August 3, 2021
This morning I’m catching a bus from Riga to Tallinn. I used LUX express which had WiFi good enough to watch the Olympics live stream. They claim to be the most comfortable bus ride in Europe, and I kind of agree because the WiFi was just that good. The other main bus option to Tallinn is with Ecolines. I’m not sure if Ecolines had a discount that I missed but LUX is nicer and had youth discounts for people under 26, so it was the way to go, at least for me.
It’s too early to check in to the hostel so I store my bag and then head to Must Puudel (which sounds a bit like a euphemism to me but I will trust the reviews). It’s a funky cafe that gives me an expensive and small portion of pasta. I’m able to get some work done here though so I’ll take what I can get.
Afterwards I check in to the hostel, Lai 22, which is nice (it doesn’t have the most comfortable bed though). The architecture is really interesting and the flooring is really beautiful. They also have decent bathrooms, but it feels a bit isolating here. That’s okay because I’m here to get work done before my next adventure.
Some of my favorite YouTubers are Kara and Nate, and they tried a crepe restaurant named Kompressor here, so that’s where I’m going for dinner. The restaurant calls themselves the “Legendary Pancake Pub,” and Kara and Nate said it was cheap, so that sounds fabulous to me.
I got a savory and sweet crepe because I’m starving. I’m not a fan of the sweet fillings, but probably just because I’m not Estonian. There’s still some flavors left on the menu that I would be down to try so I will be back.
August 4, 2021
That was quick! For breakfast, I’m back at Kompressor. Tallinn is expensive, so this place is more of a win than you can understand. I’ve of course already added it to my crepe collection.
This morning I have some free time to explore so I stop at Town Hall Square, Viru Gate, St. Catherine’s Alley, St. Olaf’s Church, Balti Jaama Market, Aleksander Nevski Katedraali, and Toompea Castle while listening to a podcast.
Afterwards, I go to Boheem Café because I’ve read it’s a good place to work. I order tea at first, and then eventually opt for the truffle pasta. They have good prices, portions, and WiFi, so I can’t complain.
For dinner I stop at the trendy restaurant F-Hoone. The food is not too expensive, and they have a good vegetarian menu, but the portions are not that big. I had some tasty falafel here which was a nice change from my typical choices.
August 5, 2021
I head back to Kompressor again for breakfast and then try to find a place to take my controls exam. I’ve read about Kohvik Komeet, which is a café on top of the mall. There’s an outdoor space on level 5 and an indoor space with panoramic views on level 4. I try to sit on level 4, but the WiFi isn’t working, so I have to leave. It’s really a shame because the views were great, so I recommend it for coffee and dessert.
I end up taking my exam in the dining space of the hostel which worked out well enough. After, I want to celebrate, and I’ve read that there’s a good Mexican place here.
Texas Honky Tonk & Cantina has fabulous Mexican food, as well as service (in my experience). I definitely recommend it!
August 6, 2021
I fuel up at Kompressor again before exploring Toompark. I read about the gardens here, but I’m not all that impressed. Then I walk to Lennusadam Seaplane Harbour, which is not that worth visiting, but I do believe this is the most northern point I have been to so that’s cool at least. On the way back I take pictures at Monastery Gate.
I get my stuff from the hostel and head over to Boheem Café again because I know I can camp out there for quite a while. I stay as long as possible before heading to the bus stop for my night bus back to Riga.
Check Out My Guide to Tallinn ⧉
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