Editor’s Choice Award: Tallinn is a Romantic Seaside City Full of History and Culture

The Short Version: Tallinn is the capital city of Estonia and a popular tourist spot because it has something for everyone. History buffs can explore the medieval buildings and museums of Old Town. Foodies can sample local cuisine at restaurants, pubs, and cafés. Outdoorsy folks can go to beaches or gardens to soak in the sun. From shopping malls to Russian cathedrals, Tallinn has many points of interest for couples going on a daytrip or a romantic getaway to this beautiful destination.

A few years ago, a friend and I decided to take a seven-day cruise through the Baltic Sea to celebrate paying off our student loans. Our itinerary included stops at Copenhagen, Stockholm, and St. Petersburg. But my favorite day was spent exploring a city I hadn’t heard of before: Tallinn, Estonia.

I didn’t know what to expect when we docked in Tallinn, but I soon got swept up by the history and beauty of the place. My friend and I were fast-walking through the city trying to see as much as possible in one day, and we left with a long list of reasons to return.

Tallinn is the capital city and cultural hub of Estonia.

Tallinn made a good impression on us because it isn’t a typical tourist destination where you’re battling crowds. The city has a lot of charming places where you can just sit and enjoy a friendly and laid-back atmosphere.

We spotted dozens of hole-in-the-wall restaurants with outdoor seating, and we joined many dog walkers on a seaside promenade that took us past old statues, public parks, and a maritime museum.

Located on the shore of the Gulf of Finland, Tallinn is a hidden gem where visitors can immerse themselves in history and find local haunts where they can savor good cuisine or take in a scenic view. The city offers romantic activities that can entertain couples of all ages, so it’s a perfect destination for a day trip, honeymoon, or weekend getaway.

One unique feature about Tallinn is that it’s a 21st-century city encircles a medieval square known as Old Town. This well-preserved area has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Walking into Old Town is similar to stepping into a page of history. The contrast is stark between the city proper and its ancient roots.

One minute you’re in a modern city with streets crowded with buses, taxis, and bikers, and then you turn a corner to enter Old Town where it’s all cobblestone, pedestrians, and red-tiled roofs. A massive wall surrounds the town and acts as a border between the old world and the new.

Established over 5,000 years ago, Tallinn’s Old Town is one of the oldest living cities in Europe.

Visitors can take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city by walking through Old Town’s narrow and winding avenues.

The majority of buildings in Old Town were built between the 13th and 16th centuries, and their outward appearance has been carefully preserved while building interiors have been renovated. Old warehouses and merchant houses have been transformed into coffee shops, restaurants, stores, and museums.

St. Olaf’s Church is the largest structure in Old Town, and it offers an expansive view of Tallinn — if you have the time, energy, and the three Euros it costs to get to the top. Visitors have to climb up a cramped and uneven spiral staircase to make it to the open-air observation deck. This activity isn’t for the faint of heart, but many say the photos and memories are worth the trouble.

“We climbed the tower on a lovely day to take in the view, and it was worth it for the stunning vista of Tallinn and beyond,” a Scottish tourist wrote in a review. “Definitely a highlight of our trip!”

The Pirita District is on the west side of Tallinn and is a popular destination for outdoor leisure activity. The beaches of the Pirita River stretch for over a mile, and you can find adventure parks, seaside restaurants, and botanical gardens within walking distance.

“In the early 20th century, this seaside area began to develop into a destination for Sunday rides and bathing, and the sandy beach is still a huge draw whenever the weather turns warm,” according to a local blogger.

Couples can rent a boat to see the city from the water, or they can stroll along the Pirita Promenade to see the water from the city. Either way, you’re bound to have a nice time taking in the sights and spending quality time together.

Pirita Promenade is open to bikers and pedestrians. Photo by Toomas Volmer.

The Tallinn Botanical Garden is another beautiful attraction in the Pirita District. Over 4,500 plant species live here, and romance can easily bloom in its rose gardens or greenhouses.

If you want to make the most of your trip to Tallinn, you should look into getting a Tallinn Card, which provides a number of benefits, freebies, and discounts for visitors. The Tallinn Card includes free access to 40 museums, free entry to Hop On Hop Off buses, and other special offers. You can activate your Tallinn Card for a 24-hour, 48-hour, or 72-hour period and save money at the city’s sightseeing destinations.

With a Tallinn Card, couples can get a 50% discount on their tickets for the Skywheel of Tallinn, and they can enter the Tallinn Botanical Garden for free.  They’ll also have free access to public transportation to help them zip around the city and see everything more easily.

“Tallinn has some of the best museums I’ve ever been to,” said a tourist named Laura in a five-star review of the Tallinn Card. “On top of the ease of admission to these museums, it’s nice to have transport included.”

Finally, couples can end their day in Tallinn on a high note by visiting the acclaimed Tallinn Television Tower. This 1,030-foot building is an iconic part of the city skyline, and it features a restaurant and terrace on the 22nd floor. Visitors with a Tallinn Card receive free priority admission to the Tallinn TV Tower.

The Tallinn TV Tower is the tallest building and entertainment center in Estonia, so it naturally draws sightseers from all over the country and the world.

The Tallina Teletorn is a top culinary establishment on the 22nd floor of the Tallinn TV Tower.

The viewing platform at 558 feet up provides visitors with a breathtaking view of the city. From April to October, visitors can even buy a ticket to stand on the specially reinforced glass floor that gives the illusion of walking on air suspended hundreds of feet above the ground.

The Tallina Teletorn is a popular venue for couples celebrating a special occasion. The panoramic views of Tallinn offer a great backdrop for a proposal or just a memorable date night.

“Delighted to find that it was not crowded. We decided to have a coffee and snack in the restaurant. It was amazing,” Paula said in a TripAdvisor review. “Beautifully cooked and prepared, a gourmet delight — really recommend the restaurant.”

“Enjoy the view of Tallinn while eating a delicious dinner,” another reviewer said. “The restaurant not only has a fantastic view out over Tallinn from a distance, but also sets very high standard for the food.”

Other attractions at the Tallinn TV Tower include a mini television studio, a virtual reality station, a cinema hall, and a gift shop.

I had never heard of Tallinn when I saw it on my Baltic cruise itinerary, but all it took was a day of exploration for me to fall in love with this bustling, and simultaneously ancient and contemporary destination.

Couples who visit Tallinn are in for a treat because it has so many places to capture their interest. They can grab a quick lunch at a family-owned café, enjoy seaside views, and wander cobblestone streets packed with historical significance. At the end of the day, they can take their date night to new heights by dining at the TV Tower and getting a panoramic view of this one-of-a-kind city.

“We just love the place. It is so romantic,” said a TripAdvisor reviewer. “It is so quiet, the air is so fresh, and the place gives you a very warm feeling.”