Estonia’s laidback capital city is a perfect holiday destination for those wanting to combine modern comforts, medieval charm, and coastal vibes.
Tallinn is the capital and most populous city of Estonia. Situated on a bay in north Estonia, on the shore of the Gulf of Finland of the Baltic Sea.
“- Tallinn is a unique city in the region of the former Baltic states, because it has always been multicultural and multinational. And the fact that it has now gained the new function of the European Capital of Culture only shows more colorfully all the possibilities of this city “- praises Professor Iwaszkiewicz.
What you must see in Tallinn ?
St. Cathedral Alexander Nevsky in Tallinn
- At the top of Cathedral Hill in the Tallinn area of Estonia, known as Toompea, sits the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral. It is the largest house of worship in Tallinn and boasts traditional black onion domes on its roofs. The cathedral was built by Alexander III. Rumor has it that it was built on the grave of an Estonian hero.
Lennusadam
- It is also worth visiting this Ora museum. The facility is suitable for people of all ages and children. See the oldest ship found in Estonian waters, as well as ships from the Soviet era. View captivating exhibits, delve into maritime history in the cinema halls, and prepare to be amazed as seaplanes soar above you. Experience the thrill of trying out simulators that include a simulated voyage around the world on a Yellow Submarine and the opportunity to don a sailor suit. What’s more, your ticket gives you access to the Suur Tõll icebreaker, where you can experience the life of sailing adventurers with a tour of the captain’s cabin and engine room.
Estonian Maritime Museum
- This museum is dedicates to the history of the merchant navy and nay of Estonia. On display is also information about shipyards, lighthouses and harbors.
Eesti Kunstimuuseum – The Art Museum
- The Art Museum of Estonia (AME), founded in 1919, is the central institution for collecting Estonian art and introducing it abroad. AME’s art collection includes works from the Middle Ages to contemporary art. AME is also one of the most influential research centres of art history in Estonia. AME consists of various branches: Kumu Art Museum, Kadriorg Art Museum, Mikkel Museum, Niguliste Museum and Adamson-Eric Museum. In February 2006, the new main building of AME was opened in Kadriorg Park – the Kumu Art Museum. The Kumu building is designed to permanently display both classical and modern Estonian art, as well as hold exhibitions of international contemporary art. In 2008, Kumu received the Museum of the Year Award from the European Museum Forum.
Kadriorg Art Museum – Kadriorg Palace
- Kadriorg Art Museum is the only museum in Estonia dedicated to early European and Russian art. Temporary exhibitions present viewers with artistic treasures from internationally renowned museums and private collections. In addition to exhibitions, the museum also organizes various educational activities. The main hall of the palace, characterized by unique design and acoustics, is a perfect place for performances and concerts. The museum is also surrounded by an atmospheric park.
Old Town
- The Old Town is a precious treasure of Estonia. This is confirmed by the fact that it is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. But the number of important and exciting events that still take place there also proves that it is alive and constantly evolving. The heart of the Old Town, Town Hall Square, is the place where Estonians welcome their heroes returning home after great achievements abroad. Every year in mid-November we watch with delight the Christmas tree being set up on the Town Hall Square and prepare to take part in one of the most beautiful Christmas markets in the world. Tallinn’s long-standing café culture has always revolved around the Old Town, whether it’s Maiasmokk, Tallinn’s oldest café dating back to 1864, Pierre Chocolaterie in the hidden Courtyard of the Masters, or many other trendy establishments. When it comes to views, you can’t beat the walls of the Old Town, its towers and viewing platforms on Toompea Hill.
Patkula Viewpoint
- For tourists who like to watch the panorama of the city or are looking for a place where they can take great photos, the Patkuli viewing platform is the perfect place. From which there is a wonderful view of the Old Town of Tallinn and the Gulf of Finland. On the right you can see the best-preserved fragment of the medieval city walls and the majestic spire of the church of St. Olaf. The bay, the Kopli peninsula and the graceful outline of the coastline are a sight to behold. Directly below you can see a pleasant park and part of the viewing moat, and across the street is the main station and its fashionable market. To the left of the square, the eye can find the popular meeting place Telliskivi Creative City.
Church of St. Olaf in Tallinn
- St. Olaf’s Church is believed to have been built in the 12th century and to have been the centre for old Tallinn’s Scandinavian community prior to the conquest of Tallinn by Denmark in 1219. Its dedication relates to King Olaf II of Norway (a.k.a. Saint Olaf, 995-1030). The first known written records referring to the church date back to 1267, and it was extensively rebuilt during the 14th century.
Linnahall
- Linnahall named the Palace of Culture and Sports. Lenin, was built for the 1980 Summer Olympics in Moscow, when a sailing regatta was held in Estonia. Inside there is an ice arena and a concert hall, which were closed in 2009 and 2010 respectively. Since then, the city of Tallinn, owner of Linnahall, has been looking for investors for renovation, but so far no work has been carried out. The City of Tallinn has announced plans to transform Linnahall into an international conference center, which will be built inside Linnahall as part of the existing ice arena.
Estonian open-air museum
- It is worth going a little further from the capital, 15 minutes by car from the center of Tallinn, you will find a wonderful place – the Estonian Open-air Museum, presenting rural architecture and the country’s way of life. In the 14 farms in the museum you can see how families from different social classes lived in the 18th–20th centuries.
Viru Gate
- The gate dates back to the 14th century, like most of the towers built at that time, and is located at the entrance to the Old Town. Today, both towers are charming, because for years they were covered with ivy. Gives a delicate look to Viru Street. Entering the Old Town through the gate for the first time, you feel like you have stepped back in time. Most of the gate was demolished in 1880 to make way for more street traffic. However, since then both towers have become a symbol of Tallinn’s Old Town, which at that time was the best fortified city in all of Europe.
Hotel Viru & KGB Museum
- In the KGB Museum, the visitors learn the secrets of the city from the times of the Soviet Union. The tour takes place on the 23rd floor of the Sokos Hotel Viru with a view over Tallinn. Viru Hotel was built in 1972 especially for foreign guests. There were a lot of rumors about the surveillance of the guests by the state security organs – the KGB, as well as about a secret room and implemented devices for espionage. During the tour you can see everything with your own eyes and learn many exciting stories. Visiting the museum is possible only by appointment.
