Tallinn may be known for its medieval charm and lively Old Town, but it’s also gaining a reputation for innovative craft beers. The city’s brewing scene combines traditional Estonian styles with modern twists, making it a great place to explore local beer culture. While many tours focus on sightseeing, these options dive deeper into Estonia’s brewing craft — offering tastings, history, and even visits to local breweries.
One standout is the Estonian Craft Beer Tasting & History tour, led by a passionate home brewer who shares his personal insights. If you’re after a comprehensive experience that mixes history and flavor, this tour offers a relaxed setting to taste seven different beers and learn about Estonia’s brewing roots. For those interested in combining sightseeing with beer tasting, the City tour and tasting of craft beers, ciders, and cheeses takes you beyond Tallinn’s stunning Old Town into the surrounding countryside, with visits to a craft brewery and a market.
And if your goal is simply to sample Tallinn’s best craft beers in a quick, fun session, the Estonian Craft Beer Tasting in Tallinn offers a more casual, bar-hopping style experience. Each of these tours offers something unique — from personal stories and local ingredients to city-wide exploration — ensuring every beer enthusiast finds a good fit.
1. Estonian Craft Beer Tasting & History
At number one, the Estonian Craft Beer Tasting & History tour provides a highly personalized experience led by a local beer enthusiast and home brewer. For over five years, Martin has brewed more than 200 batches and tasted over 1,500 beers worldwide, which makes his tasting sessions both fun and educational. The tour lasts around two hours and introduces you to seven distinct craft beers that represent Estonia’s brewing diversity.
What makes this tour stand out is Martin’s deep knowledge of beer-making and local culture. He shares insights into Estonia’s brewing history, regional ingredients, and how local breweries are evolving. The intimate setting allows for plenty of questions and interaction, making it ideal for those who want more than just a tasting — they want a story. Reviewers praise Martin’s ability to make the experience both informative and personal, with comments like, “We learned more than I had imagined about Estonian beer and its traditions.”
This tour is best suited for travelers who love beer and want an authentic, behind-the-scenes perspective. The price is reasonable at around $57.84 per person, and the small-group format keeps the experience relaxed.
Bottom line: If you’re after a personal, knowledgeable guide and a variety of local craft beers, this is a top choice that balances price, depth, and fun.
2. City tour and tasting of craft beers, ciders, and cheeses
Number two on our list offers a well-rounded 4-hour journey through Tallinn’s top sights, combined with visits to local wineries and breweries. This tour is perfect if you want to see more than just the Old Town — it takes you into a residential area to learn about the Soviet era, out into the countryside to see Estonia’s biggest waterfall, and into a small town to visit a craft brewery.
What sets this tour apart is its variety: you get a good mix of sightseeing, local culture, and beer, cider, and cheese tastings. It includes hassle-free port pickup and drop-off, making it ideal for cruise passengers or short stays. Highlights include stops at the Aleksander Nevski Cathedral, the Danish King’s Garden, and the Balti Jaam Market, where you’ll taste regional brews and cheeses. The tour’s guide, Anastasia, is praised for her depth of historical knowledge, tying in the beer tasting with Estonia’s rich past.
The price is $106.72 per person, reflecting the longer duration and inclusions. Reviewers note that, despite some wishing for more cider tastings, the brewery visit and tasting at Balti Jaam Market make this tour a delightful way to experience Tallinn beyond the typical tourist path.
Bottom line: This tour is great for history buffs and foodies alike, offering a taste of Tallinn’s diverse districts and local brewing scene in one go.
3. Estonian Craft Beer Tasting in Tallinn
Number three keeps it simple and lively: the Estonian Craft Beer Tasting in Tallinn offers a quick but flavorful dive into local brews. For about $63.62, you’ll spend roughly an hour to an hour and a half tasting beers in a centrally located bar in the heart of the Old Town. The tour guides you through a selection of popular craft beers, including a unique brew made in a tiny village of just 11 people.
This experience emphasizes the social aspect of beer, with stops in local pubs and cafes that focus on the Estonian beer culture. It’s perfect for travelers with tight schedules or those who want a casual, fun introduction to Tallinn’s craft scene without a heavy itinerary. The guide is knowledgeable, and reviews highlight the quality of the beers, with one reviewer noting, “Enjoyed all the beers and learned a lot about local brewing.”
Since it’s a shorter tour, it offers good value for the price and is perfect for travelers who want to add a beer experience to a day of sightseeing.
Bottom line: Ideal for those seeking a quick, social taste of Tallinn’s craft beers in a relaxed setting.
4. Tallinn: Estonian Craft Beer Tasting
Number four provides a cozy setting for tasting some of Estonia’s best brews right in the heart of the Old Town. The Tallinn: Estonian Craft Beer Tasting takes place in a welcoming cafe at the Town Hall square, where you can try five different kinds of local beers along with some Estonian snacks. For around 1.5 hours, you get a focused sampling experience that’s ideal for beer lovers looking for a relaxed atmosphere.
This tour stands out for its intimate setting and the opportunity to buy a souvenir bottle, making it a nice keepsake of your trip. The guide is described as knowledgeable and friendly, ensuring you get a good overview of Estonian beer styles. Reviewers note that the beers were enjoyable and that the experience was both fun and informative.
It’s priced slightly higher but offers good value if you want a cozy, in-town tasting without the longer commitment of a city-wide tour. It’s perfect for travelers who prefer an in-depth look at Estonia’s craft beers in one place.
Bottom line: A solid choice for those wanting a relaxed, local tasting experience in Tallinn’s historic center.
5. Taste of Tallinn: Craft Beer & Local Bites Tour
Our final pick is the Taste of Tallinn: Craft Beer & Local Bites Tour, a 3-hour guided walk through Tallinn’s Old Town and Kalamaja district. This tour offers a combination of local craft beers, schnapps, and traditional Estonian snacks across six distinct stops. It’s designed for those who want to experience Tallinn’s food and drink scene in a lively, social way, with tastings from historic taverns and modern breweries.
The tour emphasizes storytelling, with guides sharing insights about Estonia’s drinking traditions and local food culture. It’s especially good for travelers interested in the seasonal variations of Tallinn’s culinary scene, as stops and tastings are tailored to the time of year. With a price of $176, it’s on the higher end, but the variety and atmosphere make it worthwhile for foodies and drink connoisseurs.
Reviewers mention the lively stops and the knowledgeable guides, describing it as one of their Baltic cruise highlights. It’s best suited for those who want a more immersive experience combining food and drink in a compact window of time.
Bottom line: Perfect for visitors who want an engaging, full-flavored introduction to Tallinn’s local bites and brews.
$176 per person
How to Choose the Best Craft Beer Tour in Tallinn
Choosing the right experience depends on your interests, budget, and how much time you want to spend. If you seek a deep dive into Estonia’s brewing scene with a personal touch, the Estonian Craft Beer Tasting & History is your best bet. For a mix of sightseeing and sampling, the City tour and tasting of craft beers, ciders, and cheeses offers a broader experience. Want just a quick taste? The Estonian Craft Beer Tasting in Tallinn is ideal.
Consider your budget, schedule, and what kind of atmosphere you prefer — more intimate, educational, or lively and social. For example, if you’re a serious beer lover craving a behind-the-scenes experience, the first tour delivers. If you’re traveling with family or a group who want to see the city with occasional tastings, the second might suit better.
Booking early is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons, to secure your spot in these popular tours. Each offers a different way to connect with Tallinn’s thriving craft beer scene — pick one that matches your curiosity and pace.
Tallinn’s craft beer scene is diverse and welcoming, offering everything from personalized tastings to city-wide explorations. Whether you want to learn about local brewing traditions or simply enjoy a cold one in a cozy pub, these tours provide authentic, memorable experiences. For a deeper appreciation of Estonia’s unique flavors, consider booking a tour that aligns with your interests and schedule — and don’t forget to raise a glass to good travel.