Why I Fell in Love with Tallinn, Estonia
I have a passion for traveling, photography, eating, and cruising. Imagine how happy it made me when all my passions are combined; I feel like I have hit the jackpot! This most recently happened, to my surprise, when my Norwegian Baltic Capitals cruise pulled into the port of Tallinn, Estonia.
I would be lying if I said I had heard of Tallinn; it was foreign rolling off my tongue. I did not know one single person who had ever been to Estonia. My friend, Jo, and I traveled together on a cruise, which had a packed itinerary for large European cities.
On our trip, we visited St. Petersburg, Berlin, Helsinki, Copenhagen, and Stockholm. We were so tired from traveling and unfamiliar with Estonia, that we almost stayed on the boat to do nothing. At the last minute, we found a walking and food tour that caught our interest, so we booked it and left the comfort of our boat. I am so grateful for that tour because I fell in love with Tallinn.
The Gorgeous Town of Tallinn
Tallinn is a proud and gorgeous country that has been claimed by many other countries. It only became independent in the year 1991. Jo and I left the boat and began our walk to the center of town to meet up for our tour, Food Sightseeing Estonia.
Walking on the cobblestone streets around the quaint Old Town felt magical; interesting and ancient buildings with bright orange roofs toppled over the people and us. The crowds were laughing and happy. We passed by trendy boutiques and haute couture clothing and handbag stores, as well as the cheesy tourist traps that sold reputable souvenirs.
I wish I could have service like this at every restaurant!
I loved that people gathered, with no sense of purpose, simply appreciating being outdoors, wandering the twisty streets, enjoying coffee at little outdoor cafes, or catching up with friends.
Tallinn’s people were polished and sharp dressed, very metropolitan for what I would have expected in an “Old Town”. Cafe workers dressed in vintage clothing embraced their heritage and stood proudly as they ushered guests into Estonian restaurants and pulled them to their fragrant almond kiosks. Shop workers invited visitors to partake in their local traditions, such as having a shot of Pepper Schnapps (I do not recommend) as if we were old friends.
Bottom line, I felt wanted in this town and like my visiting meant something to the town and its people, and it felt good.
Go forth and explore!
Super Fun Food and Walking Tour
Our excursion through Food Sightseeing Estonia, took us on a 3-hour gastronomic foodie tour of the city. One of our stops featured tomato chutney and black bread which was filled with nuts and raisins.
At other locations, we sampled pumpkin soup with giant pepitas, and kama, a local drink that was creamy and interesting. We explored the Viru Gates, Town Hall Square, and ancient churches. We climbed to a rooftop for panoramic photos of the splendid city.
Tallinn’s architecture is amazing and you will not want to miss the dozens of photo ops at every twist and turn. Catherine’s Alley was a great place to stroll and watch the artisans painting pictures and selling their wares.
The tour concluded with a visit to an old pharmacy, where it is rumored that marzipan was invented. At the Luscher and Matiesen Wine Museum, the shopkeeper shared local lore and tragedies, healthy snacks, and unpleasant local wines. Even though we did not care for the wine, we still gave the tour the thumbs up.
Old Town Tallinn is full of interesting architecture.
Tallinn is regarded as the medieval pearl of Europe. After spending the day in Tallinn, I can say I fell in love with this country and its culture. I hope to return there again some day. In fact, I loved it so much that I must continue exploring all these Baltic States that might offer a bit of the same fascination. Next on my agenda will be Lithuania and Latvia.
Cool Info: It is rumored that Peter the Great fell in love with Tallinn and had St. Petersburg not already been under construction, he would have chosen Tallinn to place his empire instead.
Check out our other Eastern European posts!
Dave from Daves Travel Pages says
It looks like you had fun there! I often hear of Estonia being one of the most well-connected digital societies in the world. Good to see that they are proud of their history and heritage as well!
MelodyPittman says
Yes, it was amazing hearing how “techy” they were. 😉 The heritage factor was just another plus in already perfect visit.
Traveling Rockhopper says
I totally understand, I also fell in love with Tallinn! 😀
I went there twice, and each time it’s great!
MelodyPittman says
Awesome! Is there anywhere in particular you would recommend staying? I hope to go back soon.
Stefan says
LOVE Tallinn a lot. We went during Christmas time when that cute medieval old town is covered in a blanked of snow. It’s such a pretty pretty city – totally fell in love with it.
MelodyPittman says
Oh nice. I bet it is more magical with snow. I didn’t realize how much they get until I saw pictures last winter. Brrr…..
Kathrin says
Ohh I LOVED Tallinn! such a beautiful city and lots of things to do. Have you been to the famous pancake house? It’s called Kompressor and it’s brilliant.
MelodyPittman says
I was there but only for some food tour items. That is where that picture of the bruschetta and kama drinks is from! Gorgeous place!
Mar says
How different would Tallinn have been if Peter the great had chosen it! It seems that it’s better off with its more genuine vibe though
MelodyPittman says
Yes but they have been through so much being part of so many other countries. I love that they are so proud though. Promising. 😉
Lesley says
When I visited Latvia last year, I wanted to visit Estonia as well. It was so close but I never made it. I still long to return, especially to Tallinn. Thanks fr the reminder to move it up my list.
MelodyPittman says
Latvia and Lithuania are on my bucket list now thanks to that Estonia trip. 😉
How was Latvia?
Nancy says
Beautiful photos Melody! I haven’t been to Estonia, but will plan to stop in Tallinn when I do. It sounds like an interesting destination.
MelodyPittman says
Thanks so much. Surprise destinations that blow your socks off rock! 😉
Geert says
With all those people wearing costumes, it almost looks like you visited a village from Peter Pan or the Pirates of the Caribbean or something 😉 I haven’t made it to Estonia yet, but it sure looks lovely!
MelodyPittman says
Yes, or a medieval festival. I think you have brought something to my attention. I”m a huge Disney fan (costumes….) and loved Estonia (costumes…) and parades and such (costumes…) LOL 😉
Himanshu says
Such a vibrant place with so many things to do. Thanks for intriducing me to a new place.
MelodyPittman says
Awesome! Thanks for reading. 😉
Dariece says
This sounds heavenly! Tallinn looks like a town straight from a fairytale, and it sounds like it felt that way, too! It’s too bad you had such little time there, but at least it was a great experience. 🙂
MelodyPittman says
It was. I hope to visit there again on a land trip along with its neighboring countries. 😉
Oliwia | The Ollie says
I heard good things about Tallinn but didn’t expect it to be so interesting. It looks like you really had a good time there and it means I have to add it to my must see list 😉
MelodyPittman says
Wonderful! Spread the word, everyone I know who has been there absolutely loved it!
elaine massey says
This looks like an amazing place to visit that I certainly wouldn’t have thought of. I love cruising now too after my second Disney cruise. Sounds like you had a great time!
MelodyPittman says
Glad your cruise went well. It was a great time. Definitely a top rated cruising experience outside of the Caribbean and sun/drinking ones.
Pam says
Many people told me how Tallin is one of their fav cities…I still can’t believe I’ve never took time and will to go and see the Baltic countries cause I met quite a few travellers from there 🙂 It’s a bit higher on my list now for sure
MelodyPittman says
Wonderful! It was definitely a surprise for us! 😉
Heather says
We have read so many great things about Estonia. We definitely will need to visit.
MelodyPittman says
I want to go back and visit all their neighbors, too. 😉
Carlie says
It sure looks (and sounds) like you had a wonderful time! I love the idea of the gastronomic tour. What a great way to speed through a short stop but still get the most out of it!
MelodyPittman says
It was really great, my first one actually. Boy my back was dying after walking miles on those uneven cobblestones for so many hours. 😉
Cynthia says
Tallin looks beautiful and the people seem so nice! When people are kind and hospitable, it makes the visit even better!
Rob Taylor says
What a cool, enchanting town with so much fun to experience. Um, and this is the first post of yours I’ve read where you’ve had two negative comments in it. Usually you have such awesome luck with wonderful restaurants and sights, but the local wines AND the schnapps weren’t great? Estonia must be a very sober land indeed. 😉
MelodyPittman says
Haha. I’m not a drinker so neither of them were for me. LOL That black pepper schnapps was absolutely disgusting. Definitely an acquired taste. Other than that, Estonia is dreamy!
Taylor says
It looks so cute! Definitely a place I’d love to walk around. And I love places where the locals are so welcoming, it really makes a significant difference in a trip.
Joe says
Tallinn has been high on my list since coming across some images (like yours). Really looks like a phenomenal destination.
MelodyPittman says
Fairytale. 😉 Of course I am a romantic. LOL
Ajay Sood says
If you had not got down, you may never have known what you missed. Happy for you that you decided to leave the cruise ship comfort and stepped down and explored this gem! What a find!
MelodyPittman says
Exactly. Isn’t that how it always work? The places you least desire turn out to be fabulous and maybe some you were so excited for are a letdown.
Renne Simpson says
Yay! I’ve been thinking of going there – this is a great post! The food tour looks fun. And what I fell in love with is the architecture <3 So charming!
MelodyPittman says
Thanks so much. Everyone I Know who has been there seems to really fall in love. 😉
mark says
One of the most beautiful cities in the world. We loved our 3 days spent there in 2013 . The old town area of Tallinn is beautiful. We traveled by ferry from Helsinki easy 2 hour trip across the baltic sea.
MelodyPittman says
Awesome! My friend Cory just did that ferry trip. I hope to go back as well as visit all those overlooked Eastern European countries.
Rob Taylor says
This seams like the new Dubrovnik, as far as the go-to place to have an interesting European town experience. I can’t wait to visit.
Marta says
I am definitely putting Tallin on my list of places to visit: it looks so charming! I have a friend who is originally from there: I should start pulling strings and get invited 😉
MelodyPittman says
You should! If you need a travel mate, keep me in mind. 😉
Shelly says
Isn’t it interesting how the places we thought we had no interest in are the ones we end up loving the most! Love how they dressed in vintage clothing to highlight their heritage.
MelodyPittman says
Me, too. I wanted to take my picture with all of them. lol
samiya selim says
you know, Estonia was never on our radar when we lived and travelled in Europe, but now I wish we had gone! Tallinn looks lovely, will make sure to visit when we are travelling in Europe again!
MelodyPittman says
I hope you do. It was such a pleasant surprise. I think all eastern European countries are like that.
Allison (Fun Family Vacations) says
It looks absolutely beautiful here! I would love the old town architecture.
Ami says
Talinn really seems like a lot of fun. I have been hearing of it quite often these days. Your post really brings out the fun aspect of Talinn.
MelodyPittman says
Thanks so much Ami! It truly was a magical place.
Voyager says
Lovely post about a lovely place, Estonia really comes alive in your words and pictures.
MelodyPittman says
Aw…thank you so much! 😉
Viki says
I loved Tallinn as well! Also Riga and Vilnius are worth a visit. I enjoyed the quiet and calm atmosphere and yet the potential it has!
MelodyPittman says
I would like to see Riga next and have more time in Tallinn. Thanks for reading!