Probably the best way to explore Tallinn is to join a guided tour. Q: I was skeptical, but I had heard such positive reviews of it, and it really wowed me ð, Tallinn in the winter? Kadriorg Palace, the 18th-century palace built for Catherine the Great, has classical Russian design credentials. You are going to love the Baltics. Whether you're looking for the things not to miss at the Top 10 sights, or want to find the best nightspots; this guide is the perfect pocket-sized companion. Learn about the family that started it, what happened to them, and check out the old wine cellar yourself. Image credit: Tallinn Free Tour. Tours, Sightseeing & Cruises . If I was traveling solo to Tallinn itâd be my top choice â it has access to a sauna and an indoor pool! Unfortunately, when I went, there was construction blocking access to the statues, as they are building a film museum there. There are countless buildings worth seeing. How amazing was the Sea Plane Harbour Museum. Tallinn is a very family-friendly city, but it also has a vibrant nightlife for those who want to explore its many nightclubs and bars. I went to St. Mary’s cathedral, just around the corner from the Alexander Nevsky and although it didn’t look much from the outside, the interior was stunning. Whether you're looking for the things not to miss at the Top 10 sights or want to find the best nightspots, this guide is the perfect companion. Rely on dozens of Top 10 lists, from the Top 10 museums to the Top 10 events and festivals. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral A unique and ornate Orthodox church. There’s the famous Olde Hansa restaurant. Most of the fun you’ll have will simply be wandering around the old town, winding through the medieval streets and running into a spiky church spire or two. This city has something magical. Whether you visit in the summer high season or in the wintry cold like I did, there are countless cool things to do in Tallinn. The menu will have you feeling like you’re in a tavern on Game of Thrones — I half-expected to see The Hound chowing down next to me with his elbows on the table. Breaking away from the Old Town, there’s still plenty of things to do in Tallinn in winter. It’s also super easy to visit Helsinki from Tallinn. At the crossroads of Eastern Europe and the Nordics, Estonia manages to merge aspects of both without fitting solidly into either, something distinctly its own. One of the best things to do in Tallinn if you would like to get of the city is definitely the Estonian Open Air Museum. I’ll be searching out the food, wall art and craft beers – obvs a bit of architecture and history for good measure! It sure does. Equal parts medieval and modern, this quirky city of around 400,000 people somehow manages to constantly re-invent itself, while still honoring its past. It stands as a reminder that Esstonia was, for much of the 19th and 20th centuries, under Russian/Soviet control. If you really love craft beer, there are craft beer tasting tours you can do to sample the best of Estonia’s microbreweries. For me, five days was the perfect amount of time to get a good feel for what to do in Tallinn, especially since I’m becoming more of a fan of slow travel these days. One of my favorite things to do in Tallinn was wander in and out of the lovely little craft shops I would find in the winding back streets of the old town. There was only one hotel where tourists in Soviet-occupied Estonia could go: Hotel Viru, run by the Soviet travel agency Intourist. I don’t mind the cold if I’m dressed properly. But isn’t it worth it to have a piece of this fairytale city all to yourself? I thought it was going to be a very meat & potatoes area of the world but Tallinn had more vegan restaurants than I’ve seen in a lot of places, especially for the size of the old town. Found insideTallinn, 1419. Found inside – Page 409The air attaché promised me a C-37 in Tallinn, but Forsyth, please remind him ... making a list of things to do quickly, hotels, cars, radios, binoculars. But I was able to find a good priced hotel at the Swissotel Tallinn, and there were cheaper, more budget options all over the city which is very walkable if you are around the old town. Found inside – Page 400Kristjan Raud Museum : Raua 8 , Nõmme Tallinn . THINGS TO DO Open : Wednesday - Sunday 11 am-6pm . The work of Kristjan Raud plus temporary exhibitions . Oops I guess I didn’t make it clear! It’s also right in the Old Town so the location can’t be beat. The Church of the Holy Spirit was then outside the passage. Saved to wishlist! Thanks Ross! Sure, winter temperatures hover around or below 0 Celsius, and the sun sets around 3 PM. Check out Tallinn Unique Experiences Now! I am visiting Tallinn by cruise & will be there only for 6 hours. Tallinn is a wonderful place for a weekend getaway or a romantic date because it has a lot of different things to do, and none of the city’s major attractions are unreasonably expensive. It wasn’t as cold as I expected in December, and the Christmas market really was a magical experience. It’s really cool to be able to explore these ruins, and imagine all the military activity that was once taking place there, with soldiers everywhere and impressive submarines being taken care of. We’re only there for 2 full days and don’t want to spend too much money, but would love to do as much as possible. Tartan, beaten up tables and haphazard seating, and a great beer menu make this place a great place to grab a cold one, play some darts and make friends. In particular, Toompea Hill is the place that offers the best views over the Old Town. Map. Grab this essentiel guide to the dynamic Baltics and stroll the cobbled streets of medieval old towns, sing along at a traditional song festival, ski the slopes or slurp champagne long into the white nights. opinionated advice on where to ... Estonia’s charming capital city, Tallinn, is a cultural hub featuring a UNESCO World Heritage Old Town, a bustling harbor and a surprisingly lively nightlife. This trip sounds like an ama I gotta experience. I know Estonia is part of the Baltics, not Balkans, but I was talking about Eastern Europe as a whole – both northern (Baltics/former USSR) and southern (Balkans) I tried to make it clearer. Also some of the local food items I found were unique, like jams and mustards. ð. Amazing guide! The Perfect Packing List for Two Weeks in Europe, A Self-Guided Walking Literary Tour of Dublin for Bookworm Travelers, 5 Traditional and Unique Shows in Tokyo for Your Bucket List. Ice skating is one of the most magical things to do in Tallinn in winter. A concert with two of Estonia’s celebrated organists who played through 5 musical pieces. Budget (under $50 a night): Tallinn is a popular destination with backpackers along with the other Nordic capitals, so you wonât have any trouble finding a hostel in Tallinn. The view is worth the effort to get there, and you’ll find a lot more to do up there too. For people hipper than myself, check out the Kumu (Estonian Art Museum) just outside the city center in Kadriorg Park to get an idea of Estonian history and expression through centuries of art. No matter where you go, you simply can’t miss Estonian black bread. Somehow, the city looks more striking against a muted, cloudy sky. I should have gone there! Still, St. Catherine’s Passage somehow feels especially traditional. Luxury ($150+ a night): Nestled in the heart of Tallinn’s Old Town, Savoy Boutique Hotel is small but luxe, with gorgeous details, comfortable amenities like soft robes and welcome fruit, tasteful art deco designed rooms, and an in-house restaurant with rave reviews. I was in Tallinn in January and it’s now my favourite Baltic state! Yes, I’m including Tallinn on this list of great things about Helsinki. Check prices, reviews, and availability here. As it’s almost entirely indoors, it’s a great way to while away an hour or two in Tallinn in winter to warm up and escape the cold! In Tallinn, the streets are pretty uneven so you’ll probably spend a bit of time watching where you’re walking. The best Unique Experiences in Tallinn according to Viator travelers are: Estonian Craft Beer Tasting in Tallinn. Over 800 years of history wrapped up in one museum. Tourism in Tallinn is growing so I’m sure the city will just get busier and eventually catch up with Western European pricing. 74 Cool, Hidden, and Unusual Things to Do in Estonia. Surely, this is not enough. I arrived in time for a lunch hour organ recital. Previously ive hired a roof top jacuzzi in prague etc so looking for something similar. It is focused on the history of one of Estonia’s most popular old wineries that also was responsible for importing much international liquor back in the day. Check out this Tallinn Old Town pub crawl! I was visiting in December so I also knew it would be cold. One of the nicest boutique hotels is Taanilinna Hotel, which has beautiful rustic details, bright interiors with gorgeous light, wood-beamed ceilings, and cozy rooms. There are countless places to enjoy a great beer in the city, and most restaurants will have a decent selection of craft beer. Admission costs 11 euros and includes a guided tour. In this compact guide, Rick Steves covers the essential spots of each city, including the Hermitage, the Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood, Linnanmäki (a classic amusement park), and Toompea Castle. Even though the sun sets at 3:30, the joy of that is that afternoon golden hour seems to last that little extra bit longer, and the blue hour feels just a little bit brighter. Found insideThere is a clear gap between what research has shown to work in teaching math and what happens in schools and at home. This book bridges that gap by turning research findings into practical activities and advice. I took a day trip from Helsinki to Tallinn and it wasn’t near enough time. So, I donât have a firsthand hotel recommendation, but Iâve culled the best-rated hotels and hostels in town, keeping location in mind, for three different budgets. български español čeština dansk Deutsch eesti ελληνικά English … Tallinn looks like such a fun place. But the Tallinn Christmas market, with its enormous tree, cute wooden craft booths, piping hot fresh pancakes, and all the glögg you can drink is one of the coziest places in all of Tallinn. Take the ferry from Helsinki to Tallinn. I didn’t dine in this restaurant as the vegetarian choices weren’t so great, and with so many other restaurants around I wanted to try elsewhere. Book a private tour with a local which you can customize to your interests. Found insidePraise for Remains of the Soviet Past in Estonia 'By adopting the tropes of ‘repair’ and ‘waste’, this book innovatively manages to link various material registers from architecture, intergenerational relations, affect and museums ... (888) 651-9785 (888) 651-9785. lol It’s encouraging you found tasty food for your vegetarian diet. Visit top-rated & must-see attractions. Jan 14, 2019 - Tallinn is a fairytale of a city, but look beyond the medieval cobbled streets of the Old Town and you'll find countless unexpected things to do in Tallinn. Read More: The Perfect Packing List for Two Weeks in Europe. Related itineraries for your best Tallinn trip. One of the most charming features of the old city of Tallinn are the narrow, little streets that make the center like a small labyrinth. I think it’s really cool that Tallinn is just a two-hour ferry ride away! But there was so many options! 8-Day Tour Estonia, Lithuania, Latvia: Tallinn, Riga, Vilnius. I’m starting off with this one for two reasons. As medieval as Old Town may look, modern Tallinn is innovative, creative, and playful. Handicrafts, clothing stores, and more can be found in small shops dotting the alleyway, a perfect stop for souvenir shopping. European Commission - Policies, information and services. Today, Tallinn has a population of close to 500,000 and is the most populous city in Estonia. I ended up being there a couple of hours taking in all the exhibits and learning the history of the city. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. Metropol Spa Hotel. That’s wonderful to hear! Best time of year to visit Tallinn. The second is because although they are a unique thing to do in Tallinn, they are obviously seasonal. And you write exactly what I was looking for! That’s so great to hear! Skip the line and book fun activities and tours with Expedia. Clicking ads or making purchases through affiliate links may, at no additional cost to you, earn me a small commission. My favorite coffee shop in Tallinn is Kohvik August, with its gorgeous streamlined decor, tasty brunch options, and delicious coffees served exactly the way you like it. Like most of Tallinn, this passage’s architecture has largely been untouched since the founding of the city. Typically most museums and activities were around the 5 EURO mark. It was around 5 C / 40 F when I visited so it wasn’t that cold (I’m used to much worse after having lived in NYC) but I’m sure it’s marvelous in summer! Try some outdoor ice skating. Top Things to Do in Tallinn, Estonia: See Tripadvisor's 261,395 traveller reviews and photos of Tallinn tourist attractions. Soft lighting, cozy pillows and throws and expertly pulled espresso from some of Tallinn’s best coffee shops all beckon you to take a break from the Tallinn winter and warm up indoors. Your review made me put Tallinn in my top 5. It was first rate–completely blew us away! What a wonderful write-up you have done and it totally brightens my coming trip to the Baltic states considerably. Photo by Mark Litwintschik. I thought I’d mainly find meat and cheese. Tap into our #WednesdayWisdom and discover new things to do in Tallinn right now. I didn’t really know what to expect with Tallinn. The #1 Best Value of 402 places to stay in Tallinn. #2 Best Value of 402 places to stay in Tallinn. One of the nicest boutique hotels is Taanilinna Hotel, which has beautiful rustic details, bright interiors with gorgeous light, wood-beamed ceilings, and cozy rooms. When the Soviet Union began to crumble, the 6-person KGB team fled in the middle of the night, taking what they could and destroying whatever they couldn’t. Want to experience the nightlife scene in the hands of a local? Walking through some of the older medieval streets and past the delightfully ornate buildings was a treat. The best restaurant I ate at during my time in Tallinn, F-Hoone, is located right next to Telliskivi Creative City. Whether you are a professional baker, a home baker who would like to turn a hobby into a career or just someone who loves Real Bread then this handbook is for you. Food & Drink. Even in winter, Tallinn’s nightlife scene goes on, though admittedly it is more laid-back than in the summer. Found insideIn this groundbreaking book, you will learn: What's behind your "hit and run" obsessions When (and how) to finish what you start How to do everything you love What type of Scanner you are (and which tools you need to do your very best work) The city museum and the underground bar sound like neat things to do. 1. As Estonia's largest city, Tallinn has a wide range of options for accommodation during your travels. But other than that I was just interested to see somewhere I hadn’t been before. Tallinn Old Town became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997 due to its remarkably preserved 13th-century city plan. If you’re looking for a beautiful panorama, there’s no better area than the scenic overlooks on Toompea Hill. Read this related post on getting to Tallinn from Riga, and the cheap and easy bus you need to take. Discover the best things to do in Tallinn - classic attractions and activities plus hidden gems. Entry is 6 EUR, but if you’re visiting between October and April note that the museum is closed Mondays and some days have shorter opening hours. If you’re on a budget, but still want some medieval food with a side of role-playing fanfare (who doesn’t? See Tripadvisor's 261,634 traveller reviews and photos of kid friendly Tallinn attractions It opens from 10am, so again getting there earlier might beat some of the crowds. Take the Tallinn Free Tour. I’ve traveled a lot of Eastern Europe, and while it’s one of my favorite regions in the world to travel, the food scene is often lacking (sorry, Balkan region, but if I eat another cevapcici, I just may lose it for real). Cities. Now given I’m from the UK, and at this point was traveling alone, I was looking for a bit of home comfort. I’m so excited to visit in Oct now! The historic city has a lot to offer no matter what time of year you visit. 107 expert & traveler reviews on Tallinn trips. But could a homebody helicopter mom learn to let go of her heartstrings and house keys all at once? Filled with a sense of adventure and humor, Going Gypsy is the story of a life after raising kids that is a celebration of new experiences. Outdoor Activities . The already-cozy cafés, with their Scandinavian-inspired design, seem even more snug and warm when you look outside and see snow-covered sidewalks! One of my favorites was the apothecary in Town Hall Square, the oldest continuously running pharmacy in the world, which has a mini-museum showing some strange medieval cures. Food & Drink . You’ll find industrial buildings adorned with beautiful murals, trendy street style, and Nordic-influenced design shops galore. In fact, once you realize that won’t be packed elbow-to-elbow in the narrow streets of the Old Town the way you would in summer, visiting Tallinn in winter starts to seem like a reasonable idea after all. This 10th-century stronghold still offers breathtaking views over the city, giving a new perspective to the combination of historic charm and modern culture that thrives within Tallinn.