Guide to visiting Tallinn, Estonia
The Tallinn Guide has its base on a weekend fund of my trip to the beautiful Estonian capital. Tallinn Old Town is one of the most northern European medieval centers and a UNESCO site, a smaller and pedestrian-friendly center. Another aspect that I have liked is that, within two days, one is able to see the most important Tallinn sightseeing locations. Go down over the red roofs to cafes, go to Tallinn Estonia in case you wish to have good history without much people. The level of tourism is lower than in big western capitals and it makes the environment natural and serene.
Getting to Tallinn, Estonia
It was not as awkward as I imagined to get to Tallinn Estonia. I arrived at the Tallinn Airport which is within 4 km of the center of the city and a tram is about 15 minutes. Numerous passengers also come to the port by ferry directly out of Helsinki, an excellent 2-hour trip exercised by millions of passengers each year. Tallinn is linked to Riga and other Baltic cities by bus. I would advise that one should book transport early in summer since the seats would be booked quickly. Late-night arrivals are not to be recommended to a person who is not familiar with the area since the public transport is less common.
Accommodation in Tallinn Estonia
In Tallinn, accommodation is available in the form of budget hostels to luxury hotels within the medieval buildings. I was located close to Tallinn Old Town, which also did not waste time on walking between attractions. Hostels are expected to cost EUR20-30 and a middle range hotel could cost EUR80-150. It may be cheaper to remain just outside the old walls and yet central. Book in advance in the Christmas markets and the summers, when the occupancy goes high. I would recommend visiting the locations close to tram stations so that the airport could be easily reached and visiting places outside the Old Town such as Kalamaja.
Places to eat and drink whilst in Tallinn Estonia
One of my favorite activities of the trip was to find places to eat in Tallinn. Within the Old Town, I also discovered small cafes and classic Estonian cafes with good inside dishes starting EUR10-18. To get more trendy food go to Telliskivi Creative City. Most of the finest restaurants in Tallinn Old Town get full earlier, especially during the high season, hence it is a good idea to reserve in advance. It is best to avoid places in which the menu pushes are noisy–in smaller side streets there is likely to be better fare. Local artisan beer is common and of affordable cost.
The best things to do in Tallinn, Estonia
1. Tales Of Reval tour
Tallinn Old town was the best place to start my acquaintance with the Tales of Reval tour. This walking tour is a combination of history and legends as medieval Tallinn will come to life. It takes approximately two hours and includes major Tallinn touristic attractions. The early booking allowed me to have a place since the tours tend to run out of places especially during weekends. Foot shoes are good–cobblestones are hard. This is quite among the best free activities in Tallinn Old Town when it comes to taking the tip-based option.
2. Kohtuotsa lookout was my favourite, but definitely the busiest
Kohtuotsa lookout provides one of the most ideal perspectives in Tallinn Estonia. I liked the panorama as to the red roofs and church spires, yet it is highly sought after, primarily during the lunchtime. Early in the morning or close to sunset when the crowd is not so big. This is a small platform and one should wait to see the photos. The location is unoccupied and it is a short uphill walk to the center of the Old Town. It is one of the attractions in any plan of Tallinn itinerary 2 days.
3. The next is the Patkuli viewing platform
The Patkuli viewing place was bigger than Kohtuotsa. It does not concentrate on the city walls and towers and presents a stereotypical picture of a skyline in the Middle Ages. It is among the most enjoyable views in Tallinn Estonia, which may be coupled with a stroll by the city walls. During rain time, wooden floors are likely to create slips and thus good shoes should be used. I did this in the morning when the light was favourable. The weekend in Tallinn is free and ideal to spend.
4. Finally, the Danish King’s Gardens
The Old Town walls are closely connected with the Danish King Gardens, a quiet green area. It is connected to the Danish history and the legends concerning Tallinn flag. This was one of my resting stops with sightseeing. It is particularly pretty because of the spring and summer flowers. There are good resting places on benches particularly after walking hills. It is not as busy as big squares, so it is among the underestimated free attractions in Tallinn Old Town.
5. Walk 15 minutes out of town to the industrial art centre of Telliskivi for lunch
The Telliskivi Creative City is not far off and is about 15 minutes of walking distance in Old Town and not an overweight distance. The industrial upholstered area has been flooded with the street art, cafes, and design shops. I also had a meal in EUR10-15 which is cheaper than the tourist restaurants. It is a great contrast of medieval Tallinn. It is very contemporary since it is visited by many of the locals. You can add this to the Tallinn sightseeing guide in case you have to see something besides old walls.
6. Aleksander Nevski Katedraal
The unique feature of Aleksander Nevski Cathedral is its onion domes and elaboration. It was constructed in the early 20 th century and is a reflection of Russian influence in the history of Estonia. It is free to enter, but dress decently and keep silence in the inside. I went in the early morning to escape the tour groups. It is located directly opposite Toompea Castle, which is why it can be included in a Tallinn Old Town walking tour. Interior photography can be limited.
7. Tallinna Raekoja Plats
The main street of Tallinn Old Town is the Tallinna Raekoja Plats, the Town Hall Square. I liked sitting here and having a cup of coffee and watching the life on the street. It is also the location of a popular Christmas market which is visited by thousands of people annually during the winter. In this instance, cafes are pricier and could walk multiple streets in order to have less expensive food. One of the best tourist attractions in Tallinn is Gothic Town Hall that dates back to the 13 th century.
8. The Old Town
I simply wanted to walk the Tallinn Old Town. Its streets are small cobbled walkways, its passages hidden, its towers middle Ages and all that makes it appear like a fairytale. It is not that big and can be crossed within 20 minutes, but it still requires hours to wander slowly through it. It lists many of the most valuable things to do in Tallinn in 48 hours. Keep your shoes heavy, and watch out in rainy weather of slipping rocks. The mornings that are the most quiet are in the early mornings.
Top tips for visiting Tallinn Estonia
As a way of spending a hassle free weekend in Tallinn, it would be prudent to visit the places of interest either early or late in order to avoid the cruise ship traffic. Its transport networks are also affordable and most of the sites are accessible via walking. It is never too late to put on a light jacket even when the summer seasons are upon, Baltic weather is unpredictable. Majority of the museums close at Mondays and that caught me off guard. Even though card payments are usually accepted, small cafes can use cash. These low-cost Tallinn tipples helped me to save time and money.
FAQS
Is 48 hours enough to visit Tallinn?
Yes, two days are enough to go sightseeing in important Tallinn Old Town locations, views, museums, and enjoy local food without rushing in case you plan your visit schedule.
What are the best things to do in Tallinn, Estonia?
Exploring Tallinn Old Town, Kohtuotsa lookout, Patkuli platform, Aleksander Nevski Cathedral, Telliskivi Creative City, and Tallinn Old Town walking tour would be the best activities to engage in.
How do you get around Tallinn?
Tallinn is rather pedestrian, especially Old Town. Trams and buses connect the outer areas and it is inexpensive and easy to buy a ticket.
Where should I stay in Tallinn for a short visit?
On a brief visit to Tallinn, take a sightseeing tour around Tallinn Old Town or the Kalamaja area where one can visit and have dinner at restaurants and use the transport system.
Is Tallinn an expensive city to visit?
Tallinn is reasonably expensive relative to the western Europe. Hostels, local transport and local restaurants allow budget travelers to spend EUR40-60 a day.
