Attractions & museums

KGB prison cells

The basement of the building at 1 Pagari Street was home to one of the most notorious and feared pre-trial detention centers during the Soviet occupation. Previously closed to the public, the KGB prison cells are now open to visitors.

Estonian politicians, civil servants, intellectuals, veterans of the War of Independence, as well as ordinary people, were tortured and sentenced to death or imprisonment here. The cells built in the basement remain a symbol of communist terror to this day.

Visitors will see a basement with two corridors and six cells, including one for solitary confinement. Temporary exhibitions are held in the corridor. You can book a guided tour to walk you through the cells if desired.

Free with Tallinn Card!

 

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TripAdvisor® Traveler Reviews

TripAdvisor logo tripadvisor rating 3.9 of 5

based on 255 reviews

  • A Moving Reminder of Life Under Soviet Occupation

    tripadvisor rating 4 of 5
    July 8, 2026 By Allisonbutta

    The KGB Prison Cells may be a relatively small museum, but they are one of the most powerful and impactful historical sites in Tallinn. Visiting the actual cells where people were imprisoned and... Read more comments

  • Self guided tour of the KBG cells

    tripadvisor rating 5 of 5
    July 6, 2026 By kpiddy

    Initially we were not going to visit the KGB Prison Cells in Tallinn as earlier in the week we had visited the KGB Headquarters in Riga, Lativia, having decided to go we purchased the combination... Read more comments

  • Very interesting. Would recommend.

    tripadvisor rating 5 of 5
    May 4, 2026 By Travelandculturelife

    A very interesting and sombre place to visit. The information placards are in English. I wouldn’t recommend joining the guided tour, as it is very expensive and the space is easy to navigate on your... Read more comments