Wow, Tallinn took us by surprise right from the start! The airport didn’t quite make a dazzling first impression, but little did we know that the real magic was waiting for us just around the corner. 

As we headed from the airport to the city centre on a bus with a QR code ticket (Estonia, the most digitally advanced country in public trasnport!), we found ourselves stepping into the enchanting atmosphere of Tallinn’s Old Town. Picture this: cobblestone streets, medieval architecture, and a UNESCO World Heritage site—it was like stepping back in time! 

With a good 60 hours ahead of us, we decided to explore Tallinn from top to bottom. Starting at Vabaduse väljak, we climbed the stairs to the Kiek in de Kök Museum and Bastion Tunnels—This fortress museum with its four towers—Kiek in de Kök, Maiden’s Tower, Tallitorn Tower, and the Gate Tower of the Short Leg—connected by passages, made history come alive. Claustrophobia aside, the underground bastion passages and the Carved Stone Museum were a journey through time, unveiling the war history of this stunning city that was once part of the Soviet Union.  

Exiting the tunnels, we made our way to Maiden’s Tower for a breathtaking view of St Olaf cathedral. For the ultimate pics, climb those stairs to the 3rd floor of the Maiden Tower and soak it all in. Then, it was on to Toompea, a fully restored castle and home to the Estonian Parliament offering a panoramic view that’s hard to beat. Between Toompea and Maiden’s Tower stood Alexander Nevsky, a Russian Orthodox church in the Russian Revival style—a masterpiece with a bell that weighs a whopping 15 tonnes. 

Wandering down Pikk street, a vibrant lane with pastel-coloured houses, we reached Town Hall Square (Raekoja Plats), surrounded by colourful buildings and outdoor cafes. The 600-year-old Pharmacy and the Gothic Town Hall were must-visit spots, and the square itself was a feast for the camera lens. 

Surviving on countless steps, coffee, and delicious snacks, we embarked on day 2 with a visit to the Seaplane Harbour Museum. Interactive displays, a voyage in the Yellow Submarine, and historic ships made it a hit, especially with the kids. 

Tallinn’s public transport, with buses and trams sharing numbers, gave us a bit of confusion, but we eventually found our way to Fat Margaret- she is not a person- but a tower protecting the gate towards the harbour, now home to the Estonian Maritime Museum. The tower which is 25 meters in diameter and the walls are 20 meters high and 5 meters thick is now home to the Estonian Maritime Museum, has quite the history. Legend has it that Margaret, a fisherman’s daughter, was in love with Herman, a peasant son. They’d stroll the city hand in hand, but a curse forced them to part ways at night.  

Starting from Fat Margaret, a quick 20-minute walk leads you to two must-see viewpoints—Patkuli and Kuhtuotsa. Trust me, they’re worth it. 

Another entrance to the Old Town is the Viru Gate—a spot that’s probably the city’s most famous! Can’t quite put my finger on it, but it gave off huge smurf house vibes, and I found it irresistibly cute! Close to Viru Gate is St. Catherine’s Passage. This cobblestone path hosts artisan workshops and showcases beautiful medieval and gothic architecture. The passage is littered with interesting tombstones attached to some parts of the walls.  

 If time permits, visit Kadriorg park and its palace and gardens. We visited Tallinn at the end of November, and the snow-covered scene was breathtaking. I can only imagine the summer bloom with flowers—it must be amazing!  

Weather forecast predicted snowfall, and an ice-skating rink by the cathedral of St. Nicholas added a fairytale touch to our trip.  

Now, let’s talk about Estonia’s hidden treasures—desserts. We indulged in one, and the sweet saga continued with every coffee break! With temperatures hitting -3°C in November, a warm cup of coffee or tea paired with a chocolate dessert was a constant delight. I must give a special shoutout to Pierre chocolaterie—a vintage café tucked inside a cobblestoned garden. Don’t forget to ask for their best-selling cake—trust me, you’ll thank me later. 

For a taste of medieval dishes and traditional Estonian cuisine, a visit to the Old Hansa Medieval restaurant is a must. 

And oh, we stumbled upon another delight—orange-spiced and cherry-cinnamon flavoured almonds. We initially bought them near the Old Hansa and by the viewpoints. Paired with mulled wine, they created a match made in heaven—completely unique. 

We pledged to return, because there’s a multitude of places left unexplored, but alas, we had just over 2 days. 

With this promise, we set sail to our next port of call: Helsinki.