I spent a summer day in Tallinn, just a quick getaway from Helsinki. The ferry ride took less than two hours, making it perfect for a day trip. I left Helsinki around 7 AM and caught the ferry back at 7 PM, giving me a neat 12 hours to explore the city.

As I mentioned in How My Hobbies Transformed the Way I Travel, my itinerary these days revolves around the little joys: discovering cozy cafés, browsing through bookstores, and peeking at well-designed stationery. That rhythm continued in Tallinn.

I’ve written a dedicated post about the bookstores I visited in Tallinn, you can click here to read it. But beyond the books, I managed to savor coffee shops and patissries during our 12-hour adventure in Estonia’s capital:

Paper Mill Coffee

Tallinn is home to three Paper Mill branches located in Viru, Volta, and Masina Tänav. Originally, I only planned to visit the one in Viru since it’s within walking distance from the ferry port. But as the day unfolded, I realized I had more than enough time (and caffeine motivation!) to make my way to the Volta location as well.

Their coffee matched my preferences perfectly. Strong, balanced, and full-bodied, especially the cappuccino. You know how some cafés serve cappuccinos that taste more like warm milk with a hint of coffee? Not here. At Paper Mill, the coffee held its ground. It was bold in the best way.

I was also on a mission: to get a cold brew carafe. It’s slightly cheaper to buy in Tallinn than in Helsinki, and while the Viru location didn’t stock much brewing equipment, the Volta one did and that’s where I finally made the purchase. I had hoped to grab a bag of beans too, but unfortunately, the variety I wanted wasn’t available in a small package at either branch.

Of course, I couldn’t leave without trying their pastries. I sampled the Brunsviger, a croissant, the Rabarber ja vanilje (rhubarb and vanilla), and a tiramisu cruffin. All were delightful, but the absolute stars were the brunsviger and tiramisu cruffin.

Pulla Bakery

Let me be bold: if you visit Tallinn and skip Pulla Bakery, you’re doing it wrong.

This is a must-visit. A small bakery with a big heart and even bigger flavor. Their buns (yes, “pulla” means bun) are heavenly. They also sell focaccia, which was delicious too, but the buns were out of this world.

They offered several flavors: almond, cardamom, cinnamon, and one more I can’t quite recall. Each one was soft, fragrant, and beautifully made. It’s the kind of place that makes you want to sit for a moment, sip your coffee slowly, and smile like someone who’s just eaten something unforgettable.

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Twelve hours may not seem like much, but Tallinn made every minute count. Between the comforting aroma of freshly brewed coffee, the joy of discovering a new favorite bakery, and the quiet thrill of wandering through bookstores, this short trip gave me just the reset I didn’t know I needed. It reminded me that even a single day away can feel like a breath of fresh air.