Queer travel expert Jack Kenworthy turns 250+ city adventures into your guide for safe, vibrant, and inclusively fabulous global journeys.
Sashay with me, my darlings, as we dive into the alluring rhapsody of Gay Tallinn, the crown jewel of Estonia, a nation that, in 2023, took a monumental leap towards equality by legalizing same-sex marriage.
The city of Tallinn is a proud phoenix rising, brimming with medieval allure, a feast of New Nordic gastronomy, sophisticated design boutiques, clandestine hipster hideaways, and a vibrant nightlife pulsating with energy.
Tucked on the east side of the Baltic Sea, a stone’s throw from Helsinki, Tallinn is a city that has been the apple of many an empire’s eye – Russia, Denmark, Sweden, and Germany all trading and being traded over centuries. The result? A cultural smorgasbord that has bestowed upon Tallinn a treasure trove of unique attractions.
Yet, the pièce de résistance for every tourist, whether gay, straight or magical unicorn, is the timeless charm of Old Tallinn, nestled within the heart of the city, shrouded by ancient walls, meandering cobblestone lanes, picture-perfect medieval dwellings and a mesmerizing medieval charm that is straight out of a fairytale.
Distinct from its cultural cousins in Russia and the Baltic neighbors, Latvia and Lithuania, and severed from its linguistic sibling Finland due to Soviet occupation, Estonia is now blossoming in its individuality and cherished independence.
Darlings, tourism is increasingly charmed by this picture-perfect town, but Gay Tallinn has taken its time. Being the most progressive, liberal, and tolerant country within the post-Soviet bloc, Tallinn still grapples with homophobia, particularly among older generations. It’s the hangover of a time when homosexuality was stigmatized as an ailment, but today, the city’s younger generation is evolving, echoing progressive perspectives more at home in places like Oslo, Melbourne, or Austin.
Even before legalizing same-sex marriage, Estonia was the first (and so far still the only) former Soviet-occupied state to recognize gay marriages performed overseas. The country’s status as the least religious in the world, with only 16 percent of the population considering religion as a vital part of their life, aids in their journey towards full equality.
In Tallinn, there is a shift in the air. Discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation is banned under law. Visitors will witness a newfound openness among the otherwise reserved locals. Tallinn is joining the ranks of cities like Bucharest and Bogota, where the winds of change in societal attitudes are driven by LGBT acceptance.
Much like a Nordic brother that has been lost and found, Estonia is striving to mirror the progressive paradigms of Copenhagen and Helsinki. Yet, they still have a journey to tread before the societal psyche regarding homosexuality catches up with Scandinavian countries and Western Europe.
While discretion is advisable in Tallinn, especially at night outside the gay scene or more liberal clubs, Gay tourists should feel as safe here as in any other major European capital. The people might gaze at you if you strut down the street hand-in-hand, but remember darlings, the times, they are a-changing.
LGBT travelers will not find a thriving gay nightlife akin to Munich, Las Vegas, or Bangkok here. However, Tallinn is a fairy tale brought to life, complete with charming hotels, picturesque countryside, and affordable prices. Not to mention a thriving design community and a gastronomic landscape that will set your tastebuds aflutter.
If your journey seeks Estonian cuties, copious cocktails, and countless hidden gems, Tallinn is your destination. Trust me, darlings, Tallinn won’t just entertain, it will captivate!
In this article we will cover...
Attractions in Gay Tallinn
Darlings, remember that our vibrant colours of the rainbow do not delineate the attractions we yearn to explore in each city, and most queer voyagers simply desire to immerse themselves in sheer joy and explore the top sights of Tallinn in broad daylight!
This picturesque city offers an abundance of delightful pursuits – however, some of our most cherished moments were while we languidly sipped coffee, observed the world swirl around us, got blissfully lost in the enchanting maze of the Old Town and the bohemian charm of Kalamaja, or hired a car to cruise through the captivating towns and idyllic countryside that envelop the city. And who could resist the allure of the gorgeous design boutiques or the indulgence of an affordable spa day?
In Estonia, dear hearts, the fear of ennui is practically non-existent, regardless of the length of your sojourn. The medieval charm of this trading town makes it near impossible to toss a pebble without striking something of historic significance worth visiting – but having a touch of insight never hurts, does it? So, here are a few of our favourite things to do in Estonia that you simply must not miss!
Tallinn Gastronomic Revolution
One of the highlights of Tallinn is unquestionably the ‘new Nordic’ food scene – and there are far, far too many restaurants leading the way to list them all here. Use this guide to find the best restaurants in Tallinn to eat, so you can best experience the diversity of talented Estonian chefs who are fuelling a culinary revolution by fusing Scandi-style cooking with fresh, local and seasonal ingredients.
New Nordic dining with an Estonian twist. In Tallinn, you will find an exceptional dining scene brimming with innovative dishes at affordable prices. Yes, unlike eating out in Stockholm, Turku, or Bergen, indulging here does not cost the same amount as a house in a third-world nation.
Still, if we were forced to choose just one place to recommend, it would have to be the newly opened Rae Meierei, from the creators of the already famous Farm and Rukis – all of which are in the Tallinn Old Town.
Seaplane Harbour (Estonian Maritime Museum)
With the design aesthetics and WOW factor of a James Bond villains Lair, the converted Seaplane Harbour is easily one of the best things to do in Estonia – and possibly Europe’s most exhilarating museums.
Separated into three levels: in the air, on the sea, and below the sea – the Seaplane Harbour is a fabulous example of a renovation done correctly and protects one of the most valuable buildings of the 20th century in the Baltic States for generations to come.
There are around 200 different maritime objects housed within this historical seaplane hangar, but the crowning jewel has to be the Lembit submarine which was the oldest submarine still afloat in the world when he was brought ashore in 2011.
You are free to explore inside the sub, but there is so much more here, including sailboats, special exhibits, the incredible cafe MARU and an array of historically significant maritime boats out back you can wander aboard.
Explore the historic center of Tallinn with its gourmet restaurants, cobblestone streets, and grand Gothic architecture. Oozing charm, there is no other place on Earth quite like it, and you can spend days exploring all its cafes, buildings, museums and boutique shops.
Telliskivi Creative City
Skip all those over-priced and tacky souvenir shops in the Old Town and instead head to the Telliskivi Creative City – an uber-cool creative hub housed in a former industrial complex just a few minute’s walk from the Old Town border.
Not only will you find vintage shops, fair trade products, hip restaurants, and design stores – just you can only find bespoke events here, especially on weekends, including coffee-making championships, dance performances or pop-up stores and market which takes place every Saturday.
A Baroque castle sitting on a 9th-century citadel with a historic past and now the present seat of the Parliament of Estonia. The huge flag that flies here on Tall Hermann tower is a symbol of Estonian independence, and free tours are available Monday to Friday if booked in advance, or you can watch sessions of parliament from the public gallery.
The Russians might not be well-liked here – but ethnic Estonians at least – but one positive legacy they left is this grand 18th-century baroque palace built by Tsar Peter the Great. It now houses a nice collection of foreign art, but the building and ground are the highlights.
Art Museum of Estonia (KUMU Location)
One of the largest art museums in Northern Europe in a grand glass-and-steel architectural building. Inside is an impressive collection of Estonian art, especially Socialist Realism and ‘Nonconformist art’ from the occupations period – plus art from earlier periods in Estonian history. There are frequent temporary exhibitions with feature both foreign and Estonian contemporary art.
Maiasmokk Café
No visit to charming Tallinn would be complete without a relaxing coffee and sweet at Maiasmokk, the oldest operating café in Estonia. Yes, this unique café has been in the same location since 1864, and as soon as you walk in, you really can tell with its interior décor has been unchanged for almost a century.
While the coffeehouse culture might have been perfected in Vienna and Budapest, here in this cozy little cafe, you can enjoy the experience with an Estonian twist while being served delectable and novel meals, fresh pastries, pies and cakes – and strong coffee, of course!
Balti Jaam Market
This newly-renovated market complex deserves its place on any list of Tallinn things to do, being the most modern of its kind in the Baltics and bringing high-quality dining, produce, coffee and other items together under one roof.
As you will quickly see, the Balti Jaam (Baltic Station) Market is extremely popular with both locals and tourists, so you know you are onto a good thing! Tucked away on the upper floor is store after store of old Soviet-era objects, basically a more civilized version of an Estonian garage sale.
Second-hand antiques, toys, bicycles, matchboxes, pots, artwork, fur coats, military gear…You name it, and you are sure to find it here, although some hunting might be required. The walls are piled high, and space is at a premium, but you can spend hours sifting through the treasures here.
Estonian History Museum
If you are as curious about Estonia as a country and its long – and very complicated – history, then you absolutely cannot miss visiting the Estonian History Museum houses in the Great Guild Hall.
Here, you can examine Estonia’s history from prehistoric times right up to the end of the 20th century under the arched roof of the glorious 15th-century Great Guild Hall, itself a stunning relic of Tallinn’s past.
Among the many highlights is an exhibition consider If Estonia is Nordic, a weapons chamber that presents wars and arms through the ages and the permanent exhibition ‘Spirit Of Survival: 11,000 years of Estonian’, which helped us to finally understand the uniqueness of the Estonian people and how historical events have affected them.
Estonian Sauna
While their Finnish cousins might have invented it, Estonia has its own unique smokey sauna experience that is even UNESCO-listed. Cover yourself with honey, gently beat yourself in birch swims and enjoy an authentic Estonian sauna. The benefits include stress relief and weight loss, though we just think it’s fun.
Many locals will have their own at their summer cottages if you’re lucky enough to know one, or hire a car and head to Mooska farm. A typical lifestyle farm in Southern Estonia run by a family who loves welcoming guests into their traditional smoke sauna.
A vast 300-acre park perfect for a sunny day with fabulously lush greenhouses and expensive open-air gardens.
Hipster Kalamaja
The quaint neighborhood of Kalamaja, much beloved by hipsters, is known for its quiet streets, colorful wooden buildings and increase its young, creative energy. This is part of Tallinn where you will get an authentic feel of the locals’ lifestyle – and promptly decide you want to move here!
While the best way to discover Kalamaja is wandering around and getting lost, you should try to visit the modern Austrian-style café, Gustav, or later in the evening, pop into the trendy TOPS bar for a drink. Kalamaja is also home to one of the oldest and best public saunas in Estonia, Kalma, if you want to experience the sauna the Estonian way.
Dignified architecture and traditions make Kalma sauna a soulful place, and quite a different experience than visiting Tampere, the sauna capital of the world!
A bizarre museum involving theatrical performances and interaction to recreate the historic event and leans of medieval Tallinn. Fun and unforgettable, the Baltics love their folklore, and this is the perfect place to get a sense of it.
Take in the best of Estonian beer and cheese while seeing all the major sites of the city and countryside. A fun day trip, if you are short on time, is basically a cheat sheet of all the things you should see and try in 24 hours.
You can also try the Beer House, an old-school gastro-brewery just off Town Hall Square with seven in-house varieties of ‘living beer brews,’ hearty meals, indoor and outdoor seating and live music from Thursday to Saturday!
The waitresses and staff were even dressed in traditional German clothing and serving bratwurst and pork, giving a somewhat artistic license to Tallinn’s past merchant history with Hanseatic League.
Sure, more Finns are heading the other way to stock up on cheap alcohol, but if you want to take in all the highlights of Helsinki in one day, you can. And without paying their insane accommodation costs.
Take a relaxing ferry, explore the compact and walkable inner city and head back in the afternoon. Sure, Gay Helsinki needs more time to explore, but at least you can tick another country off the list!
The oldest and most beautiful national park in Estonia. An eerie bog landscape of undeniable beauty with look-out towers, you can visit by car, but the day trip also includes Soviet ruins like an abandoned submarine station, a trip to the Estonian seaside, centuries-old manor houses and a surprisingly fun lunch at a sea-captains house to get a sense of this charming little country.
The first LGBT choir in Estonia to hold frequent events. Check out their Facebook page and try to get along to support this worthy cause!
Held for the first time in 10 years in 2017, but normally Baltic Pride is the main event rotating in turn between the capitals of the Baltic states; Tallinn, Riga, and Vilnius. Why it has not been held in Tallinn for so long before this, we can’t figure out, but it should return again in 2020.
Increasing the visibility of the community is the best way to move forward and ensure Estonia becomes a more fair, equal, and inclusive society – so we hope to see Tallinn Pride taking place every year soon and gaining more local support.
Gay-Friendly and Gay Hotels in Tallinn
The radiant pride of Estonia is evident in the acceptance and inclusivity that’s prominent in most of its upscale and boutique hotels. However, some traces of conservatism may still linger in smaller, owner-operated hotels, particularly those managed by the older generation.
There might not be any exclusively gay hotels in Tallinn, yet a fantastic array of accommodations cater exquisitely to the queer community. Their popularity among LGBTQ+ travelers owes to their alluring locations, tastefully unique designs, and most importantly, their warm embrace of queer culture.
Our handpicked options, each with its distinct charm and offerings, are designed to fulfill your specific needs. Considering the high standards, Estonia presents an opportunity to indulge in luxury at prices that are surprisingly affordable compared to North America and Western Europe.
However, Tallinn’s diverse accommodation landscape is broad and vibrant, offering hundreds of hotels and hostels. If these recommendations don’t match your preferences, there’s an extensive array of alternatives. But trust us, as experienced gay travelers ourselves, these choices champion the ethos of inclusivity and are sure to provide a memorable stay in this fabulous city.
Metropol Spa Hotel Tallinn ☆☆☆☆
Darling, allow us to introduce you to the sensational Metropol Spa Hotel Tallinn, an oasis of luxury, tailor-made for decerning globetrotters. Nestled just outside the vibrant heart of Old Tallinn, this opulent sanctuary is a delightful blend of timeless elegance and contemporary sophistication, with a tangible commitment to celebrating our fabulous diversity.
Each room is an epitome of comfort, styled to perfection with tranquil tones and plush bedding. Opt for a city view room, and the Old Town’s charm becomes your personal panorama, especially magical when seen from your suite balcony at twilight, pink cocktail in hand.
Positioned near the Helsinki ferry and other Baltic destinations, the hotel offers you both a vibrant urban rhythm and an invitation to easily explore the broader Baltic beauty. The wellness spa is a must-visit, a haven of relaxation offering four unique sauna experiences.
The culinary journey is exquisite, from the sumptuous Nordic breakfast buffet to the crafted cocktails at dusk. Multilingual staff, high-speed WiFi, and a modern fitness center further enhance your stay. Explicitly queer-friendly, the Metropol invites you to experience its enchanting hospitality in a city that celebrates diversity, promising a stay as unforgettable as Tallinn itself.
A boutique hotel in Tallinn that fuses the city’s medieval past with its modern future. Found across three renovated 14th-century merchant’s houses, each room offers individual design with a historic twist, including unique furnishings and beautiful hardwood floors.
We also loved the exposed-beam ceilings, 4-poster beds and free-standing tubs that made us feel like Disney Princesses, and there is even one room with a piano! Complete with a hip bar and on-site restaurant serving up gourmet Estonian dishes inspired by the past when the lively street outside was a marketplace for spices, meats, and grains.
A luxe award-winning hotel set in a classic 1878 building just steps from the medieval Old Town. A distinguished property part of the LGBT-friendly Marriot Hotel Chain’s Autograph Collection. Located in the former Estonian Telegraph office, there is a certain amount of mystery in this hotel which offers modern convenes but a decor that takes you back in time.
Experience a slower pace of life, and enjoy the moment in refined rooms with deco touches. Amenities include an indoor swimming pool, spa, jacuzzi, sauna, beautiful courtyard terrace, and posh lobby bar.
A gay-popular luxury hotel with a soul. This one-of-a-kind property is in a recently renovated 14th-century building so that you can expect plenty of charm. With tufted headboards, homely rooms and small touches like loaner iPads and espresso machines in the suites, we can see why the Schlössle Hotel is so gay-popular.
With many rooms and public spaces having wood-beam ceilings, you get a real sense of living in Old Tallinn in this atmospheric hotel, complete with two refined restaurants, a free breakfast, and a cute courtyard.
A gay-popular hotel in Tallinn, and for a good reason. The Hilton chain is internationally known for its support of LGBT causes, and as such many gay travelers opt for the Hilton every time. This location, however, has many of its own merits, including being newly built in a striking glass building with polished, understanding rooms and gorgeous floor-to-ceiling windows.
The city center is a short tram trip from outside the front door, but the 24/7 gym, indoor pool, jacuzzi and sun terrace mean you have plenty of reasons to stay in. Splurge on a city view room for fabulous views of the entire Old Town of Tallinn as you lay in bed.
Frequently booked out, but if it’s available, we love this relaxing hotel close to the center of town. Boasting extensive spa facilities’ a gym, a bar and a swimming pool, it’s the perfect cheap escape to relax while in town. The rooms are clean and well-appointed, and there are often cute sporty guys hanging by the pool. One of the most frequently booked hotels by our guests.
Oh, sweethearts, let me introduce you to the coziest gem in Tallinn’s crown, Fat Margaret’s Hostel! Brimming with friendly vibes and a warm welcome that could melt the ice off even the coldest Estonian winter, it’s an absolute haven for our vibrant queer tribe. Embellished with a comfortable lounge and private, tidy rooms and even a sauna, it is an affordable indulgence that will make your trip to Tallinn truly unforgettable!
All the other hostels in Tallinn we looked at are pretty bleak – and attract a dubious clientele. Here, however, we found polite roommates, friendly staff and immaculate facilities.
If you want to see Tallinn on a budget, don’t mind sharing a dorm and want to make friends to explore the nightlife, then this is the place to stay!
Gay Bars and Gay Clubs in Tallinn
While Tallinn is increasingly getting a reputation as one of the best party cities in Europe, this sadly does not extend to its gay scene, and there is only one ‘true’ gay bar in the city.
If you are interested, Prague is the gay nightlife capital of Eastern Europe, but Helsinki, just a short ferry trip away, also has a vibrant gay scene – it’s just far more expensive!
If you’re looking to party the night away with your queer family, X-Baar Or HELLo Bar are your only choices, but if you don’t mind shifting through straights, there are some gay-popular hipster cocktail bars, bohemian cafes and all-night dance events.
While Tallinn might be the most liberal city in the Baltics, open displays of affection outside of gay bars can lead to trouble – especially late at night – so discretion is advised.
Things are getting better, however, and many young clubbers don’t mind if you are gay or straight, thanks to changing attitudes towards the LGBT community in Estonia, but homophobia is still a serious issue.
New gay clubs also seem to open up now and again but don’t ever seem to last long, but please contact us if you find more. Just use your common sense and discretion, don’t overthink things, and you can enjoy what is certain to be a crazy, fun night out in Gay Tallinn.
An LGBT community group that organizes gay events across the Baltics, though mostly in Tartu. Check out their Facebook page to see if they have any upcoming gay events in Tallinn, most of which are ‘hetero-friendly dance events!
The only real gay club left in Tallinn. A friendly, open place with is always busy with a free drink at the entrance, a large dance floor area and plenty of pop favorites. There are two bars, fun events, plenty of mood-setting pink lights and, yes, a stripper pole if you really want to show off.
Lesbians are welcomed here, but there are no specific lesbian bars in Tallinn that we are aware of. An integral part of the Tallinn gay scene for 15 years, let’s hope they have some company soon!
A delightful addition to the vibrant gay scene in the historic Old Town of Tallinn. Situated at the heart of the city at Vaike Karja 1, its bold presence in such a central location is a fantastic testament to Tallinn’s burgeoning openness and queer-friendly vibe. A hub of freedom and self-expression, HELLo! warmly invites you to define your own experience, whether it leans towards the heavenly or the devilish. It’s not often we encounter such a fabulous gay bar daringly occupying a prominent place, reflecting the fabulous evolution Tallinn is experiencing in embracing the LGBT+ community.
So cool, that there is no sign, a locked door and no one out front. To get into this underground speakeasy, you need to call a discreet phone number listed in tiny letters by itself on the wooden door and wait for someone to let you in. In reality, if you are a tourist without a working phone, just wait for another patron to come by and tag along with them.
Inside is frequently packed, but even if you miss out on a table, you can grab a seat at the bar, where the skilled bartender craft alcoholic works of art right in front of your eyes. The Match Gin Cocktail is simply divine- or why not try a Lemon Pie liquid dessert with Waqar pisco, aged Italian wine, Marsala, homemade whey, vanilla-lemon curd & melt-in-your-mouth meringue?
With a wide selection of thought-out cocktails, excellent service, and a chic interior – this speakeasy is a must-visit when in Tallinn.
Not to be confused with a gay bar in Tallinn, but a popular place dedicated to the Depeche Mode bands whose song “People Are People” is an anthem for the LGBT community. Don’t know it? It was regularly played at gay establishments and gay pride festivals in the late 1980s and has been covered by RuPaul. A fun atmosphere has a 20-year history and plenty of locals and tourists.
Lounge 24 @ Radisson Blue Sky Hotel
A chic rooftop bar offering some of the best views over Tallinn with delicious cocktails and a relaxed terrace. A romantic spot for gay couples to enjoy the view by day or by night, or perfect for meeting someone from a dating app if you are staying at the hotel or nearby.
An absolutely beautiful pub that is worth the trip for the Insta photos alone. Sure, you are no more likely to meet gay people here than anywhere else, but this Tallinn pub has cheap beers, plenty of locals, and gives a taste of real Estonian culture.
Possibly the unique place in Tallinn, and in an urban landscape littered with extraordinary wonders, this is no small feat. Tacky as hell, but somehow the Latino burlesque decor mixed with Gold Baroque works.
The drinks here were even more standout, so good in fact you can just pop in for a quick nip and to admire the psychedelic walls or gorgeous bar – though the food here is equally outstanding.
Housed in the same charming building, there is the similarly beautiful Tai Boh upstairs with a similar LSD-inspired design palate but with an Oriental theme. Both are a must for foodies and design fans, but reservations are essential in summer months or weekends.
A gay-popular wine bar and cafe with a creative atmosphere and inclusive vibes. If you want to enjoy a low-key meeting or plan to strike up a conversation with strangers, this is a great place to start. Plenty of items here tell a story; it’s almost like a museum cafe and art gallery all in one!
An insanely popular cocktail bar perfect for mixing with hipster locals – or perhaps dabbling in some psychoanalysis. It’s all your mother’s fault, isn’t it? Trendy, delicious and nothing but 10s,10s, and 10s across the board!
Gay Cruising & Gay Saunas in Tallinn
Those who are interested in the Tallinn gay sauna scene will be disappointed to learn there is only one in all of Estonia. It seems these days; people prefer to meet in hook-up apps and clubs.
Thankfully, Club 69, the only gay sauna in Tallinn, always seems to be busy! Filled with fit young guys on weekends/weeknights and older guys during the weekday, so take your pick.
Cheap drinks, relaxed and friendly vibes with a steam sauna, jacuzzi, bar, spa and relaxing private cabins. Club 69 holds multiple events throughout the week with different themes and discounts.
LGBT travelers should take care never to confuse gay saunas with traditional saunas, as it would be extremely awkward to make advances in a traditional sauna in Tallinn – which is all about health and relaxation rather than sex.
Public saunas, however, are the best place for tourists to get a crash course in this intrinsic part of Estonian culture, and no visit to Tallinn would be complete without an authentic sauna experience. Most public saunas in Estonia are separated by sex, and guests will generally be naked, though there are a few exceptions.
You can also try SexMax shop, an adult sex toy store in Tallinn with video booths and glory holes or MaleSecrets lounge, a swingers club that holds an exclusive gay party every Saturday from 10 pm.
Gay Map Of Tallinn
Finding it hard to envisage where everything is in Tallinn? Hopefully, this queer-centric map helps where we have marked all the bars, clubs, parties, hotels, saunas, massages and more will help you stay in the spot best suited to you!