I’m back from my travels in Europe and excited to share some things we did and saw for the last few weeks. For the next couple of blog posts, I will give more specifics on some things to do while in Estonia but I thought I would start with a little summary of my top 10 things to do and see in Old Town Tallinn.
Old Town Tallinn is one of the most well-preserved medieval places in Europe and is filled with historical landmarks. Because of that, it has been deemed a UNESCO World Heritage site. Its gothic spires, wide cobblestone streets, and amazing architecture make it a great place to visit. I had heard from others that the summer months can be very crowded, so I was pleased to find the contrary as the town was rather quiet during our visit in late September. Anyway, lets jump in to my top 10!
1. Stroll around Old Town
Town Hall Square is a lovely open area in the center of Old Town and has been the heart of Tallinn for over seven centuries. It used to be a meeting place for locals and a marketplace for traders. It was also used to hold public executions but luckily that practice has been disbanded and quaint cafes, colorful buildings and fun shops have replaced that grim tradition. The Christmas Market is held here during the winter months and a Christmas tree has been placed here every year since 1441. The late-gothic Town Hall building completed in 1404 presides over the square and now hosts a museum. Mid-May through mid-September visitors may climb the 210-foot tower to catch a great view of Old Town.
After strolling around, take a break and treat yourself to something yummy at the oldest café in Tallinn, Maiasmokk. It started as a chocolate factory in 1864 (they still make it here) but is now a full-service café. We ate lunch at this cute place and of course brought some chocolate back with us.
2. Visit the Town Hall Pharmacy (Raepteek)
First mentioned in records in 1422, it is one of the oldest continuously run pharmacies in Europe. From 1580 to 1911 it was run by 10 generations of the same family! Inside you can still buy pharmacy products but there is also a small museum with interesting archaic instruments and remedies.
3. See St. Catherine’s Passage and ruins of the Monastery
St. Catherine’s Monastery was founded in 1246 and played a key role in the town: however, it was closed down during the Reformation. Although not all of the building remains, the corridors display masonry that are perfect examples of medieval times. The nearby Catherine’s Passage is a narrow street where you can see interesting medieval burial slabs on the walls. It is also a cool place to shop as there are craft studios featuring works and craftmanship you would have found from centuries prior. This street felt like the most well-preserved medieval area in the town, in my opinion.
4. Explore the old city walls, towers and bastion underground passageways
The Kiek in de Kök (‘peek into the kitchen’ in Low German), was the mightiest artillery tower in the Baltics, built in 15th-century. Today the museum exhibits the history of the town’s fortifications and some history of old Tallinn. The Bastion Passages are a system of hidden tunnels from the 17th and 18th centuries that run underneath the bastions of Old Town. You don’t even have to pay attention while walking around Old Town to see other traces of the well-preserved medieval fortification walls and towers!
5. See the St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral
This beautiful church was built in 1894 and is a classic Orthodox style church with its onion-shaped domes. It is the largest Orthodox church in Estonia to this day.
St. Mary’s Church (also called the Dome Church) is nearby, as well, but with very different architecture to enjoy. This Lutheran church was established in 1219 by the Danes. The interior and tower are of the Baroque style. You can even climb the church bell tower to get a great view of the city.
6. Visit Toompea Castle now home to Estonia’s parliament
The castle dates back to 1229 and has changed functions throughout the centuries. The colorful Baroque building you see here was built in 1767 to 1773 on the order of Russian Empress Catherine the Great. It really is a beautiful structure to see, especially in contrast to the nearby Cathedral of such different architecture.
7. View the city of Tallinn from the Kohtuotsa Viewing Platform
You don’t have to climb a tower to get a nice view. From this angle, you can see the Baltic Sea, parts of lower Old Town, and the more modern sections of Tallinn. The view is spectacular! Plus it is spacious enough where you don’t feel like you are arm in arm next to fellow travelers.
8. Visit St. Olaf’s Church
This church was originally built in the 13th century and, fun fact, from 1549 to 1625 it was the tallest building in the world. It has been struck by lightning ten times over the years – three times it led to a fire, yet it still stands! In the summer, visitors may climb the 258 steps to the top to enjoy yet another great view of the city.
9. Have dinner at a Medieval Restaurant
Yes you heard me right. I know some will think it is a very touristy thing to do (and it is) but it is so much fun! There are a few but we went to Olde Hansa where they played medieval music while dining and the servers were dressed in period costumes. The décor looked medieval and the staff called us “me lady” and “me lord” which all together heightened our medieval dining experience! I mean, how often will you get a chance to dine in the 1200s?
10. Visit the KGB Prison Cells
I must admit, this building with cellar windows completely bricked over looked a little creepy but this WAS the KGB headquarters during the Soviet period after all. It was built as a residential building in 1912 but later became a house of horrors for the NKVD (later the KGB) in 1940. Prison cells were built in the basement in 1941, which were used until 1950. The cells in the basement may be toured and depict a story of the atrocities committed against Estonians within these walls. It is a tough tour but very impactful to say the least.
11. Visit Kadriorg Palace and Gardens
Okay, I know this is 11 on my list of Top 10 Places but it is located just a short distance outside Tallinn (we took an UBER for only a few Euros) and boy are we glad we did. It is definitely a must-see. I’ll save the details for next week’s post, though, so make sure to stay tuned for that amazing experience.
Anyway, hope you enjoyed my list of top 10 things to do and see in Tallinn, Estonia. Maybe this will give you ideas of what to do on your next trip to Europe.
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