Tallinn

Once obscured from view by Soviet occupation, this Baltic gem has thrown open its doors to tourism with vigour. Boasting one of the most effortlessly photogenic old town centres in Europe, a Tallinn city break will delight you with twisting cobblestone lanes, iron street lamps, gothic spires and medieval markets. Ancient merchants’ houses and cellars, now home to candle-lit cafés and restaurants, lure visitors indoors to indulge in hot chocolate, spiced wine and hearty borsch.  

What to see …
A patchwork of historic areas, the Estonian capital has an eight hundred year old past for you to unravel. The biggest attraction is the picture postcard medieval old town; compact and contained within a mostly intact city wall sprinkled with towers, it has an almost fairytale charm.  In the Raekoja plats (Town Hall Square and main square of the old town) is the old Town Hall, a gothic limestone building dating back to the 13th Century which is on the UNESCO World Heritage list. Follow the old streets to the top of Toompea Hill where you will find the St Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, an orthodox masterpiece complete with onion domes. The interior is well worth seeing and is richly decorated in a mix of historic styles, and it is also home to the largest ensemble of bells in Tallin that still ring prior to each service. Nearby is the gleaming Toomkirik Dome Church (or the Cathedral of St Mary the Virgin to give it its full name) which is interesting to visit. You can climb the 69m bell tower for an amazing view of the city, or try the nearby Kohtuotsa or patkuli viewing platforms to see the tiled rooftops of the old town with the modern city and busy harbour as a backdrop – unforgettable! Nearby is the Danish King’s Garden, a small park so named as it is where King Valdemar II of Denmark rested his troops and according to legend  is the birthplace of Denmark’s flag. The Kadriorg area is home to the Estonian President’s residence, museums and many embassies, and it is well worth going to see the baroque Kadriorg Palace built by Peter the Great. Now home to the Art Museum, the vast Park that surrounds it is a great place for a leisurely stroll around the flowers, lake and monuments and see the Japanese Garden. The most prominent feature of the Tallinn skyline is surely the splendid spire of St Olav's Church; considered the tallest building in Europe during the Middle Ages, this 14^th century church is still a big attraction today. No trip is complete without discovering Fat Margarets Tower and Great Coastal Gate, built to both defend the city from sea attack and to impress visitors of the time. For those who love 2 wheels, guided tours by bike are available or why not try Tallinn’s more unusual ‘one of a kind’ museums.

Where to stay …
If you prefer a 3 star hotel with a great reputation we recommend a stay at the Old Town Maestro’s Hotel.  Located in the heart of Tallinn's old town, just a minute walk from the main town square, this hotel is a perfect base for a city break. The 4 star St Olav hotel is a firm favourite due to its central location and friendly staff.  The 5 star Telegraaf  and Radisson Blu hotels are both excellent, very well located and offer high levels of service. 

What to eat…
Many local traditions disappeared during the soviet times due to chronic shortage of ingredients, but since independence in 1991 many have returned. Traditional food includes rye bread, potatoes with meat and fish. Estonian restaurants now serve these with a modern international influence. Try Rosolje a cold dish with potatoes beetroot and herring. In winter the warming soups are superb usually made with sour cream, milk or yogurt.

When to go…
With short, snow covered days winter in Tallinn is an enchanting experience. Whilst summer has long days perfect for cramming in outdoor activities. Great to visit anytime, it’s your choice!

Getting there…
We can offer you direct flights to Tallinn from 5 UK and Irish airports including Gatwick, Dublin and Manchester. Tallinn is popular as part of a multi-centre trip, have you thought about combining the trip with a stay in Copenhagen, Helsinki or St Petersburg? Call us and speak to our dedicated reservations team who are on hand to advise and suggest the best itinerary for you.

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