Tallinn

Tallinn is Estonia's capital and largest city. On the shore of the Gulf of Finland, it is a city of over 400,000 inhabitants. It is home to a third of the country's population, and is also the capital of Harju County in Northern Estonia.

Tallinn has been and continues to be an important port of the Baltic Sea, with the busy passenger section of the port reaching the foothill of the picturesque medieval Old Town, which has been astonishingly well preserved and was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1997. In a striking contrast, the immediate outskirts thereof are filled with a cluster of modern office towers, with intermittent architectural monuments to the Soviet era. Further out, you will find a bewildering variety of historic and modern neighbourhoods, religious, civic, industrial and maritime heritage. This all provides for the city seeing very sizeable tourist traffic given its size, which in turn means the infrastructure is robust and extensive.

Tallinn is a historic city dating back to medieval times. The first fortress on Toompea was built around 1050 and Tallinn was possibly first recorded on a world map in 1154. In 1219, the city was conquered by Valdemar II of Denmark and it became a member of the Hanseatic League in 1285. The city, known as Reval at the time, prospered as a trading town in the 14th century, and much of Tallinn's historic centre 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 the Russian Empire 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 occupied by the Soviet Union in 1940, 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, although luckily the medieval town remains. The Soviet Union undertook a program of massive East Slavic migration, and just over 40% of Tallinn's current inhabitants are Slavic (compared to an average of 28% for the entire country). On 20 August 1991, Estonia declared independence and Tallinn became its capital once again.

Today Tallinn is a bustling, gleaming city of more than 400,000 inhabitants. However, among the tall glassy buildings and corporate headquarters, Tallinn retains an inner charm seldom found elsewhere. Estonia considers itself a Northern European/Nordic country, with very close ethnic, linguistic and cultural ties to Finland and cultural ties to Scandinavia, and visiting Tallinn you will find a mix of at least three architectures in this very visual city—old Europe (the city walls with rustic buildings and charming living areas with well-preserved and colourful wooden houses of bourgeois taste of 1920s), Soviet brutalist (concrete apartment blocks), and modern Europe (including McDonald's next to the city walls!)

Tourism is important for Tallinn and this is especially visible in the old town where almost every door leads into a souvenir shop, restaurant or bar. Unsurprisingly the majority of visitors are day trippers from Finland. The neighbours from across the bay usually know their way around without a map and have already seen the sights of Tallinn a couple of times. They come to enjoy low prices on practically all goods and services from restaurant meals to fuel and even plastic surgeries, not to forget as much alcohol as the customs regulations allow you to bring into Finland!

Tallinn is made up of 8 administrative districts (linnaosa), which are further divided into numerous quarters (asum). Most of the points of interest to tourists are located in the seaside districts. The districts of Tallinn are:

• Kesklinn - literally meaning "city centre" and being just what the label says, this district includes the main part of the Port of Tallinn, the Old Town (Vanalinn), Tallinn's central business district with its skyscrapers and many other tourist attractions in the quarters surrounding them, including the Kadriorg park and palace and most of the coastline of Lake Ülemiste except for the part immediately adjacent to the airport
• Haabersti - the westernmost district with the extensive coastline holds the Estonian Open Air Museum, the Tallinn Zoo and the Saku Suurhall Arena, as well as the city's largest shopping centre
• Põhja-Tallinn - literally meaning "north Tallinn", extends north of the railway line and includes the industrial part of the Port of Tallinn, as well as many monuments to its military heritage, the Maritime Academy and the quarter of Kalamaja known for its wooden houses
• Pirita - the least populous district of Tallinn stretches along the eastern part of its coast and includes both a popular beach and a forest. This is one of Estonia's most desirable places to live, in single-family houses, for the affluent, and home to some tourist attractions as well, including Tallinn's TV Tower or the Botanic Gardens
• Lasnamäe - the most populous district of Tallinn holds over a quarter of its inhabitants in the large Communist-era blocks of flats, but apart from the airport it has little of interest to the tourists
• Nõmme - formerly an independent town founded as a leisure/summer residence, Nõmme remains green and sparsely inhabited, with rich architectural heritage and many private villas. It ranks as one of the country's most affluent areas.
• Kristiine and Mustamäe are residential districts southwest of the centre.

Kesklinn - literally meaning "city centre" and being just what the label says, this district includes the main part of the Port of Tallinn, the Old Town (Vanalinn), Tallinn's central business district with its skyscrapers and many other tourist attractions in the quarters surrounding them, including the Kadriorg park and palace and most of the coastline of Lake Ülemiste except for the part immediately adjacent to the airport

Haabersti - the westernmost district with the extensive coastline holds the Estonian Open Air Museum, the Tallinn Zoo and the Saku Suurhall Arena, as well as the city's largest shopping centre

Põhja-Tallinn - literally meaning "north Tallinn", extends north of the railway line and includes the industrial part of the Port of Tallinn, as well as many monuments to its military heritage, the Maritime Academy and the quarter of Kalamaja known for its wooden houses

Pirita - the least populous district of Tallinn stretches along the eastern part of its coast and includes both a popular beach and a forest. This is one of Estonia's most desirable places to live, in single-family houses, for the affluent, and home to some tourist attractions as well, including Tallinn's TV Tower or the Botanic Gardens

Lasnamäe - the most populous district of Tallinn holds over a quarter of its inhabitants in the large Communist-era blocks of flats, but apart from the airport it has little of interest to the tourists

Nõmme - formerly an independent town founded as a leisure/summer residence, Nõmme remains green and sparsely inhabited, with rich architectural heritage and many private villas. It ranks as one of the country's most affluent areas.

Kristiine and Mustamäe are residential districts southwest of the centre.

At these latitudes winters are dark and cold and temperatures under -20°C are not unheard of from December to February. Thankfully, the sea moderates the winter temperatures a bit compared to continental cities with similar temperatures like Moscow.

Spring is the driest season and while there are often sub-zero temperatures at night until well into May, the snow usually disappears towards the end of March and the days are getting gradually warmer. Summer months are pleasant with day temperatures between +20°C and +30°C in July and August, however if it's raining, temperatures are lower. The summer is the best time of the year to visit Tallinn. Although Tallinn doesn't experience the Midnight Sun, in the middle of the summer it doesn't get really dark at night.

Usually you will need your jacket again towards the latter half of September. The autumn is the "rain season" and with both temperatures and the leaves falling, Tallinn doesn't look very attractive this time of the year. However the greyness is covered up by the snow that usually arrives in early December. Visiting Tallinn in December when the Old Town is beautifully covered in snow and Christmas decorations is not a bad idea.

• Tourist Information Centre in Old Town, Niguliste 2 / Kullassepa 4., +372 645 7777.
  

Tourist Information Centre in Old Town, Niguliste 2 / Kullassepa 4., +372 645 7777.

According to myth, the hill was built on top of the grave of legendary Estonian king Kalev, but more historically, its solid limestone and the site of the Danish castle that founded the city in 1219. Toompea was the home of the Danish and later Baltic German 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 (no Estonian origin but popular among cruise tourists).

• Toompea Castle, Lossi plats 1A, +372 6316357. 10:00–16:00. It's the seat of Estonian Parliament (Riigikogu). The castle complex consists of several parts: the western wall and the towers of Tall Hermann, Pilsticker and Landskrone built by the Danes between 13th and 15th centuries; the classic style building of the government of Estonian Governorate built 1767–1773 by the Russians, and the building of the Riigikogu from the 1920s. It's believed that already in the 9th century there was an ancient Estonian wooden fortress on the location.

• Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, Lossi plats 10, +372 644 3484. A classic onion-domed Russian Orthodox church, built 1894–1900, during the Russification period when Estonia was part of the Russian Empire. In 1928, when Estonia was independent, it was argued that the church is a symbol of oppression and architecturally non-suitable, therefore should be demolished. But it survived also the Soviet times, and now is used by the Estonian Orthodox Church of Moscow Patriarchate.
• St. Mary's Cathedral, Toom-Kooli 6, +372 644 4140. The oldest church in Tallinn, built as a Catholic church in 1229 but renovated and expanded many times since then, becoming a Lutheran church in 1561.
• Stenbock House, Rahukohtu 3. Today, the Stenbock House is the seat of Estonia's government, but it was built as a courthouse in late 18th century, at the behest of the erstwhile Russian authorities. The Russian treasury eventually found itself unable to pay for the building, so the Count Stenbock, who erected the edifice, was left with it as his personal residence. The treasury was only able to buy it more than a century later, when it finally became the courthouse it was intended to be.
• Estonian Knighthood House, Kiriku plats 1. The green Renaissance revival building was erected in mid-19th century as the fourth consecutive home of the Estonian Kinghthood, a congregation of essentially German nobles who pratically controlled Estonia up to its independence in 1920s. Since 1920s, it played host to the Foreign Affairs Ministry, National Library, and the art collections on display at Kumu. As of 2014, it is home of the Estonian Academy of Arts. The building is not open to the public as it is used for instruction and faculty work.

Toompea Castle, Lossi plats 1A, +372 6316357. 10:00–16:00. It's the seat of Estonian Parliament (Riigikogu). The castle complex consists of several parts: the western wall and the towers of Tall Hermann, Pilsticker and Landskrone built by the Danes between 13th and 15th centuries; the classic style building of the government of Estonian Governorate built 1767–1773 by the Russians, and the building of the Riigikogu from the 1920s. It's believed that already in the 9th century there was an ancient Estonian wooden fortress on the location.

Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, Lossi plats 10, +372 644 3484. A classic onion-domed Russian Orthodox church, built 1894–1900, during the Russification period when Estonia was part of the Russian Empire. In 1928, when Estonia was independent, it was argued that the church is a symbol of oppression and architecturally non-suitable, therefore should be demolished. But it survived also the Soviet times, and now is used by the Estonian Orthodox Church of Moscow Patriarchate.

St. Mary's Cathedral, Toom-Kooli 6, +372 644 4140. The oldest church in Tallinn, built as a Catholic church in 1229 but renovated and expanded many times since then, becoming a Lutheran church in 1561.

Stenbock House, Rahukohtu 3. Today, the Stenbock House is the seat of Estonia's government, but it was built as a courthouse in late 18th century, at the behest of the erstwhile Russian authorities. The Russian treasury eventually found itself unable to pay for the building, so the Count Stenbock, who erected the edifice, was left with it as his personal residence. The treasury was only able to buy it more than a century later, when it finally became the courthouse it was intended to be.

Estonian Knighthood House, Kiriku plats 1. The green Renaissance revival building was erected in mid-19th century as the fourth consecutive home of the Estonian Kinghthood, a congregation of essentially German nobles who pratically controlled Estonia up to its independence in 1920s. Since 1920s, it played host to the Foreign Affairs Ministry, National Library, and the art collections on display at Kumu. As of 2014, it is home of the Estonian Academy of Arts. The building is not open to the public as it is used for instruction and faculty work.

The medieval Old Town (Vanalinn) of Tallinn was built in the 15-17th centuries, and is excellently preserved. It contains a large part of Tallinn's sights and is the only UNESCO world heritage site entirely in Estonia. As clichéd it may sound — you can't say you've been to Tallinn if you haven't visited the old town. This compact area is best explored on foot.

• Viru Gate. 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.

• Town Hall Square. The square in the heart of the Old Town, just next to medieval Town Hall (Raekoda), ringed with cafes and restaurants. The square was used as a marketplace.
• Town Hall, Raekoja plats 1, +372 645 7900. Tallinn Town Hall, built at the turn of the 14th and 15th centuries, is the oldest town hall in the Nordic countries and Baltic states. Its heavy stone structure dominates the square. Nowadays it's used as a museum where smaller concerts are held. The weather vane on top of the spire is called Vana Toomas ("Old Thomas") and it has become a symbol of the city.
• St. Olaf's church, Lai 51. Built in the 12th century - today it is a Baptist church and probably the most visible landmark on the northern end of the Old Town. When Estonia was part of the Soviet Union the tower was used as a radio tower and a surveillance point. Tower €3.

• St. Nicholas church, Niguliste 3. W-S 10:00-17:00. St.Olaf's lookalike is at the other end of the Old Town. Heavily damaged in World War II and a fire in the 1980s, it is now an art museum and houses Bernt Notke's famous Danse Macabre from 1633. adults €3.50, concessions €2.
• Museum of Occupations, Toompea. 8, +372 668 0250. Daily 10:00-18:00. Describes the life conditions under Soviet and Nazi regimes. Adult €11; concession €7; family €23.

• 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. €1.25.
• Estonian History Museum, Pikk 17, +372 6968 690. Daily 10:00-18:00 (1 May - 30 Sep); Th-Tu 10:00-18:00 (1 Oct - 30 Apr). The History Museum's main location is the medieval Great Guild Hall. Here, the permanent exhibition takes you through 11,000 years of Estonian history by means ranging from striking exhibits of artifacts to interactive "time capsules". Topics covered include a surprisingly wide range, from coinage and wine to the history of the Great Guild building itself. On top of that, there are always some temporary exhibitions which usually serve as a link with present-day Estonia and Tallinn. €4; Free entry on the last Thursday of every month and on the International Museum Day, 18 May.
• Estonian Maritime Museum, Pikk 70 (Trams 1/2 and bus 3 to Linnhall, +372 6 200 550. May–Sept: daily 09:00 – 18:00; Oct–Apr: Tu–Su 10:00 – 18:00. The Maritime Museum dates back to 1935 and is housed inside the largest of the Tallinn city wall towers, aptly named "Fat Margaret" (Paks Margareta). Visiting the museum allows one not only to see the potpourri of maritime-themed artifacts, but also the 16th-century cannon tower and experience the view from the cafe on its roof. While the museum is the original location of the Meremuuseum, you absolutely cannot miss their second location in the Seaplane Harbour, where the ships and airplanes are stored (see below). €5, combined ticket with Seaplane Harbour - €14.
• 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.
• City Train for kids, Kullassepa 5, +372 5887 7742. Departs every 20 minutes; so takes the round trip. adult €6, child €4.

Viru Gate. 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.

Town Hall Square. The square in the heart of the Old Town, just next to medieval Town Hall (Raekoda), ringed with cafes and restaurants. The square was used as a marketplace.

Town Hall, Raekoja plats 1, +372 645 7900. Tallinn Town Hall, built at the turn of the 14th and 15th centuries, is the oldest town hall in the [[Nordic countries]] and [[Baltic states]]. Its heavy stone structure dominates the square. Nowadays it's used as a museum where smaller concerts are held. The weather vane on top of the spire is called Vana Toomas ("Old Thomas") and it has become a symbol of the city.

St. Olaf's church, Lai 51. Built in the 12th century - today it is a Baptist church and probably the most visible landmark on the northern end of the Old Town. When Estonia was part of the Soviet Union the tower was used as a radio tower and a surveillance point. Tower €3.

St. Nicholas church, Niguliste 3. W-S 10:00-17:00. St.Olaf's lookalike is at the other end of the Old Town. Heavily damaged in World War II and a fire in the 1980s, it is now an art museum and houses Bernt Notke's famous Danse Macabre from 1633. adults €3.50, concessions €2.

Museum of Occupations, Toompea. 8, +372 668 0250. Daily 10:00-18:00. Describes the life conditions under Soviet and Nazi regimes. Adult €11; concession €7; family €23.

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. €1.25.

Estonian History Museum, Pikk 17, +372 6968 690. Daily 10:00-18:00 (1 May - 30 Sep); Th-Tu 10:00-18:00 (1 Oct - 30 Apr). The History Museum's main location is the medieval Great Guild Hall. Here, the permanent exhibition takes you through 11,000 years of Estonian history by means ranging from striking exhibits of artifacts to interactive "time capsules". Topics covered include a surprisingly wide range, from coinage and wine to the history of the Great Guild building itself. On top of that, there are always some temporary exhibitions which usually serve as a link with present-day Estonia and Tallinn. €4; Free entry on the last Thursday of every month and on the International Museum Day, 18 May.

Estonian Maritime Museum, Pikk 70 (Trams 1/2 and bus 3 to Linnhall, +372 6 200 550. May–Sept: daily 09:00 – 18:00; Oct–Apr: Tu–Su 10:00 – 18:00. The Maritime Museum dates back to 1935 and is housed inside the largest of the Tallinn city wall towers, aptly named "Fat Margaret" (Paks Margareta). Visiting the museum allows one not only to see the potpourri of maritime-themed artifacts, but also the 16th-century cannon tower and experience the view from the cafe on its roof. While the museum is the original location of the Meremuuseum, you absolutely cannot miss their second location in the Seaplane Harbour, where the ships and airplanes are stored (see below). €5, combined ticket with Seaplane Harbour - €14.

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.

City Train for kids, Kullassepa 5, +372 5887 7742. Departs every 20 minutes; so takes the round trip. adult €6, child €4.

• Freedom Square, Vabaduse väljak. The Freedom Square is one of the main squares in Tallinn, featuring the simple and elegant St. John's Church from the 1860s and the contemporary Victory Column, erected in 2009 to commemorate the Estonian War of Independence of 1918-1920. The square looks especially spectacular at nighttime, when the column is lit up.
• Rottermann Quarter. 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.

• Tallinn Linnahall, Mere pst. 20 (stop: Linnahall Bus 3 or #90K (Airport bus) to stop 7 and then a 5-min walk to the Linda line terminal past the Domina Inn Ilmarine hotel. A fine example of Soviet Brutalist architecture designed by Raine Karp and Riina Altmäe and built for the 22nd Moscow Summer Olympic Games in 1980 for sailing events held in Tallinn. Scale the exterior of this crumbling monumental eulogy to mass culture and marvel at the fact that beneath its crumbling exterior lies a 5,000-seat amphitheatre (that last held a concert in 2008) and a 3,000-seat ice rink. It is closed to the public as negotiations regarding its redevelopment continue - maybe a last chance to see part of Tallinn's overlooked architectural heritage in its current form. Linda line run their catamaran service to Helsinki from offices adjacent to/underneath the helipad.
• Estonian Firefighting Museum, Raua 2, +372 53 028 404. M–Th 09:00 – 17:00, F 09:00 – 15:30.
• Contemporary Art Museum of Estonia (EKKM), Põhja pst. 35 (coming from the old town, just walk towards Linnahall; the museum is located just after the small road that is behind Kulturikatel, +372 53305449. April to December: Tu–Su 12–19 (you may want to double-check online). Already when entering, this place plays with what a museum should look like: you enter into a café. The exhibition rooms are diverse, as they make use of old industrial space. The shows are prepared by artists, hence the place builds a bridge between the upcoming and the established scene. free admission, donations very welcome.

Freedom Square, Vabaduse väljak. The Freedom Square is one of the main squares in Tallinn, featuring the simple and elegant St. John's Church from the 1860s and the contemporary Victory Column, erected in 2009 to commemorate the Estonian War of Independence of 1918-1920. The square looks especially spectacular at nighttime, when the column is lit up.

Rottermann Quarter. 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.

Tallinn Linnahall, Mere pst. 20 (stop: Linnahall Bus 3 or #90K (Airport bus) to stop 7 and then a 5-min walk to the Linda line terminal past the Domina Inn Ilmarine hotel. A fine example of Soviet Brutalist architecture designed by Raine Karp and Riina Altmäe and built for the 22nd Moscow Summer Olympic Games in 1980 for sailing events held in Tallinn. Scale the exterior of this crumbling monumental eulogy to mass culture and marvel at the fact that beneath its crumbling exterior lies a 5,000-seat amphitheatre (that last held a concert in 2008) and a 3,000-seat ice rink. It is closed to the public as negotiations regarding its redevelopment continue - maybe a last chance to see part of Tallinn's overlooked architectural heritage in its current form. Linda line run their catamaran service to Helsinki from offices adjacent to/underneath the helipad.

Estonian Firefighting Museum, Raua 2, +372 53 028 404. M–Th 09:00 – 17:00, F 09:00 – 15:30.

Contemporary Art Museum of Estonia (EKKM), Põhja pst. 35 (coming from the old town, just walk towards Linnahall; the museum is located just after the small road that is behind Kulturikatel, +372 53305449. April to December: Tu–Su 12–19 (you may want to double-check online). Already when entering, this place plays with what a museum should look like: you enter into a café. The exhibition rooms are diverse, as they make use of old industrial space. The shows are prepared by artists, hence the place builds a bridge between the upcoming and the established scene. free admission, donations very welcome.

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

• Kadriorg Palace, Weizenbergi 37. An imperial Russian summer residence built by Italian architect Niccolo Michetti for Tsar Peter the Great in 1718. It is in a 90-ha (222-acre) park in the eastern part of the city. The Tsar, 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. The palace houses some painting collections and other art. A portion of the complex is now occupied by the Office of the President and not available to the public. €6 (for the palace).

• National Art Museum KUMU, Weizenbergi 37/Valge 1 (stop: Kumu. 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, whose architecture is by itself enough to justify the visit, houses a cyclopic house, partly cut out of limestone rock. Permanent exhibition is obviously focused on Estonian art in a wide interval of time. Quality of many pieces is very good and well worth a visit. Also very interesting is the (not too spontaneous) turn of interests of artists toward socialist themes during the USSR period. Exhibitions of modern art, mixed with net/social applications, are often surprising and amusing. Not to be missed or overlooked.
• Song Festival Grounds. 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.

Kadriorg Palace, Weizenbergi 37. An imperial Russian summer residence built by Italian architect Niccolo Michetti for Tsar Peter the Great in 1718. It is in a 90-ha (222-acre) park in the eastern part of the city. The Tsar, 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. The palace houses some painting collections and other art. A portion of the complex is now occupied by the Office of the President and not available to the public. €6 (for the palace).

National Art Museum KUMU, Weizenbergi 37/Valge 1 (stop: Kumu. 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, whose architecture is by itself enough to justify the visit, houses a cyclopic house, partly cut out of limestone rock. Permanent exhibition is obviously focused on Estonian art in a wide interval of time. Quality of many pieces is very good and well worth a visit. Also very interesting is the (not too spontaneous) turn of interests of artists toward socialist themes during the USSR period. Exhibitions of modern art, mixed with net/social applications, are often surprising and amusing. Not to be missed or overlooked.

Song Festival Grounds. 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.

Includes forest parks, Botanic Gardens and Metsakalmistu (the last resting place of well-known Estonians). A few km east of the city centre along the seaside road.

• Tallinn TV Tower, Kloostrimetsa 58a (stop: Motoklubi. A 314 m high, free-standing structure with an observation deck on the 21st floor which, with its 170 m, is the highest in Northern Europe. It offers spectacular views across Tallinn and, on a clear day, you can see Finland. €10.
• Tallinn Botanical Gardens. The Tallinn Botanic Garden is 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.
• Metsakalmistu Cemetery, Pirita (stop: Metsakalmistu, Bus no 34A or 38. Tallinn's most famous cemetery, 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.
• Holy Birgitta Monastery. 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.

Tallinn TV Tower, Kloostrimetsa 58a (stop: Motoklubi. A 314 m high, free-standing structure with an observation deck on the 21st floor which, with its 170 m, is the highest in Northern Europe. It offers spectacular views across Tallinn and, on a clear day, you can see Finland. €10.

Tallinn Botanical Gardens. The Tallinn Botanic Garden is 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.

Metsakalmistu Cemetery, Pirita (stop: Metsakalmistu, Bus no 34A or 38. Tallinn's most famous cemetery, 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.

Holy Birgitta Monastery. 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.

• Kalamaja Quarter. 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.
• Patarei (Battery) Prison, Kalaranna 2, +372 504 6536. Built 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 in 2004.
• Seaplane Harbour, 6 Vesilennuki (No immediately adjacent public transportation stop - you need to walk at least 1 km from either the Linnahall (bus 3, tram 1/2) or Kalamaja (bus 3) stops., +372 6 200 550. May-Sep: daily 10:00 to 19:00; Oct – Apr: Tu-Su 10:00 to 19:00. Lennusadam, literally "air port", was constructed in 1916 for the purpose of serving the seaplane fleet with a spectacular, three-domed concrete hangar. Today, it serves as an outpost of the Maritime museum, serving its large collection of complete ships, airplanes and maritime and military equipment too large to fit the Fat Margaret. Inside the hangar, the highlight is the complete submarine Lembit, whose interior can be visited as well, a shipwreck from the 16th century and a collection of smaller boats and seaplanes. The crown of the collection moored outside in the harbour is the steam-powered icebreaker Suur Tõll. Throughout the museum, a number of state-of-the-art technologies and solutions are employed for a more engaging and enjoyable visit, and the museum has a wide range of activities and tours on offer. As the Seaplane Harbour is a bit out of the way, those getting peckish can enjoy a meal at the museum's restaurant Maru inside the hangars. €14 (combined ticket with Fat Margaret - €16).

Kalamaja Quarter. 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.

Patarei (Battery) Prison, Kalaranna 2, +372 504 6536. Built 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 in 2004.

Seaplane Harbour, 6 Vesilennuki (No immediately adjacent public transportation stop - you need to walk at least 1 km from either the Linnahall (bus 3, tram 1/2) or Kalamaja (bus 3) stops., +372 6 200 550. May-Sep: daily 10:00 to 19:00; Oct – Apr: Tu-Su 10:00 to 19:00. Lennusadam, literally "air port", was constructed in 1916 for the purpose of serving the seaplane fleet with a spectacular, three-domed concrete hangar. Today, it serves as an outpost of the Maritime museum, serving its large collection of complete ships, airplanes and maritime and military equipment too large to fit the Fat Margaret. Inside the hangar, the highlight is the complete submarine Lembit, whose interior can be visited as well, a shipwreck from the 16th century and a collection of smaller boats and seaplanes. The crown of the collection moored outside in the harbour is the steam-powered icebreaker Suur Tõll. Throughout the museum, a number of state-of-the-art technologies and solutions are employed for a more engaging and enjoyable visit, and the museum has a wide range of activities and tours on offer. As the Seaplane Harbour is a bit out of the way, those getting peckish can enjoy a meal at the museum's restaurant Maru inside the hangars. €14 (combined ticket with Fat Margaret - €16).

• Estonian Open Air Museum, Vabaõhumuuseumi tee 12 (stop: Rocca al Mare or trolleybus 6 or 7 to stop: Zoo and then a 15 min walk. Start walking with a map on hand for directions; otherwise, you might find it difficult.. 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. The Folklore Society Leigarid gives free dancing performances here at 11:00 each Saturday and Sunday. The museum organizes special events during Easter, which provide more insight on Estonian traditions and culture.
• Tallinn Zoo, Paldiski mnt. 145 (Bus stop: Zoo, trolleybus 6 or 7. 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.

Also, check out other sights within North Estonia, which could allow for a day trip from Tallinn.

Estonian Open Air Museum, Vabaõhumuuseumi tee 12 (stop: Rocca al Mare or trolleybus 6 or 7 to stop: Zoo and then a 15 min walk. Start walking with a map on hand for directions; otherwise, you might find it difficult.. 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. The Folklore Society Leigarid gives free dancing performances here at 11:00 each Saturday and Sunday. The museum organizes special events during Easter, which provide more insight on Estonian traditions and culture.

Tallinn Zoo, Paldiski mnt. 145 (Bus stop: Zoo, trolleybus 6 or 7. 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.

• Kultuurikatel (creative hub), Põhja pst 27a, +372 56 2011 15. Formerly an industrial site, this is now Tallinn's main creative hub, site of many events (see website).

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 Beach. A large sandy beach which in summer is full of locals and tourists.
• Stroomi Beach. The water is clean and warm, and it is the gay friendliest beach of Tallinn.
• Lake Harku. 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. 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.

Pirita Beach. A large sandy beach which in summer is full of locals and tourists.

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

Lake Harku. 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. 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.

Tallinn offers a lot of sporting opportunities - from ATV rentals to ice skating.

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

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

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

• The Estonian Song Celebration. 4-7 July 2019. First held in 1869, takes place every five years. In 2014, 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.
• Tallinn Music Week. 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. April. In addition to Tallinn jazz concerts also take place in Tartu and Pärnu.
• Tallinn Old Town Days. May/June.
• Õllesummer Festival. July. Approx 70,000 people attend the festival each year over the course of 4 days.
• Birgitta Festival. August. Music and theatre festival, held at the ruins of the historical Pirita (St. Bridget's) convent.

• Saku Suurhall. Rocca al Mare. 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.

The Estonian Song Celebration. 4-7 July 2019. First held in 1869, takes place every five years. In 2014, 35,000 choral singers gathered to perform for an audience of 90,000 people. It is [[UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage|recognised by UNESCO]] as a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity.

Tallinn Music Week. 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. April. In addition to Tallinn jazz concerts also take place in Tartu and Pärnu.

Tallinn Old Town Days. May/June.

Õllesummer Festival. July. Approx 70,000 people attend the festival each year over the course of 4 days.

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

Saku Suurhall. Rocca al Mare. 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.

• Simpel Session. Summer/Winter. International skateboarding and BMX event.
• Tallinn International Horseshow. Spring/Autumn. Biggest international horseriding competition in Baltic states, includes showjumping and dressage. Takes place in Saku Suurhall.

Simpel Session. Summer/Winter. International skateboarding and BMX event.

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

Kultuurikatel (creative hub), Põhja pst 27a, +372 56 2011 15. Formerly an industrial site, this is now Tallinn's main creative hub, site of many events (see website).

Tallinn may be cheap compared to other major European cities, but it is no longer the bargain deal it once was. Though not overtly touristy, it is much more expensive than the rest of the country. If you come here for an authentic Estonian and inexpensive experience, this is the wrong place. Prices can compete with Munich or Milan.

• Viru Keskus, Viru väljak 6. 09:00-21:00. In and around the landmark Viru hotel, it is very busy as the bus terminal is below this mall. It is still in walking distance from the port but serves tourists and locals as well.
• Foorum Keskus, Narva maantee 5.
• Kaubamaja, Gonsiori 2. Opened in 1960, this is the grand old department store of Tallinn, unsurprisingly a lot has changed since the Soviet times.
• Melon Kaubanduskeskus, Estonia puiestee 1/3, +372 630 6500.

• Stockmann, Liivalaia 53, +372 633 9539. Part of the Finnish department store chain, here since 1996. Close to the port and popular with Finnish tourists.
• Rocca al Mare kaubanduskeskus. A few kilometres west of the old town along Paldiski maantee. Consists of a Prisma hypermarket and tens of smaller, mostly fashion boutiques.
• Ülemiste Keskus.
• Rotermanni Kvartal. Rotermann's Quarter is a downtown shopping area with clothing and department stores and restaurants between Viru Keskus, Tallinn port and the Old Town. If you are walking from the harbor towards Viru Väljak the quarter is on your left hand side. One place to find bargain clothes is the Rotermann Kaubamaja situated right at Mere Puiestee. The Kaubamaja also has a combined cafe and restaurant on the third floor which seems to be surprisingly empty even as they have reasonable prices.

Viru Keskus, Viru väljak 6. 09:00-21:00. In and around the landmark Viru hotel, it is very busy as the bus terminal is below this mall. It is still in walking distance from the port but serves tourists and locals as well.

Foorum Keskus, Narva maantee 5.

Kaubamaja, Gonsiori 2. Opened in 1960, this is the grand old department store of Tallinn, unsurprisingly a lot has changed since the Soviet times.

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

Stockmann, Liivalaia 53, +372 633 9539. Part of the Finnish department store chain, here since 1996. Close to the port and popular with Finnish tourists.

Rocca al Mare kaubanduskeskus. A few kilometres west of the old town along Paldiski maantee. Consists of a Prisma hypermarket and tens of smaller, mostly fashion boutiques.

Ülemiste Keskus.

Rotermanni Kvartal. Rotermann's Quarter is a downtown shopping area with clothing and department stores and restaurants between Viru Keskus, Tallinn port and the Old Town. If you are walking from the harbor towards Viru Väljak the quarter is on your left hand side. One place to find bargain clothes is the Rotermann Kaubamaja situated right at Mere Puiestee. The Kaubamaja also has a combined cafe and restaurant on the third floor which seems to be surprisingly empty even as they have reasonable prices.

For boutiques and souvenirs, your best choice is Viru street in the Old Town and its side streets. There are many stalls selling traditional items like woolen pullovers, crystal and amber. Be prepared to bargain in order to get a reasonable price. Please note, however, that bargaining is only accepted at some places. Even though Baltic amber and Russian matryoshka dolls are widely available in souvenir boutiques, neither are in any way related to Estonia or its culture and are sold in Estonian souvenir boutiques mainly because they sell good among tourists.

• Telliskivi — indie shops, Telliskivi 60a (use tram 1 or 2 towards Kopli and get off Teliskivi, pass by Depoo into Teliskivi street. Former industrial, now creative/entrepreneurial district Telliskivi is home to many small boutiques selling nice goods ranging from arts, to clothes and interior. A book store and a record store are also welcoming you. You will find all shops on the website.
• Ivo Nikkolo, Suur-Karja 14. Fashion-interested people can visit the main store of Estonia's first Post-Soviet designer brand Ivo Nikkolo.

Telliskivi — indie shops, Telliskivi 60a (use tram 1 or 2 towards Kopli and get off Teliskivi, pass by Depoo into Teliskivi street. Former industrial, now creative/entrepreneurial district Telliskivi is home to many small boutiques selling nice goods ranging from arts, to clothes and interior. A book store and a record store are also welcoming you. You will find all shops on the website.

Ivo Nikkolo, Suur-Karja 14. Fashion-interested people can visit the main store of Estonia's first Post-Soviet designer brand Ivo Nikkolo.

• Jaama Turg, Kopli 1. A market place next to the train station. Overrated and overpriced, gourmet food at three times the price of regular market places. For tourist and rich locals.
• Keskturg, Keldrimäe 9. Market place 500 m from the bus station. They sell food and clothes.
• Jõuluturg, Raekoja Plats. The Christmas Market on the Town Hall square is open from late November to early January. They sell knitwear, various wooden objects for use and decoration, Christmas tree decorations, gingerbread and such. It's not all about shopping, the Christmas tree in the middle is worth taking a photo of and there's a stage when they sing carols. Of course you can occasionally run into Santa at the market! Don't forget to try a mug of hot glögg, sold at many stalls.
• Vana Turg, Mere Pst.. The name translates to "old market" and is located on a small square just outside the old town. Vana Turg is a place to buy clothes and decoration items often Estonian-made and sometimes sold by the makers themselves — knitted pullovers and caps, gloves, belts and slippers are examples of what you can find here.
• Sadamarket, Kai 5. Daily 08:00-19:00. Shopping daytrippers who arrive with Viking Line or Eckerö Line and can't be bothered to walk far from the terminal usually end up at this large indoor market. Three floors of clothing, bags, food and souvenirs plus some restaurants on the second floor. And of course also alcoholic beverages at a third of the Finnish prices.

Jaama Turg, Kopli 1. A market place next to the train station. Overrated and overpriced, gourmet food at three times the price of regular market places. For tourist and rich locals.

Keskturg, Keldrimäe 9. Market place 500 m from the bus station. They sell food and clothes.

Jõuluturg, Raekoja Plats. The [[Christmas Market]] on the Town Hall square is open from late November to early January. They sell knitwear, various wooden objects for use and decoration, Christmas tree decorations, gingerbread and such. It's not all about shopping, the Christmas tree in the middle is worth taking a photo of and there's a stage when they sing carols. Of course you can occasionally run into Santa at the market! Don't forget to try a mug of hot glögg, sold at many stalls.

Vana Turg, Mere Pst.. The name translates to "old market" and is located on a small square just outside the old town. Vana Turg is a place to buy clothes and decoration items often Estonian-made and sometimes sold by the makers themselves — knitted pullovers and caps, gloves, belts and slippers are examples of what you can find here.

Sadamarket, Kai 5. Daily 08:00-19:00. Shopping daytrippers who arrive with Viking Line or Eckerö Line and can't be bothered to walk far from the terminal usually end up at this large indoor market. Three floors of clothing, bags, food and souvenirs plus some restaurants on the second floor. And of course also [[alcoholic beverages]] at a third of the Finnish prices.

• Biit Record, Viru 3. Tu-F 13:00-19:00. A music store covering all major media types, with somewhat of a focus on vinyl. They especially have great indie and electronics offerings, can at the same time help find great local music and also other common genres. Located in an upper floor, the store has a special atmosphere to it. Offering second hand and a wide variety of new records.
• Rockroad Record, Endla 38. Mainly metal and rock/pop/blues also. Owner knows about Estonian and Russian rock music also. Carries many Melodia label records.
• Raamatukoi Grammofon Records, Voorimehe 9. Good selections. Classical, jazz, Estonian, pop-rock and so on. Furthermore, they sell postcards and stamps.
• World Clinic record shop, Telliskivi 60a/3 1st floor (located at the northern end of in the Telliskivi creative area (<10 minutes walk from the central train station). a small but very friendly and diverse record store

Biit Record, Viru 3. Tu-F 13:00-19:00. A music store covering all major media types, with somewhat of a focus on vinyl. They especially have great indie and electronics offerings, can at the same time help find great local music and also other common genres. Located in an upper floor, the store has a special atmosphere to it. Offering second hand and a wide variety of new records.

Rockroad Record, Endla 38. Mainly metal and rock/pop/blues also. Owner knows about Estonian and Russian rock music also. Carries many Melodia label records.

Raamatukoi Grammofon Records, Voorimehe 9. Good selections. Classical, jazz, Estonian, pop-rock and so on. Furthermore, they sell postcards and stamps.

World Clinic record shop, Telliskivi 60a/3 1st floor (located at the northern end of in the Telliskivi creative area (<10 minutes walk from the central train station). a small but very friendly and diverse record store

The Old Town 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.

• F-hoone, Telliskivi 60a/F, +372 5322 6855. M-Sa 9-24, Su 9-22; kitchen closes 1 hr earlier. Used to be an industrial hall, now made a great bistro/bar which tends to become very busy in the evenings (book if you can, but as it's big you might well be lucky and find the one spare table. Good value for price.
• Karja Kelder, Väike-Karja 1, +372 644 1008. 11:00-00:00 or later. Pleasant and affordable tourist trap in basement. Located in the middle of Old Town. Main courses €4.50-8.
• Kohvik Narva, Narva mnt 10, +372 6601786. M-F 08:30-20:00, Sa 10:00-20:00, Su 10:00-18:00. Cafe Narva long boasted an old-style interior preserved from the Soviet area; today's chic interior seems questionably authentic. Ladies at the counter are somewhat brusque (still) and mostly Russian-speaking, although this should not prevent you from enjoying traditional food of Soviet workers as well as delicious pastries baked on the premises. Cake per kg €8.50-12, pastry pieces €0.70, solyanka €3, pancake €2.50-3.50, pasta carbonara €6, schnitzel €7, potato fritter €3-5, Pelmeni €5.
• Loca, Tatari 1, Tallinn (Located near Vabaduse väljak, right next to Söögiplats, +372 555 15 235. 11:00-07:00. Pizza, falafel, hummus, soup, beer. Fast food joint with wild staff and increasing customer service. €3-8.
• Maiasmokk, Pikk 16, +372 64 64 079. 09:00 to 21:00 mostly. The oldest still operating café in Tallinn, dating back to 1864. Coffee, tea, chocolate and various sweet and savoury pastries available, at a quite cheap price. Spacious with stylish decor. Right next door is the Maiasmokk confectionery shop, which sells quality Estonian chocolates to take home with you.
• Mauruse Pubi. A great local pub, featuring cheap food with hearty portions.

F-hoone, Telliskivi 60a/F, +372 5322 6855. M-Sa 9-24, Su 9-22; kitchen closes 1 hr earlier. Used to be an industrial hall, now made a great bistro/bar which tends to become very busy in the evenings (book if you can, but as it's big you might well be lucky and find the one spare table. Good value for price.

Karja Kelder, Väike-Karja 1, +372 644 1008. 11:00-00:00 or later. Pleasant and affordable tourist trap in basement. Located in the middle of Old Town. Main courses €4.50-8.

Kohvik Narva, Narva mnt 10, +372 6601786. M-F 08:30-20:00, Sa 10:00-20:00, Su 10:00-18:00. Cafe Narva long boasted an old-style interior preserved from the Soviet area; today's chic interior seems questionably authentic. Ladies at the counter are somewhat brusque (still) and mostly Russian-speaking, although this should not prevent you from enjoying traditional food of Soviet workers as well as delicious pastries baked on the premises. Cake per kg €8.50-12, pastry pieces €0.70, solyanka €3, pancake €2.50-3.50, pasta carbonara €6, schnitzel €7, potato fritter €3-5, Pelmeni €5.

Loca, Tatari 1, Tallinn (Located near Vabaduse väljak, right next to Söögiplats, +372 555 15 235. 11:00-07:00. Pizza, falafel, hummus, soup, beer. Fast food joint with wild staff and increasing customer service. €3-8.

Maiasmokk, Pikk 16, +372 64 64 079. 09:00 to 21:00 mostly. The oldest still operating café in Tallinn, dating back to 1864. Coffee, tea, chocolate and various sweet and savoury pastries available, at a quite cheap price. Spacious with stylish decor. Right next door is the Maiasmokk confectionery shop, which sells quality Estonian chocolates to take home with you.

Mauruse Pubi. A great local pub, featuring cheap food with hearty portions.

• Aed, Rataskaevu 8., +372 626 9088. M-Sa 12:00-00:00, Su 12:00-18:00. Excellent organic, biodynamic and Demeter food, also full vegan options. Beautiful interior, very charming and romantic, wonderful service. Lower-than-tourist prices.
• Aserbaijan Restaurant Shesh-Besh, Gonsiori 9, +372 661 1422. This dim and blandly decorated Azerbaijani bar-restaurant "Shesh Besh" offers genuine Azerbaijan cuisine. Although a namesake, it has nothing to do with a branch of Azerbaijan restaurants in Russia. Mains: €6-8.
• Controvento, Vene 12/Katriina Käik. A very nice little Italian restaurant stashed away in a small side passage in the Old Town. Offering genuinely excellent food at reasonable prices with good service. Its only "flaw" is that it's hard to get into and is most often completely full, even on off-season week nights. You may want to call ahead and make a reservation. Pizzas and pasta dishes are around €10.
• Frenchy bistro, Telliskivi 60a/5, hall B, +372 5604 8262. M 17-23, Tu-Th 12-23, F-Sa 12-24. French food bistro in a hip vintage-industrial-modern setting. Has cheap daily offers.
• Kaja Pizza Köök, Õle 33, +372 6601611. Tu - Su 11:30 till Out of Dough (they will make a given amount of dough every day, so if it's very busy they will close "early"). pizza baked in a wood oven, with the choice of topping being aligned to traditional south Italian pizza. Small place, just one big table everybody shares. Combining traditional elements and a rather modern/hip atmosphere. pizza 5-8 Euro + 1 Euro per additional topping.
• Kohvik Moon, Võrgu 3, +372 6 314 575. 12:00 - 23:00 mostly. A rather small restaurant with a nice, minimalistic decor. Serves traditional Estonian food with a Russian influence. Voted best restaurant in Tallinn in 2010. Very popular among tourists, and as such it is usually quite full. Prior reservations are recommended but not mandatory. Main courses €10–20.
• Kompressor, Rataskaevu 3 (Just few minutes walk from Raekoja plats.. This place offers an assortment of huge and delicious pancakes. Don't give in to the temptation to order two portions, one pancake is usually enough. This place used to be less touristic, but is now. Pancakes from €4.50, Beer €3.
• Madissoni Grill & Baar, Rävala Puiestee 3 (next to the Radisson Blu Hotel. This open kitchen type restaurant serves good flame-grilled food at decent prices, especially popular for its daily lunch specials, King Club sandwich and burgers.
• Oliver, Viru 3, +372 630 7898. 10:00-00:00. A traditional restaurant in the heart of the Tallinn Old town. The menu is centered on various kinds of steaks, but there are also pastas and vegetarian dishes available. Main courses €15–23.
• Restoran Peppersack. A middle ages-themed restaurant one block away from the city hall square - even the names of the dishes are medieval themed. Outdoor seating available in the summer, when they also played medieval (what else?) music on a small outdoor stage, and they seem also to have sword fight and oriental dance performances. Probably the main competitor of Olde Hansa and a bit touristy indeed but fun.
• Pirosmani, Üliõpilaste tee 1, +372 639 3246. 10:00-24:00. Georgian food as it is done in Georgia. It's well out of the way, but that's a good thing. Almost everyone at this restaurant is local (although the menu has English), and tourists are not in sight, so the food here is good and great value. Try the Khinkali or the Harcho.

• Sfäär, Mere puiestee 6E, +372 56 992 200. 10:00 - 22:00 mostly. Near the city centre. A rather small restaurant with a simple, yet stylish interior, a bit resembling an old Soviet-era cafeteria. Serves Nordic cuisine and new Estonian cuisine with an Italian influence. The menu is rather short, including only five main courses, four pastas and some starters and desserts. The dishes themselves are attractively presented and tasty. Sfäär also has a clothes shop adjacent to the restaurant. Main courses €15–20.
• Troika, Raekoja plats 15. Offers generous portions of Russian food. In the warm summer months, people dine on the terrace. In winter, they head down to the warm cellar. To fill up, get a small zakuski (which is anything but small) appetizer plate. It's big enough for three and costs €9, then dip your pelmeni dumplings (costing €6) in smetana or the other sauces provided and wash it down with a shot of vodka (€5).
• Umami, Kalasadama 8, +372 600 1035. 12PM to 8PM mostly. Considered among the best restaurants in Tallinn. Originally located in Mustamäe, the restaurant came under threat of closing down in March 2019 when the building housing it was demolished. Instead of closing down, it opened in new premises in Kalamaja in northern Tallinn.Umami offers Estonian-style cuisine with an international twist, as well as a diverse wine list. The restaurant has a spacious terrace and is a short walk away from the ferry terminal. The burger of the day is worth trying. Main courses €11.50 to €21.50.
• Vanaema Juures, Rataskaevu 10/12, +372 626 9080. Translates as "Grandma's Place", which gives you an idea of the warm welcome you can expect here. Friendly and attentive staff are happy to explain the traditional dishes. Excellent value for money. It's a tiny place, so reservations are essential in the high season. Try the meatballs or the pork with sauerkraut and don't miss the kama porridge for dessert.

Aed, Rataskaevu 8., +372 626 9088. M-Sa 12:00-00:00, Su 12:00-18:00. Excellent organic, biodynamic and Demeter food, also full vegan options. Beautiful interior, very charming and romantic, wonderful service. Lower-than-tourist prices.

Aserbaijan Restaurant Shesh-Besh, Gonsiori 9, +372 661 1422. This dim and blandly decorated Azerbaijani bar-restaurant "Shesh Besh" offers genuine Azerbaijan cuisine. Although a namesake, it has nothing to do with a branch of Azerbaijan restaurants in Russia. Mains: €6-8.

Controvento, Vene 12/Katriina Käik. A very nice little Italian restaurant stashed away in a small side passage in the Old Town. Offering genuinely excellent food at reasonable prices with good service. Its only "flaw" is that it's hard to get into and is most often completely full, even on off-season week nights. You may want to call ahead and make a reservation. Pizzas and pasta dishes are around €10.

Frenchy bistro, Telliskivi 60a/5, hall B, +372 5604 8262. M 17-23, Tu-Th 12-23, F-Sa 12-24. French food bistro in a hip vintage-industrial-modern setting. Has cheap daily offers.

Kaja Pizza Köök, Õle 33, +372 6601611. Tu - Su 11:30 till Out of Dough (they will make a given amount of dough every day, so if it's very busy they will close "early"). pizza baked in a wood oven, with the choice of topping being aligned to traditional south Italian pizza. Small place, just one big table everybody shares. Combining traditional elements and a rather modern/hip atmosphere. pizza 5-8 Euro + 1 Euro per additional topping.

Kohvik Moon, Võrgu 3, +372 6 314 575. 12:00 - 23:00 mostly. A rather small restaurant with a nice, minimalistic decor. Serves traditional Estonian food with a Russian influence. Voted best restaurant in Tallinn in 2010. Very popular among tourists, and as such it is usually quite full. Prior reservations are recommended but not mandatory. Main courses €10–20.

Kompressor, Rataskaevu 3 (Just few minutes walk from Raekoja plats.. This place offers an assortment of huge and delicious pancakes. Don't give in to the temptation to order two portions, one pancake is usually enough. This place used to be less touristic, but is now. Pancakes from €4.50, Beer €3.

Madissoni Grill & Baar, Rävala Puiestee 3 (next to the Radisson Blu Hotel. This open kitchen type restaurant serves good flame-grilled food at decent prices, especially popular for its daily lunch specials, King Club sandwich and burgers.

Oliver, Viru 3, +372 630 7898. 10:00-00:00. A traditional restaurant in the heart of the Tallinn Old town. The menu is centered on various kinds of steaks, but there are also pastas and vegetarian dishes available. Main courses €15–23.

Restoran Peppersack. A middle ages-themed restaurant one block away from the city hall square - even the names of the dishes are medieval themed. Outdoor seating available in the summer, when they also played medieval (what else?) music on a small outdoor stage, and they seem also to have sword fight and oriental dance performances. Probably the main competitor of Olde Hansa and a bit touristy indeed but fun.

Pirosmani, Üliõpilaste tee 1, +372 639 3246. 10:00-24:00. Georgian food as it is done in Georgia. It's well out of the way, but that's a good thing. Almost everyone at this restaurant is local (although the menu has English), and tourists are not in sight, so the food here is good and great value. Try the Khinkali or the Harcho.

Sfäär, Mere puiestee 6E, +372 56 992 200. 10:00 - 22:00 mostly. Near the city centre. A rather small restaurant with a simple, yet stylish interior, a bit resembling an old Soviet-era cafeteria. Serves Nordic cuisine and new Estonian cuisine with an Italian influence. The menu is rather short, including only five main courses, four pastas and some starters and desserts. The dishes themselves are attractively presented and tasty. Sfäär also has a clothes shop adjacent to the restaurant. Main courses €15–20.

Troika, Raekoja plats 15. Offers generous portions of Russian food. In the warm summer months, people dine on the terrace. In winter, they head down to the warm cellar. To fill up, get a small zakuski (which is anything but small) appetizer plate. It's big enough for three and costs €9, then dip your pelmeni dumplings (costing €6) in smetana or the other sauces provided and wash it down with a shot of vodka (€5).

Umami, Kalasadama 8, +372 600 1035. 12PM to 8PM mostly. Considered among the best restaurants in Tallinn. Originally located in Mustamäe, the restaurant came under threat of closing down in March 2019 when the building housing it was demolished. Instead of closing down, it opened in new premises in Kalamaja in northern Tallinn.Umami offers Estonian-style cuisine with an international twist, as well as a diverse wine list. The restaurant has a spacious terrace and is a short walk away from the ferry terminal. The burger of the day is worth trying. Main courses €11.50 to €21.50.

Vanaema Juures, Rataskaevu 10/12, +372 626 9080. Translates as "Grandma's Place", which gives you an idea of the warm welcome you can expect here. Friendly and attentive staff are happy to explain the traditional dishes. Excellent value for money. It's a tiny place, so reservations are essential in the high season. Try the meatballs or the pork with sauerkraut and don't miss the kama porridge for dessert.

• Bar Fish and Wine, Harju 1, +372 662 3013. M-Th 11:30-23:00, F Sa 11:30-24:00. The name pretty much says it. This is a modern cocktail bar and restaurant serving vodka and caviar, fish dishes and a wide range of wines.
• Bocca, Olevimägi 9, +372 611 7290. M-Th 11:30-23:00, F Sa 11.30-24:00, Su 13:00-22:00. One of the trendiest restaurants in Tallinn. Features Italian cuisine by Nicola Tanda. It also has a nice bar to enjoy cocktails and snacks. This is one of the busiest restaurants in Tallinn. Reservations are highly recommended. €30.
• Chedi, Olevimägi 11 (next to restaurant Bocca, in old town, +372 646 1676. M-Th 11:30-23:00, F Sa 11:30-24:00, Sun 13:00-22:00. Modern Asian kitchen supervised by Alan Yau from Hakasan, London. Modern and warm interior to give a retro asian impression. Reservations recommended for the weekend and during summer holidays. €20.
• Kuldse Notsu Kõrts, Dunkri 8, +372 628 6567. Daily 12:00-23:00. Good traditional Estonian restaurant close to the main square. Try the house beer or vodka and fresh buckthorn and honey apertif with your blood sausage or the famous pork knuckle with extra spicy mustard. The traditional desserts are also worth a try. Live traditional music Sep-May F Sa nights. €20-30 including drinks and desert.

• Musi, Niguliste 6, +372 5663 6211. 17:00-24:00. This is primarily a wine bar, but it has light meals as well. From the outside it looks like a cosy oasis, and you might think the place is one little rustic room on display but there is more tables behind the wine bar. Welcoming staff and a good selection of wine by the glass. A good place for a relaxed meal, or with your friends before or after dinner. Glass of wine: €4; Small dishes: from €5.
• Olde Hansa, Vana turg 1. The ruling king among Tallinn's purely touristy restaurants with some of them trying to copy its style. The place is simply medieval, not just in terms of food but also in the sense of performance - no electricity, no music except live and authentic, no modern inventions. The house special is bear meat "marinated in rare spices and cooked over a fire in honour of Waldemar II, the brave King of Denmark" costing €40+. Try one of the extraordinary beers, such as the honey beer. It is not likely that you will meet any locals here.
• Restaurant Ö, Mere pst. 6E (close to old town, near harbour, +372 661 6150. M-Th 12:00-23:00, F Sa 12:00-24:00, Su 13:00-22:00. Reopened and two new chefs Martin Meikas and Ranno Paukson with focus on Modern Estonian kitchen. Good view of old town. €20.
• Tchaikovsky, Vene 9, +372 6000 610. M-F 12:00-15:00, 18:00-23:00; Sa Su 13:00-23:00. As the name suggests, it is a Russian restaurant, but don't expect wooden benches, traditional food, and folk music. On the contrary, you will find a selection of Russian delicacies ranging from pancakes with caviar to pelmeni with pork and wild mushrooms, along with fusion-style cuisine (rabbit with Jerusalem artichoke being a good example). Expect delicious food and very high prices, but if you are looking for typical Russian fare, try to find another place for dinner. Mains start from €20.

Bar Fish and Wine, Harju 1, +372 662 3013. M-Th 11:30-23:00, F Sa 11:30-24:00. The name pretty much says it. This is a modern cocktail bar and restaurant serving vodka and caviar, fish dishes and a wide range of wines.

Bocca, Olevimägi 9, +372 611 7290. M-Th 11:30-23:00, F Sa 11.30-24:00, Su 13:00-22:00. One of the trendiest restaurants in Tallinn. Features Italian cuisine by Nicola Tanda. It also has a nice bar to enjoy cocktails and snacks. This is one of the busiest restaurants in Tallinn. Reservations are highly recommended. €30.

Chedi, Olevimägi 11 (next to restaurant Bocca, in old town, +372 646 1676. M-Th 11:30-23:00, F Sa 11:30-24:00, Sun 13:00-22:00. Modern Asian kitchen supervised by Alan Yau from Hakasan, London. Modern and warm interior to give a retro asian impression. Reservations recommended for the weekend and during summer holidays. €20.

Kuldse Notsu Kõrts, Dunkri 8, +372 628 6567. Daily 12:00-23:00. Good traditional Estonian restaurant close to the main square. Try the house beer or vodka and fresh buckthorn and honey apertif with your blood sausage or the famous pork knuckle with extra spicy mustard. The traditional desserts are also worth a try. Live traditional music Sep-May F Sa nights. €20-30 including drinks and desert.

Musi, Niguliste 6, +372 5663 6211. 17:00-24:00. This is primarily a wine bar, but it has light meals as well. From the outside it looks like a cosy oasis, and you might think the place is one little rustic room on display but there is more tables behind the wine bar. Welcoming staff and a good selection of wine by the glass. A good place for a relaxed meal, or with your friends before or after dinner. Glass of wine: €4; Small dishes: from €5.

Olde Hansa, Vana turg 1. The ruling king among Tallinn's purely touristy restaurants with some of them trying to copy its style. The place is simply medieval, not just in terms of food but also in the sense of performance - no electricity, no music except live and authentic, no modern inventions. The house special is bear meat "marinated in rare spices and cooked over a fire in honour of Waldemar II, the brave King of Denmark" costing €40+. Try one of the extraordinary beers, such as the honey beer. It is not likely that you will meet any locals here.

Restaurant Ö, Mere pst. 6E (close to old town, near harbour, +372 661 6150. M-Th 12:00-23:00, F Sa 12:00-24:00, Su 13:00-22:00. Reopened and two new chefs Martin Meikas and Ranno Paukson with focus on Modern Estonian kitchen. Good view of old town. €20.

Tchaikovsky, Vene 9, +372 6000 610. M-F 12:00-15:00, 18:00-23:00; Sa Su 13:00-23:00. As the name suggests, it is a Russian restaurant, but don't expect wooden benches, traditional food, and folk music. On the contrary, you will find a selection of Russian delicacies ranging from pancakes with caviar to pelmeni with pork and wild mushrooms, along with fusion-style cuisine (rabbit with Jerusalem artichoke being a good example). Expect delicious food and very high prices, but if you are looking for typical Russian fare, try to find another place for dinner. Mains start from €20.

There are plenty of nice cafés, especially in the centre. Among the interesting ones:

• Wabadus Kohvik, Vabaduse väljak 10, +372 6604019. M-Th 9-23; F 9-1; Sa 11-1, Su 11-22. located just next to the freedom square, this café has good drinks as well as dishes. The interior is a great blend of classical styles of prior decades with the modern times.

Wabadus Kohvik, Vabaduse väljak 10, +372 6604019. M-Th 9-23; F 9-1; Sa 11-1, Su 11-22. located just next to the freedom square, this café has good drinks as well as dishes. The interior is a great blend of classical styles of prior decades with the modern times.

Tallinn's crazy nightlife is out of proportion to the city's small size. The days of armed mafiosos are over and these days any drunken fights tend to involve 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 €2.50-4.

• Beer House, Dunkri 5. 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.
• The Dubliner, Suur Karja 18. 11:00-midnight (03:00 at the weekend). Popular Irish pub on one of the nightlife axes. Attracts younger people and is relative new, so no pub crawlers puke in front of the door.
• Drink Baar, Väike Karja 8, +372 644 9433. Su-Th 12:00-23:00, F Sa 12:00-03:00. The widest selection of beers of any pub in town including many quality imports from Brewdog and Mikkeller. Good English-style pub-grub, featuring award winning fish and chips. Monthly comedy nights from the "Comedy Estonia" and quiz nights.
• Hell Hunt, Pikk 39. 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. 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.
• Lab Bar, Suur-Karja 10. Laboratory themed bar known for its shots in testtubes. You should definitely try the "Brain Scan".
• Levist Väljas, Olevimägi 12. A cozy alternative bar in Old Town with a small dance floor.

• Nimeta Baar (The Bar With No Name), Suur-Karja 4. Really fun place, popular with tourists.
• Texas Honky Tonk & Cantina, Pikk 43, +372 631 1755. 12:00-23:59. 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.
• Von Krahli, Rataskaevu 10. An avant-garde theatre/bar.

Beer House, Dunkri 5. 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.

The Dubliner, Suur Karja 18. 11:00-midnight (03:00 at the weekend). Popular Irish pub on one of the nightlife axes. Attracts younger people and is relative new, so no pub crawlers puke in front of the door.

Drink Baar, Väike Karja 8, +372 644 9433. Su-Th 12:00-23:00, F Sa 12:00-03:00. The widest selection of beers of any pub in town including many quality imports from Brewdog and Mikkeller. Good English-style pub-grub, featuring award winning fish and chips. Monthly comedy nights from the "Comedy Estonia" and quiz nights.

Hell Hunt, Pikk 39. 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. 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.

Lab Bar, Suur-Karja 10. Laboratory themed bar known for its shots in testtubes. You should definitely try the "Brain Scan".

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

Nimeta Baar (The Bar With No Name), Suur-Karja 4. Really fun place, popular with tourists.

Texas Honky Tonk & Cantina, Pikk 43, +372 631 1755. 12:00-23:59. 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.

Von Krahli, Rataskaevu 10. An avant-garde theatre/bar.

These are still quite central; they are just not in the old town.

East:

• Lounge 24, Rävala Puiestee 3. 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.

North:

• Kohvik Nord, Mere pst 20 (located at the northestern corner of Linnahall, +372 444 0036. evening café: opens at 5 only – see website for details. located at the pier behind Linnahall, you are really at the sea.

Lounge 24, Rävala Puiestee 3. 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.

Kohvik Nord, Mere pst 20 (located at the northestern corner of Linnahall, +372 444 0036. evening café: opens at 5 only – see website for details. located at the pier behind Linnahall, you are really at the sea.

• Arena3, Tartu mnt. 17 (In the Kompassi district. Plays middle of the road pop and disco. Popular with the young crowd. Reasonably priced.
• Bonbon, Mere Pst 6e. Open to all who can get past the strict "face control". Over-the-top décor (chandeliers, leather seats) and prices to match.
• Hollywood, Vana-Posti 8. W-Sa 23:00-?. Big club, popular with young Estonians during the week (Ladies Night on Wednesday) and general party crowd at the weekend. Standard is euro trash and top40 songs. Gets started at 23:00 but before 01:00 the party doesn't rock.
• Parlament, Ahtri 10. Bubblegum pop and live events.
• Prive, Harju 6. 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.
• Riff, Viru väljak 4/6 (backside of Viru keskus shopping center, +372 5084602, +372 5038720. F Sa 23:00-05:00. If Russian club music, vodka shots and a vibrant crowd is your desire, this is the base. Pretty empty until 01:00 after then it fills up. They have a nice terrace during summer which is a popular meeting point as the main bus terminal is 100 m away and many stop their for the wait on the first bus in the morning. The club does have many bouncers but as long as you don't carry weapons or start a fight, they are rather passive. entry €6.
• Teater, Vabaduse square 5 (across the street from Vabaduse square, +372 56 88 4444. F Sa 23:00-05:00. Basement club on Vabaduse square. Popular with late twens and smaller groups. Music focus is on 1990s and 2000s. Door policy is relaxed but most people are dressed up. Usually starts going at midnight. €8 entrance (€15 for VIP) drinks from €4.
• Virgins, Tartu mnt. 29, +372 56992255. 22:00 - 06:00. Gentlemen's club with erotic shows and luxurious drinks. Popular with business travellers and male tourists. €10 for the entrance.

Arena3, Tartu mnt. 17 (In the Kompassi district. Plays middle of the road pop and disco. Popular with the young crowd. Reasonably priced.

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

Hollywood, Vana-Posti 8. W-Sa 23:00-?. Big club, popular with young Estonians during the week (Ladies Night on Wednesday) and general party crowd at the weekend. Standard is euro trash and top40 songs. Gets started at 23:00 but before 01:00 the party doesn't rock.

Parlament, Ahtri 10. Bubblegum pop and live events.

Prive, Harju 6. 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.

Riff, Viru väljak 4/6 (backside of Viru keskus shopping center, +372 5084602, +372 5038720. F Sa 23:00-05:00. If Russian club music, vodka shots and a vibrant crowd is your desire, this is the base. Pretty empty until 01:00 after then it fills up. They have a nice terrace during summer which is a popular meeting point as the main bus terminal is 100 m away and many stop their for the wait on the first bus in the morning. The club does have many bouncers but as long as you don't carry weapons or start a fight, they are rather passive. entry €6.

Teater, Vabaduse square 5 (across the street from Vabaduse square, +372 56 88 4444. F Sa 23:00-05:00. Basement club on Vabaduse square. Popular with late twens and smaller groups. Music focus is on 1990s and 2000s. Door policy is relaxed but most people are dressed up. Usually starts going at midnight. €8 entrance (€15 for VIP) drinks from €4.

Virgins, Tartu mnt. 29, +372 56992255. 22:00 - 06:00. Gentlemen's club with erotic shows and luxurious drinks. Popular with business travellers and male tourists. €10 for the entrance.

Tallinn is easily among the safest European capitals, with violent crime being rare. However, various governments warn against the risk of being pickpocketed, particularly in the Old Town. Watch your valuables closely, especially on public transport and at Viru Street. The stigmatized outskirts of Kopli and Lasnamäe - being predominantly Russian-speaking areas known as hotbeds for the notorious "Gopnik" culture - are probably best to be avoided after dark, although both are a lot safer than the "bad neighbourhoods" in Western-European or North-American cities.

The biggest trap to tourists in Tallinn is getting ripped off by taxi drivers or in "gentlemen's clubs". Many of the latter 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.

People who arrive to Tallinn by camper van or just by car should be careful and not leave valuables in their vehicles. Unfortunately it's not rare that cars with foreign plates are looted. Those crimes are committed mainly in the area of Tallinn's passenger port and nearby streets where many camper vans stop. There are safer official parking lots, but they are often harder to find, their location might not be very good, and you have to pay quite a lot of money to park in there.

Winters in Tallinn - and Estonia for that matter - are milder than in Scandinavia and Russia, but slippery roads are common nonetheless.

During the Soviet period the city's name was rendered in English as Tallin, a transliteration from the city's name in Russian: Таллин. That spelling should be avoided today.

Wi-Fi are available in many public areas as well as restaurants, hotels and bars, many of them can be used free of charge. The site wifi.ee maintains a list of wireless networks.

If you want to send a post card, almost every place selling something also has post cards. However they seldom have stamps. Check the web page of the Estonian Post for post office locations, this is where you can purchase stamps.

• East-Tallinn Central Hospital, Ravi 18, +372 622 7070. Full-fledged clinic with all areas covered (ICU, midwife, surgery etc.) and recommended by most embassies.

Many details can also be found here: https://www.embassypages.com/estonia

• Canada Canada, Toom-Kooli 13, 2nd floor, +372 627 3311.
• Finland Finland, Kohtu 4, +372-6103 200.
• Georgia Georgia, Viru valjak 2, 10111 Tallinn, +372 698 8590.
• Germany Germany, Toom-Kuninga 11, +372 627 5300, +372 627 5304 (emergencies).
• Greece Greece, Pärnu Mnt 12, 1st Floor 101 48 Tallinn, +372 640 3560, +372 5349 6007 (emergencies).
• Macedonia F.Y.R.O.Macedonia, Suurtüki 4A-12, 10133 Tallinn, +372 644 0479.
• Netherlands Netherlands, Rahukohtu 4-I, +372 680 5500.
• Sweden Sweden, Pikk 28, +372 640 5600.
• United Kingdom United Kingdom, Wismari 6, +372 667 4700. By appointment: M-Th: 10:00-Midday, 13:30-15:00.
• United States United States, Kentmanni 20, +372 668 8100.

Canada Canada, Toom-Kooli 13, 2nd floor, +372 627 3311.

Finland Finland, Kohtu 4, +372-6103 200.

Georgia Georgia, Viru valjak 2, 10111 Tallinn, +372 698 8590.

Germany Germany, Toom-Kuninga 11, +372 627 5300, +372 627 5304 (emergencies).

Greece Greece, Pärnu Mnt 12, 1st Floor 101 48 Tallinn, +372 640 3560, +372 5349 6007 (emergencies).

Macedonia F.Y.R.O.Macedonia, Suurtüki 4A-12, 10133 Tallinn, +372 644 0479.

Netherlands Netherlands, Rahukohtu 4-I, +372 680 5500.

Sweden Sweden, Pikk 28, +372 640 5600.

United Kingdom United Kingdom, Wismari 6, +372 667 4700. By appointment: M-Th: 10:00-Midday, 13:30-15:00.

United States United States, Kentmanni 20, +372 668 8100.

East-Tallinn Central Hospital, Ravi 18, +372 622 7070. Full-fledged clinic with all areas covered (ICU, midwife, surgery etc.) and recommended by most embassies.

• Lahemaa National Park – About 50 km east of Tallinn, a place to find some nice forests, coast, swamps, beautiful bogs, and 4 interesting manors. Good for a day trip or even hikes with overnighting at the park.
• Soomaa National Park – About 60 km south of Tallinn and second largest national park in Estonia, known for its swamps and bogs (Soomaa means "land of bogs" in Estonian), and its "fifth season". Surprisingly, swimming is popular there and is said to rejuvenate the skin.
• Kaberneeme – A village about 40 km east of Tallinn on the coast. The village has a 2 km long beach area with pine tree forests edging right up to the shore.
• Viljandi – A beautiful, ancient and hilly city, known for its annual Viljandi Folk Music Festival, beautiful old town and overwhelming and picturesque park around the old castle.
• Tartu – 2 hr by car, 2 hr 30 min by bus, south east. Museum-rich and hanseatic city on the banks of the Emajõgi River. Also, Estonia's second-largest and oldest city, intellectual hub famous for its universities, and a lively student city.
• Paldiski – 40 km west, this former Soviet closed city is a great place to see remains of Soviet military and industrial infrastructure.
• Hop on the ferry and you are in Helsinki, Finland in 2 hours. Remember to bring your passport (for citizens of the European Union a national ID card will suffice).