Tallinn, the capital of Estonia, is truly one of the gems of Northern Europe. Dating as far back as the beginning of 12th century, it is home to the most intact, and UNESCO protected, medieval city centre in the world. At the historical heart of the city is the hill of Toompea, covered in cobbled streets and filled with medieval houses and alleyways. A walk through this truly magical kingdom brings a mysterious sense of the atmosphere of the old days.
In Tallinn, you find a mixture of Russian Orthodox churches and Dominican monasteries with old merchant houses and medieval meeting halls. It has an atmospheric Old Town and is full of history. Art and culture are taken as seriously by locals as the great nightlife. Tallinn was also named the European Capital of Culture in 2011.
Many of the buildings have been renovated in the compact and beautiful Old Town. Tallinn's old quarter is one of the most attractive in Europe and has the feel of a 'mini Prague'. Museums, historic buildings, shops, cafés and restaurants can all be found here.
The Tallinn City Museum, housed in a 14th-century building, takes visitors on a journey from German and Soviet times to independence and into the modern day.
The building was constructed in the 14th and 15th centuries and it is the only surviving late Gothic town hall in Northern Europe.
Tallinn has a wide array of restaurants to choose from. You'll be able to find something to suit every taste and appetite, whether it's Greek, Chinese or traditional Estonian cuisine. Tallinn's best restaurants are generally concentrated in the centre of the Old Town.
Maybe you haven't had a reason to try Estonian cuisine before but when you are here you have to visit Eesti Maja. Favourites include marinated eel, blood sausage or jellied pork.
Are you looking for a really good seafood restaurant in Tallinn? You found it! Mookkala's food, atmosphere and service are all great.
Tallinn is a convenient place for shopping with most of the shops located in the Old Town and surrounding streets. There are plenty of elegant boutiques offering clothes, shoes, perfume and more. Müürivahe Street is an interesting place to find knitted products, glasswork, ceramics, leather goods and artist's workshops.
Tallinn offers a number of large malls, such as Kristiine Keskus, Endia 45, or Ulemiste Centre, next to the city's airport. Tallinn's biggest shopping centre Viru Keskus is also very popular with the locals and is located in the city centre. Other than that you can find clothing and amber imported from Lithuania in the Old Town.
Tallin is great for going out due to the huge variety of venues. You can easily visit four or five completely different bars without walking more than ten minutes between any of them. The main area is the Old Town and gets packed with people on Friday and Saturday.
Molly Malone's is a really nice Irish pub with a lovely sunny terrace.
This is the city's chic lounge-style bar with a smart dress code. It's where the trendsetters meet and enjoy a cool cocktail. They also serve Mediterranean-inspired food.
This is a smaller dance venue but is really trendy and exclusive. You can find Club Privé on the edge of the Old Town.
© Fred. Olsen Travel 2024.
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