What to visit in Tallinn in 3 days. What to see in Tallinn for adults and children: from the House of the Brotherhood of the Blackheads to the Japanese Garden. "Wooden Tallinn" in Kalamaja
Article-route of what to see in Tallinn in 1, 2 and 3 days. Prices and opening hours of attractions.
Tallinn is attractive to tourists at any time of the year: in winter it welcomes guests with noisy fairs, and in summer it delights with leisurely walks and the aroma of coffee wafting from small coffee shops. So, what should a traveler see in Tallinn in 1, 2 and 3 days?
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On the second day, we recommend visiting the outskirts of Tallinn. In the warm season, it’s good to take a walk along the coast or visit Kadriorg. Kadriorg is a palace built by order of the Russian Emperor Peter I for his wife Catherine I. Nowadays, Kadriorg houses foreign embassies and the residence of the head of state.
Kadriorg can be reached on foot from the Old Town (half an hour) or by tram. There is a park around, there are museums and a library on the territory of the complex, and there is a small cafe. Part of the park still requires restoration work; the Japanese-style rock garden and the lake with a gazebo on the island deserve special attention. Not far from the palace on the coastal boulevard there is the famous “Mermaid” monument, erected in 1902 - on the 9th anniversary of the death of the battleship.
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What to see in Tallinn in 3 days?
This day can be devoted to studying museums in Tallinn However, it should be noted that most of them are closed on Mondays. In the southern part of the Old Town there is Swedish Bastion with underground passages, perfectly preserved to this day. Today there is a historical museum in the dungeon. You can get there by appointment; ticket prices range from 4.5 euros to 5.75 euros.
Interesting maritime museum in the Fat Margaret Tower, located at the end of Pikk Street. Everything related to the marine theme is collected here. The museum is open from 10 am to 6 pm. Those interested in history will be interested in visiting Museum of Occupation, which is located within walking distance of the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral. The museum is open daily from 11 to 18, except Mondays, entrance costs 2 euros.
What else to see in Tallinn in 3 days? In the warm season, go to Piritu is a seaside area of Tallinn, where one of the largest city beaches is located. Here is also the monastery of St. Brigid, the one without a roof, and in the Tallinn TV Tower you can see the unique exhibition “Scoop”, reflecting the realities of life of the Soviet people. The Botanical Garden is located 300 m from the TV tower. In winter it is not particularly interesting - there are few indoor greenhouses, but from April to September everything blooms here. Entrance costs 5 euros (free in winter).
What to see in the city of Tallinn in the summer in a couple of days: the old town, Harju Hill, Town Hall Square and other attractions of the capital of Estonia. At the end of the article is a selection of apartments for a day and hotels in the center of Tallinn.
Today I will talk about the sights of Tallinn. The first time I spent 3 full days in Tallinn, walking for at least 8 hours. Subsequently, I came to Tallinn several more times, but the first trip was the brightest, so this article describes the impressions after my very first visit to Tallinn.
Tallinn Center and Old Town
In Tallinn, almost every narrow street and every house in the old town is a landmark with its own history. You can simply wander along the cobbled streets and look into the passages between the houses.
Below are just the key places to see in Tallinn in one or two days to get a general idea of the Estonian capital.
Tallinn Town Hall Square(aka Central Square). This is the heart of the old city. During the day, souvenirs are sold on Town Hall Square, so if you want to bring something home from a trip, then come here (in the souvenir shops, of which there are plenty in the old town, all goods are 2 times more expensive than at the bazaar).
Late in the evening, Town Hall Square is empty. All that remains are the tipsy Finns who came by ferry to party and stock up on cheap alcohol. In summer, people sit in a cafe on the square.
Exchange Passage(Borsi kaik) - the history of Estonia is written directly on the pavement slabs. It’s amazing that on the stones you can read not only about the past, but also about the future of the country! I wanted to post a photo, but I won’t. It’s better to go yourself and read what awaits Estonia in 400 years;)
Harju Hill— young people come here to relax and bask in each other’s arms. The place is romantic, with a beautiful view of Tallinn from the mountain. Drinking alcoholic beverages on the streets of the city is prohibited, but many do not hesitate to drink open beer directly from bottles on Harju Hill. We had a picnic there with goodies and also drank beer, pouring it into plastic glasses.
Courtyard of the Masters, where the Pierre Chocolaterie cafe is located looks very cool. If you don’t have time to drink coffee in a cafe, then it’s definitely worth at least taking a look; in this courtyard there are also textile shops, ceramics, and various jewelry.
I also came across a very interesting place, an art gallery, quite by accident. Also a kind of attraction
Linnahall roof, also known as the Gorhall, and under the USSR - the Lenin Palace of Culture and Sports, was built for the 1980 Olympics as a concert hall, but it was assumed that it would also be used as a military facility if the Finns suddenly decided to attack the USSR during the Cold War .
Now it is a popular hangout spot for young people. It looks big, but strange. It occupies a huge area, mixed sensations.
Northern Gate of Tallinn
I just got to the gate when the landscape design festival was taking place there. Many of the works caused obvious bewilderment, but some of the ideas were very, very cool. I’m not at all interested in flowers and pebbles, but I walked around looking at flowers and garden samples with my mouth open.
Old Town Tallinn:
Cat Well- a landmark of Tallinn, located at the intersection of Rataskaevu and Dunkri streets in the Old Town, directly opposite the Ukrainian restaurant.
Legend has it that in the Middle Ages, people threw dead cats into the well to appease the well's demons. As it turned out later, there were no monsters there, just an echo. Now at the bottom of the well there is various garbage and a bag from McDuck.
Rotermanni Quarter- also a landmark, located a stone's throw from the old town. This area is of architectural interest.
There, old factory buildings have been converted into modern buildings with a very original exterior design, and there is also an Architecture Museum and a Christmas market (in winter, of course).
So much is left behind the scenes. You can walk around the old city alone for several days, looking into all the alleys, climbing towers and observation platforms, looking at souvenirs and having dinner in cafes on the square.
Tallinn at night is beautiful!
Tallinn, photo in summer:
And I haven’t been to any museum! But I didn’t go to Rocca al Mare either.
Observation platforms in Tallinn
Kohtu observation deck
For free
From there you have one of the best views of Tallinn.
Before your eyes are red tiled roofs and the incredibly blue Baltic Sea. During the day it is full of tourists, it is very difficult to push through and see something, but nothing is impossible.
Tallinn: old town from the observation deck
Observation deck of St. Ollaf's Church
St. Olaf's Church entrance 2€
Just some 258 steps along a narrow spiral staircase, and now we are walking on shabby planks at the base of the dome of a tall church, from where an incredible panorama of Tallinn opens up with a 360-degree view.
The observation deck is open every day from April to October from 10.00 to 18.00. Entrance 2€ adults, 1€ students and children. At the top there is only an iron mesh fence, no glass partitions.
Please note that from November 1, 2016 to April 1, 2017, winter hours are in effect and the observation deck is closed.
We stayed there for about half an hour, walking in circles and poking our fingers at the roofs of other people's houses and watching a group of pensioners sunbathing on the terrace.
Throughout the eight centuries of its existence, Tallinn has not been in whose hands. Knightly orders, Sweden and the Russian Empire fought for the fortress and port on the Baltic Sea at different times. As a result, the modern capital of Estonia has become a mixture of different cultures, architectural styles and traditions.
Old Tallinn is a classic example of medieval cities in Northern Europe. In the center there is a fortified fortress with thick walls, where the parliament sits, stone streets lined with houses with pointed roofs radiate from the main square, and the bell towers of ancient churches rise above the neighborhoods.
The capital of Estonia is the main cultural center of the country. Here are the main museums, theaters, and concert venues. Festivals and festive processions are held on the city streets throughout the year.
The best hotels and inns at affordable prices.
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What to see and where to go in Tallinn?
The most interesting and beautiful places for walks. Photos and brief description.
An urban area imbued with the spirit of the Middle Ages, where the main historical attractions are concentrated. It is an interweaving of stone streets and squares, ancient temples, town halls and houses of merchant guilds. Since 1997, the quarter has been included in the UNESCO Historical Heritage List. The old city consists of a Lower and an Upper part. In past centuries, mainly aristocrats settled in the Upper Town (Vyshgorod).
The square with the tower is the very center of the Old Town. Once upon a time, public executions took place on Town Hall Square, and caught thieves were tied to the pillory. Tallinn Town Hall is an architectural monument of the 14th century, built in the Gothic style of Northern Europe. The building hosts various state receptions and other events; on other days it is open to the public for a small fee.
The oldest European pharmacy, which opened its doors in the first half of the 15th century. At the end of the 16th century, the building was leased to Johann Burchard, who began a dynasty of pharmacists who ran the pharmacy for more than 300 years. The pharmacy continues to sell medicines; in one of the premises there is a museum where you can look at ancient medical instruments. Sweets and souvenirs are also sold on site.
One of the city squares that appeared in the 19th century on the site of a destroyed Swedish bastion. At the beginning of the 20th century, the territory was paved with stone and market tents were removed from here. The main attraction of the square is a modern monument from 2009 in honor of the victory of Estonian troops in the War of Liberation of 1918-1920. Official events, concerts and sporting competitions are often held here.
A very well-preserved fence that defended the city in the Middle Ages. Sections of the wall with a total length of 2 km have survived to this day. and several 14th-century towers. During the heyday of Tallinn, the height of individual sections of the structure reached 14-16 meters, and the thickness reached 3 meters. The wall was considered one of the most powerful and reliable in Northern Europe. In past centuries, some towers served as a prison.
One of the towers of the fortress wall, which, according to the first version, served as a prison for women of easy virtue, unfaithful wives and disobedient brides, and according to the second, it was a haven for female seamstresses. The tower was built in the 13th century along with the city wall; it was destroyed several times during the siege of the city. After reconstruction in 2013, a museum and a cafe with a picturesque view of the Old Town opened in the premises.
The most impressive tower of the city wall is 20 meters high and 25 meters in diameter. The thickness of the walls reaches 5.2 meters. The building was built in the 16th century; the nickname “Fat Margaret” stuck to it a couple of centuries later. The impressive structure protected the Tallinn treasury and the entrance to the harbor. The tower houses the Maritime Museum, where you can learn about the history of navigation and fishing in Estonia.
Another defensive city tower, which was erected in the 15th century. Its name is translated from Saxon as “look into the kitchen.” The tower received this name for the reason that from its top the city guards on duty could observe the housewives in the kitchens of city houses. Nowadays, the tower houses a museum where weapons collections are displayed. Also, a tour of the Tallinn dungeons begins from here.
The medieval gate from which Viru Street leading to Town Hall Square begins (one of the main tourist alleys of the city). The gate is located in the eastern part of the city wall. Several centuries ago they served as one of the main entrances to the city. The design has reached us almost unchanged. The building seems to separate modern Tallinn from the Old Town, so for local residents it is a symbol.
A small street in the Old Town with buildings from the 15th -17th centuries. The place is also known as the Craftsmen's Courtyard, as there are numerous workshops for making souvenirs from leather, ceramics, and glass. In Katarina Lane, a tourist can purchase a unique item as a souvenir of Tallinn. In the summer, street cafes serve dishes according to old recipes, and the real atmosphere of bygone eras reigns around.
The main Estonian Lutheran church, the construction of which began in the 13th century. The Estonian name of the church is Toomkirik, officially it is called St. Mary's Cathedral. Many representatives of noble German families are buried here. One of the famous tombs of the cathedral is the grave of the navigator Ivan Krusenstern. The Dome Cathedral regularly hosts free organ music concerts.
The main Orthodox church of Tallinn, erected in the 19th century at the expense of representatives of the large Russian community. Local residents still perceive it as a symbol of the “forced Russification” of the population. They wanted to demolish the cathedral in 1928. In 1990, after the fall of the USSR, the temple and all its property were transferred to the newly formed Estonian government; now the Orthodox Church rents it for worship.
Neo-Gothic Lutheran church of the 19th century. Previously, on the site of the modern church there was a wooden chapel of St. Anthony from the 17th century, which burned down during the Northern War. The decoration of the building's façade is a German clock from the early 20th century. Now the Kaarli parish is an active Lutheran church, where services are regularly held and classical instrumental music concerts are held.
Another name for the Oleviste Church. A 16th-century temple with a spire 124 meters high. For decades, this tower was the tallest in Europe. The spire served as an excellent landmark for ships entering the city harbor. The height of the tower is also its problem - lightning struck it eight times, and the temple burned three times. The inside of the church is decorated with numerous Gothic vaults, creating a complex geometric interweaving.
The monastery is located in the northeastern part of Tallinn. At the beginning of the 15th century it was considered the largest in all of Livonia. The building did not last long - during the Livonian War, the monastery was destroyed by the army of Ivan the Terrible and since then it has been in ruins. Only the outer frame and the staircase on the bell tower have survived. In 2001, a new building was erected nearby, where the nuns of the Order of St. Brigid settled.
In the Middle Ages, Niguliste was one of the main city churches. It is believed that the temple was founded in the 13th century. and was rebuilt several times over the following centuries. In 1944, as a result of the bombing, Niguliste was heavily destroyed, and many of the artistic treasures inside were lost. In 1984, after 30 years of restoration, a museum and concert hall were opened in the building.
One of the churches where the Catechism was read in Estonian for the first time. On the facade of the church there is the oldest city clock of the 17th century, which is still in operation. The temple is closely connected with the development of the national culture of the Estonians. Inside there are 57 paintings depicting biblical scenes. The paintings were specially placed here so that illiterate townspeople could familiarize themselves with the Bible.
A modern museum built in 2006, designed by the Finnish architect Vapaavuori. The museum complex is a high-quality example of new architecture, a stylish building made of glass and greenish stone. The picturesque Kadriorg park is located around the building. Collections of Estonian masters from the 18th to 21st centuries are exhibited in Kumu. The exhibitions, divided into temporary periods, can be viewed in several thematic halls of the gallery.
19. Museum-hydroairport “Lennusadam”
The Naval Museum is located in former aircraft hangars. Here you can see real military equipment that took part in the battles: submarines, ships, airplanes and even a steam icebreaker. Many exhibits are the only surviving examples of military equipment. The museum also has a cinema hall and a playground for young children.
A monument designed by sculptor Adamson, dedicated to the warship that sank in 1893. The ship sank as a result of a sudden force 9 storm, and 177 crew members died. After the storm subsided, search crews found only a few lifeboats. Further searches for the ship continued for 40 years. The monument was built with donations.
An artificially created park with a palace in a magnificent Baroque style. The complex was built by Emperor Peter I for his wife Catherine. The area of the park is about 70 hectares. Here you can stroll along numerous alleys, admire fountains, gardens, flower beds, as well as sculptures created by Estonian craftsmen. The landscapes of Kadriorg are reminiscent of Peterhof and Tsarskoe Selo. There is a house-museum of Peter the Great in the park.
An ensemble with a park from the late 19th century, located in the city district of Nõmme. The castle was built according to the design of Baron von Glen in a medieval architectural style on the slopes of Mustamägi Hill. The labor of Tallinn prisoners was actively used at the construction site. In addition to the castle, the project included churches, a town hall, a mud bath and a post office. Apparently, the baron planned to build an entire city on this site.
The former summer residence of the count family Orlov-Davydov in the suburbs of Tallinn (the old name of the city is Revel). Under them, the estate bore the name Marienberg in honor of the Count's wife Maria. After the victory of the Revolution in 1917, the aristocratic family emigrated to Europe, and after some time the castle began to be used as the residence of the Dutch consul. Since 1975, a branch of the History Museum of Estonia has been located here.
The ancient fortress rises in the heart of Tallinn on the hill of the same name. The building dates back more than seven centuries of history. The Estonian parliament meets on the territory of the complex. The stronghold was founded by the Danish king Valdemar II. One of the watchtowers of the castle is the Tower of Long Herman, reaching a height of almost 100 meters above sea level. The national flag of Estonia flies at the top of the tower.
An important cultural landmark of the capital of Estonia. There is a shell-shaped stage here, as well as a sculpture of Gustav Ernesaks (the famous composer, inspirer and founder of the national Song Festivals in the 19th century, which are held every five years). The field also hosts major music events, rock festivals, and famous pop stars perform.
The zoo appeared in the capital of Estonia in the 40s. XX century. Now it is home to several thousand representatives of the world's fauna. Main exhibitions: bird park, animals of the Arctic zone, animals of the tropical zone, elephants. On the territory of the zoo there are clubs dedicated to the study of animals. A petting zoo and an adventure park with various interesting attractions are organized for children.
Located 10 km. from the capital near Kopli Bay. The museum was founded in the 80s. XX century, it is a complex of buildings from different periods of Estonian history: peasant houses, mills, churches, forges, fishermen's huts, forges. Here you can get acquainted with the life and culture of the local population. Visitors also have the opportunity to stroll through the picturesque park and breathe fresh air.
The tallest building in the country, reaching 314 meters in height. The TV Tower is a popular tourist and cultural center. People come here to visit the observation deck at an altitude of 170 meters, dine in the restaurant, watch interactive installations telling about the history of Estonia and simply admire the futuristic interiors. The rebuilt television tower was reopened in 2012.
This area emerged in the 19th century and was used to build industrial plants and warehouses. Thanks to the recent large-scale renovation with the participation of leading European architects, the quarter has turned into a fashionable and popular place. Large international companies have located their offices here, restaurants, stylish hotels and contemporary art galleries have appeared here.
The establishment is located in the Old Town in the former house of a wealthy merchant. The restaurant attracts visitors with its antique interior. There are candles burning, antique furniture, tables set with elegant dishes, and live music playing in the evenings. Olde Hansa's menu includes roast bear meat, elk stew, rose petal pudding, cinnamon beer and many more dishes created according to old recipes.
Transport in Tallinn
From the bus station You can get to the Old Town by tram No. 2 and 4. The tram stop is 150 m from the station: you need to go along the Odra to Tartu Maantee and cross to the other side (if your back is to the station, then you need to go left).
When you get on the tram you need to buy a ticket from the driver or attach a transport card to the validator, which can be purchased at R-kiosk. The card costs 2 euros, this is the security deposit. You can put money on the card for travel for 1, 3, 5 days, for a month. This is cheaper (about 0.50 euros per trip) than buying a ticket from the driver once. The card is valid for one person. When entering a vehicle, it must be attached to the reader. Free travel in Tallinn only for city residents.
Take a tram You need 4 stops and you will enter the Old Town through the Viru Gate.
Also from the bus station Buses No. 17a, 23 or 23a go to the center. If there are few things , then from the bus station to the Old Town you can walk in about 30 minutes.
From the bus station to the airport can be reached by bus number 2. The stop is located 200-200 m from the bus station. You need to follow the Odra to Tartu Maantee and go a little to the right without crossing the street. You can also get to the seaport and ferries by bus No. 2, but in the other direction. It runs three times an hour according to a schedule that is posted at the bus stop. From Lasnamäe to the airport there is bus number 65.
From the train station Balti jaam the airport can be reached by the Hansabus bus, which runs twice an hour from 7.00 to 18.00. The fare is 2 euros. It also stops at the bus station. Another option is a taxi; a trip within the city center will cost 3-6 euros.
Information about routes transport in Tallinn and the schedule can be viewed (in English).
Where to stay
There are quite a lot of things in Tallinn good inexpensive hotels. So, a double room in a hotel in the Old Town and 5 minutes from it costs from 40 euros. Among inexpensive hotels, we can recommend Park Inn Central Tallinn (convenient location for those traveling from the bus station and the airport), L`Ermitage (nice room design), Shnelli (near the train station), Oru Hotel (near the airport), etc. There are several spa hotels, where it is especially pleasant during the cold season.
There are also many in Tallinn hostels, including in the city center. A night in a room for men and women will cost from 16 euros. During the high season (July-August), hotels and hostels must be booked in advance, otherwise it will be difficult to find an inexpensive room.
If you are traveling with a group, it is very convenient (and inexpensive) to stay in apartments. For example, OldHouse Apartments & Hostel on Vene Street: this two-room apartment in an old house (double bed and sofa) costs 79 euros/day for everyone. From time to time there are 25% discounts. In this hostel, a double room costs 37 euros, amenities are nearby in the hallway.
Here you can see prices for hotels in Tallinn
Cautions
You shouldn't ride like a hare in public transport , fines for traveling without a ticket are 40 euros, there are no concessions for tourists.
In the city center you can see signs warning of bags being snatched. It is not known how often such incidents occur, but you should be careful.
Cross the road green light, otherwise you may be fined.
Smoking in public places It is prohibited in Estonia, otherwise you will also have to pay a fine.
What to buy in Tallinn
Tallinn has many small souvenir shops with magnets, postcards, calendars and other little things.
In the Old Town there is several shops and markets (for example, the famous market on Müürivahe, near the Viru Gate) with traditional knitted items, carpets and other handicrafts. The wool is usually pretty good.
For clothes and shoes you can go to Stockman (Liivalaia, 53), Viru Keskus, Tallinna Kaubamaja (Gonsiori, 2), Rotermanni Keskus, etc.
In Viru Keskus there is a downstairsa supermarket where you can buy chocolate, the famous Vana Tallinn liqueur, marzipan figurines and much more, the choice is very large, but the prices here are slightly higher than in non-tourist places.
Souvenirs are cheaper buy in hypermarkets like Prisma. The closest one from the bus station is in the Sikupilli shopping center, up Tartu Highway.
Viewpoints
At least two or three The viewpoints are worth a visit. Among the most interesting:
1) Viewpoints (Vaaterplatvorm) in the Old Town.
Patkuli – you can get here from Rahukohtu street, and to the Kohtuotsa site – from Kohtu. All traditional views of old Tallinn are taken from here.
2) You can also look at the city from the observation deck at St. Olaf's Church or Oleviste on Lai 50. To climb to the narrow observation deck you will have to climb 258 steps. You can get here every day from 10 am to 6 pm. A ticket costs 2 euros. You will have to climb a steep staircase; from above you will have a magnificent view of the city and surrounding area. The height of Oleviste is 124 m; it used to be higher and was even considered the tallest building in medieval Europe.
Other options:
3) Nice view too from the upper floors of the Radisson Blu Hotel Olümpia. At the entrance you can say that you are going to Club26.
4) In summer from 11.00 to 18.00 You can climb the City Hall tower (the height of the observation deck is 34 m). The entrance is at the Tristan and Isolde cafe.
What to see in Tallinn
WITHwhat time is it What you need for a walk around the Old Town depends on your style of walking and seeing the city. I can wander around Tallinn and take photographs for hours, looking at roofs, doors and hatches on the streets; for others, a quick inspection in 2-3 hours is enough.
Old Tallinn consists from Toompea (Vyshgorod) and Lower Town. You can walk from one end of the old city to the other in 15-20 minutes.
The main attractions that can be seen in the Lower Town:
Town Hall in Tallinn , which is 600 years old. It is the best preserved medieval town hall in Northern Europe. You won't pass by. There are many cafes, restaurants, and souvenir shops nearby. Be sure to visit the old pharmacy, which is located opposite the town hall.
Oleviste Church on Lai 50 – the tallest in old Tallinn, the white one is one of the most recognizable landmarks of Tallinn. The church is active and open to everyone. For 2 euros you can go up to the observation deck (see above).
Maritime Museum in the Fat Margaret Tower on Pikk 70. Everything related to the Baltic Sea is collected here: lots and compasses, models of sailing ships, ancient maps and much more. The museum is open from Wednesday to Sunday from 10-00 to 18-00.
Market with knitted products and souvenirs near the Virus Gate
From the new museums you can see Puppet Museum Nunne 8. This small museum in the city center houses about 1,700 dolls, most of them theatrical. The museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 10.00 to 19.00. Ticket costs 5 euros
Main attractions in Toompea (Vyshgorod)
Two observation decks (see above)
Toompea Castle with a 48-meter tower “Long Hermann”. Nowadays the Riigikogu (Estonian Parliament) is located here.
Alexander Nevsky Cathedral - the largest Orthodox cathedral in Tallinn
The Dome Cathedral – the oldest church in Tallinn. Here, in particular, Ivan Krusenstern is buried.
Church of Niguliste kirik . Now there is a branch of the Estonian Art Museum. If you're lucky, you can get to an organ concert.
In the tower of Kiek in de Kek there is a museum of the military history of Tallinn and its defensive structures. The museum is open from 10.30 to 18.00 or until 17.30 depending on the time of year. The price for the museum is 4.5 euros, for the dungeons (by appointment at the box office or via the Internet) – 5.75 euros.
Close to the Old Town
The Occupation Museum is located within walking distance of the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral. It is dedicated to the Soviet and German occupation. You can watch a 30-minute film in Russian, English, Estonian, and many interesting exhibits - from dishes and radios to soda machines and cars. The museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 11.00 to 18.00. The ticket costs 2 euros.
Outside the Old Town
If you have arrived more than for one day, it’s worth taking a trip outside the Old Town. Transport links are quite good, so you can safely go to the outskirts.
Kadriorg
Kadriorg- one of the most prestigious areas of Tallinn. Here is the Baroque palace of Catherine I (now the Museum of Foreign Art) and a beautiful park in which the house-museum of Peter I is located.
Kadriorg is located residence of the President of the Republic of Estonia, many embassies.
From the palace to the famous monument to the battleship "Rusalka" - a 10-minute walk along a beautiful alley. Newlyweds often come here. From here you can take the bus back to the city center or go in the other direction to Pirita and the Botanical Garden.
How to get to Kadriorg
From the city center get to Kadriorg You can take trams No. 1 and 3, the ride takes about 10 minutes. By buses No. 1, 1a, 19, 29, 29a, 29b, 34a, 38, 44 (the bus terminal is located in Viru Keskus on the first floor), get off at the J.Poska stop. Walk for 20-30 minutes, from Tolstoy Margarita you go down, past shopping centers and further along the streets with private houses
Pirita
Pirita is nice in summer, this area is located on the shores of the Gulf of Finland. There is a large beach, several hotels, including spas, restaurants and cafes.
Monastery of Saint Birgitta(Estonian Pirita klooster, Pirita) on Merivälja tee 18. There is not much left of the monastery, but in the summer it is very pleasant to wander around here. Located 7 km from the city center. In summer it is open from 9.00 to 19.00, in other months it opens later and closes earlier. Entrance 2 euros.
Maarjamägi Castle(Maarjamäe loss) - the former summer residence of the family of Count Anatoly Vladimirovich Orlov-Davydov. The park contains sculptures and busts of figures of the communist movement, collected from all over Estonia.
You can get there from Pirita to the Botanical Garden. The garden is large, there are large collections of tulips, peonies, roses, and many other plants; in winter it is worth visiting the greenhouses. In March there is an orchid exhibition here. The Botanical Garden can be reached by buses 34-a and 38 from the bus terminal in Viru keskus. Get off at the Kloostrimetsa stop.
How to get to Pirita
By buses 34 and 1A from the bus terminal in Viru Keskus. Drive 10-15 minutes.
What to see in the west of Tallinn
Estonian ethnographic museumin Rocca al Mare on Vabaõhumuuseumi tee 12. From Balti Jaam (Baltic Station) by bus No. 21 and 21b, go straight to the museum gates. But they go 1-2 times an hour. It is better to take bus No. 22 or trolleybuses No. 6 and 7 to the Zoo stop, then walk 15 minutes along the sea.
Zoo located at Paldiski mnt., 145. Open daily, in May-August from 9.00 to 19.00, in other months it closes at 17.00. You can get there from the center by bus No. 22 or trolleybuses No. 6 and 7 to the Zoo stop.
Other museums in Tallinn
Dominican Monastery of St. Catherine, Vene 16/18
Jewish Museum of Estonia at Karu 16, open on weekdays from 9.00 to 17.00
Museum of Applied Arts on Lai 17 open from Wednesday to Sunday from 11.00 to 18.00. A collection of leather, textiles, glass and metal products from the last 100 years. Ticket costs 3.50 euros.
Tallinn City Museum
Tallinn Science and Technology Center
Photo museum in the Town Hall Prison
Art Museum of Estonia
Mikkel Museum open from Wednesday to Sunday from 11.00 to 18.00. A rich collection of works of art by Western European, Russian and Chinese masters of the 16th - 20th centuries.
Adamson-Eric Museum
Estonian Architecture Museum
Estonian History Museum
Museum of the Estonian People
Estonian Museum of Nature
Estonian Health Museum
Estonian Sports Museum
Do they speak Russian in Tallinn?
Many people speak well in Tallinn and understand Russian, so usually there are no problems in shops and hotels in the city center. Passers-by, as a rule, try to help, even if they speak Russian poorly.
In hotels or museums, not very visited by Russian tourists, they do not always understand Russian. When recruiting personnel, of course, preference is given to candidates with knowledge of several foreign languages, including Russian. And yet, be prepared for the fact that not everyone knows Russian - the state language in Estonia is only Estonian. Indexes, signs and labels on goods are not duplicated in Russian.
Dictionary
Avatud- open
Kauplus- shop, pood - small store, shop
Jaam- railway station
Bussijaam- bus station
Lennujaam- airport
Sadam– port
Meresadam- sea port
Keskus– center (for example, Viru keskus)
Kaubakeskus- shopping mall
Hotell– hotel
Restaurant- restaurant
Kohvik- cafe
Kohv- coffee
Hommikusöök- breakfast
Juuksur- salon
Tänav- Street
Kirik- church
Apteek - pharmacy
Palun- Please
Aitäh- Thank you
Palun vabandust- Sorry
Tere- Hello
Tere hommikust- Good morning
Terviseks- For health!
Ma ei oska eesti keelt– I don’t speak Estonian
All roads in old Tallinn lead to the town hall.
The Town Hall in Tallinn is more than 600 years old.
There are always a lot of tourists on Town Hall Square.
During the warm season, there are several outdoor cafes on Town Hall Square.
Olde Hansa is one of the most popular restaurants among tourists.
A 50-gram bag of almonds with cinnamon costs from 2 euros.
In the center of Tallinn there are many shops with all kinds of souvenirs.
While walking around Tallinn, pay attention to the doors.
These are the photos you get from the observation deck on Toompea.
Weather vanes are one of the attractions of Tallinn.
You can go up to the observation deck on Olevista for 2 euros.
From the Lower Town you need to go to Toompea - the Upper Town.
The Riigikogu, the Estonian parliament, meets in Toompea Castle.
The Long Hermann Tower is one of the symbols of Estonia.
And in a noticeable pink building on Toompea is the residence of the president.
There are always a lot of people in the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral.
In Nigulist, if you're lucky, you can catch an organ concert.
There are many modern hotels near the Old Town.
From Vyshgorod you can go down to Kalamaja - a part of Tallinn with wooden houses.
In Kadriorg, in the palace of Catherine I. there is a Museum of Foreign Art.
You can spend a pleasant couple of hours in the parks of Kadriorg.
From the palace to the famous monument to the battleship “Rusalka” it is a 10-minute walk.
When going to Tallinn, you should take an umbrella or raincoat.
From Kadriorg to Pirita - 7-10 minutes by bus.
In Pirita you can see the monastery of St. Birgitta.
There is little left of the monastery, but in the summer it is very pleasant to wander around here.
New buildings in Pirita, one of the most expensive areas of Tallinn.
Tallinn is especially romantic in the evening.
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1. Town Hall Square and City Hall
This is perhaps the very first place that you can and should see in Tallinn. From my point of view, Tallinn Town Hall Square is one of the most beautiful and “photogenic” squares in the world, it is in no way inferior in these senses to the Venetian St. Mark’s Square. I am fully aware of all the differences between these places, which are completely different in architecture and energy, but visually Tallinn’s Town Hall Square looks no worse than San Marco, which was once called by no one but Napoleon “the most elegant salon in Europe.” Paving stones, tiled roofs, carefully restored houses - all together create a unique mood. Cozy, calm, beautiful Northern Europe.
In the northwestern corner of Town Hall Square there is another one of the most unusual sights of Old Tallinn - the ancient Town Hall Pharmacy. You can read more about this venerable pharmaceutical establishment and Tallinn Town Hall Square in general.
You can climb the Town Hall tower for three euros - the views from the top are simply fabulous.
Coordinates: 59.4373, 24.74537.
2. Niguliste Church
Currently, this former Lutheran church, named after the patron saint of sailors, St. Nicholas, houses a museum and concert hall.
The most valuable exhibit of the museum is considered to be a fragment of the famous painting by Berndt Notke “Dance of Death” - it depicts people of different ages and classes, from a newborn baby to the Pope, and figures of Death dancing next to them, luring people into their fatal dance.
Coordinates: 59.43591, 24.74277.
Tours of Tallinn from locals
I recommend that the most curious and sociable travelers book unusual excursions around Tallinn from local residents. Your guides will be the Tallinn residents themselves: writers, artists, photographers, journalists - who are in love with their city and country and know almost everything about them.
At the booking stage, you will need to pay online only 20% of the tour cost - you will give the rest to the guide before it starts.
3. Pikk Jalg and Lühike jalg streets
A stone's throw from the Niguliste Church begins the narrow curved staircase street Lühike jalg - “short leg”, one of two streets leading to the Upper Town of Tallinn. The second “leg”, long, is called Pikk Jalg and is located to the north. Tallinn residents joke that due to the difference in the length of their “legs” their city will always limp.
Coordinates: 59.43631, 24.7415 (Lühike jalg) and 59.43644, 24.74124 (Pikk Jalg).
4. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral
The majestic neo-Byzantine style cathedral was built in 1900 as a sign of gratitude to God for the miraculous rescue of Emperor Alexander III in a train accident on October 17, 1888.
In the 1960s, they seriously decided to rebuild the cathedral into a planetarium - according to rumors, it was saved by the efforts of Patriarch Alexy II (a native of Estonia).
Coordinates: 59.43576, 24.73936.
5. Toompea Castle and Long Hermann Tower
The castle is located opposite the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral and is notable for the fact that in its courtyard there is the building of the Riigikogu, the parliament of the Republic of Estonia.
Long Hermann (Pikk Hermann) is the tallest tower of Toompea Castle and the entire Upper Town, its height is 45.6 meters. The name of the tower comes from the German Lange Hermann - “long warrior”; the tower had 10 floors, the lower ones had barns, the middle ones had heated living rooms, and the upper rooms were intended for shooters and their weapons stores. The tower is crowned by an open area.
Coordinates: 59.43576, 24.7374.
6. Dome Cathedral
To the north of the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral and Toompea Castle rises the Dome Cathedral - the main Lutheran church of Old Tallinn and one of the most interesting sights of the Upper Town.
On its walls hang the wooden coats of arms of those noble families of Swedes and Baltic Germans who donated significant sums to the cathedral and thereby received the honor of being buried in its dungeon.
Coordinates: 59.43705, 24.73909.
7. Observation platforms of Old Tallinn
There are two equipped observation platforms on Toompea Hill, which offer amazing views of the spiers and tiled roofs of the Lower Town. A particularly magnificent panorama opens from the viewpoint located at the very end of Kohtu Street.
Viewpoint coordinates of the Upper City: 59.43773, 24.7422 (Kohtuotsa) and 59.43858, 24.74109 (Patkuli).
8. Lindamägi Park
According to legend, Tallinn was founded on a burial mound, which was considered the tombstone of the giant hero Kalev, the hero of the Estonian epic “Kalevapoeg”. His inconsolable widow Linda spent many months carrying huge boulders to the burial site - and that’s how Toompea Hill grew. And Kaleva’s beloved, tired of hard work, sat down to rest and turned into stone herself. In 1920, in Lindamägi Park (in Estonian “Linda’s Hill”) a monument was erected to the one to whom the people of Tallinn “owed” their Toompea Hill.
Coordinates: 59.43444, 24.73728.
9. Kiek Tower in de Kök
The Kiek in de Kök Tower was built in 1475 as the main defensive bastion of the Toompea fortress, it is located near the Maiden Tower. Once it was the most powerful gun tower on the entire Baltic coast: it had 24 loopholes for cannons and 30 for hand weapons.
6 floors of the tower are occupied by a museum exhibition - its “highlight” is the opportunity to walk through the underground tunnels connecting the Swedish and Ingermanland bastions of ancient city fortifications.
Coordinates: 59.43471, 24.74129.
10. Kaarli Church
Kaarli- a functioning Lutheran church, built on the site of the wooden chapel of St. Anthony, which burned down during the Northern War.
Kaarli is known for its German clock on the façade and excellent acoustics, making it a popular venue for classical music concerts.
Coordinates: 59.43199, 24.73919.
11. St. Catherine's Passage
Despite the fact that this street is very ancient, it was not on the maps of the city for a long time - it was just a cluttered gateway and not only tourists, but also local residents did not favor it with their attention. The situation changed for the better through the efforts of enthusiasts who cleared Katariina kaik of debris and insisted on liquidating the plant, located in one of the buildings of the ancient Dominican monastery.
On the side wall of the passage there are tombstones from the Church of St. Catherine that was once located in this place. Judging by the slabs, only a few respected townspeople received the honor of being buried there - mostly all of them were members of the city magistrate, the Great Guild and the Brotherhood of Blackheads (the latter two organizations will be discussed below).
Coordinates: 59.43761, 24.74866.
12. Dominican Monastery
The monastery was founded by Saint Dominic Guzman, a Spaniard by origin, in 1216. Dominic proposed that the Catholic Church create an institute of traveling theologians who would carry the “word of God” to the most remote and “dark” corners of Europe. The church hierarchs liked the idea, and its author himself went to preach the Gospel in Northern Europe, which at that moment was vegetating in the “darkness of paganism.”
Coordinates: 59.43782, 24.74933.
13. Viru Gate
The Viru Gate is a unique “non-existent” landmark of Tallinn. What tourists and many townspeople mistake for the city gates are actually just fortifications. The gate itself, which was a massive tower with a vaulted passage, was demolished a century and a half ago during the construction of a horse-drawn tram line.
And the surviving towers, which did not interfere with street traffic in any way, were not only not demolished, but also restored. Just outside the Viru gate, the Old Town street of the same name begins, once one of the richest and busiest.
Coordinates: 59.43657, 24.75008.
14. Church of the Holy Spirit
This Gothic building once served as a chapel at the City Hall until it was given to the Lutheran parish. Today, the Church of the Holy Spirit is notable for its unique tower clock from 1684 - the oldest public clock in the city - and a bell adorned with the following inscription: “I strike for everyone equally true - for maid and servant, lady and master - and in this I am no one won't blame."
Near the church you can find an interesting shop of authentic Estonian designer items, nestled in a small red hut. And immediately above the arch, on the second floor of the building, there is a garlic restaurant. If you don't have to kiss anyone this evening, I recommend going there - it's worth it.
Coordinates: 59.43811, 24.74589.
15. Great Guild Building
The Great Guild is a kind of “merchant union” that united the most prosperous and influential members of this large Tallinn class (according to some sources, merchants and merchant people in general made up up to a fifth of the entire city population).
Interestingly, the members of the Great Guild even had something like a uniform: according to the Regulations of 1631, only they had the right to wear velvet, gold chains and expensive furs.
Coordinates: 59.43832, 24.74519.
16. House of the Brotherhood of Blackheads
The Brotherhood of the Blackheads was also a professional merchant association, which included those who were not eligible for membership in the Great Guild: unmarried, who did not have their own home or a legally registered business in Tallinn.
Coat of arms of the Brotherhood of Blackheads
Over time, the Brotherhood of Blackheads became so rich and influential that they came into conflict with the Great Guild - their squabbles were forced to be considered by the city Magistrate.
Coordinates: 59.43898, 24.7468.
You can read about the morals that reigned during the feasts of members of the Brotherhood of Blackheads.
17. Church of the Transfiguration
Its spire, unusual for the Orthodox tradition, is explained by the fact that the church originally belonged to the Cistercian monastery of St. Michael, and became Orthodox only in 1716 at the behest of Tsar Peter I, whose troops defeated the Swedes in the Northern War and captured, among other things, the territory of modern Estonia. The Church of the Transfiguration is famous for its bell, cast in 1575, which is considered the oldest in Tallinn.
Coordinates: 59.43949, 24.74385.
18. Tallinn fortress wall
Immediately behind the church there will be a western section of the preserved fortress wall of old Tallinn, which you can climb by paying 2 euros at the booth to the left of the fortress gate.
Coordinates: 59.43925, 24.74233.
19. Church of St. Olaf (Oleviste)
The Lutheran Church of St. Olaf is one of the most striking attractions of Old Tallinn.
For a long time, the church was the tallest building in Northern Europe - from my point of view, the views from its bell tower are, if at all, inferior in picturesqueness to the views from the city hall tower, then only slightly.
Coordinates: 59.44131, 24.7478.
20. "Three Sisters"
“Three Sisters” are three picturesquely merged medieval merchant houses in the farthest northern corner of Old Tallinn, which are no less interesting than their appearance.
Coordinates: 59.44199, 24.74878.
21. Tower “Fat Margaret”
“Fat Margaret” (Paks Margareeta) is a gun turret 25 meters in diameter and 20 meters high, for which it received its name. It acquired its current name relatively recently, only about a century and a half ago, and before that it was simply called the New Tower.
Today, the complex of the tower and the Great Sea Gate houses part of the exhibition of the Estonian Maritime Museum, as well as a cafe with a good observation deck on the roof, from where you can admire the passenger ferries entering the Tallinn port.
Coordinates: 59.44255, 24.74954.
22. Estonian Maritime Museum
Main part Maritime Museum(Estonian Maritime Museum) is located in the Seaplane Harbour, a former aircraft hangar on the shores of the Baltic Sea. The exhibition is presented with a lot of interesting items related to the maritime history of the country: boats, sailing ships, sea mines - there is even a seaplane and a British submarine (you can view it inside). One of the world's first steam icebreakers is moored in the harbor near the museum building - it can also be examined in detail.
Coordinates: 59.45139, 24.73842.
23. “Wooden Tallinn” in the Kalamaia area
Once the oldest fishing village on the territory of present-day Tallinn, and now an elite area of the city. Consists of several streets with neat wooden mansions. The writer Sergei Dovlatov lived in one of these houses from 1972 to 1975:
Coordinates of Dovlatov's house: 59.44381, 24.72669, address - Vabriku street, 41.
24. Rocca al Mare
A picturesque open-air museum where old houses from all parts of Estonia are collected. You can see with your own eyes what an Estonian farm, residential buildings, a village school, a fire station and much more looked like in the old days.
It is better to go to Rocca al Mare in the summer - the museum is located on the seashore, and in winter the icy wind from the Baltic can ruin your entire walk.
Coordinates: 59.43433, 24.63846.
25. Linnahall
Linnahall(aka Gorhall) is one of the most unusual modern attractions in Tallinn. This cyclopean structure was erected for the 1980 Olympics as a concert hall, but the architects did not even try to disguise the additional defensive function of the building. In the event of an attack on the USSR by capitalist Finland, Linnahol was supposed to become a huge bunker and a stronghold for the defense of Tallinn (in such situations, I immediately remember the old joke about peaceful Soviet combine harvesters with vertical take-off).
So the cultural function of Linnahall is just a cover (and a very clumsy one at that) for the true purpose of the building. It was because of her that Linnahall was built not just somewhere, but in the seaport, blocking almost the entire Old Town from the north.
From a distance, Linnahall's colossus looks extremely impressive, but if you climb onto its roof, you feel some disappointment - just a huge empty space, which was chosen by roller skaters, cyclists and just groups of cheerful young people.
Coordinates: 59.44622, 24.75359.
26. Kadriorg, KUMU Museum and monument to the battleship “Rusalka”
Kadriorg Park is a baroque palace and park ensemble in Tallinn, a kind of Tallinn Peterhof, located two kilometers northeast of the Old Town. It was originally called Ekaterinenthal in honor of Peter the Great’s wife Catherine I, the modern name “Kadriorg” is “Catherine Valley” in Estonian. The main attraction of the park is the Palace of Peter I, built in the style of an Italian palazzo.
Coordinates: 59.4385, 24.79099.
One of the most interesting museums in Tallinn is located in Kadriorg Park - Kumu. Works by Estonian artists from the 18th century to the present are exhibited here. The exhibition is divided into time periods and presented in several thematic halls. The Kumu Art Museum impresses not only with its collection of paintings, but also with its eye-catching appearance:
Monument to "Mermaid"- This is one of the few monuments within the former Russian Empire to a warship that died in peacetime. The monument represents a bronze angel who stands on tiptoes and holds an Orthodox cross high above his head.
Coordinates: 59.44339, 24.79399.
27. Singing field
The Singing Field is a huge open-air concert venue located east of the Old Town, halfway between Kadriorg and Pirita Beach.
There is a summer stage in the shape of a shell and a statue of Gustav Ernesaks, the popularizer of national Estonian culture and the inspirer of the famous Song Festivals. In addition to folklore festivals, the Singing Field often hosts concerts of world rock and pop stars.
Coordinates: 59.44445, 24.80732.
28. Pirita Beach and St. Brigid's Monastery
The best beach of those located in Greater Tallinn and within walking distance from the Old Town (from the Fat Margaret tower to the beach is about 7 kilometers). Fine pleasant sand, amazing pine air and the opportunity to relax in the Baltic Sea better than in Crimea and Sochi - although only in July.
Coordinates: 59.47099, 24.82972.
Literally a stone's throw from Pirita beach rises another attraction of Greater Tallinn - the picturesque ruins St Brigid's Monastery, built by wealthy Tallinn merchants at the beginning of the 15th century and at that time the largest monastic complex in all of Livonia.
Coordinates: 59.46746, 24.83549.
29. Tallinn Botanical Garden
Attraction N1 for all lovers of botany and wildlife in general. The garden occupies 123 hectares in the valley of the Pirita River, between the beach of the same name and the Tallinn TV tower. By the way, it is convenient to visit them at the same time - a combined ticket to the Botanical Garden and the TV Tower costs a third less than two separate tickets.
Coordinates: 59.46983, 24.87836.
30. Tallinn TV Tower
One of the most interesting sights of Greater Tallinn. The TV tower is both a monument to the Soviet engineering genius and Estonia’s struggle for independence from this genius :-) Bonus - gorgeous views from the observation deck across half of Estonia.
