Dubbed the Silicon Valley of Europe, Tallinn is one of Europe's newest capitals. Boasting not only one of the highest adult literacy rates in the world (99.8%), the small geographic area is is also the birthplace of Skype. The Old Town remains well preserved while outside the city walls lies designer districts, brightly painted walls and wooden houses. A rich mix of architecture, technology and cultures welcomes you.
When it comes to technology, Estonia is in a different ball game. It's the first country in the world to adopt online voting in 2005; 99% of Estonian residents have an electronic ID card that holds your personal information, medical record while serving as a form of payment; the country also provide a Digital Nomad Visa which grants international applicants the opportunity to become a digital citizen with e-Residency. It's capital city city, Tallinn, features a beautiful hybrid of technology and old-world charm with creative studios and innovation hubs just a stone throw away from the medieval Old Town and its Gothic architecture.
Tallinn is definitely worth more than a day of exploring. With cobbled streets to enjoy a quiet stroll to reliving medieval times in the Old Town, here are my recommendations for how to spend 72 hours in Estonia’s capital city of Tallinn.
Day 1
For every new city, I enjoy a chill arrival day - just exploring my immediate area and get a sense of what the city/country have to offer. I stayed in one of the historic neighbourhood in Tallinn, Uus Maailm, with my Airbnb located within a wooden house along Tehnika.
The location made my visit to Toompea extremely accessible. The viewpoint had 360 views of the whole area - you can stand there for hours just admiring the views. Also located in the vicinity is the 13th century Toompea Castle. The stone fortress offers spectacular views of the city as well as visits to St. Mary's Cathedral and St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral. Check out the beautiful Estonia Knighthood House and The War of Independent Victory as well. Taking a walk around Hirvepark and Falgi Park was certainly relaxing after a morning of travelling.
Make your way to Balti Jamma Turg from Toompea, just in time for lunch. The local market is home to street-food stalls and a craft beer brewery, perfect for a post-walk meal. You will be greeted by fresh produce, pickles and jellies for sale once you've reached the entrance of the market. Inside, take your pick from the various food and confectionery store. The space is large enough to hold a grocery store at the lowest floor and on the top floor, one can peruse beautiful goods by the creative Tallinn residents. Jewelry, apparel, vintage clothes, furniture are just a handful of what you can expect on the upper floor.
Sweets cravings not satisfied? Have a bit of a coffee and a sweet treat before touring more at Anneli Viik. One can enjoy fresh and deliciously chocolaty treats with a cocktail pairing at this artisan chocolateria.
Just across the road is Estonia's biggest creative township, Telliskivi Creative City or Telliskivi for short. Old railway buildings are repurposed to become the Art & Design focused venue that features independent design studios, flea markets, galleries along with cafes, bars and theatres today. A distinct contrast from the Old City as colourful graffiti and public art installations decorate the trendy area. Grab a cabbage pie near Peatus, a cool restaurant located between two abandoned metal train carriages. After, score some good finds at the flea markets within the vicinity. It's not everyday you can thrift in shipping containers.
Day 2
Wake up to a brand new day and it's time to explore the Old Town! The Old Town is a well-preserved World Heritage Site with it's cobbled streets, Gothic facade and Raekoja Plats, the vibrant Town Hall Square. One of the best takeaways from Tallinn was meandering through the streets without an agenda; just popping in and out of local specialty stores, snapping images of the picturesque lanes, shopping at handicraft markets, perusing Katariina Gild artisan studios or sipping on coffee in the quiet cafes along Vene (Russian) Street.
Reminiscent of an enchanting fairy-tale, the medieval town allows visitors to spend a short time to explore the confines of the city walls. You would need about 2-3 hours to ensure that you see most of the famous and picturesque sites. A rough itinerary of a self-guided tour as follows below:
Viru Gates (Viru Väravad) - Two large, 13th century watch towers mark the entrance of Tallinn's Old Town. Try spotting Old Thomas, a weather vane in the figure of an old warrior, located on the top of the spire of the town hall.
Hellemann Tower & Town Wall - For 3 EUR, walk on the 200m rampart of the Old Town's Stone wall.
St. Catherine's Passage (Katariina Käik) - An enchanting medieval alleyway joining Vene and Müürivahe streets is home to several art galleries and local craft workshops. You will be able to spot gravestones which run along the surving wall of St. Catherine’s Church.
Fat Margaret's Tower (Suur Rannavärav ja Paks Margareeta) - A large limestone cannon tower that was former a prison but today, holds a maritime museum.
Three Sisters - The most captivating and best-preserved of gabled merchants’ houses in Tallinn are three adjoining merchant houses with loading hatches and winches. Currently, it has been converted to a luxury hotel.
St. Olaf's Church (Oleviste Kogudus) - Named in honor of a canonized Norwegian King, the eye catching 124m church spire is an iconic landmark. During WWII, the KGB used the spire as a radio tower and surveillance point.
House of the Blackheads (Mustpeade Maja) - The Renaissance-style guild hall was the former headquarters of the Brotherhood of Blackheads, an association of unmarried merchants and shipowners. The Brotherhood was active in Estonia and Latvia during the Livonian Wars.
Great Guild Hall (Eesti Ajaloomuuseumi Suurgildi hoone) - Presently known as the Estonian History Museum, the former hall was home to the most powerful guilds in the city and hosted many medieval social events.
Town Hall Square (Raekoja Plats) - An impressive medieval town square where the Gothic Town Hall and the 1422, still working Town Hall Pharmacy is located.
St. Nicholas’ Church - Rebuilt after being destroyed by WWII bombings, the church is also a museum displaying ecclesiastical art.
Kiek de Kok Fortification Museum & Tunnels - The 500m long museum complex with four towers and underground bastion passages provides a peek into the days of past warfare.
Freedom Square (Vabaduse Väljak) - The historic square is the symbol of Independence and home to modern cafes, galleries and monuments. Best viewed in the evening when the square is lit up
Fret not for hungry folks. Here are some places that you can rest your feet at or grab a bite during your self-guided walking tour. You can start the morning with coffee and cooked breakfast at Must Puudel, a cafe with vintage vibe that offers vegan options. Pierre Chocolaterie, located at the picturesque Master's Courtyard, will certainly satisfied your sweet tooth with their delicious chocolate and coffee. Reach Maiasmokk for an amazing array of chocolate and marzipan fancies in the wood-paneled cafe.
Near the Town Hall, there are many options to eat until your heart's content. Kompressor, honestly looks like a prison than a restaurant, with its heavy duty metal bars. But come in for a massive yet delicious pancake, sweet or savory. Kuldse Notsu, also known as Golden Piglet Inn, offers Estonian Cuisine with traditional recipes. A different experience is Balthasar's mouthwatering, in a pleasant way, garlic ice cream. The restaurant seems to enjoy adding garlic to every dish so that's great for garlic lovers. Yum.
III Draakon is a bit of a tourist trap, with the medieval theme and an area to spear for your own pickles. Nonetheless, the tavern sure is a unique experience to grab lingonberry juice and freshly-baked pies. For the another medieval dining experience, Olde Hansa is inspired by Hanseatic customs; with dark tapestry, wooden cutlery, and even an 15th century inspired menu of wild boar, elk and bear.
Alternatively, sign up for a free walking tour by EstAdventures. The free tour covers most important sights of the Old Town and provides a comprehensive explanation of the fascinating history that Tallinn has to offer. The tour operator also offers free themed walking tours; Communist Walking Tour to learn about the history of a former Soviet capital city, and Modern Walking Tour focusing on the Street Art and Hipster Districts.
Day 3
Time for an educational day after breakfast and coffee. The first cultural stop reflects the hardship of life in Estonia over the last century is the Vabamu Museum of Occupations and Freedom. Take a gripping journey through the recent Baltics history with this museum that features extensive video footage of life in Soviet-era Estonia. With an e-guide in hand (comes with the 11 EUR entrance ticket), one will listen to personal narratives about crimes against humanity in this interactive, modern museum. Do pop by the National Library of Estonia, an architecturally intriguing building with a cafe, a gift shop and temporary exhibitions on the ground floor. Originally built in 1918, the impressive library currently holds 3.4 million books with space for another 1.6 million!
Just a 15 minutes walk away, head over to KGB Museum at Hotel Viru for insights into the Soviet life. For 11 EUR, book a guided tour to understand the treasure trove of stories within this hotel and the KGB. The hotel was once the location where KGB operated and the only accommodation that foreign guests visiting the USSR were allowed to stay in during the 1980s. As the museum is built inside the base, there are sections where the actual location of artifacts are maintained; bugged wires, secret phones and recording equipment.
After a contemplative morning, clear your head at the Rotermanni Quarter. Boutiques and cafes are tucked away in the downtown commercial area at this quaint-meets-modern shopping complex. The area reflects a mix of new construction modern architecture and old industrial warehouses. The Rotermann Quarter gives visitors an extraordinary opportunity to stroll through this factory turned commercial, cultural center. The Museum of Estonian Architecture is also located in the vicinity if you are interested. The Contemporary Art Museum of Estonia (EKKM) is also a stone's throw away. Would recommend to grab lunch here before snapping some images at Tallinna Sadam, Port of Tallinn.
Take an afternoon stroll to Lennusadam, a Seaplane Harbour where visitors can have a first-hand experience of exploring a massive 1930s submarine. On the way to the museum, you will pass by Kalamaja, a bohemian mecca for rows of vibrant wooden houses, and Patarei Merekindlus, a dilapidated sea fortress and Prison overlooking the harbour (permanently closed). The Seaplane Harbour is a fantastic maritime museum suitable for all ages. One can spend two to three hours nosing around the boats, taking pictures in maritime uniforms and play at the various interactive displays. I loved my time there especially trying on the Soviet uniforms. Watch the sun set at Port Noblessner, before grabbing dinner at one of the many restaurants and bars in the area.
Extend Your Stay
Kadriorg and Pirita
Hit the Kadriorg Park on a sunny day and admire the manicured lawns of the Park as well as flower shrubs outside the elegant Kadriorg Palace. Visit the National Museum of Art - KUMU, one of the many museums scattered around the large vicinity. The contemporary-looking museum is home to local artists' works alongside other temporary and permanent exhibits. After appreciating the art and cultures of Tallin, take a coastal stroll from Kadriorg to Pirita, along Pirita Tee. Pay a visit to the Pirita Convent Ruins, a preserved 15th century ruin managed by Birgitine Nuns before basking in the sun at Pirita Beach. Not a beach person? Spend the rest of the day relaxing in the 300-acre Tallinn Botanic Garden. Head back to the beach to find a spot to catch the sunset in the evening.
Tallinn Legends
An interactive museum cum theatre, actors will take you through the city’s layered past in nine underground chambers in this tourist attraction. For 16 EUR, pass through historical events such as the Black Death and Religious wars as well as the legends and folklore of medieval Tallinn.
Teletorn TV Tower
For adrenaline junkies, take a walk along the edge of Tallinn’s newly refurbished Teletorn TV Tower. Yes, the edge. The tower walk gives you a chance to admire the city in all its glory. Strap yourselves to harnesses and enjoy unobstructed views of the city. There is also a glass-floored viewing platform for those who prefers a glimpse of the city from the inside.
How to Get to Tallinn
From Riga, Latvia
Transfer tour from Riga to Tallinn by Traveller. There are two options for 65 EUR pp available; Riga to Tallinn or Riga, Pärnu then Tallinn. The first tour offers a fun day exploring Latvian and Estonian countryside and small towns. Climb the Soviet era Bobsleigh track in Sigulda, check out the Old Town of Cēsis, do a mini hike by the sandy cliffs of Sietiņiezis in the Gauja National Park, visit Estonian history and military museum in Valga and lastly explore the romantic town of Viljandi before reaching Tallinn. For the sightseeing tour bus with Pärnu, the picturesque seaside town; travel to Pärnu to have lunch and continue to discover more unique and beautiful coastlines of Baltic Sea that are known for sand dunes and pine forests.
Alternatively, book a bus trip from Riga to Tallinn that takes approximately 4.5 - 5 hours via Lux Express (15-30 EUR) or Ecolines (12-16 EUR). Got to say that Lux Express blew my mind when I used their services to get from Riga to Vilnius and found that each seat has TV media screens for personal entertainment, hot drinks and speedy WiFi.
From Helsinki, Finland
Eckeröline and Viking Line both offers a frequent ferry service connecting Helsinki and Tallinn. It takes about 2 hours for a one-way trip. Be aware as to which terminal your ferry is leaving from! Remember to take your ticket code or print your tickets. Restaurants are on board but you can always pack your own snacks and food.
Solo Scorecard - 1
(1 - Perfect for Solo Travelling, 5 - Would not recommend for solo travellers)
Cobbled streets, medieval walled city, yet the lurking presence of the former Soviet-era was what made the city captivating to me. It is one of those cities you imagine when reading fairy tales, it is that magical. Yet outside the Old City is a vibrant, modern and thriving hub; working to come up with the next revolutionary digital platform. I was completely captivated by the eclectic contrast of old and new here in this small city.
There is also a strong sense of national pride and identity in this town especially during the tours, where you can almost see the distinct energy of resilience vibrating off these young Estonians. The locals have a fantastic grasp of English on top of being polite and even friendly to tourists, making the stay so much more enjoyable. Definitely recommend!
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