Tallinn City Guide travel tourist sightseeing attractions information

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Sightseeing and Attractions in Tallinn

Tallinn is undoubtedly one of Europe’s most absorbing and culturally interesting cities. There are a whole host of historical landmarks of artistic and religious importance. beautiful views can be enjoyed on their guided tours and from the top of the scenic church towers. Keen European travellers should look to add Tallinn to their checklist of destinations as it is a most enriching and entertaining city which is steeped in wonder and beauty.

Tallinn Town Hall, Raekoja Plats 1  – The Tallinn Town Hall is a Gothic Masterpiece which was constructed between 1402 and 1404. It was initially built to serve as a meeting point for the Burgermeister Rulers at the time.  It is  has the distinction of being the only Gothic Town Hall to remain standing in all of Northern Europe. Regular concerts are held at the venue and it is also utilized as a place to entertain honourable foreign guests such as Kings and Presidents. . The Town Hall is  only open to visitors in July and August. Admission is between 25 and 50 EEK. .website 1http://veeb.tallinn.ee/raekoda/uus/index.php?id=3

The Kadriorg Palace  Weizenbergi 37 (Tel: 372 606 6400 – Built in 1718 by Tsar Peter 1st for his partner Catherine this baroque building is commonly known as The Kadriorg Art Museum as it now permanently hosts Estonia’s collection of foreign art from the Estonia Art Museum. It has an amazing collection of exhibits including over 900 paintings and 3,500 prints made between the 16th & 20th century. This work comes from Europe and Russia. There are also 3.000 sculptures and 1500 pieces of antique furniture, glass and porcelain. The museum also hosts lectures, concerts and theatrical productions. The grounds which include a 18th century style flower garden are open to visitors in the summer. website http://www.ekm.ee/eng/kadriorg.php

Estonian History Museum,  Pikk 17 Tallinn  – This statuesque Building was erected in 1410 but the distinct Lion’s head knockers were not added to the door until 20 years after that. The museum is home of the Great Guild who were the most affluent and powerful of the City’s Medieval factions.  This fascinatingly informative Museum allows you to take a detailed look at Estonian history from the Prehistoric Era until the end of the 18th Century. Open 11 am – 6 pm. website http://www.eam.ee

Kumu Art Museum, A.Weinzenbergi 34 Valge/1 Tallinn – This prestigious Museum was honoured with the award of European Museum of the Year 2008. Estonian cultural enthusiast view Kumu as a haven. it’s a modern and high Tech building which showcases retro works from centuries gone as well as the best of Contemporary art. Kumu is viewed as an essential destination for any culturally minded tourist or indeed Estonian native. Open 11 am to 6 pm. Admission is 45 or 80 EEK. website http://www.ekm.ee/eng/kumu.php

Holy Spirit Church Tallinn Puhavaimu 2 – The Holy Spirit is a rather splendid 14th century structure from inside and out. The wonderful clock  painted on the front of the Church is the City’s oldest time piece. This historic place of worship which originally established in order to aid the poor, sick and elderly of Tallinn. The first ever sermons in the Estonian Language were delivered here in 1535 which means proud, religious locals hold this church close to their hearts. Admission price 15 EEK -. Opening times are  9 am to 5 pm in the summer and  10 am to 2 pm in the winter months. website n/a

Oleviste Church Tower Lai 50 Tallinn – The Oleviste Church (St Olav’s)Tower once stood at 150 metres high as the tallest building in the world. The Church St.Olav’s dates back to sometime in the 12th century when it was next to the Scandinavian Market Yard. The Church got its name from King Olav of Norway who was declared a Saint  and was affectionately named the Protector of the Seafarers. There isn’t too much information regarding this enigmatic Gothic Cathedral but we do know that its steeple has been struck by lightning as many as 8 times. Its a popular spot in the summer when visitors and natives alike climb the steps to the Tower and  take in  the splendid skyline views of the Estonian capital. Admission is 10/30 EEK  Open from the 1st of April to 31st October 10 am to 6 pm. website n/a

Tallinn Official Sightseeing Tour Tel No: 372-610-8634 The Tour operators pick passengers up from the Passenger Port and Major hotels. The tour travels through arguably the most interesting areas of the city and there is a guide who provides details on the historical and modern life in the country. There is also a walking part to the tour which covers the Old Town, Toompea Hill the Dome Church and Alexander Nevsky central. You are likely to relish the absorbing sights and learn new bits of fascinating history which you never privy to before. Tickets are  priced at around  10 Euro’s  for children and 20 for adults.website http://www.travel2baltics.com/default.asp/ac/reisiinfot/id/177

Tallinn City Museum Vene 17 Tallinn – The City Museum is Tallinn’s most modern and impressive looking Museum. They take an in depth look into the Medieval Period with artefact’s original scriptures and life sized models of  warriors. There is Audio Guide available to assist you as you make your way round. The upper floors are dedicated to more contemporary history like the Soviet Occupation in the 20th Century and lastly the liberation of Estonian’s long overdue independence. Admission is 10 EEK for Children and between 35 and 50 for Adults. Open from the 1st of March till the 31st of October Wed-Mon 10.30am to 6pm. website http://linnamuuseum.ee/

St Bridgets Convent About 6km from Tallinn’s city centre are the ruins of St Bridget’s Convent at Kloostri Tee 9. Originally built in 1407 it was destroyed about 150 years later. The surrounding grounds are very relaxing and occasionally host open air concerts. For further information Tel: 372 605 5044. At Piricta Beach during the summer you hire surfing equipment – Tel: 372 503 2522. It is also possible to hire canoeing and rowing boats for trips down The Piricta River. -Tel: 372 632 1779  website  http://www.barrelbg.ee

Tallinn – Rich In Restaurants !

Tallinn has for a small city what seems to be an abundance of restaurants which offer food from all over Europe including Greece, Turkey and Italy. For traditional Estonian food the following have their own distinct ambience: The Eesti Maja at Lauteri 1 (Tel: 645 5252). It serves well prepared and well cooked Estonian Cuisine – their fish dishes and bean soup are particularly pleasing. A very impressive restaurant in the old town is Kudse Notsu Korts at Dunkri 8 (Tel: 628 6567) . The food is good and it is served in a restaurant which includes a real fire in the centre of the room which walls with wagon wheels and other country items displayed on it. The service is good and this is one to consider – especially on a cold night.

One strange but endearing restaurant in the Old Town is The Talu Korts at Viru 18 (Tel 641 8387). It has old and what seems to be scorched furniture which is though old is very comfortable. Good food here with a menu which ranges from herring,mutton and a very good roast deer in wine, with accordion music playing in the background. One surprising fact about Tallinn, given the Russian influence and culture there is the shortage of good Russian restaurants. One that is well worth visiting is Troika at Raekoja plats 15 (Tel: 627 6245). This establishment is in a very old building, possibly medieval, with a classic oak staircase which leads you into a dining area that includes a carved wooden ceiling. The food is exceptional and the atmosphere is enriched by Russian folks songs played and sung by a lone guitarist.

In the old town The Villa Thai at Vilmsi 6 (Tel: 641 9347) offers a good choice of Indian and Thai dishes all of which are outstanding. Their lunchtime specials are especially good value. Another good place for weekday lunch is the Hungarian Egeri Kelder at Roosikrantsi 6. Good Hungarian food here but it does not seem to be open on Saturdays and Sundays.

Nearby at Roosiktanski 2a is The Baieri Kelder (Tel: 640 7440). This very German restaurant is famous for the very very generous portions it serves. Their dumplings and sausages are very enjoyable and they have quite a few good German beers available as well. The atmosphere is this restaurant is very relaxed even if has a ‘formal’ air about it. It closes early though at 11pm.

Crime and Personal Safety & Security In Tallinn In recent years there has been an increase of crime targeted at tourists. For the most part this has involved pick pockets and occasionally muggings. The Old Town in Tallinn is the most likely place for this to happen especially in bars, clubs,and nightclubs. You are most vulnerable when drunk and in poorly lit and unlit streets. Parks after dark are particularly dangerous It is also safer to phone for a taxi rather than hail one in the street. Theft of property should be reported in person to Tallinn Central Police Station, Parnu maantee 11, tel 6124200.

Illegal Taxis In Tallinn Tallinn has a problem with pirate taxis who are insured often not roadworthy and are always expensive. Legitimate taxis firms are Klubi Takso Tele 6380638, Krooni Takso Tele 6381111, Linnatakso Tele 6442442 and Tulika Takso Tele 120000. and ) rather than hail one from the street.