In the heart of Old Town, Tallinn is Toompea, a central hill that overlooks this incredible medieval city. Also known as the “upper” Old Town, this area is home to historic buildings, the famous Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, and three viewpoints that allow you to see the entire city. I visited Tallinn in July 2026 on a 9-day Baltic cruise. Tallinn was easily one of my favorite stops! I absolutely loved stopping at the scenic overlooks in Toompea, each one offering a different view than the next. Here are my rankings of the best viewpoints in Tallinn!
Read More: Full Review: 9-Day NCL Sun Baltic Cruise
Bronze: Bishop’s Garden
In third place, we have Piiskopiaia vaateplats (also known as Bishop’s Garden). This viewing platform offers a glimpse over the quaint Toompark and the “New City” of Tallinn. If you’re looking for the classic views of Old Tallinn, you’re not going to get it here. However, I found Bishop’s Garden to be a tranquil stop removed from the hustle. It is very peaceful, quiet, and would be a perfect place to catch a sunset! It’s located just opposite St. Mary’s Cathedral and is only a few minute walk from the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral. There are benches, public toilets, an old well, and a walk that takes you through the stations of the cross. A worthy stop if you’re looking for some peace and quiet!
Silver: Kohtuotsa
In second place, we have Kohtuotsa vaateplats. Kohtuotsa is arguably the most famous of the three viewpoints in Toompea. This is where you’re going to get the famous “postcard” view of the red roofs, Old Town, spires, and cobblestone streets below. The views are spectacular, but it being the most “famous” viewpoint meant that there were a lot of crowds. At any given time, there were several tour groups and hundreds of people at this viewpoint. They only stay for about ten minutes at a time so it’s not long to wait for them to clear out, but by the time they do there will be a new group coming in. It took away a little bit of the magic, but the view was still nothing short of spectacular!
Gold: Patkuli
In first place for best viewpoints in Tallinn, we have… Patkuli vaateplatvorm! This was my absolute favorite viewpoint in Toompea and Old Tallinn! It’s not a “hidden gem” as you will still get a fair share of tourist groups here, but it was significantly less busy than Kohtuotsa. The view from Patkuli was breathtaking, and I especially loved how we were behind a railing rather than a stone wall. It helped make the view seem larger and more grand! You’ll get the same “postcard” shot here with views over the red roofs, the city wall, and (unlike Kohtuotsa) views of the green parks and Baltic Sea in the distance. I loved spending time here just leaning on the railing and watching life go by in the Old Town below. I wish I could have bottled that feeling!
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