Tallinn: our top 5 must sees

Tallinn is seriously beautiful, combining UNESCO listed architecture with a cool, modern buzz. We loved the capital of Estonia.

Here’s our top 5 experiences:

Get lost in the Old City:

Wander the cobbled streets and alley ways in the quiet of night. It’s an incredibly safe city and the dark corners are magical. Don’t miss Katariina Käik with hanging tombstones and buttresses; Masters’ Courtyard lit by fairy lights and home to the cosy cafe Pierre Chocolaterie; and Börsi Käik with a 70 metre history timeline.

Hit Telliskivi Creative City:

This former industrial area sandwiched between railway tracks was one of the highlights of our visit. It’s packed with galleries, cafes, bars, independent boutiques and start ups. It’s a cosmopolitan place to eat and shop.
Tip – it can be tricky to find as it’s surrounded by railway lines, the path next to the Railway station is easiest.
Don’t miss a pizza at F-hoone. Sublime.

Step back two centuries at Cafe Maiasmokk:

This atmospheric cafe in the Old City oozes charm and history. Cafe Maiasmokk has been open since 1864 and is worth visiting at any time of day for breakfast, hot chocolate, a smoothie, pastry or ice cream. Their speciality is marzipan.

Walk the walls:

The oldest parts of the city walls are 13th century. Tallinn’s fortifications remain one of the most impressive in Northern Europe. The existing walls are 1.85 km long with 26 towers and 2 gates. You can walk on the section between Nunne, Sauna and Kuldjala Towers and follow the path of the walls from below throughout the rest of the city. Tip – make sure you stop to enjoy the strong scents of the flower market at Viru Gate.

Climb up Troompea Hill:

Troompea Hill was the historic base for nobleman and is now home ot the Estonian Parliament. Three spectacular viewing platforms and the Russian Orthodox Cathedral of St Alexander Nevsky.