Place where medieval meets modern. Tallinn is the capital and the largest city of Estonia and a part of Baltic states. But because of being a part of Denmark from 13th until even the 17th century, most people associate Estonia with Scandinavian countries, not Baltic states. Also, the name of Tallinn (in Estonian – taani linn) means ‘’Danish town’’. Because of all Scandinavian and Baltic connections, Tallinn is having unique city style and atmosphere. But that you can discover only with exploring this amazing city by yourself!

THE BEST OLD TOWN IN THE BALTIC STATES

Tallinn as a city is very special because it has the best-preserved medieval city center in Northern Europe. Tallinn has managed to maintain architectural treasures from the 13th century and the Old Town is also included in UNESCO World Heritage. The Old Town is set on a hill where the most important Estonian buildings are standing till nowadays.

For tourists, Tallinn’s historic center is a dream! Even after the wars most of the buildings were reconstructed. You have tiny streets, cute cafes and restaurants, colorful houses, Gothic architecture, and viewing platforms. But the best part of Tallinn is a medieval atmosphere! I have never felt it somewhere so strong as here and not only because of buildings or architecture! In Tallinn, you can meet men dressed as knights, the medieval-themed restaurants, small paved streets, and plenty of interesting souvenir shops. Yes, that’s the Old Town of Tallinn. And why the best in Baltic states? Because it’s the best-preserved, cared and the most original medieval-modern city I have ever seen!

It’s very hard to tell you which attractions and places you need to visit because the Old Town of Tallinn is in that perfect small size when you can visit everything! One or two days walking without a map, looking around, exploring, learning and getting lost in the Old Town is all that you need, believe me! Every street, house door, and the architectural element is so special, that I just can’t write it all here. It’s not possible! Only by exploring you can get to know this city closer.

I have visited Tallinn 3 times and all those 3 times I was very exciting exploring this city again and again. I explored Old Town inside and outside, I took a walk along the sea coast and always returned to the places I liked. Places, that are always fascinating to me. And also I found some places that are especially special! Places, that you can’t be missed! And here they are:

Tallinn Town Hall

It’s one of the oldest Gothic-style city halls in North-Europe. Its story begins in the 13th century but even till today Town Hall plays a very important role. It’s a place for different cafes and restaurants, medieval festivals, open-air concerts, fairs, Christmas markets and more! In every time of the year, you can find here something special!

Alexander Nevsky Cathedral

It’s a huge and very richly decorated Russian Orthodox church. It was designed in mixed historicist styles and maybe that’s why it looks more impressive than other Russian churches?! I don’t know that, but I know, that this building is so huge, that if you don’t have a drone, it will be a problem to get all this cathedral in your photo. Haha, also my photo isn’t an exception!

Viru Gate

It’s a part of Tallinn city wall built in the 14th century. Maybe a lot of people will say that it’s nothing special, but for me seeing this in life is very impressive! It looks like a gigantic gate to another world where are like thousands of tiny shops and cafes and in the end a beautiful church. Even going through those gates makes you feel like going through centuries. Isn’t that enough special?

Patkuli and Kohtuotsa viewing platforms

Both viewing platforms are located in the most ancient parts of Tallinn. They provide excellent views to red roofs, churches, Old Town towers, medieval walls of Tallinn, the port and even the Gulf of Finland. Whatever the weather is, unforgettable views from these viewing platforms are guaranteed!

OUTSIDE THE OLD TOWN – A WHOLE NEW WORLD

If you are in Tallinn more than only 1 or 2 days, you have a car or maybe you are not afraid from the public transport than there are even more what to see and do, but this time – outside the Old Town! Tallinn is a big city with a lot of attractions for adults and children, for single ones and families.

For a great, long and interesting walk not so far away from the Old Town I can recommend Tallinn Port and Linnahall. I am sure that you know what means Tallinn Port, but what is Linnahall? Originally it means V.I. Lenin Palace of Culture and Sports. It’s an abandoned the Soviet Union amphitheater. Locals and tourists enjoy this place not only for a walk but also because of the view of the surrounding city and awareness of existing ghost building under their feet.

Only 4km away from the Old Town of Tallinn you can visit Kadriorg Park with Kadriorg Art Museum and Swan Pond. That’s a very beautiful place, especially in spring and summer when the Kadriorg Park is green and full with colorful flowers but in Swan Pond swims small swans! Kadriorg Park with its buildings and elements is the most outstanding park in Estonia. It covers around 70 hectares and was made in the 18th century.

But right next to Kadriorg Park you can find one very beautiful Russalka Memorial. It’s a sculpture that was made in memorial those who lost their lives at the Gulf of Finland in Russland vessel called Russalka. But right behind the memorial is 2km long Pirita-Promenade. It already sounds like a one long day walk, right?

If you are interested, you can visit also Tallinn Botanical Garden and Tallinn Zoo. But for a little bit more extreme feelings you can go up to 314 meters high Tallinn TV Tower. You have there not only a great view all over Tallinn but also educational materials (which are made in strange screens that looks like from another world or far future), you can drink a coffee in a restaurant or push the button (and the floor under your feet will ‘’open”).

MY FAVORITE UNIQUE RESTAURANT AND BAR

Every time visiting Tallinn, I am trying new tastes in different restaurants and bars, but somewhere I am returning every single time! I have my favorite medieval restaurant and a bar in an unusual style!

Olde Hansa

The first time when I found this medieval restaurant was very unexpected. I even didn’t know about its existence. Me and my travel friends, we took a walk through Old Town of Tallinn to find someplace for a dinner. From the edge of some street, our attention attracted 2 women, dressed in some strange clothes… like in old dresses… they came to us very friendly and gave for each of us a coin. ‘’It’s a magical medieval coin! Show them inside and get a free welcome drink!’’, they said. Haha, you don’t need to ask us twice! After a few seconds, we were inside in Olde Hansa restaurant searching for the best table for 4 persons.

Inside the restaurant, I was totally shocked (positively shocked) how medieval everything was made! Wooden tables and chairs, clay dishes, menu in old font and with strange food names, waiters in medieval clothes, all over only candlelight and medieval music in the background! When you go inside Olde Hansa, you go to another century!

And even more – all meals are very tasty and cooked using 15th-century recipes and methods! It feels so realistic that even when I wanted to order whiskey with coke, the waiter looked to me and very surprised answered: ‘’Coke? What’s that? We don’t have such a drink. We are in medieval!’’. Service in Olde Hansa is very good, friendly and helpful. You can joke with them, have fun and feel like in the 15th century. What an experience is that!

For more information, you can also visit their homepage: https://www.oldehansa.ee/

Labor Baar

And that’s the second place, which one I love so much! Labor is a unique bar in the Old Town of Tallinn. As the name already says (in English – lab/laboratory) it’s stylized with a laboratory theme! In the menu, you will find the craziest drinks ever but drink you will from the test-tubes! In the background always sounds some good music and plays neon lights. I have never seen so great bar somewhere else! It’s unique! And there is also Happy Hours! Prices are very friendly, service is helpful but the atmosphere here – something very special and unusual!

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT TALLIN

As Estonia is located in the north temperate zone you can’t expect a hot vacation by the sea! The average temperature in summer is only about +20 degrees, but in winter about –10 degrees, but it can very easily reach a higher cold temperature. With this, I want to say you, that Tallinn is not for 2 weeks long sunbathing by the sea! No! Tallinn is for long walks, warm restaurants, new culture and medieval time exploring. In what kind of month or whether you are doing that all – it’s not so important. It only depends on your wishes!

I have visited Tallinn once in spring and twice in winter (in January and in December, on Christmas time). I know that I would definitely return again in the Christmas time! Have you ever seen a medieval architecture in the snow? Have you ever walk outside so long in winter, that you don’t feel your fingers anymore and you go into some small street cellar-restaurant with medieval music and candle lights? I can truly say, that in every season Tallinn is beautiful, but the wintertime is especially magical!

SUMMARY

Without lying I can already say you, that Tallinn is my most favorite capital from all the Baltic state capitals and also one of my most favorite cities all over Europe. In Tallinn, you can meet the present and past, see the history and feel the medieval atmosphere, try new tastes and experiences. Tallinn is the best weekend getaway ever! I have been there already 3 times and I will go there again and again. Once I even was thinking about moving to Estonia, Tallinn… Yes, that’s how much I love this city!

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