Europe's best kept secret: the baltic's

Tallinn is an extremely underrated city in the Baltic's. Most people have not heard of, or will even consider visiting the Baltic countries when planning a trip to Europe. This charming city is known as one of the best preserved medieval cities in all of Europe, as it clearly shows. I have been fortunate enough to travel and stay here many times by a two hour ferry ride from Helsinki, so here is a little list of must-sees I have compiled throughout the years of my Tallinn visits!

Old Town - Like most Old Towns with medieval architecture, it lies within massive brick walls, cobblestone streets, and defensive towers at each entrance. The beautiful square welcomes you colorful buildings, winding

alleyways, and a variety of cafes, shops, and restaurants. Be sure to venture up the Toompea Hill to see some of the best views of Tallinn and the unique design of the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral. It is free to enter, but remember, no photos!

During the winter season, Old Town Square holds one of the best and most beautiful Christmas markets in all of Europe. You can’t visit Old Town without getting oxtail soup at III Draakon! Watch your head as you enter the candle-lit, captivating, medieval themed, brick hideaway. Even the staff are dressed in character, and do not feel offended if they are rude. It is a part of the act! If you’re feeling adventurous, stab a pickle out of the wooden keg or try a mushroom pie.

Two places I have always found myself going back to in Old Town is the Kohvik Must Puudel and Pub Kompressor.

Kohvik Must Puudel, meaning black poodle in Estonian, is a quirky, little cafe just on the outside of the main square in Old Town. They have a great breakfast menu, suitable for (most) diet restrictions, and offer a beautiful display full of traditional pastries and cakes. Pub Kompressor offers an assortment of sweet or savory pancakes, some will call them crepes. I always go for the savory ones myself, but my husband goes for the sweet. This works out nice because we can split it.

Balti Jaama Turg food hall is a few blocks outside of Old Town is definitely worth the visit. You will find three levels with fresh food and local produce, clothing, antiques vendors, and hip eateries.

Kadriorg Art Museum - If you’ve got an eye for colorful architecture like me, don’t miss out on visiting the Kadriorg Art Museum. If you have time, be sure to check out the gallery and stunning interior of this palace. Tight on time? Take a walk around to the back of the museum to see a beautifully designed formal garden with fountains. If you’re graced with a nice day, I recommend taking a walk through Kadriog Park. It is easily accessible by public transportation if you are coming from Old Town.

Photography Museum of Tallinn (Fotomuuseum) - This has been recommended by many people and is considered one of the best photography museums in Europe. Although it is small, the gallery holds many photographs of Estonia's history and includes 3-4 changing exhibitions. It is a must-see for those interested in art and science of photography.

Telliskivi - To see more of the modern and hip side of Tallinn, you must visit Telliskivi. Here, you have thrift and antique stores, cafes, ice cream shops, restaurants and art galleries. The streets are covered in art, from funky sculptures to graffiti murals. If you’re hungry, pop in to my personal favorite place to eat; F-Hoone. They offer a

seasonal menu and will often accommodate to any special diet you may have.

In just over four hours south by car from Tallinn, you'll hit Riga, Latvia. Although we only spent about 24 hours in this charming old city, it was enough time to want to come back again.

Our brief yet enchanting stay in Riga, Latvia, was nothing short of magical. Nestled in the heart of the Baltic's, Riga effortlessly combines old-world charm with a vibrant, modern energy. We stayed at the newly renovated Konventa Seta Hotel, perfectly situated in the middle of Old Town, providing the ideal base for our exploration.

As we wandered through the cobblestone streets of Old Town, we were immediately captivated by the architectural beauty surrounding us. The rich history of Riga is evident in every corner, from the Gothic spires of St. Peter's Church to the striking facade of the House of the Blackheads. Each building seemed to whisper stories of the past, inviting us to delve deeper into the city’s fascinating heritage.

Window shopping in Riga was a delightful experience. The streets were lined with charming boutiques, offering everything from traditional Latvian crafts to contemporary fashion. The Art Nouveau district, in particular, was a highlight, with its intricate facades and stylish storefronts. It felt as though every shop had its own unique story, waiting to be discovered.

Our stay at Konventa Seta Hotel was the perfect retreat after a day of exploration. The hotel, housed in a historic complex, seamlessly blends modern amenities with historical elegance. Our room was a cozy haven, providing a wonderful view of the bustling streets below. The hotel's prime location meant that we were always just steps away from the vibrant life of Old Town.

In the evening, we indulged in local Latvian cuisine at a nearby restaurant, savoring traditional dishes that showcased the rich flavors of the region. As night fell, we strolled along the river, taking in the serene beauty of the illuminated cityscape.

Our one-night stay in Riga was a beautiful blend of history, culture, and modern comfort. From exploring the enchanting streets of Old Town to experiencing the warmth and hospitality of the Konventa Seta Hotel, every moment was a cherished memory. Riga, with its timeless allure and vibrant spirit, left a lasting impression on our hearts, and we look forward to returning to uncover more of its hidden treasures.

Our weekend stay in Vilnius, Lithuania, was the highlight of our Baltic road trip. The city’s homey atmosphere and vibrant energy made us fall in love with it instantly. Everything we wanted to explore was within walking distance, and the charm of Old Town was simply captivating.

We stayed at the Artagonist Art Hotel, perfectly situated in the heart of Old Town. This beautifully designed hotel enhanced our Vilnius experience with its unique artistic touches and welcoming ambiance. The incredible staff made us and our dog, Sunny, feel right at home from the moment we arrived.

Vilnius’ Old Town was a visual and cultural delight. Its stunning architecture, cobblestone streets, and historical landmarks created a picturesque backdrop for our adventures. We spent our days wandering through the city’s diverse neighborhoods, each offering a unique blend of old and new.

One of our culinary highlights was indulging in traditional Lithuanian cuisine at Etno Dvaras, where we savored hearty, authentic dishes. For a sweet treat and some relaxation, we enjoyed pastries and coffee at Crustum, and refreshed ourselves with delicious smoothies from Meta Smoothie Bar.

The city’s walkability was a true joy. Just a few blocks from Old Town, we followed the river to discover White Bridge Square, a lively local hangout. This park offered basketball courts, a skatepark, volleyball courts, and ping pong tables, making it the perfect spot to unwind and soak in the local culture.

Another neighborhood that stole our hearts was the artsy district northeast of Old Town, just across the Bernardinu Bridge. The creative vibe and eclectic atmosphere were inspiring and added a unique flavor to our trip.

A day spent at the Grand Hotel Kempinski Spa was pure bliss. The luxurious treatments and serene environment provided the perfect respite from our city explorations.

On our way out of Vilnius, we made a memorable stop at Trakai Island to visit the stunning Trakai Castle. This fairytale-like castle, set on an island in a picturesque lake, was a fitting end to our magical weekend.

Vilnius, with its welcoming charm, lively atmosphere, and rich cultural tapestry, truly became our favorite city on our Baltic road trip. The blend of historical beauty and modern vibrancy, along with the warm hospitality we received, ensured that our stay in Vilnius was unforgettable. We can’t wait to return and create more wonderful memories in this enchanting city.