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. 🎟️
💖 Unique Souvenirs
Buy 'love potion' marzipan, garlic chocolate, or local tinctures for a unique gift. 🎁
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.6 · 841 reviews
Type
Pharmacy
Website
raeapteek.eeHighlights
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. 🎟️
💖 Unique Souvenirs
Buy 'love potion' marzipan, garlic chocolate, or local tinctures for a unique gift. 🎁
🕰️ Oldest in Europe
This pharmacy has been operating continuously since 1422! 🕐
⚕️ Working Pharmacy
It's still a functioning pharmacy, so you can buy modern medicines too. 💊
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Free Museum Entry
The museum section is free to explore, offering a glimpse into medieval medicine. 🎟️
💖 Unique Souvenirs
Buy 'love potion' marzipan, garlic chocolate, or local tinctures for a unique gift. 🎁
🕰️ Oldest in Europe
This pharmacy has been operating continuously since 1422! 🕐
⚕️ Working Pharmacy
It's still a functioning pharmacy, so you can buy modern medicines too. 💊
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. 🚗
🎫 🎫 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. 🎟️
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. 🕐
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. 🍪
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. 🍴
📸 📸 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. 💡
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit