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Tallinn, the capital of Estonia, Estonia

Monica Kochman
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The capital of Estonia is considered one of the best preserved medieval cities in northern Europe. Its charming Old Town survived the Soviets, as well as the country's occupation by the Danish and Swedish empires (among others). Today, the city is an important port on the Gulf of Finland and a popular stop for cruise ships.

Begin your visit by taking a guided bus tour or a horse-drawn carriage ride along the narrow cobblestone streets of Old Town to get an overview of the city. Then revisit areas on foot, starting with the buildings along Pikk Street. You'll go past the well-preserved 15th-century Guild House and its Great Guildhall. The Guildhall now contains the excellent Estonian History Museum. Continue on to the Olaeviste Church, which once had the world's tallest steeple. At the north end of Pikk Street is Fat Margaret, the widest defense tower in the city walls. Its mate is Tall Hermann, the city's highest defense tower, which stands atop Cathedral Hill at the opposite end of the city.

Other attractions in Tallinn include the Gothic Town Hall (built 1401-1404) and the many Gothic churches, including Toomkirik (also atop Cathedral Hill). Next to the church is Toompea Castle, which affords fine views of Tallinn. Although originally built in 1219, the castle's baroque style comes from extensive renovations in the 19th century. The city is brimming with museums: Two we especially recommend are the Gothic Niguliste Museum (located in the Church of St. Nicholas) and the Maarjamae Museum (which covers Estonian art history). The Tallinn Botanical Garden is a well-kept secret that's worth checking out.

Nearby Pirita Beach has nice views of the Gulf of Finland, but we especially liked the view of Tallinn and environs from atop the ruins of the Pirita Cloister (convent, church and monastery).

Day trips can be made to Kloogaranna, one of the cleanest beaches in Estonia (25 mi/40 km west of Tallinn), or to the Rebala Farming History Reserve (12 mi/20 km east of Tallinn), which is home of the Sliding Rocks (women who slide bare bottomed down the rocks are said to be cured of infertility). Tallinn merits a minimum of two days. 115 mi/185 km northwest of Tartu.