Sleeper Awaken: Top 10 Things to Do in Tallinn Estonia During Your Trip

“Tallinn, what? Where is that?” Is the first thing that came in mind when you hear the word, right?

Well, Estonia‘s capital, Tallinn is located on the shore of the Gulf of Finland. It is known as a cultural hub and is quite famous for its active nightlife. It provides with the comfort of both the modern and historical world.

To know more about the place, why not to go and see by self. *Heart eye emoji*

Here are the top 10 things to see and do in Tallinn...

The Old Town, Tallinn has a large part which is located on a hill called the Toompea. This hill is closely related to the legends and history of Estonia. In the present time, it is known as the center of the country’s government and is also the location of its Parliament (Riigikogu). Just as the administration of the American president is called the White House, it is referred to as Toompea. The Toompea Hill, beyond its political significance, is simply considered as a beautiful place to visit. You can enjoy the breath-taking views of the city from the elevation of the hill.

Every visitor to Tallinn has to pass through the Raekoja Plats, as it has been the center of the Old Town from Medival period. Although, it was rebuilt in its current form at the turn of 15^th century but there is still an old building built in 1322. The Raekoja Plats is the heart of the cultural life of the city. Best to go there in summer to enjoy all the festivities. Plus whats the better time than summer for shopping. *wink*

It’s an Orthodox church, which is a part of Toompea hill. Its architectural style forms a riveting contrast with the rest of the city. It is Tallinn’s largest orthodox cupola cathedral and was built when Estonia was a part of the Russian Empire in 1900. Although its beautiful exterior is imposing, its outstanding icons and mosaics make it a beauty worth watching.

Note: Try to get there before service, to hear the bell ensemble. This cathedral has the largest bell in Tallinn.

Address – St Alexander Nevsky, Lossi plats 10, Tallinn, Estonia

Kalamaja consist of a Seaplane Harbour Museum which is a downtrodden part of Tallinn and is now shaping up to be the city’s trendiest neighborhood, just like the Kreuzberg in Berlin. It is where you can explore the best galleries, bars, and cafés surrounded by rehabilitated industrial buildings and charming wooden houses. Don’t forget to walk along the ‘Culture Kilometer’, which is a seaside promenade showing the area’s mix of artistic re-conversion and urban decay, before finishing Kalamaja tour.

It is housed in impressive seaplane hangars and shows the marine time history of Estonia from the Soviet times and beyond. And what’s really great about it? Is that you can actually visit the ships, including a replica of a pre-World War II seaplane and a 1936 submarine. There’s also a range of activities for kids in here. This includes trying on the old uniform replicas and watching the aviation simulators. So it’s a total win-win for you.

Address – Seaplane Harbour Museum, Vesilennuki 6, 10415 Tallinn, Estonia, +372 620 0550

The Patarei Prison is a 19th-century sea fortress located in the Kalamaja district. This fortress was a prison from 1919 to 2004 and is the best place in the world to know how Soviet prison looks like in early time. The prison appears gloomy and dark and is little oppressive and surprisingly emotional. Although visitors can go on their own, booking a tour makes the experience more exciting, with guides having in-depth knowledge of the prison and its history.

Note: Single visitors aren’t allowed in here.

Kumu for short, or the Kunstimuuseum (‘Art Museum’), is considered as the largest art museum in the Baltics. This is what makes it worth a visit. The Kumu was opened in 2006 and met with immediate acclaim and won the European Museum of the Year award in 2008.

Address – Kunstimuuseum, Valge 1, Tallinn, Estonia, +372 602 6000

The Cathedral is located on Toompea Hill and is Estonia’s oldest church. Established in the 13th century, it is also known as the Dome church. Due to repeated modifications the church has turned into a fascinating mix of architectural styles In the late 18^th century, a baroque spire was built in the western part of the nave from where visitors can admire a stunning view of Toompea and the Old Town, and especially of the Alexander Nevsky orthodox cathedral.

Address – Cathedral of Saint Mary the Virgin (Dome church), Toom-Kooli 6, Tallinn, Estonia, +372 644 4140

If you want to enjoy the beauty of the Gulf of Finland and the city; climb, not literally of course… there’s an elevator located at the TV Tower to the 21st floor near the Pirita suburb. With a height of 170 meters, it’s the tallest building in Tallinn and its viewing deck offers an astonishing 360-degree panorama. The visitors are able to see the city in a new light. As the view isn’t nearly as impressive otherwise, make sure to visit this place on a clear day. There’s also a restaurant, so make sure to have coffee or meal above the city.

Address – Tallinn TV Tower, Kloostrimetsa 58a, Tallinn, Estonia, +372 680 4057

Tallinn is also considered as a coastal city, though the Baltic Sea is barely visible from the Old Town. The easily accessible seashore is really enjoyed by the tourists and locals alike. The busiest beach out of all is Pirita, and it is known to attract thousands of visitors a day sometimes, and this too, for good reasons!!!!Another beach is Kakumäe, which is furthest so have to reach by taking bus number 21. For those who don’t mind water temperatures around 20° Celsius, swimming is entirely possible.

Now you know enough about Tallinn. Go pack your bags, book your tour and have the best time of your life. Don’t forget to share your experience with me.

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