Tallinn, must-see in the capital of Estonia

Why visit Tallinn? This small hidden gem facing the Baltic Sea is one of the most surprising cities in Europe. The capital of Estonia, long off the main tourist routes, is increasingly becoming one of the most popular destinations on the continent, holding a special place in the hearts of its visitors. Rich in charm and history, Tallinn combines breathtaking natural landscapes, such as its spectacular midnight sunsets in summer, with modern events and vibrant cultural festivals.

Tallinn has always represented a crossroads of goods and people, thanks to its strategic location by the Gulf of Finland, which has made it rich in diverse cultures and influences. It is modern and charming, with a medieval old town that has managed to preserve its heritage so well that it has been included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. The time-weathered beauty of the ivy-covered Viru Gate, the Gothic town hall, and the ancient city walls perfectly combine with its vibrant modern side featuring contemporary art galleries, gourmet restaurants, lush parks, and must-visit chocolate shops. Confirming its modern and technological spirit, Tallinn is also known as the "Silicon Valley of Europe," as it has the highest number of startups per capita in Europe, and free internet access is considered a fundamental right, provided throughout the city. Compact, eclectic, lively, modern, rich in history with postcard-like architecture, Tallinn is divided into eight districts, each comprising smaller neighborhoods boasting a fairy-tale atmosphere with cobblestone streets, photogenic views, and opulent churches interspersed with sprinkles of modernity and many unique attractions.

Tallinn is full of things to do and interesting places to discover dating back to the many foreign dominations that have occurred in the city. DISCOVER: HOLIDAYS IN ESTONIA

Due to its small size and ease of getting around, it doesn't take much time to uncover its beauties. Even with limited time, it will be easy and fun to explore its old town on foot, which holds artistic treasures, historically significant sites, scenic views, and a fairy-tale atmosphere, making it one of the best-preserved urban centers in the world, with winding streets, lively cafes, and elegant buildings. Strolling through these streets is the best way to get to know the city's corners and spirit, admire its beauty, peek into courtyards, discover secret gardens, and climb the panoramic towers like that of St. Olaf's Church, which offers the best view of all over the Old Town and Tallinn Harbor.

Tallinn's historic center is divided into two parts: Toompea Hill and Lower Town, with the main entrance being the Viru Gate, a 14th-century structure that was part of the city's defensive wall system. From here, you can access a space frozen in time between towers and spires, culminating in the middle of Town Hall Square. Once the center of the city's government, today the square is a meeting point that hosts a variety of traditional cultural events. At the edge of the square stands the oldest Gothic building/Town Hall in Northern Europe, which offers a splendid view of the old town, while at the other end of the square is Raeapteek, one of the oldest pharmacies in Europe featuring a small medical museum and the chance to taste herbal mixtures created with local ingredients. If you pay attention to the square's pavement, you will find a distinctive circular stone marked by a compass indicating the optimal observation point to see the steeples of five historic churches around Tallinn.

Overlooking the rest of the city is Toompea Hill with its castle, which has always been the seat of power and today houses the Estonian parliament. The castle's tallest tower, Pikk Hermann, is one of the main symbols of the Estonian state, with its flag raised every day at dawn to the notes of the national anthem. Toompea also features several romantic vantage points from which you can see the harbor and two imposing churches: Tallinn Cathedral and Alexander Nevsky Cathedral.

A few kilometers east of Tallinn's historic center, the lush expanse of Kadriorg Park, covering 70 hectares, is the perfect place to relax in green surroundings filled with flowerbeds arranged in geometric patterns, a swan lake, a Japanese garden, and an English landscape park with an oak grove. Additionally, the majestic Kadriorg Palace, the former imperial summer residence, now hosts the collection of artworks from the Estonian Art Museum. In Kadriorg, you can also visit other intriguing museums like Kumu, Mikkel Museum, Miiamilla Children's Museum, and the museums of Peter the Great. Unlike others and not to be missed for its content and structure is the Seaplane Harbour, the Estonian Maritime Museum built in the enormous seaplane hangar, where you can board the 1930s submarine Lembit, one of the few remaining examples from that era, or explore various naval vessels like the icebreaker Suur Tõll and visit interactive exhibits on topics ranging from ships to combat aircraft that tell the story of maritime Estonia. Outside the center, Tallinn still has much to offer those who visit, thanks to a series of modern and vibrant neighborhoods where you can discover everyday life.

The waterfront Noblessner district near the seaplane museum is a former submarine factory that today hosts a modern urban space with galleries, design shops, a marina, and seaside restaurants where you can enjoy the sunset. Telliskivi Creative City is one of the most frequented and beloved places by locals due to its numerous design shops, restaurants, and cultural institutions, and it is also home to Fotografiska Tallinn, an international photography art center and gallery. The area is also perfect for sampling local street food among the stalls in the covered market and enjoying some street art with many colorful murals. Adjacent to Telliskivi is the Kalamaja district, one of the oldest in the city, renowned for its colorful wooden houses. This former industrial area has been revitalized among historic wooden buildings and renovated warehouses, boutiques, rustic restaurants, and cozy cafes. A young zone loved by students and artists with galleries, performance spaces, and flea markets. The Rotermann district is recognized as an area of great architectural significance, with modern and classic styles skillfully combined, housing an interesting Estonian Architecture Museum. Amidst converted and redesigned buildings, a wide range of shops, cafes, restaurants, and recreational facilities pop up, from beauty salons to sports clubs to cinemas. The last attraction to add to your Tallinn to-do list is the towering Television Tower. Standing at 314 meters, it boasts the title of the tallest building in Estonia and now features a panoramic terrace on the 21st floor, bars, and restaurants with views over the city. For thrill-seekers, there's also the opportunity to walk suspended on the edge of the tower, strapped to a harness, and dangle your feet over a drop of 175 meters in the Walk on the Edge experience.

The best time to visit Tallinn is during the summer season from May to September, which guarantees warm temperatures and long bright days. In winter, however, if you don't fear the cold, you can admire Tallinn in a different light, adorned by snow and ice covering squares and streets where one of the best Christmas markets in Europe is set up.