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[Europe Trip #2] One Week in Tallinn: Living the Nomad Life in Estonia’s Medieval Old Town 🇪🇪

Traveling from Latvia to Estonia takes about three hours by FlixBus — a comfortable and affordable ride across the border.
My next stop: Tallinn, the capital of Estonia, famous for its beautifully preserved medieval Old Town.

Where I Stayed: Imaginary Hostel

I stayed at Imaginary Hostel for a week, and it only cost around €90 (about ¥15,000) — incredibly affordable for a European capital!
This hostel checked every box:

  • A coworking space for remote work
  • A spacious kitchen for cooking
  • A prime location right in the Old Town

Everything was perfect.

coworking space
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If you cook your own meals, living costs in Tallinn can stay surprisingly low. Buy fresh ingredients from local supermarkets and enjoy your meals in the shared kitchen — it’s part of the fun.

And right outside the door lies a UNESCO World Heritage Site. For digital nomads, this place is a dream: peaceful, inspiring, and beautifully walkable.

Tallinn Old Town: A Living Museum

Tallinn’s Old Town was added to the UNESCO World Heritage list in 1997, recognized as “one of the best-preserved medieval cities in Europe.”
Its cobblestone streets, Gothic church towers, and colorful facades make you feel like you’ve stepped straight into a storybook.

My Favorite Places to Eat and Drink in Tallinn

III Draakon

A medieval-style tavern that offers a truly unique experience.
Their signature dish is elk soup with a side of carrot paste and bread — all for just €8.

Here, you don’t use a spoon. Instead, you grab the handle and drink the soup directly from the mug.
The soup has a light gamey flavor, with small bits of minced meat rather than large chunks.
Candlelight flickers on stone walls, creating a rustic atmosphere that makes you feel like a medieval traveler. Highly recommended.

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Hell Hunt

A cozy local pub serving Estonian craft beer.
It’s casual enough to visit alone — many people play cards or chat over a pint.
The vibe is friendly, relaxed, and very local. Perfect for winding down after a day of walking.

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SÕÕRIKU JAAM (Authentic Estonian Donuts)

A local shop famous for traditional Estonian doughnuts.
Affordable, light, and perfect for a quick snack between sightseeing spots.

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Cafe Maiasmokk

This is said to be the oldest café in Tallinn, and even the birthplace of marzipan.
Most visitors order coffee and cake, but I went for the marzipan itself — expecting bread, only to be surprised with a dense, sweet almond paste!
It was delicious but extremely sweet. I only managed to eat half. Sweet tooths will love it though.

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Best Viewpoints of Tallinn Old Town

Kohtuotsa Viewing Platform

My personal favorite viewpoint.
From here, the red rooftops of the Old Town spread out like a painting beneath you.
Friendly seagulls often hang around hoping for food — they make great photo companions!

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Patkuli Viewing Platform

This spot gives a broader, elevated view of the city.
It’s especially beautiful at sunset when the rooftops glow orange under the evening sky.

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Other Great Places to Explore

Balti Jaama Turg

A large market located just outside the Old Town.
You’ll find a supermarket, food court, and upstairs — vintage shops, antiques, and handmade furniture.
It’s easy to spend an hour or two browsing and maybe find some hidden gems.

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Katariina käik (St. Catherine’s Passage)

A narrow, atmospheric medieval alley that’s easy to miss.
It runs alongside the 13th–14th century St. Catherine’s Monastery ruins, where old tombstones and stone carvings line the walls.
It’s one of the most photogenic streets in the Old Town.

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RØST Bakery

If you want a change of scenery from the Old Town, head to RØST Bakery.
This area has a modern, design-forward vibe, and the bakery serves excellent coffee and pastriesm, perfect for a quiet morning or an afternoon break.

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Tips for Taking the Ferry to Finland

If you’re heading to Helsinki by ferry, pay attention — Tallinn has two ferry terminals.
Double-check your ticket and make sure you go to the correct one; arriving at the wrong terminal can ruin your schedule.

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The ferry itself is huge, and you can even drive cars onboard.
Inside, you’ll find lockers large enough for 20kg suitcases, perfect if you want to walk around freely during the 2-hour trip.
It costs about €5, and contactless card payment is accepted.

Final Thoughts

Tallinn combines the charm of the medieval world with the comfort of modern life.
It’s compact, affordable, and ideal for remote workers who love history and design.
For me, it was one of the most nomad-friendly cities in Europe, a place I’d happily return to.

Next stop: Finland

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kaz

Full-stack Engineer specializing in Backend/Frontend/Cloud Infrastructure | Digital Nomad since June 2023, traveling the world | Sharing programming tips and insights | Posting travel updates on X

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