So, I just got back from Tallinn, and honestly, I can't stop thinking about all the incredible things I stumbled upon there. I mean, when I started planning my trip, I was excited but also a bit nervous. The whole idea of traveling to somewhere I'd never been before—man, that can really make you doubt your choices. Like, is this place really going to be as good as everyone says? I had heard a few things about the best things to do in Tallinn, but will they actually live up to the hype? Spoiler: yes and no.
This spot? Total surprise.
First off, let me tell you about this odd little café I found. I had some time to kill before my tour of the old town, and I was just wandering around, trying to get my bearings. I wasn't even looking for a place to eat; it was more like the aroma of fresh pastries that snagged my attention. I turned down a side street, and there it was—Kohvik Moon. I almost walked right past it, but something pulled me in.
The café's interior had this quirky vibe, with mismatched furniture that felt charming rather than chaotic. I felt a little awkward entering solo amidst a busy crowd, but the staff was super friendly. I grabbed a seat by the window just in time to watch the rain start drizzling outside, transforming the streets into a watercolor painting. I didn't plan on having breakfast, but the menu had this ricotta pancake with berry compote that practically sang “order me!” So I did.
When it arrived, I was blown away. As soon as I took a bite, I was like, wow, I didn't know pancakes could taste like this. They were so fluffy and rich, and the berries were fresh and tangy. I guess you could say my coffee was the perfect way to kick off my morning, but really, it was those pancakes that set the tone for the rest of my trip.
The afternoon that changed my whole mood
So after my little detour, I finally made it to the old town, and let me just say, WOW. The cobblestone streets are like something out of a storybook. That magical feeling hit me hard. But to be honest, I wandered aimlessly for a bit, and at first, I felt kind of lost. I kept trying to figure out my way, thinking I was missing some “must-see” landmarks—and I guess I was, but I was enjoying just being in the moment too.
Just when I started feeling a bit overwhelmed, I found myself in front of St. Olaf's Church. I didn't even plan to go there; I just kind of walked past it. But as I stared up at its spire stretching into the sky, something clicked. The sun broke through the clouds just enough for this golden light to really highlight everything, and suddenly I was in a completely different headspace. I decided to climb the tower, even though, ugh, 258 steps later, I wasn't sure my legs would be happy with me. Let me tell you, they're not—they're still whiny, to be honest!
But oh man, once I reached the top, it was like, all my doubts and frustrations melted away. The panoramic view of the city—wow. Just, wow. The rooftops were a kaleidoscope of reds and oranges, and the sea felt like it was painted in every shade of blue. I don't think I've ever felt so fortunate to be where I was at that moment. Total mood change. I sat up there for a while, just breathing and soaking everything in. Honestly, I could've stayed forever, but the climb down had me reconsidering that idea pretty quickly.
I almost missed this, no thanks to my bad sense of direction
Now, let's talk about getting lost. If you know me, you know that I have an awful sense of direction. Or maybe it's just a strong attachment to side streets. Whatever the case, I managed to lose my way on my quest to find the famous Alexander Nevsky Cathedral. I was frustrated, especially with a map that seemed to be working against me. But the thing is, getting lost made me discover these tiny streets filled with eclectic shops and even better, local art.
At one point, I stumbled upon a little art gallery that had the coolest prints from local artists. I wasn't even planning to buy anything, but one of the pieces just tugged at my heartstrings. It was a small painting of a Tallinn sunset that captured the colors from the top of St. Olaf's Church so perfectly. Maybe it was that moment of frustration leading to this unexpected joy—or maybe it was the universe giving me a nudge that I needed to slow down. I ended up chatting with the artist, who shared the story of his work and his love for Tallinn. We talked for a good half hour, bonding over our shared appreciation for this city's charm.
Honestly, I wouldn't have had that little moment if I hadn't wandered off the path I thought I was supposed to take. Isn't that just wild how life works?
The meal that left a mark
Now let's talk food, because, oh man, did I hit the jackpot. One evening, I was on the lookout for dinner—something hearty because I had trekked all day. I wandered around the Telliskivi Creative City and found this place called F-Hoone. It's this eclectic spot in a repurposed factory, and I just felt drawn to the vibe.
I sat at a communal table, and when my food came, it was a dream: an Estonian dish called “kohupiim,” a kind of fresh cheese, served with roasted veggies and a crispy mustard seed dressing. It sounds simple, but oh god, the flavors—savory and sweet, all layered together perfectly. I remember thinking, “This is what I came for.” The atmosphere was so warm, and the energy of the place made me feel like I was part of something bigger than just my meal.
I ended up making some new friends at the table, all of us sharing plates and stories. We even swapped travel tips, which, let me tell you, is one of the best parts of traveling, right? Everyone's experiences give you this whole new lens into a place. By the time I left, my heart felt just as full as my stomach.
So, there it is—my whirlwind of a trip, filled with surprises, small mishaps, and unforgettable moments. It's like each little detour added a different hue to my experience, and I wouldn't trade any of it for a smooth journey. I'm still processing everything, sipping my coffee and thinking of those pancake mornings and that sunset view. If you ever find yourself in Tallinn, just know the best things to do in Tallinn might just lead you down some unexpected paths too.
