Once upon a time ... there was this walled city where a fairy princess lived. Standing out on deck as your cruise ship pulls into port in Tallinn you cannot escape the fairy tale charm of the city's old town. Called Reval until 1918, the Estonian capital was one of the best kept secrets in travel until the Soviet Union collapsed and Tallinn' became the Hot Spot of the Baltic in a matter of years.

Strolling through Tallinn's Old Town (an UNESCO World Heritage Site) comes highly recommended. The colorful buildings, cobblestone streets, tiny antique shops, art galleries and trendy boutiques sit side by side. 

Just outside the city walls is this simple but effective monument dedicated to all 852 victims of the Estonia tragedy. At 1:00 AM on September 28, 1994, the Estonian ferry sank while en route from Tallinn to Stockholm due to a faulty bow visor. 

Dominating the city district of Toompea is the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral. Built between 1894 and 1900, this is Tallinn's largest orthodox cathedral. done in an ornate Russian Revival style. Be sure to step inside and see the colorful interiors, meticulously restored in the nineties. Imagine that the Estonian authorities planned to demolish this church in 1924!

Raekoja Plats is Tallin's main square and hub of the city's activities. It has been for ages, even before the beautiful Town Hall was built at around 1400 AD. Also lining the Raekoja Plats is the Europe's oldest pharmacies, with records going back to the year 1422. During summer, the square is filled with artisans selling original artifacts (great souvenirs!) and outdoor cafes. Don't change currency if you plan on staying in downtown Tallinn: most shops and cafes accept Euros.

Tallinn is filled to the brim with art and antiques shops, so leave some room in that suitcase! 

In the Middle Ages, Tallinn was fortified and by the 16th Century, the city had one of Northern Europe's best defense system in place. Today 2 km (1.3 m) of the medieval wall and 26 defense towers survive. A part of the wall and a few of the towers may be visited. And the views of the Old Town and the elegant spire of 15tb Century St. Olav's Church, once the world's tallest building. 

The port of Tallinn is getting busies each year. More cruise ships and more and bigger ferries come and go. Flagship carrier Tallink is the largest ferry operator in the Baltic and operates a fleet of cruiseferries from Tallinn to Helsinki and Stockholm.