hotel with a complex history of surveillance.
– Uncover small, overlooked sites where Soviet history still echoes today
- Perfect for curious travellers, history enthusiasts and anyone who wants to discover places beyond the typical tourist hotspots.
Note: in winter the ending point may change depending on weather conditions.
Available options
Soviet Walking Tour of Tallinn: Explore the City's Hidden History
What's included
Walking Tour
Detailed itinerary
1
The last Soviet-era market in Tallinn
2
Former Communist Party HQ
3
Nostalgic café from Soviet times, still operating today
4
Soviet-era hotel, built for foreign tourists
5
Russian Culture Centre
6
Former KGB Headquarters
7
Abandoned Soviet-era concert hall
What's not included
Lunch
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Reviews breakdown
Viator
4.9
24 reviews
5★
21
4★
3
3★
0
2★
0
1★
0
Tripadvisor
5.0
23 reviews
5★
23
4★
0
3★
0
2★
0
1★
0
Important information
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Meeting point
I will meet you outside the Hampton Hilton Hotel
About Tallinn
Tallinn is a charming city that beautifully blends medieval history with modern urban life. Known for its well-preserved Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, Tallinn offers a unique mix of cobblestone streets, Gothic architecture, and vibrant tech culture. The city's strategic location on the Baltic Sea adds to its appeal as a gateway to Northern Europe.
Top Attractions
Tallinn Old Town
The heart of Tallinn, the Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage site with medieval architecture, cobblestone streets, and historic landmarks.
Historical
Half day to full day
Free to explore, individual attractions may have fees
Kadriorg Palace
A beautiful Baroque palace built by Peter the Great, surrounded by a lush park and home to the Kadriorg Art Museum.
Historical
2-3 hours
€10 for the palace and museum
Telliskivi Creative City
A vibrant creative hub with street art, indie shops, and trendy cafes, offering a glimpse into Tallinn's modern culture.
Cultural
2-3 hours
Free to explore, costs vary by venue
Must-Try Local Dishes
Mulgipuder
A traditional Estonian dish made from barley and potatoes, often served with pork.
Main Dish
Vegetarian option available without pork
Kama
A traditional Estonian dish made from a mix of roasted barley, rye, oat, and pea flour, often mixed with yogurt or kefir.
Snack
Vegetarian and vegan options available
Black Bread
A dark, dense rye bread that is a staple in Estonian cuisine.
Bread
Vegetarian
Popular Activities
Hiking in Lahemaa National Park
Biking along the coast
Spa treatments in Haapsalu
Walking in Kadriorg Park
Visiting museums in Tallinn
Exploring the Old Town
Boat tours in the Baltic Sea
Swimming at beaches
Best Time to Visit
June to August
This is the warmest and most popular time to visit Tallinn, with long daylight hours and plenty of festivals and outdoor activities.
15°C to 25°C
59°F to 77°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: Estonian
- Widely spoken: English, Russian
- English: Widely spoken
Currency
Euro (EUR)
Time Zone
GMT+2 (EET)
Electricity
230VV, 50HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Very safe
Tallinn is generally very safe for tourists, with low crime rates and a welcoming atmosphere. However, as with any destination, it's important to take basic precautions.
Important Precautions:
- • Keep valuables secure
- • Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing apps
- • Be cautious of strangers approaching you with offers that seem too good to be true
Getting there
By air
- Tallinn Airport • 4 km from city center
By bus
Tallinn Bus Station
Getting around
Public transport
The bus network is efficient and covers most of the city. Buses are a convenient way to get around.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Bolt, Taksi Tallinn
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Old Town
Kalamaja
Kadriorg
Day trips
Helsinki
80 km • Full day
The capital of Finland, Helsinki offers a mix of modern architecture, historic sites, and beautiful coastal views.
Lahemaa National Park
80 km • Full day
A beautiful national park with forests, bogs, and coastal areas, offering a variety of outdoor activities.
Haapsalu
100 km • Full day
A charming coastal town known for its medieval castle, spa, and relaxed atmosphere.
Festivals
Tallinn Music Week • Late March to early April
Tallinn Old Town Days • Early May
Christmas Market • Late November to early January
Pro tips
- Visit the Old Town early in the morning or late in the evening to avoid crowds
- Use the Tallinn Card for free public transport and discounts at attractions
- Try traditional Estonian dishes like mulgipuder and kama
- Explore the city's creative scene in areas like Telliskivi and Kalamaja
- Take a day trip to nearby attractions like Lahemaa National Park or Helsinki
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
