Town Hall Square
What is the first place to see in Tallinn? It is better to start your acquaintance with the city from the historical center. Town Hall Square is one of the most interesting and favorite places for travelers. The special atmosphere and a bit of toy beauty are impressive.
It is here that city festivities and holidays, festivals, concerts, and fairs are held. Tallinn Town Hall is the only surviving medieval town hall in Northern Europe. Excursions are conducted here today. As before, it is admirable, being a masterpiece of 15th-century architecture, so rich in remarkable monuments.
Tallinn: Old Town
A piece of a fairy tale in the middle of a modern city, the Old Town is the very heart of Tallinn. Here you can get lost for the whole day, because there is something to see, wandering along the winding cobbled streets under the shadow of stone towers, exploring ancient churches, and looking at medieval houses.
How to get there: on foot from the bus station in 15-20 minutes, from the airport – in 40 minutes (or by bus number 2).
Niguliste Museum – St. Nicholas Church
It is worth paying attention to this museum because it is one of the few located in a functioning sacral building. Here are presented rare icons, amazing medieval tombstones, unique altars, and, of course, the pearl of the collection – a fragment of Bernt Notke’s painting “The Dance of Death”, which is more than 500 years old.
It is possible to visit this museum in Tallinn only as part of a group; the tour takes place in Estonian or English.
Tallinn landmarks: Kadriorg park
Be sure to come here! Kadriorg is one of the most beautiful parks in Tallinn, and in Estonia in general. Shady alleys, Swan Pond, a promenade leading to the palace – here every walk is an exciting journey. There are several museums on the territory of the park, so you will not be bored.
Estonian open-air museum
Do you want to travel back in time and find yourself in Estonia in the 18th and 20th centuries? Then be sure to take a walk in the Open Air Museum. Here you will be introduced to the country’s rural architecture, show you how they used to live on Estonian farms, tell you what the locals did and how they ran their household.
You can go to the village tavern and taste the national cuisine, or you can look at the windmills or visit one of the estates.
Tallinn: Dome Cathedral
Having visited this 13th-century cathedral in Tallinn, it will not leave you indifferent! The walls of the temple are decorated with the coats of arms of the German nobility of the 17th-20th centuries; here you can also see the extraordinary beauty of a carved wooden pulpit and climb the 69-meter tower, from which you can enjoy a stunning view of the city.
Every Wednesday at 17:00 an organ sounds in the cathedral. Entry to the cathedral and climbing the tower are prohibited during services and concerts.
Kalamaja district in Tallinn
How long do you think about what to visit and where to go in Tallinn? Perhaps one of the most picturesque districts of Tallinn, which is known primarily for its historic wooden buildings. Here the past is organically combined with the present. The center of Kalamaja is Telliskivi. For its numerous cafes, bars, galleries, and theaters, this place is adored by creative youth.
For an authentic Estonian souvenir from Tallinn, be sure to head to the covered shopping street. And certainly don’t ignore the Seaplane Harbor – the largest maritime center in the country.
How to get there: by tram # 1 or # 2.
Viimsi Open Air Museum
Once you’ve enjoyed Tallinn, head to Viimsi. There is another unique open-air museum there. The original fishing village of the 1820s has been recreated on the very seashore. Here you can walk around the farmyard, look into the barn and the master’s house, and also find out how and what the fishermen lived in those days. All year round from 10:00 to 14:00 there is a market on-site.
The ticket price also includes a visit to the neighboring Museum of Coastal People, which you can visit either on the day you buy your ticket or the next day.
Katarina käik or Ekaterina lane
Previously, there were workshops for artisans and artists. It is worth coming here to slowly wander along with the ancient paving stones and literally touch the antiquity, look at the preserved in the form of famous arches, and also the medieval walls and ruins of the Church of St. Catherine of Alexandria.
Location: The lane is located between Vene and Muurivahe streets.
Journey to Tallinn: the courtyard of the masters
Another interesting place that must be visited is the “gateway to the past” of the fabulous Tallinn. In this cozy courtyard in the Old City, workshops still work today, where craftsmen create things of incredible beauty.
Leather goods, amazing hats, lamb wool sweaters, glass, ceramics – it seems there is everything here! The courtyard also houses the famous Chocolaterie cafe. Well, how not stay here longer and enjoy the beauty of Tallinn ?!
Address: Vene tänav 6, Kesklinna linnaosa
Shops and workshops are open daily from 10:00 to 18:00.