The really cool thing about Helsinki is that it is so close to Tallinn, Estonia. Departing Helsinki at 3:30 pm by ferry, I arrived in Tallinn, at 5:45 pm (2.5 hours), and paid 19€ for the ferry down. In Tallinn, I stayed 2 nights at the Economy Hotel ($70 CAD) which was a 20 minute walk from the Tallinn ferry station. The Economy Hotel was great, only minutes away from the Old Town.
Despite being underrated, Tallinn has a fascinating history with its ties to Sweden, Denmark, Finland and Russia. It dates back to the 13th century where it was a key player in the Hanseatic trade league, and has constantly been attacked by neighboring countries. Since the USSR last exerted control over the city 25 years ago, the city has undergone a “cultural revolution”. Tallinn has a distinct identity; with old town walls, winding alleyways, colorful gabled houses, ornate doorways and medieval courtyards, it almost looks as if it were stripped off a fairy tale book. There is no shortage of beautiful churches in the Old Town, and there are plenty of restaurants, cafes and bars.
People were also very friendly. A common view that many people resonated with was with how far Estonia has come in terms of digital business, and technology. Skype, was in fact born in Tallinn.
Apart from getting lost in the Old Town, checking out all of the galleries, and craft workshops, and contemporary restaurants, two days was more than enough in Tallinn. It seems like there is a lot to do, but the city is so small that you can do it all in a day. If I could go back, I would have done the opposite (for this itinerary) and stayed two days in Helsinki, and one in Tallinn. Nonetheless, Tallinn was a really interesting city to visit – especially if it is warm and sunny. When I visited, it was cold and rainy (even though it was in August), which wasn’t too much fun.
During my 2 night stay in Tallinn, I visited the following sights:
Alexander Nevsky Cathedral: Built in the late 1800s, it is an example of architecture from the Russian Empire. The interior is all copper, zinc, and granite, while there are plenty of mosaics, and stained glass.
Kadriorg Palace: Palace built by Russia’s Peter the Great for his wife, Catherine. It houses some of Estonia’s and the world’s best artwork from the 16th and 20th century.
St. Catherine’s Passage: Located in the Old Town, it connects Vene and Müürivahe street. It is home to artisan workshops, and ancient tombstones (from St. Catherine’s Church).
Kiek in de Kök: The bastion tunnels around the Danish King’s Garden. The Swedes built these tunnels in the 17th and 18th century to move ammunition, supplies and troops in case the Russians attacked. The tunnels were used as a bomb shelter during WWII, a haven for punk rocker defying the Soviet Union laws in the 80s, and homeless when Estonia’s economy wasn’t doing too well after its independence.
*There’s a free city tour that leaves everyday at 12 pm/3pm infront of the city tourist information at Niguliste 2 – on the corner of Harju and Niguliste Street
Food:
Les Petites, Tali, Piret Ilves, Leib Resto Ja Aed (had the best bread), Three Dragons Pub (elk stew)
