According to Allcitycodes, Tallinn is the capital of Estonia. The best thing about this city is to see how old and new go well together. In the old part you will find many historical sights, which have their origin mainly in the Middle Ages. Tallinn experienced golden times as a Hanseatic city. Over the past two centuries, the Russians have had a lot of influence on the appearance of the city. The typical Russian architecture such as that of the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral attracts the attention of many people. Its location on the Domberg ensures that this cathedral is a literal highlight within the old town. The newer part of the city has hip and modern buildings, some of which are made of reflective glass.
If you want to visit all the sights of Tallinn, the hop-on hop-off tourist bus from Tallinn is an ideal way to do that. On the route, during the validity of your ticket (one day), you can hop on and off without restrictions at the bus stations located at Mere Pst, Russalka Monument, City Harbour, D Terminal, Radisson Sas Hotel & Swissotel, Toompea, City Harbour, ABC Terminals, City Harbor and the Cruise Ship Terminal.
Top 10 Things to Do in Tallinn
#1. Vanalinn (Old Town)
On a hill on the coast is the old part of the town, which is separated from the rest of the town by a wall. The area is one of the best preserved medieval towns in northern Europe. Fortunately, the old buildings have been well preserved over the years. The St. Olav’s Church with its 124 meter high tower is still a symbol of the city. The city of Tallinn arose in the upper town of ‘Toompea’ with its Toompea castle. From here you can start a nice walk through the fabulous streets of Pikk jalg and Lühike jalg, before ending on the beautiful Raekoja Plats (Council Square).
#2. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral
This Orthodox cathedral is located in the old part of the city. The influences of the Russian architectural style are clearly reflected in the building. It was therefore built between 1894 and 1900 when Estonia was part of the Russian Empire. The interior is richly filled with icons and mosaics.
#3. Kadriorg loss
This extremely beautiful palace houses the fine arts museum. The building, which was built in 1718 for Tsar Peter the Great, has very beautiful details. It also has a baroque appearance, which was excellent even for that time. In the vicinity of this palace are several places of interest such as the Mikkel Museum and the Presidential Palace complete with guards.
#4. Eesti Vabaõhumuuseum
This open-air museum of Tallinn is located west of the city by the sea. Here you get a good idea about how people used to live in the countryside. The area has about sixty houses that can be found throughout the country. There is also a traditional church, mills, school and farms.
#5. Monasteries
The two well-known monasteries of Tallinn are the Dominican Monastery and the Pirita Monastery.
The Dominican Monastery was founded by Dominican monks around 1246. Following a guided tour, you will walk through torch-lit corridors. The guide, who is completely dressed for that time, tells you about the history and takes you on a journey through the Middle Ages, as it were. The Pirita Monastery is no more than a ruin. It was built in 1417 to accommodate nuns who could engage in spiritual matters. In 1577 it was destroyed during the Livonian War. Today the location is used for concerts.
#6. Bastionikäikudesse
During a tour in the underground tunnels of this piece of cultural heritage, it becomes clearly visible how military troops have lived here. The tunnels are usually 1.5 meters wide and consist mainly of limestone. The tour ends in the ‘Kiek in de Kök’. This 36 meter high tower gives you a beautiful view over the old town.
#7. Toomkirik
This church, founded by the Danes, stands on the Toompea hill in the old part. It was built in the 13th century, making it the oldest church in Tallinn. At the entrance of the church is the grave of a notable resident of the town, Otto Johann Thuve. He was called the “playboy” of Tallinn. A legend says that with every step on the stone of his grave his sins are forgiven. The official name of this Lutheran church is: Tallinn Neitsi Maarja Piiskoplik Toomkirik, which means ‘Cathedral of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
#8. Raekoja Plats
There is always a lot of fun to be found in this town hall square of Tallinn. The square is located in the heart of the old town. This square is a meeting place for many local people. The most important building is of course the Town Hall (Raekoda). The 64 meter high tower offers you a breathtaking view over the city. Behind the town hall is the 15th century prison ‘Raevangla”. Today this is the photography museum. In summer the square is very lively with its many terraces and in winter you will find the Christmas market.
#9. Katariina Käik
The narrow streets of this old part of town connect the larger streets of Vene and Müürivahe. For many this is the most beautiful part of the city. Some walls are “dressed” with tombstones that come from the cemetery of the Toomkirik. Many artists have a studio or studio in one of these picturesque streets of Tallinn. A little further on you come to a knitting market, where the older ladies sell their woolen works of art.
#10. Toompea Loss
Next to the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral is the old fortress of the Baltic port. For centuries the great leaders have lived and ruled here. Today it is not very different. Now the Parliament of Estonia is located there. Every day when the sun rises the flag is raised on the 45 meter high Pikk Hermann tower and the national anthem is played.
