Happy Days Everyone! Today I will be in Tallinn, the different city of the North, Estonia. When I wanted to go to the Baltic countries, my fate was today.
As part of my trip, I will visit Finland, Latvia, Lithuania and Belarus respectively.. You can also read my travel notes on other Baltic Cities after my trip to Tallinn.
I’m starting to explore Tallinn! In my travel notes, you can find places to visit in Tallinn and my general impressions about Estonia along with my adventure.
Tallinn Overview
How to Go to Tallinn?
Friday, 09 December 2016. After completing my final preparations, I am on my way to Atatürk Airport.. Today, I will reach Estonia directly with Turkish Airlines flight TK 1423 to Tallinn.
As always, I arrive at the airport 2 hours before my flight.. After receiving my international departure stamp, I proceed to the plane and take off at 13.55.
The shortest and easiest way to come to Tallinn and Estonia is the direct flights I use.. But because it’s relatively expensive, it might make more sense to come by bus from Latvia and Finland. Depending on the season, connecting flights can offer suitable options here.
There is a pleasant view along the way! After approximately 2100 km and a short flight of three hours, we land at Tallinn Lennart Meri Airport at 17.30 local time.. Normally, we do not have a time difference with Estonia, but this year they are 1 hour behind because we did not switch to winter time.
Getting On The Plane / Atatürk Airport
Is a Visa Required for Estonia?
Before giving general information about Estonia Since this country is a member of the European Union and Schengen, I need to remind you that Turkish Citizens with Bordeaux Passport are subject to a visa.
I would like to briefly mention Estonia and Tallinn.. Estonia was the first country to leave the Soviet Union in 1991 and declared its independence on that date.. Today, the language of this country, which has a population of approximately 1.5 million, is Estonian and its currency is the Euro.
City of Tallinn Overview
Where is Tallinn?
The capital city of Tallinn is located on the Baltic Sea an important historical city and port city. Its population is only about 300,000 and it can be easily visited on foot.. Founded in 1154, this city was able to preserve most of its buildings despite some damage during the Second World War, and the old city center is on the Unesco World Heritage List. Today, as throughout its history, it is an important port city and the most important economic center of the country.. It is also waiting for its visitors with its touristic value that has increased recently.
Now I continue my journey from where I left off.. During the passport control, I can say that I was taken to the country with a generally optimistic attitude, even though I was questioned a little due to the political turmoil in our country at the time I went.
Tallinn Airport Transportation
Tallinn It is a relatively small city and Lennart Meri Airport is only 3.5 km from the city.. You can reach the city center by bus number 2 for only 1 euro from the bus stop right in front of the terminal.. Those who want adventure in an optimistic weather can reach the city from Tallinn Airport by walking in half an hour!
Exit from the Terminal / Tallinn Lennart Meri Airport
What is the Climate of Tallinn?
From the first moment I go out I feel the northern cold. As you know, Tallinn is one of the northernmost capitals of Europe.. During the winter the weather is usually minus and the daylight hours are quite low.. On the day I went, the weather is around -5 degrees, but there is a dry cold because there is no rain.
After a bus ride of about 20 minutes, I arrive at the city center.. First, I arrive at Fat Margaret’s Hostel, which is located on the port side of the city where my reservation is made.. I pay about 15 euros per night, Estonia is generally more affordable than Western and Central Europe.
There are many places to visit in Tallin.. The most beautiful feature of these is that they are close to each other, everywhere in Tallin is close to each other and you never need to use a vehicle.
Entrance to the Old Town from Tallinn Walls
In Tallinn Places to Visit
After taking a breather at the hostel for a while, I start walking on Pikk street, which stretches from the north of the city to the city center.. Right at the beginning of the street, you enter Tallinn’s Walls, which reminds me of the Istanbul Walls, this area is now (old town) old city center.
The first thing I came across was St.. Olaf’s Church. This church is one of the most important structures that make up the silhouette of the city of Tallinn.. Its magnificent 124 meter tower reflects the characteristic Estonian Architecture directly.
I keep walking.. Vehicles with Estonian license plates and Estonian flags draw my attention along the street.. These are the details that I care about in every country and make me feel in a different place.
Pikk Street / Flag of Estonia
Tallinn Old Town
As you approach the town square, there are pleasant restaurants and bars catch my eye. Since it is a Friday evening, these places are quite lively.
I am now arriving at the old town square, aka the Old Town Square. This square is Tallinn’s most famous square. and tourist place. There are charming Estonian houses, each more beautiful than the other, all over the square.. This is somewhat reminiscent of an architecture found throughout the Baltic States.
As the calendars show December, there is a huge Christmas tree in the middle of the square.. There are local foods and mulled wines unique to this country, which you can taste in souvenir shops and quick snack shops around the tree..
What to Eat in Tallinn?
The delicacies you can snack on here include Creamy Mushroom Soup and Cinnamon Beer. I also add a few more special pieces to my collection from the souvenir shops located in the square.
The Town Hall Pharmacy that you can see right in the square is one of the oldest pharmacies in history.. Since it was not open at the time I was there, I was content to watch from the outside, but it is obviously impressive.
The Tallinn Town Hall (town hall) building is another nice structure in this square.. 13. The building built in the middle of the century is one of the best examples of gothic architecture. Its tower rising just above it is one of the symbols of Tallinn.
Old Town Square / Instant Snack Shops
Toompea Hill
I continue to wander. My current stop is St Mary’s Cathedral and Toompea Hill. Tallinn is a city half made up of hills. In this hilly part of the city, there are observation decks. From here, you can watch the rising silhouette of the city with the naked eye.. I think this is at the top of the things to do in Tallinn !
After narrow streets and stairs, I arrive at St Mary’s Cathedral. This magnificent white building is a mixture of baroque and gothic architecture.. built in the middle of the century. Most of the old buildings in Tallinn were raised during this period and I can say that Tallinn offers a complete medieval experience.
Old Town Square / Souvenir Shops
Alexander Nevsky Cathedral
As I move a little further, I see Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, which is perhaps the most different structure in the city.. The cathedral is independent of the rest of the city.. built at the beginning of the century. As you can understand from its name and the political situation at that time, you can clearly see Russian architecture.. It reminded me slightly of St Basil’s Cathedral, which I observed on my trip to Moscow.
Now it’s the Toompea Castle. this castle 11. literally a medieval castle built on the hill of the same name in the city in the 19th century. This castle, which has seen many wars and changed hands many times throughout its history, today serves as the Estonian Parliament Building with its recent restorations.. You can visit this castle by reservation during the hours of the day.
Alexander Nevsky Cathedral
The Pikk Hermann, or Hermann Tower, located in one corner of the castle, is considered one of the most important points of the city.. The Estonian flag on it is 95 meters above the sea and at the top of the city.
Tallinn Observation Terraces
I continue my way in the Toompea region. This part of the city consists of old buildings. As I mentioned, since it is on the hill, there are many observation terraces.. And I’m diving into the city of Tallinn from these terraces. From these terraces, you can choose most of the places I have just visited.
Estonian Parliament Building
Just behind the Toompea area is a small pond and city park. I head towards the city center because of the cold weather and evening hours, but those who have time can visit this place.
I arrive at the real center of the city.. The most important places in this area are Freedom Square, Tammsare Park, Viru Gate and the following Viru Street.
Tallinn from the Observation Terrace
What’s Tallinn Like?
First of all, the general city of Tallinn I can say that the living area is quiet and quiet.. I experienced this during my two days in general. Tallinn is one of the most livable and safe cities in the world. Especially in the evening, in secluded spots such as the underpass that even I sometimes think of crossing, most women can walk comfortably even with open clothes.. In this respect, Tallinn is a place with a high standard of living where you can feel comfortable and safe.
Liberty Square, as you can imagine, is one of the most important points of Tallinn.. At this point, celebrations and ceremonies were held on important days of the country.. You can find monuments and nice details around it.
Walking on Parnu Street
From here, I continue walking on Parnu, one of the main streets of the city.. Along the way, I can see more innovative and multi-storey buildings unlike my previous impressions. But I can say that the high-rise buildings are only sporadic and hotels.. You can also see these sights from the bus on the way to the city from the airport.
Shopping in Tallinn
There is a small park called Tammsaare right on this street, and Viru Keskus I think the only shopping complex in the city named. Those who want to shop in Tallinn should check out this place. I can’t say it’s big, but it has shops and a supermarket on the ground floor.
One of the Hotels on Parnu
I take a few things I need from this supermarket with me.. I usually use supermarkets on my international travels.. In this way, you can observe people from the public and live like a Tallinn for a few days, while shopping for food at affordable prices and having an idea about the general economic situation of the country.
Estonian people contrary to expectations, are friendly. I chatted for a long time with the people I met in the touristic areas I was in and especially at the fast food places in the old town square.. Also, the people at the hostel were very hospitable.
Viru Street
The last point I will talk about now is Viru street. Viru is Tallinn’s most important tourist street.. Their Istiklal in our classical expression. There is a historical castle entrance gate called Viru Gate at the entrance of this street on the park side where I am.. This gate is called Viru Gate because it opens to Viru street.. There are mainly flower shops right next to this gate.
Viru Gate / Flower Shops on the Left
Viru street is not such a long street.. A street the size of Tallinn city and there are good restaurants and shops along the road. At the end of the road, you arrive at the old town square, which I stopped by at the beginning.
After this point, as the clock approaches midnight, I head towards my hostel the same way I came.. Today has been a tiring day for me with my flight. Actually, even though my plane landed in the afternoon, Tallinn is such a practical and small city that I have been to almost all sightseeing spots in a short time.
The End of Viru Street and Old Town Square Again
As extra spots you can see i can count the port area north of the city. I will have already visited this region during my trip to Helsinki the next day.
To sum up, Tallinn is a city that has fully met my expectations.. It offers you a full medieval simulation for a short time. Also, you get rid of the crowd and confusion of the city you live in.
One of the Pleasant Restaurants in Tallinn
When to Go to Tallinn?
In December, the sun rises at 9 am and sets at around 3 noon.. Sun duration is short, but this city is also beautiful at night. I visited most of the places at night due to my travel planning, which I mentioned in a separate article, but I also had the chance to observe during the day when I went to Helsinki and Riga..
I suggest you to visit Tallinn in winter, despite the little sunshine and northern cold.. Because this is a winter city. I wish I could not see this lovely city under the snow, which is the only thing left in me.. I leave this part to you too !
I stayed in Tallinn for a total of 2 nights but in one of these I visited the city. I think it’s enough for a full day of sightseeing.. However, my suggestion will be for 2 days.
States Ruling Toompea Castle, that is Tallinn, by Years
Are Estonian People Warm-blooded?
As I gave a little hint above, Estonian people are warm-blooded and Turkish people. in a positive attitude towards. You can contact people and ask questions wherever you need. Since the education in Estonia is quite high, the public’s English is quite good. I still recommend having an offline Estonian dictionary with you.
There are Russian and Finnish tourists in the city mainly due to its geographic proximity.. The students I stayed with and had the opportunity to meet in the hostel were mostly of Russian origin.. On the THY plane I came directly from Istanbul, the majority of them were foreigners and I did not meet no Turks for two days.. In fact, I couldn’t see anything in the city that reminded us of our country.
Baltic Sea and Tallinn’s Location
Cities to See Around Tallinn
As you take a look at Tallinn from the map, you will realize that. Located just 80 km south of Finland’s Capital, Helsinki. Ferries are available to cross the Baltic Sea that separates these two beautiful cities.. I will change my route to Helsinki on my second day.. I suggest you to visit Helsinki, another important city of Estonia Tartu and another Baltic country Latvia’s capital Riga, located approximately 300 km to the south..
Is Tallinn Expensive ?
Tallinn is a generally suitable city. Although it is a bit more expensive than our country due to Euro, I can say that it is suitable compared to the rest of Europe. You can fill your stomach with water for 50 cents, 2-3 euros per kilo, fruit, vegetables and 10-15 euros in restaurants..
Tallinn Streets / Notable Russian and Finnish Bays
Tallinn Nightlife
Tallinn nightlife is satisfactory. More quiet, composed of self-contained pubs and restaurants-cafes. It can be said that the night entertainment in Tallinn is skyrocketing, especially at the weekend.
Finns from Helsinki, just north of it, come to Tallinn to have fun on the weekends. It is obvious that Estonia would be more suitable than Finland! In this way, I have finished what I wanted to talk about Tallinn in the first place.
This is how I end my Tallinn Travel Notes that will guide your trip.. I will be anchoring north on the second day of my trip.. I have Helsinki and Finland on my route tomorrow. I also recommend you to read my travel notes here, stay with love!
Must read: My Advice for Traveling to EstoniaThe Next Day: My Helsinki, Finland Travel Notes
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