Summer is the time when almost everyone wants to take a week off and go on a holiday near or far.
Although we often dream of warm lands and far-away, exotic destinations, here in Tallinn you can also get away from the daily rush and relax, whether it's just a few days, a weekend or a longer period of time. What to see in Tallinn for those who love the charm of the old town or for those looking for a modern and creative break? This is the opinion of Maarja Loorent, co-founder of Fotografiska Tallinn.
Creative Quarters are gaining popularity
Like in Riga, Tallinn is currently revitalising its neighbourhoods into creative districts, offering a variety of new concepts for concerts and other cultural events. One example is the Telliskivi Creative Quarter, established in 2007 on the site of the former Baltic Railway Factory. It is just a few minutes' walk from Tallinn's Old Town and has become a leading alternative and artistic area in the city - attractive to locals and tourists alike.
It is home to creative businesses, 30 shops, restaurants, theatres, galleries, several conference and seminar venues and almost a thousand cultural events a year. One of the creative places is the Telliskivi Loomelinnak centre, which brings together various art institutions, workshops and artists' studios. Current events can be found here.
Contemporary art trends
Tallinn as a destination will also be of interest to those who want to discover contemporary art trends and exhibitions by popular artists, so a visit to the Fotografiska Tallinn museum, also located in the Telliskivi quarter, should definitely be on the itinerary. This is a museum that stands out for its extraordinary collection of photographs and exhibitions by world-famous artists.
Currently on show at the museum are László Moholy-Nagy's exhibition "The Game of Light", the romantic exhibition "Meeting Sophie" by award-winning photographer Snezhana Von Büdingen-Dyba, a photographic story of a girl with Down's syndrome and her mother, and British photographer Miles Aldrige's bright and colourful retrospective "Virgin Mary. Supermarkets. Popcorn. Photographs from 1999 to 2020". For upcoming events and exhibitions, click here. In addition, concerts and various other events take place in the museum courtyard.
In the evenings, the roof terrace hosts parties with the city's best DJs. The programme can be found here. Contemporary art museums are becoming increasingly popular in Tallinn, and the private museum PoCo opened its doors in May in the city's harbour area. Its exhibitions bring together artists and themes from different eras and places to highlight different approaches - from the beginnings of the New York Pop Art movement to underground art in the USSR. The museum features works by artists such as Andy Warhol, Jeff Koons, Benxy and others. Take a look at what PoCo has to offer here.
The traditional charm of the Old Town
A visit to the Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is not to be forgotten. It features several ancient buildings and Gothic churches, including the Niguliste or St. It is one of Tallinn's most important historical monuments. After restoration, the church has become an important cultural centre, housing a museum of historical works of art. Visitors can see paintings, sculptures and other works of art from the Middle Ages to the present day. An elevator takes you up to the church tower and gives you a view of the city from above. More information about this option can be found here.
In the Old Town, you should also visit the Estonian History Museum. It will reveal the stories of Estonia and its people, giving you a deeper insight into the country's culture and heritage. The museum offers a wide range of exhibitions covering different periods and themes in history, from ancient times to the present day. It is a way to discover Estonia's rich history and gain an excellent understanding of the country's development. More information about what the museum has to offer can be found here.
Another area within walking distance of the Old Town is the Noblessner waterfront quarter, home to the KAI Art Centre, which also offers a variety of cultural events.
Parks and beach
The parks around the city and the proximity to the sea offer areas where you can relax and enjoy the wonderful views. Pirita Park and beach are close to Tallinn Bay. It can be reached by walking or cycling along the Pirita promenade, which is a great place for walks and picnics overlooking the sea and forest. For a more active lifestyle, there is an obstacle course for all ages and abilities.
If you don't fancy a longer walk to the beach, Kadriorg Park is just outside the Old Town. In summer, free excursions are offered to explore the extensive park, the castle and its history, and the Kadriorg Art Museum. There is also the KUMU Art Museum, where you can visit the exhibition "Through the gorge of your black eyes", which explores the rich heritage of women graphic artists, until November. For more information on the events taking place in the park, click here.
Cultural life and music festivals
Tallinn is also known for its lively cultural scene and festivals. With a changing programme of festivals, it's worth checking before you set off if there are any interesting events on the weekends, such as music festivals or street art performances. This includes the Fotografiska Tallinn concerts, which feature musicians from all over the world. Donovan Keith (USA) is coming soon. More information here.
Local theatres and concert halls also offer a wide-ranging entertainment programme. For example, on 19 August, Tallinn will host a major concert by Noëp, an artist who has also visited Latvia in the past.
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