Tallinn is the kind of city that you could visit at any time throughout the year and is extremely beautiful and photogenic. If you are visiting and want to know some of the best locations for Instagram and Photography then keep reading. Here are 10 of the best and must-visit Instagram and photography spots in Tallinn.
Here are some top activities that you may like for Tallinn.
1. Mündi Street
One of my favourite locations in the city is Mundi Street which provides a perfect view towards Tallinn Town Hall. From this spot you’ll be able to compose your photograph with the Town Hall in the background framed by the buildings and street on either side.
Best time for pics: Anytime
Cost: Free
Location on Google Maps
2. St. Catherine’s Passage
St Catherine’s Passage is one of the most beautiful streets in the city and is great for photography. It is good to photograph both day and night and you could also add a human element along the path to make the picture a bit more interesting.
Best time for pics: Anytime
Cost: Free
Location on Google Maps
3. Pikk Street
Along Pikk Street towards the west is a great spot for taking photographs, where you can capture the cobbled streets with beautiful architecture on either side.
Best time for pics: Anytime
Cost: Free
Location on Google Maps
4. Kohtuotsa Viewing Platform
Within Tallinn are several viewing platforms which are perfect for seeing the city from a high perspective and getting those top shots. This particular location is along Toompea Hill and is free and available to visit 24/7.
Best time for pics: Night
Cost: Free
Location on Google Maps
5. Hellemann Tower and Town Wall Walkway
One of my favourite spots providing awesome views over Tallinn is the Hellemann Tower and Town Wall Walkway. This is a paid attraction and from this location, you will be able to get some of the best pictures of the city, such as in the angle below where you can capture Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, St. Nicholas’ Church and Tallinn Town Hall in one shot. The image at the start of this post was also taken from this position, but facing a different direction.
Best time for pics: Day
Cost: Ticketed
Location on Google Maps
6. Viru Gate
Towards the east entrance to the Old Town is the Viru Gate where you’ll find these two historic towers guarding the entrance. The entire Viru street is quite nice and in the distance, you can see the tower from the Town Hall.
Best time for pics: Night
Cost: Free
Location on Google Maps
7. Kiek in de Kök Museum
This Tower and Museum have various windows throughout it which serves as a good viewpoint to take photographs. You can even use part of the building to frame your shots like below.
Best time for pics: Day
Cost: Ticketed
Location on Google Maps
8. Patkuli Viewing Platform
Patkuli Viewing Platform is where you’ll be able to capture classic Tallinn photographs that you will often see on postcards. If you have time I recommend visiting this location during the day and at night for different light.
Best time for pics: Anytime
Cost: Free
Location on Google Maps
9. St Olaf’s church (viewpoint)
During my visit I didn’t make it up to this viewpoint as it was closed in the winter. However, as seen below it offers some of the best views across the city towards the Old Town and should be high on your list if you’re wanting to get some awesome pictures. The image below is a public domain picture on a CC0 licence.
Best time for pics: Day
Cost: Ticketed
Location on Google Maps
10. Vanaturu kael
Another good vantage point in the Old Town is along Vanaturu kael (street) facing away from the Town Hall. In the distance you’ll have some classic architecture and if you get low to the ground you can add the cobbled streets to your composition.
Best time for pics: Night
Cost: Free
Location on Google Maps
Photography Tips for Tallinn
- Head out early morning to capture the streets whilst they are quiet and to potentially get a nice sunrise.
- Consider using human elements and thinking about your composition when taking pictures of streets.
- Visit at Christmas for beautiful decorations around the Town Hall Square and various other parts of the year.
- Use a tripod, long exposure and take pictures at night.
- Make sure you definitely visit the viewpoints around the city for the best perspectives.
- Visit in the winter for potentially snow-covered rooftops.
- Visit in the autumn for colourful trees around the city and parks.
For more travel photography tips head to Ultimate Tips for Travel Photography
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Image credits
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