Town Hall Pharmacy
Europe's oldest continuously operating pharmacy since 1422, blending a free museum of medieval remedies with a working shop.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed browsing
Town Hall Pharmacy
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed browsing
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Europe's oldest continuously operating pharmacy since 1422, blending a free museum of medieval remedies with a working shop.
"This may be the oldest pharmacy in Europe that is in continuous operations since the early 1400s."
🎯 Free Museum Entry
The museum section is free to explore, offering a glimpse into medieval medicine. :ticket:
💖 Unique Souvenirs
Buy 'love potion' marzipan, garlic chocolate, or local tinctures for a unique gift. :gift:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Medieval Pharmacy Museum
Inside the Town Hall Pharmacy
Explore centuries-old medicinal remedies, bizarre historical artifacts, and learn about the pharmacy's rich past. Free to enter!
Unique Local Products
Pharmacy counter
Discover locally produced tinctures, fortified wine, honey, chocolate, and even 'love potion' marzipan.
Historic Ambiance
Entire pharmacy
Soak in the atmosphere of Europe's oldest continuously operating pharmacy, a true step back in time.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Step Back in Time
Free & Fascinating
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Free Museum Entry
The museum section is free to explore, offering a glimpse into medieval medicine. :ticket:
💖 Unique Souvenirs
Buy 'love potion' marzipan, garlic chocolate, or local tinctures for a unique gift. :gift:
🕰️ Oldest in Europe
This pharmacy has been operating continuously since 1422! :clock:
⚕️ Working Pharmacy
It's still a functioning pharmacy, so you can buy modern medicines too. :pill:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Free Museum Entry
The museum section is free to explore, offering a glimpse into medieval medicine. :ticket:
💖 Unique Souvenirs
Buy 'love potion' marzipan, garlic chocolate, or local tinctures for a unique gift. :gift:
🕰️ Oldest in Europe
This pharmacy has been operating continuously since 1422! :clock:
⚕️ Working Pharmacy
It's still a functioning pharmacy, so you can buy modern medicines too. :pill:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the Town Hall Pharmacy, calling it a 'must-see' and a 'favorite space' in Tallinn. Its status as Europe's oldest continuously operating pharmacy, combined with a free and fascinating museum, makes it a unique historical gem. While it's a working pharmacy, the medieval ambiance and unique local products like marzipan and tinctures are highlights.
"This may be the oldest pharmacy in Europe that is in continuous operations since the early 1400s. It remains as an operating pharmacy today as well as a pharmacy museum. Tourists can book an appointment to learn about this pharmacy with a Pharmacy Historian. The experience was not only interesting but educational as well. For example, people in the medieval times cannot read so the tradition of displaying a blue and red liquid jars on premise was a symbol for a pharmacy. Can you find this from my photos?"
C Neon
"Great local pharmacy. They offer regular pharmacy goods, some locally produced tinctures, fortified wine and even honey & chocolate. The included medieval pharmacy museum is fantastic and free to visit."
Melissa McCann
"600+ year old beautiful pharmacy, my favorite space in the whole city! It functions as a small local pharmacy and has on display, FOR FREE, reminiscence of the role the pharmacy has played over the centuries. A must-see place in Tallinn!"
Neh C
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Town Hall Pharmacy (Raeapteek) is located in the heart of Tallinn's Old Town, on Town Hall Square (Raekoja plats). It's easily accessible on foot from most central Tallinn locations. If you're arriving by public transport, look for bus or tram stops near the Old Town.
Parking in Tallinn's Old Town is generally restricted and can be expensive. It's recommended to use public transport or park in designated parking lots outside the Old Town walls and walk in. :car:
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the museum section of the Town Hall Pharmacy is free to visit! You can explore the historical displays without purchasing a ticket. :ticket:
The pharmacy operates as a working establishment, so its hours are generally aligned with retail businesses. It's best to check their official website or inquire locally for the most up-to-date opening times, as they can vary. :clock:
Yes, you can book appointments to learn about the pharmacy with a Pharmacy Historian for a more in-depth experience. This offers educational insights into its long history. :pagefacingup:
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can explore the free museum showcasing medieval medicinal remedies, historical artifacts, and learn about the pharmacy's 600+ year history. It's also a functioning pharmacy where you can purchase modern medicines and unique local products. :shopping_bags:
Yes, children might find the historical displays and unique products like marzipan interesting. The free entry to the museum makes it an accessible stop for families. :child:
Besides regular pharmacy goods, you can find locally produced tinctures, fortified wine, honey, chocolate, and special marzipan creations. :chocolate_bar:
In medieval times, when many people couldn't read, the blue and red liquid jars displayed outside the pharmacy served as a visual symbol to indicate it was a place for medicinal remedies. :droplet:
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The Town Hall Pharmacy does not serve meals. However, they do sell unique food items like honey, chocolate (including garlic and onion flavored!), and special marzipan. :cookie:
Yes, being located in Tallinn's Old Town, there are numerous restaurants, cafes, and eateries surrounding Town Hall Square offering a wide variety of cuisines. :forkandknife:
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally allowed for personal use in the museum section. However, it's always polite to be mindful of other visitors and staff. :camerawithflash:
The interior with its historical displays, the unique product shelves, and the exterior facade on Town Hall Square are all great for photos. Look for the distinctive blue and red liquid jars. :bulb:
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The unique products for sale, like the 'love potion' marzipan and novelty chocolates, can also be a fun treat for kids to discover. It's a compact and easily manageable stop within the Old Town, perfect for a short break that's both educational and entertaining.💰 Budget Travelers
You can still soak in the atmosphere, learn about its 600-year history, and admire the unique interior. If you wish to purchase something, consider the affordable local products like honey or marzipan, which are reasonably priced souvenirs that support a historic establishment.🏛️ History Buffs
The museum section provides a deep dive into medieval pharmacy practices, showcasing authentic remedies and historical artifacts. For an even richer experience, consider booking a session with a Pharmacy Historian to uncover the intricate details of its past and its role in Tallinn's development.Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Glimpse into Medieval Medicine
Stepping inside is like stepping back in time, where you can witness the evolution of medicinal practices. The free museum section showcases a fascinating array of medieval remedies, from dried herbs and animal parts to peculiar concoctions. You'll see historical tools and learn about the pharmacy's role in the community throughout the centuries.One of the most intriguing aspects is understanding how people navigated healthcare before widespread literacy. The blue and red liquid jars displayed prominently were crucial visual cues for the public, signaling the presence of a pharmacy and its services.
Beyond the historical exhibits, the pharmacy also offers a selection of unique local products. These include artisanal tinctures, fortified wines, local honey, and even novelty chocolates like garlic and onion flavors, alongside their famous 'love potion' marzipan.
These items make for memorable souvenirs and a taste of Estonian tradition. The staff, sometimes dressed in medieval attire, add to the immersive experience, making your visit both educational and delightful.Navigating the Old Town Gem
While the Old Town is best explored on foot, be aware that parking within the historic center is limited and often expensive. Many visitors opt to park in designated lots outside the walls and enjoy a short walk into the heart of the city.As a working pharmacy, the Raeapteek maintains regular business hours, though it's always wise to check for any seasonal changes or specific holiday closures. The museum portion, however, is free to enter, making it an excellent budget-friendly activity.
This accessibility allows everyone to experience a piece of Tallinn's rich history without an admission fee. For those seeking a deeper understanding, the option to book an appointment with a Pharmacy Historian provides a more personalized and in-depth exploration of the pharmacy's past.When visiting, take your time to absorb the atmosphere. The blend of ancient remedies and modern pharmaceuticals creates a unique ambiance. Don't hesitate to ask the staff about the products or the history; they are often knowledgeable and happy to share insights. The unique souvenirs available, like the special marzipan or local tinctures, are perfect for bringing a piece of Tallinn home with you.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit