Hotels near Town Hall Pharmacy and the Old Town Lanes

On the corner of Town Hall Square stands the Town Hall Pharmacy (Raeapteek), one of the oldest continuously operating pharmacies in Europe, first mentioned in 1422. It still works as a pharmacy and has a small museum room with historic medicines and curiosities, which is a fun stop during a market visit.

From the square, the medieval lanes of the Lower Town lead past merchant houses, guild halls and churches. Viru Gate, the Old Town's best-known entrance, and the city walls with their towers are especially atmospheric in the snow.

The Old Town is compact, and almost every street leads back to the square and its Christmas tree.

Pro Tip: Ask at the Town Hall Pharmacy for a taste of klaret, a spiced medieval drink that has been made here for centuries. Walk the lanes after dark, when the old street lamps are lit.