Top 4 Photography Spots in Tallinn, Estonia

Tallinn Estonia

Tallinn, Estonia’s medieval capital – is a city of two halves.

At its heart, the Old Town is an enchanting mix of cobbled streets, red-roofed city walls and church spires. At the perimeter, alternative neighbourhoods such as Kalamaja are nurturing cutting-edge Estonian art, culture and design.

Starting in the Old Town, prepare to be charmed.

Tallinn Estonia

I ditched the map and spent a few happy hours wandering Tallinn’s meandering backstreets.

Tallinn Estonia
Tallinn6

1. Toompea Hill

Tallinn’s Old Town is split into two levels – Upper and Lower with Toompea Hill dominating the Upper Town.

I climbed the steep winding street of Pikk to be rewarded with a selection of sweeping viewpoints in varying directions across the city. I caught my breath and compared and contrasted Old and New Tallinn amongst the students, couples, and solo travellers.

Tallinn Estonia
Tallinn Estonia
Tallinn Estonia

On the main square of the hill sits Toompea Castlea fetching pink Baroque-style building from the 18th Century which houses the current seat of the Estonian government.

Tallinn Estonia

Opposite the Parliament is the majestic Alexander Nevsky Russian Orthodox Cathedral, built as part of Alexander III’s policy of Russification.

Tallinn Estonia
Tallin Estonia

Further dominating the hill’s skyline is the Lutheran Dome Church, founded in 1233.

Tallinn Estonia

2. Lower Town

At the heart of the Lower Town,  Raekoja Plats (Town Hall Square) is dominated by the Town Hall built between 1371 and 1404 and the only remaining Gothic town hall in Northern Europe. It felt mellow to me, deep in winter, people nipping through the cold air to warm up with mulled wine, beers and hearty meat stews

Leading off the square are the streets of Pikk (Long) and Vene (Russian) lined with beer halls and souvenir shops selling handmade Estonian produce.

Tallinn Estonia

Tallinn Estonia

3. Hidden Courtyards

My favourite part of Tallinn was it’s little hidden courtyards, connecting its main streets they are so easy to miss if you find yourself striding down the main streets, but each is unique in character:

Borsi Passage provides a quick, quirky history of Estoniaian written on individual paving stones.

Tallinn Estonia

Connecting Vene St with Müürivahe St,  St Catherine’s Passage was quiet on a cold winters day in February, but in summer it’s packed with tourists browsing artisan studios and pausing for a cheeky beer or glass of wine. Next, to St Catherine’s Church, ancient tombstones give the passageway; an eerie sense of history.

Tallinn Estonia
Tallinn Estonia
Tallin Estonia

Veering off Vene Street, you will find Master’s Courtyard, an eclectic mix of artists studios from ceramics, to textiles, wool to metal work. Peer in the windows to check out the artists at work.

Tallinn Estonia
Tallinn Estonia

Tucked in the corner is Cafe-Chocolaterie de Pierre a small French style cafe which allows you to linger amongst old antique furniture for a decadent or unusual hot chocolate (Gorgonzola and Grappa, anyone?) and if you’re feeling naughty, a handmade truffle, or two.

Tallinn Estonia

4. The Old Town from above: Scaling the City Walls

Tallinn’s city walls have protected the Old Town since the 13th Century. The oldest part of the walls originate from the 13th Century, and further towers were added over the centuries until the walls grew to a distance of 2.35km with a total of 46 walls and gate towers.

Hellmeman Tower (€3 entrance) on Müürivahe Street allows access to a 2oom stretch of the to the city, with little cards providing detailed information on Tallinn’s varied skyline, as well as a peek into the 3 level gate tower which houses a small art gallery on the top floor.

Tallinn Estonia
Tallinn Estonia
Tallin Estonia
Top 4 Photography Spots in Tallinn Estonia

Practicalities

Tallinn is served by the budget airlines of Easyjet and Ryanair  from the UK

Lux and Simple Express (probably the best coaches I’ve been on – free wifi, tea and even a screen on the back of the seats – luxury!) connects Tallinn with St Petersburg, Riga, Vilnius and various towns in Estonia.

As a sample fare: Riga to Tallinn cost €13

Tallinn has numerous backpacker hostels, Air BnB apartments and Couchsurfing opportunities

I stayed at the Knights House, on the edge of the Old Town – a  small, quiet (in winter!) apartment with pancakes for breakfast // €11 a night

For more information on Tallinn and Estonia, head to Visit Estonia


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Top 4 Photography Spots in Tallinn Estonia

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  • Britta says:

    What a wonderful photo essay! Just one little correction: one of the trendier residential neighbourhoods is actually called ‘Kalamaja’ (means ‘Fish House’ in translation, although most of the fishermen have long gone from the place). But this is just a little quibble with what is otherwise an absolutely delightful intro to Tallinn!

  • Amy Elliott says:

    Love the pictures, what an inspiration cannot wait to explore myself. Exciting.

  • Carolien says:

    Very beautiful photo essay Exploring Tallinn’s Old Town. I am going to Tallinn soon.

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