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Practical information about Tallinn, Estonia

12.01.2023
Find practical details about the weather and time in Tallinn, Estonian public holidays, and much more. If you have any other questions or need additional information, do not hesitate to get in touch with our Tourist Information Centre. 

Location, population, and geographic indicators of Tallinn

Location

Tallinn, the capital of Estonia, is located in Northern Europe on the shores of the Baltic Sea.
 

Geographic indicators

  • Total area: 159.2 sq km / 61.5 sq mi (Estonia 45,227 sq km / 17,462 sq mi)
  • Coastline: 46 km / 28,6 mi
  • Green areas: 40 sq km / 15 sq mi
 

Population of Tallinn

The population of Tallinn is 445 005 (01.01.2022). Ethnic groups living in Tallinn: Estonian 52.9%, Russian 35%, Ukrainian 3.8%, and other 8.3%.

Language

Estonia's official language is Estonian. English is widely spoken and understood. Estonia also has a large Russian-speaking minority. Finnish, and German are understood and spoken somewhat.

Public holidays in Estonia in 2023

  • 1 January – New Year’s Day
  • 24 February – Independence Day: anniversary of the founding of the Republic of Estonia (1918)
  • 7 April – Good Friday
  • 9 April – Easter Sunday
  • 1 May – Spring Day
  • 28 May – Pentecost
  • 23 June – Victory Day
  • 24 June – St. John’s Day (Midsummer)
  • 20 August – Day of Restoration of Independence: end of Soviet rule (1991)
  • 24 December – Christmas Eve
  • 25 December – Christmas Day
  • 26 December – Boxing Day
Most of Tallinn’s museums and attractions are closed on public holidays. Many of them also close three hours earlier than usual on the day before a public holiday. 

Time in Estonia

Estonia is in the Eastern European Time Zone (EET): UTC+02:00 (+3:00 during summertime).

Health and safety

Emergency numbers

In case of an accident or sudden illness, call for an ambulance or the police free-of-charge from any phone by dialling 112.


For professional medical advice on minor health problems, you can also call the family physician helpline, tel. +372 634 6630 (counselling in English daily from 15:00-17:00, in Estonian and Russian 24/7).  

Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak: travel advice for Tallinn

For up-to-date information on the safety guidelines and restrictions in place in Tallinn to stop the spread of coronavirus, please read our article on emergency measures.  

Safety guidelines

Crime levels in Tallinn are low but take sensible precautions as you would elsewhere: be vigilant for pickpockets in crowded places, do not leave your belongings unattended, and drink in moderation. 
 
If you do need to report a crime, you can do so by contacting the emergency number 112, submitting a written report in person to the nearest police authority, or by e-mail to the relevant prefecture. You can find the necessary forms and instructions on the webpage of the Estonian Police and Border Guard Board. 
 
When using taxis, prefer official service providers who have a licence from the city of Tallinn or use one of the many ridesharing apps available. Read more about taxi services from our corresponding transport section.

Pharmacies

Pharmacies are usually open from 10:00-19:00. Two of them stay open all night: 
  • City centre (Südameapteek): Tõnismägi 5, tel. +372 644 2282  
  • Lasnamägi (Südameapteek): Vikerlase 19, tel. +372 638 4338.
Pharmacies in shopping centres are usually open from 9:00-21:00.
 
If you require dialysis, find out more about the local treatment options on the webpage of the North Estonia Medical Centre Foundation.

Safety reflector

Estonia’s traffic laws require everyone to wear a luminous reflector (‘helkur’) on the right side of outer clothing at night or in conditions of poor visibility, particularly in winter.
 
A safety reflector is a small device that can be attached to any article of clothing. It is most commonly made from plastic or textile and is widely sold in different stores, kiosks and supermarkets in Estonia. 

Tap water in Tallinn

Tap water is clean and safe to consume in Tallinn. From spring until autumn, public drinking water taps can be used in various locations around the city. 

Internet, telephone, and post offices

Internet

Public Wi-Fi is available in nearly every café, restaurant, hotel, and hostel as well as open spaces such as city squares and parks. Many trams also offer Wi-Fi connection. Find your nearest Wi-Fi area on our map.

Post offices

 
Find your nearest post office on Omniva’s website or visit one of their central locations: 

City centre:

Kaubamaja Post Office
Gonsiori 2
Mon-Fri 10:00-19:00, Sat 10:00-15:00
Tel. +372 661 6616, info@omniva.ee  

Old Town (Toompea):

Lossi plats 4
Mon-Fri 10:00-17:00 
Tel. +372 661 6616, info@omniva.ee  
 
You can also buy stamps and post letters at the Tallinn Tourist Information Centre (Niguliste 2). 

Estonia’s country calling code: +372

When calling an Estonian phone number from abroad, first dial 00372 or +372 followed by the number you wish to reach. 

Currency, customs, and visa requirements in Estonia

Currency

National currency: Euro (1 euro = 100 cents)

Most banks are open from 9:00 to 18:00 on weekdays.

Western Union service is available in most post offices and banks in Tallinn: see the Western Union’s website for more information.

Customs

A customs guide for travellers to Estonia is available on the website of Estonia’s Tax and Customs Board. You can also contact the customs helpdesk tel. +372 696 7435, +372 696 7436.

Tax-free shopping: check refund options from Global Blue, info@globalblue.com, tel. +372 669 0545.

Visa requirements for Estonia

Estonia is a member of the European Union and part of the Schengen Area. Nationals of the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA) and any third-country national holding a residence permit of a Schengen state do not need a visa to enter Estonia. The only travel document required for these visa-free travellers is a national ID card or passport.

For more information on visa exemptions and requirements for visiting Estonia, please consult the webpage of the Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs or contact your nearest Estonian representation. 

Power supply in Estonia

The electrical current is 220 volts AC, 50 Hz, and electrical sockets take European-style two-pin plugs. 

More information about Tallinn and Estonia