A Modern Day Medieval Town
The old world meets the new on the streets of Tallinn.
Lying on the Southern coast of the Gulf of Finland the Estonian capital Tallin is an historical site of great value which was recognized as such and inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Typically associated with the picture perfect hill of Toompea, covered in vintage cobbled streets and dotted with medieval houses and winding alleyways, the city is a beautiful place to explore and a must see if you are on your way to Helsinki, its sister city across the Baltic Sea.
Talinn is now in better shape than ever. The city presents bigger roads transfigured into lovely shopping streets with a unique style reminiscent of those on Geneva and the shoddiest parts of the town have been rebuilt with a very attractive and solid Soviet style. There is no need to pack a fancy dress to go to town since you'll want to leave plenty of room for your purchases on Tallinn. We've found the local shops sell items of high quality, specially on the clothes arena, and with the designs being so unique you won't want to let the opportunity to stock on them go. Freedom Square (located at the edges of the old town) is the new center of the town and close to the always mysterious Hotel Viru, a relic of the Cold War where every room was formerly monitored by the KGB (no need for being secretive and wearing face masks, however, as all of that is in the past.)
Getting to Tallin
Typical medieval buildings paint a picture perfect scenery.
The easiest and most widely used means of transportation to get to Tallin is either by catamaran or ferry. You can also reach the city by bus or airplane, but taking this route offers a lovely journey and affordable pricing.
Most people take the ferry shuttle route which comes from Helsinki and has over 20 departures every day. The travel time will depend on the ferry of your choice but usually goes from one and a half to three and a half hours maximum. The pricing is very affordable but do notice that prices will change depending the company, time of departure, day of the week and season. Another option is to take a full day cruise, which doesn't cost much more than the ferry but can provide you with a whole day activity. If arranged beforehand even parties and events can be held at the cruise lines, most of which will provide music, staff and even party supplies.
Almost all the ferries dock at the well maintained Reisisadam port which has a direct bus to the city center and the airport. Another option for the even moderately fit is to take a leisure 15 minute walk down to Viru Square. It's true that the path to the city from the port is not the more visually enthralling but it is only a short walk that can get you in that relaxed mood you will need to truly savour the city.
