Hidden Tallinn Tours

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


Abandoned Tallinn: Last Chance to See


When I first came to Tallinn in 2009 the city was a rich paradise for urban exploration. So many abandoned factories, houses, military objects and Soviet remains. One-by-one, the abandoned landscape of the city is disappearing as the relentless 21st century marches on. However, all hope is not lost, buried in the northern districts of the city, these abandoned areas still exist… for now.

Join me as we explore some of the last remaining abandoned factory areas of Tallinn. Together we will try to access as much of this derelict landscape as possible while also discovering some of the stories that make these places so fascinating. This really is an exploration of the past, present and future of Tallinn’s abandoned places.

Duration: 2-3 hours
Price: Depends on the size of your group


Kopli: Tallinn’s forgotten district


For many locals, the word ‘Kopli’ 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.

This is a district where old and new sit side-by-side. This neighborhood is on the verge of dramatic changes but for now the stories of the past are still visible; stories that go beyond the recent dark days.

My Kopli tour is built on my own research and the stories of people who have lived here over the generations. I can say that it is rare to find a tour of Kopli with this level of detail in English. So if you are someone who likes to explore forgotten areas and learn the stories that are hidden from view, this is the tour for you. Great for locals and first-time visitors.

Duration:  2 hours
Prices:  Depends on the size of your group


Kalamaja: The story behind Tallinn’s hipster paradise


Telliskivi bars, wooden houses and hipsters. For many locals, this is the image of modern Kalamaja… and it was the same for me too until I started to become more curious: Kalamaja is Tallinn’s oldest district, so there must be more here than property development and craft beer.

After many years of visiting Kalamaja I have compiled a set of stories that paint a bigger picture of this district. From the early days of tough Baltic fishermen to the ‘ghetto’ days of the Soviet Union, Kalamaja has undergone a number of facelifts. If you are like me and have always been curious to look beneath the surface of Tallinn’s most popular district then join me as we uncover the hidden stories of this modern day hipster paradise.

Duration: 2.5 hours
Price: Depends on the size of your group


Aegna Island (Day Trip)


Highlights: abandoned military architecture, nature trails, stories of Estonian history, remnants of the Ice Age, mythology

Duration: all day (incl. 1 hour boat trip)

Price: Contact me for prices

For travellers who love: nature walks, tranquility, escaping the city, hidden history, abandoned places


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 schedule a tour using the contact form below or find me on Instagram.