Best Museums in Tallinn, Estonia | From Submarines to Secret Tunnels 🇪🇪

If there’s one thing Tallinn does well, it’s turning history into something you actually want to explore. This city doesn’t do dull exhibits or dusty plaques — instead, it’s all about immersive stories and interactive displays. Whether you’re dodging the Baltic chill or just looking to understand what makes Estonia tick, these are the museums in Tallinn we think you absolutely shouldn’t miss.

Seaplane Harbour (Lennusadam)

You don't have to be a maritime lover to enjoy this one. The Seaplane Harbour, or Lennusadam, is housed in a massive concrete seaplane hangar from the early 1900s — a beautiful industrial space now filled with maritime wonders. We wandered through exhibits that cover everything from early exploration to the Cold War, all laid out in a way that feels part adventure, part playground.

The highlight is Lembit, a real Estonian submarine from 1936 that you can actually climb inside. There’s also a seaplane hanging overhead, a full-sized icebreaker, and interactive simulators that had us laughing like little kids again. 

Outside, the harbour opens up to the sea with restored ships you can explore on deck. It’s the kind of place where you lose track of time — and forget you’re technically in a museum.

Vabamu Museum of Occupations and Freedom

Tallinn’s fairytale charm has a shadowed history, and nowhere tells it better than the Vabamu Museum of Occupations and Freedom. It explores Estonia’s past under Soviet and Nazi rule — but what really struck us is how personal and human it feels. Instead of dry timelines, you hear stories of families torn apart, students rebelling, and people quietly holding onto hope.

The layout is modern, full of digital storytelling and immersive soundscapes. We walked through rooms that felt like stepping into a diary — voices of real Estonians guiding you through the decades. 

It’s not a light visit, but it’s one of those places that reminds you why history matters and helps you truly understand where you are. We left feeling thoughtful, a little heavy, but deeply moved.

Kiek in de Kök & Bastion Tunnels

With a name that literally means “Peek into the Kitchen,” Kiek in de Kök might sound cute, but it’s one of the most fascinating (and slightly eerie) experiences in Tallinn. 

This 15th-century artillery tower once helped defend the city walls — and today it doubles as the entrance to the Bastion Tunnels, a maze of underground passages running beneath Old Town.

We found ourselves wandering through centuries of history — from medieval times to Cold War shelters, with flickering lights and stories that make you glance over your shoulder. Above ground, the museum gives you a crash course in Tallinn’s defences, complete with cannons, armour, and panoramic views from the top. But it’s the tunnels that really make it unforgettable.

Fat Margaret

Standing guard at the edge of the Old Town, Fat Margaret is a thick, round coastal tower that’s been both fortress and prison. These days, it’s home to the Estonian Maritime Museum — smaller than Seaplane Harbour, but packed with character. Inside, you’ll find ship models, sailor tales, and a fantastic display of maritime artefacts that trace Estonia’s long relationship with the sea.

We loved how well curated it felt — the perfect mix of history and atmosphere. But the real reward comes at the top: climb to the roof and you’ll be treated to one of the best views over Tallinn’s harbour and the Old Town rooftops. 

TIP: If you’re planning to visit the Seaplane Harbour, your ticket usually includes entry here too — and it’s well worth the double stop.

LVLup! Video Games Museum 

After medieval towers and Cold War bunkers, you wouldn’t expect to find a retro gaming paradise tucked away in Tallinn — but that’s precisely what LVLup! Video Games Museum is. 

Part nostalgia trip, part interactive playground, it’s packed with consoles and computers from the ‘80s, ‘90s, and early 2000s, all set up and ready to play. 

We spent an embarrassing amount of time button-mashing our way through childhood classics like Donkey Kong and Street Fighter. It’s light-hearted, hands-on, and a total change of pace after the heavier history museums. Even if you’re not a hardcore gamer, it’s impossible not to smile here.

Our Thoughts

Tallinn’s museums might sound like a dreary day backup plan — but honestly, they’re a highlight. Each one shows a different side of the city, from its turbulent past to its creative, quirky present. One day you’re exploring a Cold War submarine; the next, you’re crawling through medieval tunnels or reliving your Game Boy days.

It’s this mix — history, humour, and a touch of the unexpected — that makes Tallinn’s museum scene so memorable. It’s not about ticking boxes; it’s about connecting with the stories that make this little Baltic capital so endlessly fascinating.