Tallinn

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My Home City

A travel journal to Tallinn by barcodex

CupolasMore Photos

This is a city where I live in. I have much to tell about it.

  • 44 reviews
  • 55 photos

My Home CityBest of IgoUgo

Overview

Long Hermann
One who visits Tallinn must visit the Old Town - nice example of medieval city. Pay a visit to surrounding nature sites, do some great shopping, and meet a lot of people. I will add a lot of info that will help you to learn more about the Estonian capital. If you don't find a lot of information, please visit my Tallinn Journal sometime later, you'll probably find more tips and photos.

Quick Tips:

Many people come to Tallinn just for a day trip - either during a cruise all around the Baltic Sea, or from Helsinki, intrigued by stories told by Finnish people, who visit Tallinn very frequently (mostly because of goods and drinks that are much cheaper than in Finland). But for the real impression of Tallinn, you must stay longer. This city is definitely worth it. I don't know any person who was disappointed by what he saw.

Best Way To Get Around:

Best way to get around depends on distances. Probably you can visit everything on foot if you are interested only in Old Town and shopping. To see more of Tallinn, you can use taxis (much cheaper than in Western Europe) or public transport (quite developed, but requires someone to help you adapt).

Viru HotelBest of IgoUgo

Hotel | "Viru"

It''s a top-class hotel, where visitors with high budgets can stay. Built in the late 70s, it is well-known amongst Tallinn visitors, especially businessmen. It has a very good geographic location very close to Old City, the harbour and shopping centers.
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by barcodex on October 10, 2001

Viru Hotel
VIRU VALJAK 4 Tallinn, Estonia
372 6 809300

OlympiaBest of IgoUgo

Hotel

This hotel was built just before the Olympic games in 1980, hence the name. For a long time it was a most luxurious hotel in the city, and it is still amongst the top hotels. It is a tall building with lot of suits, conference rooms, all kinds of dining places and a fitness hall with sauna in the top of the building. Situated on a walking distance from Old Town and shopping centers. You will have a nice view from almost any window.
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by barcodex on October 10, 2001

Olympia
Liivalaia Street Tallinn, Estonia

Reval Central HotelBest of IgoUgo

Hotel | "Central"

This 3-star hotel is a 5-floor building within walking distance from the Old Town and main shopping centers. There are some dining places - restaurant Primavera for those who prefer top-class expensive meals, and Cafe Kompass for budget travelers. I like eating in Kompass very much. There is also an internet room and conference rooms for businessmen, and a car rental office in the opposite building. There is also car parking if you come by car.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by barcodex on October 10, 2001

Reval Central Hotel
7 NARVA ROAD Tallinn, Estonia
372-6-339800

SusiBest of IgoUgo

Hotel

Nice, modern 3-star hotel built in mid-90s, whose main problem is its location -quite far from city center, therefore Old Town and main shopping centers; however, it is the closest hotel to airport. There is a nice small park across the street.
  • Member Rating 2 out of 5 by barcodex on October 10, 2001

Susi
Peterburi Tee Tallinn, Estonia

SchlössleBest of IgoUgo

Hotel

Hotel Schlossle
This is one of most luxurious hotels in the city, located in the heart of Old Town in a building from XIV century. Very romantic place for people who can afford accommodation at any price.
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by barcodex on October 10, 2001

Schlössle
Puhavaimu Street Tallinn, Estonia

St. PetersburgBest of IgoUgo

Hotel

It is located in the Old City very close to Town Hall. You can feel the rhythm of the city without the need to go far - most restaurants, pubs, clubs, etc. are no more than 10 minutes walk away. Of course, such a comfortable location is reflected in the suite prices.
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by barcodex on October 10, 2001

St. Petersburg
Ratakaevu Street Tallinn, Estonia

Park Hotel And CasinoBest of IgoUgo

Hotel | "Park Hotell"

This hotel was built back in Soviet times, but it was renovated most recently, so you will find everything you are used to, including an excellent buffet and casino on the ground floor. It is located quite close to Old Town.
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by barcodex on October 10, 2001

Park Hotel And Casino
KREUTZWALDI 23 Tallinn, Estonia
372-6305305

Radisson Sas Hotel TallinnBest of IgoUgo

Hotel | "Radisson SAS"

Brand new hotel that is seen from any point of the city because of its respected height. It has business-class, luxury, and very luxury suites. Nice view is additional bonus. Conference rooms, car rental office, parking, dining places - everything is included.
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by barcodex on October 10, 2001

Radisson Sas Hotel Tallinn
RAVALA STREET 3 Tallinn, Estonia 10143
372-6-823000

Vana TomBest of IgoUgo

Hotel | "Väike Tom"

Nice clean hostel with luggage camera, showers, and different kinds of rooms, where you can almost always can find a free bed. Breakfast is included in the price, which is modest 200 EEK, or about 12 Euro. You will get a feeling of how great the value is, when you realize that the hostel is located in the very center of the city, and even in the bounds of Old Town!
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by barcodex on October 10, 2001

Vana Tom
Väike-Karja 1 Tallinn, Estonia
(372) 6 313 252

Grand Hotel TallinnBest of IgoUgo

Hotel

This is also a hotel fully renovated from the Soviet-type hotel that existed here for some decades in the past. It is a 4-star hotel, quite expensive, and located close to the Old Town, but not the very center of the city. Due to the decreasing interest of tourists against railways, Grand Hotel Tallinn is slowly losing in location to its rivals - Olympia, Viru and Radisson SAS.
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by barcodex on October 10, 2001

Grand Hotel Tallinn
TOOPUIESTEE 27 Tallinn, Estonia 10149
372 6677000

Cafe KompassBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant

This is a nice cafe where I personally like to eat very much. I did not specify any type of cuisine, because it can vary, and it always has dishes from different cuisines. Cafe is of buffet type - you can make up a salad dish on your wish, or you can choose from several courses, which are prepared right for you with the speed comparable to McDonalds, but with much more value :)
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by barcodex on October 10, 2001

Olde HansaBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant

Olde Hansa
This place is very popular because of its medieval flavour. Many people think that it is Estonian cuisine, but it is rather Hanseatic specific. Truly Estonian cuisine is not served here, but you can find quite unusual things like dried elk meat here. Tourists pay a lot of attention to this place, so I will not argue too much that this place is a fake - come and decide for yourself. What I can say for sure is that this place is definitely not the cheapest place you can visit.
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by barcodex on October 10, 2001

TroikaBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant

This is a place that pretends to be Russian, but it is enough Russian only for those who are not Russian themselves. Of course, you will taste genuine vodka, eat genuine caviar, listen to genuine Russian folk, and sit in the dark hall that really looks like a hall for Russian tsarist feasts, but real Russians feel fake around. People who have no real knowledge of Russia will find this place amusing and completely matching their stereotypes. Again, I will not argue against this place - come and decide yourself. The place is quite popular, you may make a reservation online.
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by barcodex on October 10, 2001

McDonaldsBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant

After visiting some cities around the world, including some stays at McDonalds there, I can assure that in Tallinn's McDonalds "restaurants" you will find exactly the same things as in McDonalds in Stockholm, London, Amsterdam, Venice, Moscow or Houston. If you are scared to choose a wrong place for dining, and you can't decide where to go and ready to eat everything which seems familiar, McDonalds is a good choice. It will give you exactly what you expect. Well, probably it is its only advantage...
  • Member Rating 2 out of 5 by barcodex on October 10, 2001

HesburgerBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant

If you want fast food, but you hate thinking about McDonalds or Burger King (well, we don't have Burger Kings here), you can try something more specific. Hesburger is a Finnish fast food brand, but it is a bit better than McDonalds (in my opinion, of course). It is some 10% more expensive too. Nice news for in-automobile eaters: there are drive-in Hesburgers too.
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by barcodex on October 10, 2001

NehatuBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant

This is a local brand of fast food. They have a funny mascot (stylized hamburger) and their own impression of how fast food must look like. Their food looks really different from McDonalds, but I am afraid it is not healthier. But you can find a vegetarian burger here!
  • Member Rating 2 out of 5 by barcodex on October 10, 2001

Lost ContinentBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant

Location map
Pub with an Australian speciality (designed with kangaroos, Fosters beer, etc - I am not sure that cuisine offered is really Australian), situated on the road from city center to the beach. It is popular dining place amongst workers of nearby offices - food is prepared quickly, it is good and relatively cheap, so it is affordable for everyday lunch-time. Nice place to drop in if you are lost and hungry, but I doubt you will get there specially. Lost Continent is open from 10AM to 1AM, so you can drink your beer in the evening watching a footbal match on big screen.
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by barcodex on October 11, 2001

ZooBest of IgoUgo

Attraction

Entrance to the Zoo
Quite a big zoo, with all kinds of animals who are able to survive on our latitude. Nice place to relax with all the family. Located out of the city center, but close to big shopping center, concert/sport hall and living district.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by barcodex on October 10, 2001

Zoo
Paldiski Mountain Tallinn, Estonia

Rataskaevu WellBest of IgoUgo

Attraction

In Spring
As you probably know, there was no water in medieval houses in the same way as we have nowadays. It was necessary to get the water from the wells. Rataskaev, or "Wheel Well", was one of the wells, used for getting water. It is not functioning now, but it is preserved to show a bit of old life to tourists.
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by barcodex on October 11, 2001

Rataskaevu Well
Rataskaevu street Tallinn, Estonia

Pirita BeachBest of IgoUgo

Attraction

Sunset
Yes, we do have beaches, despite of the 60-degrees of latitude. And yes, we do swim there, not just walking around. Yes, we do play volley-ball, and water skiing (at least those who can afford that). And yes, it is hell beautiful, especially during the long summer sunsets!
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by barcodex on October 11, 2001

Pirita Beach
Pirita Tallinn, Estonia

Viru GatesBest of IgoUgo

Attraction

The Gates
This is one of the entrances into the Old Town, and it is a main one, without a doubt. These gates are very, very old, but they have now, of course, lost their meaning and they are just two towers with no door between them. Millions of tourists enter the Old Town via these gates every year. If you also step inside the gates, Viru Street will lead you to the Town Hall.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by barcodex on October 11, 2001

Viru Gates
Viru Street Tallinn, Estonia

StockmannBest of IgoUgo

Attraction

Stockmann is actually a Finnish brand, but it became very popular among Estonians too. It is a huge mall, it has 5 stories and a big parking house. You can buy everything here.
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by barcodex on October 11, 2001

Stockmann
Intersection of Liivalaia street/Tartu mnt. Tallinn, Estonia

Sea GatesBest of IgoUgo

Attraction

Sea Gates in winter
This is another big entrance into Old Town. It is called Sea Gates, because some centuries ago the sea level was a bit higher than nowadays, and it was possible to sail right until the gates. Thick tower is a part of the gates - it is so thick because of big defense importance; it is called "Paks Margareeta" ("Thick Margareth" in English) and now it is a sailing museum - welcome inside!
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by barcodex on October 11, 2001

Sea Gates
Pikk Street Tallinn, Estonia

Kaarli ChurchBest of IgoUgo

Attraction

Kaarli Church
Church of Saint Carl. Acting church, sometimes used as a concert hall. Situated slightly out of the walls of Old Town, but still right in the center of the city. Nothing really special - looks like many other Protestant churches, both outside and inside, but if you think that you must see every church, then it is a site for you.
  • Member Rating 2 out of 5 by barcodex on October 11, 2001

Kaarli Church
Kaarli Boulevard Tallinn, Estonia

Kadriorg (Park)Best of IgoUgo

Attraction

Lots of trees
This is a park built by Russian tsar Peter the Great (the same guy who found St. Petersburg in Russia) for his wife Jekaterina (Katariina, or Kadri in Estonian, hence the name). Very green, quiet area close to the sea coast, it has a pound with swans, old trees, a museum of the tsar himself, and a royal palace, which is now renovated and serves as a museum of classical arts.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by barcodex on October 10, 2001

Kadriorg (Park)
East from city centre Tallinn, Estonia

Botanical GardensBest of IgoUgo

Attraction

TV tower
Nice collection of different trees/plants/flowers, with a tropical garden in a special building, and open-air rose garden. Very green and quiet place close to the sea coast, located on the right bank of Pirita River. All plants have labels with names in Estonian and Latin, so it can be used for educational purposes also.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by barcodex on October 10, 2001

Botanical Gardens
North-East of the city centre Tallinn, Estonia

Molly Malone'sBest of IgoUgo

Attraction

Irish pub, with windows to Town Hall square. Live music by evenings. Next to Guinness, you can taste some local brews. Nice place to visit with friends - it has enough space inside.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by barcodex on October 10, 2001

Molly Malone's
Old Town Square Tallinn, Estonia

DekolteeBest of IgoUgo

Attraction

This is a best night club and Tallinn. Best because it has more space than any other club, and that's why many parties are organized there - more people can attend. Discos are held almost every day, and special parties with some star guests occur occasionally. Club was closed for about two years in 1999-2000, but it is now seems to be re-opened. Location of Dekoltee is very good - close to the city center and the Old Town. This means you can easily find transportation to your home, or choose a relaxing walk to the Old Town after a party.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by barcodex on October 10, 2001

Dekoltee
Ahtri Street Tallinn, Estonia

Old TownBest of IgoUgo

Attraction

Facades
Before I will tell you about the differnt parts of Old Town, and other general sightseeing places in my city, try to get familiar with the name of "Old Town". Old Town is a main tourist attraction, and this is actually a well-preserved medieval Hanseatic city. There are lot of buildings that are several centuries old (including some from the XIII century!), and about 90% of original city wall! There are also many restaurants, shops and other things that indicate the spot of great tourist activity. Old Town is already crowded by tourists and you must come and make it even more crowded, hehe! I have a lot of separate entries for major sights located in Old Town, please explore my journal carefully, looking for "Historic Spots".
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by barcodex on October 10, 2001

Old Town
City Center Tallinn, Estonia

Town WallBest of IgoUgo

Attraction

Pikk Hermann (Long Hermann)
As I already mentioned in "Old Town" tip, we have about 90% of the original town wall preserved until nowadays. It binds Old Town in from the modern world, and gives a real medieval impression. There are well-preserved wall towers, and there are also three different sightseeing platforms right on the town wall to let you have breathtaking views all-around. Old Town is divided into so-called Upper and Lower towns, Upper town is originally a castle where knights-rulers of the city lived, while lower town (still surrounded by the town wall) is where all craftsmen lived.

One of wall towers is a strong symbol of city. It is called "Pikk Hermann" ("Long Hermann" in English), and it is where the flag of the state is raised every sunrise. There is a Parliament building now where the Castle was many centuries ago.

  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by barcodex on October 10, 2001

Town Wall
Old Town Tallinn, Estonia

Town HallBest of IgoUgo

Attraction

Town Hall at night
Town Hall is a very old building, and it always was a Town Hall, regardless of who ruled the city (to name a few: Danes, Germans, Swedes, Russians, and finally, Estonians themselves). It stands on a square that is naturally called Town Hall square ("Raekoja plats" in Estonian), which changed its appearance through history, but always remained a logical centre of Old Town (more specifically, Lower Town), also nowadays. Besides the nice square with a lot of restaurants and a ew year tree in the end of December, the Town Hall building itself has a concert hall, city museum in the basement, and the watching tower, where tourists are admitted to have a view on a city from the top.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by barcodex on October 10, 2001

Town Hall
Raekoja plats Tallinn, Estonia

Dome ChurchBest of IgoUgo

Attraction

Dome Church
Dome Church was built in the XVIII century in Higher Town instead of the old church, harmed by a fire (fires were not rare for all cities during those times...). This is a place where some great people have their tombs. This is an acting church.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by barcodex on October 10, 2001

Dome Church
Old Town Tallinn, Estonia

Alexander Nevsky CathedralBest of IgoUgo

Attraction | "Nevski Cathedral"

Cupolas
This is an orthodox cathedral, built in early 1900s on Russian money for the Russian orthodox people who lived in Tallinn. This building dominates the surroundings, but it is actually quite small from the inside. The church is active, so you can go inside and check out the beauty of a typical Russian orthodox church. Tourists like to take pictures of the onion shaped cupolas of the cathedral (some wise man estimated 5 millions of pictures of Cathedral per year), and often forget to pay attention to the Parliament house, which is located just opposite the church.

There are some rules to follow when entering the orthodox church, but tourists are not punished. However, it is not so difficult to follow the rules and pay your respect to the holy place: men must have their hair uncovered, while women must cover their heads. Also, it is not recommended to show too much naked flesh in the church (cover your knees and shoulders).

  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by barcodex on October 10, 2001

Alexander Nevsky Cathedral
Toompea, Upper Old Town Tallinn, Estonia

Church of Holy GhostBest of IgoUgo

Attraction

Church of Holy Ghost
It is an acting church which was built in the XV century. It is the oldest remaining church building in Tallinn, and it has the oldest clock in one of its external walls. You will also find famous frescoes inside.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by barcodex on October 10, 2001

Church of Holy Ghost
Puhavaimu Street Tallinn, Estonia

Hell HuntBest of IgoUgo

Attraction

Irish pub with a pleasant oldish interior, live music on evenings, true Guinness and good choice of other beers. Some time ago it was a very popular place because of its superb kitchen. I liked to eat here a lot. Pub changed owners about a year ago, but people do not return in the same amounts, while tourists are often too lazy to walk another 5 minutes and tend to stay at Molly Malones which is much closer to Old Town center.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by barcodex on October 10, 2001

Hell Hunt
Pikk street Tallinn, Estonia

Oleviste ChurchBest of IgoUgo

Attraction

Oleviste in Winter
This is the tallest church in Tallinn, and it was even taller some centuries ago. Its cupola was rebuilt after the big fire, and after that church lost some meters of its height. In nice weather, sailors used to navigate to Tallinn by the church! It is an acting Protestant church, you can go to service there.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by barcodex on October 10, 2001

Oleviste Church
Pikk Street Tallinn, Estonia

FlamingoBest of IgoUgo

Attraction

This is a night club made from the big restaurant which resides right on the beach. I can definitely go there in summer, when parties are held both in the building and the beach - it's much more romantic and easier to breath since it is not so crowded (there is not so much space for a night club, let's be honest) and a fresh breeze from the sea freshens your mind. This club was the most popular when Dekoltee was closed, because it is still second largest place.
  • Member Rating 2 out of 5 by barcodex on October 10, 2001

Flamingo
Pirita tee Tallinn, Estonia

Rocca Al Mare (Open Air Museum)Best of IgoUgo

Attraction

Open Air Museum
It is an open air museum that shows life of Estonians as it was many centuries ago. Good spot for everyone who is interested in cultural heritage. I am not sure about such an exotic name for this clearly folk place, but this is what you must say to people if you get lost while searching for it ;)
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by barcodex on October 15, 2001

Rocca Al Mare (Open Air Museum)
Paldiski Mountain Tallinn, Estonia

RussalkaBest of IgoUgo

Attraction

In Winter
Russalka is a monument to a Russian ship also called Russalka which sank in a storm in the 1900s. The sculpture for the monument is made by one of the most famous Estonian sculptors, Amandus Adamson. This place is very popular amongst young Russian just-married pairs. Our wedding in 1999 was not the exception ;)
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by barcodex on October 15, 2001

Russalka
Pirita tee Tallinn, Estonia

Kiek in de KoekBest of IgoUgo

Attraction

Kiek in de Koek
This is a watching tower of Old Town of Tallinn, used by knights for looking for potential enemies before they start to threaten the city. Its name is a distorted German phrase: "peep in the kitchen". Legend says that knights peeped on what happens in the houses (more precise, the kitchens) in Lower Town through the chimney pipes. This legend can be a fake, but canon balls in the wall of the tower are damn real!!!
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by barcodex on October 15, 2001

Kiek in de Koek
Old Town Tallinn, Estonia

Niguliste ChurchBest of IgoUgo

Attraction

Niguliste Church
This is a church named by St. Nicholas. It is not acting nowadays and is used mostly as a concert hall thanks to its superb acoustics. It also has a newly built cupola because of the fire in early 1980s.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by barcodex on October 15, 2001

Niguliste Church
Harju Street Tallinn, Estonia

Kadrioruloss (Catherine Palace)Best of IgoUgo

Attraction

Kadriorg Palace
It is now a museum of foreign art, but three centuries before it was a royal palace, built by Russian tsar Peter I the Great for his wife Jekakterina, known as Kadri in Estonia, hence the name of the park and the palace. You can find some great pieces of art inside, including wall and ceiling paintings in a ballroom of the palace (see the photos for this tip).
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by barcodex on October 15, 2001

Kadrioruloss (Catherine Palace)
Kadriorg Tallinn, Estonia

St. Birgita ConventBest of IgoUgo

Attraction

St. Birgitta at daylight
This was a medieval monastery, half-destroyed by the years. If you want to know how it looked like when it had a roof and a lot of other elements ruined by time, you should go to Visby on the Swedish island of Gothland, where the twin brother monastery building still remains. It is a museum with not so much to see nowadays, but it still worth visit.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by barcodex on October 15, 2001

St. Birgita Convent
Pirita Tallinn, Estonia

About the Writer

barcodex
barcodex
Tallinn, Estonia

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