Introduction To Tallinn
The capital of Estonia, Tallinn poses a rare combination of influences that are apparent on every step – you can see the tall, functional and relatively ugly buildings that are a leftover from the Soviet rule and wonderfully quaint and pretty examples of Old Europe architecture (all apparent in the city walls and a great number of buildings in the Old town) – which all gives it it’s unique charm. Located just 70 kilometers from Helsinki, a great number of Finish people go to Tallinn for day trips, but now the rest of Europe has followed suit.
The heart of the city is on the hill of Toompea and Old Town can easily be explored on foot (since it is pedestrianized you do not really have much choice). With it’s pretty cobbled street, old buildings and narrow alleyways it is picture postcard perfect and listed as UNESCO’s World Heritage Site. Check out Viru Gate – the entrance to the Old Town and a poshy posh shopping street. At Raekoja plas you can pick any cafe or restaurant (there are plenty of them to choose from) and indulge in some people watching. Outside of the old city walls you can pay a visit to Kadriog, beautiful seaside resort with buildings belonging to different style periods, the Rotterman quarter (with Art Noveau style buildings) or Kalamaja the oldest suburb of Tallinn dating back to 14th century with wooden workers’ buildings. If you are that way inclined you can check out one of many parks that surround the city walls or go to the beach. Bare in mind there is a flag system in place – green flag (it is ok to swim), yellow flag (you can swim but it is not recommended) and red flag (you enter at your own peril).
Once you get peckish there are plenty of places to choose from and many are located on or in the immediate vicinity of Raekoja plas (you can ask at your hotel for recommendations). Nightlife is lively but there is a great influx of stag and hen parties so do not be surprised if you come across many drunken revelers on the weekend.
If you are looking for an affordable accommodation for your Tallinn holiday try one of the hotel’s listed below.
Articles - Tallinn
Our Expert Review Of Hotels In Tallinn, EstoniaHotel Bern Cheapness factor: $$$ Hotel Bern Tallinn can be found at Aia 10. Located right inside the Old Town, Hotel Bern offers wonderful location for the first time visitors to Tallinn – sightseeing will be a breeze. There is plenty in the area to choose from including cafes, restaurants and sights. The rooms are spacious and spotlessly clean with more than ample bathrooms (deluxe rooms come equipped with jacuzzi and a sauna). Staff is friendly and helpful while breakfast is more then ample so... [Read the full story]
In-Depth Hotel Review: Hotel Bern – Tallinn, EstoniaHotel Bern sits in a very convenient location on the eastern edge of the Old Town (city center) of Tallinn, making it an excellent starting point no matter which direction you wish to explore. The main city square is a 5 minute walk, the Toompea (Upper Town) and ship port are both a 10 minute walk, and some of the best restaurants and attractions are right in between. The Viru gate (the entrance to the old town) is just down the street, and a grocery store is located directly across the street from... [Read the full story]
Tallinn Offers Cheap Options For FunTallinn is Estonia’s capital and following the relatively recent dissolution of the Soviet Union and Estonia’s membership of the European Union, it has quickly evolved from small town in a vast empire to the largest town in a small country. The Tallinn tourist office sells a ‘Tallinn Card’ which entitles the holder to free local public transport and free entry to a great many of the town’s attractions. Tallinn’s very aptly named Funfactory is the home of some seriously tough outdoor... [Read the full story]
