Tallinn in August: What to Do, See, and Expect in Summer

Visiting Tallinn in August means exploring medieval streets under long summer skies. It’s the best time to admire views from Toompea Hill, visit the Seaplane Harbour, relax at Pirita Beach, or catch open-air events at the Pirita Convent ruins—all while the city buzzes with late-summer energy.

Expect lively terraces, locals heading to Balti Jaam Market, and extended hours at museums like Kumu and Vabamu. August also brings a relaxed atmosphere to the city, perfect for browsing artisan studios in Telliskivi Creative City, unwinding in Town Hall Square, or taking a late evening walk along the Kadriorg Promenade as the sun lingers on the horizon.

If you’re ready to experience Tallinn in August, planning your trip is easier than ever. Start by finding great-value flights to Tallinn that match your schedule, then choose from a range of Tallinn hotels in the city center or near the coast, depending on your travel style. 

Want everything sorted for you? Check out flexible Tallinn travel packages that include handpicked tours, accommodations, and local insights.

Keep reading to see why August might just be the best time to experience the very best of Tallinn!

Independence Restoration Day

Independence Restoration Day (Taasiseseisvumispaev) is a public national holiday in Tallinn, Estonia, commemorating the country’s regained independence from the Soviet Union in 1991. 

It’s celebrated every year on August 20 across the country. In Tallinn, you can find official ceremonies in Freedom Square (Vabaduse valjak) and at the Presidential Palace, along with occasional concerts or public gatherings at the Tallinn Song Festival Grounds.

What’s it for you as a traveler: Classes and most workplaces are suspended on this day, so expect large crowds at popular attractions and on public transport. Banks, government offices, and some roads may also be closed, so plan your itinerary accordingly.

To connect more deeply with the day, visit the Hotel Viru & KGB Museum to see how the KGB monitored guests during the Soviet era. Discover real or replica surveillance devices—like bugs hidden in ashtrays, telephones, and walls—and step inside the original, untouched KGB radio room on the 23rd floor, once used as a secret surveillance center.

You can also join a guided Tallinn Soviet history tour to explore key Soviet-era sites around the city, such as Linnahall, and gain a deeper understanding of life during the occupation. Want a more immersive experience? Try the VR Tallinn 1939/44 Experience, which takes you back to the streets of Tallinn before, during, and after World War II.

International Day of Remembrance for the Victims of Totalitarian Regimes

Although not a public holiday, the International Day of Remembrance for the Victims of Totalitarian Regimes is a nationally recognized solemn day of reflection to honor the victims of both Nazi and Soviet regimes—including the tens of thousands of Estonians who were deported, imprisoned, or executed.

Commemorated each year on August 23, it marks the signing of the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact (1939), which paved the way for the Soviet occupation of Estonia. In Tallinn, you may witness wreath-laying ceremonies, moments of silence, and public speeches by officials at memorials and cemeteries.

What’s it for you as a traveler: While there are no road closures and transit delays, you may encounter brief crowding or temporary limited access near certain memorial events.

This is also a meaningful day to visit key sites in Tallinn tied to Estonia’s 20th-century history, such as:

• Victims of Communism Memorial (Journey): Estonia’s most prominent site, featuring a solemn 665-foot (200-meter) black granite wall engraved with over 75,000 names of victims of Soviet repression.

• Vabamu Museum of Occupations and Freedom: Offers a moving look at Estonia’s experiences under Soviet and Nazi rules and its path to independence. It features personal stories of political prisoners and a reconstructed Soviet-era prison cell.

• Patarei Prison Exhibition – “Communism in Prison”: Set in a real former Soviet prison, this exhibition reveals the harsh conditions under totalitarian control, with authentic isolation cells and execution rooms.

You can visit these sites on your own or on a guided Tallinn bike tour that includes a stop at some of them. 

Art and Music Festivals in Tallinn in August

Looking for exhibitions or concerts in Tallinn in August? Lucky for you, this Estonian city is packed with art and music festivals all month long. Expect everything from classical in historic churches to edgy pop-up performances in the city streets and hidden corners.

Here are some of the most anticipated art and music festivals in Tallinn in August:

• Birgitta Festival (early to mid-August) – One of Estonia’s most iconic summer festivals, offering opera, ballet, and modern stage performances in the dramatic setting of the Pirita Convent ruins, with shows running day and night for about a week.
• Tallinn Fringe Festival (mid-August to mid-September) – A month-long open-access festival featuring indie theatre, stand-up comedy, street shows, and live music, in venues all over the city.
• Tallinn Chamber Music Festival (late August) – A week-long classical music festival showcasing chamber ensembles and soloists in intimate, historic venues, like churches and concert halls.
• Culture Night / Kultuurioo (late August) – A one-night-only celebration of Tallinn’s underground creative scene, with pop-up galleries, performances, light shows, and music scattered across unique indoor and outdoor spaces.

Tallinn Maritime Days

Tallinn Maritime Days is Estonia’s largest maritime-themed festival, held across multiple harbors in Tallinn, including Seaplane Harbour, Noblessner, and Pirita over a long weekend in late August.

This August festival in Tallinn features harbor cruises, tall ships, and sailing demonstrations, making it a must for maritime enthusiasts or anyone looking for relaxed but fun things to see in Tallinn in August. 

You’ll also find free outdoor concerts, pop-up stages, and bustling seaside markets, perfect for exploring Tallinn’s food and drink experiences by the water.

Bonus: For an unforgettable evening, don’t miss The Night of Ancient Lights, which often coincides with the festival. On the last Saturday of August, bonfires are lit along the coastline, creating a peaceful and symbolic farewell to summer.

IRONMAN Tallinn

If you’re a sports enthusiast, don’t miss IRONMAN Tallinn in August. This major international triathlon features swimming, cycling, and running, and draws over 1,000 athletes from around the world each year in mid to late August.

Not planning to compete? It’s still worth checking out. The atmosphere around the city is exciting, and you’ll find plenty of good spots to watch the action. 

Head to Tallinn Old Town to catch the running course, or try the Rannamae and Pirita seaside promenades for the cycling route with great views of the coast. For the swimming segment, make your way to Lake Harku early in the day. The Noblessner Seafront District is another great option if you want to cheer from a cafe or grab something to eat while watching.

Pro tip: If you’re traveling with a family or a group, consider renting a minivan in Tallinn for convenient and comfortable transport during festival days. 

Explore Tallinn’s Magical Old Town (Vanalinn) in Summer

One thing you shouldn’t miss on your trip to Tallinn in August is the city’s charming Old Town (Vanalinn). This UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the best-preserved medieval towns in Europe, known for its Gothic architecture, pastel-colored facades, red-tiled rooftops, stone towers, and winding cobblestone streets.

Tallinn Old Town is divided into Lower Town and Upper Town (Toompea Hill), each with its own character and landmarks.

Tallinn Old Town – Lower Town highlights:

• Viru Gate – the striking medieval entrance to Old Town, featuring two rounded stone towers, often framed by flowers and lively cafes
• Town Hall Square (Raekoja plats) – the heart of the Old Town, lined with colorful merchant houses and cafe terraces, a top spot for people-watching and outdoor dining
• Tallinn Town Hall (Tallinna Raekoda) – the oldest surviving Gothic town hall in Northern Europe, built in the early 1400s, known for its tall spire, dragon-headed rain spouts, and iconic Old Thomas weather vane on top
• St. Olaf’s Church (Oleviste kirik) – a towering Gothic church, once the tallest building in the world at 521 feet (159 meters), known for its sharp black spire and sweeping 360-degree views of the city and the Baltic Sea
• St. Catherine’s Passage (Katariina Kaik) – a narrow alley with arched stone walls, artisan workshops, and medieval flair
• Hellemann Tower – a 14th-century defensive tower providing access to the Town Wall Walkway
• Town Wall Walkway – a surviving stretch of the 13th-century fortifications, connecting towers along an elevated path with rooftop views
• Niguliste Museum (St. Nicholas’ Church) – a Gothic church-turned-museum housing medieval religious art, including the famous Danse Macabre painting by Bernt Notke
• Kiek in de Kok (Artillery Tower) – a massive 15th-century cannon tower turned museum with exhibitions on Tallinn’s military history and entry to the Bastion Passages
•  Bastion Passages – a network of 17th-century underground tunnels, filled with dim corridors, historical exhibits, and wartime artifacts

Tallinn Old Town – Upper Town (Toompea Hill) highlights:

• Toompea Castle – a centuries-old fortress-turned-government building, home to Estonia’s Parliament, featuring a pink Baroque facade overlooking the Lower Town

• Alexander Nevsky Cathedral – a visually striking Russian Orthodox cathedral built in 1900 with black onion domes, golden mosaics, and ornate interiors

• St. Mary’s Cathedral (Toomkirik / Dome Church) – the oldest church in Tallinn, built in the 13th century, with whitewashed stone walls, barrel-vaulted ceiling, and dozens of colorful noble family coats of arms

• Kohtuotsa and Patkuli Viewing Platforms – offer some of the best panoramic views over the Lower Town, church spires, rooftops, and even the Gulf of Finland

• Danish King’s Garden (Taani Kuninga Aed) – a peaceful walled garden surrounded by  sculptures and medieval towers, said to be where the Danish flag miraculously appeared during a 1219 battle

For an insightful experience, join a guided Tallinn Old Town walking tour to uncover fascinating local legends and hidden corners. If you prefer something more active, a 2-hour bike tour in Tallinn is a great way to explore the city beyond its medieval district.

Want a fun souvenir? Book a Tallinn medieval photo session where you’ll dress up and pose as a knight, noble, or mystic in a photo studio set right in the heart of the Old Town!

Stroll Through the Beautiful Kadriorg Park

Kadriorg Park is a must-visit in Tallinn, especially in August, when its colorful flowerbeds and tree-lined paths are at their peak. This 18th-century Baroque park spans nearly 175 acres (70 hectares), and is filled with gardens, fountains, woodlands, and scenic walking paths.

It’s also free to enter and just a short tram or bike ride from the Old Town, making it a relaxing add-on after a Tallinn medieval walking tour.

Beyond its natural beauty, the park is also home to several top attractions in Tallinn, located within or just next to the park grounds:

• Kadriorg Palace – a coral-pink Baroque palace surrounded by manicured French-style formal gardens, housing the Kadriorg Art Museum
• Kumu Art Museum – Estonia’s largest and most acclaimed art museum, housed in a modern building with a curved limestone and glass architecture, showcasing classic Estonian, Soviet-era, and contemporary art
• Japanese Garden – a tranquil, Zen-style garden tucked into a quieter corner of the park, featuring stone lanterns, wooden bridges, koi ponds, and carefully shaped pines
• Tallinn Song Festival Grounds (Lauluvaljak) – a massive outdoor venue and a symbol of Estonia’s Singing Revolution, known for its arched stage and peaceful sea views
• Mikkel Museum –  a hidden gem museum featuring private art and porcelain collections donated by Johannes Mikkel
• Russalka Memorial – a striking angel-topped monument, built in 1902 to honor the sailors who perished aboard the Russian warship Russalka, located at the coastal edge of Kadriorg Park

Note: Kadriorg Art Museum, Kumu Art Museum, and Mikkel Museum are all part of the Estonian Art Museum network.

For a convenient visit, book a Tallinn hop-on hop-off bus tour or join a sightseeing bike tour in Tallinn, which includes stops at Kadriorg Park and other nearby highlights. 

Wander the Bohemian Streets of Kalamaja

If you’re looking for a contrast to Tallinn’s medieval Old Town, head to Kalamaja, one of the city’s most creative and trendiest neighborhoods. Known for its laid-back vibe, colorful wooden houses, street art, and post-industrial charm, Kalamaja is the perfect place to slow down and explore a different side of Tallinn.

Here are some of the key spots to check out while wandering through Kalamaja:

• Telliskivi Creative City – a former factory complex turned into a vibrant cultural quarter, packed with art studios, designer shops, outdoor murals, and some of the best cafes and restaurants in Tallinn

• Balti Jaam Market – a lively indoor market offering local produce, Estonian specialties, handmade crafts, and a popular street food area

• Pohjala Brewery – one of Estonia’s top-rated craft breweries, offering award-winning craft beers, a stylish taproom, guided brewery tours, and even a sauna with sea views

Want to explore Tallinn’s food scene like a local? Book a private Tallinn walking tour with a local to discover insider tips on where to eat and how to get around efficiently.

You can also join a 3-hour Estonian food tour in Tallinn to taste authentic local dishes at Balti Jaam Market and other local food spots. Want to experience the city’s nightlife? Try a Tallinn bar crawl with a nightclub entry, where you’ll visit some of the best bars in town and sample a variety of Estonian brews.

Enjoy a Summer Day at Pirita Beach

No summer trip to Tallinn is complete without a visit to Pirita Beach. Just 15 minutes from the city center, it’s the largest and most popular beach in Tallinn, and one of the longest stretches of sand in Estonia.

Pirita Beach is loved for its wide sandy shore and views of the Gulf of Finland. In August, it’s ideal for swimming, sunbathing, paddleboarding, and watching sailboats near the marina. The promenade is also perfect for cycling, jogging, or relaxing at a beach cafe. Sunrises glow in soft pastels, while sunsets light up the sky in gold and amber.

Note: The average sea temperature is around 61 F (16 C), refreshing by Nordic standards and great for a quick summer dip.

Want to explore comfortably? Join a Tallinn sightseeing coach tour that includes Pirita Beach and nearby landmarks, like the Pirita Convent Ruins and Russalka Memorial. Or for more flexibility, consider renting a medium car in Tallinn to explore the coast at your own pace.

Escape to Nature in Lahemaa National Park

If natural beauty is what you’re after, book a day trip to Lahemaa National Park from Tallinn. As Estonia’s largest and oldest national park, it spans more than 280 square miles (725 square kilometers). More than anything, it’s known for its pine forests, peat bogs, rocky beaches, quiet coves, waterfalls, and historic manor houses.

In August, the park offers pleasant hiking weather, blooming wildflowers, and long daylight hours—perfect for exploring some of Lahemma's top attractions, including:

• Viru Bog Trail – a popular 2.2-mile (3.5-kilometer) wooden boardwalk that winds through a scenic peat bog, ending at a watchtower with panoramic views

• Altja Fishing Village – a historical coastal village with traditional wooden homes, nature trails, and access to a peaceful swimming beach

• Kasmu and Vergi Villages – small seaside communities known for their quiet coves, calm waters, and picnic-friendly beaches

• Sagadi and Palmse Manor Houses – elegant 18th-century estates with museums, gardens, and cafes, offering insight into Estonia’s aristocratic history

Lahemaa National Park is just an hour’s drive east of Tallinn, making it easy to visit independently. If you prefer to travel at your own pace, consider renting a station wagon in Tallinn for a convenient and comfortable trip.

You can find Jagala Waterfall, Estonia’s widest waterfall, just outside the park. If you want to include it in your itinerary, consider booking a Jagala Waterfall tour from Tallinn, which includes visiting other landmarks in Harju County.

Explore the Most Scenic Viewpoints in Tallinn

Tallinn, Estonia, is scenic all year round, but August stands out with its clear skies and especially colorful sunrises and sunsets. From soft morning pastels to golden evening light, it’s one of the best times to take in the city’s panoramic beauty. 

Here are some of the best places in Tallinn to enjoy the view:

• Kohtuotsa Viewing Platform (Toompea Hill) – offers one of Tallinn’s most iconic sights, with direct views of the red rooftops, Gothic church spires, and the Gulf of Finland
• Patkuli Viewing Platform (Toompea Hill) – located just below Kohtuotsa, this spot overlooks the medieval towers, city walls, and harbor, and is accessible via a scenic stone staircase
• Tallinn TV Tower (Pirita District) – the tallest structure in Estonia at 1,030 feet (314 meters), featuring 360-degree views, glass floor platforms, and sweeping sights of Tallinn Botanic Garden, coastline, and even Helsinki, Finland on a clear day
• Nun’s Tower and City Wall Walkway (Old Town) – a quieter option that lets you walk the 13th-century fortifications, offering an up-close look at the Old Town’s medieval skyline
• St. Olaf’s Church Tower (Old Town) – once the tallest building in the world, this Gothic tower features steep, narrow stairs and a panoramic lookout over the city and the Baltic Sea

Note: You'll need a Tallinn TV Tower ticket to access the glass floor and exhibitions at the TV Tower. It’s also about 6 miles (10 kilometers) from the Old Town, so renting a car in Tallinn is ideal if you’re planning to visit multiple viewpoints in one day.

Explore Tallinn’s Seaplane Harbour and Other Must-Visit Museums

If you plan to visit Tallinn in August for its harbor scenery and cultural experiences, don’t miss the top-rated Seaplane Harbour (Lennusadam). Part of the Estonian Maritime Museum, it’s housed in a historic seaplane hangar by the Kalamaja waterfront.

Highlights include the 1930s Lembit submarine, icebreakers, seaplanes, and the historic ships docked outside. It also features naval artifacts and interactive tech displays that families, history buffs, and aviation enthusiasts would enjoy.

Aside from Seaplane Harbour, here are several must-visit museums in Tallinn worth checking out in August:

• Estonian Open-Air Museum – a large, forested complex by the sea, featuring traditional Estonian farmhouses, windmills, chapels, village life, and occasional folk performances and local food tastings

• Tallinn Museum of Orders of Knighthood – a hidden gem museum in the Old Town, showcasing royal decorations, medals, and chivalric orders from across the world

• Estonian Health Museum – an interactive museum inside a restored medieval building in the Old Town, focused on health, anatomy, and medical history

• Estonian Museum of Natural History – a small but engaging museum in the Old Town that explores Estonia’s wildlife, geology, and natural environment

Pro tip: Save on entry fees with a Tallinn Card, which includes access to over 50 Tallinn attractions and museums like Seaplane Harbour. For a more cultural experience, join an all-inclusive Tallinn food and bike tour that stops at select museums along the way.

Take a Fun Day Trip from Tallinn

Thanks to its location along the Baltic Sea, taking shore excursions from Tallinn is both easy and rewarding. You can reach nearby islands, natural landmarks, and even another European capital in just a short drive or ferry ride.

Here are some of the best Tallinn full-day tours and cross-border trips from Tallinn to check out in August:

• Rummu Submerged Quarry Day Tour– Located about 45 minutes by car, this surreal site lets you swim, paddleboard, snorkel, and even climb a bright white ash hill above a flooded former limestone quarry and Soviet prison. Popular for both adventure and photography.

• Prangli Island Day Trip – Take a 1-hour ferry from Leppneeme Port to this small, inhabited island in the Gulf of Finland, known for its quiet beaches, wild pine forests, wooden villages, a historic lighthouse, and Soviet-era truck tours through scenic island trails. August is also perfect for wild berry picking.

• Helsinki, Finland Return Day Trip – Hop on a 2-hour ferry from Tallinn’s city port and enjoy a full day in Finland’s capital. Highlights include neoclassical architecture, seafront saunas, design shops, and the UNESCO-listed Suomenlinna Fortress—a great way to add another country to your trip with minimal effort.

Is August a good time to visit Tallinn?

Yes, August is one of the best times to visit Tallinn. It’s the tail end of summer, when the city is still full of life but less crowded than July. You’ll find a great mix of open-air festivals, day trips to nearby islands, and plenty of daylight to explore the Old Town, coastal paths, and scenic viewpoints.

It’s ideal for travelers who want summer energy without the peak-season crowds, perfect for walking tours, relaxing at a beach cafe, or enjoying harbor views in a more laid-back atmosphere.

What is the weather like in Tallinn in August?

The Tallinn August weather is mild and comfortable, making it one of the best months for exploring the city and taking day trips. You can expect average daytime temperatures around 68 to 72 F (20 to 22 C), with cooler evenings near 53 to 57 F (12 to 14 C). There are occasional light showers, but they’re usually brief.

Thanks to the pleasant weather, it’s a great time for road trips from Tallinn to places like Rummu Quarry, Lahemaa National Park, or even Saaremaa Island—all easy to enjoy without worrying about extreme heat or cold.

Is Tallinn crowded in August?

Yes, but not overwhelmingly so. August is still part of the high season so you can expect a steady flow of visitors. However, it’s less crowded than July, with a more relaxed pace around the city.

It’s still smart to check out vacation rental apartments in Tallinn early and secure the best tours and tickets in Tallinn in advance, especially for weekends or popular attractions.

Are tourist attractions open in Tallinn in August?

Yes, most tourist attractions in Tallinn are open in August, and many are especially lively during this time, with longer opening hours, outdoor access, and seasonal events. Museums, landmarks, and scenic spots are all easy to visit in summer.

You’ll also find a wide variety of Tallinn city sightseeing tours and Tallinn cultural tours available in August, ranging from walking and bike tours to guided visits to museums, castles, and coastal spots.

What can you do in Tallinn in one day in August?

Start your day with a stroll through the medieval Old Town, visit Kohtuotsa or Patkuli Viewing Platform for city views, then stop by the Seaplane Harbour or another museum nearby. In the afternoon, head to Pirita Beach or explore the grounds of Kadriorg Park before enjoying dinner at a local cafe.

If you're arriving by cruise, book a Tallinn shore excursion with port return transfer for a hassle-free experience. For full flexibility, consider a small car rental in Tallinn to explore nearby attractions like Pirita Beach or the TV Tower.

How many days do you need in Tallinn in August?

Two to three days is ideal for exploring Tallinn in August. With that time, you can wander through the Old Town, visit highlights like the Seaplane Harbour and Kadriorg Park, enjoy coastal viewpoints or Pirita Beach, and even squeeze in a day trip to places like Rummu or Prangli Island.

For inspiration, check out some of the best itineraries in Tallinn or add something memorable like a Tallinn private photoshoot tour to capture your trip in one of the city’s most scenic summer months.

Is it expensive to visit Tallinn in August?

No, Tallinn is generally more affordable than many other European capitals, even in August. While prices for flights and accommodations can be slightly higher in summer, there are still plenty of affordable Tallinn hostels and cozy guesthouses in Tallinn that fit most budgets.

To save even more, consider getting a Tallinn Card, which includes free public transport and admission to over 50 museums and attractions.