Tallinn: An overview - Part 3

Exploring Tallinn

The vast majority of sights in Tallinn are concentrated in and around Town Hall Square and Toompea, in medieval Old Town. This small footprint makes it relatively easy to explore the whole area on foot. The myriad of winding cobbled streets are dotted with elegant back alleys, interesting courtyards and spired churches, as well as fascinating museums that present the city’s historic and cultural traditions. There are also many notable buildings around the fringes of the Old Town, however, all are within easy walking distance. On the eastern section of the city wall, Viru Gate serves as one of the main access points into the Old Town

Medieval Architecture

Tallinn’s Old Town is one of the best-preserved examples of medieval architecture in Northern Europe. The winding cobblestoned streets and rows of elegantly gabled façades help the Old Town retain the true character of a medieval town centre. The convoluted street structure developed in relation to the seat of power which was Toompea above the town and the harbour below, with the all-important Town Hall Square and marketplace at the heart of it. Although Tallinn flourished as a centre of trade in medieval times, it was relatively quiet in the 19th century, which is probably why the Old Town was spared from being demolished. Tallinn’s medieval fortifications are also very well preserved, with almost 2 km of the town wall and half of the original 46 towers still intact.

TOURIST INFORMATION

The tourist information centre work very hard to present a range of information on Tallinn for the many visitors that arrive in the town. Their leaflets and brochures normally cover most of the popular languages that you expect to find in a location like this. The tourist information centre has maps, concert listings, and free brochures and is open in May-Aug on Mon-Fri 9:00-19:00 and Sat-Sun 9:00-17:00. Outside the main season then the opening times are Sept-April Mon-Fri 9:00-18:00, Sat-Sun 9:00-15:00. You can find the centre located a block off Town Hall Square at Kullassepa 4.

Tallinn Card: This card is sold at the tourist information centre, airport, train station, travel agencies, ferry ports, and most big hotels. It gives you unlimited use of public transport and entry to more than 40 museums and major sights. It costs €24 for 24 hours, €32 for 48 hours or €40 for 72 hours and it comes with good information booklet. It includes one tour of your choice, which can be an orientation walk or one of two hop-on, hop-off bus routes, plus a 50 percent discount on any others. If you are already planning to take one of these tours and to visit several sights then this card will likely save you money.

Continued in part 4