Estonia’s capital, Tallinn, has an adorable and medieval old town that is straight out of a fairytale. Enclosed by city walls, the old town is predominantly pedestrian-only and its cobbled streets and colorful buildings will make you feel as if you have gone back in time. I’m sure you’ll be looking down every alley for knights in shining armor or wicked witches hatching an evil plan. Unsurprisingly, the old town has made UNESCO’s World Heritage list. Make the most of your weekend in Tallinn by exploring the following five, enchanting things to do in Tallinn Old Town.
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1. Take a free walking tour with Tallinn Traveller Tours
Change your glass slippers for sturdy walking shoes and see Tallinn on foot by joining a free walking tour that meets daily in front of the city tourist information office. Conducted by Tallinn Traveller Tours, this tour will introduce you to Tallinn’s history, present-day accomplishments, such as the founding of Skype, show you the top sites, and suggest a few restaurants to try.
When I took this tour, I found the tour guide to be very knowledgeable and friendly. She encouraged questions and gave the group plenty of time to photograph the sites. If you are taking this free walking tour in the winter or early spring, be sure to dress warm as you’ll send the entire tour outdoors.
Although the tour is free, giving a tip at the end is appreciated.
2. Get a view over the city at the Kohtuotsa Viewing Platform
Look over the terracotta-colored roof tiles from the Kohtuotsa Viewing Platform. This is where you can get excellent views and photos of the old and new towns, as well as the harbor.
Located on a hill in the old town, the Kohtuotsa Viewing Platform is a free location for a perfect view, and your ears will likely be treated to a street musician performance while you look over Tallinn. Don’t forget to bring a few euros along with you just in case you want to tip the performer or buy a bag of roasted nuts from a street vendor.
3. Marvel at the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral
The Alexander Nevsky Cathedral in Tallinn is a Russian Orthodox church that was built in the year 1900 on Toompea Hill in the old town. Notably, the cathedral has 11 bells and one of these bells is the largest in Tallinn. The exterior of the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral is grand, with its black, onion shaped domes and red and cream facade.
Visiting the cathedral is free of charge, although please keep in mind that if a service is going on, you may want to wait for an appropriate time to enter. Donations are appreciated, as in most churches.
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4. Walk a portion of the old city wall
For only 2 EUR (2.25 USD), you can walk a portion of the old city wall and its towers. Looking out at the clay colored roofs from a slit in the wall is what really made me feel as though I had gone back in time. For that, the price is absolutely worth it! You’ll also be rewarded with great views of the city.
The city wall that we see today, is from the 14th century, and while it is still magnificent, it must have been even more stunning in the past when it was 2.4 km (~1.5 miles) long and had 46 towers!
5. Explore Saint Catherine’s Passage
Walk hand in hand with your Prince Charming down Saint Catherine’s Passage (Katariina kaik). The ambiance in this tiny street is really quite romantic as the walls are all stone, and you’ll see ancient stone arches overhead.
In Saint Catherine’s Passage, you’ll also find artisans creating wares following traditional methods, so this may be a great place to go if you are looking for souvenirs.
Other tips for visiting Tallinn Old Town
Tallinn Old Town is very hilly and the streets are all cobblestone; therefore, don’t forget to wear comfortable walking shoes. Also, be sure to pack a fully charged camera or phone with a high quality camera as there is so much to see and capture. Preserve your fairytale memories of the great weekend that you are sure to have here with plenty of photographs.
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