Tallinn, Estonia | Summer Weekend in Tallinn 2024

The summer of 2024 was already packed with plans. We had just returned from an extensive Arctic Tour to Nordkapp with Susann’s parents, and the calendar was filling up fast. Susann and Little A were preparing to visit the Åland Islands, while I was planning a solo trip to Poland. Additionally, we had a family weekend in Kaunas scheduled for the end of July. Despite this busy schedule, we found ourselves with a free weekend in between trips. I happened to check for flights and stumbled upon a very affordable option. Within an hour, the decision was made. We were heading off for a spontaneous weekend in Tallinn, the capital of Estonia.

A Mid-Day Flight from Stockholm

On a Thursday morning in July, we drove to Stockholm Arlanda Airport to catch our flight. We flew with Ryanair across the Baltic Sea to Tallinn Airport, a journey that takes just over an hour. With such a short flight time, the trip was smooth and uneventful, barely leaving enough time to nap onboard.

Upon arrival, we opted for a Bolt taxi to reach our accommodation. Bolt is the dominant ride-sharing service here, which is hardly surprising given that the company has its headquarters in the city. We stayed at the Park Inn by Radisson Meriton Conference & Spa Hotel, located just outside the famous city walls. This choice was largely driven by Little A, who had a specific wish for this trip: a hotel with a swimming pool.

Stockholm Arkanda Airport, Sweden, Ryanair, Tallinn

A Sunny Afternoon in Tallinn

Our first afternoon in Tallinn offered perfect summer weather. The sun was shining brightly as we set out to explore Vanalinn, the Old Town. We walked past many of the main sights, including the impressive city wall and the central square, Raekoja Plats. The Town Hall stands proudly here, surrounded by a network of cozy, cobblestone streets.

Although we have visited Tallinn many times in the past, we hadn’t been here since 2017. Seven years is a long time, and the city has clearly developed. Our immediate impression was that the streets felt cleaner and the atmosphere more refined. The groups of visibly intoxicated tourists from Finland and Sweden seemed to have been replaced by a more sophisticated crowd. However, this maturity comes at a price. The restaurants in the center have become significantly more expensive, rivaling prices in Stockholm or Helsinki. As I joked to Susann: “Welcome to the Nordics, Estonia!”

Quick Facts: Tallinn

Population: Approximately 450,000 inhabitants.
Location: Situated on the northern coast of Estonia, on the shore of the Gulf of Finland.
History: The Old Town is one of the best-preserved medieval cities in Europe and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Viewspoints and Trendy Streets in Tallinn

Our walk eventually led us up to the Patkuli Stairs, a popular viewpoint offering a panoramic look at the northern part of the Old Town. The scenery was picturesque, framing the towers of Nunnatorn and Kuldjala Torn against the backdrop of St. Olaf’s Church.

We paused to enjoy an ice cream at a nearby restaurant before settling down for a proper dinner. As the afternoon turned into evening, we strolled towards Telliskivi, a trendy industrial area known for its creative vibe. However, since we arrived fairly late, the area was winding down for the night. With Little A eager to use the hotel pool, we decided to turn back and spent the final hour of the day relaxing at the spa.

Tallinn Tall Ships Race

Friday morning greeted us with gray skies and a distinct lack of sunshine. However, the gloom was offset by an exciting event: the arrival of the Tall Ships Race. I had previously been disappointed to miss these majestic vessels during our planned trip to Åland, so seeing them in Tallinn was a welcome surprise.

Despite the threat of rain hanging in the air, we walked down to the harbor. Two impressive ships were docked at the main exhibition:

Dar Młodzieży: A magnificent training ship from Gdynia, Poland.
BAE Guayas: A vessel that had traveled all the way from Guayaquil, Ecuador.

My adventurous side has always been drawn to these ships. Looking at them, I tried to imagine how the harbors of the past must have appeared, filled with tall masts rising against the horizon. That said, when docked next to modern cruise liners like the massive Tallink Shuttle, even these grand sailing ships look surprisingly small.

A Rainy Evening in Tallinn

After a light lunch in the harbor, we returned to the hotel as the rain began to fall. It was the perfect excuse to spend more time at the spa. Later in the evening, we headed out for an Indian dinner, but the weather continued to deteriorate.

Eventually, we decided to split up. Susann and Little A returned to the comfort of the hotel, while I ventured back to the harbor hoping to see more of the Tall Ships festivities. Unfortunately, the rain had driven everyone away. The harbor was surprisingly empty, and a scheduled performance had only a handful of spectators. Wet and unable to find a cozy spot for a beer, I admitted defeat and took a taxi back to the hotel.

Enjoying a Few Last Hours

We began our final day in Tallinn with one last visit to the spa, making sure to fully utilize the facilities before checking out. Fortunately, the weather had improved, allowing us to enjoy a final dry walk through the Old Town. We even managed to squeeze in some shopping, though our limited luggage space meant we couldn’t buy much. Little A, however, was happy to find a few new tops that fit easily into our bags.

Back Home to Sweden

All trips must eventually come to an end, and this short Estonian adventure was no exception. We took a taxi back to the airport, finding it to be a cost-effective option for three people compared to public transport.

Once again, we boarded a Ryanair flight back to Stockholm Arlanda. While we hadn’t paid for reserved seats, we were lucky enough to be seated together, which often happens when flights aren’t fully booked. We returned home ready to prepare for the next leg of our Summer of 2024. I had my solo trip to Wrocław and Poznań to look forward to, and in just a few weeks, the whole family would be heading to Kaunas.