Great Airbnb, super close to the Ferry Port, up and over Linnahall (built in 1980 for the Moscow Summer Olympics now a Ghost Town) and to the right, five minutes, also just 10 min more to the Old City. Most of the outer walls are still intact making for a wonderful “feel” to the area. The ancient cobblestones make walking difficult at times but still really awesome. Of course there are numerous churches to check out – I really liked Toomkirik with its tower you can climb and look over the City. Beware of the angry guard yelling at all the Oriental tourists taking photos without paying (in a church – good times). Be sure to go up past the Maiden’s Tower to the Viewing Platform – really high up overview of the coastline. St. Catherine’s Passage is a neat quick look and do a spin in Town Hall Square.
If you show up around 21:00 you will have the place to yourself and it’s still light out. While there, eat at one of the “authentic” restaurants that really put on the performance – transporting you back to the 1600’s. My favorite was III Draakon – be sure to tip the Landlady after you order Elk Soup (ladled out of a large barrel into your own bowl, which you will need to slurp), sausage or a huge bone of meat and wine from a sheepskin (order at the counter & clean your own table) – oh and free pickles. Insiders tip – do a shot of “the Fountain of Youth” with the Landlady – your welcome. Fun diversion is the Marzipan Museum next to the oldest
My second favorite meal was at Restrant Troika – I did the Shot of Russian Standard Vodka in an Ice Glass and a Heaping spoon of caviar. Plus tried Smoked Beaver, actually quite good and a large portion of Village Dumplings = Excellent.
If you really want to get your drink on – wander over to Labor Bar for a 10 shot rack of Cocaine, only 8E.
As soon as you step out of Old town you are surrounded by the new w/Gucci, Prada, & Armani all having shops here (stay in Old Town)…
Five for Free:
- View from Kohtuotsa and Patkuli view platforms
- Climb on the roof of Linnahall
- St. Catherine’s Passage
- Marzipan Museum
- Public Transportation (for citizens but they don’t check)
Five Ways to Save Money:
- Happy Hour Sun/Thurs 50% off till 12m
- Take the Ferry to Helsinki only $28us
- Get a free drink card from street performers
- Visit Patarei Prison only $2us to get in
- Again take the Free walking tour to set yourself up for the rest of your visit
TripAdvisor Reviews:
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