Deep winter is almost here, so what do you do? You book a flight in a cold destination in Estonia. The old town of Tallin was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the city as a whole was a European City of Culture in 2011. The fact that there are Christmas markets all nestled amidst a snow-blanketed landscape right out of a fairytale, double the excitement! 3 days (approximatively) is all you need to get a great experience here.
Itinerary
Day one.
I didn't realize how could it be in winter, with snow: not only so magic. I can say that, because i've dragged my suitcase up and down the streets for a countless number of steps. But. The hotel was so nice, even thought it was kind of chilly. Since it was mid-winter and temperatures had sunk to -5º C, i might say i was expecting to be in my room in underware LOL.
We arrived at lunchtime (oh, in this trip it was me and my two cousins/friends), so in no time, check-in done and super covered, we were in the old town of the city, "Vanallin". Traveling to the old town was like traveling back in time.
Most of the attractions are concentrated here, plus lots of coffee-places, pubs, restaurants: the best thing to do is an unhurried wandering - almost all angles are nice! This historical center is enclosed in the beautiful town walls. We started from the street "Viru Tanav" to reach the famous square "Raekoja Platz" and admire the Tallinn Town Hall "Raekoda" anddd the charming Christmas Markets "Jouluturg", they are ideal to allow oneself a pleasant walk and to savour fanciful delights.
Worthy of special mention is the "Raeapteek", the oldest pharmacy in Europe that has continuously been in business in the same beautiful building since 1422.
In the hours after, we dedicated to visiting the churches of the city ("Puha Vaimu Kogudus" - "Katariina Käik" - "Oleviste Kirik" - "Niguliste Kirik"). We stopped at the viewing platform "Kohtuotsa" for an unforgettable views and pictures... but poor deluded creatures, with all that cold it has been a nightmare just only thinking about doing it, leaving out the dead hands... To warm out, we've made a really cool dinner with sweet and savoury pancakes at the legendary pancake pub 'Kompressor'.
Day two.
Ok, with the room we also had a breakfast which was included every morning where we enjoyed a varied continental breakfast... but, despite this, we had a second breakfast at one of the oldest cafés in Tallinn, 'Cafe Maiasmokk'. On the premises of the café, you can also find a marzipan room, where one can learn about marzipan and the history of the café via audioguide, visit the exhibition of marzipan figures, and observe the process of marzipan painting. That was the initial idea, I'm sure (love at first sight does happen even with pastries)! The second day was dedicated to explore the "Toompea Hill", part of the Tallinn Old Town UNESCO World Heritage Site, that has an impressive view over the city. The history of "Toompea" is complicated, as linked to the history of power in Estonia. Today "Toompea" is the center of the Government of Estonia and of the parliament, the "Riigikogu", located in the Toompea Castle.
Coming down the hill, taking the street "Pikk Tanav", we come across historic buldings, that once housed the guilds, mercants coorporations.
After this tour, we stopped for lunch at 'Nikolay Bar-buffeé', a comfortable place to rest and eat local "sandwiches" with freash fish. It's not up for debate, you absolutely can't leave without visiting "Kadrioru loss", a magnifique Baroque-style palace. It also hosts a museum, the "Kadriorg Art Museum", while my favorite one, the "Kumu", showing Estonian art from the 18th century onwards, is located nearby in the "Kadriorg Park" (it was amazing walking through the park with the snowflakes all over us). For dinner the choice fell on the medieval restaurant 'Olde Hansa' (super cool)! #Anyways we visited the city on foot, as we, well, needless to say, were entranced by the totally unique vibe of the city: the natural color of the sky, the few hours of light, the white mantle of winter snow... the beauty of the scenery left us breathless.
Day three.
The area around our hotel is called "Rotermann", it is a very nice neighborhood, modern and fashionable: it represent a great example of architectural renovation. #Not so fun fact: we traveled during the period of restrictions due to Covid-19, so actually we had to include a not-so-pleasant visit to one of the malls of the city to do the test... (FYI (just pretend to care) we've made our way back home safe and negative)
After a few endless hours, we walked to the the central market "Keskturg", even though we did not have any plans to have lunch here (ok, the reason why is another best-stocked market LOL), we wanted to go there just for a visit. We then continued our tour to reach "Telliskivi Loomelinnak", a creative hotspot that is home to a variety of activities. Here you can find shops, bars, restaurants, theatres, and the famous creative companies. They say it's like a city into the city, converted from an old Soviet quarter. I liked this hipster spot full of street art and vintage boutiques. The famous market which I referred earlier is very close from "Telliskivi Loomelinnak". "Balti Jaam Market" is a unique market of 3 floors, it is located right next to Tallinn’s Train Station. We've spent such a long time here, it was absolutley worth it. We spent our afternoon just wandering around the city, in fact to round off our three days in Tallinn, why not stop for a large cup of warm hot chocolate in the centre and enjoy the lovely atmosphere as night falls?
And we bought a few souvenirs, of course. Finally, if you're hungry (last day is always all about food, i mean, do not judge me), there's always a burger place, that's what it's called...
'Hesburger' was also so nearby the hotel, irresistible! After that, we headed to the hotel, since, for the next day, we've booked a flight early in the morning... (we crazies) but, before that, we stopped to take one last look at the city. Tallinn under the snow is something of unique: it's like the component that leaves an impression in the minds and hearts of the people who come into contact with the city in wintertime.
