Tallinn is one of those places that makes you wonder about the beauties in the world. It is located at the top of the Baltics and is home to the world's most architectural sights, cathedrals, and impressive museums. If you have an eye for historical sights and architecture, Tallinn should be on your 'go-to' list!
If you have visited Tallinn before, you'll agree with the fact that it triggers mixed emotions. A small city that lies next to a never-ending sea, there is something for everyone here. Buzzing with new initiatives and tourists from around the world, here is a list of some hidden gems in Tallinn:
1. Tallinna Linnahall (City Hall)
It offers the perfect view of the bay and city, the port and the old town, which is ideal in both summers and winters for a lovely time out. It was built for the Moscow 1980 Summer Olympics regatta event (on this list, there is another place worth seeing that was built for the same event!) If you are a street art lover, the graffiti and the abandoned look gives off a natural vibe. Perfect to be called an urban jungle because the view offers a helipad and a small sea-port all in one place! Fun fact: Tallinn City Hall was one of the places where the movie “Tenet” by film director Christopher Nolan was filmed at!. 2. Secret Artist Bar (NoKu Bar)
NoKu is a bar with history and is located in Tallinn old town on Pikk street, created during the Soviet times as a reaction to the bar Kuku with strict admission policies, NoKu was a place for artists and cultured people to gather for a good time. It was initially closed to the public, but it has evolved as a local spot for a drink. It radiates the 70s calm energy and is a fun place to hang out with your friends. 3. Tallinn TV Tower
The Tallinn TV Tower was built in 1980 for the Moscow Summer Olympics regatta event to provide better telecommunication service. With its rich history (from the olympics to war times) the tower is a major tourist attraction while being the tallest building in Tallinn! The tower stands 314m tall above the ground and the top view from the observation deck allows you to see the whole of the city. After major renovations in 2012, it is an excellent place to visit as you can dine in with your friends, enjoy the amazing view and have a great time altogether. For more information, check https://www.teletorn.ee/en/ .
4. Toompea Castle
Toompea Castle is located in Tallinn’s Old Town. It is home to the Riigikogu (the Estonian parliament) and has several romantic viewing platforms around it that offer spectacular views of the city alongside two important churches: St. Mary's Cathedral (Dome Church) and St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral. If you’re interested in architecture, this might be one of the places you’d want to visit! The castle's Baroque façade was built between 1767 and 1773 on the foundations of the eastern wing of a fortress built in the 13th and 14th centuries. It's historic and amazing views are bound to capture your attention once you visit it, as the symbolic architecture and vibe are unmatched.
5. Maarjamäe History Centre
Maarjamäe Palace was previously a summer manor but now it houses a branch of the Estonian History Museum. It hosts a permanent exhibition “My Free Country” which tells the Republic of Estonia's story from birth to the present day. The Film Museum is also located in the same palace complex which offers a behind-the-scenes look into the world of Estonian and international cinema.
Written by Hasnat Pervaiz