The break-up of the Soviet Union in the early nineties breathed new life into the Baltic state of Estonia and having its independence restored meant the country could begin the process of regaining its identity. A fine example of how this nation has grown over the last twenty years is the capital city. In Tallinn, a modern skyline hovers in the background of the famous old town as tourism continues to grow in a city that has some of the finest examples of well-preserved medieval architecture anywhere on the continent.
Located on the northern coast of Estonia, 50 miles south of Helsinki, Finland and 225 miles west of St Petersburg, Russia, Tallinn is not only a fantastic city to visit for a long weekend, but also a great connection for exploring other parts of eastern Europe. Aside from its aesthetic pull, the city has become a very attractive destination for British tourists in recent years. This is partly down to the fact Estonia is a member of the EU so there are no visa requirements like in neighbouring Russia, and flights from the UK are frequent and relatively cheap, with Easyjet prices starting around £90 return when booked in advance.
While Tallinn was occupied by Nazi Germany during the Second World War, it escaped any serious damage from bombings and thanks to this, much of the old town still exists as it was hundreds of years ago. Hours can be spent exploring the cobbled streets where small cafes, restaurants serving traditional Baltic cuisine and fashionable shops are visited by tourists and locals alike. Walks along the old city wall are also very popular, and with 26 watchtowers dotted along the route, there is a lot to take in. A great way to soak up the Estonian culture is passing a few hours at one of the bars or cafes in Raekoja Plats, the square in the centre of the old town.
Tallinn’s climate means the best time to visit is between early April and late September. The winter months and early spring can be rather cold and autumn tends to be the wettest time of year. April is the time of year the city’s lively music scene begins with the Tallinn Music Week usually taking place toward the beginning of the month. The Jazzkaar event is later in the month and is a week-long celebration of jazz music, with renowned musicians from across the world taking part in concerts around the city. Throughout the rest of the year, there a numerous festivals and shows held in the city, with the Christmas market, located in Rotermann Square from late November, being a particularly popular one.
The city is home to over 400 restaurants and plenty of bars, so there is something to cater for everyone, and while prices may have gone up since the adoption of the Euro, dining out is still more affordable in Tallinn than in its western European counterparts. Lunch at a restaurant serving traditional Estonian cuisine can cost as little as €5, while a three course dinner at one of the city’s more upmarket eateries will set you back around €30. Local dishes worth sampling include marineeritud angerjas, a type of marinated eel served cold, and mulgikapsad, a sauerkraut stew with pork and potatoes. Many do find Estonian food somewhat daunting on appearance but if you can get past this, there is plenty to try and you certainly get value for your money.
When it comes to drinking in Tallinn, visitors are spoilt for choice. Estonians are very proud of their beer, and this can be seen in various bars around the city. The Beer House, located in the old town, is Estonia’s only microbrewery and is a popular haunt for those wanting to sample one of the seven beers brewed on site. One bar more in keeping with the city’s historical routes is the Medieval bar, also located in the old town. Drinkers who visit can choose from local beer, wines or try out the national Estonian spirit, Vana Tallinn, a dark rum-based liqueur.
With over 200 hotels and guesthouses dotted around the city, there is certainly no shortage of places to stay in Tallinn. The more budget hotels located near the centre of the city have rooms available from as little as £35 a night for a double, while for those looking for luxury, the Savoy Boutique in the city’s old town starts at around £95 a night.
The growing popularity of the city has seen Tallinn make a name for itself as a destination rich in history and perhaps more culturally stimulating than its Baltic neighbours. For those wanting a short break at any time of year (providing you pack a coat and hat during the winter months) or those who have grown tired of the rising costs in many European capitals, Tallinn has a lot to offer its visitors at a very reasonable price.
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