A few years ago, we took a Baltic cruise on the Celebrity Eclipse. One of our ports was Tallin, Estonia. Tallinn is a fascinating city. The old town is on a hill and is an easy walk from the cruise terminal. Most cruise lines offer busses for a fee, if you prefer to save the walking for the town. Even though Tallinn was founded in 1248, the earliest human settlements are over 5,000 years old, which makes it one of the oldest capital cities of Northern Europe. Due to its strategic location on the Baltic Sea, the city became a major trade hub. It grew in importance as part of the Hanseatic League from the 14th to the 16th century. Tallinn’s number one attraction is without a doubt the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Town. Here you will find medieval ambience with an exceptionally well-preserved street network and city walls. Stroll along the narrow, cobble stone streets, admire the centuries-old architecture, climb towers, and peek into mysterious courtyards and archways – some hide romantic cafés, cute shops, or secret gardens. In the heart of the Old Town is the Town Hall Square. The square has been a marketplace and the center of this old Hanseatic town since the Middle Ages. Now, it is a main venue for a variety of events, from the Old Town Days in summer to the fairy-tale Christmas Market and a popular meeting place for the townspeople. Incidentally, the world’s first public Christmas tree was erected here in 1441 by the Brotherhood of the Blackheads. The Town Hall Square is named after the Gothic Town Hall, which stands on the edge of the square and offers beautiful views from the tower. At the other end of the square is the Raeapteek, one of the oldest pharmacies in Europe and the oldest in Tallinn. Next to the pharmacy is a museum, where you can learn about the history and medieval healing methods. You can also take a guided tour and workshops are held in the basement. Toompea Castle, with its late Baroque façade, was built between 1767 and 1773 on the foundations of a crumbling eastern wing of a fortress dating back to the 13th and 14th centuries. Today the castle is home to the Riigikogu (the Estonian parliament). The national flag can be seen flying on top of the 45.6-metre Tall Hermann tower. Free tours of the castle for visitors takes place every day Monday to Friday, if booked ahead of time. https://www.riigikogu.ee/en/visit-us/ Sessions of parliament can be watched from the public gallery. The Seaplane Harbor and Estonian Maritime Museum is built in a unique seaplane hangar. This exciting maritime museum is located in the Seaplane Harbor and is the most impressive maritime museum in the region. With approx. 200 authentic items on display, you will find a submarine called Lembit, a century-old icebreaker Suur Tõll, a seaplane called Short 184, remains of the oldest ship found in Estonia and much more. If you are traveling with children, they will enjoy having their picture taken in a navy uniform, an aquarium, simulators, throwing paper airplanes and a children’s corner with drawing tools, building blocks, an authentic sailboat, and an outdoor playground. Walking and exploring can make one hungry. Tallinn is steadily becoming a foodie destination with more restaurants, gastro pubs, and cafés than sometimes seem possible. Here you will find everything from high-end Nordic cuisine to cheap, local favorites. The Old Town has it all, even the historic foods. You will probably not see many locals in the restaurants, especially in the summer. It’s not because they don’t like them or there are too many tourists, it’s just that eating out in the Old Town is usually reserved for special occasions like anniversaries and birthdays. Here you will find various local fare from wild boar to bear and barley sausage. The unusual flavors are novel but really good and the unique experience makes for a treasured memory. You can also take a food tour with a guide. This gives you the opportunity to explore Estonian foods with someone who can explain all of the dishes while you eat them. https://foodsightseeing.ee/en Enjoy wandering this beautiful medieval town….explore the nooks and crannies, walk down the pathways, climb the towers, eat some local food. And be sure to wear comfortable walking shoes! Let’s connect: Let’s connect: Join me and other cruisers on Facebook at Zest4Cruising, A Celebrity Cruises Forum, A Celebrity Solstice Cruise Forum, A Celebrity Reflection Cruise Forum, A Celebrity RETREAT class forum and Alaska Cruise Lover Forum You can also follow me at: YouTube at Travels With Mickey Pinterest at Travels with Mickey Instagram at Travels with Mickey Please visit and follow my Amazon store for more helpful items to make your cruise even more enjoyable! P.S. If you found this helpful, please don’t keep it to yourself. Please share on Facebook or PIN to your favorite Pinterest board (share buttons are below). Thanks so much! *Zest4Travel is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associate Program. As an Amazon Associate, I may earn from qualifying purchases.
Category Archives: Cruise
Top Things to Do in Juneau, Alaska
Nestled between towering mountains and the waters of the Inside Passage, Juneau is one of the most breathtaking destinations on an Alaska cruise itinerary. From spotting humpback whales and exploring glaciers to riding scenic tramways and sampling local breweries and distilleries, Juneau offers the perfect mix of adventure, wildlife, and small-town charm. Whether you’re visiting for a few hours on a cruise stop or spending several days exploring Alaska’s capital city, there are countless unforgettable experiences waiting around every corner. Here are some of the best things to do in Juneau, Alaska. Fun fact: Juneau – the capital of Alaska — is the only U.S. state capital you can’t drive to. The only way to reach it is by air or by water, whether that’s by ferry, private boat, or cruise ship. This post contains affiliate links which means if you click and buy, I may make a commission, at no cost to you. Please see my disclosure policy for details. Some of my favorite things to do in Juneau include browsing the shops near the cruise docks, zip lining through the rainforest, taking a whale watching excursion, exploring Mendenhall Glacier, and visiting the local breweries and distilleries. Located about 12 miles from downtown Juneau, Mendenhall Glacier is part of the 5,815-acre Mendenhall Glacier Recreation Area within the Tongass National Forest. There are several excellent ways to experience the glacier, including Mendenhall Glacier Trolley Tour, Mendenhall Glacier Express Tour, a Mendenhall Glacier and Whale Watching Tour or even Mendenhall Glacier Lake Canoe Tour. Prefer to explore Juneau at your own pace? A self-guided walking tour is a fantastic way to discover the city’s history and culture. Stroll through downtown while visiting popular spots like Red Dog Saloon, Juneau-Douglas City Museum, and Amalga Distillery. Along the way, you’ll hear fascinating stories about the gold rush era, Alaska Native heritage, and the unique architecture that gives Juneau its charm. Best of all, you can start, pause, and continue the tour whenever it fits your schedule. Ride the Goldbelt Mount Roberts Tramway for some of the best views in Juneau! This scenic tramway lifts you 1,800 feet above the city in just five minutes from the cruise ship pier. Along the way, you’ll enjoy stunning views of the Chilkat Mountains, the Gastineau Channel, downtown Juneau, Douglas Island, and the towering peaks of Admiralty Island. At the top, you can explore hiking trails, cultural exhibits, local artisan crafts, and nature displays while soaking in one of the most breathtaking panoramic views in Alaska. One of our all-time favorite excursions in Juneau was zip lining. It’s the perfect adventure if you’re looking to do something a little different while visiting Alaska. One of the most popular options is Alaska Canopy Adventures, a locally owned company offering an unforgettable experience on Douglas Island. Your adventure begins with a scenic drive through the Tongass National Forest as you make your way toward Eaglecrest Ski Area. From there, you’ll soar through the rainforest canopy on a series of exhilarating zip lines, stopping at elevated platforms along the way to take in the incredible scenery and capture photos. The experience also includes crossing a suspension bridge over a rushing stream and ends with the chance to try axe throwing. The entire excursion lasts about three and a half hours and is an exciting way to experience Alaska’s wilderness from above Whale watching is easily one of my favorite excursions in Alaska. Seeing these incredible animals in their natural habitat is an unforgettable experience and often becomes the highlight of an Alaska cruise. In Juneau, there are several tour options available, ranging from larger group cruises to more intimate private excursions. Many tours also offer combination experiences that include a visit to Mendenhall Glacier, allowing you to experience two of Juneau’s top attractions in one memorable outing. Looking for even more adventure in Juneau? A kayaking excursion with humpback whales is an unforgettable way to experience Alaska’s incredible wildlife and scenery up close. Your journey begins with a scenic boat ride through the Inside Passage, where you’ll travel toward the whales’ feeding grounds while taking in breathtaking views of glaciers, dense forests, and snow-capped mountains. Once you arrive, you’ll hop into kayaks and paddle through the calm waters in search of humpback whales, sea lions, bald eagles, and other native wildlife. It’s an incredible combination of adventure, nature, and unforgettable Alaskan scenery. Is fishing in Alaska on your bucket list? A small-group salmon fishing excursion in Juneau is a fantastic way to experience Alaska’s famous fishing culture without heading out on the open ocean. This half-day shore fishing adventure lets you skip the possibility of seasickness while still enjoying a hands-on experience focused on catching salmon. Guides provide all the necessary equipment and helpful instruction, making it perfect for both beginners and experienced anglers. Even better, any salmon you catch can be sent to a local fish processor and shipped directly to your home, so you can enjoy your Alaska catch long after your trip ends Did you know that Juneau has a thriving brewery and distillery scene? It’s a great destination for craft beer lovers looking to experience a local side of Alaska. One of the most popular stops is Alaskan Brewing Company — often called “ABC” by locals. Their downtown gear shop is a fun place to pick up souvenirs, clothing, and branded merchandise, and it also features a restaurant where visitors can enjoy local brews. If you want the full brewery experience, head to the main brewery located about five miles from downtown Juneau and just a few miles from the airport. A complimentary shuttle makes getting there easy, and guests ages 21 and older can sample a rotating selection of more than 20 Alaskan beers on tap for a small tasting fee. Did you know Alaskan Brewing Company also produces a creative lineup of ready-to-drink canned beverages beyond beer? One standout from their innovative craft lineup is the Rainforest Gin & Tonic canned cocktail—a crisp, refreshing drink made with house-distilled gin and spruce-tip tonic inspired by Alaska’s coastal rainforest. In addition to their canned cocktails, Alaskan Brewing also offers hard seltzers with a distinctly Alaskan twist, often infused with local flavors like Sitka spruce tips. My favorite is distillery is AmalgaContinueContinue reading “Top Things to Do in Juneau, Alaska”