TALLINN
Perched on the Baltic Sea, Tallinn exudes an air of cool mystery with a dash of medieval charm. Blending the old with the new in an effortless manner, the city offers a vast history, Michelin-approved eateries and the opportunity to get lost in the cobblestone streets. Gaining independence from the Soviet Union in 1991, Estonia is made up of 1, 500 islands and as a nation with a population of roughly 1.3 million, has a strong business startup scene with the likes of Skype and Uber competitor, Bolt.
THINGS TO DO
Explore the Old Town
Old Town
The non-negotiable stop, Tallin’s Old Town is lined with pastel-coloured buildings, spires, winding cobblestone streets, and endearing small cafes. Stamped as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and viewed as one of the most-preserved medieval cities in Europe, start with a people-watching stint in the Town Hall Square (Raekoja plats) before a visit to the Gothic Town Hall, built in the 13th century.
Toompea Hill
After tackling the steep incline on the cobblestones, a reward awaits at Toompea Hill (there’s even a castle). The Kohtuotsa viewing platform serves a panorama view of the city amongst the backdrop of the Baltic Sea, taking in the striking medieval towers, modern buildings, and even Helsinki on a clear day.
Tallinn is also an unsuspecting hub of contemporary cool, where the local creative types gather. Find the Telliskivi Creative City in a former industrial complex turned vibrant cultural space, where street art adorns the walls, independent boutiques offer unique or vintage finds, and cafes (for an essential caffeine fix).
For the foodies on tour, the revamped railway station at Balti Jaama Turg offers the ideal snack stop for traditional Estonian dishes and local delicacies like black bread, or pirukas (stuffed savoury dumplings). And on the second floor, find a vast array of quirky antiques and vintage clothing stores with designer pieces.
Kadriorg Palace.
Commissioned by Peter the Great in 1718, the striking Baroque palace exudes imperial elegance and remains standing as a slice of Russian architecture surrounded by dense, green gardens. The palace houses the Kadriorg Art Museum, with an impressive collection of European and Russian art from the 16th to 20th centuries, amongst opulent halls of ornate ceilings, grand chandeliers, and the grandeur of a bygone era.
The KGB Prison Cells in Tallinn is an experience that delves into the dark history of Soviet oppression in Estonia, located in the former KGB headquarters (the Soviet State Security Commission) where the cells were once used to detain and interrogate prisoners during the occupation. The exhibits include personal stories, photographs, and artefacts that accentuate the harsh realities of life under Soviet rule in stark, claustrophobic conditions.
Von Stackelberg Hotel.
STAY
Combining historical and modern design components within the limestone walls, the hotel was built in 1873 by a Baltic German baron, Georg von Stackelberg. The extensive breakfast offering hits all the notes (double up on the pancakes), and the hotel is nestled between the new and old town and also features a spa wellness facility to unwind.
Hotel Telegraaf, Autograph Collection
Part of the Autograph Collection, Hotel Telegraaf fulfils the luxury boutique criteria for a short stay. Situated just shy of the Town Hall Square, the 5-star hotel dates back to 1878. Pets are permitted, an indoor pool awaits, and an exclusive Telegraaf Spa with premium amenities.
RESTAURANTS
Barbarea.
A Michelin-starred restaurant and natural wine spot located in the old Põhjala Factory, Barbarea is not to be missed. With a focus on incorporating organic raw materials from Estonian farms, each dish is flavourful plus. Ideal for an afternoon wine and focaccia, or the evening tasting menu in the upstairs buzzing space.
More Michelin fine dining with a modest price tag, in an unpretentious space in the Old Town. With a rotating daily menu, the focus is on seasonal produce that isn’t erring too far on the side of caution, just elevated spins on classics. Simple, but powerful takes using local produce.
Peppersack.
BARS
Organic wines take centre stage at Peet Ruut, an intimate spot in the Old Town. Relaxed, rustic decor for those seeking an authentic, sustainable flavour in a glass and organic plates to share (trout tataki & cucumber consummé to start or kama cream & blackcurrant jam as a sweet treat, to paint the picture).
Set amongst a medieval backdrop, for an old take on the Estonian experience. Although a restaurant, it is worth a visit to sample the traditional local drops from a Tallinn Spritz, the “Piprakukk” (house aperitif) or a classic house schnapps with honey or pepper.
An understated spot for carefully crafted cocktails, and a premium selection of wines, as the name suggests. For the gin enthusiasts, Botaanik landed in the “Icons of Gin” shortlist in the 2020 Gin Magazine Awards and as their Instagram suggests, is a bar oozing with mystique.
Tallinn, Estonia's capital, is a Baltic city dipped in medieval charm and old-school allure. Beyond the historical narrative, Tallinn has a high-tech heartbeat with a booming startup scene, making it an untapped destination for culture and innovation.
Barbarea.