Tallinn Estonia, a fabulous country.

November 12, 2012 in Blog, Our Travels

 We started do go away for a few day’s each year after we got married & had previously been to Bratislava & Krakow & in 2007 it was the turn of Tallinn.

Almost twenty years since shedding the Soviet yoke, Estonia still pulsates with the excitement and adrenaline of a fledgling state – and nowhere more so than in its dynamic capital Tallinn. After centuries of foreign rule, Estonia’s have finally got control of their country and they’re determined to enjoy every minute of it. In fact, with the economy booming, cultural events rife, and a restaurant and night-life scene that keep going from strength to strength, Tallinners have never had it better! Throw in a UNESCO-listed Old Town, a scattering of Gothic spires, a Medieval castle, Tsar’s Palace and a couple of sandy beaches by the Baltic, and it’s little wonder that us foreigners want a slice of the action too! Let us be your guide to this amazing city and you’re sure to find plenty of great hotels, restaurants, bars, nightclubs, shops, and places to have fun. As well as giving you the low-down on all of the above, we’ll also dish out some top travel info and tips, helpful language hints (for impressing the locals) and keep you up to date with the latest news and events in the city.

What we noticed firstly was the amazing buildings in the old town & the cobbled streets. It’s so picturesque & so green. We spent the time walking around & following the guide books as to what to see.

We went over to Helsinki on the ferry it was really easy to get to & about 90mins & not overly expensive. It also ticked off another country off the list!

On our last night we met a few the Estonian Cricket Association players & got chatting over a beer or 2, I think there was a couple of shots as well! And the rest as they say is history!

Tallinn is beautiful in the snow & they even play Ice Cricket!!

5 years down the line we’ve been back every year.

Drink Baar is run by an Englishman James Ramsden (Master Brewer) Bradford City supporter (please don’t hold that against him!) where you can find fantastic food at great prices & an amazing selection of beers & ciders, you’ll be spoilt for choice. Vaike Karja 8, Tallinn. They do fantastic fish & chips & a must is the Estonian garlic bread & the handmade crisps with various flavourings.

Sokos Hotel Viru …………… KGB Museum. You need to go into the hotel & towards the back on the left there is a board with the details on or ask at reception for times)
Rotterman Quarter near the harbour …….. it may have changed but they have a Soviet life exhibition on. There are also shops around that area also.
The harbour has lots of shops & markets.
The bars & restaurants in the main square tend to be expensive but head to the left of the town hall & down the hill to the left & there are bars, shops etc down there.
Nowhere is very far to walk & there are plenty of maps available in most hotels & the information office.
Check out www.tallinn-life.com although this hasn’t been updated in a while but it gives some details.
Lower Old Town
Town Hall
St Olav’s Church
Upper Old Town
Toompea Castle
Alexander Nevesky Cathedral
Toomkrik Church
Everytime we go we find something different to see & do.
The TV Tower re-opened after a refurb, & it was really interesting to visit along with the convent nearby.
If there is a market on it will be in the Town Hall Square, hotels or information centre should be able to tell you what day’s it’s on, but this year it seemed to be on most days.
There is a fairly new shopping centre up the main road & a few others dotted around.
On Vana Wiru there are lots of shops, an Irish bar & a MacDonald’s  Opposite the Irish bar, at the back of the Vana Wiru Baltic Hotel you’ll find the main walls & there are usually stalls with various handicrafts there & another museum.
Head down the main road (opposite the Sokos Hotel)  towards the harbour & there is a market on the left with handicrafts there. Watch the prices as they do vary.
You can do sightseeing tours, you can get information about these from the Information Centre.
If you’d like any more information please feel free to ask & if I don’t know the answer, we’ve got plenty of friends who will be able to help!


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