What to visit in Tallinn in 3 days. What to see in Tallinn in one day? Gun turrets and fortress wall

Tallinn is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. We recommend going! He impressed and captivated us. We have compiled a route for an introductory walk around the city for you. We tell and show you where to go and what to see in one or two days.

What to see in Tallinn in 1 day?

Dedicate it to Vana Tallinn - Old town. It was divided into two parts - the upper city of Toompea and the lower one, where the artisans lived.

Even with the abundance of tourists, Vana Tallinn has not lost its medieval spirit. To begin with, it is best to just walk and look into quiet, crooked streets and small courtyards - without reference to the sights. You know that hackneyed phrase “get lost among the narrow streets”? So, Tallinn is exactly the place where it’s better to get lost. The old town is very compact, you can quickly get around it on foot.

Many people will find this advice outrageous. How can you come and not see all the main attractions? We understand. Therefore, after you have imbued with the atmosphere, you can go searching for attractions. Keep a list of the places we saw in Tallinn in 1 day. True, there are not many of them, because we wandered more at random.

Town Hall and square

Small, beautiful, photogenic. The town hall itself is interesting - pay attention to the drains in the shape of dragons. There are many nuances with the dates and times of visiting the town hall, so it’s better to look at. The ticket costs 5 euros, entrance to the tower is paid separately - 3 euros. In winter the tower is closed.

The building has a very atmospheric Cafe III Draakon, stylized as a medieval tavern. Be sure to stop by and warm up! There's delicious venison soup.

At home

• "Three Sisters", "Three Brothers" and "Father and Son". Architectural ensembles of medieval houses. Addresses: Pikk 71/Tolli 2, Lai 38 and Kuninga, 1 respectively.
• House of the Brotherhood of the Blackheads. Address: Pikk, 26.
• On Town Hall Square there is the oldest operating pharmacy in Europe - from the 15th century (Raeapteek - No. 11). There is also a museum inside where you can find out how medieval people were treated.
• The house on the corner of Town Hall Square is a medieval building. Address: Vanaturu kael, 3.

Streets of the Old Town

• Viru Street and Viru Gate.
• Pikk street.
• Long Leg Street (Pikk jalg).
• Muurvahe street.
• Lai Street.
• Verine Street is the narrowest in the city.
• Gumnaasiumi, Kooli and Laboratooriumi streets along the fortress wall.
• Börsi käik street is a kind of time machine. Historical dates are marked on the paving slabs.
• St. Catherine's Passage - Katariina Käik. Charming medieval street with workshops.
• Our favorite is Aida Street. There you will see a medieval theater building and a summer stage. Very picturesque! The street itself also looks medieval. It is especially good in the evening, under the light of lanterns.

Observation platforms and towers

There are a lot of venues and all are gorgeous! The most famous ones are in the Upper Town.

• Patkuli;
• Kohtuotsa;
• Piiskopi;
• Kuberneri aed;
• from the stairs Pilstickeri trepp;
• in the garden of the Danish king (Taani kuninga aed);
• from the town hall tower;
• from the Oleviste Church.

About 18 towers have survived. The most popular: Long Hermann, Fat Margarita, Virus Gate, Kiek-in-de-Kök. We will not list all the sites and towers - just find them on the map in.

Churches and cathedrals

• Church of the Holy Spirit (Püha Vaimu kirik). An ancient church founded in 1319. It hasn't been rebuilt since 1684! There is a clock on the wall, reminiscent of the Prague astronomical clock.
• Church of Oleviste, or St. Olaf (Oleviste kirik). The tallest building in the city. There is a good view, but the tower is not operational in winter.
• Church of Niguliste, or St. Nicholas (Niguliste kirik). We lived next to her and admired her.
• Dome Cathedral (Toomkirik).
• Alexander Nevsky Cathedral.

Toompea Castle

The castle was not at all impressive. Now the Estonian parliament works there - it looks very modest, you can’t even say it’s a parliament. Looks like city administration.

Excursions in Tallinn

What to see in Tallinn in 2 days?

On the second day, it is worth leaving the Old Town and paying attention to other areas of the city.

Rotermanni

A quarter for those interested in modern architecture. Just imagine: all these beautiful buildings are former abandoned factories!

Gorhall, port and Baltic Sea

Go admire the harsh Baltic Sea. On the coast there is an abandoned building of the city hall (Linnahall), all covered with graffiti. There you will find observation platforms.

Kalamaja

Cheerful colorful wooden houses in a quiet area near the Old Town. This is a former fishing port.

Pirita

In this area, visit the TV Tower, the tallest building. From there a panorama opens up, and for an additional fee you can add extreme sports and walk along the edge. Another attraction is the authentic ruins of the monastery of St. Brigid.

Kadriorg

The Baroque palace built by Peter I, a beautiful park, the house-museum of Peter the Great, the KUMU art museum - all this is in Kadriorg.

(Photo © j_silla / flickr.com / Licensed under CC BY 2.0)

In the “Locals” section, we turn to people from different cities of the world for simple and clear advice: where to go, what area to live in, what bar to buzz at and where is the best place to watch the sunrise in their hometown. Simple questions - useful tips. Like for friends. As for myself. In the first issue of the column - Julane Vilumec from Tallinn, a great lover of proper travel and creator of guides Like a Local.

1. What three words would you use to describe your city?

Small, but technologically advanced and fashionable.

2. Where would you recommend a noisy and cheerful group go in Tallinn? And why?

For a party with good music, I recommend going to Sinilind (Müürivahe, 50). This place is located in an old cinema, the features are vintage furniture, the audience is local hipsters, the best DJs in the city play. If you want to spend time drinking wine and chatting with friends, this is the place for you PaarVeini (Sauna, 1) - a great place with inexpensive wine and a lively atmosphere. If you're a pub lover, head to HellHunt (Pikk, 39) - there is an excellent selection of beer and no pretentiousness at all.

3. Where is the best place to have a romantic dinner?

I like Rataskaevu 16 (Rataskaevu, 16) And VonKrahli Aed(Rataskaevu, 8) - especially since both establishments are located almost next door. Both places capture the atmosphere of the historic old town center and offer seasonal, Nordic-inspired, healthy food.

But the most delightful and romantic courtyard in the city belongs to LeibResto & Aed(Uus, 31). This restaurant offers modern Estonian cuisine and a rich selection of local craft beer and wine to match the dishes.

4. Which gallery or museum would you send your guests to for a cultural experience?

Lennusadam(or seaport) is a fantastic place where real seaplanes are stored and reconstructed in huge concrete hangars. Here you can learn everything about Estonian shipbuilding, maritime vessels and military gadgets used in the navy. There's even a 1930s submarine that you can enter and explore from the inside. Outside the museum, near the pier, there are many real ships.

Another place I would definitely recommend to my guests to go is KUMU(Valge, 1). It is not only the largest art museum in Tallinn, but also a cultural center that hosts music, film or art events.

5. Which area of ​​Tallinn is best to live in to feel the spirit of the city?

More than half of Tallinn's population lives in one of the Soviet-era neighborhoods, so for a realistic picture of the city, live in the neighborhoods Mustamäe , Lasnamäe or Õismäe. But if you want to live in the most fashionable and trendy place in Tallinn, settle in Kalamaja(exactly in this area at the address Vabriku, 44 there is a house in which the Russian writer Sergei Dovlatov lived for several years - 34travel). This old quarter, once home primarily to factory workers, is gradually transforming into an area inhabited by young creative people, where beautifully restored early 20th-century wooden houses juxtapose the ruins of factory complexes.

6. Where is the best place to watch the sunrise in Tallinn?

In the old town from the observation deck Patkuli located on top of a hill Toompea. Since we are very close to the North Pole, the sun rises very early in Tallinn in summer. Therefore, it is logical to go there immediately after a fun night. From other observation platforms, the view of the sunrise will, unfortunately, be blocked by the temples. In summer, it is best to watch the sunrise anywhere on the seashore.

The material uses photographs from the establishments' Facebook communities.

Transport in Tallinn

From the bus station You can get to the Old Town by tram No. 2 and 4. The tram stop is 150 m from the station: you need to go along the Odra to Tartu Maantee and cross to the other side (if your back is to the station, then you need to go left).

When you get on the tram you need to buy a ticket from the driver or attach a transport card to the validator, which can be purchased at R-kiosk. The card costs 2 euros, this is the security deposit. You can put money on the card for travel for 1, 3, 5 days, for a month. This is cheaper (about 0.50 euros per trip) than buying a ticket from the driver once. The card is valid for one person. When entering a vehicle, it must be attached to the reader. Free travel in Tallinn only for city residents.

Take a tram You need 4 stops and you will enter the Old Town through the Viru Gate.

Also from the bus station Buses No. 17a, 23 or 23a go to the center. If there are few things , then from the bus station to the Old Town you can walk in about 30 minutes.

From the bus station to the airport can be reached by bus number 2. The stop is located 200-200 m from the bus station. You need to follow the Odra to Tartu Maantee and go a little to the right without crossing the street. You can also get to the seaport and ferries by bus No. 2, but in the other direction. It runs three times an hour according to a schedule that is posted at the bus stop. From Lasnamäe to the airport there is bus number 65.

From the train station Balti jaam the airport can be reached by the Hansabus bus, which runs twice an hour from 7.00 to 18.00. The fare is 2 euros. It also stops at the bus station. Another option is a taxi; a trip within the city center will cost 3-6 euros.

Information about routes transport in Tallinn and the schedule can be viewed (in English).

Where to stay

There are quite a lot of things in Tallinn good inexpensive hotels. So, a double room in a hotel in the Old Town and 5 minutes from it costs from 40 euros. Among inexpensive hotels, we can recommend Park Inn Central Tallinn (convenient location for those traveling from the bus station and the airport), L`Ermitage (nice room design), Shnelli (near the train station), Oru Hotel (near the airport), etc. There are several spa hotels, where it is especially pleasant during the cold season.

There are also many in Tallinn hostels, including in the city center. A night in a room for men and women will cost from 16 euros. During the high season (July-August), hotels and hostels must be booked in advance, otherwise it will be difficult to find an inexpensive room.

If you are traveling with a group, it is very convenient (and inexpensive) to stay in apartments. For example, OldHouse Apartments & Hostel on Vene Street: this two-room apartment in an old house (double bed and sofa) costs 79 euros/day for everyone. From time to time there are 25% discounts. In this hostel, a double room costs 37 euros, amenities are nearby in the hallway.

Here you can see prices for hotels in Tallinn

Cautions

You shouldn't ride like a hare in public transport , fines for traveling without a ticket are 40 euros, there are no concessions for tourists.

In the city center you can see signs warning of bags being snatched. It is not known how often such incidents occur, but you should be careful.

Cross the road green light, otherwise you may be fined.

Smoking in public places It is prohibited in Estonia, otherwise you will also have to pay a fine.

What to buy in Tallinn

Tallinn has many small souvenir shops with magnets, postcards, calendars and other little things.

In the Old Town there is several shops and markets (for example, the famous market on Müürivahe, near the Viru Gate) with traditional knitted items, carpets and other handicrafts. The wool is usually pretty good.

For clothes and shoes you can go to Stockman (Liivalaia, 53), Viru Keskus, Tallinna Kaubamaja (Gonsiori, 2), Rotermanni Keskus, etc.

In Viru Keskus there is a downstairsa supermarket where you can buy chocolate, the famous Vana Tallinn liqueur, marzipan figurines and much more, the choice is very large, but the prices here are slightly higher than in non-tourist places.

Souvenirs are cheaper buy in hypermarkets like Prisma. The closest one from the bus station is in the Sikupilli shopping center, up the Tartu highway.

Observation platforms

At least two or three The viewpoints are worth a visit. Among the most interesting:

1) Viewpoints (Vaaterplatvorm) in the Old Town.

Patkuli – you can get here from Rahukohtu street, and to the Kohtuotsa site – from Kohtu. All traditional views of old Tallinn are taken from here.

2) You can also look at the city from the observation deck at St. Olaf's Church or Oleviste on Lai 50. To climb to the narrow observation deck you will have to climb 258 steps. You can get here every day from 10 am to 6 pm. A ticket costs 2 euros. You will have to climb a steep staircase; from above you will have a magnificent view of the city and surrounding area. The height of Oleviste is 124 m; it used to be higher and was even considered the tallest building in medieval Europe.

Other options:

3) Nice view too from the upper floors of the Radisson Blu Hotel Olümpia. At the entrance you can say that you are going to Club26.

4) In summer from 11.00 to 18.00 You can climb the City Hall tower (the height of the observation deck is 34 m). The entrance is at the Tristan and Isolde cafe.

What to see in Tallinn

WITHwhat time is it What you need for a walk around the Old Town depends on your style of walking and seeing the city. I can wander around Tallinn and take photographs for hours, looking at roofs, doors and hatches on the streets; for others, a quick inspection in 2-3 hours is enough.

Old Tallinn consists from Toompea (Vyshgorod) and Lower Town. You can walk from one end of the old city to the other in 15-20 minutes.

The main attractions that can be seen in the Lower Town:

Town Hall in Tallinn , which is 600 years old. It is the best preserved medieval town hall in Northern Europe. You won't pass by. There are many cafes, restaurants, and souvenir shops nearby. Be sure to visit the old pharmacy, which is located opposite the town hall.

Oleviste Church on Lai 50 – the tallest in old Tallinn, the white one is one of the most recognizable landmarks of Tallinn. The church is active and open to everyone. For 2 euros you can go up to the observation deck (see above).

Maritime Museum in the Fat Margaret Tower on Pikk 70. Everything related to the Baltic Sea is collected here: lots and compasses, models of sailing ships, ancient maps and much more. The museum is open from Wednesday to Sunday from 10-00 to 18-00.

Market with knitted products and souvenirs near the Virus Gate

From the new museums you can see Puppet Museum Nunne 8. This small museum in the city center houses about 1,700 dolls, most of them theatrical. The museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 10.00 to 19.00. Ticket costs 5 euros

Main attractions in Toompea (Vyshgorod)

Two observation decks (see above)

Toompea Castle with a 48-meter tower “Long Hermann”. Nowadays the Riigikogu (Estonian Parliament) is located here.

Alexander Nevsky Cathedral - the largest Orthodox cathedral in Tallinn

The Dome Cathedral – the oldest church in Tallinn. Here, in particular, Ivan Krusenstern is buried.

Church of Niguliste kirik . Now there is a branch of the Estonian Art Museum. If you're lucky, you can get to an organ concert.

In the tower of Kiek in de Kek there is a museum of the military history of Tallinn and its defensive structures. The museum is open from 10.30 to 18.00 or until 17.30 depending on the time of year. The price for the museum is 4.5 euros, for the dungeons (by appointment at the box office or via the Internet) – 5.75 euros.

Close to the Old Town

The Occupation Museum is located within walking distance of the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral. It is dedicated to the Soviet and German occupation. You can watch a 30-minute film in Russian, English, Estonian, and many interesting exhibits - from dishes and radios to soda machines and cars. The museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 11.00 to 18.00. The ticket costs 2 euros.

Outside the Old Town

If you have arrived more than for one day, it’s worth taking a trip outside the Old Town. Transport links are quite good, so you can safely go to the outskirts.

Kadriorg

Kadriorg- one of the most prestigious areas of Tallinn. Here is the Baroque palace of Catherine I (now the Museum of Foreign Art is located here) and a beautiful park in which the house-museum of Peter I is located.

Kadriorg is located residence of the President of the Republic of Estonia, many embassies.

From the palace to the famous monument to the battleship "Rusalka" - a 10-minute walk along a beautiful alley. Newlyweds often come here. From here you can take the bus back to the city center or go in the other direction to Pirita and the Botanical Garden.

How to get to Kadriorg

From the city center get to Kadriorg You can take trams No. 1 and 3, the ride takes about 10 minutes. By buses No. 1, 1a, 19, 29, 29a, 29b, 34a, 38, 44 (the bus terminal is located in Viru Keskus on the first floor), get off at the J. Poska stop. Walk for 20-30 minutes, from Tolstoy Margarita you go down, past shopping centers and further along the streets with private houses

Pirita

Pirita is nice in summer, this area is located on the shores of the Gulf of Finland. There is a large beach, several hotels, including a spa, restaurants and cafes.

Monastery of Saint Birgitta(Estonian Pirita klooster, Pirita) on Merivälja tee 18. There is not much left of the monastery, but in the summer it is very pleasant to wander around here. Located 7 km from the city center. In summer it is open from 9.00 to 19.00, in other months it opens later and closes earlier. Entrance 2 euros.

Maarjamägi Castle(Maarjamäe loss) - the former summer residence of the family of Count Anatoly Vladimirovich Orlov-Davydov. The park contains sculptures and busts of figures of the communist movement, collected from all over Estonia.

You can get there from Pirita to the Botanical Garden. The garden is large, with large collections of tulips, peonies, roses, and many other plants; in winter it is worth visiting the greenhouses. In March there is an orchid exhibition here. The Botanical Garden can be reached by buses 34-a and 38 from the bus terminal in Viru keskus. Get off at the Kloostrimetsa stop.

How to get to Pirita

By buses 34 and 1A from the bus terminal in Viru Keskus. Drive 10-15 minutes.

What to see in the west of Tallinn

Estonian ethnographic museumin Rocca al Mare on Vabaõhumuuseumi tee 12. From Balti Jaam (Baltic Station) by bus No. 21 and 21b, go straight to the museum gates. But they go 1-2 times an hour. It is better to take bus No. 22 or trolleybuses No. 6 and 7 to the Zoo stop, then walk 15 minutes along the sea.

Zoo located at Paldiski mnt., 145. Open daily, in May-August from 9.00 to 19.00, in other months it closes at 17.00. You can get there from the center by bus No. 22 or trolleybuses No. 6 and 7 to the Zoo stop.

Other museums in Tallinn

Dominican Monastery of St. Catherine, Vene 16/18

Jewish Museum of Estonia at Karu 16, open on weekdays from 9.00 to 17.00

Museum of Applied Arts on Lai 17 open from Wednesday to Sunday from 11.00 to 18.00. A collection of leather, textiles, glass and metal products from the last 100 years. Ticket costs 3.50 euros.

Tallinn City Museum

Tallinn Science and Technology Center

Photo museum in the Town Hall Prison

Art Museum of Estonia

Mikkel Museum open from Wednesday to Sunday from 11.00 to 18.00. A rich collection of works of art by Western European, Russian and Chinese masters of the 16th - 20th centuries.

Adamson-Eric Museum

Estonian Architecture Museum

Estonian History Museum

Museum of the Estonian People

Estonian Museum of Nature

Estonian Health Museum

Estonian Sports Museum

Do they speak Russian in Tallinn?

Many people speak well in Tallinn and understand Russian, so usually there are no problems in shops and hotels in the city center. Passers-by, as a rule, try to help, even if they speak Russian poorly.

In hotels or museums, not very visited by Russian tourists, they do not always understand Russian. When recruiting personnel, of course, preference is given to candidates with knowledge of several foreign languages, including Russian. And yet, be prepared for the fact that not everyone knows Russian - the state language in Estonia is only Estonian. Indexes, signs and labels on goods are not duplicated in Russian.

Dictionary

Avatud- open

Kauplus- shop, pood - small store, shop

Jaam- railway station

Bussijaam- bus station

Lennujaam- airport

Sadam– port

Meresadam- sea port

Keskus– center (for example, Viru keskus)

Kaubakeskus- shopping mall

Hotell– hotel

Restaurant- restaurant

Kohvik- cafe

Kohv- coffee

Hommikusöök- breakfast

Juuksur- salon

Tänav- Street

Kirik- church

Apteek - pharmacy

Palun- Please

Aitäh- Thank you

Palun vabandust- Sorry

Tere- Hello

Tere hommikust- Good morning

Terviseks- For health!

Ma ei oska eesti keelt– I don’t speak Estonian

All roads in old Tallinn lead to the town hall.

The Town Hall in Tallinn is more than 600 years old.

There are always a lot of tourists on Town Hall Square.

During the warm season, there are several outdoor cafes on Town Hall Square.

Olde Hansa is one of the most popular restaurants among tourists.

A 50-gram bag of almonds with cinnamon costs from 2 euros.

In the center of Tallinn there are many shops with all kinds of souvenirs.

While walking around Tallinn, pay attention to the doors.

These are the photos you get from the observation deck on Toompea.

Weather vanes are one of the attractions of Tallinn.

You can go up to the observation deck on Olevista for 2 euros.

From the Lower Town you need to go to Toompea - the Upper Town.

The Riigikogu, the Estonian parliament, meets in Toompea Castle.

The Long Hermann Tower is one of the symbols of Estonia.

And in a noticeable pink building on Toompea is the residence of the president.

There are always a lot of people in the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral.

In Nigulist, if you're lucky, you can catch an organ concert.

There are many modern hotels near the Old Town.

From Vyshgorod you can go down to Kalamaja - a part of Tallinn with wooden houses.

In Kadriorg, in the palace of Catherine I. there is a Museum of Foreign Art.

You can spend a pleasant couple of hours in the parks of Kadriorg.

From the palace to the famous monument to the battleship “Rusalka” it is a 10-minute walk.

When going to Tallinn, you should take an umbrella or raincoat.

From Kadriorg to Pirita - 7-10 minutes by bus.

In Pirita you can see the monastery of St. Birgitta.

There is little left of the monastery, but in the summer it is very pleasant to wander around here.

New buildings in Pirita, one of the most expensive areas of Tallinn.

Tallinn is especially romantic in the evening.

Tallinn is rightfully considered the capital of the Baltic countries. And indeed, if we compare Riga, Vilnius and Tallinn, the latter city looks much more advantageous.

Tourists also choose the Estonian capital because it is very easy and cheap to get there from St. Petersburg. To do this, you first need to get to Helsinki. The cheapest option is . Ticket price – from on non-holidays. And then you need to spend 2 hours on the ferry.

So, you have reached Tallinn, on the southern coast of the Gulf of Finland, in Northern Europe.

What to see in a few hours in Tallinn

Tallinn is a small city. The bulk of the attractions are in Old town. This is where you begin your journey through the capital of Estonia. And if you have time, visit less interesting city places.

Most tourists choose Tallinn as an intermediate point, rather than a city for a full week's holiday. To be honest, of course, there’s nothing to do there for a week. Therefore, most people visit Tallinn by ferry from Helsinki or by ferry, but as part of a cruise. In any case, the main flow of tourists approaches the Old Town from the port.

You can get from the port to the Old Town of Tallinn in just 10 minutes, so taking a taxi is simply pointless. The first thing you will encounter on your way (unless you decide to take some difficult road) is Fat Margaret Tower and its defensive walls at the end of Pikk street.

Oddly enough, even on the vast Internet there is no exact information why the tower is named that way. According to one legend, a girl named Margarita turned into a tower. Why the tower is “thick”, one only has to guess... So, this Margarita was mutually in love with a young man named Herman. But the lovers were under a curse that did not allow them to be together after midnight. One day Margarita and German did not notice how quickly time was passing, and when they looked at the clock, it was already late. So, the girl turned into the Fat Margaret Tower. And the young man goes to the tower Long Herman(more on this a little later).

When you see the tower, most likely, you will already have the feeling that you are somewhere in the Middle Ages. And further travel will only intensify this feeling.

In the tower behind 5 euros you can visit Maritime Museum of Estonia. Since Estonia is a port country, there are more than enough exhibits in this museum. The tower also has an observation deck. But since the tower is large not in height, but in width, you won’t be able to see the city in full view. Suitable for this observation deck of the Dome Cathedral or tower of St. Olaf's Cathedral (Oleviste Cathedral(Further).

By the way, Fat Margarita will meet you on the way if you get to the Old Town and from the railway station. On foot you will cover this distance in 15 minutes.

After you enter the Old Town through the great sea gate of Tolstoy Margarita, you will find yourself on real medieval streets. They are, as expected, narrow, paved, with many interesting signs in the appropriate medieval style.

On your way along Pikk Street you will meet Oleviste tower(from the back).

Famous "3 sisters"- an architectural ensemble built back in the 14th century. Now there is a fashionable hotel there.

Along the way you will notice marzipan gallery. There you can not only buy delicious marzipan figures for yourself or as a gift, but also make such a figure yourself with the help of the gallery staff. Children, of whom there are always many, will especially enjoy this entertainment.

Next you will see Tallinn History Museum, which from the outside looks like a Lutheran church. There you can take a guided tour or explore the exhibits on your own (ticket price – 5 euros). Immediately opposite him – Church of the Holy Spirit. Entrance - 3 euros.

Along the way, pay attention to the bright medieval door painted with yellow flowers - House of the Brotherhood of Blackheads. This is not a sect, as you might think, but the building of a union of foreign merchants formed in the 14th century. Traders united to conduct business. Tours are still held there today. So if you have time, do not miss the opportunity to learn more about the activities of merchants.

Not far from the Church of the Holy Spirit is one of the main Tallinn attractions - Town Hall. In 2004, this medieval building turned 600 years old. Today it is one of the best preserved town halls in Northern Europe. The most symbolic way to approach the Town Hall is through one more attraction of the city - Viru Gate.

The Town Hall is located on Town Hall Square.

Usually in winter the main city Christmas tree is placed here and a wide fair is held. Here you can buy souvenirs for yourself or as a gift: warm sweaters, socks or mittens made of goat fur (the average price for socks is 10-15 euros), gingerbread and other Estonian sweets (prices vary depending on the delicacy), magnets ( from 1 euro) and other souvenirs: keychains, figurines, etc.

Here, on the square, you can eat delicious food and drink Estonian mulled wine. Such dinners are especially tasty in the cold, because the Christmas atmosphere and smells around you make themselves felt.

This is a dish - just like in the photo, worth everything 8 euros– fried potatoes, fried sauerkraut and sausage. You can choose your own lunch: many types of sausages, duck and delicious soft salmon are fried on the square. The side dish is the same everywhere - cabbage with potatoes.

Eating in the cold is, of course, delicious, but it’s cold. When we got completely cold during lunch, we went to a coffee shop to drink hot tea and warm up. The coffee shops in Tallinn are very nice. Although the selection of tasty treats is not particularly large, but rather purely symbolic, it is still very good to sit in such a coffee shop.

Whether it’s cafes or restaurants. All drinking establishments in Tallinn offer a large selection of dishes. The food there is national and very tasty. Go to any establishment - you can’t go wrong, most likely you will like it. Of course, lunch or dinner in such an establishment will cost 3 times more than lunch on the square, but it’s worth it.

If you want to try local beer, head to Beer House. This huge establishment is the main beer pub in Tallinn. There are always a lot of tourists there, but there is no crowd, because the establishment itself is very impressive in size...

After lunch, take a walk around Upper old town. It’s not for nothing that it’s “upper” - you’ll have to climb up on foot.

Vyshgorod – this is the name of the upper town – is located on Toompea Hill, after which the ancient castle built here is named. Toompea Castle was founded already in the 12th century by the Danish king Valdemar II at an altitude of 50 m above sea level. In the 13th and 14th centuries, the castle served as the main stronghold of the Danes in the Baltic states. Towards the end of the 14th century, an extension was made to the tower - the 48-meter Long Hermann Tower.

On the territory of the Upper Town is located Orthodox Alexander Nevsky Cathedral and almost close - The Dome Cathedral, or, as is more often indicated in electronic guidebooks - Church of St. Virgin Mary. We highly recommend going up to the tower of the Dome Cathedral - from there you can see a beautiful view of the city. From there you will see Toompeya Castle with its tower, Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, Oleviste Cathedral, Town Hall, Church of the Holy Spirit and other attractions. Issue price – 5 euros.

True, the ascent and descent into the tower of the Dome Cathedral is not as harmless as you might think. The stairs, although not long, are very steep. They are less than a meter wide, but the steps are very narrow, clearly not fit for a modern person’s feet. When going up and down, be sure to hold on to the rope stretched along the entire staircase, otherwise your journey into the medieval tower may end in a fall.

In addition to Toompea Castle, there are other beautiful castles in Tallinn: Kadriorg, Glen Castle and Maarjamägi Castle. The first one was built by Emperor Peter 1, and in appearance it is very reminiscent of Peterhof. Glen Castle was built in the 19th century by Baron von Glen. And the last castle is the former residence of the Orlov-Davydov count family. Nowadays a branch of the Estonian History Museum is located here.

Visiting the last three castles is an important and interesting mission. But if you come to Tallinn for just a day, then you are unlikely to have time to do this, since all 3 medieval buildings are not located in Tallinn itself.

If you have time, you can take a walk in the area Kalamaja and the former fishing village. It is located just 15 minutes walk from the Upper Town. We cannot say that this area is stunning in its beauty, but it is clearly different from the entire Old Town. Previously, there was a village where mainly fishermen lived. Now, on the contrary, it is a bohemian area, a kind of art center. The houses here are small, simple, but very bright. Each of them has its own color. Therefore, the former village looks very cheerful.

Perhaps, if you came to Tallinn for just 1 day, this program will be enough for you. The city itself, although small, is very atmospheric and, as already mentioned, delicious. Therefore, we definitely recommend visiting Tallinn. Especially if you are planning to visit Helsinki.

Adviсe:

1. To cheaper it costs to visit museums, restaurants and even spas and many other entertainment venues in Tallinn, you can purchase a special card - TallinnCityCard. Many museums have free entry with this card. In some cafes and restaurants, holders of these cards can eat with a 10 or even 30% discount. Excursions will also cost you much less if you have a Tallinn Card. If you haven't bothered to purchase this discount card in advance, don't worry. You can buy it at the port, at the bus or railway station, or at the airport building. It is also sold in many hotels and regular newspaper kiosks. The validity period of this card is 1, 2 or 3 days. The issue price is 32, 42, 52 euros. Whether purchasing this card is beneficial for you is up to you to decide. In many cases, the Tallinn City Card does not justify itself.
2. Tallinn is a medieval city. Therefore, do not rush to inspect it, even if you only have a few hours left. In any case, you will have time to see the most important sights. But you may not be able to experience the wonderful atmosphere of the city due to the rush.
3. If you decide or decide to stay in Tallinn for more than a day, you can look for cheap accommodation. Booking always offers the cheapest accommodation options, in many cases without prepayment. Find the cheapest air tickets on Aviasales, bus tickets - . If you suddenly decide to book a car, look for a car at the cheapest car rental.

On all 4 sides wishes you a pleasant journey, friends!

Tallinn is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. We recommend going! He impressed and captivated us. We have compiled a route for an introductory walk around the city for you. We tell and show you where to go and what to see in one or two days.

What to see in Tallinn in 1 day?

Dedicate it to Vana Tallinn - Old town. It was divided into two parts - the upper city of Toompea and the lower one, where the artisans lived.

Even with the abundance of tourists, Vana Tallinn has not lost its medieval spirit. To begin with, it is best to just walk and look into quiet, crooked streets and small courtyards - without reference to the sights. You know that hackneyed phrase “get lost among the narrow streets”? So, Tallinn is exactly the place where it’s better to get lost. The old town is very compact, you can quickly get around it on foot.

Many people will find this advice outrageous. How can you come and not see all the main attractions? We understand. Therefore, after you have imbued with the atmosphere, you can go searching for attractions. Keep a list of the places we saw in Tallinn in 1 day. True, there are not many of them, because we wandered more at random.

Town Hall and square

Small, beautiful, photogenic. The town hall itself is interesting - pay attention to the drains in the shape of dragons. There are many nuances with the dates and times of visiting the town hall, so it’s better to look at. The ticket costs 5 euros, entrance to the tower is paid separately - 3 euros. In winter the tower is closed.

The building has a very atmospheric Cafe III Draakon, stylized as a medieval tavern. Be sure to stop by and warm up! There's delicious venison soup.

At home

• "Three Sisters", "Three Brothers" and "Father and Son". Architectural ensembles of medieval houses. Addresses: Pikk 71/Tolli 2, Lai 38 and Kuninga, 1 respectively.
• House of the Brotherhood of the Blackheads. Address: Pikk, 26.
• On Town Hall Square there is the oldest operating pharmacy in Europe - from the 15th century (Raeapteek - No. 11). There is also a museum inside where you can find out how medieval people were treated.
• The house on the corner of Town Hall Square is a medieval building. Address: Vanaturu kael, 3.

Streets of the Old Town

• Viru Street and Viru Gate.
• Pikk street.
• Long Leg Street (Pikk jalg).
• Muurvahe street.
• Lai Street.
• Verine Street is the narrowest in the city.
• Gumnaasiumi, Kooli and Laboratooriumi streets along the fortress wall.
• Börsi käik street is a kind of time machine. Historical dates are marked on the paving slabs.
• St. Catherine's Passage - Katariina Käik. Charming medieval street with workshops.
• Our favorite is Aida Street. There you will see a medieval theater building and a summer stage. Very picturesque! The street itself also looks medieval. It is especially good in the evening, under the light of lanterns.

Observation platforms and towers

There are a lot of venues and all are gorgeous! The most famous ones are in the Upper Town.

• Patkuli;
• Kohtuotsa;
• Piiskopi;
• Kuberneri aed;
• from the stairs Pilstickeri trepp;
• in the garden of the Danish king (Taani kuninga aed);
• from the town hall tower;
• from the Oleviste Church.

About 18 towers have survived. The most popular: Long Hermann, Fat Margarita, Virus Gate, Kiek-in-de-Kök. We will not list all the sites and towers - just find them on the map in.

Churches and cathedrals

• Church of the Holy Spirit (Püha Vaimu kirik). An ancient church founded in 1319. It hasn't been rebuilt since 1684! There is a clock on the wall, reminiscent of the Prague astronomical clock.
• Church of Oleviste, or St. Olaf (Oleviste kirik). The tallest building in the city. There is a good view, but the tower is not operational in winter.
• Church of Niguliste, or St. Nicholas (Niguliste kirik). We lived next to her and admired her.
• Dome Cathedral (Toomkirik).
• Alexander Nevsky Cathedral.

Toompea Castle

The castle was not at all impressive. Now the Estonian parliament works there - it looks very modest, you can’t even say it’s a parliament. Looks like city administration.

Excursions in Tallinn

What to see in Tallinn in 2 days?

On the second day, it is worth leaving the Old Town and paying attention to other areas of the city.

Rotermanni

A quarter for those interested in modern architecture. Just imagine: all these beautiful buildings are former abandoned factories!

Gorhall, port and Baltic Sea

Go admire the harsh Baltic Sea. On the coast there is an abandoned building of the city hall (Linnahall), all covered with graffiti. There you will find observation platforms.

Kalamaja

Cheerful colorful wooden houses in a quiet area near the Old Town. This is a former fishing port.

Pirita

In this area, visit the TV Tower, the tallest building. From there a panorama opens up, and for an additional fee you can add extreme sports and walk along the edge. Another attraction is the authentic ruins of the monastery of St. Brigid.

Kadriorg

The Baroque palace built by Peter I, a beautiful park, the house-museum of Peter the Great, the KUMU art museum - all this is in Kadriorg.

(Photo © j_silla / flickr.com / Licensed under CC BY 2.0)