June 2017
We got to visit Tallinn(population 450,000), the capital of Estonia(pop. 1,3 million) when our ship stopped there during the Baltic cruise. I did not know much about this charming city until this trip, but it is one of the up and coming tech centers of Europe and a Unesco World Heritage Site.
From the cruise port, we walked about a mile to get to the Old Town. Once you get to the city wall, it becomes uphill to reach the center, but the walk was not difficult.
Walking up to the Toompea Hill was another climb, but the hike was not too stiff. You get the view of the whole town, shown below, under your feet once you are up there. An onion-domed Russian Orthodox Church Nevsky Cathedral and Toompea Castle, which now houses the parliament, dominate the hilltop along with the oldest church in Tallinn, the Lutheran St. Mary’s Cathedral.
Our lunch was at a restaurant called Väike-rataskaevu, a sister restaurant right around the corner from the popular Rataskarvu 16. Excellent food, eclectic & relaxing environment, friendly service. etc. Not expensive.
After lunch, we walked around town slowly. There was an outdoor market set up right in the center square, but we did not find bargains there.
On the way back, we found a window display at Maiasmokk Cafe so inviting & took many pictures. I don’t know where they are, though. I also liked this door of an unnamed building.
- Tallinn Guide
- Visit Tallinn Official Site
Small Wide World 