Going Beyond Tallinn’s City Walls

As I found while strolling Tallinn’s old town, Estonia’s capital became one of my favourite walled cities in Europe. What was more surprising, especially after reading a blogger’s less than favourable opinion of the city (more on that later), was the great things I found beyond Tallinn’s city walls. Yes, stone-walled city shouldn’t be missed. Those visitors that don’t venture beyond Tallinn’s city walls, however, are truly missing out on seeing Tallinn.

So, armed with only a Tallinn Card, limited daylight, and a positive attitude I set out to discover life beyond Tallinn’s city walls.

Explore the Kalamaja Neighborhood

My time beyond Tallinn’s city walls started with a stroll through the city’s public market. Although small in comparison to its neighbour in Riga, there are some great gems to be found here. Not in the mood for bargain hunting I continued down the railway tracks and headed to the wonderfully hip Kalamaja neighbourhood. It was here, thanks to my Marta Guesthouse hosts, that I found the city’s trendiest shops and restaurants – my favourite being F-Hoone which is worth the stroll beyond Tallinn’s city walls alone. Try the mutton dumplings and the furgur!

From F-Hoon I made my way through the old character wooden houses of Kalamaja and onto the Estonia Maritime Museum at Seaplane Harbour. This former float base turned museum is one of the best in the Baltics. Inside you will find displays on iceboats, aeroplanes, and a pre-WWII sub suspended from the ceiling!

Access to this modern and crazy interactive museum is included in the Tallinn Card. How interactive? You use a card to tap and save information on for later. What a country.

City Center

From the time-suck that is the Seaplane Harbour Estonia Maritime Museum (3+ hours there for me!) I made my way back to my Marta Guesthouse via the convenient city tram (also included in the Tallinn Card). On the way, I got off at the core Tallinn’s city center. Although this is not something I seek out when visiting a new city, it’s nice to know it’s there. With brand-name shops, restaurants, and a huge movie theatre, Tallinn’s city centre has something for everyone…even those complaining that Tallinn is boring or only has the old town to offer visitors.

Again, more to come on that.

Go Beyond

Of course, there’s plenty more to see and do beyond Tallinn’s city walls then what I saw, especially armed with a Tallinn Card. This great tourist option gives you free access to city transportation, museums, and sights. To the north-east, you will find a beach that is popular in the summer months (not so much when I was there) as well as Kadrioru Park. The latter features museums, the presidential palace, and a swan pond. For dominating views of Tallinn and beyond, visitors can head up the Tallinn TV Tower. Its observation deck sits 170 meters above the ground, the highest in the country. Again, free with the Tallinn Card.

So if you are lucky enough to visit this great city, be sure to wander beyond Tallinn’s city walls. If you don’t you are cheating yourself of some of the best the city has to offer. Don’t be a cheater.

What say you?
Thoughts on going Beyond Tallinn’s City Walls?
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This peak beyond Tallinn’s city walls was made possible by Visit Tallinn and the Tallinn Card. As always the experience, opinions, and exploration are my own.