One of the reasons that many people choose to make their way to continental Europe is the excellent preservation of history. All across the continent, you can find examples of Europe’s interesting and long history still preserved to near-perfection. And, if you consider yourself a history buff, you absolutely need to make your way over to Estonia, particularly to its capital city of Tallinn. Truly, Tallinn is one of the most well-preserved medieval cities in all of Europe, and it's absolutely littered with historic churches, fortresses, towers, and much more, most of which are available for touring. A trip to Tallinn will make you feel like you’ve stepped into a time machine.
Situated on a bay in the Gulf of Finland, the area that is now the city of Tallinn has been inhabited for at least 5,000 years. Around the year 1050, the city’s first fortress was erected on the limestone hill in the center of the city known as Toompea. Throughout the 1200s, the city of Tallinn became an important port for trade and, thus, became a target for powers such as the Kingdom of Denmark, the Teutonic Knights, and the Hanseatic League. Over the next few centuries, the city would trade hands between European powers. During World War II, Tallinn was occupied by both the Red Army and the Nazis. Today, the Old Town section of Tallinn is considered a UNESCO World Heritage site. Obviously, a city with such a rich history is definitely worth visiting. So, if you want to learn as much as possible about the city of Tallinn, hire a motorcycle and drive around each of its historic monuments.
Here is everything you need to know about motorbike hire in Tallinn. Most things here can also be applied if you are renting a scooter as well. This guide includes:
- Whether you need an international driving permit to hire a motorbike in Estonia
- The normal price of hiring a motorbike in Tallinn
- The best places to find a motorcycle rental in Tallinn
- Whether it’s dangerous to rent a motorbike in Tallinn
- The best things to do in Tallinn by motorcycle
Do You Need an International Driving Permit to Hire a Motorbike in Estonia?
If you have a valid driver’s license from a country within the European Union, you are legally allowed to drive a motor vehicle in Estonia for up to 90 days. However, if you’re from the United States or the United Kingdom, you are required to obtain an international driving permit in order to drive in Estonia.
If you want to apply for your international driving permit, you can do so online here. The permit takes about two weeks to come in the mail, so you should make sure to send in your application at least two weeks before departing for Estonia. There is also an application fee of $20. Once you have your IDP, it will be valid anywhere in the world for one full year.
What Is the Average Cost of Renting a Motorcycle in Tallinn?
In general, renting a motorcycle anywhere in Europe isn’t going to be exactly cheap, and Estonia is no exception. For example, if you want to rent a proper motorcycle in the city of Tallinn, such as a BMW F900R, you’re looking at paying around €105 per day. However, if you’re looking to rent something even more powerful, such as a BMW R1250GS, you can expect to pay around €120 per day.
No matter what kind of vehicle you choose to rent, you should always make sure that insurance and helmet rental are included in the stated rental price. It is illegal to drive a motorbike in Estonia without a helmet and having insurance could save you a lot of money if your vehicle is damaged or stolen. You should also inquire with your rental company as to whether they offer reduced rates for weekly or monthly rentals if you plan on staying in Tallinn for a while.
Where Are the Best Places to Find Motorbike Rental in Tallinn?
If you plan on flying into Tallinn Airport, also known as Lennart Meri Tallinn Airport, the only international airport in Estonia, you probably won’t be able to find motorcycle rental directly at the airport. However, you should be able to take a short taxi ride to a nearby motorcycle rental shop and then drive yourself to your accommodation.
One of the best parts of Tallinn to start your search for a rental motorbike is around Veskimetsa, where there is a large park and a lot of tourist services. You should also have some luck in the neighborhood of Luite, which sits right along the coastline.
Is It Safe to Hire a Motorbike in Tallinn?
In terms of overall safety, Tallinn is a very stress-free and safe city to visit for foreigners. The crime rate is very low and people in Estonia are typically very kind and helpful. However, there are some things to be aware of if you plan on driving in Tallinn.
In general, driving in Tallinn is quite safe. The nation of Estonia has very strict traffic laws that are well enforced. In the more rural areas, though, you should be wary of poor road conditions and animals crossing the roads. There is a particular problem in Estonia with people having collisions with moose. Estonia drivers can also be a bit aggressive and may overtake you in an unsafe manner. If you drive defensively, you’ll be just fine.
What Are the Best Things to Do in Tallinn by Motorbike?
Now that you have all of the important information that you need to hire a motorcycle in Tallinn, here are some of the best things to do around the city:
Old Town
The most popular attraction in the city of Tallinn is the Old Town district, which is full to the brim with well-preserved medieval architecture. For this reason, this part of the city was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site. In this part of the city, you’ll be treated to lively cafes, cobblestone streets, and all sorts of amazing churches and remnants of old fortresses.
You can start your journey at the city’s Town Hall, which looks like an old church and houses a ton of valuable artworks. Then, you can head over to the Viru Gate, which was once part of the Old Town’s defense system. Finally, check out Raeapteek, one of Europe’s oldest continually running pharmacies.
Lennusadam Seaplane Harbor
Many people don’t know that Estonia actually has over 2,300 islands in its territory. Thus, the country has developed quite a maritime culture, all of which culminates at Lennusadam Seaplane Harbor. At this harbor, you can see hundreds of boats and step inside one of the most interesting museums in Europe.
The Submarine EML Lembit is part of a museum inside a vessel from the 1930s, allowing you to see one of the last remaining submarines from its era. There are also hundreds of other artifacts throughout the museum that help you learn about Estonia’s maritime history.
Tallinn TV Tower
If you’re looking for one of the more modern attractions in Tallinn, head over to the Tallinn TV Tower. This tower stands 314 meters up in the air and even has an observation deck on the 21st floor that offers incredible views of the city.
If you want to get your heart rate up, you can visit the Walk on the Edge experience and actually strap into a harness and walk along a ledge on an outdoor terrace on the 22nd floor. There is also a small museum that gives the history of Estonia’s tallest building.
Tour Around Tallinn on a Motorcycle
The city of Tallinn is a time capsule of the history of Estonia combined with the amenities of the modern era. There’s so much to do and see in the city that you could spend weeks there and barely scratch the surface. So, if you want to get the most out of your experience there, hire a motorbike and drive around at your leisure.
Napisao 
