On the subject of charming European capital cities (and sure, I do know that is a cliche phrase, however generally it is simply the correct one), I wish to be sure to’re not overlooking Tallinn, Estonia.
Situated on the shore of the Gulf of Finland within the Baltic Sea, Tallinn will not be solely a gorgeous seaside metropolis, but in addition an enchanting world capital. It has a inhabitants of simply over 460,000 folks, and but manages to really feel like a small city in some ways. Its UNESCO-recognized medieval Previous City is the type of place to encourage fairytales, whereas the town can be very tech-forward and thought to be one of many high digital cities on this planet.
Tallinn is cool to go to for a number of causes – and I will inform you all about them!
An introduction to Tallinn
When making an attempt to grasp Tallinn, you first must know a bit of about its historical past. There are such a lot of totally different cultural influences right here; the Teutonic Knights, German Hanseatic League, Danes, Swedes, Russians, Nazis, and the Soviets have all, at one level in historical past, dominated over Tallinn. These layers of historical past might be seen all through the town, if you realize the place to look.
Tallinn wasn’t even known as Tallinn till 1918. It glided by a number of names in its early days (there was a city and fortress right here by a minimum of 1050), however when Denmark conquered Estonia in 1219, the city was named Reval. And it glided by Reval up till Estonia gained its independence in 1918 and renamed the town Tallinn.
Tallinn was occupied by Nazi Germany from 1941 to 1944, after which by the Soviet Union from 1944-1991, however you’d hardly discover this at the moment – besides possibly in a few of the brutalist structure that also stays from the Soviet days. At the moment, Tallinn is a vibrant and hip metropolis with extra startups per capita than some other metropolis in Europe. It has an nearly Scandinavian really feel regardless of being in a Baltic nation, and just lately was named the European Capital of Tradition (in 2011) and awarded the European Inexperienced Capital Award (in 2023).
I spent 4 nights in Tallinn on my first go to, which might be extra time than most individuals would advocate spending there. But it surely allowed me to take my time to essentially soak all of it in, and in addition enterprise past simply the historic Previous City.
High issues to do in Tallinn in your first go to
When you’re planning your first journey to Tallinn, listed below are all of the issues I’d take into account to be must-dos there!
1. Wander via the Previous City
Tallinn’s Previous City is undoubtedly the rationale why most individuals go to this metropolis. The UNESCO-recognized cobblestone streets and thirteenth century buildings make up one of many best-preserved medieval cities in all of Europe. And it is compact and walkable, making for the right place to begin off any Tallinn journey.
You will wish to see the City Corridor Sq., and undoubtedly cease in to the Raeapteek, or City Corridor Pharmacy, which is the oldest pharmacy in Europe, courting again to 1422. It has an fascinating free museum the place you possibly can study concerning the pharmacy’s historical past and drugs over time.
I’d additionally advocate making a cease for a deal with at Maiasmokk Cafe, the oldest cafe within the metropolis with stunning decor inside that hasn’t modified for 100+ years. They also have a small marzipan museum (Estonia is alleged to have invented the deal with), the place you possibly can watch somebody portray marzipan by hand day by day.
2. Eat medieval meals
Talking of tasty treats, probably the greatest issues to do in Tallinn is to eat medieval meals at a historic tavern. Two of the perfect locations to go are Restoran Olde Hansa and III Draakon. Each of those historic eating places have a medieval theme that can make you are feeling such as you’ve traveled again in time, full with historic performers working as waiters.
However these spots aren’t merely vacationer traps – they really serve medieval meals, cooked utilizing precise medieval recipes. Olde Hansa serves sit-down meals of issues like deer steaks and wild boar – and even bear meat! – whereas In poor health Draakon presents “fast-casual” medieval choices like elk soup and savoury pastries.
You’ll be able to normally stroll in to In poor health Draakon, when you would possibly wish to make a reservation at Olde Hansa. Each are enjoyable and distinctive choices which are a bit touristy, sure, however nonetheless very cool to expertise.
3. Go to St. Nicholas church
Initially constructed within the thirteenth century, St. Nicholas Church was principally destroyed throughout WWII (fortunately nearly all of the Previous City was spared the Soviets’ bombs!). The church was painstakingly restored, nonetheless, and at the moment homes the Niguliste Museum, which shows a big assortment of non secular artwork from the fifteenth century that was saved from the bombing.
Essentially the most well-known piece on show is a big fragment of Danse Macabre, an eerie work by artist Bernt Notke that illustrates the universality of dying.
There may be additionally an remark deck on the high of the church tower accessible by elevator that gives 360-degree views over Tallinn.
The church and tower are open day by day aside from Monday, and are definitely worth the admission payment if you happen to get pleasure from medieval artwork.
4. Store exterior the Viru Gate
Situated on the japanese finish of the Previous City, Viru Gate is a part of the Tallinn metropolis wall that was initially constructed for defence within the 14th century. The “gate” is flanked on either side by spherical stone watchtowers.
The gate leads onto one in all Tallinn’s widespread pedestrian streets, and proper exterior you may discover a vibrant flower market, with greater than a dozen market stalls promoting colourful stems year-round.
5. Take within the views from a viewpoint
The St. Nicholas tower is not the one place to get a superb view over Tallinn. There are additionally a number of viewing platforms (actually simply cobbled squares as an alternative of precise platforms) that provide panoramic views of the town, together with the colourful buildings, pink roofs, and spires of the Previous City.
Among the finest viewpoints is the Patkuli viewing platform. To achieve this spot, you’ll must stroll up a little bit of a hill, however it’s not too unhealthy and the view is price it.
One other related place to see the town is the Kohtuotsa viewing platform. It’s additionally within the Previous City and simply a few minutes from the Patkuli viewing platform, so make sure to cease at each for some nice photographs and scenic views.
Through the summer time months, there are outside cafes on the viewing platforms the place you possibly can sit and revel in a beverage when you admire the views.
6. Kiek in de Kök Museum and Bastion Tunnels
Initially constructed within the fifteenth century by the Swedes, the Kiek in de Kök Museum and Bastion Tunnels are an fascinating attraction on the sting of Tallinn’s Previous City. The museum is housed in a restored cannon tower, and its identify, which interprets to “peek into the kitchen,” comes from the truth that the tower was tall sufficient to present guards a view into the kitchens of individuals within the decrease city.
At the moment, the tower homes a museum with varied historic reveals about Tallinn, and presents entry to a few of the previous partitions.
The museum additionally has entry to the bastion tunnels, which have been constructed within the seventeenth century to hide the motion of troopers underground. The tunnels have been used over the centuries by all method of individuals, although, and have scenes set as much as mirror this historical past (not gonna lie, this half is form of creepy!).
Additionally within the tunnels is the Carved Stone Museum. You’ll be able to go to the tunnels by yourself, or on a guided tour. The museum is open day by day from Might via September, and Tuesday-Saturday from October via April.
7. Go to the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral
Simply exterior of the Previous City, proper throughout from the pink, 18th century Toompea Fort that at the moment homes Estonia’s Parliament, you possibly can’t miss Alexander Nevsky Cathedral. This hanging Russian Orthodox church with 5 onion-shaped domes was constructed on the finish of the nineteenth century when Estonia was a part of the Russian Empire.
The church is open day by day and free to go to, making it price a minimum of a fast cease.
8. Resort Viru and the KGB Museum
Through the Soviet occupation of Estonia following WWII, Resort Viru was promoted as a vacationer resort – however secretly was a hotspot for KGB espionage. The KGB had recording units in a lot of the rooms, and used public areas on the resort to eavesdrop and spy on overseas company.
There have been additionally hidden rooms within the resort that weren’t found till years after the Soviet occupation ended. At the moment, a small museum right here (positioned in one of many former resort rooms) is devoted to the historical past of the Soviet occupation and KGB espionage.
The Resort Viru KGB Museum is open day by day, however advance bookings are required as visits are guided. Book here.
9. Take a strolling meals tour
Among the finest methods to find Estonian delicacies – and find out about all its varied fascinating influences – is to go on a meals tour. This three-hour Tallinn food tour is an effective way to strive a lot of totally different dishes and study extra about Estonian meals.
You’ll cease at a medieval taverna, a meals market, a neighborhood cafe, a avenue stall, and extra, sampling all kinds of meals. Through the tour, you’ll additionally study extra about Estonian historical past and delicacies and what makes it distinctive.
I did this meals tour on my first full day in Tallinn, and it was a superb introduction to the town! (Book your tour here.)
10. Store at Balti Jaama Turg
One of many locations you may cease on the aforementioned meals tour is the Balti Jaama Turg, a market corridor positioned a few 15-minute stroll from Tallinn’s Previous City within the boho Kalamaja district. It is an ideal place to buy distinctive souvenirs or strive some scrumptious meals. (I returned alone after my meals tour to discover extra.)
Unfold out over three flooring, the market options greater than 300 distributors. On the decrease flooring, you’ll discover meals markets for meat, fish, and produce, in addition to greater than 20 eateries. Upstairs, you possibly can store for Estonian handcrafts, classic clothes, house items, and antiques.
11. Discover Telliskivi Artistic Metropolis
Telliskivi Artistic Metropolis is a novel cultural middle and humanities venue positioned in a former industrial advanced that could be a 15-minute stroll from the Previous City (and proper subsequent to Balti Jaama Turg in Kalamaja). All through the “metropolis” you may discover artwork galleries, studios, cafes, bars, and outlets – some inside previous warehouses, prepare vehicles, buses, and extra. There’s additionally a whole lot of cool public artwork and murals.
Don’t miss Fotografiska Tallinn, a contemporary pictures museum, if you wish to take in some artwork and tradition. For drinks, Nudist Vineyard, Vaat Brewery, and Junimperium Distillery are three nice locations to take a look at. And for dinner, I like to recommend Restaurant F-Hoone.
12. Go to the Estonian Maritime Museum
Situated on the coast in Kalamaja, the Lennusadam Seaplane Harbour is house to the Estonian Maritime Museum, probably the most widespread museums in Tallinn.
With the town’s location on the Baltic Sea, it’s been an essential port all through maritime historical past. You’ll be able to discover a few of that historical past right here, together with the Lembit (a very intact pre-WWII submarine), a Sixteenth-century wreck, and a Finnish icebreaker.
The museum is open day by day besides Mondays.
13. Go to Kadriorg Artwork Museum
Tallinn’s Previous City is nice, however it’s price exploring past it, too. Make your approach east of the town middle to the massive Kadriorg Park, with its gardens, fountains, and tree-lined alleys. On the middle of the park sits Kadriorg Palace, which was constructed as a summer time house by Peter the Nice within the 18th century for his spouse, Catherine I.
Housed contained in the Baroque palace at the moment is a group of European artwork owned by Estonia’s nationwide museum. You can even see some rooms which are nonetheless adorned for royalty, which was my favourite half.
The museum is a 20-minute tram experience or a 35-minute stroll from the Previous City, and is open day by day aside from Mondays. Do not miss the manicured gardens in the back of the palace, both.
14. Hit up a seashore
It won’t be the primary place you consider on the subject of seashores, however with its location on the Baltic Sea, there are literally fairly a number of seashores in Tallinn!
The preferred seashore close to the town is Pirita Seashore. It’s a few 15-minute drive from Tallinn or a 30-minute bus experience. This lengthy, sandy seashore is a well-liked spot through the summer time months with a number of eating places and nice sundown views.
One other seashore nearer to the town is Russalka Rand, which is only a few minutes away from Kadriorg Artwork Museum. You’ll be able to’t swim at this seashore and it’s not as good as Pirita Seashore, however it’s an honest spot for watching the sundown.
Kalarand is one other small seashore near Tallinn’s Previous City. There’s not a lot sand, however it’s a pleasant place for a stroll or to take a seat and benefit from the sea views.
15. Stroll the Pääsküla bathroom path
If you wish to get exterior the town and discover a few of Estonia’s nature, head to the Pääsküla bathroom path. Situated lower than 20 minutes from Tallinn by automobile, this can be a good spot to go for a hike not removed from the town.
There are a number of strolling trails you possibly can take relying on how lengthy of a stroll you wish to take. The paths take you thru the forest and on boardwalks over bogs and canals.
This can be a excellent place to go mountaineering year-round, however make sure to put on bug repellent through the summer time months!
16. Go to the Viimsi Open Air Museum
In case you have extra time in Tallinn, the Viimsi Open Air Museum is an fascinating vacation spot that’s price a go to. This museum is positioned about 20 minutes from Tallinn by automobile.
This open air museum means that you can discover a well-preserved historic coastal village and picture what life was like for the villagers who lived right here within the nineteenth century. Buildings on the museum embody a farmhouse, a barn, and fishermen’s cottages courting again to the 1820s.
The museum has a small admission payment, and is open day by day aside from Mondays. It is an ideal spot to take children!
When to go to Tallinn
Tallinn could be a year-round vacation spot relying on what sort of journey you need, however if you wish to absolutely embrace the walkability of Tallinn’s Previous City, I like to recommend visiting through the lengthy days of summer time.
June-August could have the perfect climate and most daylight, although Might and September are additionally wonderful choices if you would like even fewer crowds (although Tallinn didn’t really feel crowded in any respect to me in early June!).
Tallinn can be a superb Christmas metropolis, although, and has a magical Christmas market on City Corridor Sq. each vacation season. And, the Christmas market is one which runs all via December and thru Epiphany/Three Kings Day on January sixth.
The place to remain in Tallinn
Since I used to be staying in Tallinn for a number of days, I booked a cute residence a bit of methods past the Previous City. I stayed at Revelton Suites, which is an inexpensive possibility if you would like a bit of more room (and possibly a washer like I did, since I stayed in the midst of an extended Europe journey).
Revelton Suites is walkable to the Previous City, however not tremendous near any eating places or different points of interest. If you wish to be extra “within the motion” in Tallinn, I’d additionally advocate the Nordic Hotel Forum on the fringe of the Previous City, or the Hotel Schlossle proper within the Previous City.
Are you able to do a day journey to Tallinn?
Despite the fact that I spent 4 days in Tallinn, you truthfully can see all the foremost highlights in only one lengthy day. Which is why Tallinn is definitely a well-liked day journey vacation spot from close by Helsinki! You’ll be able to attain Tallinn from Helsinki by ferry in simply 2 hours, and many individuals select to do day journeys.
(You can additionally do a day journey to Helsinki from Tallinn, although I feel you most likely want longer than in the future for all of the things to do in Helsinki.)
Who’s able to plan a visit to Tallinn now?
Amanda Williams is the award-winning blogger behind A Harmful Enterprise Journey Weblog. She has traveled to greater than 60 nations on 6 continents from her house base in Ohio, specializing in experiential and considerate journey via the US, Europe, and remainder of the world. Amanda solely shares ideas primarily based on her private experiences and locations she’s truly traveled!