Old Town Shopping
Old Town Shopping
Calling all shoppers! On this special walking tour of the Old Town in Tallinn you will have the opportunity to see area landmarks while surveying the local shopping scene.
The fun begins with a ride around the ancient city walls of Tallinn, the capital city of Estonia. Once inside the medieval old town you will head to the upper part of town and see such notable sites as Toompea Hill, a 20 to 30-meter-tall limestone mound used by ancient rulers as a stronghold to defend the city. You will also see notable landmarks including Toompea Palace as well as the onion-domed Alexander Nevsky Cathedral.
From the Danish King Garden platform you can take panoramic photos of the red roof-topped houses in the lower old town, then use the garden pathway or take Short Leg Street to make your way down into the lower part of Old Town where you will be greeted by souvenir shops and local design stores.
While in the area, check out Freedom Square and Viru Gate, 1 of 8 gates that was part of the 14th century Tallinn defense system. Today the corner towers of the gate are still standing, and usher you into Viru Street with its bustling shops and restaurants.
St. Catherine's Passage is not to be missed, this street is one of the most picturesque in Tallinn and is lined with artisan stores and workshops. It also connects to Vene Street and the Master's Courtyard with its various artisan studios and designer stores.
Stop at one of the cafes for a coffee break (at guest's own expense) and a piece of marzipan, then admire the medieval merchant houses and the Gothic style town hall in the Old Town Hall Square. Continue to Toompark for spectacular views of the upper Old Town and, if time permits, check out the designer and antique stores at the Baltic Station Market before your return trip to the port area and your ship.
This half-day hour tour is a perfect introduction to the cultural and shopping scenes of the Old Town in Tallinn. Get your shopping fix as well as learn about the history and culture of this beautiful part of the world along the way.