Tallinn, Estonia, the first stop to a 9-month journey through the Eastern side of Europe, in other words; the more affordable parts of Europe. A beautiful country of well kept medieval architecture, wintery foods and rich traditions, this hidden country is definitely not one to miss. After a sleepless night of travelling, we finally landed in Estonia, tired, cold and hungry, the imperfect beginning to a brilliant adventure.
Tallinn is filled with many extremely amazing sites and attractions, from beautiful ancient city walls to old-timey restaurants. Here's a list of some of my favourite snowy, winter activities;
1. Spicey Mulled Wine
Is any winter holiday really complete without a hot mug of mulled wine?
This yummy little delight is easy to find at every restaurant throughout Tallinn, but my all-time favourite has to be from this cute little restaurant hidden away in the back streets called Vanaema Juures (Grandma's Place), easily half the price of most of the cafes and restaurants; this charming little place has old gothic interior structures and really friendly staff that speak near-perfect English.
Warning: For those who have a nut allergy, please ask your server about the ingredients before drinking the mulled wine as Estonians usually add nuts for extra flavour.
2. Raekoja Plats (Historical Town Centre)
Raekoja Plats in the old towns city centre and is the perfect place to admire the medieval architecture, find a touristy restaurant with your servers all dressed up to impress. This is also the perfect location for some trendy Instagram shots or if you come at the right time of the year you can enjoy the classic Christmas market, boosting to be one of the most charming in Europe. Unfortunately, I came closer to the end of winter and missed this festive time.
Another unmissable experience is III Draakon, a traditional old-timey restaurant untouched by the changing trends. If you'd like to experience what life would be like back in the day or maybe you're just curious about how an Estonian/Game of thrones style meal would be like, then this is the perfect spot for you. Serving traditional and affordable Estonian cuisine, this is a beautiful candlelight hidden gem of the old city town square.
And the opposite end of this beautiful centre is another old-timey experience; if you have any interest in modern-day or traditional medicine then take a walk over to the first Pharmacy ever established in Europe and see their little Museum exhibition.
3. Ice Skating
To match the cripsy air and snowy scenery you can find a wonderful outdoor ice skating rink just on the edge of the old town, a great activity if you've got enough layers to keep warm.
4. Free Tours
With Tallinn being such a beautiful and historically rich city it's no surprise that there is an endless amount of incredible sites and stories to be told, if you stay at the right backpacker or hotel you will find a list of paid or free tours through the city leaving at all sorts of different times, and for those that enjoy the solitude its easy enough to find a self-tour online that will lead you through the beautiful streets or just wander around and read the helpful placks on the walls that will tell you everything you need to know.
Either way, you can't get bored wandering around this city. My personally favourite streets have to be Katariina käik and Lühike Jalg, though in Tallin every turn is as beautiful as the last and there are photo opportunities at every door, literally.
5. Viewpoints and Snowball Fight Outside the City Walls at Paks Margareeta
With Tallinn Old Town being inside the medieval stone walls and placed around Toompea Hill there are multiple viewing points where you can see all the beautiful buildings and traditional red-stained rooftops, you can also explore on top of the wall for a small fee and see what it was like to have worked as a guide during those times. All the ancient architecture is well kept and you can really see this in the old city walls and towers that go right around the old town.
Outside of the city walls are endless parks to explore and the perfect place for a winter wonderland snow fight, if you're lucky enough to get some snow!
6. Indoor Market - Balti Jaama Turg
If you are looking for a supermarket for groceries, a little snack from oriental cuisine to something vegan or even traditional or sweet, an extra jacket, shoes or socks, something antique or a special shopping spree for vintage clothing then this the spot for you.
It's the perfect spot for an evening wander during those colder winter hours, whether you want to have a snack, or just have a guilty shopping spree then this is the hidden gem you were looking for.
7. Architecture in the renovated industrial area (Rotermann Square)
Just outside of the Old Town you will find the industrial area where most of the buildings were left empty after the revolution, this area has recently been renovated so you can see the beautiful combination of rustic industrial architecture and classy modern meeting; making a beautiful photogenic district of chic high-end hotels and stunning local boutiques, even a few hipster restaurants and brewers are tucked away in its nooks.
8. Suvineurs shopping
For those who love the cliche shopping of mugs, fridge magnets and more than you will be happily surprised that Tallinn has no shortage of these little shops on every corner
9. The Old Olympic Stadium
The perfect UrbanX exploration spot for those adventurous travellers who like to see something forgotten and a little odd. This spot is completely open to the public and is located just outside the old town by the waterside, so during winter do not forget to pack something extra warm for this!
10. Museums
With an endless amount of museums, you can enjoy art, history or even quirkier attracts like a puppet museum or even exploring a castle or ruin. Tallinn and its surrounding areas have a rich history in multiple areas and with a Tallinn Card, you can get free transport and entrance to over 100 attractions, including most of the museums!
Tallinn has a great list of activities and beautiful scenery to explore, whether you are looking for a traditional experience or the perfect insta spot you will not be disappointed with a winter experience in this beautiful Eastern European City.
Comments