NickTheBubble

Freedom Square is a popular public square located in Tallinn Old Town. 

You can find significant city landmarks here along with restaurants and a bit of nightlife, including well-known jazz bar, Philly Joe’s. It is also a place that various functions and events happen. 

The War of Independence Victory Column is a memorial to those that died in the Estonian War of Independence. The Cross of Liberty sits on top of it. 

I witnessed a rally for Belarus once in the Square – people were protesting the re-election of Alexander Lukashenko.

It also has it more relaxed moments, with people just enjoying a meal or night out. 

I was really impressed by Cafe Mood, which sits just on the edge of Freedom Square. The atmosphere and service were fantastic – a very cool place. 

The walls were painted by an Italian tattoo artist.

I was lucky to take a trip outside of Tallinn to Paasiku Dogs Manor, a family owned and operated farm that is home to over 20 Siberian Huskies. 

The owners lives really revolve around these very special dogs and you can feel how emotionally invested they are in the wellbeing of their animals. If and when any of their pack are rehomed, they are incredibly selective about who the dogs are rehomed with. 

The farm is also home to some alpacas and the owners told me that they are going to try to bring in ostriches and kangaroos as well. 

It was pretty mild on my visit to Paasiku, but a friend of mine has shared the below photos so that you can see the dogs in action in the snow as well as some Husky pups!

Tallinn has such a diverse selection of restaurants and bars – there are loads of places to eat and loads of places to drink. 

The city has a real independent feel with so many local businesses. Whether you're after an authentic German-style pork knuckle, a great Thai or Texan meal, or just a fun night out, you'll be pleasantly surprised by the number of options Tallinn has to choose from. 

All around the city there are great places to be discovered for a drink, a dance, or just to have some fun. The atmosphere is excellent. 

Tallinn’s Hotel Viru was built in the early 70’s and was a secret home to the KGB during the Soviet era. 

It was mandatory that any visitors to the city stop over in the hotel so that the KGB could keep tabs on movements in and out of Tallinn. 

The KGB took over an entire floor of the building, using it as a radio centre and a hub to spy on hotel guests. 

Espionage devices were discovered following Estonian Independence in over 60 of the hotel rooms. 

Tallinn Old Town is a listed UNESCO World Heritage Site. The historic buildings are beautiful and the stone streets transport you to a different time. 

Some of the Old Town (locally known as Vanalinn) was destroyed during WWII, but much of it still stands and a visit here is quite a special experience. 

A medieval defensive wall surrounds the Old Town, known as the Walls of Tallinn. There are gates and towers scattered all over this part of the city. 

The Three Monks statues are found in the King of Denmark Garden. They are known as the Waiting Monk, the Praying Monk and the Observing Monk. 

A variety of incredible buildings are housed in the Old Town from monasteries to churches to manors. 

There is generally a nice, relaxed atmosphere around the Old Town – you'll find buskers playing music on the streets and people out dancing.

Aside from being a stunning medieval stroll nestled away from main areas of traffic, St Catherine's Passage is home to a craft guild where traditional crafts are practiced by local artists – glass-blowing, weaving and pottery-making are all done here and studios are open to the public. 

There is an amazing restaurant to be discovered in St Catherine's Passage called Contravento. It is the oldest Italian restaurant in Tallinn and has a real olde-worlde feel. And the food is incredible. 

Cycling in Tallinn was a real highlight of my time there. There are fantastic cycle paths that offer a great experience around the city and surrounds.

The bike path takes you out of the city centre and into nature – I quickly found myself in the beautiful Pirita Forest that leads straight to the coast. 

I discovered this very special memorial to Estonia’s Victims of Communism. Over 75,000 Estonians were murdered, imprisoned or deported as a result of Communist occupation from 1940-1991.

Pirita Harbour was full of boats and paddleboarders. 

The Monastery of St Bridget, which suffered fires and an attack from Ivan the Terrible in the 1500's, still stands as well-preserved ruins. It's the home of an annual classical music concert, among other events. 

If you happen to be out and about around 2am, you may even witness a Tallinn night cycle. Check out the video!