Not heard of it? Well, it is one of Europe’s newest city escapes, so we forgive you. Why not educate yourself in an adventure out to Estonia’s Capital and discover why so many people are headed here for a tantalising taste of Tallinn…
Tallinn me about it…
This beautiful city, full
of a cocktail of culture and architecture, is a perfect combination of old and
new, modern and quintessential. Let the city vibes roll over your achy stressed
out body and mind, and embrace Estonia’s culture hub! It’s a perfect blend of
all you’re after, with influences of Baltic, Nordic, Teutonic and Russian
evident in its food, drink, art, design and music.
Medieval Magic
Experience the old in
Tallinn’s well-preserved ‘Old Town’, Vanalinn, a dense labyrinth of cobbled
streets and curious alleys. Admire the Slavic twist of the buildings,
especially evident in the domes of the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral. This is a
place where you’ll be looking up, down, and all around at the architecture that
surrounds you!
Beer! Beer! Beer!
We knew that would catch
your attention – and did you know it’s especially cheap in Tallinn? Why not
sample it at the beautiful stone pub Von Krahl (which also doubles up as a
theatre) and embrace this charismatic building in Old Town. Dark beers and
mulled wines are abundant in this city – but you should definitely accustom
your taste buds to the home-grown Vana Tallinn, Estonia’s own rum-based liqueur.
It’s a great winter warmer and you needn’t worry about it being 50% as the
sweet vanilla and cinnamon flavours disguise it well.
Tallinn Music Week
If you’re a music lover,
make sure you coincide your trip to Tallinn with the Last Night of the Proms,
at Tallinn’s Music Week, which takes place every 5 years. Be wowed by the
30,000 choir members singing their hearts out. This festival welcomes the
spring by exhibiting, not only music, but also pop-up tents and special sets by
cafés, galleries and shops. It’s a great way to experience the different
sounds, smells, tastes and designs of Tallinn and is usually held at the end of
March.
Views for Days
If a view of the city is what you’re after, head to the Teletorn
(TV Tower). An obtrusion in the skyline that looms over the city (at 314m) but
provides breath taking panoramic views. On a clear day, you’re even able to spot
Finland across the Baltic as you stand on the glass-floored viewing platform on
the 21st level.
Up In The Air
If the TV Tower isn’t quite what you’re after, why not take to the skies in a hot air balloon? Take in the panoramic views of the city in style, from 120m above the cobbled streets. You’ll have views of the city like no other!
Relax and Respite
If you need some you-time after your long day of exploring, head to Kalma Saun, one of the oldest saunas in Tallinn. With its strangely historical vibes, you may feel as though you’ve travelled back in time. Enjoy the traditionalism of the wood-heated sauna, head to the pool or indulge in a Russian steam bath.
City Escape AND Beach Break
That’s right, you read that correctly – if you’ve had enough of the city, head to the largest beach in Tallinn, Pirita. In the summer, the area is home to a beach bar, a bowling club and a small market. The beach also has loungers available to rent. But head here early if visiting during a heat wave, as practically the entire city will have their sights set on these white sands.
If the Sea isn’t your Thing…
…then why not head to the biggest natural waterfall in Estonia? Jägala Waterfall is about 30km east of Tallinn, but easily accessible. And surely a small trip like that is worth it to see this waterfall of wonder. Jägala is over 50m in width and 8m in height. You’re able to visit during any and all seasons – summer will make it much more comfortable to enter the water, but by winter you’ll be able to see the splendour of the oversized icicles that form in the cold. The choice is yours!
Got any other unmissable places in Tallinn? Let us know! Or if you’re planning a trip there make sure to check all these locations out!
