Imperial avenues and art halls: a self-guided journey through Kadriorg

Kadriorg is one of Tallinn's most elegant areas and the historic home of the city's upper class. Now it's known for its park and wooden architecture.

Visit Tallinn

Come and discover the most elegant area of Tallinn!

After the conquest of Estonian territories in the 18th century, the Russian Tsar Peter I built a palace and a park complex near Tallinn’s seashore. A new residential area began to develop in the area, and it was named Katharinenthal — later changed to the Estonian Kadriorg — after Catherine, Peter's beloved wife.

Today, the Kadriorg area is known for its museums and beautiful historic park. This route takes you through its quiet streets, offering a break from the city's hustle and bustle.

What to expect along the way:

Main attractions: Kadriorg Park, Kadriorg Art Museum, Kumu Art Museum, Miiamilla Children's Museum, A. H. Tammsaare Museum, Eduard Vilde Museum, NOP Café and Shop
Distance: 2-3 km
Duration: About 1.5 hours without museum visits
Season: Any time of year
How to get there: Trams from Hobujaama (No. 1 or 3) or from Balti Jaam (No. 1)
Where to start: In front of the Katharinenthal Café
Sustainable choices: Neighborhood favorite NOP serves organic dishes made with seasonal ingredients whenever possible in its café, while the shop offers a variety of local produce and locally made foods.

The city's most enchanting green space

Kadriorg Park

Kadriorg Park is one of Estonia's most prominent palace and park ensembles, covering almost 70 hectares. Kadriorg Palace and the park were built in 1718 on the orders of Russian Tsar Peter I, who wanted a summer palace here. Examples of park design from the 18th and 19th centuries can be seen here today, plus additions from the 20th century.

The jewel of the park is Swan Lake, with a beautiful pavilion in the center where ducks and swans can be seen nesting in the warmer months. As you walk around the pond, you can admire sculptures depicting major Estonian cultural figures. Kadriorg Park's long history is also reflected in the fact that gardens and areas in different styles have sprung up over time – you can admire a French-style rose garden, stroll through a lush English-style landscape, or take a moment to meditate in the wonderful Japanese garden.

The total length of the footpaths through the park is 16 kilometers, so you can easily get your recommended daily steps in by walking or jogging here.

Couple sits on the grass in Kadriorg Park

Photo author: Rasmus Jurkatam

Food for the mind

Art museums and writers' homes

In addition to its soul-soothing greenery, Kadriorg Park is home to Estonia's most important art museums – Kadriorg Palace houses the Kadriorg Art Museum, a branch of the Art Museum of Estonia dedicated to foreign art. Just a few steps away, Kumu Art Museum is home to some of the most significant works of Estonian art.

Families with young children should visit the Miiamilla Children's Museum, which offers fun, hands-on exhibits for children aged 2-10.

Kadriorg’s residential area has been home to major figures of Estonian culture, whose beautiful wooden villas still stand on quiet streets. Visitors can explore the museum of the great Estonian writer Anton Hansen Tammsaare, while the Eduard Vilde Museum is located right next to the park.

All these museums can be visited free of charge with the Tallinn Card. On the first Sunday of every month, you can visit the Miiamilla, Vilde, and Tammsaare museums free of charge as part of Museum Sunday.

Kadriorg Palace and art museum in Tallinn

Photo author: Kaupo Kalda

Great food for all tastes

Don't walk around on an empty stomach!

A walk in the park and long museum visits are sure to make you hungry at some point. Luckily, Kadriorg has a wide variety of excellent places to eat.

A local favorite is NOP Café – a cosy, home-style eatery whose menu includes dishes made from organic eggs, as well as a range of vegan and lactose- and gluten-free options. Located in a beautiful villa, Mon Repos is an elegant French brasserie-style restaurant. Restaurant Mantel and Korsten is a place of excellence in the art of cooking and has been included in the prestigious MICHELIN Guide.

Family eating at Mon Repos Restaurant in Kadriorg

Photo author: Anete Toming

Give your mind and soul a gift

Spend a day in the most elegant area of Tallinn: Kadriorg. The neighborhood's park and museums make for a relaxing day that you can top off with laidback dinner at a top-notch restaurant. If you travel to Tallinn, this area is a must-see!