What Tallinn is famous for. Tallinn Old Town, Estonia: history, sights, interesting facts. Passage of St. Catherine
Trip to Tallinn
Over its thousand-year history, Tallinn has been dominated by Danes, Germans, Swedes and Russians, and as a result has formed a very special look in which military rigor is combined with peasant simplicity, history with modernity.
The medieval fortress walls remind us of the times when constant fights went outside the city, and home cooking in restaurants - of grandmother's hospitality. Here, along the old pavements, you can get to the museum of modern art, after walking through the palaces of the Russian emperors, go to fashion shops, feed squirrels in the park and dine in a stylish restaurant. A trip to Tallinn - a crossroads of cultures and eras - will not leave anyone indifferent. His Old Town, by the way, is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
How to get to Tallinn?
Residents of St. Petersburg and neighboring regions are lucky: they can get to Tallinn by bus, and very inexpensively and quite quickly. More than ten comfortable buses leave the St. Petersburg bus stations per day, delivering their passengers to the capital of Estonia in just 6-7 hours. About seven hours the train "St. Petersburg - Tallinn". But the direct flight of Aeroflot or Estonian Airlines can be reached in just 55 minutes.
It is still more convenient to fly from Moscow by plane, especially since a direct flight by Aeroflot or Estonian Air will take only an hour and a half. With one change, Finnair, airBaltic and other airlines fly to Tallinn. Prefer trains? Go to the Leningradsky railway station: take a seat in the Russian capital in the evening, and leave for Estonian in the early morning. You can also go by bus, only you have to spend 12 hours on the way. However, this option is quite popular among those who want to save a little on transportation costs.
It is most convenient to travel from Ukraine to Estonia by plane. Direct Estonian Air flight from Kiev to Tallinn will take less than two hours. With transfers, airBaltic, Aeroflot and LOT fly.
The cheapest flights to Tallinn can be found on Aviasales.ru. On this site in real time you will see dozens of offers from various airlines and agencies, using filters you can easily choose the ones that suit you according to price, dates and time of departure. For information on how to use this service to the maximum benefit, read the Ever.Travel review.
Where to stay in Tallinn?
Tallinn is quite small when compared with other European capitals. Even less is its historical center - the Old Town, compactly located on a small patch, literally a kilometer and a half. Just here are all the main attractions of Tallinn.
Surprisingly, it is a fact: in the city center you can find both luxury hotels and fairly budget hostels. So do not even hesitate, settle right in the center so as not to spend too much time and money on the road.
Map of Tallinn districts
Old city
The historic heart of Tallinn, the Wangalin region, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is protected by the state. This means that owners are forbidden to radically change the external and internal appearance of buildings. Therefore, you can stay in a real medieval hotel, where there are knightly armor in the corridors, and the rooms are decorated in a rustic style, which relies on a lot of stone and wood. Some buildings in the XVI – XVII centuries were inns, and their restaurants still serve simple and hearty dishes of national cuisine.
To save you from paperwork, trips to the Visa Application Center and other bureaucratic nuances, there is a VisaToHome service. The employees of this company fill out all the necessary forms instead of you, they themselves come to you for a passport, take it to the consulate and pick it up. You will receive the finished document with the coveted stamp without leaving your home!
How to get from Tallinn Airport to the city
Airport them. Lennart Meri (est. Lennart Meri Tallinna lennujaam, also Ülemiste lennujaam) located literally 4 km from the center of Tallinn. The most convenient way to get to the city is to take bus number 90 with the inscription Airport-City Center on its side. Its route passes by most popular hotels.
If you are traveling in Tallinn, it is better to take the bus number 2. It goes through the bus station, the Old Town and the passenger seaport, i.e. almost all places of possible transfers. Both flights depart every half hour, the fare is about 2 euros, a ticket can be bought directly from the driver.
Since the airport is almost within the city limits, you can get to the center of Tallinn in just 20 minutes. But how to find your chosen hotel among the interweaving of narrow streets? The most reliable way to quickly and comfortably reach your destination is a transfer from KiwiTaxi. Thanks to this service, you can, while still at home, order a taxi, know exactly how much it will cost, and that you will be met at the airport.
Car rental in Tallinn
Those who are going to not only take a walk around Tallinn, but also go to Tartu or Pärnu, it is best to rent a car so as not to depend on city and suburban transport. An excellent selection of cars from various agencies can be found at RentalCars.com. The rating and reviews system will help you to easily navigate, and we will show you how to find the best deals on RentalCars.com!
Tallinn public transport
There are trams and trolleybuses in Tallinn, but buses are the main public transport. They go from 6:00 to 23:00 on almost 70 routes. Tickets can be bought from the driver (1.6 euros) or at the kiosk (1.1 euros). You can also purchase travel tickets for an unlimited number of trips for 24 hours (3 euros), 72 hours (5 euros) and 150 hours (6 euros). Pupils and students with an ISIC card are entitled to a 50% discount.
Taxi in Tallinn quite affordable. There is no single tariff, but a price list must be posted on the right rear door of each car. Estimated cost of landing - 2-5 euros, each kilometer - 0.5 (during the day) - 1 euro (at night). Also in the center of the dashboard should be a white plastic card with a photo and the name of the driver.
Tourist Card Tallinn Card
For those who want ready-made solutions, we recommend that you study our Tallinn city guides:
You can walk endlessly in the capital of Estonia, enjoying its views, but sometimes you want someone to tell you all the city secrets and secrets live. Excursiopedia is just for these cases. This is the site where the best offers of professional guides in Tallinn are collected. Here are just a few examples.
Transport in Tallinn
From the bus station You can get to the Old Town by trams Nos. 2 and 4. Tram stop 150 m from the station: you need to go along Odra to Tartu Maantee and go to the other side (if you stand with your back to the station, you must go to the left).
Upon entering the tram buy a ticket from the driver or attach a transport card to the validator, which you can buy at R-kiosk. A card costs 2 euros, this is a security deposit. You can put money on the card for travel for 1, 3, 5 days, for a month. This is cheaper (about 0.50 euros per trip) than a one-time ticket purchase from the driver. The card is valid for one person. Upon entering the vehicle, it must be attached to the reader. Free travel in Tallinn for residents only.
Take the tram you need 4 stops - and you will enter the Old Town through the Viru Gate.
Also from the bus stationto the center there are buses No. 17a, 23 or 23a. If things are few , then from the bus station to the Old Town can be reached on foot in about 30 minutes.
From the bus station to the airport can be reached by bus number 2. The stop is located 200-200 m from the bus station. It is necessary to go along Odra to Tartu Maantee and without crossing the street go a little to the right. To the seaport and ferries is also on bus number 2, but in the opposite direction. It runs three times an hour on a schedule that hangs at a bus stop. From Lasnamäe to the airport there is bus number 65.
From the train station Balti jaam to the airport can be reached by bus Hansabus, which runs twice an hour from 7.00 to 18.00. The fare is 2 euros. He also stops at the bus station. Another option is a taxi, a trip within the city center will cost 3-6 euros.
Route Information transport in Tallinn and the schedule can be seen (in English).
Where to stay
There are a lot of pretty in Tallinn good budget hotels. So, a double room in a hotel in the Old Town and 5 minutes from it costs from 40 euros. Among the inexpensive hotels you can recommend Park Inn Central Tallinn (convenient location for those traveling from the bus station and from the airport), L`Ermitage (nice design of rooms), Shnelli (near the train station), Oru Hotel (at the airport), etc. There are several spa hotels where it is especially pleasant in the cold season.
Also in Tallinn there are many hostels, including in the city center. A night in a room for men and women will cost from 16 euros. In the season (July-August) hotels and hostels must be booked in advance, otherwise it is difficult to find an inexpensive room.
If you are traveling with a company, very convenient (and inexpensive) you can stay in the apartment. For example, OldHouse Apartments & Hostel on Vienna Street: this one-bedroom apartment in an old house (double bed and sofa) costs 79 euros / day for all. Periodically there are discounts of 25%. This hostel double room costs 37 euros, amenities are nearby on the corridor.
Here you can see hotel prices in Tallinn
Warnings
Do not ride in a hare in transport , fines for stowaways - 40 euros, there are no concessions for tourists.
In the city center you can see signs warning that bags are being pulled out. How often such incidents happen is not known, but you should be careful.
Cross the roadgreen light, otherwise they can be fined.
Smoking in public areas it is prohibited in Estonia, otherwise a fine will also have to be paid.
What to buy in Tallinn
There are many small ones in Tallinn souvenir shops with magnets, postcards, calendars and other gizmos.
In the old town there is several shops and markets (for example, the famous market at Müürivahe, near the Viru Gate) with traditional knitwear, carpets and other handicrafts. The coat is usually pretty good.
For clothes and shoes you can go to Stockman (Liivalaia, 53), Viru Keskus, Tallinna Kaubamaja (Gonsiori, 2), Rotermanni Keskus, etc.
In Viru Keskus below isa supermarket where you can buy chocolate, the famous Vana Tallinn liquor, marzipan figurines and much more, the choice is very large, but the prices here are slightly higher than in non-tourist places.
Souvenirs are cheaper buy in hypermarkets like Prisma. The nearest to the bus station in the shopping center "Sikupilli", up the Tartu highway.
Lookouts
At least two to three Lookouts are worth a visit. Of the most interesting:
1) Lookouts (Vaaterplatvorm)in the old town.
Patkuli - you can get here from Rahukohtu Street, and Kohtuotsa from Kohtu. All traditional views of old Tallinn are filmed from here.
2) You can also look at the city from the observation deck at St. Olav’s Church or Olevist at Lai 50. To climb the narrow observation deck, you will have to overcome 258 steps. You can get here daily from 10 to 18 hours. A ticket costs 2 euros. You will have to climb the steep stairs; a magnificent view of the city and its surroundings opens from above. The height of Oleviste is 124 m, it used to be higher and was even considered the tallest building in medieval Europe.
Other options:
3) Nice view also from the upper floors of the Radisson Blu Hotel Olümpia. At the entrance you can say that you go to the Club26.
4) In the summer from 11.00 to 18.00 You can climb the tower of the City Hall (the height of the observation deck is 34 m). Entrance at the cafe "Tristan and Isolde."
What to see in Tallinn
FROMhow much time you need to walk around the Old Town depends on your manner of walking and watching the city. I can wander around Tallinn and take photos for hours, looking at the roofs, doors and hatches in the streets, for others a cursory inspection in 2-3 hours is enough.
Old Tallinn consists from Toompea (Vyshhorod) and the Lower City. From one end of the old city to the other you can walk in 15-20 minutes.
The main attractions that can be seen in the Lower City:
Town Hall in Tallinn which is 600 years old. This is the best preserved medieval town hall building in Northern Europe. Do not pass by. Nearby are many cafes, restaurants, souvenir shops. Be sure to visit the old pharmacy, which is located opposite the town hall.
Olevist Church on Lai 50 - the highest in old Tallinn, white is one of the most recognizable sights of Tallinn. The church is active, open to all. For 2 euros you can climb to the observation platform (see above).
Maritime Museum in the tower "Fat Margarita" on Pikk 70.Everything that is connected with the Baltic Sea is collected here: lots and compasses, models of sailing ships, old maps and much more. The museum is open from Wednesday to Sunday from 10-00 to 18-00.
Knitted goods market and souvenirs near Virus Gate
From the new museums you can see Nunne Puppet Museum 8. About 1700 dolls are collected in this small museum in the city center, most of them are theatrical. The museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 10.00 to 19.00. Tickets cost 5 euros
Major Attractions in Toompea (Vyshhorod)
Two viewing platforms (see above)
Toompea Castle with the 48-meter Long Herman Tower. Now here is the Riigikogu (Estonian Parliament).
Alexander Nevsky Cathedral - the largest orthodox cathedral in Tallinn
The Dome Cathedral - The oldest church in Tallinn. Here, in particular, Ivan Kruzenshtern is buried.
Church of the Niguliste (Niguliste kirik) . Now there is a branch of the Estonian Museum of Art. If you're lucky, then you can get to the organ concert.
In the Kick in de Kek tower There is a museum of the military history of Tallinn and its defenses. The museum is open from 10.30 to 18.00 or until 17.30, depending on the time of year. The price of the museum - 4.5 euros, in the dungeon (by appointment at the box office or via the Internet) - 5.75 euros.
Near the old town
Museum of Occupation is located within walking distance of Alexander Nevsky Cathedral. It is dedicated to the Soviet and German occupation. You can watch a 30-minute film in Russian, English, Estonian, many interesting exhibits - from dishes and radiol to vending machines for soda and cars. The museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 11.00 to 18.00. A ticket costs 2 euros.
Outside the Old Town
If you have arrived more thanfor one day, it’s worth a ride outside the Old Town. The transport connection is pretty good, so you can safely go to the outskirts.
Kadriorg
Kadriorg- one of the mostprestigious areas of Tallinn. Here is the Baroque palace of Catherine I (now the Museum of Foreign Art is located here) and a beautiful park in which the Peter the Great House Museum is located.
In Kadriorg is located residence of the President of the Republic of Estonia, many embassies.
From the palace to the famous monument battleship "Mermaid" - 10 minutes walk along a beautiful alley. Newlyweds often come here. From here you can return by bus to the city center or go the other way to Pirit and the Botanical Garden.
How to get to Kadriorg
From the city center get to Kadriorgyou can take the tram number 1 and 3, go about 10 minutes. Take buses No. 1, 1a, 19, 29, 29a, 29b, 34a, 38, 44 (the bus terminal is located in Viru Keskus on the ground floor), get off at the J.Poska stop. On foot 20-30 minutes, from Tolstoy Margarita we go down, past shopping centers and further along the streets with private houses
Pyrite
Pirita is good in summer, This area is located on the shores of the Gulf of Finland. Here is a large beach, several hotels, including SPA, restaurants and cafes.
Monastery of St. Birgitta (Est. Pirita klooster, Pirita) on Merivälja tee 18. There is not much left of the monastery, but it is very pleasant to wander here in the summer. Located 7 km from the city center. In the summer it works from 9.00 to 19.00, in the remaining months it opens later, and closes earlier. Admission is 2 euros.
Maaryamägi Castle (Maarjamäe loss) - the former summer residence of the family of Count Anatoly Vladimirovich Orlov-Davydov. The park contains sculptures and busts of the leaders of the communist movement, collected from all over Estonia.
You can drive from Pirita to the Botanical Garden. The garden is large, large collections of tulips, peonies, roses, many other plants, it is worth visiting the greenhouses in winter. In March, there is an exhibition of orchids. The Botanical Garden can be reached by buses 34-a and 38 from the bus terminal in Viru keskus. Get off at the Kloostrimetsa stop.
How to get to Pirit
On buses 34 and 1Afrom the bus terminal at Viru Keskus. Ride 10-15 minutes.
What to see in the west of Tallinn
Estonian ethnographic the museumat Rocca al Mare at Vabaõhumuuseumi tee 12. From Balti Jaam (Baltic Station) by bus number 21 and 21b, go directly to the museum gate. But they go 1-2 times per hour. It is better to take bus number 22 or trolley buses number 6 and 7 to the stop Zoo (Zoo), then 15 minutes on foot along the sea.
Zoo It is located at Paldiski mnt., 145. It is open daily, from May to August from 9.00 to 19.00, and closes at 17.00 in other months. You can get from the center by bus number 22 or trolley buses number 6 and 7 to the stop Zoo (Zoo).
Other museums in Tallinn
Dominican Monastery of St. Catherine, Vene 16/18
Jewish Museum of Estonia on Kar 16, open on weekdays from 9.00 to 17.00
Museum of Applied Arts on Lai 17 open from Wednesday to Sunday from 11.00 to 18.00. A collection of leather, textile, glass and metal products over the past 100 years. A ticket costs 3.50 euros.
Tallinn City Museum
Tallinn Science and Technology Center
Photo Museum at Town Hall Prison
Art Museum of Estonia
Mikkel Museumopen from Wednesday to Sunday from 11.00 to 18.00. A rich collection of works of art by Western European, Russian and Chinese masters of the XVI - XX centuries.
Adamson Eric Museum
Estonian Architectural Museum
Estonian History Museum
Museum of Estonian People
Estonian Museum of Nature
Estonian Health Museum
Estonian Sports Museum
Do they speak Russian in Tallinn
In Tallinn, many speak well and understand in Russian, so usually in shops and hotels in the city center there are no problems. Passers-by, as a rule, try to help, even if they do not speak Russian well.
In hotels or museums not very visited by Russian tourists, do not always understand Russian. When recruiting staff, of course, they prefer candidates with knowledge of several foreign languages, including Russian. Nevertheless, be prepared for the fact that not everyone knows Russian - the state language in Estonia is only Estonian. Indices, signs and labels on products are not duplicated in Russian.
Vocabulary
Avatud - open
Kauplus - score, pood - small shop, shop
Jaam - railway station
Bussijaam - bus station
Lennujaam- an airport
Sadam - port
Mersadam - sea port
Keskus - center (e.g. Viru keskus)
Kaubakeskus - shopping center
Hotell- hotel
Restoran - a restaurant
Kohvik - Cafe
Kohv - coffee
Hommikusöök - breakfast
Juuksur - hairdresser
Tänav- Street
Kirik - church
Apteek - pharmacy
Palun - you are welcome
Aitäh - thanks
Palun vabandust- sorry
Tere - Hello
Tere hommikust - good morning
Terviseks- For health!
Ma ei oska eesti keelt - I don't speak Estonian
All roads in old Tallinn lead to the town hall.
The Town Hall in Tallinn is over 600 years old.
There are always a lot of tourists on Town Hall Square.
In the warmer months, there are several summer cafes on the Town Hall Square.
Olde Hansa is one of the most popular restaurants for tourists.
A 50-gram almonds puff with cinnamon costs from 2 euros.
In the center of Tallinn there are many shops with all kinds of souvenirs.
Walking around Tallinn, pay attention to the doors.
These are the photos taken from the observation deck on Toompea.
Weathercocks - one of the attractions of Tallinn.
You can climb to the observation deck on Olevist for 2 euros.
From the Lower City you have to go to Toompea - Upper City.
The Riigikogu, the Estonian parliament, sits in Toompea Castle.
The Long Herman Tower is one of the symbols of Estonia.
And in a noticeable pink building on Toompea is the residence of the president.
In the gathering of Alexander Nevsky there are always a lot of people.
In Nigulista, with any luck, you can get to an organ concert.
There are many modern hotels near the Old Town.
From Vyshhorod you can go down to Kalamaya - part of Tallinn with wooden houses.
In Kadriorg, in the palace of Catherine I. is the Museum of Foreign Art.
In Kadriorg parks you can spend a couple of hours.
From the palace to the famous monument to the battleship "Mermaid" - 10 minutes walk.
If you are going to Tallinn, you should take an umbrella or raincoat.
From Kadriorg to Pirit - 7-10 minutes by bus.
In Pirita you can see the monastery of St. Birgitta.
There is not much left of the monastery, but in the summer it is very pleasant to wander here.
New buildings in Pirita, one of the most expensive areas of Tallinn.
The evening in Tallinn is especially romantic.
Arriving in a foreign country, having decided on the place of residence, remembering the preliminary plan of acquaintance with its attractions, you will definitely want to eat. Of course, the choice of place of food always depends on the financial capabilities of the tourist. But acquaintance with food traditions in the country, national dishes will happen. Moreover, walking around Tallinn and not finding a place where you can eat is not possible.
Features of Estonian national cuisine
Usually, speaking of national cuisine, they recall peasant dishes that have been used in a particular area for a long time. In connection with the migration of the population, the development of trade, tourist relations, and other historical events, the type of national cuisine is changing. The national traditions of Germany, Sweden, Russia, and other countries supplemented Estonian cuisine with their own elements. Now in the restaurants of the city you can order any dish prepared according to recipes of any country. Try the delicacies of international cuisine, for example, fried bear’s meat, wild boar meat. For connoisseurs of plant foods, modern vegetarian restaurants are available.
The main difference of the original Estonian cuisine are simple, hearty dishes prepared with their natural products using a small amount of spices. They include mixtures of interesting local herbs. "Superfoods" are delivered to the kitchen directly from the forests, fields. The skillful hands of the cook turn them into nutritious, healthy, beautiful dishes. In this case, steaming, baking in the oven is used. The processing of products is soft, preserving their natural taste. The combination of unusual components, sour taste, unexpectedness of many recipes can be tasted in inexpensive places of food, appreciating dishes prepared from fish, vegetables, meat, milk, cereals. At the same time, do not forget that a lunch without bread is not a complete one. Moreover, the three types of Estonian bread are delicacies in themselves. You can try it anywhere in the food. It is proposed to buy rye brown bread with a special crispy crust as a souvenir for loved ones. So delicious and healthy. A sandwich with the famous salty Estonian butter is comparable to the best pastries. To choose a place for budget meals, you can use the following sentence.
Restaurant-bistro LIDO
Solaris Shopping Center on Puiestee Street 9 is considered one of the most visited tourist sites. Relaxing, having lunch between trips through its halls, is convenient in a restaurant recognized by the leader in budget food in Estonia. The average value of a pay check per person consists of prices for soup about 2, meat dishes up to 5, sausages from 1.5 to 3, pancakes 1.5 euros. Here you can order a salad with tuna, pork with pineapple, Estonian black pudding, dessert, for example, trot with egg liqueur, cherry yogurt. And, of course, one of the famous soups, for example, with mushrooms. The list of dishes you want to try is amazing. Their order is made out, executed quickly, politely. Communication on any issue takes place in Russian. The volume of dishes is large. At lunchtime, business days, you can use the services of a business lunch, which will be cheaper. A standard lunch cannot be distinguished from a delicious home-made meal. By the way, there are two Lido fast-food restaurants in Tallinn today: one, as we wrote above in the Solaris shopping center (Estonia puiestee 9, Tallinn), and the other in the Ülemiste shopping center (Suur-Sõjamäe tänav 4, Tallinn).
Tavern III DRAAKON
The line to the restaurant located on Town Hall Square 1 is visible from afar. The enchanted place, decorated in a medieval style, is ready to treat you to many delicious dishes served in an old inn. Elk meat soup, mysterious linen bags filled with dried meat of a hare, wild boar, bear. Rosy meat pies, one flavor of which causes “wolf appetite”. Their cost is within 3 euros. Lovers of beer, cider, wine, coffee should prepare about 2 euros. Forgetting to order black bread with garlic, butter will not work. It is offered first of all. Opening hours from 9 to 24 hours.
What tastes better than these donuts does not happen, and Estonian cooks know the special secret of their preparation, it is known to everyone who comes to Tallinn. Donuts can be bought at an institution located at Kentmani 21 by weight. From 8 to 20 hours. The cost of one kg is 6, 7 euros. For a family-friendly company, one kg is not enough. When buying donuts in large quantities, a 10% discount applies. You can soothe the urge to eat pancakes here, worth up to 2.7 euros, a delicious meat dish of turkey and chicken. Buckwheat porridge can be ordered as a side dish. Dozens of options for their buckwheat dishes are being prepared in Estonia. This is one of the most useful cereals. Initially, buckwheat was considered a foreign guest, but Estonians' love for their own environmentally friendly products has long made it a local culture.
PEETRI PIZZA
In this pizzeria located at Kadaka tee 66b and 22 more places in Tallinn, you can eat delicious, inexpensive. Pizza, born in Italy, has long known no boundaries. Food has become a simple favorite dish everywhere on earth. Modern technologies for the preparation of delicious flat cakes for future use, their storage, and custom delivery have been mastered. The price of a small pizza with a thin layer of dough is about 3.5 euros, a large one is estimated at 4.9 euros. By the way, the main ingredients of a beautiful culinary work are cheese, tomatoes. Now there are many types of the most popular dishes in the world, which came from the time of ancient Rome, Greece. Recipes of the first pizzas are described in the writings of the 1st century BC, written by Mark Alicius. There are many types of pizza. Now the most famous of them is the Four Seasons pizza, invented in 1660 in Naples. The base of a pizza in the form of a cake is soft crumbly or thin crunchy. Of course, you need to try everything.
Cafe Grenka
Genuine in its simplicity and wholesome food - just like at home. The menu of Café Grenka has energy-rich breakfasts, nutritious lunches and dinners, and, of course, delicious pies and croutons. You can find the Grenka cafe in Tallinn at: Pärnu mnt 76, Tallinn
TRATTORIA DEL GALLO NERO
A romantic meeting can be arranged in an inexpensive restaurant, along with an acquaintance with delicious dishes borrowed in Italy. The atmosphere of the Old Town, where the institution is located at Lai tn 32, 10133 Tallinn, will complement the excitement of the cozy atmosphere, the choice of dishes. The famous Estonian soups can be tasted here for 5 euros, the prices of meat dishes start from 9 euros. A place in the restaurant must be booked in advance.
Tavern KARJA KELDER
The medieval atmosphere fills a cozy basement pub. Located Väike-Karja 1. Here you can drink coffee, beer, cider. Take advantage of the buffet offers for 12, 5 euros. To order a full dinner from the original dishes of Estonian cuisine. Try the famous Old Tallinn liquor. A dark brown liquid with a taste of rum first appeared in the city in 1962. It is offered with coffee, as part of cocktails. Another pleasant drink is raspberry liqueur with the aroma of caraway seeds Kannu Kukk.
Pancake Kompressor
Here you can try not the cheapest pancakes. But their taste, size, does not allow to eat a lot. For one pancake in a cafe in Old Tallinn, located at Rataskaevu 3, you need to pay 3 euros. Slender girls are better off not going here. It will be difficult to refrain from pancakes called "elephant ears" served with a fantastic filling.
Hell hunt
An inexpensive beer house is located on 39 Pikk Street. The establishment serves local beer with inexpensive food. Cozy interior in harmony with colorful national dishes. Many call this place the divine corner of gastronomic pleasure.
Restaurant "F-hoone"
Perhaps the F-hoone restaurant in Tallinn is one of the few catering places that boasts low prices: the cost of dishes on the menu starts from a couple of euros. The restaurant is located in a 100-year-old factory building, in the city center, near the station. There are always a lot of students and youth, budget design, unobtrusive service, inexpensive drinks. The restaurant's cuisine is absolutely international, also suitable for vegetarians and vegans. You can find the F-hoone restaurant in Tallinn at Telliskivi 60a.
Street food lovers will appreciate Hotokas Hot Dog Cafe, located at Toompuiestee 16. The main ingredients of the dishes are freshly baked rolls and sausages made to order specifically for Hotokas Cafe. Additives are prepared on the spot; whenever possible, only Estonian products are used. In addition to hot dogs, Hotokas also offers hand-chopped fries, nachos and salads.
Street food can be a real gastronomic discovery! Come and see for yourself!
Posted in,The capital of Estonia is the very city in which you want to return again and again, and even walking through familiar places, everyone will discover something new. Spending just a few days in the fabulously beautiful Tallinn is too little, since it deserves more attention. Thanks to the special atmosphere, the main pearl of the country looks like a real open-air museum.
The heart of the city, dating back a thousand-year history, is the best-preserved center of the Middle Ages of Northern Europe, and a powerful defensive wall appears almost in its original form.
An excursion into history: Tallinn
Where is the capital of a European state? Tallinn should be sought on the southern shore of the Gulf of Finland; it is part of Northern Estonia. Helsinki is approximately 80 kilometers from the popular tourist city located on the Baltic Sea coast, and 320 kilometers from St. Petersburg.
It is known that in the territory of present-day Tallinn, as early as 1154, there were people who founded a small settlement, captured by the Danes five decades later. The conquerors immediately began to build stone fortifications instead of wooden structures, laid the foundations of three religious sights - the Dome Cathedral and the churches of St. Nicholas and St. Olaf, whose high spiers still delight tourists.
In the middle of the XIV century, the city of Tallinn, which at that time was called Reval (Revel), was given to the Livonian Order, and merchants immediately reached here. It was at this time that the historical center was built, which is now incredibly popular with tourists. The Hanseatic Trade Union settlement developed extremely rapidly.
Vanalinn
Perhaps any trip to the capital on the Baltic Sea begins with the Old Town, which consists of two parts. Vanalinn, retaining the charm of the Middle Ages, has many entrances and exits, and tourists who think they have seen everything find themselves in unfamiliar places and are surprised to turn to the map.
Surprisingly, the historical situation here harmoniously combines with modern culture, and many consider the Old Town surrounded by a stone wall to be the true quintessence of the capital of Estonia.
Tallinn, the main attractions of which are concentrated precisely in this part, bewitches guests with the unique spirit of antiquity and unique architectural masterpieces. Other capitals of Northern Europe have long lost the special charm of the Middle Ages, and the ancient city retained its main historical monuments unchanged.
Two parts of the old town
Those who like to roam the cobblestone streets and admire the old houses should visit the heart of Tallinn, located in its central part, near the railway station and the seaport. The old city, which is divided into Upper and Lower, can easily be bypassed on foot. These two parts of the capital of Estonia initially had different functions. In the Middle Ages, administrative formations were managed by independent authorities.
The lower city, which can be called a business and shopping center, is the residence of all artisans and merchants. It differs from its neighbor in its architectural appearance, layout and significantly surpasses it in area and number of attractions.
In the Upper Town (Toompea) there lived representatives of state power and aristocrats who built magnificent castles. And now the Estonian government and parliament are sitting here. The upper city is famous for its viewing platforms, which offer truly magnificent views of the Estonian capital.
Sights that have come down to us from the Middle Ages
In the XIV century, the old city of Tallinn was surrounded by a powerful fortress wall with a large number of towers and a whole system of tunnels, and the locals were protected for a long time. Only three centuries later, the first street appeared outside the defensive structure, which was not destroyed when it ceased to fulfill its functions.
In Tallinn, you can still observe well-preserved sights that have come from past centuries. Of the 27 towers, only nine were destroyed, and part of the rest turned into residential buildings. We can say with confidence that they, like the spiers of the cathedrals, determine the face of the historical part of the city. The most famous are the towers of Tully, Kuldyala, Hellemann and Kik-in-de-Kek, the walls of which are embedded with cannonballs (in the 16th century, the troops of I. Grozny besieged it).
Sea gate
Near the harbor are the Big Sea Gate, built in 1265. They guarded the city of Tallinn from the raids of the robbers, and the order to erect a defensive structure was given by the Queen of Denmark Margarita. After their appearance, overseas merchants traded without fear, which contributed to the rapid prosperity of the village.
Four centuries later, the gate was supplemented by the tower "Fat Margarita" with a diameter of 25 meters. Low, but with powerful walls in which 155 loopholes were cut down, it was an excellent weapon against enemies trying to attack the city.
The main square of the historical center
The Town Hall Square has always been the center of life of the Old Town, protected by UNESCO. It read out the decrees of the authorities of the herald, held knightly tournaments and noisy fairs, heads flew from the shoulders during executions. To this day, festivities and Christmas events are held on it, which turn the colorful Tallinn into a real fairy tale.
The city center is famous not only for its wide area, but also for the Town Hall building - a magnificent building in the Gothic style, erected 600 years ago. In the XVI century, a weather vane was installed on the tower, depicting a city guard, who was named Old Thomas. Vana Toomas is the most significant and recognizable symbol of the capital of Estonia.
Foreign visitors will see many old buildings, the spiers of which are decorated with unusual devices that determine the direction of the wind, and this is no coincidence, since the city of Tallinn, where the fresh sea breeze always blows, was called the capital of weathercocks.
Major religious sites
The most notable structure of the Lower City is St. Olav's Church, as its 124-meter-high tower is visible from different parts of the city. From the observation deck of the temple offers stunning views of the picturesque surroundings. There is a decree from the city authorities prohibiting the construction of a building in the center of Tallinn that is taller than the church.
And in the Upper Town there is the main Lutheran temple - the Dome Cathedral, which was rebuilt many times. After a great fire in the 17th century, only tombstones of the parishioners and smoked walls remained from it. However, he, like a phoenix, was always reborn. Here is the grave of the famous navigator Kruzenshtern.
In addition, Toompea houses one of the few religious monuments of the Russian period - the five-domed Cathedral of Alexander Nevsky, which still works today.
Ancient streets and houses
Tourists who come to the city of Tallinn, where there are a huge number of architectural monuments, love to wander through the quaint streets with unusual names. For example, the Upper and Lower Towns are connected by Pikk jalg and Lühike jalg (Long Leg and Short Leg Streets), which gave rise to a joke about the “limping city”.
The main one is Viru, where there are a huge number of small shops. The shortest is Saiakang, whose name translates as "Slice of white bread", and the longest is recognized as Pikk. It is on it that there is an unusual museum - Marzipan Gallery, where you can buy a treat for yourself and relatives. Handmade sweet souvenirs are so elegant and beautiful that it is a pity to eat them.
The relatively small city of Tallinn (Estonia) is full of various attractions. It seems that every house on the way is a real repository of historical secrets.
Where to stay?
In the ancient capital of Estonia, hosting tourists year-round, all conditions for their comfortable stay are created. If we talk about the historical center, in which life does not stop even at night, then Tallinn hotels in the Old Town cannot be cheap. The average price for a double room with all amenities exceeds 100 euros per night. The five-star Savoy Boutique, Bern Hotel, Kullassepa Apartment, Taanilinna Hotel await visitors who are accustomed to luxury and want to plunge into the atmosphere of antiquity.
Therefore, those who are looking for more economical options should pay attention to housing in other places. For example, the Economy Hotel is located near the station, it offers beautiful views of the Upper Town, and the cost of a comfortable room is about 40 euros.
Tallinn Restaurants in the Old Town
Back in Soviet times, local cafes and restaurants were famous. Modern residents have not only preserved the tradition, but also increased it, and now you can eat in the Old Town almost everywhere. There are no large restaurants here, but small and cozy, where a special entourage is preserved, are located in the basements or on the upper floors of historical buildings.
In the center you can taste medieval cuisine in establishments with an authentic atmosphere (Peppersack, Leib Resto ja Aed, Olde Hansa, Kolmas Draakon), and local (Kaerajaan, Kuldse notsu). However, it is worth remembering that Tallinn's restaurants in the Old Town are not cheap establishments, and the bill can reach 40 euros or more, especially if with alcohol.
One of the most famous places to eat is Kaerajaan, located on Town Hall Square. It offers traditional Estonian dishes that will be remembered forever. French Restaurant D.O.M. will delight not only the exquisite cuisine, but also the Provencal style in the interior.
Charming cafe Lido, belonging to the Latvian network of fast-food restaurants, is located within walking distance from the Old Town and will appeal to those who are not used to paying a lot for lunch or dinner. Delicious home cooking, a cozy atmosphere make the institution the most popular.
Tourists who visited the magical city of Tallinn admit that they felt a nagging sensation of childhood. Walking along the old streets, you absolutely do not feel any tiredness, you want to go forward and enjoy the ancient architecture of the capital of Estonia. Real impressions exceed all expectations, and many experience a real cultural shock from the sight seen.
Tallinn is a beautiful European city that attracts a large number of tourists from different corners of the globe and at the same time can please not only rich, but also budget tourists, and this applies to all areas of recreation. Accommodation and entertainment are far from all the components of relaxation, the lion's share of expenses is often food, and in this case, tourists need to know which establishments offer a good and at the same time inexpensive menu.
In a number of shopping centers in the Estonian capital, you can meet the Lido Bistro. This place is considered one of the most popular, among a large number of tourists coming to the city. The average prices in this institution are as follows: soup - 1.5-2 euros, meat dish 4-5 euros, appetizer - in the region of 1.5-2 euros. The choice of dishes is very large and tourists who are visiting this place for the first time just run their eyes. In any case, a tasty and satisfying meal can be for about 6-8 euros. The staff is friendly, orders quickly and also speaks good Russian. We can say that they cook here inexpensively and at home.
At Town Hall Square you can find Tavern III Draakon. This institution is different in that the lines to it are visible from a fairly decent distance. The place is quite mystical, decorated in a medieval style, while the prices are more than democratic. The cost of one dish starts from three euros, although if you want to try something especially, you will have to pay significantly more. The institution is open from 9 am to midnight.
For a quick and tasty snack, the local donut Sõõrikukohvik is perfect. Many tourists will agree that donuts are one of the fastest, most delicious and inexpensive snacks. The facility is located on Kentmani street, 21 and is open from 8 to 21 hours. Donuts are sold by weight and for one kilogram you will have to pay about 6-7 euros (this amount is enough for two, or even three). It also sells pancakes for 2.5-3 euros per serving, to which buckwheat porridge can be ordered as a side dish.
Another place offering a tasty and inexpensive meal is the Peetri Pizza. The network of these institutions can be found in different parts of the Estonian capital, there are more than 20 of them. Already from the name of the institution it becomes clear that the main emphasis in the menu is on pizza. The minimum cost of one dish starts from 3.5 euros. The main ingredients in the menu of this institution are tomatoes and cheese.
On the one hand, the Kompressor establishment is not far from the lowest prices, but if you compare the price and the portion size, it will turn out to be quite profitable. One serving costs around three euros.
You can drink delicious beer and at the same time try inexpensive national dishes in the cafe (pub) Hell Hunt. The institution offers its visitors several varieties of good local beer, as well as a good selection of dishes of national cuisine. In addition to this, you can add a cozy interior of the institution and quality service.
Another institution that boasts low prices is called "F-hoone". This is not some kind of eatery, but a rather decent restaurant, the cost of dishes in which starts from just a few euros. The restaurant is located on the territory of a 100-year-old factory building near the station (it is in the city center). Due to the low prices, the institution is very popular among students, youth and tourists who come here for a good atmosphere, communication and inexpensive food. The venue features international cuisine, including vegetarian options.
If the first place for you is not the taste of the dishes and their usefulness, namely the cost, then you should not pass by the hot dog cafe Hotokas. You can find this place at Toompuiestee, 16. The main ingredients of this place are sausages and freshly baked rolls. Various additives are prepared directly on site using exclusively Estonian products. The menu of this fast food is not limited to hot dogs, as it should be, such establishments here offer visitors french fries, salads and other dishes traditional for such places.
