Estonia's charming capital city is one of the most well preserved
medieval towns in Europe and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
As our cruise ship prepared to dock,
we were greeted with a spectacular view of the fortified city!
Grey stone towers, red tiled roofs, and Russian onion domes pierced the sky.
I had not expected such a dramatic skyline for this small, little-known port city.
medieval towns in Europe and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
As our cruise ship prepared to dock,
we were greeted with a spectacular view of the fortified city!
Grey stone towers, red tiled roofs, and Russian onion domes pierced the sky.
I had not expected such a dramatic skyline for this small, little-known port city.
 Fat Margaret's Tower We walked past the three old merchant homes known as the Three Sisters.  | After 15 minutes walking, we entered the old city gate near Fat Margaret's tower and the road became cobblestoned.  |
The old city architecture was filled with color and decorative designs.
 |  |
Church of the Holy Ghost - carved clock
Town Hall
Town Hall Square
Once we made it to the Town Hall Square
we found an abundance of cafes and pubs.
Travel guide books had advised us to avoid eating in the square
as it is usually overpriced, mediocre food aimed at tourists.
we found an abundance of cafes and pubs.
Travel guide books had advised us to avoid eating in the square
as it is usually overpriced, mediocre food aimed at tourists.
| We opted instead for a taste of the local beer and a shot of Vana Tallinn. The beer was refreshing, but the amber liquor was dangerously delicious!  Estonian liquor |  Saku beer and Vana Tallinn It had fiery, yet sweet, flavors of rum, cinnamon, citrus, and vanilla! Vana Tallinn is rarely sold outside of the Baltics and nearly impossible to find in the USA. Definitely buy yourself a bottle while in Tallinn!! |
Upper Town
 | After the break, it was time to hike our way to the upper town known as Toompea. Here you can find the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, which was built when Estonia was part of the Russian Empire. However, the main reason for visiting the upper town is for the fantastic panoramic views of the city!! |
Going back into lower town,
we had lunch at a Russian-themed restaurant.
Then we wandered the streets looking for
souvenirs like amber jewelry.
we had lunch at a Russian-themed restaurant.
Then we wandered the streets looking for
souvenirs like amber jewelry.
St. Catherine's Passage
Toward the end of our sight-seeing adventures
we found ourselves near the edge of the city walls.
Many tourists were climbing up the towers
and walking along the ramparts.
we found ourselves near the edge of the city walls.
Many tourists were climbing up the towers
and walking along the ramparts.
 |  |
For such a small place I had heard so little about,
Tallinn was a step back in time worth taking.
Although my feet were quite sore!
Tallinn was a step back in time worth taking.
Although my feet were quite sore!
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