About Tallinn
A UNESCO World Heritage site, Tallinn's Old Town is a fairy tale come to life. Here you will find the oldest continually operating apothecary in Europe, the St Olaf's church, what was once the world's tallest building, Northern Europe's mightiest defensive wall and system of towers dating to the Middle Ages, and one of the best-preserved Gothic town halls. The first public Christmas tree in Europe was also erected in Tallinn.
The Old Town is Tallinn's beating and burgeoning heart to this day. Cosy cafés tucked in inner courtyards, world-class restaurants, intriguing contemporary art galleries, exciting museums, and a year-round event calendar all make Tallinn's Old Town a source of admiration and discovery. For a place so historic, it always has something new to offer. Read more about Tallinn
Getting Around
Public Transportation
All DGINS participants will be able to use public transport in Tallinn for free. For this purpose, you will receive a QR code by e-mail before the conference. The free pass is valid from 21 to 27 October 2024.
How to use QR tickets?
A QR ticket must be validated at the bottom of the rectangular orange validator located at the front door of the public transport vehicle: place the QR code displayed on your phone (or a printout) in front of the code reader screen situated at the lower part of the rectangular validator.
Taxis and Ridesharing
Taxis can be found lined-up at taxi stands (e.g. at the airport and in front of larger hotels) or can be ordered by phone or via mobile apps. Taxi rates are not fixed; the rates are posted on a yellow sticker on the car’s right rear window. Taxis normally accept credit cards and provide receipts.
Ridesharing apps are also available and widely used in Estonia.
Bolt: verified private as well as professional taxi drivers
Uber: for private drivers only
Eating Out
Tallinn is home to a variety of great restaurants and cafes. There are many restaurants in the Old Town and in the Rotermann Quarter, which are both within walking distance from the recommended hotels. A bit further away, Telliskivi Creative City and the Noblessner Marina area both offer a modern mixture of old industrial buildings and contemporary style with restaurants, bars, museums, and shops. See recommendations on restaurants here.
Sights and Museums
Tallinn Old Town is the oldest part of our capital. It has managed to wholly preserve its structure of medieval and Hanseatic origin. The Old Town, which still has the original layout dating back to the 13th century, has been recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997. The Old Town is within a 10- to 15-minute walk from the DGINS conference venue, so take this chance to immerse yourself in the charming Old Town, walk along its cobblestone streets, and enjoy the medieval atmosphere. Read more about the main attractions and museums here.
Shopping
You can find various boutiques and souvenir shops in the Old Town. There are also a few shopping centres right in the city centre. These include Stockmann right next to Swissôtel, Kaubamaja, Viru keskus and Solaris shopping centre.
Balti Jaam Market, located on the other side of the Old Town, is a vibrant street market. It offers a delightful mix of local produce, handicrafts, and delicious food. Right next to it is Telliskivi Creative City – a lively and hip district with cafes, shops, restaurants, bars, and galleries.
For useful advice and inspiration on Tallinn’s top attractions, activities, events, and places to eat and drink, check out the city’s official tourism portal, visittallinn.ee, or follow @VisitTallinn on social media.
Weather
The weather in Tallinn can be rather cold and breezy in October. The average daytime temperature hovers around 10°C. Nights can cool down to close to 2°C.
Tallinn usually receives moderate rainfall in October.
We advise you to pack some layers and an umbrella to feel comfortable.