The main heart of Tallinn’s old town is Raekoja Square (also spelled as Raekoda) ringed with café restaurants and outdoor terraces on all four corners. At first sight I knew right away that Raekoda and I will just get along fine =)
Raekoja Town Hall Square
Raekoja Square on the top picture. Below picture is one of the entrances to the square, this is I believe the Saiakang street and the taupe cafe restaurant on the right side is the cellar cafe restaurant chocolaterie where I chilled out, but in their outdoor terrace.
Trivia: Did you know that before 1912 Tallinn was called REVAL?
Historical fast facts: Tallinn is the oldest city in northern Europe but for centuries, the city and country has been under the Danes, the Germans, the Swedes and most recently, the Russians. Estonia gained its independence from Russia in 1920 but only managed to keep it until World War II when the country was again annexed to Russia (then USSR aka Soviet Union). It became Soviet Estonia (officially Estonian SSR). In 1991, Estonia officially gained back its freedom but the last of Russian troops only left in 1994.
The Eastern bloc has recently spiked an interest on me, so I might be visiting more of these countries and cities in the nearby future.
Anywho, enough of the history lessons! Back to chilling.
One of my happiness during travelling is sitting in a terrace and having a view such as this from my table =)
So my first chill out stop at Raekoda occurred quickly than I have expected. I have just arrived in town and just had my interesting Estonian elk lunch and now I am looking for a place to chill out for a bit. You know, do nothing, enjoy the sunshine, have some bubbly and do my needed dose of people watching. The weather has been lovely so far, the skies are blue which is a luxury this spring, so I need to take advantage of exploiting this chance. Mind you, this square is the best place for it.
A bottle of Cava at Kehrwieder
Website: Kehrwieder
I quickly chose a table at this restaurant on the corner of the square called Kehrwieder. Website: Kehrwieder – they are a chain of cafe restaurants and chocolaterie. On their website, click on the Kehrwieder Chocolaterie branch, this is the one on Raekoja square, however, their main entrance is on the side street Saiakang but they have a big outdoor terrace on the square.
Now, my table has a direct view to the Tallinn Old Town Hall. Perfect. I checked out the menu and decided to try the Spanish bubbly, the Cava. Estonia is not famous for wines so the options are foreign brands.
I also use this time to read tourist and travel magazines that I picked up from the airport and hotel. This particular magazine has great tips on what to see, where to shop and where to dine. As you can see on the picture above I went straight to the dining section =)
Also, I was glad that I went to the toilet of the restaurant because I was able to see how charming the interior is. Many buildings here have stone vaulted cellar-like ground floors. What a surprise! I snapped away again.
Is this not cool or what? Because the sun was shining, everyone was outdoors of course. During winter and colder days I am sure the indoors is a hit. The cafe restaurant, Kehrwieder, was voted Best Cafe in Tallinn.
What else did I do? Why of course, I was people watching! And architecture watching slash appreciating as well. See the evidence of the bulk of pictures I took below. It is crazy, I cannot stop from snapping away. Every where I turn to is a photo opportunity.
Raekoja Scenes
These pictures of Raekoja Square below were taken during a 3-day span when I was in Tallinn.
I saw many pretty Estonian girls. When I was younger, I used to be as thin as her and I wonder if I just put on effort perhaps I may achieve this size again. On the other hand, I am not that vain anymore. I am getting older, and er… wiser? To accept reality I mean.
Here are a few more pictures of Raekoja Square in the evening:
Minty Coffee at Vana Toomas
Website: Vana Toomas
On my last day in the city I chilled out here to have my last hurrah together with Raekoda. I sat down on a different terrace this time. The cafe restaurant is called Vana Toomas and is also facing the Old Town Hall of Tallinn.
I ordered the minty coffee shot. It’s peppermint alcohol and espresso. The other day while walking around I discovered the spirits secret of the city,Tallinn’s coffee liquors and cream, so I was interested to try the different combinations, but more on this on a later post.
So that is a coffee shot with mint liquor on top =)
The lovely views from my table.
The Raekoda square is a lovely place that will always be a favourite of everyone. When visiting Tallinn you will not miss this square because anyone coming here will eventually end up in this square. This is the heart of Tallinn.
My advise: Do not forget to take a seat and chill out at one of the outdoor terraces.
Travel Period: May 2013
Destination: Tallinn, Estonia
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Happy Travels! Enjoy Life =)