Best Parks and Green Spaces in Tallinn
Beyond the medieval Old Town, Tallinn's green spaces range from coastal promenades to forested adventure trails. Here's where to walk, climb, swim, and work out far from the tourist crowds.
September in Tallinn is the last window for swimming. The air turns cool but the water still holds warmth from summer, and the beaches empty of August crowds. This guide moves through the city's best outdoor spaces in the order a visitor might use them, starting at the city edge and moving toward the quieter districts locals actually inhabit. Some are five minutes from Old Town; others require a short tram ride. All are free or cheap to enter, and all have something beyond pretty landscaping—a viewpoint worth your effort, a reason to stay longer than expected.
The guide is ordered geographically, from central parks with Old Town views, out through the coastal zones, and finally into the forested districts where the city feel falls away entirely. September visitors will find water still swimmable at some beaches through early autumn, though the real value of these spaces is walks, workouts, and the kind of picnicking Estonians do year-round.
Toompark
Edge of Old Town, near Nunne Street · Park with pond and viewpoint stairs · Free, open year-round
Toompark sits on the site of the former moat, with its pond, bridges, and winding walking paths offering tranquility and greenery amidst the hustle and bustle of the city. The real draw is stairs that lead up to Patkuli viewing platform, where you'll see the Old Town's red roofs spread below you and Tallinn Bay beyond. In summer, Toompark is filled with birdsong and blooming plants, while in winter, it offers snowy views of the Old Town's towers. Walk it in 20 minutes or linger by the pond. This is where locals stop between the Old Town and the real city.
Harjumägi (Harju Hill Park)
Between Freedom Square and Toompea, opposite Kiek in de Kök tower · Hilltop park with café · Free, open year-round
At the top of the hill there is a pavilion with a café in it. The hill offers splendid views on both Freedom Square and the cathedral and city walls. The climb takes five minutes. Bring coffee and sit on the terrace. This park is located on the embankment of an old bastion. It was used to protect the city originally but was transformed into a green area during the mid 19th century. The views justify the steep walk, and the café means you won't have to rush back down.
Kadriorg Park
Kadriorg district, 3 km east of Old Town (tram 1 or 3) · Palace grounds, gardens, museum · Free to enter park; palace/museum fees apply
Kadriorg Park spans 85 hectares. It is a masterpiece of landscape design. Created in the 18th century by Peter the Great for his wife, Catherine, this vast area is more than just a park—it's a cultural haven. Kadriorg Park is also a great spot for a picnic. You can bring your own food and beverages and enjoy a meal amid the park's lush greenery and serene surroundings. The park has a number of paved pathways, suitable for visitors with wheelchairs and strollers. Park facilities include cafés, restrooms, and children's playgrounds. Allow 2–3 hours if you're just walking; add time for the museums.
Pirita Beach and Promenade
Pirita district, northeast coast (tram 1, or bus 21) · Sandy beach, coastal path, adventure park · Free beach access; Pirita Adventure Park has fees
The largest sandy beach in Tallinn, located in the Pirita district, is a favorite place for Tallinn residents to spend their free time on warm summer days. The approximately 3 km long, well-maintained promenade connects the Tallinn harbor area with Pirita, running along the sea coast. It features a surface suitable for cyclists and active leisure enthusiasts and is accessible for people in wheelchairs throughout its length. Pirita Adventure Park is located at Pirita Beach, near Tallinn's most popular swimming beach and promenade, where the pine forest, fresh sea air, and views of Tallinn Bay create a unique experience. Visitors are welcomed by six high adventure trails at heights of 1–12 meters. Swim, walk, or climb—Pirita has all three.
Stroomi Beach Park
Northern Tallinn, Põhja-Tallinn district (bus 21, 22, 40) · Sandy beach with playground and sports facilities · Free; changing rooms and equipment rentals available
Stroomi beach is a child-friendly, sand-covered swimming beach in northern Tallinn. Children can have fun on the playground, drive mini electric cars or jump on the trampoline. The beach also has areas for ball games, an open-air gym, 2 outdoor cafes, and an ice-cream truck. Stroom Beach is located on the western side of Northern Tallinn, and is especially popular among families with children, as its shoreline is shallow and therefore safe. The area is rich in playgrounds, locker rooms, and outdoor showers. For decades, Stroomi Beach Park has been a picnic and barbecue site favoured by locals. The bird tower, a short walk away from the beach, boasts the best view of the bay.
Glehn Park and Castle (Nõmme)
Nõmme district, west of center (train to Hiiu station, or bus 20, 36, 10) · Castle ruins, forest trails, sculptures · Free park access; castle interior for events only
Baron Nikolai von Glehn, founder of Nõmme, built this park as both retreat and outdoor gallery. You'll stroll along winding paths shaded by tall pines and discover striking sculptures, such as a stone figure of Kalevipoeg and a playful crocodile. The walking route is 4 kilometres (2.5 miles) long. To leisurely view the exterior facade, walk along the winding park paths, and study the unusual sculptures in detail, it usually takes 1 to 2 hours. This is plenty of time for a relaxed photo session and to explore the main elements of the architectural ensemble. Kitsarööpa Road runs through the forests of Nõmme. Once a narrow-gauge railway, it is now a pedestrian path that meanders through pinewoods and sandy heathland. This trail leads through the Nõmme-Mustamäe Landscape Protection Area, a conservation site known for its steep slopes and spring-fed streams.
Nõmme Adventure Park
Nõmme district (train to Hiiu or walk from Glehn Park) · Tree-top climbing trails, children's park · Paid entry; children's park separate rate
At Nõmme Adventure Park, six high adventure trails, exciting obstacles, and fun descents await you: each trail leads step-by-step higher, and each completed trail boosts your confidence. A separate children's park with two trails and three descents has been created for children aged 2–8, where they can safely climb, explore, and challenge themselves. An adult can be alongside all the time, and entry is free for the accompanying person. A covered picnic area is in the immediate vicinity of the trails. In addition to adventure trails, visitors can use outdoor pools, ball courts or visit Café Legend. This is the workout option, best for families with climbing experience or those ready to try.
Pae Park (Limestone Park)
Lasnamäe district, southeast of center (bus 17, 19, 34) · Former quarry, lake, walking/running tracks, playground · Free; tracks lit year-round
Pae park is a hidden pearl beneath the better-known park Kadriorg in Tallinn. It is not located far from the city centre and has an interesting landscape around the limestone quarry pond where different birds, like swans, ducks and coots swim around from spring till autumn. Pae Park is home to two tracks: a sealed circuit (1.8 km) and a bark-covered circuit for walking, Nordic walking and running (1.9 km). The tracks can be used for skiing in winter and are fully lit along their entire length. There is an outdoor gym, a children's playground, a dog park and a viewing platform. In the center of park the small lake with birds (geese, swans). Pae park (Limestone Park in translation) is a hidden pearl beneath the better-known park Kadriorg in Tallinn.
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