The Timeless Charm of Old Town, Tallinn

• HelloTere
  [teh-reh]
• GoodbyeHead aega
  [heh-d ah-eh-gah]
• YesJah
  [yah]
• NoEi
  [ay]
• Please/You're welcomePalun
  [pah-loon]
• Thank youAitäh
  [eye-tah]
• Excuse me/SorryVabandust
  [vah-bahn-doost]
• How are you?Kuidas sul läheb?
  [kwee-dahs sool leh-hehb]
• Fine. And you?Hästi. Aga sina?
  [heh-stee. ah-gah see-nah]
• Do you speak English?Kas sa räägid inglise keelt?
  [kahs sah rah-gheed een-glee-seh kehlt]
• I don't understandMa ei saa aru
  [mah ay sah ah-roo]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMa sooviksin menüüd näha, palun
  [mah soh-veek-seen meh-nyuud nah-hah, pah-loon]
• I don't eat meatMa ei söö liha
  [mah ay suh lee-hah]
• Cheers!Terviseks!
  [tehr-vee-sehks]
• I would like to pay, pleaseMa tahaksin maksta, palun
  [mah tah-hahk-seen mahk-stah, pah-loon]

• Help!Appi!
  [ahp-pee]
• Go away!Mine ära!
  [mee-neh ah-ra]
• Call the Police!Helista politseisse!
  [heh-lee-stah poh-leet-seh-ees-seh]
• Call a doctor!Helista arstile!
  [heh-lee-stah ahr-stee-leh]
• I'm lostMa olen eksinud
  [mah oh-lehn ehk-see-nood]
• I'm illMa olen haige
  [mah oh-lehn hah-ee-geh]

• I'd like to buy...Ma tahaksin osta...
  [mah tah-hahk-seen oh-stah]
• I'm just lookingMa lihtsalt vaatan
  [mah leekh-tsalt vah-tahn]
• How much is it?Kui palju see maksab?
  [kwee pahl-yoo seh mahk-sahb]
• That's too expensiveSee on liiga kallis
  [seh ohn lee-gah kah-lees]
• Can you lower the price?Kas sa saaksid hinda alandada?
  [kahs sah sah-ahk-seed heen-dah ah-lahn-dah-dah]

• What time is it?Mis kell on?
  [mees kell ohn]
• It's one o'clockOn üks
  [ohn yks]
• Half past (10)Pool (10)
  [pohl (10)]
• MorningHommik
  [hohm-meek]
• AfternoonPäev
  [pa-ev]
• EveningÕhtu
  [ooh-tuh]
• YesterdayEile
  [ay-leh]
• TodayTäna
  [tae-nah]
• TomorrowHomme
  [hohm-meh]
• 1Üks
  [yks]
• 2Kaks
  [kahks]
• 3Kolm
  [kolm]
• 4Neli
  [neh-lee]
• 5Viis
  [vees]
• 6Kuus
  [koos]
• 7Seitse
  [sayt-seh]
• 8Kaheksa
  [kah-hek-sah]
• 9Üheksa
  [yehk-sah]
• 10Kümme
  [koom-meh]

• Where's a/the...?Kus on...
  [koos ohn]
• What's the address?Mis on aadress?
  [mees ohn ah-ah-drehs]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Kas sa saaksid mulle näidata (kaardil)?
  [kahs sah sah-ahk-seed mool-leh nah-ee-tah-dah (kah-rdil)]
• When's the next (bus)?Millal on järgmine (buss)?
  [meel-lahl ohn yair-gmee-neh (boos)]
• A ticket (to ....)Pilet (....)
  [pee-leht]

Tallinn's Old Town, known as Vanalinn, traces its origins back to the early medieval period, with the establishment of a trading post by the Hanseatic League in the 13th century. The city was first mentioned in historical records in 1154 and became an important hub for trade between the East and West, significantly shaping its cultural landscape.

During the 14th and 15th centuries, Tallinn flourished as a member of the Hanseatic League, a powerful economic alliance of merchant guilds and towns. This period saw the construction of impressive Gothic buildings, including the Town Hall, which became a symbol of the city's wealth and influence in the region.

The Reformation in the 16th century brought significant religious changes to Tallinn. The city transitioned from Catholicism to Protestantism, which influenced the architecture and culture of Old Town. The St. Nicholas Church and the Holy Spirit Church are notable examples of the period's architectural evolution.

In the early 17th century, Tallinn came under Swedish control. The Swedes invested in the city's fortifications, enhancing the medieval walls and adding bastions to protect against potential invasions. This period also saw the establishment of a more structured urban environment, including the development of new streets and public spaces.

Following the Great Northern War, Tallinn became part of the Russian Empire in 1710. This transition led to significant urban expansion and modernization efforts. The construction of the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral in the late 19th century exemplifies the Russian influence on Tallinn's architectural landscape.

With the declaration of independence in 1918, Tallinn's Old Town became a focal point for the resurgence of Estonian culture and national identity. This period saw the restoration of historical buildings and the establishment of cultural institutions, reflecting the city's historical significance.

Tallinn suffered extensive damage during World War II, particularly during the Soviet bombardment. Following the war, the city was incorporated into the Soviet Union, leading to a period of neglect and urban decay. However, efforts to preserve the Old Town's historical character began to emerge in the later years of Soviet rule.

After Estonia regained independence in 1991, Tallinn's Old Town underwent significant restoration and revitalization. In 1997, it was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognized for its well-preserved medieval architecture and rich cultural heritage, attracting visitors from around the world.

Old Town Tallinn is easily accessible from other neighborhoods in Tallinn. The most common way to reach Old Town is by tram or bus. Tram lines 1 and 2 connect to the central area, and buses from various neighborhoods stop at the Viru Center, just outside the Old Town. If you're arriving at the Tallinn Airport, a taxi or an airport shuttle are convenient options, taking around 15-20 minutes to reach Old Town.

Old Town is compact and pedestrian-friendly, making it ideal for exploring on foot. Most attractions are within walking distance. Public transport is limited within the Old Town due to its narrow streets. However, taxis are available for longer journeys. Bicycles can be rented from several local shops, but be cautious of cobblestone streets and heavy foot traffic.

Old Town is generally safe for tourists, with low crime rates. However, petty crimes such as pickpocketing can occur in crowded areas, particularly around popular tourist sites like the Town Hall Square and the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral. It is advisable to stay vigilant, especially in busy areas at night. Avoid poorly lit streets and alleys after dark.

In case of emergency, dial 112 for police, fire, or medical assistance. Local hospitals and clinics are available in Tallinn, with emergency services providing English-speaking staff. It is advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, pharmacies are widely available in Old Town.

Fashion: Do dress comfortably for walking, but remember to dress modestly when visiting churches. Don't wear overly revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect religious customs; when entering churches, it’s customary to cover your shoulders. Public Transport: Do follow local etiquette, and don’t speak loudly on public transport. Greetings: Do greet locals with a smile and a firm handshake. Eating & Drinking: Do try local Estonian dishes and drinks, but don’t waste food or leave a mess in restaurants.

To experience Old Town like a local, consider visiting lesser-known sites like the Tallinn City Museum or the Kiek in de Kök museum-fortress. Engage with local artisans at the markets and shops. Join a free walking tour to gain insights into the history and culture from knowledgeable guides. For a unique experience, try to find 'Kohvik August', a cozy café known for its local pastries and friendly atmosphere.