Under $100: Tallinn, Estonia

As Estonia’s capital and largest city, Tallinn has been and continues to be an important Baltic Sea port. The central part of the city, called Vanalinn or Old Town, is a picturesque medieval area, well preserved and included on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The outskirts of Old Town, though, boast modern office towers and Soviet-era monuments.

Tallin was first recorded in 1154, and today, it’s a bustling, modern city with close ethnic, linguistic and cultural ties to Finland.

Walk the beautifully preserved streets of Old Town, built in the 15–17^th centuries, containing a large portion of Tallinn’s sights. In All-Linn, or Lower Town, see Viru Gate, a section of the city where merchants and artisans used to live and work. Explore Town Hall Square, ringed with cafés and restaurants, and the Town Hall itself, built in the 14^th century. Other notable sights, which can be toured for little to no fee, include St. Olaf’s Church, St. Nicholas Church, the Museum of Occupations and the Estonian History Museum.

For sweeping views of the town, head to the top of Toompea Hill, home to the site of the Danish castle that founded the city in 1219. The hill offers amazing viewpoints, as well as several impressive landmarks including Toompea Castle, Alexander Nevksy Cathedral and St. Mary’s Cathedral, built in 1229.

A Tallinn Card is the way to go when visiting the city. For around $25, you get unlimited access to public transportation and free entry to more than 40 attractions, museums and tours, as well as discounts at certain restaurants and experiences.

Tallinn offers an exciting, albeit relatively new, culinary scene. As a bonus, food and drink prices are low compared to those of its Nordic neighbors. For hearty, authentic, local food, head to Rataskaevu 16, a cozy spot offering filling meals for an average price of $12. For breakfast or an afternoon snack, head to F-Hoone, a hip café located in a 100-year-old building serving reasonably priced food, coffee and adult beverages. Another great spot for brunch or a sweet treat is Boheem Café, located around the corner from F-Hoone. While you’re wandering through Old Town, grab a coffee at Café Maiakmokk, located in a beautiful building dating back to 1864. Great, cheap bars include Must Puudel, Speakeasy by Põhjala and Depeche Mode Baar.

Central Tallinn is compact and easy to get around by foot, and there’s a network of buses, trolleys and trams to reach destinations outside of the city center. If you don’t have a Tallin Card, you can purchase a one-day ticket for around $3 or a one-hour ticket for around $1.20. There is also 111 miles of bike roads in Tallinn, and bikes cost around $10 for the day.