Kadriorg Park and Palace

Kadriorg

A baroque palace and formal gardens built by Peter the Great, now housing art museums including the modern Kumu. The leafy park is a favorite for strolling and includes the presidential residence nearby.

Things to do

• Tour Kadriorg Palace — Explore the Baroque palace built by Peter the Great, now the Kadriorg Art Museum of foreign painting.
• Visit Kumu Art Museum — See Estonia's largest art museum, showcasing Estonian art from the 18th century to the contemporary era.
• Stroll the Flower Garden — Wander the formal Baroque swan pond and symmetrical flowerbeds behind the palace.
• See the Presidential Palace — View the official residence of Estonia's president, with its ceremonial guards on the park's edge.
• Visit the Mikkel Museum — Browse a private collection of European and Oriental art housed in the palace's former kitchen building.
• Find the Russalka Memorial — Walk toward the seafront to see the bronze angel monument commemorating a sunken warship.
• Explore the Japanese Garden — Relax in the tranquil landscaped garden with ponds, stones, and seasonal blossoms.
• Visit Peter the Great's House — See the modest cottage where the Russian tsar stayed during the palace's construction.

Food to try

• Katharinenthal Café — Enjoy coffee and cake at the elegant palace café overlooking the formal gardens.
• Kohuke — Try this beloved Estonian glazed curd snack bar sold in nearby shops and cafés.
• Black bread (leib) — Sample dense Estonian rye bread, a staple served with local meals across the city.
• Kama dessert — Taste this traditional roasted grain flour treat mixed with kefir or yogurt at local cafés.
• NOP Café — Dine at this cozy organic café just outside the park serving hearty Estonian breakfasts and cakes.

Local customs & good to know

• Buy a combined museum ticket — A single pass can grant access to several Kadriorg branch museums, saving money if you plan to see multiple.
• Keep off the formal flowerbeds — The Baroque gardens are strictly for viewing along the paths, not walking or picnicking within.
• Check Kumu's closing days — Kumu and other museums are typically closed on Mondays, so plan your visit accordingly.
• Respect the presidential grounds — Photography is fine, but stay behind barriers and be mindful of the ceremonial guards on duty.

Nearby

• Tallinn — 2 km
• Tallinn Old Town — 3 km
• Toompea Hill — 3 km
• Seaplane Harbour Museum — 3 km