When we were looking for flights to a destination with pleasant weather, Tallinn came as a delightful surprise. The flight options met our requirements in terms of dates, times and affordability though but as Tallinn was not a place we knew much about, we didn’t know what to expect. However, it turned out to be a discovery! Tallinn quickly captured our hearts as one of the enchanting and picturesque cities we have ever had the pleasure of visiting.
We spent four nights exploring Tallinn and our schedule allowed us to immerse ourselves fully in the city’s charm. We even took a day trip to Helsinki, Finland which added another dimension to our journey. Here is an overview of our adventure and our suggested itinerary.
Accommodation
Our choice was the ‘Hilton Tallinn Park’ strategically situated for all our activities. Just a 15 minute drive from the airport and a 15 minute leisurely walk from both the Old Town and the port, it served as a hub for our explorations. The hotel exceeded our expectations in terms of value for money offering rooms with stunning city views and impeccable service. The breakfast experience was particularly delightful and set a perfect tone, for each day ahead.
Day 1: Discovering the Enchanting Old Town of Tallinn
Tallinn’s Old Town is small yet full of history and charm. Walking through its cobblestone streets, surrounded by ancient walls and well-preserved buildings, feels like stepping into a storybook.
Top Attractions to Explore
Begin your journey in the heart of the Old Town; Take a stroll along the charming cobblestone streets and admire the enchanting medieval buildings that define the town’s magical allure.
St. Olaf’s Church (Oleviste Kirik): This Gothic church, named after King Olaf II of Norway, provides stunning panoramic views from its high spire.
Alexander Nevsky Cathedral: This Russian Orthodox cathedral is really impressive with its majestic domes and intricate mosaics.
Toompea Castle & Pikk Hermann Tower: Discover this fortress featuring an impressive tower with stunning city views.
Scenic Lookouts (Kohtuotsa and Patkuli): Enjoy breathtaking vistas of Tallinn old town and the Baltic Sea from these observation points.
St. Catherine’s Passage: Explore one of Tallinns charming streets lined with artisan workshops exuding a captivating ambiance.
Recommended Restaurants
Olde Hansa: This is the first restaurant that came up in all searches for Tallinn and we decided to visit it on our first day. We booked the restaurant in advance as it is very popular and thus always busy. We had high expectations and we were not disappointed. It offers a dining experience where traditional Estonian cuisine and the restaurant’s medieval ambiance transport you back in time. While on the pricey side, the unique atmosphere and selection of craft beers make it a worthwhile indulgence.
Munga Kelde: Offering traditional Estonian dishes in a warm and inviting setting; this gem was among our top dining choices, during our visit.
Day 2: Discovering the Natural Wonders of Lahemaa National Park in Estonia
For our day we decided to escape the city and immerse ourselves in the beauty of Estonia’s countryside. We arranged a tour to Lahemaa National Park and it turned out to be an unforgettable adventure.
We always, use GetYourGuide for all our activities and excursions. The below Day trip is highly recommended.
Our first destination was Jagala Waterfall which is the largest waterfall in the Baltic Countries. While it may not be gigantic on a scale, its beauty is inspiring especially during winter when it freezes and creates a magical scene.
Next, we explored a bog within Lahemaa National Park embarking on a 3km hike through enchanting forest trails and vibrant landscapes. Along our journey, we had the opportunity to taste some wild berries and were treated to breathtaking views — a perfect retreat from urban life.
Day 3: A Day Excursion to Helsinki
The proximity of Tallinn to Helsinki provided us with a chance to visit another capital city during our trip. We boarded a ferry from Tallinn port at 10:30 AM, arranged through GetYourGuide. The ferry was spacious with dining options, shops and entertainment facilities making the two-hour voyage quite pleasant.
Upon reaching Helsinki we hopped on a tram, from the port to Market Square — an area bustling with food vendors and local artisans.
We had a delicious lunch there before embarking on our city exploration.
Top Attractions in Helsinki
Senate Square: A square surrounded by stunning Neoclassical buildings.
Uspenski Cathedral: One of the Orthodox churches in Western Europe known for its striking red brick design and golden domes.
Suomenlinna Fortress: Accessible by a water bus ride from Market Square this sea fortress spans multiple islands and provides breathtaking coastal views. While we found it slightly underwhelming and tiring to explore the island in just 2 hours, it holds historical significance for Finland. It is recommended to allocate more time there, to be able to explore it at a more relaxing pace.
Before catching the 10:30 PM ferry back to Tallinn we dined in a restaurant in Helsinki. Helsinki is considerably pricier than Tallinn in terms of dining options.
Travel Tip: Opt for a day pass (€9 per person) in Helsinki, which covers tram and bus rides along with the water bus to Suomenlinna. It’s a deal.
Day 4: Unwinding at Kadriorg Park, in Tallinn
After the sightseeing days, we took it easy on our final day by exploring Kadriorg Park.
This lovely park, which is home to both Kadriorg Palace and the Presidential Palace features gardens, paths lined with trees and numerous spots to unwind. It’s a place to relax and savor the tranquility of Tallinn. Later in the day we strolled back to the Old Town for one glimpse before our departure.
Closing Remarks
Our visit to Tallinn was a surprise. The city combines history, culture and natural beauty in an inviting setting. Tallinn offers value for money, delectable cuisine and ranks as one of the safest destinations we’ve explored. If you seek a city getaway off the usual track then Tallinn should definitely be, on your must-visit list.
