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Why Go

One look at Estonia's capital and travelers will see what all of the fuss has been about. As a port city that has seen numerous different empires, Tallinn is a veritable cornucopia of contrasts. In spite of its recent rapid development, walking through the city's Old Town is like stepping back in time to the Middle Ages. Here, narrow cobblestone streets and castles brush up side by side against avant-garde contemporary buildings, shopping centers, and restaurants. Visit the city in summer, and be greeted by parks full of flowers and plenty of green spaces perfect for a picnic or a romantic stroll. Travelers who explore Tallinn in winter will enjoy a picture-perfect fairytale of snow-covered buildings and still beauty. It truly is a city for romantics! In fact, travelers might want to toss a coin into the sea before departing, a tradition designed to ensure that a return visit will be delightfully inevitable. 

Insider Tips

Travelers who plan to drive while in Tallinn should know that there is no free parking in the city, though there are high-tech solutions to paying. It's possible to pay for parking via cell phone by buying a local SIM card and uploading money with the simple sending of an SMS. Just list the place where the car is parked along with the number of the machine and zone, and handle taking care of parking with a text message. Travelers will receive an SMS reply confirming the start time for parking, and when it's time to leave, call the specified number and the clock stops! It's a pretty high-tech way to take care of an ages-old problem. For those curious about how the rule is enforced: if a police officer wants to check whether you have paid for parking, he pulls out a mini-computer, enters the number of the machine where you are parked, and verifies whether the parking has been paid for.

Taxis in Tallinn are not expensive, but flagging one down might be an exercise in patience and a moderately impossible ordeal. If finding an official car proves too difficult, try to call the official number and get a car to show up directly to a hotel or residence instead.

The city has great public transportation, for those who prefer to do as the locals do. Particular cards make it possible to ride on all different types of public transportation within the period of an hour, an option which can be great for sightseers.

For foodies back home, picking up some delicious sprats, Estonian candy, or even cheese can be a great present, though it's good to check at import laws for home countries before making big purchases. Alcoholic beverages like the famous liquor Vana Tallinn also make great gifts, and wandering around the Old City means the chance to peruse ceramics, colored glass, and crocheted items, too.

Those worried about the language barrier will find that plenty of people in Estonia speak Russian and English in addition to Estonian. When in doubt, try to make do, perhaps with a phrasebook.

The general rate of tipping at restaurants is 10 percent.

For budget-conscious romantics, it's worth realizing that prices are likely to be higher in the most touristy parts of town. For a romantic and free activity, taking a walk in the woods or a stroll along the promenade cannot be beat!

What to Eat

Most restaurants in Tallinn serve international dishes and there are many institutions with Italian cuisine. But the Estonians have also honored their peasant past. Thus, many restaurants serve soups, rye bread, blood sausage, smoked eel or pike, and meat dishes with potatoes and vegetables. Estonians are not indifferent to drink, and gathering with a group of friends at a pub over a bottle of wine or round of beers is a common and delightful occurrence. Don't miss a chance to try the local beer, vodka, mulled wine, and the strong, well-known liqueur Vana Tallinn.

For a special night out with your loved one, try Neh, a fabulous bistro helmed by the Padaste Manor’s culinary team, arguably Estonia’s best. Open from September-April, it's a seasonal treat that must be enjoyed.  Located in an unassuming brick building near the port, the interior is flooded with light during the day. The upper floor is preferred for a romantic dinner. The menu changes frequently, but it’s hard to go wrong with dishes such as braised veal cheek and celeriac puree or blueberries in baked vanilla custard for dessert. For an extra special treat, book the chef’s table.

Olde Hansa, located in the heart of Old Town, just 20 meters from Old Town Square, is a cultural landmark. This place is especially famous for its medieval meals and friendly service from staff in period costume. On the menu are different dishes for different tastes, although note that as a popular tourist haunt, prices are rather high and this place is more about the atmosphere and experience than the food. Try the wild boar platter and honey or cinnamon beer, and revel in a delightfully rustic experience.

If you want to eat quickly and inexpensively, Vapiano is a good choice. There are two locations, on the street Hoobujaama 10 near Foorum Keskus and in the new mall Solaris, Estonia pst. 9. Expect tasty Italian cuisine, meaning delicious pizza and pasta options. You order from a menu, standing in front of a cook, and watch as he prepares a dish for you. There is sometimes live music, mostly jazz and blues on weekends at night.
If you’re seeking a change from Estonian food, try the city's fantastic Indian restaurant, Chakra. With a beautiful interior, fresh baked naan and wonderful authentic specials from an Indian chef, it's a romantic retreat from more traditional fare.

For something a bit different, Beer House is fantastic for fans of live, freshly brewed beer! Located in the heart of the Old Town, 100 meters from Old Town Square, it's an exciting spot for those who love their lagers and stouts. Every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights, there is live traditional music, a great chance to soak up the local culture. The place is lively, and the interior, hung with street lanterns, looks great!

For your sweetheart or your sweet tooth, Anneli Viik Café is a great spot to visit. A land of homemade chocolate, the menu has a great selection of tasty coffee, snacks, and cakes. It's very cozy and charming, and a nice spot to pick up a box of chocolates for later.
 

What to See

Those who delight in history will love a chance to see Tallinn’s Town Hall Square. A perfectly preserved 15th century town hall with Gothic arches, and bell tower, it's an exciting place to take photos and imagine vibrant history and past events. For more exciting history, near the Town Hall Square are a few churches. One of the most interesting is the Church of the Holy Spirit, which dates back to the 14th century. This is a small Gothic building with stucco walls of limestone, gable roof and steeple, and it's a lovely spot to look around at least once while in town. 

Toompea Hill, where the Danes built a castle in the 13th century, offers romantics a beautiful view of the city. You can enter through a gate that was erected by the Teutonic Knights! If you go further up the main street of Old Town’s Pikk Street to the area of ​​Lossi Plats, you’ll find the Orthodox Cathedral of Alexander Nevsky.

On the square itself lies Toompea Castle, with its bright pink baroque facade, another landmark worth a gander.

The rest of Tallinn’s Old Town consists of shopping streets of Tallinn's medieval times and merchant houses. On the main street, Pikk 17, is the Great Guild Hall. At Pikk 26, you come to a vivid Renaissance building with ornate gates – the House of the Brotherhood of Blackheads, another major historical site. A bit further down lies the Estonian Maritime Museum (the building is called Fat Margaret), a delightful stop for anyone interested in the history of the country at sea.

For something a bit more contemporary but no less enjoyable, the city's nightlife and social world is well worth exploring with that special someone, too. Café VS is open until midnight during the week and later on weekends, and offers the chance to enjoy great music and an upbeat atmosphere. The interior is made in an industrial style, and DJs spin house music for an enthusiastic local crowd, making it a great spot to go out dancing. Club Prive has a similar vibe, with well-known DJs and bands. Both are great ways to enjoy a night out together at least once while visiting, despite the allure that nights in may have, especially in a picture-perfect hotel room.

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