For many visitors to Tallinn, the fairy tale old town is the main attraction. But if you have more than a couple of days in Tallinn, there are a number of places outside the old town that is worth checking out. These are some of the places we visited.
Sea Plane Harbour Museum
The sea plane harbour museum is a 15 to 20 minute car ride outside the city (or you can take the bus there). The museum is located at the harbour. The main part of the museum is a converted aircraft hangar.
This holds many interesting maritime artefacts, boats, catamarans, boats. You can even play video games and pretend you are a pilot or have a go at World War II gunner stations.
My favourite exhibit was a Second World War submarine. You can actually walk inside he submarine and see the crew quarters, the torpedo tubes, the engine room and so on.
The museum continues outside, at the docks. There are many ships docked outside which you can walk on to and explore. We explored an ice breaker and another military vessel.
Kalamaja Design District
Located about a 20 minute walk outside the old town, this used to be a former, somewhat rundown fishing village. It is now converted to a trendy and hip designer district with shops, art galleries, cafes, bars etc.
It is well worth a look if you are into contemporary design and art. A walk here will also allow you to explore the differences between the Tallinn Old Town and the new town. Many buildings from the Soviet era, a World apart from the fairytale old town. I liked it as it reminded me of Birmingham’s Digbeth.
Paldiski and the North-West coast
We spent half a day exploring Paldiski and the North-West coast. You can see the Kela-Joa waterfall, Padise Manor and the Paldiski light house and the country side. Read more about our trip to Paldiski here.
Kadriog Palace and Park
We didn’t get to visit Kadriog palace, but it is a popular destinations for tourists. It was a palace built for Catherine the Great by Peter the first. The palace is also home to several art museums.
Have you been to any of the above places? Would you consider going? Leave a comment below and let me know.
Also, if you are thinking of visiting Tallinn, you might like to read my other post about 10 things to do in the Old Town.
Diary of a Tourist 