From medieval wonders to modern absurdities – Tallinn has it all!
Tallinn. Estonia’s beautiful capital has so much to offer visitors. Gothic architecture and old world charm is well preserved in the beautiful walled old town. Step outside its medieval walls, and travelers will find a vibrant contemporary city filled with chef run restaurants, gastro bars, beautiful parks, and shopping.
- The Telegraph Hotel in Tallinn is a 5-star hotel located in the Old Town of Tallinn, Estonia, offering guests a blend of contemporary luxury and traditional charm. he hotel also boasts a restaurant, bar, spa facilities, and a rooftop terrace with breathtaking views of the city.
- Mary’s Cathedral inside the old town is worth a stop to see Estonia’s first church, which was built in 1219 by the Danish. Don’t Miss: Tall Herman—a medieval guard tower, and the Russian Orthodox Church.
- Hell Hunt Gastro Pub. A local’s place for gastro-fare, great brews and a festive crowd. Grab a table towards the back for some great people watching.
- The TV Tower and Observation deck is the perfect place to view Tallinn from above. Built for better communications for the 1980 Moscow Summer Olympics regatta event, it is the tallest building in Tallinn with views to die for.
- Tallinn Edgewalk is one heck of an adventure. Suit up, get latched on, and walk the edge of the TV Tower’s observation deck. Those with acrophobia can sit inside and order up a coffee and watch the adventures unfolding outside on the rim.
- Drop into Eesti Veini MaitsMine and Museum for some Estonian wine tasting in the cellar below. Marvel at the historic objects preserved from the Luscher & Matiesen Company—an important vinter of Tallinn.
- Visit the dozens of antique shops of Tallinn, which boast both pre-war and post-war items. Everything from fine bone china, dolls, to military items can be found at the various booths inside them.
- Tallinn’s hipster area is called the District of Kalamaja—a mix of art houses, off beat cafes—one notable mention is Reval Cafe, a bakery—Mahu Pagarid and trendy shops, such as Dharma Fashion. Street art abounds here, and so does one of the best coffee houses, called Renard Coffee Shop.
Did you know?
Tallinn was one of the first cities in the world to adopt a comprehensive public transportation ticketing system using electronic smart cards, in 2013.
A little history:
Tallinn is the capital city of Estonia, located on the northern coast of the country on the Gulf of Finland. The history dates back to medieval times, and it has played an essential role in the region’s cultural and political history.
The first recorded mention of Tallinn dates back to 1154, when it was known as a major trading center and a member of the Hanseatic League, a powerful trading alliance of cities in northern Europe.
During the 13th and 14th centuries, it was ruled by German merchants, and the city’s architecture reflects its Germanic heritage.
In the 16th century, Tallinn became part of the Swedish Empire but was later captured by the Russian Empire in 1710. During this period, the city experienced significant growth and development.
Many of its architectural and cultural monuments were built, including the impressive medieval city wall, which still surrounds the old town today.
In 1918, Estonia declared its independence from Russia, and the city became the new republic’s capital. However, the country was occupied by the Soviet Union in 1940 and then by Nazi Germany during World War II. After the war, it was again occupied by the Soviet Union until Estonia regained independence in 1991.
It is a modern city, known for its well-preserved medieval old town, beautiful architecture, and vibrant arts and cultural scene.
