Rick mentions in his Tallinn video that it is good to get a couple blocks away from the touristy streets to get a more authentic feel for Tallinn. Does anyone know what street names would be a good example of Tallinn, maybe with some non-touristy, but good, restaurants?
Posted by
alameda, ca, usa
2688 posts
Just wander, you’ll find them—each street leads to another, some up slight hills, some with stairs, the lower area is flat and then there’s the passageways... I was just there last week for my second visit and again I was completely enchanted by Tallinn. I also went to Riga & now in Vilnius and while they have their merits, they don’t compare to Tallinn. I loved a restaurant called Farm on Muurivahe, across from the sellers of knitted items that are not authentic; if you want real Estonian mittens go to Eesti Kasitoo (handcrafts) on Pikk. But I digress—Farm is spectacular and locals eat there. Look for the taxidermy critters having a dinner party in the window...If you like pub food try Hell Hunt on Pikk.
Posted by
OP
3 posts
Thanks for all the info, Christa!
Posted by
Southeast US
4043 posts
Christa offers excellent advice. I will also endorse Farm (I ate there in July 2018). Restaurant Tchaikovsky offers excellent (but very pricey) Russian food; it's located in Hotel Telegraaf.
Posted by
Southeast US
4043 posts
A few more things that are perhaps totally off the topic of your question...
Wandering Toompea Hill in the early evening is wonderful. The crowds are gone, and you are almost alone.
If you have time, watch the documentary The Singing Revolution before you go to Estonia. It's moving.
I like parks and Tallinn has several. Hirvepark (Deer Park) is good for a walk, and it had a part in Estonia's movement toward independence (see documentary above).
Tallinn is awesome. Enjoy your time there.
Posted by
alameda, ca, usa
2688 posts
Dave—yes, good idea re Toompea hill, I arrived around 6 pm and set out to reacquaint myself with the glorious twisty streets and at times I had the whole street to myself—great pics—& the platform at Toompea around 8 was just me and a family. Daylight til 9:30 was another bonus!
Posted by
OP
3 posts
Dave, my wife and I just watched The Singing Revolution. Very inspiring and educational. Next, we are going to watch another Estonian film, The Fencer. We leave for our Baltic cruise in two weeks.
Posted by
alameda, ca, usa
2688 posts
I absolutely loved The Fencer! I live near Berkeley so we get all the international movies and this one had the audience clapping at the end...like Hoosiers, but with fencing 😏 I got to visit Haapsalu where much of it was filmed on my 2013 trip...very pretty and peaceful little town. I do hope you enjoy your trip!
Posted by
Southeast US
4043 posts
Glad you enjoyed the documentary. I'm going to have to chase down The Fencer and watch it!
Posted by
Southeast US
4043 posts
Oh, yeah... enjoy your cruise! I'm really excited for you because of all that you will see!