The Old Town in the summer is buzzing with people and the cafés have all moved outside. The terraces at Rataskaevu and Harju street seem like they are made for people watching. Have a refreshing drink, put your shades on and imagine where all the people are heading. The same opportunity is offered at the Green market (Roheline turg), next to which the first Estonian pub, Hell Hunt, serves food, snacks and drinks from midday ‘till the early hours.
Another terrace suited perfectly for observing people, including those in medieval costume, is the Olde Hansa tavern-type restaurant. The view from the terrace covers several main streets leading to Town Hall square (Raekoja Plats), which makes it one of the best places to sit and peer out at the streets. Grab a cold cinnamon beer, some snacks, and try to count all the locals passing by!
On the other side of the street, opposite to Olde Hansa, is the Peppersack café and bakery. Peppersack serves tasty cakes and traditional Estonian pies (minced meat, cabbage and carrot). Take a seat by the big windows or sit outside on the terrace. In the winter it is the ideal place to sip hot chocolate and watch snow falling from the sky.
If you are into a more lively and outgoing lifestyle, then visit any of the cafés, restaurants, pubs or bars you can find at Müürivahe, Väike-Karja or Sauna street to watch trendy young adults pass by. The original cool café in the area is Must Puudel. This retro style café attracts local trendsetters, artists and innovators. You can choose to sit by the window inside or outside on the street, where you can really get into the retro groove.
One of our favourite cafés for people watching is up on the Toompea hill. Pika Jala café is on the upper end of Pikk Jalg. Here you can spot Estonian politicians running up and down the hill among a stream of bureaucrats and visitors.