https://qa.trip.com/moments/detail/tallinn-22536-130153851?locale=en-QA
Sqrz_96United Kingdom
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Can you do Tallinn in 36 hours? Absolutely!

📌 Tallinn, Estonia I'm never one to decline an opportunity to explore another country and this time I found myself in beautiful Tallinn, Estonia's charming and medieval capital. It shaped out to be my favourite city break in all of the countries I've visited and here's why you should do it too. Why visit Tallinn? ⛪ Beautiful medieval vibe 🧭 Small, compact city, very easy to navigate and the city can be conquered in just a couple of days 💰 It's a very budget-friendly city to visit 🤫 It's a nice, chilled out and cosy atmosphere in the winter 🍽️ Excellent choice of food and drink establishments Arriving on a cold Saturday, I landed at the main airport at 10:50am. Heading outside the terminal I immediately found a bus ready and waiting to the city centre, costing just €2. 📷 Exploring Tallinn I then headed straight to my hotel to leave my bag, then I was straight out into the centre which is still enclosed within the medieval city walls and really stands out compared to the more modern outer-urban city areas. You'll know if you're in Old Town when you see the cobbled streets and striking array of medieval-style buildings. ⛪ I passed buildings like St. Nicholas' Church (Picture 2) on my way into Main Square which is usually where I will head first on any city visit, as they normally very quickly give you a feel for what the city will be like. 🏫 I arrived at Tallinn City Hall, which overlooks the Main Square in the centre of the Old Town (Picture 3). Here, many claim that the very first Christmas tree was placed in the 15th century 🌲 by the Brotherhood of Blackheads, after which, legend has it they danced around the tree and then burned it. 🧭 From here I did a self-guided City Tour and this took me down 'Pikk Tänav' (or in English, 'long street'), one of Tallinn's oldest. Here, you'll find a great collection of cafés, bars and bakeries in 15th century style. 🎥 Continuing, I passed buildings such as Sõprus Cinema (Picture 4) which is the hub of Tallinn's nightlife and St John's Church (Picture 5) which you may notice has a more modern look: it was completed in the 19th century. ⛪ I then reached Alexander Nevsky Cathedral (Picture 6), a relic from Russia's occupation of Estonia. 📷 To get a good glimpse of the city, I came to Patkuli Viewing Platform (Picture 1) which you cannot miss on your visit to Tallinn as it gives you some excellent picture moments and if you want to summarise the city in one picture, this is just the way to do it. 🍽️ Time for something to eat, I enjoyed a Carbonara at a local restaurant before retiring to bed for the night. Day 2: 🚢 I was keen to see the harbour of Tallinn which is just by the city's Maritime Museum so took a walk up the jetty to take in the views (Picture 7). 📺 Onwards, to Tallinn TV Tower (Picture 8), a short bus from the city. Take the lift to the top for excellent city views (on my day, it was misty so hard to see the city but it was an adventure still and saw some great sights!). 🌃 Back into the town to Patkuli Viewing Platform for a completely different perspective on the city. The city is just a real piece of art at night when the buildings light up and the Church of St. Olaf of Hungary really stands out above the rest (Picture 9). 👋 Time to go back to the airport. I felt like the right way to say goodbye to the city was to view it back through Viru Gate (Picture 10) which cuts the Old Town from the rest. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed my visit to Tallinn and I can recommend it to absolutely anyone! Great for solo trips or trips for couples that are looking for a relaxed, friendly vibe. I can't wait to return.
Posted: Mar 13, 2025
Sqrz_96
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Tallinn, the enchanting capital of Estonia, feels like it’s been plucked straight out of a storybook. Its beautifully preserved Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a maze of cobblestone streets, Gothic spires, and centuries-old buildings that instantly transport you back in time. Iconic sights like the majestic Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, the medieval walls of Toompea Castle, and the panoramic views from Kohtuotsa viewing platform are just the beginning of what this city has to offer. But visiting Tallinn in winter adds a whole new layer of magic. Every year, the Town Hall Square hosts one of Europe’s most charming Christmas markets. Picture a dazzling Christmas tree (a tradition that dates back to 1441), wooden stalls selling hand-crafted gifts, the comforting scent of roasted almonds and mulled wine, and snowflakes gently falling over it all—it’s truly unforgettable. One of my favorite experiences during my trip was at the tavern III Draakon, tucked right inside the old Town Hall building. This medieval-themed eatery offers more than just a meal—it’s a journey through time. Lit by candlelight and filled with rustic decor, it felt like stepping into a 15th-century feast. I tried their famous elk soup and traditional meat pies, served by staff dressed in period costumes. It was hearty, flavorful, and totally authentic—definitely a highlight of my visit. If you’re dreaming of a destination that blends history, culture, and festive wonder, Tallinn should be at the top of your list—especially during the Christmas season.

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