This charming getaway takes you to another time and place. Tallinn’s Old Town is a compact area with lots to see and do within close proximity. So, in one day you can see a lot. Take it from me, as an Acupuncturist-at-Sea, this port of call is one of my favorites. Read on to learn about how to make the most out of a day exploring the Tallinn Old Town highlights.
Background of Tallinn Old Town
Located on the shore of the Baltic Sea’s Gulf of Finland, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a popular tourist attraction. Known as the village of Reval in the Middle Ages, Tallinn Old Town is now one of the most well-preserved northern European medieval cities. Tallinn was a part of the Hanseatic League for 4 centuries, starting at the end of the 13th century. This league was a commercial and defensive confederation of merchant guilds in northern Europe.
Originating in north German towns, this league grew to dominate the Baltic maritime trade, including other towns bordering the North and Baltic Sea. Therefore, these years brought wealthy merchants to Tallinn when the foundation from which the Hanseatic medieval architecture arose. Tallinn was sought after in the Hanseatic League because of its proximity to Russia. Today this preserved medieval city buildings are converted to museums, restaurants and shops so visitors can relive history in this iconic time capsule.
Old Town is divided into 2 parts: Toompea Hill and Lower Town. The hill is where the gentry resided lording over the countryside. In comparison, the Lower Town was an autonomous town.
Tallinn Old Town Highlights
Because the Old Town is so compact with everything close in proximity, you can see a lot in one day. Overall, there is winding cobblestone streets (wear good shoes) throughout medieval architecture with Gothic spires. Whether you want to just go with the flow or check off a list of things to see, here are highlights to see during a day in Tallinn according to Lower Town and Toompea Hill.
Lower Town Highlights
Viru Gate – Starting Point:
This gate was part of the defense systems city wall built in the 14th century. Today the 2 round watchtowers stand with parts of the bastion alongside. There were 45 towers built into the walls of Tallinn; however, now only 26 are still intact. And the Viru Gate are the most well-preserved. Viru Street is one of the busiest pedestrian streets in the Old Town, welcoming you with shops, restaurants and museums.
Town Hall Square:
This has been the centre of the Lower Town since the 13th century. Here is the place to people watch, which is fun especially in Tallinn because locals in medieval costumes circulate with the visitors. The iconic Gothic Town Hall is here with its tall spire dominating the skyline. It’s spire’s vane depicts a soldier, known as ‘Old Thomas” and is an important symbol of Tallinn. The square is bustling with restaurants, pubs, outdoor cafes and shops.
St. Catherine’s Passageway:
Near the Town Hall, this alley dates back to medieval times, taking its name from the ruins of the St. Catherine’s Church. Along the cobble path and crumbling walls is restaurants and cafes. The ancient vibes housed by the modern shops and studios with St. Catherine’s Guild craft workshops makes for an intriguing alley to stroll and imagine. Here you can browse artisans work, such as, jewelry, ceramics, hats and silk. At the southern end is the “Wool Wall,” displaying colorful Estonian sweaters.
Estonia Cuisine:
Old Town is full of great restaurants for discovering great Estonia cuisine, with many that offer outdoor seating. I enjoyed the outdoor seating at Old Hansa savoring my grilled salmon with smoked sauerkraut and honey beer.
Other popular restaurants are Kulde Notsu or Golden Piglet and Kolmas Draakon. Additionally, the Vegan Restoran V offers more modern vegan dishes.
St. Olaf’s Church:
St. Olaf’s Church is the city’s biggest medieval building, named after a Norwegian King Olave II Haraldsson built in the 12th century. It was the centre for Old Tallinn’s Scandinavian community before Denmark conquered. An interesting fact is that lightning struck its tower about 10 times, which led to 3 fires in the past.
It has a viewing platform to look out over the city. The church is open from April 1 – October 31.
The 2 streets connecting Lower Town and Toompea Hill are Long Leg Street (Pikk jalg) and Short Leg Street (Luhiki jalk). Both streets go through an arch in the town wall.
Toompea Hill Highlights
Toompea Castle:
This late Baroque pink castle complex was built in the 18th century and is now Estonia’s Parliament or Riigikogu. However, for 700 years, it belonged to various occupying foreign powers. Free tours are available from Monday – Friday and visitors can watch the parliament from the public gallery.
Alexander Nevsky Cathedral:
This ornate Russian Orthodox Church was completed in 1900 when it was part of the Czarist Empire. It has 11 bells, including Tallinn’s largest weighing 15 tons. Tours inside reveal gorgeous iconography and mosaics.
Viewing Platforms:
Toompea Hill has 2 wonderful viewing platforms of the Old Town and city. Patkuli is accessible from 157 steps offering views of Tallinn’s walls, towers and all the way to the sea. Kohtuotsa Viewpoint is on the northern side, looking out over both the Old Town’s red roofs and towers and the skyscrapers from the modern Tallinn.
Tallinn Old Town Highlights
In all my travels, Tallinn and Bruges, Belgium are my favorite medieval cities that are the most well-preserved. They both take you back in time in a setting to relive history amidst old world charm and culture. One of the best ways to learn history is to experience here on the cobblestone alleyways of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
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