UNESCO World Heritage Site - Tallinn's Old Town is one of the best preserved medieval cities in Europe, and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Pictured in this skyline view from left to right is: St Nicholas' Church, Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, and St Mary's Cathedral, as seen from St Olaf's Church. (Photo: Flickr/CC BY-NC 2.0)

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Majestic skyline - The onion domes of Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, one of Tallinn's most prominent historic landmarks.

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Alexander Nevsky Cathedral - Its distinctly Russian veneer is no coincidence: the richly decorated Alexander Nevsky Cathedral was built when Estonia was part of the Russian Empire. Its 11 bells were cast in

Saint Petersburg.

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St Olaf's Church -

Built in the 12th century, St Olaf's Church owes its name to King Olaf II of Norway. After exploring the interior, head to the lookout for revealing views of Tallinn and its surroundings. (Photo: Flickr/CC BY 2.0)

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Kadriorg Palace - Built for Catherine I of Russia by Peter the Great, this grand 18th-century baroque palace houses the Kadriorg Art Museum, home to important collections of Russian and Western European art spanning the 16th to 20th centuries. (Photo: Wikimedia/CC BY-SA 4.0)

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Tallinn Kadriorg Park - The grounds that enclose Kadriorg Palace make for a recreational escape form the urban hum of the city. The park serves as a regular summer venue for concerts and festivals. (Photo: Flickr/CC BY-SA 2.0)

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Katariina Käik - St Catherine's Passage is an evocative medieval passageway comprising eight artisans' studios. Shop here to buy glassware, hats, quilts, ceramics, jewelry, and other hand-crafted wares. (Photo: Flickr/CC BY 2.0)

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Tallinn Town Hall - This is the oldest town hall in the whole of the Baltic region and Scandinavia. Completed in 1404, the building looms over Tallinn's picturesque market square.

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Town Hall interior - Although they are copies, the tapestries (pictured) hanging in the town hall recreate every detail of the originals, which were made in Holland in 1547 and are now displayed in Tallinn City Museum. (Photo: Wikimedia/CC BY-SA 3.0)

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Old Thomas - Old Thomas is the name of the weather vane of Tallinn's ancient town hall. Designed as a peasant boy with a crossbow, the original 1530 figure is on display in the town hall basement. The present Old Thomas can be seen at the top of the town hall tower. (Photo: Flickr/CC BY-SA 2.0)

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Kiek in de Kök - The Kiek in de Kök (left in picture) is a 15th-century cannon tower, the name of which translates as "peep into the kitchen." From the tower's upper floors, medieval voyeurs could peep (kiek) through the gaps in chimneys of the lower town houses into their kitchens (kök). (Photo: Flickr/CC BY-NC 2.0)

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St Peter and St Paul’s Catholic Cathedral - You'll need to peek inside the cathedral to get an idea of architect Carlo Rossi's original vision—the exterior underwent a spot of modernization during the early 1920s. But this is still a lovely location to chill out in and meditate. (Photo: Flickr/CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)

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Viru Gate - Viru Gate, part of Tallinn's ancient city walls, is just one of several grand thoroughfares that lead into the city's medieval heart.

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Fat Margaret - Fat Margaret is the not-very-flattering nickname given to this rotund 16th-century cannon tower, which is attached to the Great Coast Gate. It contains the engaging Estonian Maritime Museum's collection.

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Toompea Castle - The foundations of Tallinn's imposing castle date back to the 9th century. Over time, Danes, Swedes, and Russians have occupied the stronghold. Today, the ancient landmark houses the Riigikogu—the Parliament of Estonia. (Photo: Flickr/CC BY-NC 2.0)

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High-tech gloss, medieval charm - The view at dusk from Toompea hill perfectly illustrates the contrast between Tallinn's historic landmarks and its contemporary architecture. (Photo: Wikimedia/CC BY-SA 3.0)

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Home of the startup - Tallinn can boast the highest number of startups per person in Europe, and is the birthplace of many international companies, including Skype. The city is also home to the European Union's IT agency, eu-LISA.

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KUMU - An eye-catching structure furnished from limestone, glass, and copper, the futuristic KUMU art museum contains the country's largest repository of Estonian art. (Photo: Flickr/CC BY-NC 2.0)

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KGB Museum - Annexed by the USSR in 1944, Estonia effectively became a Soviet satellite state until its independence in 1991. A reminder of Russian occupation is the fascinating KGB Museum, set in the old KGB offices of the Hotel Viru. (Photo: Flickr/CC BY-NC 2.0)

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Tallinn Botanic Garden - Set in the Kloostrimetsa forest in Tallinn's Pirita district, the city's tranquil botanic garden includes an arboretum and fragrant rose garden. (Photo: Wikimedia/CC BY-SA 3.0)

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Tallinn TV Tower - Want to see Tallinn from a bird's-eye view? The tower's observation deck is set 557 ft (170 m) above ground. Needless to say, the panorama is simply jaw-dropping. (Photo: Wikimedia /CC BY-SA 3.0)

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Estonian local wine and liqueur - While in Tallinn, consider trying some local Estonian wine and liqueur, traditionally sweet and made from rhubarb, dandelions, primrose, rowan, blackcurrants, and other local fruits and berries. (Photo: Flickr/CC BY-ND 2.0)

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Leib bread - They name restaurants after leib— Estonian black bread, which, in fact, is fermented rye bread. A traditional staple, try a slice smothered with butter and garnished with herbs. (Photo: Flickr/CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)

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Cafe culture -

Tallinn's medieval cobblestone streets and broad square are lined with dozens of appealing bars and restaurants.

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Cafe Maiasmokk - Tallinn teems with cafes, but if you only visit one, makes sure it's Maiasmokk (left in picture). Dating back to 1864, this is where to indulge in fresh homemade pastries, pies, and cakes. An added quirk is the Marzipan Museum, housed in a separate room and open daily from 10 am to 8 pm. (Photo: Flickr/CC BY 2.0)

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nAnO home restaurant and champagne lounge - Expect the unexpected at this wacky eatery, run by model and local politician Beatrice Fenice. (Photo: Flickr/CC BY-NC 2.0)

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Restaurant Tchaikovsky - All book shelves and greenery, Restaurant Tchaikovsky presents a bold, modern fusion of French tastes, Russian traditions, and Estonian ingredients. (Photo: Flickr/CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)

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Kehrwieder Chocolaterie - Without doubt the sweetest cafe in Tallinn, this offbeat place to eat serves up handmade chocolates and freshly roasted coffee under flickering candlelight. (Photo: Flickr/CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)

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Olde Hansa -

Looking for a traditionally-themed place to eat? Grab a table at Olde Hansa in the Old Town. This medieval merchant's house features a menu of 15th-century culinary favorites, many of them wild game delicacies. Wine flows, and musicians in period costume provide an authentic soundtrack.

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Tallinn it like it is in Estonia

Exploring the Estonian capital

25/05/19 | StarsInsider

TRAVEL Cities

Tallinn, the capital city of Estonia, combines medieval cobblestone charm with high-tech gloss. The home of Skype and other digital A-listers, this attractive Baltic bolt-hole is also celebrated for its UNESCO-protected buildings, landscaped parks and gardens, and a truly appetizing culinary scene.

Tempted by Tallinn? Browse this gallery for plenty of ideas of where to go, what to see, and places to eat.