Tallinn is only 180km or so north of Tartu, and with only a few sidestops on this journey it was an easy drive.  

Our room at Fat Margaret's Hostel was just by the wall of the Old Town. Why is the hostel called Fat Margaret's? Because it is right near the Fat Margaret Tower, the largest part of the city fortifications. The tower has 4 metre thick walls and was built to defend the port. 

On our first evening we walked through the archway here and up the cobbled lane to the Town Hall Square. Although the blossoms are out and the birds are merrily chirping, the tourists haven't yet arrived in full force, so the restaurants and bars are rather quiet. It was a coolish evening, and we succumbed to one of the touts outside a restaurant and enjoyed a Hot Wine. Ever so helpful, our guy turned the heater our direction and offered a blanket. Unnecessary as it was not that chilly, but nice. And lovely just to people watch in the square.
 
 

Next morning we were back ready to see the sights. We followed the walk suggested in Lonely Planet. Taking numerous diversions as we saw yet another little street worth exploring. With stops for coffee and lunch, it took us 7 hours! Oh my was it good to put our feet up. But it was a lovely relaxed day in a beautiful town. Yes it is touristy, but that did have some advantages. The buildings are generally well maintained but not looking like new. Many buildings and houses have a plaque with historical details in Estonian and English and maps are readily available. 

We also went out of the old town to the Kadriorg Palace, built in the 18C as the Summer Residence for Peter the Great. It is now an art Gallery and nearby are smaller galleries and the new modern Kumu Gallery. All set in a huge park with walking tracks. Very nice. 

 l will let the pictures do the talking.
 
 

 
On the food side, Tallinn is wonderful. So much choice of where to eat. We saw the Balthasar Garlic Restaurant, with even the dessert containing garlic but did not make it there. But we did have some good meals here (making the most of the prices here before we head to Sweden). Lunch on our walk was a lunch 'special' - unusual as we don't see the European 'Menu of the Day' here. 8 Euros (A$12 or so) for soup and a grill type meat and vegetables. I liked the way the vegetables were cooked - just 3 pieces but all so beautifully cooked, as was the meat. They advertise in the restaurant that they cook using their 'Josper' oven. Combined grill with charcoal and oven. Food was so delicious I said I would like one but seems they are about $25,000 so maybe not.
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After the day at Kadriorg we searched for dinner and found Wanna Wiipuri down some stairs and in a cellar. Lovely food and great staff and and accordion player to add to the atmosphere. Here we had beautifully cooked fish - (9.90 and 13.9 Euros for mine). 

We have very much enjoyed Tallinn, though we can't imagine what it must be like here in summer time. As it was each day cruise ships docked in the port in the morning and large groups were bussed the 1km or so to the Old Town. It was quite manageable at this time of year when other tourism is still quiet but it must be so busy at times. Luckily the ships leave again in the afternoon so it is quieter in the evening. But tourists are what the town needs to keep it going, so all is good..

We have another day here where we are going out to the Lahemma National Park.Then we continue our circuit and go to Parnu.