We only had 24 glorious hours in Tallinn and it was amazing. We walked the medieval old town, had the best hipster coffee and watched the sunset over the ocean. I wish we had longer because it was a Monday and a few places were closed. Hot tip would be go in the summer because Winter is icy. What a beautiful place.

 

TO DO 

OLD TOWN – TALLINN

The old town is one of the greatest attractions to Tallinn and has so much to offer.

Tower’s square; when you’ll see the best part of the preserved medieval city wall

St Catherines Passage – Most instagramable cute alley/street. Very original old town.

Rottermani – Just outside the Old Town this area is gaining attention from its old meet new building design and lots of funky shops and cafes. This is where Rost Bakery is. HEAVEN!

St Olaf Church; you can walk to the top of this tower for a beautiful view if you don;t mind the narrow stairs.

There are two platform lookouts for great views over the old town. (Pic at top) Patkuli and Kohtuotsa. You can walk up and enjoy the view. The St Marys Cathedral and Alexander Nevsky (Russian) Cathedrals are location up near the lookouts.

Snell Park – climb down the stairs after the lookouts and you’ll pass by this beautiful green space on your way to Telliskivi, hipster district.

 

HIPSTERVILLE WEST OF TOWN – KALAMAJA/TELLISKIVI

Kalamaja; (meaning Fish House in English) is the district located north west of the old town only a 20 minute walk. Known for its best preserved wooden architecture in Tallinn it is a good insight into the locals. Lots of old fisherman families and there is a beautiful park too.

Seaplane Harbour; if you are into war history, ships and sea planes you can walk down into the harbour and check out some ships without paying for the museum.

Nordic Design Store; a friend of a friend owns this Nordic deisgn store which does the best coffee in Tallinn and the store is just interior nordic heaven. Beautiful.

Balti Jaama Turg; across the road from the Nordic Design Store is a new market with loads of small stalls and funky local stuff. Much more authentic then the mass produced souvenirs on the Old Town streets which are actually Russian. Go for food or ice cream (Baojaam, Gelato Ladies & Strawberries)

Telliskivi; if you walk another 5 minutes past Turg you will find a small quarter of bars, restaurants and some shops. This is where F Hoone is. Stop for lunch.

DEPOO; represents the full variety of Estonian street food. It is a street food zone situated near the Balti Jaam railway station and worth the trip.

 

EAST OF OLD TOWN – KADRIORG

Kadriorg; is known for the Kadriorg palace and the surrounding park, commissioned by the Russian Czar Peter the Great. There is a few museums if you are interested. You could even get a City Bike and ride up to the Palace and park.

Sunset on the beach; expect a beautiful foot path along the beach which seems to go for ages. Full of lots of active runners, walkers and rollerbladers. Such an active summer vibe even at 10.30pm when the sun sets.

Sunset drinks at Tuljak; this is the place for drinks and sunset watching. You can get a bus from old town up the coast for sunsets. About a 40 minute walk from Old Town.

TO EAT 
OLD TOWN

Must Puudel; very instagramable cafe off the beaten track known for some wild evening parties with locals.

Leib Resto ja Aed; local Estonian food which was on my list but with only 24 hours there was a limited amount of time and meals to be eaten.

Kohvik Komeet; roof top cafe with awesome brunch, goats cheese salad, raw cakes and aperol spritz over looking the old town.

Rost Bakery; for the best cinnamon bun ever in Rottermann quarter tucked away.

Rataskaevi 16; BOOK THIS PLACE NOW. This restaurant is amazing but you must book in advance. The meals are very well presented and the service is very good (if not a little over the top) but it was totally worth it.

 

KALAMAJA/TELLISKIVI

F-Hoone; located out of the old town in the Hipster area of Telliskivi. This warehouse cafe is worth the trip. Great all-rounder casual eatery, always busy and extemely cheap with great food. Recommend for both lunch or dinner.

Pudel; nearby F-Hoone this craft beer bar where you can sit outside on the steps and just take in the surroundings and of course enjoy some local beer.

La Muu; new ice cream parlour in the same area if it is a nice hot day.

Kaja Pizza; again we didn’t make it here because it was closed on Mondays but if you love Pizza I hear it is the best Pizza EVER! Only go for lunch because they usually sell out after lunch.

TO STAY 

Airbnb – we stayed at Anna and Leons Airbnb apartment and it was perfect for our one night. Located on Joe 7 it is very close to walking distance and public transport for the airport, port and old town. link here > ANNA AND LEON AIRBNB 

 

MORAL OF THE STORY – BOOK ESTONIA AND ENJOY! TALLINN WAS JUST AMAZING !!

K