As Tallinn residents celebrate outside city, Old Town overflows with tourists
On Victory Day and Midsummer Night, many Tallinners left the capital, leaving streets empty, but the Old Town was crowded with foreign tourists, especially from cruise ships.
Many residents of Tallinn left the city on Victory Day and Midsummer Night to celebrate the holidays in the countryside, resulting in noticeably emptier streets and roads. However, the Old Town was bustling with foreign tourists.
The city center was unusually quiet on the holiday, with almost no cars or pedestrians at major intersections. Even Vabaduse Square, typically crowded, appeared nearly empty. Only a few passersby and tourists could be seen on streets near the Old Town.
Visitors from Latvia mentioned that the lack of crowds was one reason for their trip to Tallinn.
Inside the Old Town, the atmosphere was quite different. Cafes and restaurants were full, and the streets were crowded. Most of the visitors were foreign tourists, many unaware of the local holidays.
Canadian tourist Angelo said he came to Estonia as an ordinary traveler and was not following events, simply enjoying the trip and learning about local culture.
German tourist Franziska had heard about Estonia's summer solstice celebrations but was surprised, as similar festivities in Finland had taken place a few days earlier.
Cruise ship passengers contributed significantly to the Old Town's liveliness. Two large cruise ships were docked at Tallinn port on the holiday. According to crew members, one ship carried about 4,200 passengers, and the other about 2,500.
American tourists John and Lauren said they planned to spend the day like locals and join the holiday traditions.
Thus, while many Tallinners celebrate away from the city, the historic center remains vibrant thanks to tourists and cruise passengers.
