Winter City Break Destination in Tallinn: Best Things To Do In 48H
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As someone who loves to travel, I was thrilled when I had the opportunity to visit Tallinn, Estonia for the first time. I heard a lot about Tallinn back in 2017 when I was looking at Digital nomad destinations and learned about their e-residence and the possibility to set up a company based in Estonia remotely.
Estonia is also the last Baltic country that I did not visit and was curious to know how different it would be from the two others Latvia and Lithuania.
Tallinn is a beautiful city and not so well known from the rest of the world but it remains an excellent destination for a city break.
In this article, I will share my experience visiting Tallinn and share with you some of the best things to do for anyone planning a city break to Tallinn.
What You Need to Know About Estonia
Before we dive into Tallinn, it's essential to know a bit about Estonia. Estonia is a small country in the Baltic region of Northern Europe. It shares borders with Russia, Latvia, and Finland.
The country has a rich history, and you can still see remnants of its Soviet past. Estonia is a member of the European Union and uses the euro as its currency.
Few Estonian Words
As with any country, learning a few words in the local language can go a long way. Even though Estonians do speak English and I haven’t had a chance to practice my Estonian while I visited Tallinn, here are a few Estonian words to get you started:
Tere - Hello
Aitäh - Thank you
Vabandage - Excuse me
Head aega - Goodbye
How to Get to Tallinn, Estonia. Airport and Flights
Tallinn has an international airport, Tallinn Airport (TLL), which is serviced by many airlines. Flights to Tallinn from other European cities are frequent and affordable. If you're coming from further afield, connecting flights are available through Helsinki, Stockholm, and other European hubs.
There used to be some direct flights from Dublin, Ireland to Tallinn with the low-cost airline company Ryanair. But the route has been cancelled since April 2023.
As of today, all flights require at least one layover to a nearby country.
Transports in Tallinn: How to Get from Tallinn Airport to City Centre
Getting from Tallinn airport to the city centre is straightforward. The most convenient and affordable option is to take the tram. Tram line number 4 runs from the airport to the city centre. The journey takes around 20-25 minutes, and tickets can be purchased from the driver or at the airport.
I personally purchased a 3-day travel card from the R-kiosk that provides you with unlimited travel on all Tallinn public transports.
But on the day I arrived, the tram did not work.
So, the other option is to use the equivalent of Uber which is Bolt, an Estonian company. The transport fees are very affordable and make the journey hassle-free.
Where to Stay in Tallinn, Estonia
There are many great places to stay in Tallinn, from budget hostels to luxury hotels. The Old Town is the most popular area to stay in, but there are also many great options outside of the Old Town. Here are some of the top places to stay in Tallinn:
Old Town: The Old Town is the most popular area to stay in, and there are many great options, from budget hostels to luxury hotels.
Telliskivi Creative City: This trendy neighbourhood is home to many bars, restaurants, and clubs, and is a great place to stay if you're looking for nightlife.
Kadriorg: This neighbourhood is located just outside of the Old Town and is home to many beautiful parks and gardens. It's a great place to stay if you're looking for a quieter, more residential area.
City Centre: The City Centre is a great place to stay if you want to be close to everything.
Tallinn has accommodation options for every budget. If you're looking to stay in the city center, there are plenty of hotels, hostels, and Airbnb options available.
If you're on a budget, I recommend staying in the Kalamaja neighborhood, just a short walk from the city centre. Kalamaja has a bohemian vibe, with plenty of cafes, restaurants, and street art.
I personally stayed at Citybox hotel. It was located 10 minutes walk from the old town and got all the amenities needed as a solo traveler.
Not only the decor was very nice and modern but the rooms were completely isolated from any noise. I never stayed in a hotel that was so quiet in the past.
Top Reasons to Visit Tallinn
Tallinn has something to offer everyone. Here are some of the top reasons to visit Tallinn:
Old Town Tallinn: No visit to Tallinn is complete without a visit to the Old Town. The Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of the best-preserved medieval old towns in Europe. It's a joy to wander around the cobbled streets and explore the colorful buildings. The Old Town is divided into two parts: the upper town and the lower town. The upper town is home to Toompea Castle, which houses the Estonian Parliament. The lower town is where you'll find most of the restaurants, cafes, and shops.
One of the highlights of the Old Town is the Town Hall Square. The square is surrounded by beautiful buildings and is the perfect place to relax with a coffee or a meal. During the summer months, the square is bustling with street performers and live music.
If you're interested in history, be sure to visit the Kiek in de Kök tower. The tower is part of the city's medieval fortifications and houses a museum about Tallinn's military history. From the top of the tower, you'll get a fantastic view of the Old Town.
History: Tallinn has a rich history, and you can learn about it at one of the many museums or on a guided tour. The KGB Museum is a must-visit for anyone interested in Soviet history.
Food: Estonian cuisine is a mix of Scandinavian, Russian, and German influences. The food in Tallinn is delicious, and there are plenty of great restaurants to try. My favourite is a restaurant chain called Lido where you can try a little bit of everything.
Smart City: Tallinn is considered a smart city, and it's easy to see why. The city has free public Wi-Fi, and many services, such as public transport, can be paid for with a mobile phone. Tallinn is considered a smart city because of its innovative use of technology. The city has free public Wi-Fi, and many services, such as public transport, can be paid for with a mobile phone. The city also has a digital ID system, which allows residents to access government services online.
Nature: Estonia is known for its beautiful nature, and Tallinn is no exception. The city is surrounded by parks and forests, and there are many hiking trails just a short bus ride away.
Nightlife: Tallinn has a vibrant nightlife scene, with something for everyone. The old town has plenty of bars and pubs, while the Telliskivi Creative City neighbourhood is home to many clubs and live music venues.
Is Tallinn a Beautiful City Worth Visiting?
Yes, Tallinn is a beautiful city and is definitely worth visiting. The city has a unique blend of medieval and modern architecture, and the Old Town is one of the best-preserved medieval old towns in Europe dating back to the XIII century.
The city is also surrounded by beautiful nature, and there are many parks and forests just a short bus ride away.
How Safe is Tallinn? Is Tallinn Safe for Tourists?
Tallinn is generally a safe city, and it's safe for tourists.
As with any city, it's important to take precautions, such as keeping an eye on your belongings and being aware of your surroundings.
How is Nightlife in Tallinn for Non-White Foreigners?
Tallinn is a multicultural city, and everyone is welcome.
The nightlife scene in Tallinn is diverse, and there is something for everyone. However, like any city, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to stay safe.
I personally did not feel threatened or looked at when walking the streets of Tallinn. I met with one of my friends in Tallinn who brought me to many places around the old town.
Here is a short list of places we visited:
Beer House - if you enjoy craft artisanal beers, you will love this place.
Pub/ sports bar - Irish pub Mad Murphy’s - It’s become a tradition to visit Irish pubs abroad to taste the local Guinness.
Cocktail bar Sigmund Freud bar - If you enjoy great cocktails, this bar was excellent. Do not hesitate to chat with the bartender to get a custom made cocktail for your taste.
Karaoke bar - Retrokteek Baar - I am not a fan of Karaoke bar, but the club was vibin. Everyone was going up on the stage to sing a song and the audience was fire!
What is There to Do in Tallinn, Estonia?
There are plenty of things to do in Tallinn. Here are some ideas:
Visit the Old Town and explore the cobbled streets and colourful buildings.
Learn about Tallinn's History at one of the many museums.
Enjoy Estonian cuisine at one of the city's many restaurants.
Take a hike in one of the nearby parks or forests.
Visit the Telliskivi Creative City neighbourhood for live music and clubbing.
Relax in one of the city's many parks.
My personal experience of Tallinn
A weekend in Tallinn is the perfect opportunity to explore the Old Town, enjoy some delicious Estonian cuisine, and soak up the city's unique atmosphere.
There are plenty of things to do in Tallinn. In addition to exploring the Old Town, there are many museums, galleries, and parks to visit. Here are some of the top things to do in Tallinn:
Visit the Kiek in de Kök tower and museum to learn about Tallinn's military history.
Explore the beautiful Kadriorg Palace and park.
Visit the Seaplane Harbour museum, which is housed in a historic seaplane hangar.
Take a walk along the coast and enjoy the sea views.
Tallinn is an excellent destination for a European city break. The city is compact and easy to explore, and there are many things to see and do.
The city is also well-connected, with frequent flights to other European cities.
Living in Tallinn, Estonia?
In every new country I travel to, I try to imagine what life could be like.
Tallinn is an excellent city to live in. The city has a high standard of living, and the cost of living is relatively low compared to other European cities.
Even though things are changing since the inflation in 2023 and Estonia is the country with the highest inflation rate, 15.6% compared to 6.9% in the Eurozone in March 2023.
The city is also well-connected, with frequent flights to other European cities. The city has a vibrant expat community, and there are many opportunities to meet new people. I recommend joining the ex-pats in Tallinn Facebook group.
Overall, Tallinn is a beautiful and vibrant city that is well worth a visit. The Old Town is a must-visit, but there are many other things to see and do in the city, too. The city is well-connected and is an excellent destination for a European city break or a weekend away. With its unique blend of medieval and modern architecture, delicious cuisine, and friendly locals, Tallinn is sure to charm visitors from around the world.
Here is a YouTube channel with a lot of useful information I personally use to help me prepare for my trip to Tallinn.
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