Where to stay in Tallinn, Estonia
I have always said Tallinn is the new Prague simply because years ago Prague was still undiscovered by Western tourists. And that’s exactly how Tallinn, Estonia is today. Cuddled up between Finland and Latvia in the top right hand corner of Europe, Estonia is a country full of amazing sites, a medieval capital, cheap prices, and a truly haunted prison by the sea. I personally have traveled to Tallin in the winter and summer time and have fallen in love with the place!
How to get to Tallinn
By water
The most common ferry route is from Helsinki, Finland to Tallinn Port, which departures daily (1.5 hours). You can also get there by Stockholm on the Silja Line (overnight). I have taken the boat from both, and I think the boat from Stockholm is the most fun due to it being a bit of a booze cruise!
By plane
Tallinn Airport AKA “Lennart Meri Tallinn Airport” or “Ülemiste Airport”) is a small airport located 5 km from the city center. For cheap flights from most countries, try using Norwegian, Ryanair, airBaltic, Finnair, or Easyjet.
By bus
Frequent buses also operate between Tallinn and Riga, Latvia with continuing service to Vilnius, Lithuania and the rest of Europe. Buses also run between Tallinn and St. Petersburg, Russia (€30, 8 hours). Free wi-fi is usually available on board. But trust me from experience, do not have a heavy night of drinking the day before. The breakfast at the bus stops are a nightmare and the bathrooms are bumpy.
Where to stay
When we stayed in Tallinn, we were two girls, and wanted to stay in a trendy apartment in the city. The prices were just as good as a hotel, and we didn’t care to stay in a hostel at the time. We wanted a place that was trendy and felt like home.
City Heart Apartments
Price: $49 per night
Basic amenities: free wifi, hairdryer, washer/dryer, fully stocked kitchen
Pros: Located in an old factory building, it was an excellent apartment centrally located and within walking distance of old town, the port, restaurants, and nightlife. It was also located on the 6th floor, so we had a beautiful view of Tallinn at night.
Cons: The representative from the company was a nightmare. She was cold and short, and just seemed like she wanted to go shopping for more fur coats (she loved looking at the one she was wearing while trying to explain the room). When we were to leave, we didn’t realize checkout was at 12:00, so we were rushing scrambling around the apartment with pounding heads from the night before.
Food Obsessions
You have to go to Kuldse Notsu Korts in old town! The have the best beetroot soup. Read my review.
If you are into a great value, also check out Von Krahli Aed also located in old town and serves a great. If you’re on a budget, the most expensive thing on the menu is €14. Not huge portions but food was tasty and well presented. Inside decor was rustic and every table was reserved. I had the chicken breast for €8 and a starter for €4.
