Travel to Tallinn

Explore

Tallinn, Estonia

Both young and medieval, Tallinn is the perfect stopover to get a change of scenery. You can surf the Internet here while sipping your espresso elsewhere. A daily gesture, not as old as it may seem, but which could not be more happening. In the streets, most of the faces belong to the country's student generation, which gives its cheerful character to this less festive place of Tallinn. Walking through the capital, you are reminded of the Middle Ages, when the Hanseatic city grew where the richest personalities built their houses : while those were made of stone, more humble houses were made of wood. This era remembers also the places where merchants rubbed elbows with trading stands, where life is short, and one did not miss an opportunity to celebrate with music. Back to the sources, therefore, in the medieval restaurants of Old Tallinn : the setting, then, allows you to avoid the effect of a thematically organised park. Vacationers visit it as much as local residents of Tallinn, who, if they are not currently working in their XXI century lifes, relax in the many bars, night clubs and lounges. The jazzy or electro ambiance, the numerous pretty girls, beer or cocktails served by the pitcher, but no cigarettes, except in dedicated places such as cigar cellars. An urban population, the residents of Tallinn are also very natural, certainly more than the Englishman, whose poor ancestors did not have a territory covered 50% by forests at their disposal . So when the residents of the Estonian capital Tallinn go away for the weekend, it is to enjoy the peace of a hotel or a location away from everything, it seems, except the comfort and leisure opportunities of our century. To try, both in winter and summer : the Estonian air, warm or iced, which will certainly be a novelty as experience.

A young and lively city.
Fascinating medieval ambiance.

cons

Harsh climate in the winter

Visit Tallinn

To see

During the day : the gazebo of Toompea, next to the Castle in the Old City. Views on some of the old city walls, watchtowers and the harbour below. In the evening : the bar-lounge on the top floor of the Radisson hotel. One of modern skyscrapers in the business district, close to the Old City, but from the 24th floor, the panorama shows a 180° view onto Tallin and its surrounding forests.

More

To do

Helsinki is located just opposite Tallinn, on the other side of a bay, crossed for one hour and a half by fast boat (depending on the weather, http://www-eng.njl.fi/), three hours and a half by ferry (all year, http://www.aferry.co.uk/). A return journey is possible during the day, there is sufficient parking for that. Also possible: night crossing (www.vikingline.fi). Return the next day in the evening. Two nights of saving on your budget hotel.

More

To think about

Almost all shops in Tallinn accept international credit cards (Visa, Mastercard) with no minimum purchase. This is valid in hotels and restaurants, bars and department stores, but also cafes, shops in the Old City and grocery stores as well as tobacconists' to buy postcards or a packet of cigarettes. The advantage ? No transaction fees and you'd be left with no leftover change at the end of the trip .

More
To avoid

Estonia does not produce it. At best, the jewelry imported from Lithuania (more expensive than on the spot, with less choice). At worst, you return to the colourful plastic you get for amber. You can also linger along the coast of Tallinn (not very picturesque). To see the new coastline, go to Saaremaa (4 hours by bus, www.bussireisid.ee, or 45 minutes by plane, www.estonian-air.ee .

More

To try

Full version, with fresh cheese in herbs and pickles, salted bears and deer, marinated salmon, hare stew, wild boar stew, mashed lentils and turnips, a rose cream for dessert.. For all those who like it, beer is served at will, served in earthenware mugs, flavoured with honey, cinnamon or wild herbs. Several restaurants in Tallinn offer these feasts of a bygone year, in a setting and with a service of the time. Tallinn residents prefer to visit Olde Hansa, Vana turg 1, in the Old City (www.oldehansa.ee).

More

To bring back

The Estonian traditional crafts are rustic, but they could be good to provide simple and original gifts. Socks, gloves or hand knitted mittens, in the natural colours of wool (unbleached, brown or gray). Cutlery, cups, bowls made of juniper wood. Toys for children (mini-trains, small cars) made of poplar. Looking for more chic objects ? Then we'll meet you in the passage of Sainte-Catherine (Old Tallinn), where artisans create things before your very eyes of glass, ceramics and leather. Unique rooms, trendy objects ... Fascinating !

More