During the winter months, this city break destination is a real-life winter wonderland thanks to its snowy weather. With Jet2 launching new routes it’s now easier than ever to visit its famous Christmas market
Jet2 is set to launch three new routes to a city break destination that’s famous for its medieval old town and Christmas market.
Flights from Edinburgh to Tallinn will run from November 27, with flights from Manchester and Birmingham launching on November 28. These seasonal flights come just in time to explore Tallinn when it’s often at its most beautiful, with frozen, snowy weather typical in the run up to Christmas. There are flights this December for just £30.
Jet2 describes Tallinn as looking like a “medieval fairytale”. The old town is UNESCO-listed, and has historic squares, cobbled streets, and colourful architecture. It’s the kind of place where you could easily spend the day wandering around, looking at the perfectly-preserved old buildings and stopping for a strong black coffee and a sweet pirukad pastry.
In the winter months, the old town is particularly charming, decked out in Christmas lights and often with a sprinkling of snow on the ground. The Christmas Market opens on November 21, and runs until December 28, with wooden stalls selling traditional crafts, fairground rides, and a land train decked out in fairy lights to take you round the town.
At the heart of the square is, what locals claim is Europe’s first Christmas tree. The area has been home to a Christmas tree since 1441, long before other nations took on the tradition of decorating trees in their homes. Once you’ve wandered around the square, try some traditional Christmas foods such as gingerbread or Estonian favourites like black pudding and cabbage. A spicy sausage called verivorst is also a very popular treat this time of year.
This walkable city boasts numerous incredible landmarks in its center. Visit the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, a distinctive Eastern Orthodox church featuring onion domes. Or explore the imposing Toompea Castle, a medieval structure now used by Estonia’s parliament. The original castle was built by the Danish in the 13th Century, but parts were destroyed and rebuilt in the Middle Ages, while another newer wing features 18th-century baroque elements.
Visit Kadriorg Palace, which sits within vast areas of parkland. Founded by Russian Tsar Peter I in 1718, this spectacular baroque palace was modelled on Versailles. It’s home to the Kadriorg Art Museum, which has an impressive array of European and Russian art from the 16th to 20th centuries, while the surrounding Kadriorg Park looks beautiful in winter, with fountains and snow-covered greenery. At the edge of the park, you can even enjoy views across the Baltic Sea.
The old town offers a variety of hotels, hostels, and apartments to choose from. The four-star Nunne Boutique Hotel has excellent reviews and old-world charm. Twin rooms start at just £70 a night for two sharing, and for €10 per person you can enjoy the hotel’s spa, which features a massage pool and saunas. There’s even a kids’ room with toys and games to keep small visitors entertained.
The Merchants House Hotel is full of character and offers 36 rooms and suites just steps from the old town’s top attractions. This unique hotel is made up of historic, converted homes set around a courtyard, and offers economy double rooms for just £66 a night for two sharing.
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