Old Town
Tallinn's old quarter is one of the most attractive in Europe and it is easy to see why it has been dubbed a ‘mini Prague'. It is compact and easily navigable. Many of the buildings have been renovated and the Old Town now boasts cafes, restaurants, hotels and touristy shops, but it's no museum piece and local people still live and work here.

Town Hall (Raekoda)
Unmissable thanks to the unusual, sinewy spire that dominates the square below. The original town hall rose in the 14th century, but much of the building you see today dates from the 15th century. There is a small cafe and concerts and other events are often held in the Town Hall. In the basement there is an exhibition space with various historical exhibits. The pharmacy is one of the oldest in Europe.

Raekoja Plats 1
Tel: 645 7900.
Website: www.tallinn.ee/raekoda

Alexander Nevsky Cathedral
Dominating the Toompea hillside, this striking orthodox cathedral is crowned by instantly memorable black onion domes. The cathedral was commissioned by Tsar Alexander III, first opening its doors in 1900. Local legend has it that the reason why the cathedral has been plagued by structural problems is that, although it was commissioned to commemorate a Russian hero, it actually stands on the grave of an Estonian one.

Lossi Plats 10
Tel: 644 3484.
Website: www.hot.ee/nsobor

Kumu Art Museum
Designed by Finnish architect Pekka Vapaavuori and opened in 2006, the Kumu is the striking new main building of the Art Museum of Estonia. An impressively high-tech facility, it serves both as a national gallery and a contemporary art museum. Both Estonian classics and more recent artworks are displayed here. The Kumu is located on the limestone bank of Lasnamägi next to Kadriorg Park and near Kadriorg Palace.

Weizenbergi 34/Valge 1
Tel: 602 6000.
Website: www.ekm.ee

Tallinn City Museum
The Tallinn City Museum offers a lucid and comprehensive depiction of the story of this historical city. Housed in a 14th-century building, its exhibits cover the German and Soviet times, and beyond to independence, with some fascinating photos. It also stages temporary art exhibitions.

Vene 17
Tel: 644 6553.
Website: www.linnamuuseum.ee