Is Tallinn worth visiting?
1050, that’s the date when the first fortress was built in Tallinn. The name ”Tallinn” comes from Estonian words ”Taani linnus” meaning ”Danish castle” . The city regained it’s final independence in 1990 after many successive waves of occupation from Germany, Sweden, Russia, again Germany and again from Russia. Estonian capital was pretty fortunate because it wasn’t ever fully destroyed , pillaged or razed, even after II World War. Today, Tallinn’s Old Town is one of the most best preserved medieval cities in Europe. What you will find there is a complex of interesting history with a very impressive UNESCO heritage.
What are the top attractions to visit in Tallinn?
Historical must see: Old Town, Kohtuotsa viewing platform, Bastion Passages, Seaplane Harbor Museum, Kadriorg Park.
In tallinn you can clearly see the soviet touch after 50 years of their occupation. You can find lots disused soviet hardwares and urbex spots. The best way to see those facilities is to go for a tour and get educated about the occupation, feeling the breeze of the history.
Soviet must see in Tallinn: Teletorn TV tower, Linnahall, KGB Museum.
Underneath Tallinn’s historic side beats an economic and cultural heart that is truly modern. The neighborhood around the Old town is preety contemporary. Tallinn is progressively re-investing the country as a modern country.
More to see in Tallinn: Old Town, Street art and galleries at Telliskivi Creative City, Balti Jaam Market, Kumu Museum, Noblessner, crafting beer in Estonia.
What is Tallinn famous for?
Raekoja plats is a town square beside Tallinn Town Hall in the center of the city’s Old Town. It is a venue for numerous small festivals or concerts like Tallinn Old Town Day. and several bars and restaurants are located in the near vicinity. The square also hosts a market regularly, with many stalls selling traditional Estonian items and souvenirs.
The Alexander Nevsky Cathedral is an orthodox cathedral in the Tallinn Old Town, Estonia. It was built to a design by Mikhail Preobrazhensky in a typical Russian Revival style between 1894 and 1900, during the period when the country was part of the Russian Empire. The Alexander Nevsky Cathedral is Tallinn’s largest and grandest orthodox cupola cathedral. It is dedicated to Saint Alexander Nevsky who in 1242 won the Battle of the Ice on Lake Peipus, in the territorial waters of present-day Estonia. The late Russian patriarch, Alexis II, started his priestly ministry in the church.
Petrine Baroque Palace (Kadriorg Palace) built for Catherine I of Russia by Peter the Great in Tallinn, Estonia. Both the Estonian and the German name for the palace means “Catherine’s valley”. It was built after the Great Northern War for Nicola Michetti’s designs by Gaetano Chiaveri and Mikhail Zemtsov. The palace currently houses the Kadriorg Art Museum, a branch of the Art Museum of Estonia, displaying foreign art from the 16th to 20th centuries. The KUMU branch of the museum, showing Estonian art from the 18th century onwards is located nearby in the park.*
Medieval days
Organized in the main sqare in the Old Town every year since 1982, signified the beginning of the summer. The Old Town Days festival offers various opportunities to listen, watch and take part in for all citizens and visitors for 5 days. Streets are full with concerts, exhibitions, thearthe plays, fairs and many other fun activities for people in all ages. The audience can enjoy 105 concerts and 99 shows. People can take part in 67 excursions and 91 workshops. The whole programme is devided in 89 locations all over the Old Town in Tallinn.
Christmas Market
Definitely this event is for people who love the Christmas magic, white cover around and are able to stand temperature -10,(or -25, depends of your luck) Tallinn offers a lot of Winter fun! Located in Town Hall Square, open every year at the end of November and closing in the beginning of January. The concept of the Christian Market is simple: according to some historical sources, in 1441 in Tallinn people put up a Christmas tree to publicly as first in the world. By having a market at the same spot is excellent way to celebrate it! The market started in 2001 and happens annulally. On all sides of this beautifully decorated and huge Christmas tree are around 50 small houses reminding you about North Pole and Santa Claus Village. Little kiosks sell foods, hot drinks, knitted handcrafts, souvenirs and other goods. After walking around you might try to find a reindeer and if cold will be a bit too much disturbing, you can please yourself with a spicy hot wine that you can get in numerous places. Unquestionably walking around the market feels like a fairytail. It is necessary to notice that different things are happening there at different times from making ice-sculptures to small concerts.
Ferris wheel SkyWheel of Tallinn
A unique way to see a completely new view of Tallinn. This one of a kind in Europe wheel will take you 120 meters above the sea level from where you can enjoy view of the city, the sea, the lakeand and airport. It offers 27 passanger cars, safe and confortable all year long doesnt matter the weather conditions. In the winter cars have heating, in the summer – airconditioning. Each car is made for six people, you can stand there or sit. As well, cars are also accessible by wheelchair and stroller.
Estonian’s Oldest Caffee
”Maiasmokk”, translated as ”Sweet Tooth” opened since 1864, is the oldest Estonian running café. Located in the Tallinn’s Old Town in it’s own Marzipan museum house. The inside décor remained unchanged from almost a century. You will find there verienty of choices from handmade sweets to delish breakfasts.
Is Tallinn safe at night?
Tallinn is one of the safest cities in the world. Crime rates are low, people around you are relaxed, friendly and usually modest.
You can also feel safe in our digital society as the NATO Cooperative Küberkaitsekeskus of Excellence is located in Tallinn.