A couple of weeks ago, I was traveling again and this time, I visited two Baltic cities namely, Vilnius and Tallinn. It was my first time to visit Vilnius and I was really glad to have visited this beautiful city as they have a very nice Old Town with lots of interesting sights to visit. Since I have gold status with Club Carlson, I booked my first night at the Radisson BLU Hotel Lietuva which is famous for its Skybar and my second night at the Radisson BLU Royal Astorija Hotel which is located in the heart of the Old Town and where famous dignitaries like the King of Sweden and ex US President Bush have stayed in the past. Although I've been to Tallinn a few years ago, it was only for a few hours as we were on a cruise that time. This time, I stayed for two nights, staying at the Park Inn by Radisson Central Tallinn on my first night and at the newly opened Hilton Tallinn Park for my second night where I was given an upgrade to a one bedroom suite 😍 I flew with SAS and LOT in economy class during this trip but since I have Star Alliance gold status, I had access to the SAS Gold Lounge in Copenhagen Kastrup Airport, the IDW Esperanza Resort Lounge in Vilnius Airport and the Business Lounge in Tallinn Airport. It was just a short trip since I had to be back in Stockholm for work but I definitely enjoyed every minute of it and hopefully, I will be back again soon 😉
A few weeks ago, I visited Tallinn where I spent two days exploring the city. I had been in Tallinn in 2008 but it was only for a few hours so I was glad to be back and have more than enough time to appreciate what the city has to offer. I really loved the Old Town specially the city walls dating back from the 13th century, the Town Hall Square with its Christmas Market and of course, the beautiful Alexander Nevski Cathedral. Public transportation is cheap and in case you will take taxis, make sure you ask for a price estimate. Wifi is free inside the restaurants and malls, food is very good and the people are friendly 😉 In case Tallinn is part of your travel plans in the future, here are some of my travel tips:
Walls of Tallinn: These walls surrounding the Old Town is simply admirable, and thanks to it being listed in the UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is still well preserved.
Alexander Nevsky Cathedral: This Russian Orthodox cathedral is no doubt the most important landmark in the Toompea section of the Old Town.
A short video of Alexander Nevsky Cathedral and the Estonian Parliament Building
Estonia's Parliament Building: Located just opposite the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, this building with it's Baroque style architecture served as the seat for the nation's foreign masters as part of the Tallinn Castle.
Town Hall: Considered as the oldest town hall in the Baltic region and Scandinavia, make sure you visit the tower's viewing platform for fantastic views. The weathervane Vana Toomas from the top of the Town Hall tower is also not to be missed 😉
Town Hall Square: I was fortunate to have visited Tallinn during the time when the Christmas market was already open. Lots of gifts and souvenirs to take home with you 😉
St. Olaf's Church: This church was the tallest building in Europe for 76 years, from 1549 until 1625.
Open City Wall Tour: This is highly recommended if you want to get great views of the Old Town as you walk around it 👍 Ticket costs 3EUR.
St. Nicholas Orthodox Church: This beautiful classicist building was built between 1820 and 1827.
Ukrainian Church: Located in Laboratooriumi Street, this church (if you get lucky) would even offer free tour of the church and an opportunity to make silk paper with your own hands.
Master's Courtyard: An artisan quarter including textiles, ceramics, jewellery shops and galleries.
Dome Church (Cathedral of Saint Mary the Virgin): Founded in 1219, this might be the oldest church in Estonia. The Baroque pulpit and organ loft are definitely worth seeing. Entrance fee is 2 EUR.
Maiden Tower: One of the more famous of Tallinn's medieval defence towers, this was renovated and reopened a museum. Don't miss its popular café.
Kohtu 6, Ungern-Sternbergi Palee: Nice architecture 😉
Independence War Victory Column in the Freedom Square
St. John's Church: This church built in 1862 is a Lutheran church dedicated to St. John the Evangelist, located on the eastern side of Freedom Square.
St. Nicholas Church: Built in the 13th century, this now houses a branch of the Art Museum of Estonia.
Estonian History Museum: Covering 11,000 years of Estonian history, make sure you visit this museum if you love history. Admission is 5 EUR.
Börsi Passage (Path of History): The history of Estonia is written on it's street, literally. Enjoy your time reading the history of this nation as you walk along this passage 😉
St. Catherine's Passage: As you walk thru the alleyway, you'll see ancient tombstones on the northern portion and open studios on the southern portion.
Rotermann Quarter: The old factories here will surely fascinate you with its interesting architecture which have been given a make over.
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