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the 60-second guide to tallinn
in its own head
"With some of the continent's most cutting-edge architecture, fashionable boutiques and hip bars, our forward-facing capital is a high-tech hub of modern style."
but more realistically
A hotbed of innovation, the Estonian capital may be embracing the 21st century, but it is the city's enchanting Old Town that leaves most people awestruck. The cobbled streets, medieval spires and historic gems of this UNESCO World Heritage Site should not be overlooked.
the vibe
The city is gearing up to be the European Capital of Culture during 2011 and it's no surprise - Tallinn is literally buzzing with 21st-century art, theatre, concerts and clubs, while still retaining its historic roots.
the natives
Tallinn has a thriving cafe culture, so expect to see the locals catching up with each other while sipping a mocha outside a stylish coffee house.
the weather
Unsurprisingly for a Baltic country, Estonia experiences freezing temperatures in winter. Frequent snowfall provides ideal conditions for a trip to one of the many ski resorts outside the city. Summer in Tallinn sees an average high of 18°C.
the local speciality
A bowl of soup and dumplings with a couple of slices of black rye bread is the traditional, warming snack that gets the locals through the cold winter months.
the celebrity
Hollywood actress Mena Suvari is half Estonian. There were great celebrations on the streets of Tallinn when one of her films, American Beauty, achieved Oscar success.
did you know?
The city may be steeped in history, but it is also a pioneer of online innovation and is the birthplace of Skype.
they say
"Snowy cities don't come more magical than Tallinn, where winding cobbled streets are full of fur-clad shoppers and cosy cafes, and churches that look like they've been plucked from a Christmas cake." - The Guardian on Tallinn
5 to see in town...
Tallinn's Raekoja Plats was once the setting for public executions. Today, the historic marketplace in front of the city's town hall is an altogether more cheerful place - home to cafes, open-air concerts and food stalls.
where to park?
Metered parking spaces can be found on the streets surrounding the square. Parking in the Old Town costs £4 an hour.
5 to see in town...
The Raeapteek is the longest running pharmacy in Europe, selling medicines since 1422. You can still pick up a packet of aspirin today, although the historical splendour of the building may already have eased your headache.
where to park?
Close to Town Hall Square, metered parking is available on the surrounding streets.
5 to see in town...
The 14th-century Puhavaimu Kirik is located at the end of a narrow passage leading from Town Hall Square. Gaze up at the octagonal tower and painted clock before ducking inside to check out the ornate woodcarvings and historic altar.
where to park?
You can park on many of the streets surrounding the square for £4 an hour.
5 to see in town...
Located in a medieval merchant's house, the fascinating Linnamuuseum charts Tallinn's past through a range of artistic and social artefacts.
where to park?
Covered parking is available on Vene Street; the museum is at number 17.
5 to see in town...
If you're feeling worn out and in need of some rest and relaxation, head to Tallinn's oldest baths and sweat it out in the steam room, take a dip in the swimming pool, or make use of the sauna.
where to park?
Located on Vana-Kalamaja, metered parking is in operation between 7am-7pm on weekdays and 8am-3pm on Saturdays, and costs £1 an hour. It is free to park on Sundays.
and 4 to drive to...
Head to the pretty village of Haanja during summer and enjoy the beautiful rural scenery, or visit in snowy winter to make use of the illuminated cross-country ski trails.
how to get there?
Follow Route 2/E263 south-east for roughly 160 miles to reach Haanja, in the Vorumaa region.
and 4 to drive to...
If you believe you're to the manor born, why not try the lavish lifestyle on for size (for a couple of hours at least) with a visit to Palmse Manor. This grand old country house is located in Estonia's stunning Lahemaa National Park.
how to get there?
Just an hour from Tallinn, follow the E20 towards Laane-Virumaa.
and 4 to drive to...
Taking a trip to the seaside town of Kasmu is like journeying back in time. Charming wooden houses and giant boulders punctuate the waterfront, while the views of the Baltic Sea will quite simply take your breath away.
how to get there?
Located in Lahemaa National Park, a 45-mile drive from the city, follow the E20 towards Laane-Virumaa.
and 4 to drive to...
For outstanding vistas and excellent hiking and cycling trails, visit the unspoilt terrain and crystal-clear lakes of Otepaa Nature Park.
how to get there?
Follow Route 2 south-east towards Valgamaa, the journey should take roughly three and a half hours.
ask a tallinn cabbie!
Tallinn taxi driver Mart Klavan on driving in the city: "My number-one tip is to be careful of other drivers. The locals can be quite unpredictable and will often run red lights or take a turn without indicating. If you're driving on the highways, watch out for moose, especially at night when it's difficult to see. These animals don't mean any harm, but they often wander into the middle of the road which can be very dangerous."