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Tallinn doubles as the charming capital of Estonia as well as its primary cruise port. First-time visitors to the region will face an almost overwhelming amount of history -- over the last few centuries, the city has been ruled by Denmark, Poland, Russia and, from 1941 to 1944, Nazi Germany. This multicultural legacy manifests itself in an unusual collection of architecture, which includes the onion-domed beauty of the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, a Russian addition, and the stone-walled grandeur of Toompea Castle, a medieval stronghold that now houses the Estonian Parliament.

Much of Tallinn’s historic attractions lie in Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage area. Cobble-stoned streets wind past buildings dating to the 11th century -- though some structures have been lost to time, many barns, shops and private homes have been preserved in their basic form, giving visitors an unprecedented glimpse at medieval life in Estonia.

Though the artists’ nook known as Catherine’s Passage lures those in need of jewelry, leatherworks and brightly colored ceramics, Tallinn’s other modern attractions include a zoo, botanical garden and the Art Museum of Estonia and its new addition, the Kumu, honored in 2008 as the European Museum of the Year.

Language: Estonian     Currency: Kroon (EEK)