Travel Guides: All Countries / Europe / Estonia / Tallinn
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| | | Tallinn's the place to party |  | Why go on holiday to Tallinn?
Because it's got one of the most complete Old Towns left in Europe – remarkable given the amount of times this cosy capital has been invaded. If the thought of exploring a warren of cobbled streets is your idea of fun, then the clean and classy Estonian capital will be your idea of heaven.
Toompea Hill, with its Orthodox cathedral and breath-taking views over the Old Town, dominates the city. Much of the historic old part of the city is contained within the old city walls – it's pedestrianized, and being on foot is the best way to explore it. Since the fall of the USSR, Tallinn has seen an avalanche of investment; it now boasts bars as hip as any Scandinavian ones, too-cool-for-school clubs and great dining.
Since Estonia's EU accession the stag parties have arrived in force, drawn by the cheap and rowdy beer halls and Old Town strip clubs. Beware of marauding bands of English men in football shirts – unless, of course, you're one of them.
How much will it cost?
Tickets to Tallinn can cost as little as £84 return through no-frills airlines.
There's a wealth of hotels in this smart city – it doesn't seem to be targeting the backpacker market, it's fair to say. Expect to pay around £70 per night for a double room in a good hotel, but doubles cost over £200 in the very best hotels.
As for food, you can eat cheaply and cheerfully – three courses for around £10 – or max the credit card out on French-influenced fare. The choice is yours.
When should I go?
In the peak of summer there's almost permanent light thanks to the White Nights – Tallinn is as far north as St Petersburg and Tallinnites make the most of these long days. Conversely, winter is dark and pretty cold – though the city looks beautiful under its layer of snow. The Gulf Stream runs all the way to Tallinn, so it doesn't quite freeze to the extent of inland cities.
Who's it for?
Well, the stag-weekenders seem to like it, thanks to its plethora of drinking haunts, clubs and …err… other nocturnal attractions. But don't let that put you off. Tallinn is one of the greatest cities in Europe to spend a romantic weekend away in; not only is it blessed with fantastic architecture and great restaurants, but its compact size and pedestrianised streets are designed for lingering.
The massive central square Raekoja Plats, with its looming Gothic town hall on one side, is an agreeable place to be on a summer's day or night. Tallinn's excellent restaurants, bijou museums, varied nightlife and wealth of day trips should cater for most tastes.
What are the must-sees?
Start off at Raekoja Plats to drink in the atmosphere of one of Europe's most beautiful town squares. Then, if you're feeling in a particularly cultural mood, take in the City Museum, based in a medieval merchant's house. The Photography Museum has an excellent archive of photos from Tallinn's pre-Soviet days
What will I spend?
Tallinn's not quite as expensive as Scandinavian capitals such as Helsinki or Stockholm – but it's not the place to be looking for dirt cheap bargains either. A pint in the central square costs around £2 (Estonian beer is excellent, by the way). You can get a decent meal for around £6, but in the more expensive restaurants prices can rise to £20 excluding wine.
Are there any festivals?
The Black Nights Film festival takes advantage of the dwindling daylight to show a host of films in November and December; the end of April sees jazz enthusiasts out in force for the Jazzkaar Festival. On June 23 and 24, Midsummer bonfires are lit to celebrate the onset of the white nights, while the Estonian Song Festival on July 4 is held every four years at the massive Song Festival Grounds outside the city.
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