In every nook and corner: Why should Tallinn be on your list?

I got the exact same reaction from at least 90% of my friends when I had told them about my trip to Tallinn.
- "Where is Tallinn?"
- "In Estonia."
- "Where is Estonia?"
Well, after visiting Tallinn I realised it should get all the hype it deserved. It is one of the most preserved old towns in Europe and may it never lose its charm.

5 reasons why should Tallinn be on your list!

1. One of the best old towns

Tallinn has arguably the best old town in Europe- Vanalinn. I am not exaggerating when I say that the old town of Tallinn is straight out of a fairytale. Its postcard beautiful corners look beautiful in both day and night.

The best part of the old town is that it can be covered on foot. The old town is divided into two areas - the lower town and the upper town AKA Toompea. Viru gate, Hellemann tower, St Olaf's church, Bremen tower, Katariina käik and the town hall are some of the major things to visit in the lower town. Katariina käik or St Catherine's Passage is probably the most picturesque lane in Tallinn. My favourite corner, however, was Meistrite Hoov AKA Master's Courtyard. It is a small courtyard with ceramic and handicraft shops. This hidden gem looks enchanting both in the day as well as at night, but my favourite was definitely the night view. Don't forget to stop by at Pierre Chocolaterie to try some of their heavenly delicacies.

Master's Courtyard

St Catherine's Passage

The upper town AKA Toompea hill offers the best panoramic views of the city. You have several viewing platforms like Piskopi, Patkuli and Kohtuotsa. Have a stroll around the area and visit the gorgeous Alexander Nevsky Cathedral and Toompea castle. You must come here both in day and at night, as both the views are equally beautiful.

Alexander Nevsky Cathedral

View from Patkuli Viewing Platform

2. There is an aesthetic touch to everything

Tallinn takes "Normal is boring" way too seriously. Be it pubs and restaurants or handicraft and souvenir shops, every place is so aesthetically decorated that you cannot ignore it. From medieval restaurants to modern cafes - you have a plenty of options to choose from. Even the airport has a quirky cafe. Both Toompea hill and the lower town have loads of souvenir and local handicraft shops. One special shout out goes to Olde Hansa - a medieval restaurant that will make you feel that you are having a meal at the red wedding of Game of Thrones. I kid you not! The ambience, the live music, the food have some serious GOT vibes and even the staffs (who are very friendly and hospitable by the way) are dressed in medieval clothes.

Olde Hansa

A cafe at Tallinn airport departures

3. Jägala waterfall is just a drive away

Do you fancy walking on a frozen waterfall? If you do, Jägala-Joa waterfall is just a half an hour drive away from the old town. If you do not wish to rent a car, you can even take an Uber or a public bus. In Summer months it might not look very attractive, but in winter it looks breathtaking. When it is completely frozen, you can walk on it and even can go behind it. Crazy, right?

4. Getting around is so cheap

Getting around the city is very cheap in Tallinn. Depending on your stay, you can buy a travel card with a €2 deposit and load money online as you go. Once you return the card, you will get back the deposit. All the areas in the old town are walkable and hence you don't need to take any transport. Outside the old town you can go anywhere using public transport or Uber. You also get a direct bus from the airport to the old town.

5. More than just an old town

Many tourists just stick around the old town, whereas there is so much more to explore outside the old town. Telliskivi creative city is a perfect place to admire some of the city's best graffiti artworks. Kalamaja is another neighbourhood with hippie vibes and you can explore the streets of Valgevase, Kalevi, Kungla and Tööstuse. Jägala waterfall also makes up for a perfect day trip.

Telliskivi Creative City

Kalamaja

For me just two words were enough to fall in love with this city - Master's courtyard. Walking around the old town (both lower and upper towns) at night, exploring cafes and visiting Jägala-Joa acted as an added bonus. So, would you still ask "Where is Tallinn?"