Holidays in Tallinn
Tallinn is a stunning city in Northern Europe and the capital of Estonia.
With a retraceable history dating back thousands of years, Tallinn and Estonia has been ruled by a number of countries including Germany and Russia/USSR although most recently during 1991 re-established its independence.
The medieval hub of Tallinn is a most magnificent and well preserved centre and has been listed as an UNESCO World Heritage Site for over a decade. Cobbled streets and buildings dating from the 11th to 15th century ensure that a short break to Tallinn is filled with hidden treasures found around every corner, perfect for those looking for a cultural short city break holiday. Start your walking tour of Tallinn from Tallinn’s famous Town Hall on the marketplace which during the summer is home to many outdoor cafes, concerts and craft fairs.
There is a fabulous choice of restaurants, bars and pubs to enjoy whilst on holiday in Tallinn, from a modern ice bar to medieval eateries, and Russian delights to Estonian delicacies.
As with all northern European countries, the Estonians love their sauna and spa culture, and in and around Tallinn there are many excellent spa centres. Head to Kalevspa where there is a magnificent water park with bubble baths, saunas and winding slides. Remember to use the European dress code for swimming including swim hats for long hair and traditional swim wear.
Estonia beaches near Tallinn
Whilst many may not go on holiday to Estonia to explore the beaches, there are actually many fabulous stretches of sandy beaches along Estonia’s Baltic coast. Head to Laulasmaa Resort for therapeutic spa treatments and white sandy beaches just 30 minutes drive from Tallinn.
However 20 minutes drive from Old Tallinn in the Pirita District are three kilometres of palm backed white sandy beaches, perfect for bathing and water sport enthusiasts.
Explore Tallinn city
First stop when exploring Tallinn should be the Town Hall Square. Not only will you find one of the oldest pharmacies in Europe but also the historic Great Guild Hall, and nearby, the Renaissance building of the House of the Brotherhood of Black Heads.
The next area to visit in Tallinn should be Kadriorg which is just a few minutes’ walk from the Town Hall Square. Visually Kadriorg in Tallinn lies in contrast with Old Tallin in that it is a quiet neighbourhood complete with forested parks, paths, ponds and statues, a baroque palace and an art museum, with fabulous elegant villas built in the 18th and 19th centuries.
Other “must visit” places to see whilst on holiday in Tallinn is the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, the Danish King’s Garden next to Toompea Hill, the Great Coastal Gate and Fat Margaret’s Tower, the dominating Oleviste Church, the medieval St Catherine’s Passage and Tallinn Zoo.
A wonderful alternative way of exploring Tallinn other than by foot is to take an English spoken bicycle tour of Tallinn which covers 14 km in two hours.
Book a cheap flight to Tallinn then add low cost hotel accommodation in Tallinn, all booked through lowcostholidays.com online.