TRAVELING SOWELL
TALLINN ESTONIA
EVERYTHING WE'D TELL OUR FRIENDS TO DO THERE
We came to Tallinn for two nights and found one of the most memorable stops of our trip. A medieval Old Town you can explore entirely on foot, great restaurants, an incredibly charming hotel, and one very easy ferry ride from Helsinki. Here’s everything we’d do again.
GETTING THERE
Tallink Ferry from Helsinki
We took the Tallink ferry from Helsinki and loved it. The trip takes about two hours, but it felt more like a mini cruise than transportation. There are restaurants, shops and plenty of room to walk around, and you arrive right in Tallinn ready to explore.
WHERE WE STAYED
Schlössle Hotel
Set inside buildings dating back to the 13th and 14th centuries, Schlössle Hotel may have been the most charming place we saw in Tallinn. The location in the middle of Old Town is fantastic, the staff was as good as it gets, and the breakfast was our favorite of the entire trip.
THE FIRST THING WE'D DO
Guided Old Town Historical Walking Tour
We almost always start a new city with a walking tour, and Tallinn is especially good for one. This one took us through Old Town and gave us the history and context that made everything we saw afterward more interesting. It's an easy way to get your bearings before exploring on your own.
WE'RE GLAD WE ATE HERE
Olde Hansa
Olde Hansa has gone all in on the medieval experience, and we were happy to go all in with them. The setting, food, costumes and atmosphere made the whole thing ridiculously fun.
Controvento
Hidden along St. Catherine's Passage, this Italian restaurant has one of the best settings in Old Town. If the weather cooperates, try to get a table outside. Pizza, cocktails and that view made for a pretty great afternoon.
Rataskaevu 16
One of our favorite meals in Tallinn. Great food, warm service and exactly the kind of place we'd happily go back to. It's popular, so make a reservation.
