Writer: Helena Bergström
Updated: August 2026 | Kadriorg Palace is one of Tallinn's most magnificent historical buildings. The Baroque palace was built in the 18th century for the Russian Tsar Peter the Great and his wife Catherine I and is surrounded by the large Kadriorg Park. Today it houses the Kadriorg Art Museum, with older European and Russian art. We visited both the palace and the area during a trip to Tallinn.
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Kadriorg – a green district in Tallinn
Kadriorg is located east of central Tallinn and is a pleasant area to explore on foot. It is home to green parks, elegant villas and charming wooden houses, but above all the magnificent Kadriorg Palace and its gardens.
When we visited the area, we walked there from our hotel in central Tallinn. The weather was less than charming with slush everywhere, but we still managed to see many nice old wooden houses along the way.
Summer residence for Russian tsars
Construction of Kadriorg Palace began in 1718 on the initiative of Russian Tsar Peter the Great. The palace was named Catharinenthal, or Kadriorg in Estonian, after his wife Catherine I, and was designed by Italian architect Nicola Michetti.
The magnificent Baroque palace was surrounded by a formal garden inspired by the great palaces of Europe and served as the summer residence of the Russian emperors until 1917. Later, the building was used as an art museum and during the 1930s as the residence of the Estonian head of state. Since 2000, the palace has been a museum again
Visit Kadriorg Art Museum
Today, the palace houses the Kadriorg Art Museum, which displays older Western European and Russian art from the collections of the Art Museum of Estonia. The exhibitions include paintings, sculptures and crafts from the 16th century onwards.
The palace itself is just as worth seeing. The richly decorated great hall with stucco and Baroque details is considered one of Estonia's most important Baroque interiors. When we visited the museum, we were almost as captivated by the rooms as we were by the art.
More art museums in Kadriorg
Kadriorg is something of a center for art and museums in Tallinn. Nearby are, among other things, Kumu Art Museum, which is the main building of the Art Museum of Estonia and focuses on Estonian art. It also houses the Mikkel Museum, which is located in a former kitchen building in the palace grounds.
Cafés and restaurants in Kadriorg
After visiting the palace, we went to NOP, Neighborhood Organic Place, which is located in a charming wooden house in Kadriorg. When we were here, the place functioned as both a café, restaurant and small shop with organic and local products.
We settled down with rye bread, avocado, cold smoked salmon and poached eggs – plus a local beer. A very nice end to the excursion.
More to see and do in Tallinn
There is of course much more to see and do when you visit Tallinn – and around Estonia. Here you will find tips and reports.
FAQ – Frequently asked questions about Kadriorg Palace
What is Kadriorg Palace?
Kadriorg Palace is a Baroque palace in Tallinn that began construction in 1718 for the Russian Tsar Peter the Great and his wife Catherine I. Today, the building houses the Kadriorg Art Museum.
What can you see in Kadriorg Palace?
You can see the palace's historic interiors and art from mainly Western Europe and Russia. The magnificent Baroque hall is one of the building's highlights.
Is Kadriorg Park worth a visit?
Yes, the palace is located in a large park area, which makes it easy to combine a visit with a walk. There are also several other museums and attractions in the area.
How far is Kadriorg from the center of Tallinn?
Kadriorg is located just east of central Tallinn and can be reached both on foot and by public transport. The exact travel time depends on where in the city centre you start.
Can you combine Kadriorg Palace with Kumu?
Yes. Kumu Art Museum is located in the same larger park area and is a good place to combine with Kadriorg Palace if you are interested in art.
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Lennart says:
Tallinn is a cosy city!
14 April 2017 - 7:18
Helena says:
Agree!!! Although the weather was not so cosy yesterday 😉 Looks more promising today!
14 April 2017 - 8:40
Lena - gott för själen says:
Oh, those palaces! What riches!
I have been on a cruise to Tallinn with the usual few hours on site. So I would like to return to see more. The city managed to appeal to me.
Happy Easter to you!
Hug Lena
14 April 2017 - 7:59
Helena says:
Yes Tallinn is a nice city! Of course, you can't do much in a few hours, although you might be able to get a feeling anyway 🙂 Happy Easter!
14 April 2017 - 8:42
Christian says:
Tallinn is really nice! Don't miss the cool bars there! http://www.matochresebloggen.se/resor/europa/estland
14 April 2017 - 9:02
Helena says:
Thanks for the link! I used Peter's "Travelling the world" and found a lot of tips from you, Lena, Lina and others 🙂.
14 April 2017 - 9:18
Dianasdrömmar says:
Cosy 🙂 really sharp turns what you have time for hugs and happy Easter.
14 April 2017 - 9:09
Helena says:
Yes, now it is full roll 🙂 We simply wanted to take the opportunity to travel when we had Easter holidays. But we have not finished writing about everything that happened in Malta yet... 😉 Wishing you a nice Easter!
14 April 2017 - 9:19
Frank Olsen says:
It looked a bit colder there than in Malta yes ðŸ™'
We were in Tallinn on our long motorbike trip and we thought the old town was really nice. There was also some "resilient" architecture in the old industrial area by the old town, where they have kept some of the old industrial buildings and built new ones in steel and glass partly together and on top of the old ones. Cool! Also interesting was the City Hall Arena built by the Russians for the 1980 Moscow Olympics.
Moscow has no water to organise the sailing and rowing events, so these events were held in Tallinn in this facility:
http://janneogfrank.blogspot.no/2016/08/estland.html
We wish you nice days in Tallinn and Happy Easter!
14 April 2017 - 9:15
Helena says:
Great to see your photos! Really mixed architecture! We'll probably get the chance to see some more today. Also, the weather is nicer today, although of course it's colder than in Malta 😉.
14 April 2017 - 9:22
Thomas says:
The Lennusadam museum is well worth a visit, even if you're not particularly interested in maritime history, the building itself is quite odd and impressive, and there's a nice café too. Located by the sea, quite close to the passenger harbours and the old town.
http://meremuuseum.ee/lennusadam/en/
14 April 2017 - 9:26
Helena says:
Many thanks for the tips! 🙂
14 April 2017 - 13:54
Nils-Åke Hansson says:
Tallinn a cosy city want to go there again
14 April 2017 - 9:31
Helena says:
Agreed. And today we also have sun 🙂
14 April 2017 - 13:55
Thomas says:
There are so many high-class restaurants these days, but the medieval restaurant Olde Hansa is a classic, with a really nice atmosphere. Located in the centre of the old town, right next to the town hall square.
14 April 2017 - 9:42
Helena says:
Thanks for the tips! We saw Olde Hansa today. It did not fit to eat right then, but nice house to take pictures 🙂
14 April 2017 - 13:56
Ama de casa says:
It is so nice in Tallinn! 🙂
A tip could be to stop fighting with the god of the sea and instead pray to the weather gods for better weather 😉.
But I really love the picture with the "fight" 😀.
14 April 2017 - 10:12
Helena says:
But it still seems to have had an effect...! Significantly better weather today 🙂
14 April 2017 - 13:56
Johnny Friskilä says:
After maybe 10-15 times in Tallinn, it was only now in January that I walked to Kadriorg. The weather was not much better then. Then to Keskturg after that, which is my favourite. 🙂
14 April 2017 - 10:13
Helena says:
Googled keskturg and it seems to be a market? We like markets too 🙂
14 April 2017 - 13:57
Znogge says:
Tallinn is on my list! Seems like an interesting and worthwhile city.
Happy Good Friday!
14 April 2017 - 10:37
Helena says:
The old town is extremely charming too! Happy Easter!
14 April 2017 - 13:58
Comsi Comsa says:
Happy Easter to you!
Hugs ♥
14 April 2017 - 11:17
Helena says:
Likewise! Wishing you a very nice Easter!
14 April 2017 - 13:58
Alexandra says:
I like Tallinn and have probably been there 6-7 times! Take a walk to Linnahall if you are fascinated by abandoned places. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Linnahall ?
14 April 2017 - 12:27
Helena says:
I understand that you like Tallinn! Thanks for the tips! 🙂
14 April 2017 - 18:49
Geddfish says:
The longest I have been to Tallinn is the film "Cod on Tallinn" 😀.
Wow, my list is long of what I want to see before I fall off the stick. Bucket list, it's called.
Happy Easter ?
14 April 2017 - 12:44
Helena says:
Yes, we also have a long list like that, haha. But it is probably good to have things to dream about, I think. Some will become reality and some will not. Happy Easter!
14 April 2017 - 18:50
BP says:
Former Russian palaces are so incredibly beautiful and at the same time so opulent. Given the lousy weather (not much better here, but at least no snow) I can recommend Tallinn's largest indoor shopping mall Tallinna Kaubamaja. Strolling around the Old Town with lots of pit stops to warm up is not bad either.
We were not as keen on Tallinn as we were on Riga.
14 April 2017 - 13:56
Helena says:
We have looked in Kaubamaja today and also the Old Town. We also like Riga! Don't really know how to compare really. But Riga is a little bigger?
14 April 2017 - 18:51
Ditte says:
Tallinn is probably best in beautiful weather - but to try the spa for a few hours is relaxing. I have been a lot in Tallinn over the years and have relatives both there and in other cities - I see that you have received good tips on things to do and the whole old town in Tallinn is a piece of history. The old town hall, Town Hall Square, the old pharmacy, St Nicholas Church, Town Hall Tower and go up there. Also the historical museum yuckte I was worth a visit. An old café, Maismokk is nice If I had a day left, I would probably try to get outside Tallinn towards Pernau or Narva. But of course you want sun.
In terms of restaurants, I don't know if these are still there but Troika, a Russian restaurant, mix with its medieval vaults. In the past the Tchaikovsky restaurant was considered good, but today I don't know, they had tasting menus.
The bar at the Savoy Hotel was also nice.
Good luck!
14 April 2017 - 16:22
Helena says:
Thanks for the tips! Yes, we have received many good tips! Will probably not be able to graze half of them ... 😉 But still great! Today we have had much nicer weather. Cold, but sunny!
14 April 2017 - 19:55
Biggeros says:
Have unfortunately not been to Tallinn. Liked the fine wooden palace and the magnificent interior. Too bad the weather was not the best. Especially having just come from the heat in Malta. Luckily there are cosy spots to enjoy good food and local beer// Happy Easter!
14 April 2017 - 16:23
Helena says:
The weather is better today! Still cold, but sunny and no snow 🙂 Wishing you a nice Easter!
14 April 2017 - 21:28
Petra says:
I tried that beer at a fair in Stockholm not too long ago. Really good:-) You must have a great trip in Tallinn, will go there in the autumn with work so I am happy to receive tips:-)
Happy Easter!
/Petra
14 April 2017 - 16:31
Helena says:
Glad you found this beer in Sweden! We thought it was really good! Thank you, and hopefully we can deliver some tips in the next few days 😉.
14 April 2017 - 21:29
Johanna i Skåne says:
A walk in the winding streets of the old town 🙂 Didn't we have Saku and a long drink in one of the squares? With some guys from the Swedish Navy?
14 April 2017 - 16:57
Johanna i Skåne says:
Skip Hostel Akmis!!! Just remembered that we laughed a lot there (after buying buns (which turned out to contain prince sausages) but that the standard was hm... different.
14 April 2017 - 17:01
Helena says:
Wow, impressed that you remember the name of the hostel! I did not, but I remember very well the disgusting mattresses, and that we got an extra roommate all of a sudden 😉 Also remember very well those buns with sausages in them. Haha, then we had a lot of fun actually! That whole trip was fun! 🙂 The city is basically the same now, but the exotic is almost gone. The world is becoming more and more similar everywhere ... for better or worse.
14 April 2017 - 21:31
Ann-Louise says:
Seems like you have about the same weather as we have here in Stockholm today. I've never been to Tallinn but I'm a little eager to go there sometime in the future, especially since we discovered that my partner has ancestors from Estonia, which makes it a little extra interesting to go there. I will try to remember the tip about the restaurant until then because I like to eat organic 🙂.
14 April 2017 - 23:42
Matts Torebring says:
We have only been to Tallinn once. We remember the magnificent interior of the houses. Have a good time!
16 April 2017 - 8:16
Håkan Björfelt says:
Very nice travel description of Tallinn.I have been there a few times before and just like you I think it's great.I bought crystal glasses there for hyfsa-this was a long time ago when the price was very good.Thanks again for the description.MVH Håkan Björfelt
03 April 2022 - 14:57