Tallinn is an often overlooked destination, but it shouldn’t be. The capital of Estonia has more than one thousand years’ worth of history, which you can see in the city’s medieval beauty. This historical yet modern city is bursting with charm, culture and a buzzing atmosphere. And if you’re convinced that Tallinn should be on your list of places to visit, you’ve come to the right place. In this guide, we’re discovering the beauty of Tallinn and all the fun things you can see and do.
Tallinn Old Town
The Old Town should be your first Tallinn experience. It’s full of beautiful architecture, with locals often dressed in medieval clothing. Visiting the Old Town is your chance to soak up the local culture and wander around one of the world’s best-preserved Hanseatic town centres. From the Town Hall Square to the many cafes and restaurants, you could easily lose a whole day discovering Tallinn’s Old Town.
Estonian Architecture Museum
Head to the Rotermann Quarter, which is a former industrial district transformed into shops and flats, and visit the Estonian Architecture Museum. It’s brimming with models of the most interesting buildings in the town, including 23 Roosikrantsi Street by Robert Natuse – an expressionist building constructed with dark bricks and pointed prow that recalls the UNESCO Chilehaus building in Hamburg.
Lennusadam Seaplane Harbour
Estonia has a strong maritime history with more than 2,300 islands in its territory. Therefore, you can easily get to city’s like Tallinn by ferry, which you can do by booking your trip with Ferryscanner. When it comes to maritime delights in Tallinn, the Lennusadam Seaplane Harbour is the place to go. It encourages you to step inside Submarine EML Lembit, a 1930s-era vessel that also happens to be one of the very few remaining submarines of its time.
Alexander Nevsky Cathedral
Toompea Hill is where you will find the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, one of the newer additions to the Old Town. It’s a Russian Orthodox church that was completed in 1900 and features distinct domes easily spotted from far away. Visiting the church is free.
Von Krahl
If you’re looking for somewhere to watch a show, grab a bite and have a drink then get yourself down to Von Krahl. This handsome traditional stone pub and theatre features steep steps and wooden beams – and it’s located on a street that first emerged in the 1700s. You can watch a left-field play, musical acts or just stop by for a bite to eat.
Tallinn TV Tower
One of the more modern buildings in the city, the Tallinn TV Tower stands tall at 314 meters. A visit here will see you heading to the observation deck on the 21st floor to take in the spectacular views of Tallinn. It’s one of the most popular tourist attractions in the city and, along with Tallinn, the TV Tower provides panoramic views the Gulf of Finland.
Pirita
Hop on the 34 bus from Viru Square in the Old Town and spend a few hours exploring the coastal hub of Pirita. Enjoy sweeping views from the city’s harbour and skyline before going for a walk on the sandy beach.
Discovering Tallinn
As one of Northern Europe’s most beautiful cities, Tallinn is a postcard-perfect place where you can enjoy a buzzing atmosphere while marvelling at the architecture. It’s a great place to visit for a few days and discover a European adventure that’s divulges from traditional holiday hotspots.