Tallinn Medieval Old Town (Self Guided), Tallinn

The Old Town of Tallinn is a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site since 1997. The area emerged in the 13th-16th centuries when Tallinn was an active member of the Hanseatic trade league, slowly evolving into an enclosed district of colorful, ancient gabled houses, medieval towers and gates, half-hidden courtyards, and ostentatious churches.

Today it is one of the best preserved medieval towns in Europe, despite heavy bombardment at the end of WWII. The Old Town retains its charm and is a home to many attractions including, primarily, the Town Hall square complete with a 13th-century Gothic Town Hall crowned with the Old Thomas weather vane – a popular symbol of the city. Just behind the Town Hall is the Tallinn City Museum, covering local history from the prehistoric period until Estonia's independence in 1991.

Behind the Town Hall square is the medieval Lutheran Holy Spirit Church located opposite the Great Guild Hall. The latter houses the Estonian History Museum – one of the most visited museums in Tallinn, recounting the nation's seafaring past up until the end of the 20th century. Another ancient temple nearby is St. Nicholas' Church built in the 13th century and dedicated to Saint Nicholas – the patron of fishermen and sailors. Inside there is a museum of ecclesiastical art.

Marking the entrance to the Old Town is Viru Gate with two towers that were once part of a larger gate system. Among the remaining 26 towers in place, built in the 14th century, there are three: Nunna, Sauna, and Kuldjala, still open to the public.

The cobblestoned Old Town of Tallinn is easily explored on foot and undoubtedly worth a visit. If you wish to do it on your own and in your good time, take this self-guided walk.