Tallinn: Top Rated!! Why Loved?

[TLCOhio]

From the Boston Globe travel section this morning, they have this headline: “Eight top travel destinations for 2018”with nice highlights for our loved Estonia, including its capital.

 

Here are some key details and their reporting: “Tallinn is in danger of becoming too popular, partially because it keeps winding up on lists such as this one, and partially because it’s a beautiful city with a well-preserved Old Town, sandy beaches, and an incredible restaurant scene. In addition to Old Town you can wander in the bohemian Kalamaja district, the posh Kadriorg area, or head to the Pirita promenade, which runs parallel to the sea.”

 

Nice highlights on this charming and historic town that we super enjoyed visiting, exploring and experiencing. Need some proof and evidence?? Below are a few of my visuals from our visiting there.

 

Full story at:

http://www.bostonglobe.com/lifestyle/travel/2018/01/04/start-planning-here-are-top-travel-destinations-for/ZnKSaL61tnX23aCpYr64GO/story.html?et_rid=470029886&s_campaign=todaysheadlines:newsletter

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

For details and visuals, etc., from our July 1-16, 2010, Norway Coast/Fjords/Arctic Circle cruise experience from Copenhagen on the Silver Cloud, check out this posting. This posting is now at 221,596 views.

www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1227923

 

Tallinn’s rooftops in this charming Estonia Capital from the Toompea/upper town with docked cruise ships shown in the more distant background:

(Open your screen/viewer wider to see these pictures larger!)

 

Dancers marching in Tallinn’s festival parade near the stone towers of the famous Viru Gate. So much charm, character and history in this somewhat hidden treasure of a town!! Tallinn's Old Town is in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Its history goes back to the 1100's and it was an important port for trade between Russia and Scandinavia. In 1285, the city became the northern-most member of the Hanseatic League, a famed trading and military alliance of German-dominated cities.:

 

Shopping is great in Tallinn. Here we are inside a nice linen shop near the City Hall.:

 

Inside of Tallinn’s historic St. Mary's Cathedral Lutheran church with parts of the building dating back to the 12th Century. The main church was built in the 14th Century:

 

At the top of Tallinn’s Toompea hill, this shows part of the Estonia Parliament building in the historic Pink Baroque Palace and the old Pikk Hermann watchtower with their flag on top:

 

Here is an inside views of Tallinn’s Alexander Nevsky Cathedral built in the Orthodox style 1894–1900. This church crowns the hill of Toompea. The church has been meticulously restored since Estonia regained independence from the Soviet Union in 1991.:

[TLCOhio]

Here is more well-deserved attention for Tallinn and Estonia. From the New York Times Travel Section coming this Sunday, they have this headline: “52 Places to Go in 2018” with these highlights: “Estonia is celebrating the 100th anniversary of its founding in 2018 with a cultural rebirth. The centerpiece is the newly opened Estonian National Museum, a stunning, 1,160-foot-long glass structure set on a Soviet-era airbase runway in the city of Tartu. In the capital, Tallinn, creativity is also flourishing in the independent design shops in Telliskivi Creative City, a renovated 19th-century railway factory complex, and restaurants like Leib and Noa, where young chefs are experimenting with fresh takes on traditional Estonian cuisine and brewers are cultivating an exciting craft beer scene.”

 

Full story at:

https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2018/travel/places-to-visit.html?rref=collection%2Fsectioncollection%2Ft ravel&action=click&contentCollection=travel&region =rank&module=package&version=highlights&contentPla cement=1&pgtype=sectionfront

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

From our Jan. 25-Feb. 20, 2015, Amazon River-Caribbean adventure that started in Barbados, here is the link for that live/blog. Many visuals from this amazing river and Caribbean Islands (Dutch ABC's, St. Barts, Dominica, Grenada, San Juan, etc.):

www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2157696

Now at 54,800 views for these postings.

[smarks]

Here is more well-deserved attention for Tallinn and Estonia. From the New York Times Travel Section coming this Sunday, they have this headline: “52 Places to Go in 2018” with these highlights: “Estonia is celebrating the 100th anniversary of its founding in 2018 with a cultural rebirth. The centerpiece is the newly opened Estonian National Museum, a stunning, 1,160-foot-long glass structure set on a Soviet-era airbase runway in the city of Tartu. In the capital, Tallinn, creativity is also flourishing in the independent design shops in Telliskivi Creative City, a renovated 19th-century railway factory complex, and restaurants like Leib and Noa, where young chefs are experimenting with fresh takes on traditional Estonian cuisine and brewers are cultivating an exciting craft beer scene.”

 

Full story at:

https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2018/travel/places-to-visit.html?rref=collection%2Fsectioncollection%2Ft ravel&action=click&contentCollection=travel&region =rank&module=package&version=highlights&contentPla cement=1&pgtype=sectionfront

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

From our Jan. 25-Feb. 20, 2015, Amazon River-Caribbean adventure that started in Barbados, here is the link for that live/blog. Many visuals from this amazing river and Caribbean Islands (Dutch ABC's, St. Barts, Dominica, Grenada, San Juan, etc.):

www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2157696

Now at 54,800 views for these postings.

 

Terry in Ohio, thanks for the links. Sounds wonderful. Can't wait to visit in 2019.

[mskaufman]

Tallinn is great. Even in the rain we had a great time and my camera did not stop clicking. I like Terry's sunny day pictures and wish I had some.

 

[anthonyy7]

Definitely one of my favorite ports! Old town is easily walkable from the ship. Maisasmokk cafe has wonderful coffee and pastries [emoji106] http://kohvikmaiasmokk.ee/en/

[LondonTowner]

I understand why North Americans like Tallin, but when we did a Baltic cruise it was our least favourite port. There were far on many tourists and too expensive.

 

There are loads of cities in Europe that are just as nice, but not nearly as commercialised.

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Forums

[paradiselivin1]

Thanks for sharing, Terry. We will be there in July. Yes, LondonTowner, this is exciting for some of us in the US, but does not diminish our love of the UK small villages and countryside. Some of us just simply love to travel and experience new places worldwide.

[CrazyJess]

I have been to Tallinn. Charming place! I still remember narrow cobblestone streets, cathedrals and the marzipan shop. Very tasty!

 

Jess

[CrazyJess]

Sorry, I don't remember. It was on a narrow street. We did the tour with Best Guides, try to ask them.

 

Jess

[Keith1010]

Beautiful photos.

 

Keith

[TLCOhio]

Thanks TLCOhio! Great post!

 

Appreciate these above nice comments. From the Travel Section of the London/UK Independent earlier this month, they had this headline: “Tallinn City Guide: Where to Eat, Drink, Shop and Stay”with these highlights: “The fairytale spires of Tallinn’s old town attract thousands of visitors, many from cruise ships that dock for the day and fill the cobbled streets with tourists. The capital offers a heady mix of history, from medieval origins to grisly Soviet repression, told through countless museums. In the evenings costumed peasants will try to tempt you into themed restaurants to try the local ales and mince stews, but stand your ground. Instead, slip away from the crowds and head to Kalamaja, a former industrial area now dotted with modern eateries and bars in former factories, where you can try quality Estonian food for a snip. The area is emblematic of Tallinn’s more recent identity as the Silicon Valley of Europe. Get your bearings by heading to the city wall that encircles the old town, sections of which were built in the 13th Century. Platforms offer views across the spires of the old city and out to Tallinn Bay.”

 

For dining, they suggest: "Velvet couches, dark wood tables and low lighting make for a cosy dinner at Restoran Ö, a restaurant that specialises in Estonian cuisine and uses only locally-sourced ingredients. The 11-course degustation menu is a righteous introduction to the very best in Baltic cuisine (€76), from salted elk to fish roe and a selection box of breads with matching butters. If you’re in the Old Town, the cool recesses of Restoran Spot provide respite from the crowds."

 

Full story at:

https://www.independent.co.uk/travel/48-hours-in/tallin-things-to-do-estonia-best-restaurants-bars-hotels-a8523846.html

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

SE Asia/Mekong River, Etc.! Completed a Jan. 21-Feb. 20, 2018, first adventure through Southeast Asia with stops in Hong Kong and Bangkok, before traveling all over Vietnam and Cambodia. This includes seven days sailing on the Mekong River. Now at 36,068 views. Lots of fun, interesting pictures!! See more at:

www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2591474

 

Here is the colorful graphic used with the article from this UK newspaper.:

(Open your screen/viewer wider to see this picture larger/better!)

[judijmn]

I understand why North Americans like Tallin, but when we did a Baltic cruise it was our least favourite port. There were far on many tourists and too expensive.

 

There are loads of cities in Europe that are just as nice, but not nearly as commercialised.

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Forums

 

this was our opinion also. We were glad we got to see it and it was beautiful but very touristy

[Tommy_dbt]

Tallinn is a nice place and a shopping haven! ☺ 

 

https://discoverbooktravel.com/shopping-haven-at-tallinn-estonia/

 

[CruiseMH]

On 10/5/2018 at 1:31 AM, judijmn said:

 

this was our opinion also. We were glad we got to see it and it was beautiful but very touristy

 

Tallinn is close to the destiny that overtook Dubrovnik .Absolutely georgous city with lot to see but too many tourists.

Was there 2014 whith total 5 big ships and it was simply too much.I`m planning to get back there at some time when there are much less crowds.

But even though i found Tallinn more enjoyable then e.g. Helsinki.

[TLCOhio]

Appreciate these added postings and follow-ups. Especially liked the nice visuals from Tommy_dbt.  Great sharing!!!  Keep up the nice posts and experiences from visiting in this charming and historic part of the world. 

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Lisbon, NWSpain, Bordeaux/Brittany: Live/blog, June 2017 from Portugal to France along scenic Atlantic Coast.  Now at 25,668 views.  Many interesting pictures, details for history, food, culture, etc.:

www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2511358

[Tommy_dbt]

Thanks Terry! 

 

More of Tallinn.. 😂 

 

 

Tallinn

https://discoverbooktravel.com/exploring-tallinn-on-our-own/

 

You might want to read our day to day review of our Baltic cruise by clicking here. 

[TLCOhio]

Appreciate from Tommy these added postings and pictures.  Yes, helpful sharing!!   Below is a link to our latest trip.  Lots of great history and architecture in the Middle East, just as you can see in Tallinn, the Baltics, Russia, etc. Love the "character" to explore in these regions of the world.

 

In July, for our first time, we will be seeing Jasper/Banff, doing the Western Canada Rocky Mountaineer rail adventure, having three days in Vancouver, then sailing up to Alaska, doing a post-cruise excursion to Denali, etc.  More great photography opportunities?

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

For latest live/blog, see “Holy Lands, Egypt, Jordan, Oman, Dubai, Greece, etc.”, with many visuals, details and ideas for the historic and scenic Middle East.  Connect at:

www.boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2607054-livenautica-greece-holy-lands-egypt-dubai-terrypix’s/

[Kate P.C]

There are many reasons to love Tallinn! The Old town is very charming, people are friendly, the weather is great, their soups even better, and we loved our time spent in the Olde Hansa!

[Ergates The Ant]

Also loved Tallin. It was our favourite stop on our Baltic cruise. The architecture was almost fairytale like, and it was great to be able to walk from the ship into town. The people were friendly and helpful, and we were delighted to be able to buy locally made craft items for souvenirs. A wonderful cruise stop.

We are from the UK, and found Tallin quite charming.

 

[TLCOhio]

22 hours ago, Ergates The Ant said:

Also loved Tallin. It was our favourite stop on our Baltic cruise. The architecture was almost fairytale like, and it was great to be able to walk from the ship into town. The people were friendly and helpful, and we were delighted to be able to buy locally made craft items for souvenirs. A wonderful cruise stop.  We are from the UK, and found Tallin quite charming.

 

Great follow-ups and comments from Kate P.C and Ergates The Ant.  Will go back and dig out a few more pictures from Tallinn that have not been previously posted.  It's always wonderful to refresh those exciting memories from our time in Estonia. 

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Norway Coast/Fjords/Arctic Circle cruise from Copenhagen, July 2010, to the top of Europe. Wonderful scenic visuals with key tips. Live/blog at 234,977 views.

www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1227923

[dabear]

Thanks Terry for refreshing our memory of this port. We were there on a Baltic cruise in July, 2018 and it was our second favorite, next to SPG. It was very easy to navigate & walk around, charming and by far the best shopping port in the Baltic.

[TLCOhio]

4 hours ago, dabear said:

Thanks Terry for refreshing our memory of this port. We were there on a Baltic cruise in July, 2018 and it was our second favorite, next to SPG. It was very easy to navigate & walk around, charming and by far the best shopping port in the Baltic.

 

Great follow-up from our Midwest neighbor to the west in Illinois.  Nice comments and fun to bring back all of those nice memories from visiting Tallinn.  Below are some additional "oldies, but goodies" pictures from our 2008 exploring around in this historic and charming city.  

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

AFRICA?!!?: Fun, interesting visuals, plus travel details from this early 2016 live/blog. At 45,186 views. Featuring Cape Town, South Africa’s coast, Mozambique, Victoria Falls/Zambia and Botswana's famed Okavango Delta.

www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2310337

 

From our ship, here was the view of Tallinn with its towers and historic architecture.:

(Open your screen/viewer wider to see these pictures larger/better!)

 

This is an outside, overall view of the large and richly-decorated Russian Orthodox church.  It was completed on Toompea Hill in 1900, when Estonia was part of the Czarist Empire.  Second is a close-up of the design above its main entrance.  Earlier, I showed its interior with residents worshiping during our visit.:

 

 

 

This is a sample of their downtown square, including on the right for the location where we enjoyed outdoor lunch in this charming section of this town.:

 

 

Yes, shopping was wonderful.  Here is my wife "negotiating" with one of the ladies at her outdoor sales booth with many woolen items available at fairly reasonable prices.:

[TLCOhio]

Here is part for some of my additional visuals from visiting Tallinn in 2008 while doing the Baltics and Russia.  Excellent memories and experiences.  Make sure to MAXIMIZE your exploring in Tallinn.  The "Prize" is well worth it!!

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Barcelona/Med: June 2011, with stops in Villefranche, ports near Pisa and Rome, Naples, Kotor, Venice and Dubrovnik. Great visuals with key highlights, tips, etc. Live/blog now at 245,689 views.

www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1426474

 

Here are some more "eye-candy" samples from the community festival that was happening on the Saturday when we did our summer visit.  Good luck to be here at that time.  The third visual shows some of the dancing happening in this area.  Tallinn's Old Town is in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.  Its history goes back to the 1100's and it was an important port for trade between Russia and Scandinavia.  In 1285, the city became the northern-most member of the Hanseatic League, a famed trading and military alliance of German-dominated cities.  In the second picture, you can see the famed dining place, Olde Hansa, in the background.:

(Open your screen/viewer wider to see these pictures larger/better!)

 

 

 

At lunch, I loved enjoying Tallinn’s local beer.  This is the most popular beer in Estonia and the oldest operating brewery. Their slogan: "it's about the taste".  We agree!!!.:

[TLCOhio]

From the Travel Section of the London/UK Sunday Times this morning, they had this headline: “Tallinn, Estonia: the Big Weekend”  with this sub-head: "Submarines, saunas and Soviet artworks make the capital intruiging"

 

Here are some of the story highlights: “There’s only one place to start a Tallinn tour: looking north from the walls at the top of Toompea Hill. This fortified knuckle of churches, towers and palaces is where the city got going in the 11th century. In the distance stretches a long arm of the Baltic, with Russia at one end and the rest of Europe beckoning from the other. Immediately below is the medieval town, which grew rich on the trade between east and west. It’s a magnificent sight to match Tallinn’s A-grade museums, superb shops and deliciously cheap restaurants.”

 

This story with many pictures/graphics brings back nice memories.  Many ideas on various options and potentials to consider.  Here is a another key profile highlight/tip: "Now’s your chance to explore the Vanalinn (old town), an open museum of medieval architecture. Shop for hand-knitted bed socks (£25) at the Estonian Handicraft House (folkart.ee), slurp ice cream at Gelato Ladies (facebook.com) and admire the beautiful textiles and glassware at the Design Museum (£5.50; etdm.ee). Make time for a detour, too — to the brilliant and heartbreaking Vabamu Museum, just south of Toompea Hill, which commemorates the brutality of the Soviet and Nazi occupations (£10; vabamu.ee)."

 

Full story at:

https://www.thetimes.co.uk/past-six-days/2019-06-02/travel/tallinn-estonia-the-big-weekend-kj0hswp5j

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Norway Coast/Fjords/Arctic Circle cruise from Copenhagen, July 2010, to the top of Europe. Wonderful scenic visuals with key tips. Live/blog at 235,615 views.

www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1227923

[dog555]

beautiful pictures! cant wait to see it for myself!