Alexander Nevski
Cathedral, Tallinn, Estonia
Overview:
Tallinn, Estonia (Taken
From the Top Deck of a Ship)
Tallinn
is a vibrant city that has a medieval core that is
walled and consists of buildings dating back to the
middle ages. Cobbled pedestrian streets, quaint
buildings, wonderful restaurants and bars and excellent
shopping opportunities make Tallinn a favorite port for
just about everyone. Tallinn was one of the Baltic
states that was a part of the Soviet Union, but was
recognized by the U.N. as a sovereign state in 1992. The
currency of Estonia is the Estonian Kroon, but euro and
dollars are widely accepted as are major credit cards.
Cruise
Port Location and Information:
Docked in Tallinn,
Estonia
The port
of Tallinn is quite conveniently located to Tallinn's
old section. In fact, it is only about a fifteen minute
walk from the ship into the walled city.
You Can See the Ship
Behind the Large Tower in the Center
Cruise
Lines will normally have a shuttle that runs between the
ship and the entrance to the walled city, however, the
walk is relaxing and interesting. For details on how to
do it, click HERE.
Exploring on Your Own:
Tallinn's Narrow
Streets Just Beg You to Explore Them
Tallinn
is easily explored on your own. Many of the shore
excursions that are offered by the ship will be walking
tours of the old section. They are usually groups of 40
or more passengers all herded around one escort that
explains every last detail about Tallinn's past.
The Visitor Center
If you
are a little more independent than that, one stop at the
visitor center and you can easily map out your visit.
Shopping Tips:
Estonian Knitted
Products
Shopping
in Tallinn is a wonderful experience. The main square
and the streets leading from the main square offer many
unique and fascinating boutiques and shops.
Tallinn's Local Crafts
and Products
The two
main shopping streets are Pikk Street and Viru Streets.
Both streets originate at Town Hall Square. Also, the
area directly around Town Hall Square has numerous shops
and boutiques.
Shops Lining the Street
Because
of Tallinn's long relationship with Russia and as it
borders Russia, you will find myriad Russian products
available in the shops Look for good deals on amber,
linen products. local handicrafts and knitted sweaters,
mittens, hats and so forth.
More Shopping
Of
special interest to many is the local Estonian art that
is available in some of the boutiques and galleries. You
will also see good deals on leather products and many
types of collectible dolls.
Port
Highlights:
Tallinn's Twn Hall
Square
Tallinn's Town Hall Square is the epicenter of Tallinn's
old district and is the starting place for exploring
Tallinn. And, while Tallinn has some very interesting
churches and forts, the real beautry of Tallinn is in
its quaint streets and buildings.
Tallinn's Narrow
Pedestrian Streets
Just
wandering around Tallinn's narrow pedestrian streets is
very rewarding.
Exploring the Maze of
Streets
It
takes a couple of hours to explore all of Tallinn's
various streets and getting lost is just part of the
deal. The streets are intertwined in a way that is
confusing, at best. But, somehow you always end up back
at Town Hall Square.
Alexander Nevski
Cathedral
The Alexander Nevski
Russian cathedral is certainly worth a visit. It is
simply a beautiful structure and unique to the area.
The Fine Detail of the Alexander Nevski
Cathedral
The
cathedral was built in the late 19th century as apart of
the Russian domination of Estonia. Estonians viewed it
as a symbol of oppression and wanted the cathedral
raised, but lacked the funds to do it. Since Estonia's
independence as a sovereign state in 1991, the cathedral
has been painstakingly restored to its original beauty.
St. Nicholas Church
St.
Nicholas Church and museum is definitely worth a visit.
Built in the 13th century, the museum houses some rare
church art pieces that are simply breath taking. There
are several other churches, fortresses and museums found
within Tallinn's walled city and all are simply
beautiful.
Tallinn's Walls
The
idea that Tallinn is surrounded with gun and cannon
emplacements along its high walls gives one a feel for
what life must have been like over the centuries here.
An Upper Entrance to
Tallinn
It is
very easy to spend the entire day wandering around
Tallinn's old section. Visiting Tallinn's sights,
exploring its pedestrian streets and enjoying its
wonderful restaurants make for a delightful day.
Off the
Beaten Path:
If you
have already explored the medieval old section of
Tallinn, why not step outside the walls and explore the
rest of it? Local operators offer Hop On Hop Off bus
tours and also many different bicycle tours of the
entire city. For more information on these tours click
.
Dining
and Drinking Suggestions:
Tallinn's Balthasar
Restaurant
Just
off of Town Hall Square lies Balthasar Restaurant. While
this is a "garlic" restaurant, don't confuse that with
the cuisine being full of garlic. Each dish contains
some garlic, but it only enhances the taste of the
international selection of entrees. The interior of the
restaurant is like dining in a private villa with wooden
beams and floors, lavish chairs and other furnishings,
white linen and supurb service.
The Balthasar Patio
Dining Area
I have
dined both in the restaurant and also in the patio area
of the restaurant and both are excellent. If it is warm
outside on the day you visit Tallinn, opt for the patio.
Balthasar also offers an excellent wine list to go with
the fabulous food. The menu assigns a "garlic bulb"
rating to the dishes that it serves, so if you do not
like a lot of garlic, pick a dish with three or fewer
bulbs. GREAT restaurant and I would go back every time I
visited Tallinn. The restaurant is somewhat pricy,
however.
Olde Hansa Restaurant
The
Olde Hansa Restaurant is very popular with tourist. It
offers a medieval interior and is a rowdy place to dine
on bear. elk or boar, as well as more traditional foods.
While this description sounds like the Olde Hansa is
going to be a hokey tourist trap, it isn't. It is as
close to the real thing as anyone is ever going to get.
While I have never dined here, I have heard from many
people that it is an interesting and memorable
experience.
Tallinn's Outdoor
Restaurants
You
will find sidewalk cafes all over Tallinn and they are
all great. Tallinn should be known for its wonderful
beers and stopping at one of the cafes for a cold beer
is a major part of visiting Tallinn.
Must Do
List:
Yes, I
would give Tallinn's medieval old section a "Must Do"
rating. It is great!
On Your Own
Reviews
(How to Venture On
Your Own with Detailed Information)
Walking Into Tallinn's Town Hall Square By Tom Ogg:
Tallinn is an awesome port, but finding your way
into it can be confusing at best. Here is exactly how to
walk from your ship into the very heart of Tallinn
without getting lost.
Reader
ePortReviews
(Please Click the Review you'd like to read)
