Hidden Tallinn Tours offer a unique and unconventional way to explore the Estonian capital. While traditional tours may take you to the most popular tourist spots, my tours take you on different routes to discover the hidden stories and lesser-known corners of the city. These tours are designed to provide visitors with a more authentic and immersive experience, allowing you to see the city from a different perspective.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, these tours are a great way to discover the side of Tallinn that is hidden from view and give you a unique perspective of my home city.
Ideal tours for small, private groups. These are my personal routes. More information below.
I am also the English guide for ‘Lantern Hikes’. These tours are great for larger groups. Different routes and stories from Hidden Tallinn.
Tours
Hidden Stories of Tallinn Old Town
Wait, the priests put a dead body inside the church!? What’s the deal with that random deer statue? I was wondering… where did they execute people in the olden days? How much did that toilet cost!? Just some of the many mysteries of Tallinn Old Town.
On this alternative tour we will ask some of the more uncommon questions about Tallinn’s most famous medieval centre. Many of the more interesting and quirky stories of Old Town are hidden from view, but with a keen eye and an open mind we can uncover these stories and get under the skin of this unique and abundant place.
Whether you’re a first time visitor, or a lifelong Tallinn resident, there will always be new hidden secrets to discover from the last 900 years of Old Town life. So join me on a little adventure through the Hidden Old Town!
Duration: 2 hours
Price: Depends on the size of your group
Tallinn Underworld: Crime, Gangs, and Police in the 1990s
Step into the gritty underbelly of Tallinn during its wildest decade—the 1990s. This tour takes you back to a time when the collapse of the Soviet Union left a power vacuum that was quickly filled by organized crime, notorious gangs, and a fledgling police force struggling to restore order. We’ll explore the dark alleys where deals went down, visit sites of infamous crimes, and uncover stories of ruthless gangsters, daring heists, and the intense battles between criminals and the law.
This tour is ideal for true crime enthusiasts, history buffs, and anyone fascinated by the raw and untamed side of Tallinn’s recent past. If you’re curious about the chaotic period that shaped modern Tallinn, this tour will give you a thrilling and eye-opening look into the city’s darker days.
Duration: 2 hours
Price: Depends on the size of your group
From Rust to Rebirth: The Story of Kopli
For many locals, the word ‘Kopli’ still strikes fear into their hearts. Stories of house fires, drug abuse, murder and misery have filled the headlines in the last few decades; but things are changing. This hated and forgotten district is starting to wake up. The crime of the late 90’s has disappeared and new life is slowly arriving.
On this tour we’ll explore the gritty past of this area, visiting old factory buildings, former worker housing on Kopli Lines and sites with dark histories, while also witnessing the ongoing revitalisation and the creative communities now calling Kopli home.
This tour provides a unique glimpse into the transformation of Tallinn’s most intriguing district. If you are someone who likes to explore forgotten areas and get away from the well-trodden tourist path, this is the tour for you.
Duration: 2 hours
Prices: Depends on the size of your group
Kalamaja: stories of Tallinn’s oldest neighbourhood
Wander through the charming and storied streets of Kalamaja, Tallinn’s oldest and, today, trendiest district. Known for its colourful wooden houses, cafes and vibrant art scene, Kalamaja has a history that stretches back many centuries.
This tour is perfect for those who have heard of Kalamaja as Tallinn’s hipster district and want to dig deeper into its rich history. If you’re curious about how this vibrant area transformed from a crime-ridden, industrial neighborhood into one of the city’s most sought-after locales, this tour is for you. We’ll explore Kalamaja’s evolution over the centuries, from its industrial roots to its role in important historical events, uncovering the stories that shaped the oldest neighborhood in Tallinn. Ideal anyone eager to see beyond Kalamaja’s trendy facade.
Duration: 2 hours
Price: Depends on the size of your group
The Abandoned Places of Aegna Island
(June – September)
Step off the beaten path and journey to the eerie and tranquil Aegna Island, where nature has reclaimed abandoned military installations and forgotten structures. On this adventure, we’ll wander through overgrown bunkers, deserted buildings, and explore the haunting remnants of bygone eras.
This tour is ideal for adventurous spirits, photographers, and those fascinated by the melancholy beauty of decay. If you love exploring off-the-grid locations and enjoy a mix of history and natural beauty, this tour will offer a unique experience that’s both eerie and serene.
For this Aegna Island tour, we’ll begin our adventure by taking the morning boat from Linnahall. The tour itself will last approximately 3 hours (including breaks), during which we’ll explore the island’s abandoned sites and natural beauty. After the tour, you’ll have a few hours to relax and soak in the peaceful surroundings before catching the afternoon boat back. Please note that the exact timings will depend on the boat schedule but we will be back in Tallinn before the evening. Guests should bring their own lunch and snacks for the day, though there is water available on the island, and I’ll provide tea or coffee whenever needed.
Duration: Day trip
Price: Depends on the size of your group (ticket price includes 2-way boat journey)
“Coming Soon”
Behind the Iron Curtain: Tallinn’s Soviet Past
Get ready to step back in time with my upcoming tour, Behind the Iron Curtain: Tallinn’s Soviet Past. This tour will take you on a journey through the city’s Soviet-era history, exploring the architecture, hidden stories, and the lasting impact of decades under Soviet rule. From the imposing concrete structures to the secret sites once used by the KGB, you’ll uncover the complex and often unsettling history that shaped modern Tallinn. Stay tuned, this tour will be available soon, offering a unique perspective on a pivotal chapter in Tallinn’s past.
Bespoke Tours
Looking for something a little different? Contact me with your ideas and together we can create an experience that is tailored to your individual interests and passions.
How do I book a tour?
All tours are organised directly with me via Instagram. Email is possible too but I’m more likely to see your message on social media. Send me a message and we will schedule a tour together. Please include the following information…
~ How many people are in your group?
~ When would you like to meet? (date and time)
~ What tour are you interested in?
Testimonials
James (UK 🇬🇧)
“I’ve been fortunate enough to go on several trips around Tallinn and Estonia with Tom, and it’s left me with things I’ll never forget and a perspective on that place and culture which few travellers will ever have.”
Anna (USA 🇺🇸)
“I absolutely recommend Hidden Tallinn walking tours to anyone who would like an intimate introduction with Tallinn. Thank you, Tom, for showing us the magic of your city!”
Andrew (UK 🇬🇧)
“Tom’s knowledge and passion for Tallinn is amazing and he’s a really friendly guy. His tour around old town was the highlight of my trip around the Baltics last year. I enjoyed my first visit so much that I’ve been back twice and each time Tom’s shown me a different part of the city.”
Molly (USA 🇺🇸)
“For my first trip to Tallinn, my travel group and I did several walking tours with Tom, and he was an amazingly engaging and knowledgable guide... His love of Estonia and passion for history really shine through and make the experience memorable.“
For the full page of reviews and testimonials, click here.
Why Hidden Tallinn?
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#1. Smaller groups see more secrets
Small, intimate groups. Chosen by you.
One-to-one tours are also available.
#2. There is no script, every tour is unique
Hidden Tallinn is an independent travel blog: it’s just me here!
#3. I chose to become a local
I’ve been exploring, photographing and writing about Estonia for over ten years! Hidden Tallinn is my way of helping travellers explore the city and see it through my eyes
#4. I don’t live on a schedule
Morning, afternoon or night. Let’s set a time together.
You can schedule a tour using the contact form below or find me on Instagram.