In this guide
💡 The Short Version: Tallinn is a low-risk city for visitors. The US State Department rates Estonia Level 1, exercise normal precautions. The UK Foreign Office flags two things: pickpockets in Old Town bars and nightclubs, and assaults, which are rare but do happen late at night around nightlife venues. Use Bolt, Forus, Uber or a taxi marked TAKSO. The emergency number is 112. Tap water is safe to drink.
⚠️ Watch your drink and your phone in Old Town bars. The UK Foreign Office names pickpockets in bars and nightclubs in the Old Town and says the risk of attack is highest late at night near popular nightlife. Keep an eye on each other’s drinks, save your hotel’s location in your maps app, and do not let a friend walk back alone.
Crime and scams
Official advice for Estonia comes from the US State Department and the UK Foreign Office:
- Pickpockets: a problem in Old Town bars and nightclubs, according to the Foreign Office.
- Card skimming: keep your card in sight when you pay in shops and restaurants.
- Drink spiking: the Foreign Office advises watching each other’s drinks. Drinks served in Estonian bars are often stronger than those served in the UK, it says.
- Terrorism: there is no recent history of it in Estonia, but attacks cannot be ruled out, so stay aware of your surroundings.
- Drones: some Ukrainian drones aimed at Russia have crossed into Estonian airspace. Follow official guidance if it changes.
Cards are accepted almost everywhere; see money in Tallinn.
Pikk jalg, Old Town. Photo: HartOve, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0.
A night out in the Old Town
The Foreign Office says attacks and assaults, including sexual assaults, are rare but do occur, and the risk is highest late at night around popular nightlife venues. Its advice:
- Save your accommodation’s location in your maps app so it is easy to find at the end of the night.
- Set up a WhatsApp group to keep in touch with your own group.
- Keep an eye on each other’s drinks, and do not let a friend walk back to the hotel alone.
- Do not give a drunk person more alcohol.
- Report anything that does not feel right to the police or to the hotel or club management.
Taxis
The Foreign Office advises pre-arranged taxis or official taxis with TAKSO signage, and says unmarked taxis are illegal. Check that a taxi has:
- a price list on the back window
- the driver’s licence in a visible place
- a working meter
- TAKSO signage, for taxis at ranks
Bolt, Forus and Uber all operate in Tallinn. If you order through an app, check that the car matches the one assigned to you. Bolt and Uber show the price before you book. Each taxi company sets its own rates, posted on a yellow sticker on the car’s right rear window. The driver cannot ask for more than the meter shows, must be paid in euros, and must give you a receipt from the meter. At the airport, see Tallinn Airport to the city for the official rank.
Drugs, alcohol and the law
- Drugs: illegal drugs, including cannabis, are strictly prohibited even in very small quantities, with sentences of up to 10 years and heavy fines. Airports in Estonia scan the baggage of transiting passengers too.
- Alcohol: shops in Tallinn sell it only from 10:00 to 22:00, and drinking alcohol in public places is prohibited.
- Reflectors: a pedestrian walking on a road in poor visibility or at night must wear a reflector.
- Tickets on public transport: travelling without a validated ticket brings a fine of up to €40; see public transport in Tallinn.
LGBT+ travellers
Same-sex sexual activity is legal in Estonia, and same-sex marriages have been recognised since 1 January 2024.
Maiden’s Tower and the town wall at night. Photo: Araldica81, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Daylight and the dark months
In midwinter the days are short: on 21 December the sun rises at 09:18 and sets at 15:21. Plan outdoor sights for the middle of the day, and wear a reflector if you walk on a road at night. Daylight in June lasts about 18 hours 40 minutes. Best time to visit Tallinn has the monthly figures.
Solo, women and disabled travellers
The Foreign Office points travellers to its general guides for women, disabled people, LGBT+ travellers and solo or independent travel.
Tap water
The city’s water utility, Tallinna Vesi, says about 90% of its customers get their water from Lake Ülemiste and the other 10% from groundwater. It takes more than 3,000 samples a year, and 99.5% complied with the strictest required standards. Public drinking-water taps with the Tallinna Vesi label are open to visitors in summer.
Winter
The Old Town’s cobbled lanes and steps can be slippery in frost and snow. Wear shoes with a grip. For the season, see best time to visit Tallinn and Tallinn Christmas market and winter.
Town wall in winter. Photo: Wittylama, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Health
Dial 112 and ask for an ambulance. The Foreign Office lists biting insects and ticks among the health risks in Estonia, so check for ticks after walks in Lahemaa National Park. It also says the legal status of some medicines differs from country to country, so check with the Estonian Medicines Agency before you bring prescription drugs. A GHIC or EHIC gives access to medically necessary state healthcare, but it is not a substitute for travel insurance.
Emergencies and help
- 112: police, ambulance and fire. Free, and it works without a SIM card or network signal.
- Family doctor advice line, 1220 (or +372 634 6630 from abroad): advice on minor health problems. It is open in English every day from 09:00 to 17:00 and in Estonian around the clock.
- Tallinn Tourist Information Centre: Niguliste 2, +372 645 7777.
- Insurance: the Foreign Office advises travel insurance that covers medical treatment. EU residents use their European Health Insurance Card for state healthcare, and UK residents a GHIC or EHIC.
Where you stay changes how you get home at night; see where to stay in Tallinn.
Common questions
Is Tallinn safe for tourists?
Yes. The US State Department rates Estonia Level 1, exercise normal precautions. The UK Foreign Office says pickpockets can be a problem in bars and nightclubs in the Old Town, and that assaults are rare but happen, mostly late at night around nightlife spots.
How do I avoid taxi problems in Tallinn?
Order through Bolt, Forus or Uber, or use a taxi with TAKSO signage from a rank. A legitimate taxi has a price list on the back window, the driver's licence on show and a working meter. The driver cannot ask for more than the meter shows.
What is the emergency number in Estonia?
112, for police, ambulance and fire. It is free and works without a SIM card or network signal.
Can you drink the tap water in Tallinn?
Yes. About 90% of the city's water comes from Lake Ülemiste, and the utility Tallinna Vesi takes more than 3,000 samples a year. Its figures show 99.5% complied with the strictest required standards.
Is it legal to use cannabis in Estonia?
No. The UK Foreign Office warns that illegal drugs, cannabis included, are strictly prohibited even in very small quantities, with sentences of up to 10 years.
