View of the Tallinn, Estonia cityscape
TALLINN A DAY'S WORK

Cruisereise til Tallinn, Estonia

Tallinn's fairy-tale castles, cobbled streets and warm hospitality remain one of Europe's best-kept secrets. Head to the city's Old Town, where you can see medieval Raekoja Plats (Town Hall Square) and wander hidden passageways between 17th- and 18th-century earthwork forts. Tour the ornate Orthodox Cathedral of St. Alexander Nevsky, full of detailed mosaics and traditional icons. Take a foray to the unspoiled Baltic coastline just outside Tallinn — check out popular Pirita or quiet Kakumae. Later, stop into one of Tallinn's iconic cellar restaurants to fuel up on hearty Estonian fare like mulgipuder, a porridge of barley and potatoes flavored with smoky bacon.
Nasjonalt språk Estonian
Valuta som godtas Euro (EUR)

Things To Do in Tallinn

Close up view of buildings in Tallinn. Estonia

Medieval Roots

Close up view of buildings in Tallinn. Estonia

Close up view of buildings in Tallinn. Estonia

Medieval Roots

From the red-roofted towers of its Town Walls, to the Orthodox Alexander Nevsky Cathedral and the smoky pink Riigikogu parliament house, Tallinn's medieval Old Town looks straight out of a fairy tale. Make sure to stop in central Raejoka Plats, a charming square filled with cafes and restaurants.

Aerial view of the business district in Tallinn, Estonia

Tallinn's New-School Side

Aerial view of the business district in Tallinn, Estonia

Aerial view of the business district in Tallinn, Estonia

Tallinn's New-School Side

Estonia was the birthplace of tech giant Skype, after all, and Tallinn's modern central business district reflects this futurism. Meanwhile, the Rotterdam District hearkens back to the pre-Russian Art Nouveau period of the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

A man and a woman walking on a beach in Tallinn, Estonia
A man and a woman walking on a beach in Tallinn, Estonia

Baltic Beaches

Tallinn's beaches are the perfect opportunity to escape the not-so-hectic city center. Pirita Beach in particular is a big draw, with its broad expanse of sand and unique architecture, which dates back to when the USSR hosted the Olympics in 1991.

A herring sandwich on a white plate
A herring sandwich on a white plate

Local Cuisine

Estonian food mixes Baltic and Russian influences — pickled herring is a common sight on Estonian tables, as is hearty black rye bread. Check out one of the cool cellar restaurants, which are situated on the garden level of warehouse buildings. Try buckwheat blinis with whitefish roe, red onion and sour cream, or pea soup with smoked pork hock. Wash it down with a pint of the local favorite Pohjala beer.

A variety of wooden souvenir viking dolls for sale in Estonia
A variety of wooden souvenir viking dolls for sale in Estonia

Shopping

If you want to shop a range of souvenirs, local items and just about anything else you can think of, wander through the outdoor market stalls just outside Viru Gate, in the Old Town. Tallinn's most famous souvenirs include wooden crafts made with Estonian Junpier trees and local chocolates and spirits by brands like Kalev and Vana Tallinn.

Innsidetips
Innsidetips
1 Tallinn's Old Town is compact and easily explored by foot, but if you do take a taxi, make sure to negotiate a rate before you start moving.
2 If you don't have a lot of time, make the quick hike up Toompea Hill: From here, you'll enjoy a picture-perfect panorama of the medieval part of Tallinn.

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