SEKAI Explorer Guide Tallinn (2011)

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Table of Content:

• Understand

• Get in

By catamaran or ferry

By plane

By helicopter

By train

By bus

• Get around

By public transport

By bus

By tram

By trolleybus

By taxi

By car

By bike

On foot

Walking Tours

• See

The Old City

Outside the Old City

• Do

Beaches

Sporting & Relaxation

Film Festivals

Music Festivals

Sport Events

• Learn

Work

Teaching English

Other jobs

• Buy

Department Stores & Shopping Malls

Boutiques and Souvenirs

Rotermann Quarter

• Eat

Budget

Mid-range

Splurge

• Drink

Bars and pubs

Nightclubs

• Sleep

Budget

Mid-range

Splurge

• Contact

• Stay safe

• Cope

Hairdressers

Embassies

• Get out

Understand
at the time, prospered as a trading town in the 14th century, and much of Tallinn's historic center was built at this time.
Tallinn then became a pawn in the geopolitical games of its big neighbours, passing into Swedish hands in 1561 and then to Russia under Peter the Great in 1710. By World War I and the ensuing brief Estonian independence (starting 1918) Tallinn's population had reached 150,000.

Estonia was eventually occupied by the Soviet Union in 1940, only to be conquered by Nazi Germany (1941-44) and then retaken by the Soviets. In World War II, the city was quite extensively bombed by the Soviets, even though luckily the medieval town remains. The Soviet Union undertook a program of massive Slavic migration, and just over 40% of Tallinn's current inhabitants are Slavic (compared to an average of 28% for the entire country). On Aug 20, 1991, Estonia declared independence and Tallinn became its capital once again.

Today, Tallinn is a bustling, gleaming metropolis of 400,000 people. However, among the tall glassy buildings and corporate headquarters, Tallinn retains an inner charm seldom found anywhere else. Estonia considers itself a Northern European/Scandinavian country, with very close ties to Finland (ethnic, linguistic, and cultural), and visiting Tallinn you will find a mix of at least three architectures in this very visual city -- old Europe (the city walls and rustic buildings), Soviet brutalist (crumbling apartment blocks), and modern Europe (including McDonald's next to the city walls!).

- Tourist Information Centre in Old Town, Niguliste 2 / Kullassepa 4, Phone: +372 645 7777, (Email: turismiinfo@tallinnlv.ee), [2].

- Tallinn Traveller Info tent, on the corner of Harju and Niguliste street, Tallinn Old Town, Phone: +372 5554 2111, (Email: tallinn@traveller.ee), [3]. An alternative tourist information center that provides you with best insider tips about Tallinn. Run by local young people, it is the best place to start any stay in Tallinn, no matter the length. They know all the best restaurants, cafes, pubs, clubs, cool secret places and phone numbers of every hostel in Tallinn. Besides that they also organize different alternative tours. Open only in summer, June 1 to August 31 from 9am to 9pm.

- Tallinn Tourist Information Centre in Viru Keskus, Viru väljak 4, Phone: +372 610 1557, 610 1558 (Email: turismiinfo@tallinnlv.ee), [4].

Get in

By catamaran or ferry

The most common ferry route is from Helsinki, Finland to Tallinn Port [5], which has upwards of 20 departures daily. Depending on the ferry, journey time is anywhere from 1.5 to 3.5 hours. Prices average €16-30 one way, depending on operator, season (summer costs more), day of week (Fri and Sat cost more) and time of day (to Tallinn in the morning and back in the evening is popular and hence more expensive). Particularly popular are day cruises, which can go for as little as €19 return. All ferries except Linda Line's catamarans can also carry cars, from €25 one way.

The following companies operate ferries between Tallinn and Helsinki

- Eckerö Line [6]. Operates only one ship, the aging 2000-passenger Nordlandia (3 hours one way). Often has the cheapest fares.

- Linda Line [7] – Small catamarans Merilin and Karolin. The fastest option (1.5h) with frequent departures, but susceptible to bad weather. April-September only.

- Tallink Silja [8] – Up to 6 departures daily on large Star and Superstar ferries (2h). They also operate the Baltic Princess (3.5 hours), a slick new 2800-passenger behemoth with cabins for easy overnight stays in Tallinn. Discounts are available to Eurail pass holders.

- Viking Line [9] – Large Viking XPRS ferry (2.5h), two sailings daily.

Tallink also offers a year-round daily overnight service from Stockholm taking 16 hours. .

Linda Line uses the Linnahall terminal, a short distance to the west from Reisisadam, and is also within walking distance. The journey from the port to the city center is not all that impressive but don't be shocked - this isn't the real Tallinn!

By plane

Tallinn Airport [10] (AKA "Lennart Meri Tallinn Airport" or "Ülemiste Airport") (IATA: TLL) (ICAO: EETN) is located 5 km from the city center on the eastern shore of Lake Ülemiste. A timetable of flights is available online [11].

The following airlines operate service to/from Tallinn Airport:

- airBaltic (Lappeenranta, Oulu, Riga, Stockholm-Arlanda, Tampere, Turku, Vilnius),

- Avies (Kärdla),

- Blue1 (Helsinki)

- City Airline (Gothenburg-Landvetter),

- Czech Airlines (Prague)

- EasyJet (London-Stansted, Liverpool),

- Estonian Air (Amsterdam, Brussels, Copenhagen, Kiev-Boryspil, Kuressaare, London-Gatwick, Milan-Malpensa, Moscow-Sheremetyevo, Oslo-Gardermoen, Saint Petersburg, Stockholm-Arlanda, Tartu, Vilnius, Antalya, Athens, Barcelona, Berlin-Tegel, Dublin, Heraklion, Minsk, Nice, Paris-Charles de Gaulle, Rome-Fiumicino, Salzburg),

- Finnair (Helsinki),

- LOT Polish Airlines (Warsaw),

- Lufthansa (Frankfurt, Munich),

- Norwegian Air Shuttle (Oslo-Gardermoen)

- Ryanair (Bergamo, Bremen, Dublin, East Midlands, Edinburgh, Girona, London-Luton, Oslo-Rygge, Stockholm-Skavsta, Weeze)

- Wind Jet (Forlì)

To travel between the airport and the city:

- Taxis should cost €7-10.

- Airport bus (#90K) runs between the airport and various stops in city centre from 8AM to 6PM every 30 minutes. Tickets can be purchased on the bus and cost 2€ per person. View route map.

.

By helicopter

Copterline [13] used to run a helicopter service from Helsinki; however, the service has been suspended indefinitely.

By train

Edelaraudtee [14] and Elektriraudtee [15] operate a limited train service within Estonia, Go Rail [16] a service to Moscow, Russia. Train use is not very common in Estonia, and taking the bus, plane, or ferry is almost always a better option.

By bus

The bus network covers the whole city.

Tourist bus tours (look for the red-colored buses) are also available at designated stops in the Old Town.

Get around

The Old City is best navigated on foot, not that you have much choice. A network of buses, trams and trolleybuses covers the rest of the city. There is an abundance of relatively cheap taxis.

By public transport

TAK [23] operates frequent buses, trolleys, and trams between 6AM and 12AM. Timetables in English can be found here: [24] and maps can be found here: Map: [25] (pick Ühistransport). Baby prams can be carried in most of the buses, trolleys and trams except for few which has steps.

All modes of public transport operate with the same tickets. Single tickets can be bought from R-Kiosks or by mobile phones for €1, or from the drivers for €1.60. In addition the following ticket options are available: 10-ticket book (€6.40), 24-hour ticket (€4.50), 72-hour ticket (€7.50), 10-day ticket (€11), 30-day ticket (€25), 90-day ticket (€50). Discounts are given to students and Tallinn residents. The Tallinn Card [26] includes unlimited use of public transportation.

By bus

The bus network covers the whole city.

Tourist bus tours (look for the red-colored buses) are also available at designated stops in the Old Town.

By tram

The tram network covers the city centre. There are 4 routes and they all meet at Viru Center, at stop Hobujaama. About 15 carriages have a lowered middle-section, which makes trams wheelchair-accessible. Departure times of those carriages are marked with a yellow background in the schedules. Usually these vehicles serve routes 1 and 4.

By trolleybus

All trolley lines have a direction to south or west. They operate on electric lines. There are eight lines, 1-7 and 9. Trolley no. 8 was closed in 2000 and replaced with bus no. 22. The fleet is relatively new, though there are some old Škoda-s.

By taxi

Tallinn has many different taxi companies and independent taxis. There is no standardised base price or price per km. Some tourist scam taxis have absurdly high prices, and as long as those prices are displayed on the sticker in the window and on the dashboard, they are completely legal. Needless to say the locals never take those taxis, their sole modus operandi is to prey on ignorant tourists. Do as the locals do and order a taxi by phone.

Do not accept offers from taxi drivers waiting at the harbour or train station. Same goes for any taxi that looks shabby or does not carry the logo of one of the reputable companies. Also be wary of taxis that look overly luxurious: large Mercedes, TV-screens inside, usually only a very small and vague logo on the door. Taxis hanging out in front of nightclubs often have the highest prices.

Reputable taxi companies are:

- Tallink [27], yellow Mercedes and Audi cars

- Tulika [28], usually white Toyota Avensis

- Taksopark [29], black Mercedes

- Sõbra [30], "economy" taxis with a mixed car fleet, somewhat cheaper than the competition. Unlike many other economy taxis, the cars are clean and the drivers competent.

- Marabu [31], mid-price company

- Krooni [32] according to Estonian taxi rating website Taksod.net [33] the highest rated taxi company (Oct.2009).

By car

Like other large cities, Tallinn has its fair share of traffic jams and therefore is not for the faint-hearted. The road rules and driving style can be confusing to tourists. The one and two way roads change frequently and some signposts are not descriptive. That being said, traffic jams in Tallinn clear very quickly and if you are from a large city, they will seem like speed-humps rather than traffic jams.

The speed limit in Tallinn is 50 km/h, except some major streets such as Laagna tee, Pärnu mnt., Paldiski mnt., Peterburi tee etc., which have a speed limit of 70 km/h.

There is an abundance of parking, but you have to pay for it. The locations of ticket machines, and other methods for paying for parking, aren't always obvious. The ticket machines are not posted clearly. Here are a few helpful tips to avoid being fined:

1. Each rental car should come with a clock mock up on the dashboard that should be clearly visible from the outside of the car. Every car in Tallinn gets 15 minutes free parking in paid parking areas. The clock mock up is used to indicate the beginning of of the parking. For example if you park at 5:30, your plastic clock mock up should show 5:30. You can park for free until 5:45.

2. Find a bright-orange vested parking inspector in order to determine what type of parking ticket you need.. To ask for a parking ticket, say "Palun, üks parkimispilet" in Estonian. It will help to use a combination of sign language and a phrasebook if your Estonian is limited or non-existent. You may want to simply buy the €1.50 parking ticket to be safe.

3. Scratch the correct date and length of time you'll be parking. When you get your parking ticket, it will look more like a lottery ticket. The ticket is split into sections and they are written in both Estonian and English. Scratch off the date of usage. Then scratch off the time you wish the ticket to start. Make sure it is clearly visible next to the clock on the dashboard.

4. Mobile phone payment [34] is very popular, but you will need a local mobile contract to use it.

5. Prices and additional information regarding parking in Tallinn is available online[35]

By bike

There are more than 160 kilometres of bicycle roads in Tallinn. The Eurovelo international route goes from West to East, giving you good change to ride comfortable through the city. Many bicycle roads are located in green parts of the city and are meant more for recreation, although suitable for commuting. If you do decide to use a bike to get around, you should probably stay on the side-walk - it is in theory illegal, but much safer than driving on roads and police do not usually pay attention to this.

- City Bike, [36]. Has 120 bikes available for rental and organizes bike tours of Tallinn. City bike rental: €13 for 24 hours.

- Tallinn Traveller Tours, +372 5837 9800 (tallinn@traveller.ee), [37]. 3. Organizes alternative bike tours in Tallinn run by local youth. Tours last 3 hours and Start from Tallinn Traveller Info tent () or Tallinn Traveller Info office at Vana-Posti 2 (in Tallinn Old Town). Funky Bike Tour & Beautiful Bike Tour: €13 per person.

On foot

The Old Town of Tallinn is very comfortably covered on foot.

Walking Tours

- Tallinn Free Tour, +372 5554 2111 (tallinn@traveller.ee), [38]. This walking tour, guided by local young students, is an alternative to normal sightseeing trips, and is made specially for true travelers. In addition to the legends and true stories from medieval times to nowadays, fun facts and stories you can get brief overview on what to do and where to party at night. Tour lasts 2 hours and starts every day at 12pm from Tallinn Traveller Info tent (in Tallinn Old Town). Tallinn Free Tour: Free, tips only.

- Chillout Walking Tour, +372 5554 2111 (tallinn@traveller.ee), [39]. This tour is like a private walk around Tallinn with a local friend. In addition to legends and true stories from medieval times to nowadays, you have a chance to have private conversations with a local to find out how people in Estonia really live. Tours lasts 2 hours and starts from Tallinn Traveller Info tent (in Tallinn Old Town). Booking required. Chillout Walking Tour: €10 per person.

- Tallinn Pubcrawl, +372 5554 2111 (tallinn@traveller.ee), [40]. What could be better than a local party maniac dragging you around the best joints in Tallinn, introducing the most distinctive bars, pubs and cultural differences. Includes at least two shots in local bars and a special Estonian “surprise” drink. Tour lasts 3+ hours and start from Tallinn Traveller Info tent (in Tallinn Old Town). Tallinn Pubcrawl: €16 per person (includes 3 drinks).

If you have a mobile phone, mobile tours in English have recently become available [41].

Audio guides in several languages are available at no charge at the tourist centres.

See

The Old City

- Medieval Old Town. Excellently preserved, built in the 15-17th centuries. This compact area is best explored on foot.

- Viru Gate, (Entrance to Viru Street). This section of town is known as All-Linn or "Lower Town", as it's where the merchants and artisans of old Tallinn lived. Today, Viru is still Tallinn's trendiest shopping street and the entire All-Linn is the busiest (and most touristy) bit of Tallinn.

- Raekoja Plats. The square in the heart of the Old City, ringed with cafes and restaurants.

- Raekoda (Town Hall), [42]. Built in 1371, this heavy stone structure dominates the square. It now houses the Tallinn City Museum.

- Toompea Hill. According to myth, the hill was built on top of the grave of legendary Estonian king Kalev, but more historically, it's solid limestone and the site of the Danish castle that founded the city in 1219. Toompea was the home of the Danish aristocracy and relations between the toffs and the plebs were often inflamed, which is why it's surrounded by thick walls and there's a gate tower (1380) guarding the entrance. Check out the viewpoints, some of which give great views over the city. There's also a cluster of amber (merevaik) shops around here.

- Alexander Nevsky Cathedral. a classic onion-domed 19th-century Russian Orthodox church that has become a touristy symbol of the city, much to the annoyance of nationalist types who regard it as a symbol of oppression. It was almost demolished in 1924 during Estonia's first brief spell of independence, but the Soviets left it to moulder and it has been restored to its former glory.

- Riigikogu, [43]. Estonia's Parliament, pretty in pink.

- St Mary's Cathedral - Toomkirik. The oldest church in Tallinn, originally built as a Catholic church in 1229 but renovated and expanded many times since then, becoming a Lutheran church in 1561.

- Museum of Occupations, Toompea str. 8, corner of Toompea St. and Kaarli Blvd, [44]. Describes the life conditions under Soviet and Nazi regimes.

- City Wall. A section of the City Wall can be climbed from the corner of Suur-Kloostri and Väike-Kloostri, with entry into three towers possible. Quite frankly, the views from up on Toompea are better, and the spiral staircases are steep and somewhat claustrophobic. Admission: €1.25.

- Ex-KGB Headquarters, Pikk 61. Now the Interior Ministry and not generally open to the public, this is where the KGB detained and tortured suspected dissidents. A Soviet-era joke says that this was the tallest building in Estonia: even from the basement, you could see Siberia. Interrogations were indeed conducted in the basement and you can see even today how the windows were crudely bricked up with concrete to mute the sound.

Outside the Old City

- Tallinn Zoo, Paldiski mnt. 145 (Bus stop: Zoo, trolleybus 6 or 7), [45]. This is an enormous area. Among its live exhibits, you'll find the world's best collections of mountain goats and sheep, which means there are a lot of them! Tallinn Zoo defies the realities of a relatively modest town -- it features all the elephants and crocodiles a visitor would expect to see in a larger zoo, as well as a breathtaking maze of lake-size ponds that host birds in summertime.

- Open Air Museum, Vabaõhumuuseumi str. 12 (stop: Rocca al Mare or trolleybus 6 or 7 to stop: Zoo and then a 15-minute walk. Start walking with a map on hand for directions; otherwise, you might find it difficult.), [46]. This museum includes 72 buildings of Estonian vernacular architecture and village milieu of the Tsarist time of rule in a dark, dense forest. This museum provides a picture of the life and its hardship in the old times. Folklore Society Leigarid [47] gives free dancing performances here at 11am each Saturday and Sunday. The museum organizes special events during Easter, which provide more insight on Estonian traditions and culture.

- National Art Museum KUMU, Weizenbergi 37/Valge 1 (stop: Kumu), [48]. Opened in February 2006, this is the largest government built building since the liberation and it is an almost 50,000 m² (538,196 ft²). The museum houses a cyclopic house, partly cut out of limestone rock.

- Holy Birgitta Monastery, (Pirita beach area, 5km from the city center), [49]. A monastery of Scandinavian female saints, as well as a landmark of 16th century catacombs and ruins. It includes a guest house operated by the nuns.

- Patarei (Battery) Prison, Kalaranna 2, +372 5046536, [50]. Wed-Sun noon-6PM, Jun-Sep only. This is the most recent and least-developed historical attraction in Tallinn. Originally decreed by tsar Nicholas I in 1820 as a fortress to protect the city from the sea-born attacks, it was turned into a notorious KGB prison in 1920. The prison ceased operations only in 2004. Entry 30 kr, guided tours from 70 kr, or pay 500 kr for a three-hour "new prisoner experience" culminating in a last meal with a glass of schnapps (but no execution).

- Tallinn TV Tower, Kloostrimetsa 58a (stop: Motoklubi), [51]. A 314-metre high, free-standing structure with an observation deck on the 21st floor, which with its 170 metres, is the highest in Northern Europe. It offers spectacular views across Tallinn and, on a clear day, you can see Finland. Unfortunately, since late 2007, this tower has been closed to the public because it does not conform to fire safety regulations.

- Metsakalmistu Cemetary, Pirita (stop: Metsakalmistu, Bus no 34A or 38). Tallinn's most famous cemetary, housing Estonia’s presidents Konstantin Päts and Lennart Meri, as well chess player Paul Keres. If you're not there to see the graves of Estonian celebrities, it's a peaceful experience to just stroll among the trees.

- Kalamaja District, (north west from Old City). The oldest suburb of Tallinn, dating back to the 14th century. It was probably inhabited by fishermen (Kalamaja means "Fish house") and mostly houses workers. The current wooden buildings are from the 19th century.

- Rottermann District. An industrial district between the City and the Tallinn Port. The buildings are from the 19th and 20th century, with motifs of Art Nouveau and Historicism. New and stylish apartment buildings with shopping centre have now been built there widely regarded as architectural masterpiece in Tallinn.

- Song Festival Grounds, (stops: Oru, Lasnamägi, or Lauluväljak), [52]. A huge Modernist structure where the All Estonian Song Festival, which is held every five years, features 34,000 singers and dancers in addition to a massive audience.

- Pirita District. Includes forest parks, Botanic Gardens and Metsakalmistu (the last resting place of well-known Estonians).

- Tallinn Botanical Gardens, (Bus no: 34A or 38 stop: Kloostrimetsa), [53]. The Tallinn Botanic Garden is located in the eastern outskirts of Tallinn, 10 km from the city centre and 3 km from the Pirita Sailing and Recreation Centre.It is a must see destination for nature and plant lovers. The "greenhouse" located near the ticket office houses variety of plants, flowers, trees, cactus family and lot more. Spring temperature is maintained always inside the greenhouse, even during winter season. The outdoor garden is vast and has varied flower collections.

- Kadriorg. A beautiful and rich seaside resort district with mostly wooden buildings from the 18th to 20th centuries, as well as 20th century Art Deco and Functionalist structures. It also includes the baroque pearl of Estonia, the Kadriorg Palace and Garden.

- Kadriorg Palace, Weizenbergi 37, [54]. An imperial Russian summer residence built by Italian architect Niccolo Michetti for Tsar Peter the Great in 1718. It is situated in a 90 ha (222 acre) park in the eastern part of the city. The Tsar himself, a classic and mysterious Russian soul, preferred to stay in a modest house nearby. This event signified the beginning of Tallinn's fame as a summer resort for noble and rich Russians for most of the 18th and 19th centuries. Currently, the palace is housing some paint collections and other art. A portion of the complex is now occupied by the Office of the President and not available to the public.

Do

- Saku Suurhall, Rocca al Mare, [55]. Estonia's largest concert and exhibition space, the venue for the 2002 Eurovision Song Contest. The hall and its facilities include an excellent shopping centre that can easily be reached by trolleybus 6.

Beaches

A flag system that regulates swimming. A green flag means it is safe swim, a yellow flag means you can swim, but it isn't recommended and a red flag means swimming is not advised, go in at your own risk.

- Pirita Marina and Beach, (Look for the massive Soviet architecture located 5km from the centre. Walk or take the bus 1A, 8, 34A or 38). the yachting venue for Moscow 1980 Olympic Games. It features a large sandy beach and in the summer it's full of locals and tourists.

- Stroomi Beach, (North Tallinn). The water is clean and warm, and it is the gay friendliest beach of Tallinn.

- Harku Lake, (West Tallinn). small lake that draws a lot of people. The lake gets dirtier by the year and swimming is not always recommended. Watch out for the vipers on the shore!

- Kakumäe beach, (Bus 21 from Balti jaam (where the trains arrive), bus 21A from Väike-Õismäe. Stop Landi (21) or Sooranna tee (21A & 21B). From Landi stop keep walking (1km) until Sooranna tee stop, there you'll find helpful signs.). The water is one of the purest in all of Tallinn beaches.

- Pikakari Beach. The water quality is fairly good and it gets deep quite soon when you go in. The huge waves coming from the ships break on shore for the joy of all swimmers. The historical Katariina Pier is nice to walk on.

Sporting & Relaxation

Tallinn offers [56] a lot sporting opportunities - from ATV rentals to ice skating.

Tourists from European countries often opt for spa holidays in the city.

Film Festivals

- Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival (PÖFF), [57]. November/December. The festival combines a feature film festival with the sub-festivals of animated films, student films and children/youth films.

Music Festivals

- Tallinn Music Week, Tallinn, [58]. Spring. Showcase festival, aiming to stage the best and most outstanding Estonian talent on two nights in Tallinn's most vibrant live venues, as well as a networking event for the music industry professionals.

- Tallinn International Festival Jazzkaar, [59]. April. In addition to Tallinn jazz concerts also take place in Tartu and Pärnu.

- Tallinn Old Town Days, Tallinn, [60]. May/June.

- The Estonian Song Celebration (In Estonian: Laulupidu), [61]. First held in 1869, takes place every five years. In 2009, 35,000 choral singers gathered to perform for an audience of 90,000 people. It is recognised by UNESCO as a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity.

- Õllesummer Festival, (Tallinn), [62]. July. Approx 70,000 people attend the festival each year over the course of 4 days.

- Birgitta Festival, Tallinn, [63]. August. Music and theatre festival, held at the ruins of the historical Pirita (St. Bridget's) convent.

Sport Events

- Simpel Session, Tallinn, [64]. Summer/Winter. International skateboarding and BMX event.

- Tallinn International Horseshow, Tallinn, [65]. Spring/Autumn. Biggest international horseriding competition in Baltic states, includes showjumping and dressage. Takes place in Saku Suurhall

Learn

- Tallinn University of Technology, [66].

- Tallinn University, [67].

- Estonian Academy of Arts, [68].

- Estonian Business School, [69].

- Baltic Film and Media School, [70].

For more information please visit SmartEstonia.ee [71].

Work

Teaching English

English language teachers with TEFL certificates or equivalent are in demand.

Other jobs

Jobs for non-Estonian speakers are less common in other fields.

Buy

Department Stores & Shopping Malls

- Viru Keskus, Viru väljak 6, [72].

- Foorum Keskus, Narva maantee 5, [73].

- Kaubamaja, Viru väljak, [74].

- Melon Kaubanduskeskus, Estonia puiestee 1/3, +372 630 6500.

- Stockmann, Liivalaia 53, +372 633 9539, [75].

- Rocca al Mare kaubanduskeskus, (Take trolley 6 or 7, bus 21 or 22 or the free bus from Passenger Port), [76].

- Ülemiste Keskus, (Near the airport; take bus 2 or 15), [77].

Boutiques and Souvenirs

For boutiques and souvenirs, your best choice is Viru street in the Old City and its side streets. There are many stalls selling traditional items like woolen pullovers, crystal and amber. Prepare to haggle.

Rotermann Quarter

The Rotermann Quarter [78] is a downtown shopping area with clothing and department stores and restaurants. It's situated between Viru Keskus, Tallinn port and the Old Town.

Eat

The Old City is packed with restaurants claiming to offer authentic Estonian food, particularly on and around Raekoja plats. Prices at restaurants near the Raekoja Plats are generally more expensive, yet offer the same quality of food, as restaurants off this main square. Prices are steep by Estonian standards, but still much cheaper than neighbouring Helsinki, which explains why on weekends they're always packed with day tripping Finns.

Check [79] for a database of Tallinn restaurants including pictures and location maps

Budget

- 16EUR Hostel, Roseni 9 (Old Town), +372 5013046 (info@16eur.ee), [115]. Dorm bed: from €10; Single: €16-25.

- Alur Hostel, Lai 20 (Old Town), +372 6466210 (contact@alur.ee), [116]. checkin: 12:00; checkout: 12:00. Friendly staff, small kitchen and large common room. WiFi available in all of the rooms. Dorm bed: from €10.

- City Bike Hostel, 33 Uus (Old Town), +372 5111 819 (hostel@citybike.ee), [117]. Great small hostel, particularly for cyclists. Includes guided city tours by bicycle and bicycle rental.

- Dancing Eesti, Vaike-Karja 1 (Old Town), +372 53900951 (deniz@homemail.com), [118]. checkin: 12:00; checkout: 14:00. The staff here can find you anything that you need in Tallinn from legends of the city to secrets of the underground tunnels. A must for people who want to chill or party. Free computer use and WiFi. Dorm bed: from €8.

- Euphoria, Roosikrantsi 4 (Old Town), +372 58 373 602 (euphoria@traveller.ee), [119]. The place with a character. Painted walls, daily events, workshops and unplugged concerts make this place different from other hostels. A must stay for artistic spirits. Friendly staff and Free WiFi. Dorm bed: from €10.

- Flying Kiwi Backpackers, Nunne 1 (Old Town), [120]. 20 beds

- GIDIC Backpackers, 31 Tartu Mnt (Just outside Old Town), +372 6466016,, [121]. Australian-owned.

- Hostel Vana Tom, Väike-Karja 1 (Old Town), +372 6313 252 (hostel@hostel.ee), [122]. The staff is friendly, there is kitchen and a common room. Wi-fi available in all rooms.

- Monk's Bunk, (Old Town), [123].

- Tallinn Backpackers, Olevimägi 11 (Old Town), 6440298 (info@tallinnbackpackers.com), [124]. One of the nicest hostels in Tallinn. It includes a sauna. Dorm bed: from €12.

Mid-range

- Hotel Shnelli, Toompuiestee 37 (near the medieval Old Town of Tallinn, close to Snelli Park and the Baltic Railway Station and within walking distance of), +372 631 0100, [125]. Double: €38. There are discounted rates for guests arriving after midnight - €32.

- OldHouse, Uus 22 (Old Town), +372 6411464, [126]. Dorm and hotel rooms are tiny but the furnished apartments are nice, with kitchens and bubble baths. Free wi-fi. Single: €31; Twin: €44; 2-person apartment: €71; 4-person apartment: €115; 6-person luxury apartment: €230. Discounts for longer stays..

- Olevi Residents, Olevimagi 4 (Old Town), +372 6 277 650, [127]. Really nice and comfortable hotel in the middle of the Old Town. Free internet access. It has a very good hotel restaurant. The building is from the 14th century and has lots of character. Double: €72, breakfast included.

- Townhouse Apartments, (Old Town), [128]. 11 comfortable apartments for rent. Excellent views.

- Uniquestay Hotel, (near Old Town), [129]. €75.

Apartment rental is also a viable mid-range option.

- Apartment.ee, Aasa 2, +372 5045444, [130]. Apartment broker with great selection and prices. From €29.

- City Style Apartments, Several locations, +372 53 038 522, [131]. Family owned apartment broker with free transfers to your apartment.

Splurge

- Merchants House Hotel, Dunkri 4/6 (Town Hall Square), +372 6977 500, [132]. 31 rooms and six suites. The hotel is a small complex of 14th and 16th century buildings with rooms all looking in on the central courtyard. The historic buildings contrasts nicely with the luxurious designer interiors of the rooms.

- Radisson Blu Tallinn, Rävala pst. 3, +372 6823000 (info.tallinn@radissonblu.com), [133]. 280 rooms, all equipped with television, telephone, minibar, air conditioning, trouser press, minisafe, refrigerator, internet connection, bathrobes (in superior rooms and suites), hair dryer and coffee and tea making facilities. The rooms are decorated in Scandinavian, Italian, Maritime and Oriental styles. Free broadband.

- Radisson Blu Hotel Olümpia (formerly Reval Hotel Olümpia), Liivalaia 33, +372 6315333 (info.olumpia.tallinn@radissonblu.com), [134]. 390 air-conditioned rooms and bars and restaurants. It also has a conference centre, health club with swimming pool and saunas. Free wireless internet throughout the hotel.

- Sokos Hotel Viru, Viru väljak 4, +372-6809300, [135]. This is a large matchbox of a building and, for a long time, it was the tallest modern building in Tallinn. It's very centrally located at the edge of the Old Town. In the Soviet days, when Tallinn was a hotbed of espionage, Viru was the city's premier hotel and every single room was famously bugged by the KGB. Today it's just a very good Finnish-run business hotel, and even the gray facade has been whitewashed.

- Swissôtel Tallinn, Tornimäe 3, +372 624 0000, [136]. tallest building within the banking district. 238 elegantly appointed guest rooms. The hotel houses two restaurants and a deli for guests on the run; Amrita SPA & Wellness delivers private fitness and relaxation facilities, including an indoor pool, a gym, a sauna and a steam room. Views over Tallinn and Old town are spectacular from 30th floor Horisont Bar.

Drink

Tallinn's crazy nightlife is out of proportion to the city's small size. The days of armed mafiosos are (mostly) over and these days any drunken fights tend to involve British stag parties. Exercise some caution in choosing your venue, as some strip clubs and regular clubs make their money by fleecing tourists who come in for a drink. In local places, beers cost €2-3.

Bars and pubs

- Beer House, Dunkri 5, [98]. Plenty of beer types to choose from in this large authentically styled and decorated Bavarian Beer hall, including 5 of their own beers made on site. Try the Medovar Honey beer.

- Drink Baar, Väike Karja 8, +372 6449433, [99]. 12-23, -03 Fri, Sat. Fairly new bar, with the widest selection of beers of any pub in town including many quality imports. Good English-style pub-grub. Occasional comedy nights and quiz nights.

- Hell Hunt, Pikk 39, [100]. The name means 'the gentle wolf' in Estonian. A comfortable and homey pub in the Old Town and offers a wide selection of beers (including two of their own brews) and some pretty decent food. Don't miss the spare ribs.

- Kuku klubi, Vabaduse väljak 8, [101]. Founded 1935 by local art community and claiming to have had the best accessible cuisine in whole former USSR since 1958 during the Russian occupation.

- Levist Väljas, Olevimägi 12. A cozy alternative bar in Old Town with a small dance floor.

- Lounge 24, Rävala Puiestee 3, [102]. Located on the top floor of the Radisson Blu Hotel, it offers spectacular views of Old Town and the Baltic sea from a trendy indoor setting and a breathtaking outdoor terrace. Lounge 24 serves a variety of light fares to full dinner menu, and a wide selection of beverages. Open to the general public.

- Nimeta Baar (The Bar With No Name), [103]. Really fun place, popular with tourists.

- Texas Honky Tonk & Cantina, Pikk 43, +3726311755, [104]. 12-24. Texas-style cantina is a casual place to knock back a Corona or a Bud, or even to try out the frozen margaritas churning in the electric mixer behind the bar. More serious drinkers can try the ‘tequila flights’ - 3 or 5 shots of different tequilas to give you a sampling, not that you’re likely to remember which was which next time around.

- The Lost Continent, Vana-Narva mnt, [105]. Australian bar.

- Von Krahli, [106]. An avant-garde theatre/bar.

Nightclubs

- Angel, Sauna 12, [107]. Tallinn's flashiest gayclub. [closed down] see club Kapp near club Hollywood

- Bonbon, Mere Pst 6e, [108]. Open to all who can get past the strict "face control". Over-the-top decor (chandeliers, leather seats) and prices to match.

- Club von Überlingen, Madara 22A, +372 6608805, [109]. Trendy nightclub with frequent guest DJs.

- Hollywood, Vana-Posti 8, [110]. Enormous club with five floors and three bars. A better version of its sister Club, Heaven Studios in Timisoara, Romania.

- Parlament, Tartu mnt 17, [111]. Bubblegum pop and live events.

- Prive, Harju 6, [112]. Tallinn's flashiest nightspot, run by legendary warehouse party organizers Vibe, often has foreign DJs playing. Expensive and has strict face control, so dress up.

- Terrarium, Sadama 6/8 (In the port area), [113]. Plays middle of the road pop and disco. Popular with the young crowd. Reasonably priced.

- X-Club, Harju 6, [114]. 21-6. Exotic dancers.

Sleep

The official Estonian tourism website provides an extensive list of options for accommodation in Tallinn.

Budget

- 16EUR Hostel, Roseni 9 (Old Town), +372 5013046 (info@16eur.ee), [115]. Dorm bed: from €10; Single: €16-25.

- Alur Hostel, Lai 20 (Old Town), +372 6466210 (contact@alur.ee), [116]. checkin: 12:00; checkout: 12:00. Friendly staff, small kitchen and large common room. WiFi available in all of the rooms. Dorm bed: from €10.

- City Bike Hostel, 33 Uus (Old Town), +372 5111 819 (hostel@citybike.ee), [117]. Great small hostel, particularly for cyclists. Includes guided city tours by bicycle and bicycle rental.

- Dancing Eesti, Vaike-Karja 1 (Old Town), +372 53900951 (deniz@homemail.com), [118]. checkin: 12:00; checkout: 14:00. The staff here can find you anything that you need in Tallinn from legends of the city to secrets of the underground tunnels. A must for people who want to chill or party. Free computer use and WiFi. Dorm bed: from €8.

- Euphoria, Roosikrantsi 4 (Old Town), +372 58 373 602 (euphoria@traveller.ee), [119]. The place with a character. Painted walls, daily events, workshops and unplugged concerts make this place different from other hostels. A must stay for artistic spirits. Friendly staff and Free WiFi. Dorm bed: from €10.

- Flying Kiwi Backpackers, Nunne 1 (Old Town), [120]. 20 beds

- GIDIC Backpackers, 31 Tartu Mnt (Just outside Old Town), +372 6466016,, [121]. Australian-owned.

- Hostel Vana Tom, Väike-Karja 1 (Old Town), +372 6313 252 (hostel@hostel.ee), [122]. The staff is friendly, there is kitchen and a common room. Wi-fi available in all rooms.

- Monk's Bunk, (Old Town), [123].

- Tallinn Backpackers, Olevimägi 11 (Old Town), 6440298 (info@tallinnbackpackers.com), [124]. One of the nicest hostels in Tallinn. It includes a sauna. Dorm bed: from €12.

Mid-range

- Hotel Shnelli, Toompuiestee 37 (near the medieval Old Town of Tallinn, close to Snelli Park and the Baltic Railway Station and within walking distance of), +372 631 0100, [125]. Double: €38. There are discounted rates for guests arriving after midnight - €32.

- OldHouse, Uus 22 (Old Town), +372 6411464, [126]. Dorm and hotel rooms are tiny but the furnished apartments are nice, with kitchens and bubble baths. Free wi-fi. Single: €31; Twin: €44; 2-person apartment: €71; 4-person apartment: €115; 6-person luxury apartment: €230. Discounts for longer stays..

- Olevi Residents, Olevimagi 4 (Old Town), +372 6 277 650, [127]. Really nice and comfortable hotel in the middle of the Old Town. Free internet access. It has a very good hotel restaurant. The building is from the 14th century and has lots of character. Double: €72, breakfast included.

- Townhouse Apartments, (Old Town), [128]. 11 comfortable apartments for rent. Excellent views.

- Uniquestay Hotel, (near Old Town), [129]. €75.

Apartment rental is also a viable mid-range option.

- Apartment.ee, Aasa 2, +372 5045444, [130]. Apartment broker with great selection and prices. From €29.

- City Style Apartments, Several locations, +372 53 038 522, [131]. Family owned apartment broker with free transfers to your apartment.

Splurge

- Merchants House Hotel, Dunkri 4/6 (Town Hall Square), +372 6977 500, [132]. 31 rooms and six suites. The hotel is a small complex of 14th and 16th century buildings with rooms all looking in on the central courtyard. The historic buildings contrasts nicely with the luxurious designer interiors of the rooms.

- Radisson Blu Tallinn, Rävala pst. 3, +372 6823000 (info.tallinn@radissonblu.com), [133]. 280 rooms, all equipped with television, telephone, minibar, air conditioning, trouser press, minisafe, refrigerator, internet connection, bathrobes (in superior rooms and suites), hair dryer and coffee and tea making facilities. The rooms are decorated in Scandinavian, Italian, Maritime and Oriental styles. Free broadband.

- Radisson Blu Hotel Olümpia (formerly Reval Hotel Olümpia), Liivalaia 33, +372 6315333 (info.olumpia.tallinn@radissonblu.com), [134]. 390 air-conditioned rooms and bars and restaurants. It also has a conference centre, health club with swimming pool and saunas. Free wireless internet throughout the hotel.

- Sokos Hotel Viru, Viru väljak 4, +372-6809300, [135]. This is a large matchbox of a building and, for a long time, it was the tallest modern building in Tallinn. It's very centrally located at the edge of the Old Town. In the Soviet days, when Tallinn was a hotbed of espionage, Viru was the city's premier hotel and every single room was famously bugged by the KGB. Today it's just a very good Finnish-run business hotel, and even the gray facade has been whitewashed.

- Swissôtel Tallinn, Tornimäe 3, +372 624 0000, [136]. tallest building within the banking district. 238 elegantly appointed guest rooms. The hotel houses two restaurants and a deli for guests on the run; Amrita SPA & Wellness delivers private fitness and relaxation facilities, including an indoor pool, a gym, a sauna and a steam room. Views over Tallinn and Old town are spectacular from 30th floor Horisont Bar.

Contact

Stay safe

While Tallinn is generally safe, various governments warn against the dangers of being pickpocketed or mugged, particularly in the Old Town. Watch your valuables closely, especially on public transport and at Viru Street.

Aside from street crime, the biggest risk to tourists in Tallinn is getting ripped off in "gentlemen clubs", many of which are known for their exorbitant prices and hidden "fees". Credit card skimming and other similar scams are common practice in those establishments. Stay away, unless you particularly enjoy losing your month's pay in a few hours.

The neighbourhoods of Kopli and Lasnamäe are probably best avoided after dark, although both are a lot safer than the "bad neighborhoods" in Western-European or North-American cities.

Cope

Hairdressers

- Ilusalong Felicia, Pronksi 7/9, 6485433, [137]. 9.00-19.00.

- Ilusalong Previa, Pronksi 7/9, +372 56266266 (info@previa.ee), [138]. 9AM-6PM.

- Ilusalong Iluait, Suurtüki 2, +372 5290406 (snowanari@hotmail.com), [139]. by appointment.

Embassies

- Belgium, Rataskaevu 2-9 [140]

- Canada, Toom-Kooli 13, 2nd floor, (372) 627 3311 (tallinn@canada.ee, fax: (372) 627 3312), [141].

- Germany, Toom-Kuninga 11 [142]

- F.Y.R.O.Macedonia, Suurtuki 4A-13, 10133 Tallinn, +372 644 0494, [143].

- Netherlands, Rahukohtu 4-I [144]

- Sweden, Pikk 28 [145]

- United Kingdom, Wismari 6 [146]

- United States, Kentmanni 20, (372) 668 8100 (USASaatkond@state.gov, fax: (372) 668 8134), [147].

Get out

- Soomaa National Park is about 100 miles south of Tallinn and is known for its swamps and bogs (Soomaa means "land of bogs" in Estonian). Surprisingly, swimming is popular and is said to rejuvenate the skin.

- Lahemaa National Park is about 50km east of Tallinn and is a place to find some nice forests, seaside and swamps and bogs. One of the most suggested place to go there is Viru raba (Viru bog), that has 5km foottrack and watching tower. You can also start and finish in same location if You go to tower and back or take a round trip back to start around the bog. There are good maps and information tables at the track.

- Kaberneeme village is about 40km east of Tallinn on the coast. The village has 2km long beach area with pine tree forests edging right up to the shore.

- Tartu - Estonia's student town

- Jägala Falls. The Jägala Falls (Jägala juga) is Estonia's largest waterfall. It is better to go early in the morning to catch the soft dawn light or in the evening when the sun shines on the falls. During cold winters, Jägala Falls freezes in a spectacular fashion and is well worth seeing. It is located near Tallinn, 15-30 min car drive.