Rick Steves’ Europe: Tallinn, Estonia

In Tallinn, the end of Soviet rule paved the way for a revival of traditions.

Among medieval Nordic cities, none is as well preserved as Tallinn, surrounded by a largely intact wall that includes 26 watchtowers. Within colorfully painted medieval houses share cobbled lanes with blocky, Communist-style buildings

Tallinn's well-preserved core, with its medieval houses and outdoor markets, is filled with thriving new shops and restaurants.

Estonian independence has also ushered in a new emphasis on the country's rich heritage, reflected in the city's medieval walls. Today, vestiges of the Communist era evoke what is viewed as a rapidly receding past.

Estonia's thriving capital, Tallinn, is just a two-hour ferry ride from Helsinki or an overnight cruise from Stockholm, Sweden.