One day in Tallinn Estonia – a sightseeing guide to Tallinn

If you have one day in Tallinn you’ll want to use your limited time to make the most of the wonderful attractions available. This one-day Tallinn itinerary will give a rundown of what to see in Tallinn. If you are visiting Tallinn as part of a cruise excursion you’ll want to make the most of your precious time.

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What to do in Tallinn in a Day

Old Town

This is the best place to start your day in Tallinn as there are many different attractions located inside Old Town. Tallinn’s Old Town has been on UNESCO’s World Heritage list since 1997. It is a medieval fantasy land that will take you back in time to the 11th – 15th century.

Town Hall Square

Also called Raekoja plats, the Town Hall Square has been in existence since 1322. The square is famous for an open air market with souvenirs and the Christmas tree display, which is over 570 years old. This is a great place to buy traditional Estonian souvenirs.

Town Hall Pharmacy

Also called Raeapteek, Town Hall Pharmacy is one of the oldest pharmacies in Europe. It has been in operation since the 15th century. The strange array of medicines available throughout history includes mummy juice, unicorn horn powder, bat powder, and hedgehog powder.

Inside there is a museum displaying medieval medical instruments and chemist tools. This is another place to buy interesting souvenirs.

Toompea Hill & Castle

The Estonian parliament is located on Toompea Hill. It offers visitors several viewing platforms for taking amazing photos with Tallinn in the background. This was one of the first inhabited areas that is now known as Tallinn. The natural hill offered a stronghold that would be used throughout the history of the city.

St Mary’s Church

Located on Toompea Hill, St Mary’s church is also known as Dome Church and is the oldest church in Estonia. The original wood church was built in 1219 and numerous famous people throughout history have been buried here. It was originally a Roman Catholic Church but in 1561 it became a Lutheran Church.

Tallinn One Day Itinerary

Kiek in de Kök & Bastion Tunnels

The Kiek in de Kök was the Baltic’s most powerful cannon tower defense. Construction lasted from 1475 to 1483. The name literally means “peek into the kitchen” as the guards could actually peer into the kitchens of the houses below.

After viewing the tower defense you can head underground into Bastion Tunnels. Construction started in the 1630’s and with a purpose to secretly flank any enemy trying to take the city. These secret underground passages helped guard the city during the time of Swedish rule.

Other Tallinn attractions

St Nicholas’ Church – This church was dedicated to St Nicholas, the saint of sailors and fishermen. Inside the church is a branch of the Art Museum of Estonia which focuses on medieval artwork. The church is also used as a concert hall because of the excellent acoustics inside.

Town Wall – Also known as the Margaret Wall, it was ordered to be constructed by Queen Margaret Sambiria in 1265. Walking along the walls visitors will have another great chance for memorable photos.

Alexander Nevsky Cathedral – This is a beautiful Orthodox church built in Russia style between 1894 and 1900. It is Tallinn’s largest orthodox cupola cathedral and was dedicated to Saint Alexander Nevsky, who was the prince of medieval Rus.

Kadriorg Park & Palace – After leaving Old Town, head out to Kadriorg Park on the outskirts of Tallinn. Kadriorg Park and Kadriorg Palace was founded in the beginning of the 18th by the order of Peter the Great of Russia.

The park is a great place to walk in the fresh air and includes several interesting buildings. View the Presidential Palace, Kadriorg art Museum, KUMU (one of the largest art museums in the Baltics), and the Peter the Great museum. Kadriorg Park also includes Kadriorg Palace, which was built in baroque style by Peter the Great for Catherine I in 1718.

Where to Eat in Tallinn

No one day in Tallinn is complete without a medieval feast. Old Hansa Restaurant in Old Town offers traditional medieval Estonian cuisine that makes you feel that you have gone back to medieval times. The atmosphere, attendants, music, and menu are all meticulously created to showcase the “Golden Age of Tallinn.”

Souvenirs to Buy in Tallinn

Take something home to remember your Tallinn shore excursion with these recommended souvenirs:

Vana Tallinn – Based on a traditional Estonian recipe this liquor is based on Jamaican rum and includes natural spices including citrus oil, vanilla, and cinnamon.

Juniper – Kitchen items crafted from juniper trees can be found inside the Church of the Holy Spirit and around Old Town. When cooking they emit a sweet, aromatic smell.

Kalev Chocolate – This is the largest chocolate maker in Estonia and includes a large variety of chocolates including some stranger variants such as white chocolate with blueberries.

Wool Clothing – The traditional choice of clothing in medieval Estonia, you will find wool clothing available throughout Old Town with a large selection of items from socks, sweaters, and hats.

About the author: Brian Schweitzer is a travel writer for Travel Guru. Travel Guru is a smart travel community dedicated to connecting travelers and saving them time and money on their travels.

For more European adventures:

Cycling by the sea in Istria – in Croatia
Culture and clubbing – my 18 year old daughter hits the town in Budapest
Thermal springs and rubber rings at Hévíz – in Hungary

This article is originally published at Heatheronhertravels.com

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