Tallinn: travel guide
Tallinn, the capital of Estonia, is a fascinating city where the medieval past meets modernity. Its perfectly preserved Old Town is a labyrinth of cobbled streets, ancient walls and fairy-tale towers. In addition to its rich history, Tallinn offers a vibrant cultural scene, a lively food scene and a welcoming atmosphere that captivates every visitor.
General informations
Tallinn is easily accessible via Tallinn Airport (Lennart Meri), which is well connected to the main European cities. From the airport, the center can be reached in about 15 minutes by taxi or bus. Tallinn is often associated with visits to other Baltic capitals such as Riga and Vilnius, which can be reached by bus or car in 4 and 8 hours respectively. An interesting alternative is to visit Tallinn from the nearby Helsinki, which is about two hours away by ferry, or from Stockholm.
The center of Tallinn is easily explored on foot and public transport is efficient and cheap, as are taxis (I recommend using the Bolt app to facilitate taxi searches and transactions).
What to see
Most of the attractions of this delightful medieval city are found in the Old Town (Vanalinn). Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, here you will find the Town Hall Square (Raekoja Plats), the Powder Tower and evocative medieval walls. The Church of St. Nicholas, the Church of the Holy Spirit with its clock as well as the Church of St. Olav are among the most beautiful examples of ecclesiastical architecture in the old town. Climbing up Toompea Hill, you can instead come across Toompea Castle, the current seat of the Estonian Parliament, and the Alexander Nevsky Orthodox Cathedral. On the hill there are numerous panoramic points where you can admire the view of the city that extends to the deep Baltic Sea. From the top you can admire the city walls and the numerous towers that alternate with the various entrance gates to the old town. Among the unmissable places to take Instagrammable photos, a stop at St. Catherine’s Passage, a picturesque corner with artisan shops is a must. As well as strolling through Pikk Jalg, Pikk Tanav and Luhike jalg, three of the most beautiful streets in Tallinn with a succession of pastel-colored buildings and decorated facades. Near the Town Hall Square, a stop at the Raeapteek Pharmacy is a must. The Raeapteek Pharmacy is one of the oldest pharmacies in Europe still in operation. Founded in 1422, this historic pharmacy is not only a place where medicines are dispensed, but also a living museum that tells the story of centuries of pharmaceutical history. Inside the Raeapteek, you can admire a vast collection of ancient medical instruments, dried herbs, elixirs and traditional remedies used over the centuries. Among the curiosities on display are unusual preparations such as mummy powder, narwhal horns and herbal wine, once considered effective remedies. The building preserves authentic furnishings and wooden shelves that house old jars and pharmaceutical utensils.
Leaving the old town, a stroll through Telliskivi Creative City is a must-do. This alternative neighborhood is a succession of street art, cafes and design shops. Here you can admire a different Tallinn and take unique shots for your Instagram page!
Another charming neighborhood in Tallinn is Kalamaja, located west of the old town, along the Baltic Sea coast. Known for its bohemian atmosphere and its artistic character, Kalamaja is an area rich in history and culture, which was once the heart of the city’s fishing community. Characterized by colorful wooden houses dating back to the beginning of the 20th century, Kalamaja has undergone a transformation in recent years, becoming a hub of innovation and creativity. The neighborhood is famous for its trendy cafes, restaurants serving local and international cuisine, art galleries and craft shops. Kalamaja is also home to Seaplane Harbour (Lennusadam), a must-see maritime museum located in a historic hangar, where you can explore submarines, historic ships and interactive exhibits.
Where (and what) to eat
Restaurants:
Rataskaevu 16 – Traditional Estonian cuisine with a modern twist in a cozy setting.
Peet Ruut – Local dishes with international flavors with a modern twist.
Vegan Restoran V – Great vegetarian and vegan options.
Noa – Upscale restaurant with a sea view.
Olde Hansa – Medieval-style dining for a unique experience.
Typical Dishes to Try:
Kiluvõileib: Black bread with pickled herring.
Mulgipuder: Mashed potatoes with barley and smoked meat.
Verivorst: Blood sausage, often served during holidays.
Seljanka: Hot meat or fish soup.
Kama: Dessert made from cereal flour mixed with milk or yogurt.
