Medieval Allure Meets Modern Flair: The European City Captivating Today’s Travelers

Tallinn, Estonia might not be the first place that comes to mind for a European vacation, but this hidden gem should definitely be on your travel list! I first visited Tallinn two years ago on a cruise, and even though we only had a day in this charming Baltic city, I was immediately enchanted by its fairytale-like Old Town. I knew there was so much more to explore, so I was thrilled to return this summer for a longer stay.
### A Gem on the Baltic
Tallinn is the capital of Estonia, located right on the Baltic Sea. Its strategic location has made it an important port city for centuries. Estonia is part of the Baltic region, along with Latvia and Lithuania to the south, and Finland across the Baltic Sea to the north.
### Medieval Charm & Modern Style
Tallinn offers a striking contrast between old and new. The Old Town, with its cobblestone streets, church spires, and medieval fortifications, feels like stepping into a storybook. This area is the main draw for tourists, and it’s easy to see why. On my first visit, I took a free walking tour that provided a great overview of the Old Town.
However, there’s much more to Tallinn than just the Old Town. Even if you’re short on time, I recommend venturing out to see other parts of the city. One of the easiest ways to do this is by visiting Telliskivi Creative City, a revitalized industrial area just a 20-minute walk from the Old Town. Here, you’ll find the Fotografiska photography museum, which offers creative and immersive exhibits, even for those who aren’t typically fans of photography. The area also boasts numerous restaurants, galleries, and boutiques, many of which are located in the Balti Jaama Turg, a cool covered market spread across three levels.
With more time in Tallinn, I also explored the Kobli neighborhood, about 30 minutes by tram from the Old Town. This area offers a more local experience and is home to the delicious Karjase Sai bakery and the cozy Pohjala REaD bookstore.
### Cool Museums & Great Views
During my three days in Tallinn, I used the Tallinn Card to visit as many museums and attractions as possible. This pass provides free access to over 40 different sites, making it a great value if you plan to visit multiple locations. My favorite museums were the Kadriorg Art Museum and the Kumu Art Museum. Both are a short tram ride from the Old Town and offer a blend of old and new: the Kadriorg Art Museum is housed in an 18th-century palace, while the Kumu Art Museum features stunning modern architecture. After visiting these museums, I recommend stopping by Katharinenthal Kohvik for a bite to eat on their lovely terrace.
In the Old Town, St. Nicholas’ Church and Museum was a highlight. This medieval church houses an impressive art museum and offers a skydeck with amazing 360-degree views over the Old Town. Unlike some other viewing platforms, this one has an elevator, so you don’t have to climb hundreds of steps to enjoy the view.
### A Fabulous City Without the Crowds
One of the best things about Tallinn is that it remains relatively under the radar for tourists, especially those from the U.S. Unlike cities like Amsterdam or Venice, Tallinn hasn’t been overwhelmed by overtourism. It’s a great destination for a laid-back city break and is particularly ideal for solo female travelers, ranking among the top five safest cities in Europe.
### Where to Stay in Tallinn
I stayed at the Nordic Hotel Forum for three nights, and it was the perfect place to stay. This four-star hotel is just outside the Old Town, making it easy to walk to many of the city’s top attractions. There’s also a tram stop nearby that takes you directly to the Kadriorg and Kumu Art Museums. The hotel offers great amenities, including an indoor swimming pool and hot tub with city views, and a fantastic free buffet breakfast with a wide variety of options.
### Getting to Tallinn
Tallinn’s growing popularity is partly due to its inclusion on many cruise itineraries and its proximity to Helsinki, Finland, just a two-hour ferry ride away. While these options are convenient, they only allow for a day in Tallinn, which isn’t enough to fully appreciate the city. I recommend spending at least three days here. Although there are no nonstop flights from the U.S. to Tallinn, you can easily connect through major European cities or take the ferry from Helsinki, which has better flight connections.
Tallinn is a city that beautifully blends medieval charm with modern style, offering a unique and enjoyable travel experience without the crowds. Whether you’re exploring the Old Town, visiting cool museums, or discovering local neighborhoods, Tallinn is a destination worth adding to your travel bucket list.