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Tallinn · Estonia

Tallinn Town Hall

Known locally as Tallinna raekoda

The Gothic town hall on Raekoja plats is the civic centrepiece of Tallinn’s lower town, with a tall tower, arcaded ground floor and historic ceremonial rooms.

Plan a trip here Website / visitor information
Tallinn Town Hall Vitbaisa · CC BY-SA 4.0
Typical visit
1 hour 15 minutes
Setting
Indoor
Region
Tallinn & Harju
Last checked
10 Aug 2026

Why visit

The Town Hall concentrates the political and commercial story of medieval Tallinn in one building. Its position on the market square helps explain how civic government, guild life and trade were organised in the lower town. Exterior details can be studied from the square, while interior access, when available, adds council chambers and historic furnishings. The building also works well as an orientation point before exploring the surrounding lanes because many of the Old Town’s principal streets radiate from the square.

What you will see

  • Raekoja plats frontage.
  • Gothic tower and weather vane.
  • historic civic interiors.
  • merchant houses around the square.

History

Tallinn’s town hall developed as the city’s municipal headquarters in the late medieval period. The present Gothic form largely dates from the early fifteenth century, when Tallinn was an active Hanseatic trading city.

Visitor tips

  1. 1

    Allow enough time to explore the setting rather than only the principal feature, and follow local signs where routes, protected areas or historic surfaces limit access.

About Tallinn & Harju

Estonia’s capital region combines the medieval city, imperial Kadriorg, maritime museums and accessible northern-coast nature. Short journeys east and west of Tallinn add waterfalls and open-air heritage.

Open the Estonia guide

Combine it with

More to see around Tallinn

All of Tallinn
Tallinn Old Town Tallinn · Estonia A compact medieval city centre of steep lanes, merchant houses, churches, towers and surviving stretches of defensive wall around Toompea and the lower town. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral Tallinn · Estonia A Russian Revival Orthodox cathedral on Toompea, recognisable by its dark onion domes, richly decorated façade and prominent position opposite the parliament complex. Toompea Castle Tallinn · Estonia A layered castle and government complex on Toompea hill, combining medieval defensive fabric with later palace architecture and the present Estonian parliament building. Kadriorg Palace Tallinn · Estonia An eighteenth-century Baroque palace in Kadriorg Park, built for Peter I and Catherine I and now used by the Art Museum of Estonia. Kumu Art Museum Tallinn · Estonia Estonia’s principal art museum building, set into the edge of Kadriorg Park and presenting Estonian art from the eighteenth century to contemporary work. Seaplane Harbour Tallinn · Estonia A maritime museum inside vast former seaplane hangars, displaying vessels, naval technology and Estonia’s relationship with the Baltic Sea.

Already worked out

Ready-made trips through Tallinn

All ready-made trips
Tallinn Maritime and Harju Nature 2 days · 4 stops · Relaxed pace Tallinn Maritime and Harju Nature links complementary places at a pace that leaves time for museums, walks and local conditions. Check seasonal transport and site access before fixing each day. Tallinn Heritage and Kadriorg 3 days · 6 stops · Moderate pace Tallinn Heritage and Kadriorg links complementary places at a pace that leaves time for museums, walks and local conditions. Check seasonal transport and site access before fixing each day.