Town Hall Square is located in (or near) the center of Old Town Tallinn.  No matter which direction you enter the narrow streets of Old Town from, you will eventually end up in the broad plaza area known as Town Hall Square.  The square is flanked by several businesses and is a good orientation point for all of the shops, museums and attractions located with Old Town Tallinn.

The history of Town Hall Square oozes from every crevice of the plaza.  The historic buildings that surround the square are from various eras dating back centuries.  The plaza itself has served as a marketplace dating back to the Eleventh Century (before the walls around the city were even built).  A pharmacy located at the Northwest corner of the square has been in continual operation since the Fourteenth Century.  It may also be the birthplace of marzipan.  The pharmacy is still operational and also contains a museum.

The cornerstone of Town Hall Square is, well, the Town Hall.  The ancient structure may be the oldest operational town hall in existence.  That statement is not based on research, but on the fact that this structure was built between 1402 and 1404.  The Gothic style structure is the only one of its kind in Northern Europe.  The original town hall has been mentioned nearly a century before the present structure was built.  The building also houses a medieval restaurant.  The water pipes jutting out from the eaves draw attention from curious travelers for their design.  The twin dragons are an odd sight and point to the ancient heritage of the city.

The Northern border of the square is lined with several restaurants and gift shops.  The restaurants continue around the Western side of the plaza, with several outdoor cafes and restaurants.  The Southern boundary houses more shops.  The Town Hall consumes the entire Eastern side of the square.  There are at least a half dozen restaurant to choose from directly on the square with many more within a block in just about any direction.  This includes a restaurant that fixes every dish with garlic (to include beer and dessert).  A fresh coffee roaster with delicious and aromatic coffee is located just through an archway near the pharmacy.

Town Hall Square possesses an atmosphere that has an ancient flair.  I felt transported back in time standing in the square surrounded by amazing architecture and history that seems to have stood frozen in time.  It is amazing that the city possesses as much of the medieval feel that it does considering half the city was destroyed by air strikes during World War II.  The city has managed to maintain the rich architectural style.

Town Hall Square is the heart of Old Town Tallinn.  Open air markets and festivals are held int he square all year long, to include a Christmas tradition that dates back centuries.  The rich history is evident in the architecture as well as the museums and attractions that can be found right in the square as well as within a short walking distance.  Directly behind the Old Town Hall is a photography museum that was a prison in the Fifteenth Century.  The square is also an easy way to orient yourself on the map of Old Town Tallinn.  The open area is easy to identify to assist in getting your bearing toward other attractions.  The area is like a walk back through time.  Five stars.

Recommended: Yes

Best Suited For: Couples
Best Time to Travel Here: Jun - Aug