Pirita & Historic Suburbs Tour (green line)
This tour also starts and ends at our main stop (Mere pst. 5) and takes approximately 75 minutes. Along the way, you’ll pass many of Tallinn’s most iconic suburban landmarks, including the Seaplane Harbour Museum – one of Europe’s most exciting maritime museums – and the beautifully restored Rotermann Quarter. You’ll also see and have the option to visit Maarjamäe Castle, home to the Estonian History Museum, take the leisurely walk in the Tallinn Botanic Garden, or enjoy the spectacular panoramic view from the Tallinn TV Tower. On the way You will see Pirita Convent ruins, which have stood for more than 600 years by the Pirita River. This route is a perfect choice also for cruise passengers who want to discover more of Tallinn beyond the Historic Centre and Old Town, just stay on and you are still returning to the ship in time. At the end of the tour You can hop off at the Port of Tallinn (A, D & Cruise Ship Terminals).
Stop 1: OLD TOWN/VIRU GATES, ESTONIAN NATIONAL THEATRE, ROTERMANN QUARTER (WEST SIDE)
The barbican of Viru Gate was part of the defence system of the Tallinn city wall built in the 14th century. A couple of centuries later, it already had 8 gates that consisted of several towers and curtain walls connecting them. As the entrances to the Old Town were widened, several gates were demolished. However, the corner towers were preserved. Also, you can still see a part of the bastion that is called Musumägi. Viru Street with its many shops and restaurants has become one of the busiest pedestrian streets in the Old Town.
Majestic historical opera house nearby is part of the “Estonia” Theatre building, located in the very heart of Tallinn. The art nouveau/ neo-classical structure, designed by Finnish architects Armas Lindgren and Wivi Lönn, was the largest building in Tallinn when it first opened in 1913.
Rotermann Quarter – called also the Bold Town of Tallinn, across the street from our stop, puts people first and says: life should be enjoyed. From work life to free time, from social life to time with yourself. At all times. 24/7. Rotermann doesn’t let life get away from you.
Stop 2: SEAPLANE HARBOUR MUSEUM & PATAREI PRISON
Estonian Maritime Museum is the most popular museum in Estonia. The Seaplane Harbour accommodates one of Europe’s grandest maritime museums. You are invited to see the authentic submarine Lembit from the 1930s, the century-old steam-powered icebreaker Suur Tõll, a Short 184 seaplane, mines, cannons and many other life-sized exhibits. The museum and the Seaplane Hangar have been recognised with a number of awards: Estonia’s Most Tourist-Friendly Museum 2012, Europa Nostra Grand Prix 2013, Special Commendation from the European Museum of the Year 2014, and a number of others. The Seaplane Harbour museum is a memorable experience for the whole family: lots of interesting reading, a voyage around the world in the Yellow Submarine, photos taken in naval uniforms, the big aquarium, the simulators, paper plane precision throwing and many more exciting activities.
Stop 3: Fat Margareth Tower
Stop 4: Rotermann Quarter
Stop 8: Estonian History Museum
Estonian History Museum (Maarjamäe Castle) near World War II Memorial in Tallinn.
Stop 10: Botanic Garden
The Botanic Garden is located on the right bank of the Pirita River, in the Kloostrimetsa forest. It is the largest botanic garden in Estonia, with an area of 123ha. The garden includes arboretum, rosary and rock garden. The garden was established in 1961 as a subordinate institution of the Academy of Sciences of Estonian SSR. The Botanic Garden opened the doors to visitors in 1970.
Stop 11: TV Tower
Tallinn TV Tower is located 6 km north-east of the Tallinn city center, next to the Botanic Garden. It was built to provide better telecommunication services for the 1980 Moscow Summer Olympics regatta event. It is the tallest building in Tallinn (314m). The tower was officially opened in 1980 and reopened in 2012. The observation deck on 21st floor is located 170 above ground. A must see place to a boarder view over the Tallinn area!
Stop 13: RUSSALKA MONUMENT
The Russalka Memorial is a bronze monument sculpted by Amandus Adamson, erected in 1902 in Kadriorg, Tallinn to mark the ninth anniversary of the sinking of the Russian warship Russalka or ,, Mermaid”, which sank en route to Finland in 1893. It was the first monument in Estonia made by an Estonian sculptor. In this bus stop you can also visit Kadriorg Palace, which was built for Catherine I of Russia by Peter the Great. The Palace is located in Kadriorg Park, where you can enjoy the picturesque view of symmetrical Swan Lake and also visit the Kumu Art Museum.
Stop 15: ST.SIMEON´S AND ST.ANNE´S CHURCH
