By far, the fastest and easiest way to get to the heart of medieval Europe is by plane to Tallinn Airport. However, Muscovites have few other options. A daily train runs between Moscow and the Estonian capitals. A ticket for it will cost less than a plane ticket, but you will have to spend much more time on the road. That, perhaps, is all. Of course, you can choose a bus route with a change in Riga or get first to the northern capital, and then go to Tallinn by ferry or bus. But you will have to spend more on the road, and the time costs will increase many times over.
According to best-medical-schools, residents of St. Petersburg have more choice. Air travel is possible only with a transfer, but there are bus and ferry routes. The latter is the longest option, but it also has its charm. Cruise ships to Tallinn run with stops in Helsinki and Stockholm. The ship stays in the port until 8 o’clock – at this time you can go ashore, walk around the city and even go on an excursion.
Read more about travel methods and prices on the page how to get to Tallinn.
Districts of Tallinn
The most interesting from a tourist point of view is the central part of the Estonian capital – Kesklinn. Here, within walking distance from the port, is the heart of Tallinn – the Old Town. As soon as you cross the threshold of the Great Sea Gate, you find yourself in the middle of a cobbled street of a medieval city. However, there are many interesting sights behind the fortress wall – the famous Catherine Palace, Kadriorg Park, many theaters and museums. The largest lake in Tallinn, Ülemiste, is located in the southern part of the district.
For obvious reasons, the most expensive hotels, cafes and restaurants of the city are concentrated here.
In the west of the city, in the Haabersti area, there is also something to see. It is here that the largest zoo in the country is located. Another significant attraction is the Estonian Open Air Ethnographic Museum, which looks more like an old village with windmills and other wooden buildings dating back to different eras. And in summer, you can bask in the sun and take a break from long walks on the Kakumäe sea beach.
Located in the northeast, the Pirita area is known for the ruins of the ancient monastery of St. Brigid preserved there and several buildings of the Soviet era – a television tower and the Olympic Sailing Center. Here is one of the most popular beaches in the city.
Tallinn Hotels
The hotel industry in Tallinn is very well developed – the city has many accommodation options in different price segments. Most hotels and hostels in the city are concentrated in the center, the price level is generally lower than in the popular tourist regions of Western Europe or Moscow.
Those who come for more than one day and can afford to spend a couple of hours on the road should consider hotels on the outskirts of the city. There are more chances to find an inexpensive option, although there are also budget rooms in the center. Prices for double occupancy in a simple hostel start from 20 EUR, while a place in a common room will cost only 9 EUR.
If you book accommodation in advance, you can choose the most suitable option in terms of price, quality of service and location. This is especially true for the high season – the summer months, Christmas and New Year.
There are several luxury hotels in the city, the cost of one room in which is more than 200 EUR per day. Among them are hotels of well-known international chains – Hilton and Radisson. All of them are located in the central area, some are literally a stone’s throw from the Town Hall Square.
Transport
Tallinn buses, trolleybuses and trams run daily from 6:00 to 23:00. A ticket can be purchased from the driver immediately upon boarding (2 EUR) or at a newsstand. The last option will save you some money. Unlike those bought in the salon, such tickets must be punched.
Those who come to Tallinn for more than one day and plan to travel even the most remote areas should get a Unified travel card (deposit 2 EUR). After use, you can return it, get your money back, or take it home as a souvenir. There are different fare options – for 1 hour (1.10 EUR), 1 day (3 EUR), 3 days (5 EUR), 5 days (6 EUR) or 30 days (23 EUR). When validating the card, the system will automatically write off the cost of the most profitable ticket.
Traveling in Tallinn transport, even in comparison with Moscow, costs a lot. However, it is better to pay for it – documents are checked quite often, and the fine is 40 EUR.
Taxis are relatively inexpensive, payment is made strictly according to the meter. The car can be ordered by phone (there is no separate surcharge for the order). Landing price (up to 5.50 EUR), kilometer (up to 1.10 EUR), parking hour (up to 24.20 EUR) and the amount of the minimum payment must be posted on the side window. Several large companies operate in Tallinn, and there are also private taxi drivers.
Tallinn Card holders can use all types of public transport free of charge an unlimited number of times (within the validity period of the card).
- Where is Tallinn Central Bus Station located?
Rent a Car
The capital of Estonia is a compact city, most of the main attractions are concentrated in the center, in the pedestrian zone. Other areas can be reached by public transport. And if the plans include visiting several museums and theaters, then renting a car is a waste of money.
Car rental is useful for those who want to admire nature in the vicinity of Tallinn – Tyurisalu cliff with a gorgeous view of the sea from it, the country’s largest waterfall on the Jagala River, a couple of picturesque beaches and other attractions. Cars are rented by several local (Easy Car Rent, A Plus Rent A Car) and international (Avis, Europcar) companies. The cost varies from 20 EUR per day to 750 EUR per month.
All people in the car must be fastened with seat belts, and the dipped headlights must be on at any time of the day. For speeding and driving while intoxicated, very high fines are charged – up to 1200 EUR.
Parking in the city center is paid on working days from 7:00 to 19:00 and on Saturday from 8:00 to 15:00. Sundays and public holidays – free of charge. In the Old Town, parking lots are paid around the clock, regardless of public holidays. In new modern areas, traffic is often difficult, especially on Friday evenings.
There must be a valid parking ticket in a visible place under the windshield of the car. It can be purchased at newsstands, as well as from employees of the parking service. The first 15 minutes parking is free.
