Tallinn is the capital of Estonia and is an ideal destination to combine with other places like Riga and Helsinki.
By car Riga is about 4 hours away and by boat Helsinki is only 2 hours away.
The historic centre of the old town is quite small, you can get around it in a few hours and you don’t need transport.
The Old Town of Talin is one of the best preserved medieval towns in Europe and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Transportation in Tallinn
If you want to get around the old town of Tallinn, you can walk, you don’t need transport. If you want to move around the rest of the area you can download the Pilet.ee app, so you can buy your e-tickets from there.
There’s an unlimited one-hour ride ticket that costs €2. Otherwise then there are the daily ones which in my opinion are more advantageous if you really need tickets. The day pass costs 5,50€ which compared to 2€ for one hour is a better option.
The three-day pass costs 9€ and the 5-day pass costs 11€. But again, if you want to explore just the old town, then you don’t need anything.
Accommodation in Tallinn
Hektor Container Hotel
Next to the old town of Tallinn you will find the Hektor Container Hotel, where I stayed. The location is ideal, because in less than ten minutes on foot, you’ll arrive in the old town.
The Hektor Container Hotel has a very special concept. The rooms, which are modern and quite comfortable, are old… containers! I had never stayed in anything like this before and I was really excited.
The rooms provide you with all the amenities, while there are also spaces such as large sitting areas for those who want to relax, work and meet other travellers.
I did my check in online, but also the staff was on hand at the hotel to help you with anything you need. The breakfast includes everything you need to keep you full until lunch.
Attractions in Tallinn
St. Olaf’s Church
St. Olaf’s Church is one of the most famous attractions in Tallinn. It is a 14th century Baptist church with a 124-metre tower. The stairs are 258 and the climb is tiring, but the view will make up for it.
The Three Sisters building complex
Very close to St. Olaf’s Church you will find three adjacent medieval houses built in 1362 and preserved to this day.
The original owners of the houses were mainly engineers, councillors and mayors who used the houses to entertain foreign visitors. Recently, the houses were converted into a single luxury hotel.
Patkuli Viewing Platform
One of the best places to enjoy the old town from above is the Patkuli Viewing Platform.
Kohtuotsa viewing platform
Almost next to the Patkuli Viewing Platform you will find another spot to see the red roofs of Tallinn’s old town buildings, the Kohtuotsa viewing platform.
St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral
The imposing church was designed by Mikhail Preobrazhensky and funded by public donations.
The church was built between 1894 and 1900 and is dedicated to St. Alexander Nevsky. The church has been renovated since the country regained its independence from the Soviet Union in 1991.
The Cathedral of the Virgin Mary
The medieval church dates back to the 13th century. The entrance fee is 2€.
Hermann Tower
Tower in Toompea Castle, which was built around 1370, rebuilt in the 15th century and has 215 steps.
The Estonian national flag was first raised over the tower on 12 December 1918. Today the national flag is raised over the tower at sunrise.
The rising is accompanied by the melody of the national anthem of the Republic of Estonia. They lower the banner at sunset to the sound of the song “Mu Isamaa armas”.
Toompea Castle
Toompea Castle is a baroque castle built on a 9th century citadel and is now the seat of the Estonian Parliament.
The place is usually closed to public visits as it is a government building, but occasionally holds public tours.
Tallinn City Hall
The impressive Gothic town hall dates back to the 13th century and is located on a central cobbled square full of restaurants and souvenir shops.
Tallinn City Hall is considered the oldest City Hall in Northern Europe. It was active as a town hall until 1970 and now houses several exhibits and hosts various events.
The entrance fee is 5€, and if you want to visit the Tower you will have to pay another 4€.
St. Catherine’s Passage
A short cobbled path that takes you back in time. The cross bars date back to the 15th century. These were intended to stabilise the houses next door.
House of the Blackheads
One of the oldest buildings in Tallinn. Inside there is a hall where recitals are held.
This 15th century House of the Blackheads served as the ecclesiastical part of the Brotherhood of Blackheads, an association of unmarried merchants and shipowners.
It’s not as nice as the House of the Blackheads in Riga, but it’s worth a visit.
Hellemann Tower and Town Wall Walkway
For 4€ you can go up and walk the old walls of the old city which are still preserved today.
Inside you will also find explanatory panels with important parts of the city’s history.
Viru Gate
The beautiful entrance to enter the old city. It consists of two large 14th century towers.
Around it are flower shops with colourful flowers decorating the street.
Balti Jaama Turg
The Balti Jaama Turg market isn’t exactly an attraction, but it’s a nice place to spend time. It has three floors of clothing stores, restaurants and antique shops.
Tallinn TV Tower
Outside of the old town is the huge Tallinn TV Tower, 314 metres high. Entrance prices range from 16 to 19€ depending on the time of year you’ll go.
There is a restaurant in the tower, but also activities such as walking on the edge (with special equipment of course) at 175 meters.
Food in Tallinn
Balti Jaama Turg
The indoor market Balti Jaama Turg has three floors full of shops and restaurants. You can find whatever cuisine you want to eat. From burgers and Italian food, to bao buns, vegan cuisine and desserts.
Pulla Bakery
One place you should definitely visit without a second thought is Pulla Bakery (Voorimehe 7, 10146).
It’s a tiny bakery and a lady bakes only five kinds of pastries (I’ll call them rolls because that’s how she wrote them in the menu) and focaccia, nothing more. I really can’t even put into words how delicious they are. Warm and fluffy they melt in your mouth. I tried the rolls with nutella, and they have also with cinnamon, almond, caramel and plain.
If you travel to Tallinn be sure to go!
Viru Kebab
If you’re looking for an affordable – and delicious!!! – option go to Viru Kebab, which you’ll find at Viru Gate. The portions are very large and the Pita kebap I tried costs 5€.
If you want to see more of my trip to Tallinn, check out my Instagram profile.
