Tallinn: February - March 2012

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TALLInn
Hotels Restaurants Cafs nightlife Sightseeing events Maps
February - March 2012 February - March 2012
Romantic Tallinn
We put the romance back
into your pocket
Sauna culture
Take part in the hottest of
Estonian pastimes
3
Contents
February - March 2012
E S S E N T I A L C I TY G U I D E S
Arriving 6
Getting here is half the fun
The Basics 7
Helpful things everyone should know
Mail & Phones 10
Phone home, log on or send a postcard
Romantic Tallinn 11
We put the romance back into your pocket
History 12
Learn it, or youre doomed to repeat it
Culture & Events 14
Concerts, art galleries, cinema and more
Sauna Culture 20
Hot times in the Old Town tonight
Where to stay 22
A bed for every budget
Dining & Nightlife
Where to eat 29
From sushi to slt
Cafs 48
The hottest places in the caffeine scene
Nightlife 52
Where to pick up or not pick something up
Contents
Sightseeing
Old Town 66
The medieval centre in a nutshell
Sightseeing tours 68
By bus, by bike or on skates
Museums 70
Covering city history, from mines to marzipan
Kadriorg 75
Stroll in Tallinns most beautiful park
Interactive Tallinn 76
Take action
Transport
Getting around 78
Navigating Tallinn and travelling onward
Shopping 83
Cool souvenirs and fashion purchases
Directory
Business 89
Lifestyle 91
Health 92
Officials 93
Maps & index
Street register 94
Old Town map 95
City map 96
Tallinn In Your Pocket tallinn.inyourpocket.com
4
foreWord
E S S E N T I A L C I TY G U I D E S
Editorial
Editor In Chief Nat A. Singer
Contributor Steve Roman
Researcher Irja Luks
Layout & Design Kllike Johannson-
Singer
Photography Kllike Johannson-Singer,
Nat A. Singer
Copyright notice
Text and photos copyright O
Linnajuht 1997-2012. Maps copyright
cartographer. All rights reserved. No part
of this publication may be reproduced
in any form, except brief extracts for
the purpose of review, without written
permission from the publisher and
copyright owner. The brand name In Your
Pocket is used under license from UAB
In Your Pocket (Vokieciu 10-15, Vilnius,
Lithuania tel. (+370-5) 212 29 76).
Editors note
The editorial content of In Your Pocket
guides is independent from paid-for
advertising. Sponsored listings are
clearl y marked as such. We welcome all
readers comments and suggestions.
We have made every effort to ensure
the accuracy of the information at the
time of going to press and assume no
responsibility for changes and errors.
Tallinn In Your Pocket
Vana-Viru 4, Tallinn 10111
Estonia
tel./fax +372 644 64 70
advertising tel. +372 631 33 50
tallinn@inyourpocket.com
ISSN 1406-2690
O Linnajuht
Printed by Reusner, Tallinn
Published six times per year
9,000 - 12,000 copies
Featured on the cover of this
issue is the striking and beautiful
Russalka Memorial. This bronze
work of art was sculpted by
the Estonian sculptor Amandus
Adamson and was erected
in 1902 to commemorate the
sinking of the Russian warship
Russalka (see more on p.75).
The photo was taken by our very
own Kllike Johannson Singer.
Cover story
Sales & Circulation
General /Ad Manager
Kllike Johannson Singer
Sales & Circulation Marek Prn
Advertising Sales Irja Luks, Marek
Prn
Publisher O Linnajuht
Cover Photo: Kllike Johannson-
Singer 2011
Tallinn is one of the very few cities in the world where youll
actuall y hear the locals curse and complain that the winter
hasnt been cold enough. Visiting foreigners, darting from
hotel to caf to avoid the chilled winds, understandabl y
think the Tallinners are all quite mad. This year the locals
got their wish. The mercury has registered steadil y below
-4c since New Years Eve and theres no shortage of snow.
With luck, the weather pattern will hold, and Old Town will
retain its beautiful, snow-covered, picture-postcard look
well into February and March.
Of course, even with this cold weather, youll find plenty of
activities and locales to keep you warm during your stay.
In time for St. Valentines Day, weve put together a little
guide to Tallinns most romantic spots. Find it on page 11.
An even more traditional way to warm up in winter, and one
that requires nudity but no need for a date, is the sauna.
Weve got all the steamy details on page 20.
And as al ways, Tallinn In Your Pocket has the freshest
scoop on whats happening; where to go and what to see,
along with everything else youll need to explore the town.
Button your coat, grab your camera, turn the page and get
started!
Always remember that this is just a guide, we try
our best to provide as accurate information as
possible by print time. Our experiences may differ
from your experiences and if you feel we were way
off the mark, please do let us know.
It will be a busy 2012 for In Your Pocket. Fresh
from publishing new guides in Bulgaria (Veliko
Turnovo), the Netherlands (Tilburg, Utrecht,
Amsterdam and Sittard-Geelen), in Austria
(Vienna), in Croatia (ibenik), in Switzerland
(Zurich), Slovenia (Posavj e) and in Belarus
(Minsk), we are now planning our first guides in
Italy and Sweden.
The number of cities we cover has now climbed
past 75, and the number of In Your Pocket
guides published each year is approaching an
amazing five million. To keep up to date, like
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Tallinn In Your Pocket February - March 2012 tallinn.inyourpocket.com
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BasiCs
Tallinn's taxis are notorious for overcharging - even the
mayor got ripped off! (Granted, he was, pretending to
be an Italian tourist at the time.) Drivers either set high
mileage rates or fix their meters to run at light speed.
There's no sure-fire way to avoid the cheats. but there
are precautions you can take. Get to know the average
rates, and try to order a taxi by phone, rather than getting
one off the street. Turn to the Getting around' section
for phone numbers and fare details. Barring that, you can
ask the driver for an estimate of how much the ride will be
beforehand. Also see Arriving' for estimates of how much
rides should cost from the bus station, airport, etc. To
report a cheat, call the 24-hour hotline, tel. 1345.
Using taxis in Tallinn
By bus
Buses arrive at the bus station (autobussijaam), (H-4), just
off the main highway from Tartu, but Eurolines passengers
coming in from Riga or Vilnius should strongly consider
hopping off at the much more central Viru vljak stop (ask
other passengers where), rather than continuing on to the
bus station itself. Once at the station, you'll find left lug-
gage in the basement. The cash-only currency exchange
takes all major currencies, including Russian roubles, but
gives appallingly bad rates. The ATM by the main entrance
is probably a better bet.
Getting to town
The city centre is just 1km away, down Juhkentali tnav from
behind the station. Buses N17A, 23 and 23A leave directly
from the coach area near platform 1, heading to Vabaduse
vljak (4th stop) in the centre, while trams N2 and 4 run from
nearby Tartu maantee to Viru vljak (4th stop), also in the
centre. A taxi to Old Town should cost about 5.75.
By train
Arriving by train at Tallinn's Balti Jaam (B-1) puts you just a
couple hundred metres from the walls of Old Town. Since
renovations the station itself is no longer a Soviet-era relic
and now includes a nice restaurant and even a day spa, in
case you need to unwind after your journey. Left luggage is in
the back of the main hall, just off the breeze-way that leads to
the platforms. The exchange booth (across from left luggage)
offers decent rates on all Scandinavian, Baltic and Russian
currencies. ATMs are just next to the front doors.
Getting to town
Just cross the street at the underpass and walk up Nunne
tnav into Old Town, or take trams N1 or 2 from behind the
station three stops to the Mere pst. stop. Avoid the taxis
that wait here.
As European capitals go, Tallinn is a remarkably easy-ac-
cess city. The passenger port and train station are both
within shouting distance of the Old Town/centre, while the
airport and bus station are a quick, cheap 10 - 15 minute
taxi ride away.
By plane
Tallinn's airport may be a super-modern affair, but it's so
small you're never in danger of getting lost. Once past
the luggage receiving area, you'll find ATMs and currency
exchange in the centre of the hall; toilets and car rental
offices are downstairs.
Getting to town
A taxi ride from the centre roughly costs 8 and takes
between 10 and 20 minutes. You can also take bus N2
(marked Lennujaam - Migu) from the A. Laikmaa' stop,
just outside the airport to the down town Viru Centre.
Alternately the airport operates its own, stylish and cosy
shuttle complete with WIFI and plenty of room for baggage.
It operates daily from 08:00-18:00, costs a mere 2 and
will drop you off at one of seven central stops.
By helicopter
Copterline, the 18-minute helicopter service from Helsinki,
lands at the Linnahall harbour. See the 'By ship' section for
details of how to get into town.
By ship
Most ferries and catamarans arri ve at the Passenger
Port (reisisadam), terminals A, B and D. Exchange of-
fices are plenti ful but not always economical. ATMs are
just as easy to find. Terminal D, located just across the
small neck of water, has similar services, but no tourist
information. Lindaline's boats arrive at the neighbouring
Linnahall Speedboat Harbour, where a currency exchange
booth is open whenever boats are arriving. Rates here
are decent.
Getting to town
You can just head for the spires of Old Town on foot, but a
taxi from the Passenger Port or the Linnahall should cover
the short ride to town for 3.80 - 4.50.
By car
Crossing the border from Latvia is completely hassle-free
now that the Baltics belong to Schengen. Getting over
the border from Russia will take quite a bit longer. In both
cases, be sure to bring your car's registration papers
and a valid insurance policy, such as the international
green card. You can also buy insurance right at the border
station. Please note that the speed limit on highways is
90km/h, in the cities 50 km/h, unless otherwise noted,
and the headlights have to be always turned on. For fares
and regulations on bringing a car by ship from Finland or
Sweden, contact the ferry companies in the Getting around'
section of the guide.
View of the port
Tallinn
Population: 416,144 (as of 01.01.2012)
Density: 2,617.3 inhabitants/km2
Ethnic composition: Estonians 52.5%, Russians
38.5%, Ukrainians 3.7%, Others 5.4%
Estonia
Population: 1,340,021 (as of 01.11.2011)
Density: 31 inhabitants/km2
Ethnic composition: Estonians 71.8%, Russians
21.6%, Ukrainians 2.1%, Byelorussians 1.2%, Finns
0.8%, Others 2.5%
Territory: 45,227km2
Elevation: The highest point in Estonia (and the Baltics)
is Suur Munamgi (318m) in Vru County
Islands: 1,521. The three l argest are Saaremaa
2,673km2, Hiiumaa 1,023km2, and Muhu 206km2
Lakes: Lake Peipsi, on the Russian border, covers an
area of 3,555km2, of which 1,529km2 is in Estonia. It
also holds the title as the 4th largest lake in Europe.
Rivers: Estonias longest rivers are the Vhandu 162km,
Prnu 144km, and Pltsamaa 135km.
Other cities: Tartu 98,670, Narva 64,435, Prnu
42,625, Kohtla-Jrve 40,330.
Local time: Estonia is in the Eastern European Time Zone
(GMT+2hrs). Summer time (GMT+3hrs) is in effect from the
last Sunday of March until the last Sunday of October.
Basic data
January 1 New Years Day
February 24 Independence Day (1918)
April 06 (2012) Good Friday
April 08 (2012) Easter Sunday
May 1 May Day
June 23 Victory Day (1919 Battle of Vnnu - Csis)
June 24 St. Johns Day (Midsummer)
August 20 Day of Restoration of Independence (1991)
December 24 Christmas Eve
December 25 Christmas Day
December 26 Boxing Day
National holidays
Borders
Until 1998, Estonia stood staunchl y by the conviction that its
border with Russia was set by the Tartu Peace Treaty of 1920.
In reali ty, however, border controls have been maintained
along the line unilaterall y set by Russia in 1991. Estonia
and Russia initialled a border agreement on March 5, 1998,
ceding the disputed territory to Russia and now that Estonia
belongs to the European Union, its border with Russia is also
the border between the EU and Russia. Schengen border zone
- Estonia belongs to the Schengen visa area, which includes
22 EU countries, Norway and Iceland. It means that if you are
travelling to Estonia from within the Schengen border control-
free area, you will not be required to show any documentation
when you arrive in Estonia, whether it be by ship, plane or by
car. In fact you will not have to go through customs at all, but
each individual country still maintains the right to perform
intermittent checks. Of course if you arrive in Estonia from
outside the Schengen zone you will still be required to show
your passport or EU identi ty card i f applicable. For more
information on Schengen and how it might appl y to your trip
to Estonia, logon to the Estonian Foreign Ministry's website
at www.vm.ee.
Customs
European alcoholics rejoice! When you leave Estonia headed
to another EU country, you can take out as much booze as
you can carry (or convince inspectors is for your personal
use). Coming into Estonia from another EU country, each
individual aged 18 and over may carry in duty-free 90 litres
of wine and 110 litres of beer and 10 litres of hard alcohol
(over 21%alc/vol), 800 cigarettes, 400 cigarillos, 200 cigars
and 1kg of pure tobacco. When leaving, beware of stricter
tobacco restrictions if you're headed to the UK, Sweden or
Finland. Relativel y unlucky travellers from non-EU countries
can carry in a measl y 4 litres of wine (not exceeding 175 in
combined value), 2 litres of beverages up to 21%alc/vol and 1
litre of hard alcohol; 40 cigarettes, 100 cigarillos, 50 cigars or
50g pure tobacco. How much booze and smokes you can take
home depends on your own country's restrictions. For more
information, contact the Customs Department, Narva mnt.
9j, tel. 880 08 14, tolliinfo@emta.ee, www.emta.ee.
Electricity
The electrical current is 220 volts AC, 50Hz. Sockets take
the standard, round-pinned European plugs.
Ethnic groups
About 68% of Estonia's population is made up of ethnic Es-
tonians, descendents of Finno-Ugric tribes that settled this
area about 5,000 years ago. The largest minority in today's
Estonia is by far the Russians, at roughly 26% of the national
population. Along with Ukrainians and Byelorussians, thou-
sands of Russians moved or were sent here during Soviet
times, and chose to remain after independence. Though
some integration is taking place among the younger genera-
tion, language and cultural barriers tend to keep Estonians
and Russian-speakers apart.
Getting cash
You should have no problems filling your wallet in Tallinn - cash
machines (ATMs) are never hard to find. Big banks are usuall y
your best bet for exchanging currency. At night and on week-
ends, however, decent exchanges are more elusive. Tavid
at Aia 5 has good rates and also runs an all-night exchange
window that will do in a pinch. Their night rates aren't as
good as what they are during the daytime. Beware of bright
blue and yellow Monex exchanges around town. These have
convenient locations and working hours, but generall y give
unfavourable rates and even charge a 3.20 - 6.40 commis-
sion on each transaction.
Pikk Hermann Tower and the Toompea castle (see p.66)
8
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February - March 2012 tallinn.inyourpocket.com
9
BasiCs
The Tallinn First Aid hotline tel. 697 11 45, can provide
treatment advice in English, and if need be, direct you to the
appropriate hospital. If you need cough syrup at 03:00, try
the round-the-clock Tnisme pharmacy (see pharmacies).
For dramatic situations that require an ambulance, call tel.
112. Emergency operators speak English.
Urgent care
Tallinn Traveller Info C-2, Vana-Posti 2, tel. (+372)
58 37 48 00/(+372) 55 54 21 11, tallinn@traveller.
ee, www.traveller.ee. Just steps from the 'official' tour-
ist information office, this al ternative tourist information
point is run by local young people for travellers of all ages.
It has the inside scoop on what's happening each night
on the entertainment scene, where the locals like to eat
and which hostels have vacancies as well as some groovy,
cheap tours (see 'Sightseeing' section). They've also got
free internet access, a funky Tallinn map and can assist
you in booking ferry passage, accommodations and so
much more. QOpen 10:00 - 18:00. J
Tourist Information Centre in Old Town C-2,
Niguliste 2/Kullassepa 4, tel. (+372) 645 77 77,
fax (+372) 645 77 78, turismiinfo@tallinnlv.ee,
www.tourism.tallinn.ee. The ci ty's offi cial tourist
information point is the best equipped to answer any
question. QOpen 09:00 - 17:00, Sat 10:00 - 15:00.
Closed Sun. J
Tourist Information Centre in Viru Shopping
Centre C-4, Viru vljak 4, tel. (+372) 610 15
57/(+372) 610 15 58, fax (+372) 610 15 59,
turismiinfo@tallinnlv.ee, www.tourism.tallinn.ee. A
scaled-down version of the above, this one stays open
later. QOpen 09:00 - 21:00.
Tourist information points
Hello Tere
Goodbye Head aega
Please Palun
Thank you Aith
Excuse me Vabandust
Yes Jah
No Ei
Zero Null
One ks
Two Kaks
Three Kolm
Four Neli
Five Viis
Six Kuus
Seven Seitse
Eight Kaheksa
Nine heksa
Ten Kmme
Hundred Sada
Thousand Tuhat
Push (on a door) Lkka
Pull (on a door) Tmba
Where is... ? Kus asub...?
How much does ... cost? Kui palju maksab...
Bon appetit! Head isu!
One beer, please! Palun ks lu!
Cheers! Terviseks!
Whats your name? Mis sinu nimi on?
You have beautiful eyes. Sul on ilusad silmad.
Will you marry me? Kas sa abielluks minuga?
Key phrases
Noh... Well.../Um...
This sounds like No, but actually just means the speaker
is temporarily tongue-tied
On ju? Eks ju? Right? Isnt it?
Two interjections that punctuate Estonian speech
Head isu! Bon appetit!
...or Good Appetite, as you will sometimes hear
Jtku leiba! May there be enough bread!
begins a meal. The polite answer is...
Jtku tarvis. Its needed.
Judu tle! Power to your work!
Expression of goodwill, used when you come upon
someone hard at work
Judu tarvis Power needed
The formulaic answer
Tervist! Gesundheit!/Bless you!
Lit. Health!
Ole tubli! Take care, be good!
Kuidas ksi kib? How are you?
Lit. How does the hand go?
Ikka kib Still goin
Typically laconic Estonian reply
Estonianisms
Language
Confused? Join the crowd. Estonian is completel y unrelated
to Russian, Latvian, Swedish, German or any other Indo-
European tongue. Along wi th Finnish and Hungarian,
Estonian belongs to the Finno-Ugric group of languages,
thought to have originated somewhere beyond the Urals
thousands of years ago. Luckil y, the younger generation
and those in the tourist industry speak English. You can
find some of the more essential words and phrases on
left.
Money
As of Januar y 1, 2011 Estonia j oined the common Euro-
pean currency, good news for all of the tourists who visi t
Estonia from countri es that already use the Euro. I f you
happen to come from a countr y that does not use the
Euro, i t should also be easier to change your money before
you arri ve as most banks around the world stock this
currency. Standard Euro denominati ons are l egal tender,
however you may find i t di ffi cul t to pay wi th any bills over
100. All ATMs operate on internati onal systems. Credi t
cards are easy to use - maj or hotels, most restaurants
and a prett y much all downtown shops accept Vi sa,
Mastercard and EC. American Express, Globus and Diner's
Club are l ess common.
The evolution of the name Tallinn is a confusing tale. For
centuries, the town was more commonly known German
name, Reval. The actual name Tallinn is from the Danish
period (1219-1346). The Danes then referred to Tallinn
as Castrum Danorum, which basically means Danish
castle. Translated into Estonian it became tannin lidna.
Abbreviate this and its easy to see how you get Tallinn.
Even after the Danes left, many Estonians continued
to use the name Tallinn while almost everyone else
preferred Reval. It was only in 1918 after independence
from Russia that Reval was totally dropped. For a while
both Tallinn and Tallinna were then used. In 1925 Tallinna
was declared official, but soon after Estonia changed its
mind and in 1933 Tallinn became the final name for the
nations capital city.
Tallinn, Tallinna or Reval?
By now, most have heard that Estonia is in-
deed a pretty tech-savy country. In fact much
of the country is blanketed in WiFi or wireless
internet hotspots. From long-distance buses
to cafe, pubs and even some shops and
public areas - WIFI is everywhere. For foreigners visiting
Tallinn this means you'll be able to check e-mails, SKYPE
with friends back home or share photos on Facebook using
your Android phone, iPhone or Blackberry - free of charge.
Just look for the orange and black WiFi sign and you're
good to go. With all that free WiFi around, you'll also want
to purchase the Tallinn In Your Pocket iPhone app available
here. In Estonia, WiFi information including WiFi locations is
provided by www.WiFi.ee.
Free internet for all
Study your geometry to avoid an
embarrassing situation: A triangle
pointing down signifies the men's
room (M or Meeste), while the tri-
angle pointing up is the women's
room (N or Naiste).
Visitors with pressing needs won't be left with their legs
crossed, as there are quite a few public toilets around the
city. Some can be found at the Viru Gate on Valli (C-3) and
there's a Swedish-built automatic WC on Toompea Hill (C-
1), nicknamed locall y the million-crown toilet' due to the
public outcry at its construction bill. It can be found next
to the Nevski Cathedral (C/D-1). There's also a few new
high-tech, self-cleaning ones around the city. The most
central is right next to Tammsaare Park (C-3), and others
can be found at; Toompark near Bal ti Jaam (B-1), Police
Garden (H-3, on Gonsiori street), Kanuti Garden (B-4),
Piiskopi Garden (C-1) and in Kadriorg next to the Roheline
aas Street parking lot (H-4). However, the fear of being
trapped inside may deter the more easil y frightened, no
matter how badl y they need to pee'.
Public toilets
Religion
Some locals will tell you that Estonians are all tree-
worshiping pagans at heart, but the truth is that this isn't a
very religious country at all. There is no state religion, and
according to the 2000 census, onl y 31.8% of the population
claims any religious affiliation. Of those that do, about
180,000 are Lutheran and 170,000 Russian Orthodox.
Tax free shopping
'Tax-free' shopping is finally starting to gain popularity
in Estonia and i f you are a non-EU resident and plan to
spend over 38 on electronics, clothing or even souvenirs
- it just might be worth trying to claim the tax back. When
making a purchase just present your passport, ask for a
tax-free stamp on your receipt and take receipts along with
unused purchases to the customs office at the airport or
border-crossings into Russia when you leave the country.
At the airport, anything checked into luggage will need to
be claimed at Customs before you enter the security gates,
items in your hand luggage can be claimed from the Customs
booth between gates 5 and 7. Visit www.globalrefund.com
for more details.
Visas
Estonia is in the European Union and lucky citizens can
conveniently enter the country with just a national ID card. All
others need valid passports. You can enter Estonia visa-free
and stay 90 days if you're a citizen of any EU country, Norway,
Iceland, Switzerland, Canada, USA, Australia, New Zealand,
Israel, Argentina, South Korea and a number of other coun-
tries listed on the website below. All others, including South
Africans, Russians, Byelorussians and Ukrainians do need
a visa to come to Estonia. Because of the Schengen Border
Treaty, anyone requiring a visa for Schengen countries only
need to obtain a visa from one of these countries in order to
visit Estonia. Anyone staying in Estonia for more than 90 days
(180 days for UK citizens) needs either a residents permit
or a visa, though there are certain very specific exceptions
for EU citizens. For all the details, contact the consular
department of the Foreign Ministry, tel. 631 74 40, or check
their website, www.vm.ee, which has more information than
you'll ever need.
10
Mail & Phones
Post
If all you need to do is send a postcard or a letter, theres
no need to visit a post office. Pretty much any kiosk will sell
you stamps, just make sure theyre the right value for what
youre sending and where. The chart below explains the rates
for both postcards and letters for the four pricing zones that
Estonia uses. Once youve got your stamps licked and affixed,
drop your mail in any post box. These are the small orange
boxes attached to buildings around town. Dont put your
mail in the dark green boxes with round holes in the sides.
Those are trash bins.
Central Post Office C-4, Narva mnt. 1, tel. (+372) 617
70 37/information tel. (+372) 661 66 16, info@post.
ee, www.post.ee. Tallinn's main post office is the charming
cement block located just opposite the Viru Hotel. Packages,
express mail and all other postal services are sent from the
floor at ground level. Signs etc are in Estonian or Russian only,
however, an English speaking person can always be found.
QOpen 08:00 - 20:00, Sat 09:00 - 17:00. Closed Sun. J
Old Town Post Office (Vanalinna postipood) C-3,
Viru 20, tel. (+372) 627 64 45, www.post.ee. You'll be
able to purchase and send post cards and other souvenirs
and small i tems from this handy location. QOpen 10:00
- 18:00. Closed Sat, Sun. J
Prepaid mobile calling
Now that there aren't any more public payphones in Esto-
nia, if you want to make a call inside the country or to back
home you have a few options. You can use your own mobile
carrier for some pretty hefty roaming rates, you can use the
phone in your hotel room - also for a small fortune and not
so convenient, or you can buy one of the many inexpensive,
prepaid starter packages on the market. There are quite
a few available in Estonia, here we have listed the major
players. These kits are available in most supermarkets,
R-Kiosk, Statoil fuelling stations, the post office, from the
service provider themselves and can be topped-up online or
at the point of purchase. Each listing also states the service
provider. See individual websites for further information, SMS
prices, web browsing etc.
Diil (EMT, Elion) tel. (+372) 13445, www.diil.ee.
Starter package costs 1.55, includes a SIM card and the
same amount of airtime. Top-up minimum 3. Calls within
Estonia, 0.05/min. Calls wi thin Europe, US and Canada
0.65/min.
Elisa tel. (+372) 660 06 00, www.elisa.ee/konekaart/.
Starter package costs 1, includes a SIM card and the same
amount of airtime. Top-up minimum 3. Calls within Estonia,
0.04/min. Calls within Europe, 0.35-0.60/min depending
on the country, US and Canada, 0.50/min.
Simpel (EMT, Elion) tel. (+372) 123, www.simpel.ee.
Starter package costs 2.95, includes a SIM card and the same
amount of airtime. Top-up minimum 10. Calls within Estonia,
0.06/min. Calls within Europe, 0.35-0.70/min depending on
the country, US 0.49/min and Canada 0.52/min.
Smart (Tele 2) tel. (+372) 686 68 66, www.tele2.
ee/konekaart.html. Starter package costs 1.55, includes
a SIM card and the same amount of airtime. Top-up minimum
2. Calls within Estonia, 0.04/min. Calls within Europe and
to the US and Canada, 0.60/min.
Zen (Elisa) tel. (+372) 660 06 00, www.zen.ee.
Starter package costs 2.95, includes a SIM card and the
same amount of airtime. Top-up minimum 3. Calls within
Estonia, 0.12/min if you top-up with 15. Calls within Europe,
0.35-0.60/min depending on the country, US and Canada
cost 0.50/min.
Telephone
Making the Call
Calling within Estonia
To call any number within Estonia, either from a fixed line
or a local mobile, just dial the number as it's written. There
are no city codes in Estonia; these were phased out in earl y
2004. Beware of a few out-of-date ads and business cards
that might still have numbers listed the old-fashioned way,
with fewer than 7 digits. In this case, just tack the former city
code onto the beginning of the number. For example, if you
see a six-digit number for tartu, where the city code was '7',
just add a '7' at the beginning.
Mobile numbers
Estonian mobile numbers all begin with '5'. Just dial the num-
ber as is. If you have an old listing for a mobile number that
begins with '05', just ignore the '0' and start with the '5'.
Roaming
To call any telephone in Estonia from a foreign mobile account,
dial +372 followed by the number, as outlined before.
Telephone
All lines in Estonia are digital, so there's never a problem with
quality. The onl y real annoyance is that Estonians have fallen
in love with their mobiles, so getting a hold of someone on an
old-fashioned fixed line, or table phone' as it's called locall y,
is sometimes a challenge.
To get a new telephone line in Tallinn, call Elion on tel. 165 from
inside Estonia. Alternatively, send them an email at info@elion.
ee or see the website www.elion.ee for more information.
As of December 2010 there are no longer any public
payphones in all of Estonia, see Prepaid mobile calling
for some options.
Mobile service providers
Rest assured that the same GSM mobile you use in
Europe or the UK will also work here. To get the best deal
on roaming charges, check with your provider at home to
see which Estonian network they're partnered with, and
set your network selection accordingly.
Better still, you can avoid the roaming question entirely by
getting a local Estonian number. All you have to do is buy a
starter kit, (see Prepaid mobile calling). Alternatively, if you
have an Estonian address, you can sign a contract with
one of the networks listed here:
Diil C-4, Viru vljak 4/6, EMT box in Viru Centre, tel.
(+372) 13 445, info@diil.ee, www.diil.ee. QOpen 09:00
- 21:00. Also at: D/E-3/4, Estonia pst 9, EMT box in
Solaris Centre. Open 10:00 - 21:00
Elisa C-4, Viru Vljak 4/6 (Viru Centre), tel. (+372)
660 06 00, info@elisa.ee, www.elisa.ee. QOpen 09:00
- 21:00.
EMT (Estonian Mobile Telephone) C-4, Viru vljak
4/6, Viru Centre, tel. (+372) 639 71 30, info@emt.ee,
www.emt.ee. QOpen 09:00 - 21:00.
Tele2 C-4, Viru Vljak 4/6, (Viru centre), tel. (+372)
686 68 66, tele2@tele2.ee, www.tele2.ee. QOpen
09:00 - 21:00.
TeleYks C-4, Viru vljak 4/6 Elisa box in Viru Centre,
tel. (+372) 56 123 123, www.teleyks.ee. QOpen
09:00 - 21:00.
11
roMantiC tallinn
You dont have to be a Casanova to realise that Tallinn is one
of the most romantic cities anywhere. With St. Valentine's
Day fast approaching, you may be looking for that special
place to take that special someone, and al though you could
probabl y find such a spot on your own, we've provided
a list of what we think are among Tallinns most romantic
locations. Just take a walk down one of the cobblestone
streets, through the numerous courtyards, or visit one of
the many little parks that dot the city to see why Tallinn
could unseat Paris as the romantic capital of Europe. For
an end to that perfect date, be sure to check out several
of Old Towns many candle-lit cafs and restaurants with
your sweetheart. Oh, and if you get lucky while following our
advice, you owe us one.
Danish Kings Garden
One of the most picturesque
and secluded locations in
Old Town, the Danish King's
Garden is filled with trees,
benches, little nooks and a
great view of the Niguliste
Church spire. The best time
to visit the garden is at night
with the medieval walls at
your back and the beautifull y
lit lower town roofs providing ambience. It usuall y doesn't get
crowded, but if it does there are several lower levels which
offer more privacy. To get here, climb up the winding stairs of
Lhike jalg (D-1), through the gates and to your left.
Toompea viewing platforms
Since the beginning of time,
some of the best places
for a romantic interlude
have been lookouts or
viewing platforms. There
are four such locations
on Toompea Hill which
offer great views and
secluded hideaways for
your pleasure. We recommend the Kohtuotsa and Patkuli
platforms if the view is most important to you. So grab a
bottle of wine, a corkscrew and check out one, or all four.
(Find them marked at C-1 and C-2 on the Old Town map.)
Kadriorg Park
For a romantic stroll through
beautiful gardens and past
majestic old chestnut trees,
check out this park, which was
set-up by Peter the Great for
his wife Catherine during the
18th Century. How romantic
is that? Located in the middle
of the park is the beautiful,
baroque Kadriorg Palace. While
at Kadriorg, make sure to check
out the Swan Pond with its cute
little gazebo and park benches, perfect for a lingering kiss.
Al though at its prime during the summer months, the park
is also lovel y in winter with the softl y falling flakes and many
places to make a snow angel or two. Read more about this
area and how to get there on page 75 .
Pirita Cloister ruins
In case your stroll through
Kadriorg Park has not already
tired you out, why not take
another walk along the
seaside, towards Pirita. The
views onto the Tallinn Bay and
surroundings are breathtaking,
with more than enough places
to stop for a break along the
way. Once you cross over the Pirita River, youll see the
ruins of the 15th-century St. Bridgets Convent, also known
as Pirita Cloister. While you wander around its stone walls
and passageways, you cant help but to be overcome by
the history of the place and its tales of forbidden romances
between the nuns and monks who shared the convent. For
more about St. Bridgets Convent Ruins and information on
how to get there, turn to page 75.
Laboritooriumi street towers
For something a little different, but
also tres romantique, a walk down
the often forgotten Laboritooriumi
tnav is certainl y worth your time.
This old and crumbling street with
its fortification towers and little
alleys is a diamond in the rough. If
you reall y want to impress, spring
the extra ten kroons for access
to the three towers located on
Gmnaasiumi street and take the climb! To get there, we
suggest entering Laboritooriumi from the end of Tolli street
(A-3) and meandering along the city wall towards the towers.
On your way, duck into the side streets, where you might
discover some romantic little nooks.
Kissing Hill
The name says it all. Located just
before the entrance to the Viru Gates
and up the stairs to your left, this
hill is perhaps not the most private
spot in Old Town. But it's still pretty
romantic with trees all around,
numerous benches overlooking
the passersby and a little wooden
gazebo. We're certain that you'll find
several opportunities to kiss, smooch
or snog while you hang out here, or at
least you'll get a friendly hug.
Disclaimer: Tallinn in Your Pocket does not take
responsibility for any arrests due to public nudity or
pregnancies that resul t from the use of this article.
12
history
13
history
Estonia through the ages
3,000BC
Finno-Ugric tribes arrive from the east and settle along the
north Baltic coast, mixing with Neolithic tribes.
1st Century
Roman historian Tacitus writes of a local tribe called Aestii.
12th Century
In 1154, Arab cartographer al-Idrisi marks Tallinn on his map
as Koluvan, describing it as a seasonal stronghold - the first
mention of the city in historic records.
13th Century
In 1202 the Pope calls for a crusade against the pagans
around the Baltic Sea. Bishop Albert founds the Order of
the Knights of the Sword. This leads to four decades of
bloody battles and shifting alliances among the Germans
(based in Riga), Danes, Swedes, Russians, Lithuanians and
local tribes. In 1219 King Voldemar II of Denmark takes the
stronghold of the north Estonian Rvala people as a base
for his forces (hence the name Tallinn: Taani = Danish, linn
= city). German merchants settle the town, and in 1248
are granted the right to use Lbeck Law, effectively making
Tallinn an autonomous entity. In the 1280s, Tallinn joins the
powerful Hanseatic League of trading cities.
14th Century
Estonian towns become important trading links between East
and West and grow in size and strength. Ethnic Estonians,
however, remain serfs while German landowners reap the
benefits. The bloody St Georges Night Uprising of 1343
convinces the Danish King to sell his provinces to the German
Knights two years later.
16th Century
Estonians suf fer another bout of shi fting borders and
imposed military service during the Livonian War (1558-
1583). I van the Terri bl e advances claims on Estonia.
Denmark and Poland enter the fray, but Sweden quickly gains
control of the territory. Intermittent warfare with Poland lasts
into the next century.
17th Century
The Swedish period in Estonian history is marked by cultural
advancement. Tartu University opens in 1632 and by the
close of the century nearly every parish has a school. In 1645
Denmark cedes Saaremaa to Sweden, joining Estonia under
a single force for the first time.
18th Century
Sweden battles Russia, Denmark and Poland in the Northern
War (1700-1721), losing Estonia to Russia in 1710. During
the 200 years of tsarist rule that follow, Estonias peasants
live in the same conditions of near-slavery as the serfs of
Russia. In 1739 the Bible is published in Estonian.
19th Century
So-called Estophiles study the local language and found
consciousness-raising societies. Li teracy spreads and
Estonian-language periodicals appear. The second half of the
century is marked by the National Awakening: the formation
of a national consciousness among Estonians and an active
period of scholarship and literary creation. The first song
festival, held in Tartu in 1869, represents the first public
demonstration of Estonian national identity. Tsar Alexander
III stifles this when he comes to the throne in 1881, initiating
a period of intense Russification.
The first republic
Estonia takes advantage of the chaos in Russia caused by
WWI and the Bolshevik Revolution, declaring independence
on February 24, 1918. But by the end of February, Germany
takes the infant country by force. When Germany capitulates in
November Red forces move in. The War for Independence lasts
13 months. In the Tartu Peace Treaty, signed February 2, 1920,
Soviet Russia renounces claims to the territory for all time.
In 1921 the Republic of Estonia is accepted into the League of
Nations. Reforms progress quickly and social welfare laws are
on a par with those in Europe. A political crisis in the mid-1930s
brings the young republic to the verge of authoritarianism.
President Konstantin Pts bans political parties and restricts
civil rights but maintains popular support.
World War II
On August 23, 1939, the USSR and Germany sign the Molotov-
Ribbentrop pact, in which secret protocols carve Eastern
Europe into spheres of influence. On June 16, 1940, the USSR
accuses the Baltic states of aggression and demands the
right to occupy them. Elections take place July 14 - 15, with
Soviet-approved candidates. The phoney parliament applies
for admittance to the USSR, which is granted August 6. WWII
continues to rage across Europe and by the end of 1941 the
Nazis win Estonia from the Soviets. The German occupation
lasts three years. Soviet forces begin air attacks March 15,
1942, and cause serious damage in the infamous attack of
March 9, 1944. By September the Germans have fled. Estonia
is declared a Republic again on September 18, but Soviet
forces reach Tallinn four days later.
Stick around Tallinn long enough and youre bound to
hear the name Kalev bandied about. There are countless
Kalev sports teams and theres even a Kalev brand of
chocolate. But just who was this Kalev person?
Kalev is in fact a mythical giant from Tallinns distant past
who is credited with founding the city. As the story goes,
Kalev was sailing the seas looking for a spot to land and
establish a kingdom. Eventually a prophecy led him to
what is now Estonias capital. Upon Kalevs death, his
wife Linda was so stricken with grief that she over-did his
burial mound, piling enough stones on his grave to form
Toompea hill, which to this day looms over Old Town. When
the contentious Aleksander Nevsky Cathedral was built
on the hill at the beginning of the 20th century, a rumour
was spread that Kalevs ghost would haunt anyone who
interfered with the construction. Nobody did.
Arguably an even more important figure in the Estonian
tradition is Kalevs son, Kalevipoeg. Tales of Kalevi-
poegs adventures were set down in the form of an epic
poem of the same name by Friedrich Reinhold Kreutzwald
and published in 1857. At the time Estonia was undergo-
ing a literary and cultural awakening, and Kalevipoeg
became both a focal point for national identity and a
major step in founding an Estonian literary tradition.
Tallinns founding legend
Soviet occupation
In the first years of the renewed Soviet regime, 36,000
Estonians are arrested and accused of aiding the Nazis. At
the same time 30,000 - 35,000 people flee to the woods to
resist the regime as Forest Brothers. In the years following,
Estonia endures political repression and isolation, while
Estonians who had fled to the West try to keep their culture
alive in exile. During the post-Stalin period, life in Estonia takes
on a bureaucratic routine similar to that found elsewhere in
the USSR. Over the coming decades, hundreds of thousands
of ethnic Russians are sent to live in the Estonian territory.
In the 1970s and 80s, Finnish TV broadcasts give Tallinn
residents a glimpse of life in the West.
1956
Surviving Estonians who had been deported to Siberia are
allowed to return.
1977
February 24 The blue-black-white flag rises illegally over the
Vanemuine Theatre in Tartu to mark the 59th anniversary of
the first Estonian Republic.
1980
July 19-August 3 Moscow Olympic Games. Tallinns Olympic
yachting centre, Piri ta and Olmpia hotels and airport
terminal are built for the occasion.
Road to independence
1987
What had started as a series of environmental protests
qui ckl y devel ops i nto a new Nati onal Awakeni ng as
demonstrations against the system become more open.

1988
June 10-14 Over 100,000 people a night pack the Tallinn
Song Festival Grounds. The events of the summer are
henceforth known as the Singing Revolution.
September 11 More than 300,000 Estonians gather at the
Song Grounds and hear Trivimi Velliste make the first public
demand for independence.
November 16 In a move known as the beginning of the end
for the Soviet Union, the Supreme Soviet of the Estonian SSR
passes a declaration of sovereignty.
1989
February 24 The Estonian flag is raised over Tallinn, inciting
protests and massive strikes.
August 23 Two mi l l i on peopl e j oi n hands al ong the
600km road between Tallinn and Vilnius to mark the 50th
anniversary of the Molotov-Ribbentrop pact.
November 12 The Estonian Supreme Sovi et nulli fi es
Estonias entry into the USSR.
1990
March 23 The Estoni an Communi st Par ty decl ares
independence from the central party.
May 8 The ESSR is officially renamed the Republic of Estonia,
despite not yet having declared independence.
1991
March 3 78% of voters cast their vote for independence
in a referendum.
August 19 During the failed Moscow coup, additional Soviet
military units are moved to Estonia from Pskov, Russia.
August 20 Estonia declares independence.
August 23 Lenins statue comes down in Tallinn.
August 24 Russia recognises Estonian independence.
A new republic
1992
After pri ces rose by 629% i n 1991, the government
introduces ration coupons.
June 20 The Estonian kroon becomes the first national
currency introduced in the former Soviet Union.
1994
September 28 852 people perish when the 15,000-tonne
ferry Estonia sinks en route to Stockholm.
1999
November 13 Estonia becomes the 135th member of the
World Trade Organization (WTO).
2004
March 29 Estonia joins NATO.
May 1 Estonia becomes an EU member as the bloc expands
to encompass ten new states.
2007
April 26 - 27 Street riots, mainly involving young, ethnic
Russians, break out after protests over the relocation of a
Soviet Army monument from the city centre.
December 21 Estonia joins Schengen.
2009
June 22 The Freedom Monument is unveiled.
2011
January 1 Estonia joins the common European curreny
Euro.
May 10 Microsoft agrees to purchase Estonian-founded
Skype. The $8.5 bi l l i on USD purchase i s the l argest
acquisition in Microsoft history.
Stick around Tallinn long enough and youre bound
to hear the name Kal ev bandied about. There are
countl ess Kal ev sports teams and theres even a
Kal ev brand of chocol ate. But j ust who was thi s
Kalev person?
Kalev is in fact a mythical giant from Tallinns distant
past who is credited with founding the city. As the story
goes, Kalev was sailing the seas looking for a spot to
land and establish a kingdom. Eventually a prophecy
led him to what is now Estonias capital. Upon Kalevs
death, his wi fe Linda was so stricken with grief that
she over-did his burial mound, piling enough stones
on his grave to form Toompea hill, which to this day
l ooms over Ol d Town. When the contenti ous Al ek-
sander Nevsky Cathedral was built on the hill at the
beginning of the 20th century, a rumour was spread
that Kalevs ghost would haunt anyone who interfered
with the construction. Nobody did.
Arguabl y an even more important fi gure in the Es-
tonian tradition is Kalevs son, Kalevipoeg. Tales of
Kalevipoegs adventures were set down in the form of
an epic poem of the same name by Friedrich Reinhold
Kreutzwald and published in 1857. At the time Estonia
was undergoing a literary and cultural awakening, and
Kal evipoeg became both a focal point for national
i denti ty and a maj or step i n founding an Estonian
literary tradition.
Who was Kalev?
14
Culture & eVents
15
Culture & eVents
Main events
XXIII MustonenFest - Barokk!? January 27 - February
04, various locations throughout Tallinn, www.concert.
ee. This annual festival devoted to Baroque music takes
place only in Tallinn this time around but it doesnt make it any
less of a must-attend event. This year this focus is on bringing
Baroque music to the masses - they claim that Baroque as
a musical style isntt dead but instead a living entity that can
also change and progress as time goes on. The performers
come from Estonia and all over Europe. Expect a lot of Latin
with the occasional motets and a swansong thrown in for
good measure.
Starlight Cabaret:
Legends of Times.
Hotel Viru Grand 40th
Anniversary Cabaret
Show Tour 1972-
2012 Every Saturday
between Feb 04 - April 28,
19:00, Sokos Hotel Viru
Restaurant Merineitsi
(p.26), www.piletilevi.
ee. People are always looking for entertaining ways to spend
an evening out and the Merineitsis production of Starlight
Cabaret Legends of Times certainly fits the bill. Youll be treated
to a full evening, which includes a complimentary glass of
sparkling wine, a three-course meal, a cabaret show and even
free entrance to the always fun, Caf Amigo for some dancing.
Tickets cost 46 and if you ask us, its well worth the price.
Davis Cup by BNP Paribas / Est vs Lux February
10-12, Tere Tennisekeskus (Sjakooli 10), www.
tennis.ee, www.piletilevi.ee. Currentl y ranked 57 out of
132, Estonia will meet Luxembourg, ranked 60, to see who
shall move to the next round in the Davis Cup. The Davis
Cup is the premier, international mens team competition
which began over a century ago. If youre interested in world-
class tennis then this event is certainl y one not to miss.
Paul van Dyk February
17, Saku Suurhall (p.18),
www.piletilevi.ee. The last
time we saw Paul van Dyk
was in Toronto Canada at the
Guvernment nightclub, we
were flown in for the night by a
friend and tech-millionaire and
the time we had was - off-the-
hook, to say the least. This
German DJ has wowed audiences around the world with his
innovative styles, his trancy anthems and showmanship. If
you count trance and techno among your musical interests,
this Grammy-nominated DJ is absolutel y not to be missed.
The crowd will probabl y be on the young side but dont let
that discourage you from checking his show out.
Tallinn is home to a number of theatres, an opera house,
several interesting museums and galleries, and even a
couple of art-house cinemas. Check these pages to see
what's coming up. If you are still thirsting for more, an
exhaustive calendar of cultural events is available at www.
culture.ee.
Tickets to most major events are available from: Piletilevi
C-4, Viru Centre, Viru vljak 4/6, tel. 610 14 44, www.
piletilevi.ee. Ticketpro, D/E-3/4, Solaris Centre, Estonia
pst. 9, tel. 624 80 32, www.ticketpro.ee. Estonia's major
concert organiser, Eesti Kontsert, has its own box office
in Tallinn at E-3, Estonia pst. 4, tel. 614 77 00, fax 614 77
09, info@concert.ee, www.concert.ee.
Tickets you say?
Simpel Session 2012
March 29 - April 01, Saku
Suurhall (p.19) and other
locations throughout Tallinn,
www.session.ee. Over the
years, Simpel Session has grown
from a local competition to an
internationall y recognised, and
loved, extreme sports event.
Every year it draws more and
more foreign competitors and
known riders - reaching an
audience of millions around the
world through Youtube and various media outlets. Simpel
Session is a weekend full of spectacular thrills and spills
with around 200 top cyclists and skateboarders from
all over the world. Among other things, Simpel Session
will allow spectators to vicariousl y enjoy top-ranking
international and Estonian skateboarding and BMX
stars. As al ways, the competition will take place in an
infectious and unbridled atmosphere.
Simply Extreme!
Back in 1918, Estonia was in a
very tenuous position. The recent
collapse of the Russian empire
fuelled an already mounting drive
for poli tical independence, and
turmoil in the newly formed USSR
prompted the Estonian Constitu-
ent Assembly to vote to part ways
with its old ruler. World War I was
still raging however. Estonia was
invaded both by German forces and
later by Soviet troops in the follow-
ing months. It was only after an ensuing 13-month war,
in which Estonia managed (with a considerable degree of
foreign help) to keep the Soviets at bay, that independence
was finally realised. A generation later, World War II ended
with a Soviet occupation that effectively annulled the new
state, and for five decades its independence day could only
be marked by Estonians living in exile. But on February 24,
1989, as part of the push to re-establish independence,
the Estonian flag was raised on Toompea castle and has
remained there ever since.
Estonia will mark the 94th anniversary of its independence
with speeches and a military parade in Tartu this year.
Independence Day Feb 24th
February 14 isnt a conventional
Estoni an cel ebrati on, but l i ke
most Western tradi ti ons, i ts
gai ni ng popul ari ty, especi al l y
among younger Estonians. You
may encounter locals taking part
i n the usual fl ower, chocol ate
and card-giving, but as its known here as Sbrapev
or Friends Day, this takes place between friends as
well as lovers. I f you do celebrate Valentines Day in the
traditional sense, the best place to buy flowers is at
the Viru Old Town entrance. Here youll find everything
from bouquets to single roses, some shops are even
open 24 hours. Be warned that the giving of an even
number of flowers is generally reserved for funerals.
That is until the stems exceed 10, at which time people
stop counting and it doesnt really matter. Most special
chocolates can be found at the chocolateries (see p.49).
I f its Estonian sweets you are after go to Kalev Choco-
late Shop (see p.84). Check out our Romantic Tallinn
feature for more romantic ideas on p.11.
Interestingly, Estonians are more likely to publicly de-
clare their love on the first day of spring when couples
meet at Kissing Hill, the park next to the Viru Gates, to
engage in the activity for which the hill was named.
St.Valentines Day
Dogshow 2012 March 03 - 04, Saku Suurhall
(p.19), www.sakusuurhall.ee, www.dogshow.ee.
How much is that doggy in the window? Canines from
all over Estonia and Bal tic countries will make their way
to Saku Suurhall to try and prove that they are - well, top
dog. In what has become an annual event, the local dogs
have been practising all year and wi th their reputations
and some serious trophies at stake they are all pretty
nervous about i t. We wish these pedigrees all the best in
what is bound to be a pretty hairy competi tion. Certainl y
a must for those who enjoy Doggy Style.
Francis Goyas International Womens Day
concert Woman in Love March 08, Nokia
Concerthall (p.18), ww.piletilevi.ee Performing for the
second time at the Nokia Concert Hall, for some reason he
just cant get enough of Estonia, will be the legendary Spanish
guitarist formerly known as Mr. Weyer in his native Belgium.
Goya has an incredible 40 albums under his belt, which
makes one wonder how he even manages to get his pants on
- and with the title of this years show called Women In Love,
perhaps the plan is to keep them off. All kidding aside though
it should be a pluckingly great show.. Its expected to be a
sell-out, so youd best get your tickets soon.
Filipp Kirkorov March 10,
Nokia Concerthall (p.18), www.
piletilevi.ee. All we have to say
is... wow! Now performing for the
umpteenth time in Estonia, this self-
proclaimed prince of Russian pop is a
pretty piece of work. Something like
a cross between Michael Jackson,
Britney Spears and Ricky Martin, he
performs in outlandish costumes
wearing more makeup than Tammy
Faye Baker. Hes kind of a big thing in Russia and we have no
doubt that he will put on quite a colourful show here in Tallinn
as well. Expect a lot of slutty Russian girls and their not-so-
slutty Babuskas to be in attendance at this event.
Tallinn Music Week March 29 - 31, Concert venues
around Tallinn, www.tallinnmusicweek.ee. Tallinn Music
Week started in 2009 with a plan to introduce the entire world
to Estonian music, from jazz and folk to punk and metal. A kind
Shrove Tuesday at the Open Air Museum February
19 and 21, Estonian Open Air Museum (p.72), www.
evm.ee. Shrove Tuesday is the last day of winter fun and
feasting before the season of Lent and fasting. On this day,
people eat pigs feet and rich pea soup, carve spinning-tops
out of bone, play Shrovetide games and slide over the snow
as far as they can. Its all part of ancient fertility rituals and
ensuring that the year ahead will be a good one. In the old
days, Shrove Tuesday was a womens holiday, and the fairer
sex were forbidden from doing almost any work. Instead,
they would go to the tavern, have a drink, dance and predict
the future using the thigh bones of a pig - when that was all
over they would come home and ravish their men. Not sure
how much ravishing will be done at the Open Air Museum,
but it should be a lot of fun at any rate.
Johnny Cash Tribute Show February 25, Rock Cafe
(p.54), www.piletilevi.ee. Every couple of years, Rock
Caf hosts a great tribute night to Johnny Cash - how do
we know you might ask? Well, weve actuall y attended one
of these nights and quite enjoyed oursel ves -perhaps it
was just the Bourbon that gave us a fantastic night, but
we think the music also had something to do with it. Bands
and performers from all over the country will do their best to
pay tribute to one of the greats of both country music and
rockabill y alike. Some faithful fans will probabl y even get all
decked-out in rockabill y attire and put on a quite a dance
show.
Winter swimming
festival 2012 March 03,
river pool will be located
on the dockside of river
Pirita, near Pirita TOP SPA
Hotel and Yacht Club (see
p.75 for info on Pirita).
http://piritaopen.blogspot.
com/. Personall y we onl y
jump into freezing cold water after a sauna and the coldest
temperature of the water has been was about 4-6c. Some
people have also called us crazy for doing so. At any rate,
participants at this years festival should be commended,
or committed to an institution, for braving the freezing
temps to jump into a hole in the ice in the Pirita River - at the
beginning of March. If you feel the need to dive into a cold
wet hole yourself, organisers assure us you will still be able
to sign up the day of - and youll be happy to know theyll onl y
charge you 20 to do so, cash of course.
Widely celebrated in Estonia, especially among Russians,
International Womens Day does bring with it some nega-
tive connotations among Estonian women due to the fact
that it brings back memories of the Soviet occupation.
Before independence, International Womens Day was
used to show women their supposed importance in
society. It was quite a big celebration. Now, like many
aspects of the Soviet past, theres often great effort
to create distance between the past and present. Not
that most women dont like to receive flowers and candy
though, so dont feel bad if you wish to give one or both
of these items to an Estonian woman on this day. Its
not that the modern Estonian woman doesnt believe in
what International Womens Day represents, its more
that they simply dont know about its international sig-
nificance. In general Estonian women are exceptionally
hard working, independent and professionally minded.
Statistics show women make up more than half of the
current workforce and increasingly more women are ap-
pearing in the upper echelons of management. While still
a little underrepresented in all levels of government, the
future is promising. Especially given more women than
men gain entry to university each year.
International Womens Day
of crash course in Estonian music was born, which will fill all of
Tallinns clubs, theatres and cellar bars with the freshest and
most exciting Estonian music there is. Tallinn Music Week will
be attended by many movers and shakers from the European
music scene. Invitees include festival directors, organisers,
managers, agents, record companies, publishers and
journalists from prestigious international media publications.
Tallinn Music Week is a large-scale party for Estonians
and foreign fans and an opportunity for talented Estonian
musicians to get noticed outside the countrys borders. Who
knows, perhaps the next Kerli or Ewert and The Two Dragons
will be discovered at this years event.
16
Culture & eVents
The Solaris Centre D/E-3/4, Estonia pst. 9, tel.
(372) 615 51 00, info@solaris.ee, www.solaris.ee.
Rising out of the ashes from a former soviet landmark,
this all-in-one entertainment complex comes complete
wi th a state of the art cinema, concert hall, shopping
and dining facili ti es. Solaris even spor ts a decent
amount of plant life, in fact the onl y thing i t doesn't have
is a hotel and i f i t did there would be reall y no reason to
leave. QOpen 09:00 - 21:00. JULEKW
Cultural centre
Major art museums
Kadriorg Palace - Art Museum G-5, Weizenbergi
37, tel. (+372) 606 64 00/(+372) 606 64 03, kadri-
org@ekm.ee, www.ekm.ee. You coul d easil y say that
Peter the Great's spectacular Nor thern Baroque palace
i s a work of ar t in and of i tsel f, but the palace i s al so
home to Estonia's museum of forei gn ar t. Paintings by
16th- 18th-centur y Dutch, German, I talian and masters,
as well as 18th - 19th-centur y Russian works make
up most of what's on di splay. Intri guing exampl es of
sculpture, porcelain and glass can al so be found here.
Through March 04: Bosch & Bruegel. QOpen 10:00
- 17:00, Wed 10:00 - 20:00. Cl osed Mon, Tue. Admi s-
si on 4.50. Joint ti cket (Kadri org Palace and Mikkel
Museum) 4.80.
Kumu G-5, Weizenbergi 34/Valge 1, tel. (+372)
602 60 00/(+372) 602 61 23, muuseum@ekm.ee,
www.ekm.ee. Winning the ti tl e 'European Museum of
the Year 2008' , Estonia's largest ar t museum makes i ts
home in thi s enormous, cutting-edge facili ty buil t into a
limestone cli ff in Kadri org. I t ser ves as both a nati onal
gall er y, di splaying treasured works from Estonia's past,
and as a contemporar y ar t gall er y, showing the latest
trends. Whil e here, be sure to expl ore the fascinating
compl ex, buil t by Finni sh archi tect Pekka Vapaavuori.
Through March 11: Vinum et pani s. The Moti fs of
WIne and Bread in 16th and 20th Centur y Ar t. Through
March 25: The Theatri cal Worl d in Estonian Graphi c
Ar ts in the 1970s and 1980s. Through April 15: Kaido
Ol e. Handsome Hero and Pl enty of Still Li es. Through
April 29: I, Painter arunas. Through May 13: SPATIUM.
Dani sh Contemporar y Ar t. QOpen 11:00 - 18:00, Wed
11:00 - 20:00. Cl osed Mon, Tue. Admi ssi on to per-
manent exhibi ti on 4.20, contemporar y ar t 2.60, all
exhibi ti ons 5.50.
Tallinn Ar t Hall & Gallery (Tallinna Kunsti-
hoone) D-2, Vabaduse vljak 8, tel. (+372) 644
28 18, info@kunstihoone.ee, www.kunstihoone.ee.
Drop into this imposing 1930s-era building on Vabaduse
square to find some of the most daring and avant-garde
temporar y exhi bi ti ons from Estonia and abroad. The
Ar t Hall's separate, small er gall er y (where admi ssi on
i s free) next door at Vabaduse vljak 6 hosts separate
exhibi ti ons. Through February 26: Memoires of Col d
Utopia. Through March 11: In Bathroom and Back Yard.
March 16 - April 08: Mart Vainre. QOpen 12:00 - 18:00.
Cl osed Mon, Tue. Admi ssi on 2.50. J
Smaller museums/galleries
1Galerii C-2, Rtli 4, info@1galerii.ee, www.1galerii.
ee. Through February 29: Marc Bertemes (LUX). Priit Prn
(EST). QOpen 14:00 - 19:00, Sat, Sun 12:00 - 19:00. Closed
Mon, Tue. J
Adamson-Eric Museum C-1/2, Lhike jalg 3, tel.
(+372) 644 58 38, adamson-eric@ekm.ee, www.ekm.
ee. The permanent collection of works by the world-renowned
artist Adamson-Eric (1902 - 1968) is housed in a 16th-century
building in Old Town. Affiliated with The Art Museum of Esto-
nia. Through April 07: Shackles of Beauty. QOpen 11:00
- 18:00. Closed Mon, Tue. Admission 2.50. J
Applied Art Museum (Tarbekunsti- ja Disainimuu-
seum) B-2, Lai 17, tel. (+372) 627 46 00/(+372) 627
46 11, info@etdm.ee, www.etdm.ee. Works of Estonian
applied art and intriguing temporary exhibitions are set off
by irregular white walls. Through April 08: Kaunas textile
biennal Rewind History. Through April 08: Contemporary
Estonian Glass Art. QOpen 11:00 - 18:00. Closed Mon,
Tue. Admission 3.50. J
City Gallery (Linnagalerii) D-2, Harju 13, tel. (+372)
644 28 18, info@kunstihoone.ee, www.kunstihoone.
ee. A rapidl y changing rotation of contemporary, and often
boldly experimental, art exhibitions.Through March 04: Mari
Kartau. March 08 - April 01: Peeter Laurits. QOpen 12:00
- 18:00. Closed Mon, Tue. Admission free. J
Contemporary Art Museum of Estonia (Kaasaegse
Kunsti Muuseum) G-3, Phja pst. 35, eestikaasaeg-
sekunstimuuseum@gmail.com, ekkm-came.blogspot.
com. Not all modern art is contemporary and contemporary
art is not all modern - or something like that. Fed up with the
fact that the Estonian caretakers of cul ture ie. The Ministry of
Cul ture refuses to see these differences and also refuses to
see that these separate forms of art should have their own
separate venues, a group of rebellious artists took over an
abandoned building and decided to evangelise contemporary
art to those that might listen - or watch, as is often the case
with art. Have a look for yourself to see if any of this actuall y
makes sense. QOpen 13:00 - 19:00. Closed Mon. E
Design & Architecture Gallery D-3, Prnu mnt. 6,
tel. (+372) 627 36 30, grynberg.ltd@mail.ee. Changing
exhibition of Estonian product design. QOpen 12:00 - 18:00.
Closed Sun. Admission free. J
Draakoni Gallery C-2, Pikk 18, tel. (+372) 646 41 10,
galerii@eaa.ee, www.eaa.ee/draakon/dindex.htm. The
famous Dragon gallery holds small, often strange exhibitions
in its quaint, Old Town shop. Through February 25: Kirke
Kangro - Bad Weather. February 27 - March 10: Laura Toots.
March 12 - 24: Marju Ago - Talk about things you know.
March 26 - April 07: Vilen Knnapu QOpen 11:00 - 18:00,
Sat 11:00 - 17:00. Closed Sun. Admission free. J
Fankadelik Gallery C-3, Vana-Viru 6, tel. (+372) 645
50 43, info@fankadelik.com. This tiny, funky shop-gallery-
hair salon is dedicated to all things artsy. Displays from various
local artists can be found here. QOpen 12:00 - 20:00, Sun
12:00 - 18:00. J
Haus Galler y B-3, Uus 17, tel. (+372) 641 94
71/(+372) 641 10 76, haus@haus.ee, www.haus.ee. A
commercial gallery, Haus is also open to the public and has an
active exhibition schedule. QOpen 10:00 - 18:00, Sat 11:00
- 16:00. Closed Sun. Admission free. Buzz to enter. J
Just a few steps from the Old Town of Tallinn you will
find Solaris the newest and most unique center of
entertainment, shopping and culture.
Solaris has:
A variety of leisure and lifestyle shops for all tastes, including Apple,
Kolonna, Weplay, Extreme Sport, Harnn etc.
Food Court, including a caf Komeet with the best view of Tallinn.
The most innovative food-store in the city.
The latest 3D multiplex cinema Solaris Kino with its 7 screens.
2 screens for classic movies at Cinema Artis.
Nokia Concert Hall the best equipped concert hall in Estonia.
Life here is beautiful!
Estonia pst 9, 10143 Tallinn | www.solaris.ee
18
Culture & eVents
19
Culture & eVents
Hobusepea Galler y B/C-2, Hobusepea 2, tel.
(+372) 627 67 77, galerii@eaa.ee, www.eaa.ee/
hobusepea/hindex.htm. The Estonian Ar tists' Uni on
operates this cosy, two-storey gall er y. Through Febru-
ary 13: Sven Parker - Platform. February 15 - 27: Fred
Kotkas. February 29 - March 12: Dnes Kal ev Farkas.
March 14 - 26: I var Veerme. March 28 - April 09:
Elis Saarevli - The Dark Times. QOpen 11:00 - 18:00.
Cl osed Tue. Admissi on free. J
Kastellaanimaja Gallery H-4, Roheline aas 3,
tel. (+372) 601 31 81, vilde@linnamuuseum.ee,
linnamuuseum.ee/vilde/kastellaanimaja-galerii/.
Exhibi ti ons by l ocal ar tists in the Eduard Vilde museum.
QOpen 11:00 - 18:00. Cl osed Tue. Admissi on 1.92.
Kullo Children's Gallery (Kullo Lastegalerii)
C-2, Kuninga 6, tel. (+372) 644 68 73, galerii@kullo.
ee, www.kullo.ee. Located in a fascinating medi eval
dwelling house, Kull o hosts workshops for children and
hi ghli ghts works by the coming generati on of Estonian
ar tists. QOpen 10:00 - 18:00. Cl osed Mon, Sun. Admis-
si on 0.50. J
Mart Sander's Art Gallery E-3, Sakala 18, tel.
(+372) 53 03 20 93/(+372) 508 47 57, info@maali-
galerii.ee, www.maaligalerii.ee. Estonian and Central
European ar t, gall er y and shop. QOpen 13:00 - 18:30,
Sat 12:00 - 16:00. Cl osed Mon, Sun.
Mikkel Museum G-5, Weizenbergi 28, tel. (+372)
601 58 44, mikkel@ekm.ee, www.ekm.ee. Housed in
the renovated ki tchen building on the grounds of Kadriorg
Palace and Park, the Mikkel Museum is one of Estonia's
most impressi ve pri vate ar t coll ecti ons. Johannes Mik-
kel donated hi s vast coll ecti on of European, Russian
and Chinese paintings, prints, porcelain and i cons to the
Estonian Ar t Museum in 1994. Through February 05,
2012: Por trai t in Fine Ar t. Februar y 18 - May 13: Stage
Fever - Theatre in Ar t. QOpen 10:00 - 17:00, Wed 10:00
- 20:00. Cl osed Mon, Tue. Admissi on 2.50. Joint ti cket
(Kadri org Palace and Mikkel Museum) 4.80.
Museum of Estonian Architecture B-4, Ahtri 2,
tel. (+372) 625 70 07, info@arhitektuurimuuseum.
ee, www.arhitektuurimuuseum.ee. Tallinn's archi tec-
ture museum i s l ocated in the por t area and housed
in the restored Rotermann Sal t Storage building, i tsel f
an archi tectural curi ousi ty. The permanent exhibi t on
the main fl oor features archi tectural model s from the
museum's coll ecti on. Temporar y exhi bi ti ons are hel d
on the other fl oors. QOpen 11:00 - 18:00, Wed 12:00
- 18:00, Thu 12:00 - 20:00. Cl osed Mon, Tue. Admissi on
to full house 3, first fl oor 1.
National Librar y of Estonia (Eesti Rahvus-
raamatukogu) E-1, Tnismgi 2, tel. (+372) 630 76
11, nlib@nlib.ee, www.nlib.ee. Local and international
ar t exhibi ti ons are held in this impressi ve building. The
permanent exhibi ti on of graphi c ar tist Eduard Wiiral t's
works is not to be missed. QOpen 11:00 - 20:00, Sat
12:00 - 19:00. Cl osed Sun. Admissi on free, but you may
have to buy a 0.30 one-time reader's card.
Niguliste Museum - Concert hall C/D-2, Niguliste
3, tel. (+372) 631 43 30/(+372) 644 99 03, nigu-
liste@ekm.ee, www.ekm.ee. This 13th century Gothic
church, now an affiliate of the Estonian Art Museum, houses
a fascinating collection of medieval art, wi th al tars from the
15th and 16th centuries and a collection of Baroque and
Renaissance chandeliers. Not to be missed is the famous
fragment of Bernt Notke's 15th-centur y masterpi ece,
Dance Macabre. Organ concerts Sat, Sun 16:00. QOpen
10:00 - 17:00. Closed Mon, Tue. Admission 3.50. J
Tallinn Town Hall (Tallinna Raekoda) C-2, Raeko-
ja plats 1, tel. (+372) 645 79 00, raekoda@tallinnlv.
ee, veeb.tallinn.ee/raekoda. Exhibi tions are occasion-
all y held in the basement of Tallinn's medi eval town hall.
QOpen 10:00 - 16:00. Cl osed Sun. From September to
June visi ting by appointment. Admissi on 3. JN
Concer t halls
Estonia Concer t Hall D-3, Estonia pst. 4, tel.
(+372) 614 77 60, info@concert.ee, www.concert.
ee. The premi er venue for classi cal musi c and the home
of nati onal concer t organi ser Eesti Kontser t. QOpen
12:00 - 19:00, Sat 12:00 - 17:00. Sun open 1 hr before
schedul ed concer ts. J
Estonian National Opera D-3, Estonia pst. 4, tel.
(+372) 683 12 14/(+372) 683 12 15, info@opera.
ee, www.opera.ee. Tallinn's pride and j oy hosts opera,
ball et and frequent per formances by internati onall y-
renowned guests. Ti ckets cost up to 31. Q Box offi ce
open 11:00 - 19:00. J
House of the Brotherhood of the Blackheads
(Mustpeade Maja) B-3, Pikk 26, tel. (+372) 631 31
99, info@mustpeademaja.ee, www.mustpeademaja.
ee. This ornate 15th-centur y guild hall hosts the occa-
si onal classi cal musi c concer ts. Q Box offi ce open one
hour before performance. J
Niguliste Museum-Concert Hall C-2, Niguliste 3,
tel. (+372) 631 43 30, niguliste@ekm.ee, www.ekm.
ee. Organ musi c concer ts are held here ever y Saturday
and Sunday at 16:00. For more on thi s 13th-centur y
Gothi c church, see What to see. QOpen 10:00 - 17:00.
Cl osed Mon, Tue. J
Nokia Concert Hall D/E-3/4, Estonia pst. 9, tel.
(+372) 615 51 11, info@tallinnconcerthall.com, www.
tallinnconcerthall.com. Tallinn now has a world-class
concert hall, complete with a stunning sound system and
high-tech gadgetry. QOpen 10:00 - 21:00. JL
Tallinn's cinemas are fairly central, and all films ex-
cept kids' films are shown in their original language
with Estonian subtitles. You can always find out
what's playing by calling the 1182 infoline. Opera-
tors speak English.
5D Cinema H/I-1, Endla 45 (Kristiine Centre),
tel . (+372) 507 46 50, i nf o@5dci nema.ee,
www.5dcinema.ee. An overload for the senses, the
onl y 5D cinema in Tallinn has moving seats, 3-D effects,
scents and even the occasional water misting. We can
onl y imagine what a porn film might be like here - i f we
were onl y the types who watched such fil thy films that
is. QOpen 11:00 - 21:00. Tickets 5 - 6. LKW
Artis D/E-3/4, Estonia pst. 9 (Solaris Centre),
tel. (+372) 663 13 80, info@kino.ee, www.kino.
ee. Tallinn's two-theatre, art-house cinema has a full
schedule of independent films, Estonian productions,
shorts and kids' films. Tickets 4.20 - 5.20. Q Show
times vary, see websi te for details. J
Coca-Cola Plaza G-3, Hobujaama 5, tel. (+372)
1182, inf o@f orumcinemas.ee, www.f orumcin-
emas.ee. This high-tech, 11-screen super cinema is
most people's first stop for Holl ywood blockbusters.
Now even featuring a 3D theatre. Tickets for evening
shows cost 5 - 6.50, 3D costs 7 - 8.
Kinomaja C-3, Uus 3, tel. (+372) 646 40 68,
kinomaja@kinoliit.ee, www.kinomaja.ee. Run by
Estonia's cinema union, the 'Cinema House' concen-
trates on the esoteric and obscure. Q See websi te
for show times. JW
Kosmos H-2, Prnu mnt. 45, tel. (+372) 1182,
www.forumcinemas.ee. Run by the same company
as Coca-Cola Plaza, this two-screen, Soviet-era cinema
also has a strong Holl ywood bent but is a more thri fty
choice. Tickets for evening shows cost 4 - 5. Q See
websi te for show times.
Solaris Cinema D/E-3/4, Estonia pst. 9, tel.
(+372) 16105, inf o@solariskino.ee, www.so-
lariskino.ee. Located in the Solaris Centre, this is
the most state of the art cinema in Tallinn. Tickets
for evening shows cost 4.60 - 6, 3D - 6.20 - 7.50.
Q JL
Cinemas
Saku Suurhall Paldiski mnt. 104b, tel. (+372) 626
11 11/(+372) 660 02 00, sakusuurhall@sakusuurh-
all.ee, www.sakusuurhall.ee. Famous as the venue for
the 47th Eurovision Song Contest in 2002, this 7000-seat
sports and concert arena hosts large concerts and maj or
spor ting events.
Song Festival Grounds (Lauluvljak) F/G-5/6,
Narva mnt. 95, tel. (+372) 611 21 02, info@lau-
luvaljak.ee, www.lauluvaljak.ee. The bir thplace of
Estonia's Singing Revoluti on in 1988, the Lauluvljak is
made of both a gi ganti c outdoor arena and a modern,
indoor concer t hall.
Vravatorn C/D-1/2, Lhike jalg 9, tel. (+372) 644
07 19, hortus@concert.ee, www.concert.ee. Thi s
15th-centur y tower is the spiri tual and physi cal home
of earl y musi c ensembl e Hor tus Musi cus. Q See www.
concer t.ee for exact data. J
Drama theatres
City Theatre (Linnateater) B-2, Lai 23, tel.
(+372) 665 08 50/(+372) 665 08 00 Box off ice,
linnateater@linnateater.ee, www.linnateater.ee.
Home of the ci ty's most adored troupe. Call the first of
the month for the next month's ti ckets. QOpen 11:00
- 19:00, Sat 15:00 - 19:00. Cl osed Sun. J
Estonian Drama Theatre (Eesti Draamateater)
D-3, Prnu mnt. 5, tel. (+372) 680 55 55/(+372) 680
22 22, info@draamateater.ee, www.draamateater.
ee. Buil t in 1910, the Drama Theatre is a striking example
of Ar t Nouveau archi tecture. QOpen 11:00 - 19:00. J
Estonian Puppet Theatre (Eesti Nuku- ja Noor-
sooteater) C-2, Lai 1, tel. (+372) 667 95 55, info@
nuku.ee, www.nuku.ee. The Puppet Theatre performs
for children of all ages, and is also acti ve in producing
non-puppet per formances for young peopl e. QOpen
10:00 - 18:00. J
Russian Theatre (Vene Teater) D/E-3, Vabaduse
vljak 5, tel. (+372) 611 49 11, info@veneteater.
ee, www.veneteater.ee. Russian, Estonian and inter-
nati onal classi cs in Russian. Q Box offi ce open 11:00
- 19:00. J
Theatre NO99 E-3, Sakala 3, tel. (+372) 668
87 92/(+372) 660 50 51, no99@no99.ee, www.
no99.ee/eng. Contemporar y, internati onal drama. The
theatre's name changes wi th ever y producti on, counting
down 99, 98, 97... QOpen 12:00 - 19:00. Cl osed Sat,
Sun. Ti ckets 17. J
Theatrum C-3, Vene 14, tel. (+372) 644 68 89, the-
atrum@theatrum.ee, www.theatrum.ee. A small studio
theatre created by students from the Estonian Humani ties
Insti tute. QOpen 12:00 - 17:00. Cl osed Sat, Sun. Box
offi ce open one hour before performance. J
Von Krahl Theatre C-2, Rataskaevu 10, tel. (+372)
626 90 90, inf o@vonkrahl.ee, www.vonkrahl.ee.
The oldest pri vate theatre in Estonia hosts avant-garde
performances in a cabaret-like hall. Q J
Beer raises something of a sauna controversy.
Aficionados will insist that al cohol and sauna dont
mi x, while others will claim that beer is an essential
part of the sauna experience. The mainstream view,
however, is that consuming beer is fine, but that i t
should be done onl y after the sauna session. Sauna
is a somewhat extreme experience, and lowering your
heart rate further wi th al cohol can leave you feeling
sluggish or worse.
To beer or not to beer?
The many faces of sauna
Finnish Sauna What Estonians simpl y call an ordinary
sauna is also referred to here as Finnish sauna for claritys
sake. The most typical type of sauna, this one invol ves a
wood-fired stove (or sometimes an electric heater, though
purists scoff at this innovation) with a collection of fist-sized
stones on top. When the stones are hot enough, the water
poured over them instantl y vaporises. Sauna interiors are
almost al ways made of wood, which gives them a pleasant,
distinct fragrance.
Smoke Sauna This older type of sauna is gaining a
newfound popularity latel y, and many people swear by it.
Its onl y found in the countryside, buil t into small huts usuall y
made of logs. Here the stove is much larger and the benches
higher than in an ordinary sauna. The idea of the smoke
sauna is that, instead of having a chimney pipe, the stove
lets all its smoke into the room. This smoke-out is actuall y
an exercise in nostalgia, harkening back to the time before
Estonians had chimney technology. To avoid an unfortunate
carbon monoxide incident, a small window in the opposite
wall is opened to let the air clear before people actuall y use
the sauna.
Steam Sauna Much less common than the Finnish and
smoke saunas, steam sauna is what most English speakers
would refer to as a Turkish bath. As the name implies,
large amounts of steam are pumped into the room, which is
usuall y lined with tile, rather than wood.
Infrared Sauna The very latest in sauna technology is a
recent arrival in Estonia. In fact, there are onl y a handful of
them at the countrys heal th resorts. Usuall y build into a
smaller sauna booth, the infrared sauna uses heat lamps,
rather than a stove, to warm up your flesh and get your
sweat glands going. Tallinn In Your Pocket tried this one out
and found it relaxing enough, but with the strange light you
may feel like a rotisserie chicken in a restaurant window.
Some people insist theyre part of an important heal th ritual,
a way to keep clean, or an unbeatable hangover cure. For
most Estonians, however, saunas represent a way to relax,
spend time with famil y and friends, and to warm up after a
day out in the bone-chilling extremes of the Nordic winter.
Though Estonias northern neighbour, Finland, is the
undisputed sauna capital of the world (the very word sauna
in English is actuall y borrowed straight from the Finnish), the
practice of confining steam or heat to a confined area for
bathing purposes is found in a number of world cul tures.
Japanese, Native Americans and Russians all have their
versions of steam and sweat baths.
The Estonian saun is thought to come from a rural sauna
tradition that extends from the Bal tic region to the Urals,
so its no surprise that the development of sauna cul ture
and practices here has a lot in common with that of
Estonias neighbours. The aforementioned Finns will find
few differences between their sauna designs and the ones
in Estonia. Since the tradition dates back before written
records were kept, theres no way of telling how long it has
been going on in the country. The fact that theres even a
Sauna street and a medieval Sauna Tower in Tallinns
Old Town is, however, a good indicator of the importance of
saunas in centuries past.
These days, while saunas are often still used for bathing
by country folk, its much more common to find them used
for de-stressing, for warming up, and for parties. Because
advances in technology mean that saunas are no longer
confined to separate buildings or little huts in the woods,
a lot of hotels and sports clubs have one or more saunas
buil t in. Some inventive people even manage to squeeze
two-person saunas into their tiny, Soviet-era apartments.If
youre a first-time visitor to Tallinn, or just someone whos
curious about this important part of Estonian life, youll
definitel y want to make at least one sauna stop while youre
here.
What follows are some tips to make your sauna experience
more rewarding, and to point out some fascinating sauna
possibilities that go way beyond whats on offer in the
average hotel. The most important thing to remember,
however, is that the sauna is a social experience, so get
together with some Estonian friends, pack up some bottles
of beer, and head to where the steam is!
Typicall y, the Estonian countryside sauna consists of a
separate building.
20
sauna Culture
A how-to guide
First, get naked. Bathing sui ts in saunas are a rari ty. Most
public saunas will be single-sex or have times for men and
women, though families and groups of friends often go in
mi xed groups. That said, i f youre in a large bathhouse or
heal th club, check the signs before running out naked into
the common pool area and having your photo taken by
the tabloid press or Tallinn In Your Pocket.
Once youre ready, step into the sauna. I ts good to bring
a towel wi th you to si t on. Choose your bench carefull y.
Heat rises, and the top bench, especiall y when the ceiling
is low, can be real scorcher. Though experts say 60 - 70
C is the optimal temperature for sweating, Estonians
typicall y heat their saunas to 80 - 100C, sometimes
as high as 110C. I f youre a novice, start wi th the lower
bench.
After youve gotten used to the heat, i t's time for leil. You
take the dipper and scoop some of the water from the
bucket and pour i t over the stones. The effect of even
a li ttle water on the stones is instantaneous, so take i t
slow. Under no circumstances should you pour the whole
bucket onto the stones. Even i f you survi ve the resul ting
heat, your companions will probabl y kill you.
When youre nice and sweaty, and comfortable wi th the
temperature, you can take the viht or birch branches
(sometimes provided, sometimes sold separatel y) and
gentl y swat your back, torso and limbs. Better still, go the
tradi tional route and let your sauna companion gi ve you
a hand. This is a kind of massage, and will supposedl y
increase your circulation and make you perspire more,
getting rid of all those nasty toxins.
The typical session, the time you si t in the sauna i tsel f,
lasts about ten minutes. By this time, you should be fairl y
well renched in your own perspiration, and ready to cool
off. Of course, you should go at your own pace, and leave
earl y i f you feel dizzy or start to see mystical visions of
Estonian folk dancers.
As in Finland, Estonians like run out into the snow or
jump in a cold lake after a sauna session, but lakes and
pri vate snow banks simpl y arent as available here, so
many people skip this step. A shower is usuall y available
to help you clean up. A post sauna drink and snack are
a must.
Sauna on Wheels tel. (+372) 50 87 600/(+372) 51
02 909, info@matkad.ee, www.matkad.ee. Why go to
the sauna when the sauna can come to you? This eight-
person sauna built into a trailer will meet you within 50km of
Tallinn at no extra cost, and charges 0.3/km beyond that.
The basic rate to rent it for an evening is 230.
Saunapunkt Numa farm, Vanamisa village, Saue
parish, tel. (+372) 509 66 19/(+372) 56 91 81 54,
saunapunkt@hot.ee, www.saunapunkt.ee. Just a
few short kilometres from Tallinn, here you'll be able to
experience a traditional country sauna. The Finnish sauna
costs 25/hr for the first five hours and the Russian sauna
costs 40/hr for the first five.
Fire Truck Sauna Pikk 30, Jrva-Jaani, Jrva
county, tel. (+372) 386 32 86/(+372) 514 94 85,
tuve@jjaani.ee, www.jjts.ee. Some wacky voluteer
firefighters buil t a sauna into a 1963-era Ford 600 fire
truck! It belongs to a fire truck museum in Jrva county,
about 100km from Tallinn, but will travel wherever you
need it for 1/km + 32/h.
Adventurous sauna options
Selected saunas
African Kitchen B-3, Uus 34, tel. (+372) 644 25 55,
info@africankitchen.ee, www.africankitchen.ee. For
something far funkier than average, reserve the private sauna
in Tallinn's groovy, African-themed restaurant. It comes with
colourful, exotic dcor and its own sound system. You can
hire it for 25/hr; ask for details at the bar. QOpen 12:00
- 24:00, Fri, Sat 12:00 - 02:00. J
Club 26 H-3, Liivalaia 33, Radisson Blu Hotel Olmpia,
tel. (+372) 631 55 85/(+372) 631 53 00, olympia.
club26@radissonblu.com, www.club26.ee. On the 26th
floor of the Radisson Blu Hotel Olmpia. 20/hr until 15:00,
40/hr after. QOpen 08:00 - 22:00.
Kalev SPA Hotel B-3/4, Aia 18, tel. (+372) 649 33
00, kalevspa@kalevspa.ee, www.kalevspa.ee. Three
VIP saunas 35 - 49/hr. QOpen 09:00 - 23:00.
Meriton Grand Conference & Spa Hotel G-2, Toom-
puiestee 27, tel. (+372) 667 71 00, reservations@
meritonhotels.com, www.meritonhotels.com. This is a
respectable, ten-person sauna with a Jacuzzi and they offer
a sauna menu' with a fruit plate, cheese plate, meat plate
and fish plate, ranging 8.70 - 11.80 per person. A 2-hour
session costs 39, extra hour 16; after 17:00 it raises to
58 and 19 for the extra hour. QOpen 24hrs.
Park Inn by Radisson Central Tallinn G-3, Narva mnt.
7c, tel. (+372) 633 98 00, info.tallinn@rezidorparkinn.
com, www.parkinn.com/hotel-centraltallinn. Jacuzzi and
catering available. Up to 8 people, 13/hr until 15:00, 26/hr
after. QOpen 08:00 - 23:00.
Tallink Spa & Conference Hotel G-3, Sadama 11a,
tel. (+372) 630 10 00, spahotel@tallink.ee, hotels.
tallink.com. This stylish and comfortable Finnish-style sauna
can be reserved for up to 12 guests and upon request you can
also access the pools and public saunas of the Aqua Spa. An
hour session on Mon- Fri from 08:00 - 16:00 costs 28, after
16:00 and on weekends it raises to 42. QOpen 24hrs.
Kalma A-1, Vana-Kalamaja
9a, tel. (+372) 627 18 11,
www.kalmasaun.ee. Buil t in
1928, Kalma is Tallinn's oldest
public sauna. It was designed
with pride and features a fan-
tastic Art Deco faade and is
filled wi th the ambience that
onl y a historic public bath could
have. In fact, their men's sauna
is actually the only public sauna
in town that uses the traditional method of wood heating.
Two private saunas are also available for hourly rent, both
have very cosy relaxation rooms and one has a small
dipping pool. Kalma is trul y an experience and is merel y
a five-minute walk away from the Old Town walls. Men
8 - 9/person, women 6.50 - 8/person. Two private
saunas also available for rent by the hour. N QOpen
11:00 - 22:00, Sat, Sun 10:00 - 23:00.
Historic sauna
21
sauna Culture
22
Where to stay
23
Where to stay
Tallinn's hospitality industry has pretty much reached ca-
pacity and the total number of rooms sits at about 7800.
For the tourist this means the choice of where to stay has
never been better, and the room rates are also likely to
drop. Depending on when you book, don't be surprised
if you're able to get a room for below the prices we have
listed in the guide. A fluctuating price system seems to be
the trend at higher-end hotels. Prices listed below include
VAT and breakfast, unless otherwise indicated.
N Payment in cash onl y H Conference facilities
U Facilities for disabled R LAN connection
L Guarded parking F Fitness centre
G Non-smoking rooms K Restaurant
J Old Town location D Sauna
C Swimming pool I Fireplace
Z Anti-allergy 6 Pets allowed
O Casino W WiFi connection
hhh Star rating
Symbol key
Cream of the crop
Barons C/D-2/3, Suur-Karja 7/Vike-Karja 2, tel.
(+372) 699 97 00, fax (+372) 699 97 18, barons@
barons.ee, www.baronshotel.ee. Housed in a gorgeous
Old Town bank building dating back to 1912, this business
class beauty has managed to retain much of its architectural
grandeur both inside and out. From the classy singles to the
luxury suite, all rooms come complete with satellite television
and internet access for those who like to stay in touch. Among
the added bonuses are a bar, restaurant and up-to-the-minute
conference facilities. Q33 rooms (singles 85, doubles 119,
triples 135, suites 199). Extra bed 26, pets 20, parking
20/24hr. ZJH6UILKDW hhhh
Merchant's House C-2, Dunkri 4/6, tel. (+372)
697 75 00, fax (+372) 697 75 01, info@merchant-
shousehotel.com, www.merchantshousehotel.com.
Thi s beauti ful structure i s essentiall y a 14th-centur y
merchant's house turned into a luxur y, bouti que-styl e
hotel, so don't be surprised i f you get lost in the twists
and turns of i ts corridors. Each of i ts rooms and sui tes
has been done up wi th cool, chic dcor, tastefull y fi tted
to the histori c building. Look for creature comforts like
plasma TVs, hi gh-speed internet and fluffy bathrobes.
You'll also find a 'relax room', brasserie restaurant, caf
and an Ice Bar, where chill y drinks are served in ice-formed
shot glasses. Q37 rooms (singles 70 - 95, doubles 85
- 150, sui tes 159 - 600, famil y room 135). Extra bed
26. PZJRIGKDW hhhh
My City Hotel D-2, Vana-Posti 11/13, tel. (+372) 622
09 00, fax (+372) 622 09 01, info@mycityhotel.ee,
www.mycityhotel.ee. In a refurbished 18th-century build-
ing next to Sprus cinema, My City Hotel offers marblesque
stylishness right in the heart of Old Town. Not onl y will you
be right in the middle of Tallinn's entertainment district, you'll
also find lots of extras right in the hotel, from the piano bar to
room service with complimentary newspapers and breakfast
served in-room. Business travellers will appreciate the confer-
ence room and the fact that every room has its own computer
with internet connection. Pricier 'executive' rooms are more
spacious and have better views. Kids under 12 stay free.
Q68 rooms (singles 79 - 150, doubles 84 - 165). Extra
bed 25. PZJHULGKDW hhhh
Radisson Blu Hotel Olmpia H-3, Liivalaia 33,
tel. (+372) 669 06 90, fax (+372) 669 06 91, info.
olumpia.tallinn@radissonblu.com, www.radissonblu.
com/olumpiahotel-tallinn. Originall y buil t for the 1980
Ol ympics, this full y-modernized, 26-storey, downtown tower
now belongs to the Radisson Blu chain. The long list of facili-
ties here includes a gargantuan conference centre, a fitness
centre with a spectacular view. The rooms won't disappoint
either, but for an unforgettable experience, book the top-floor
sauna that faces Old Town. Q390 rooms (singles 89 - 125,
doubles 89 - 135, triples 175 - 220, suites 165 - 1150,
famil y room 175 - 220). Extra bed 20. PHRUFLw
GKDCW hhhh
Radisson Blu Hotel Tallinn D-4, Rvala pst. 3, tel.
(+372) 682 30 00, fax (+372) 682 30 01, info.tallinn@
radissonblu.com, www.tallinn.radissonblu.com. From
the immaculate furnishings to little touches like shoe buf-
fers in the corridor, Radisson never misses a beat, proving
there's something to be said for painfull y strict international
standards of quali ty. Other perks here include sweeping
views of the city and a free morning sauna. The hotel has
a definite business bent with its 14 conference rooms and
office services, but families will appreciate the fact that
kids under 12 stay free. Q280 rooms (singles 119 - 169,
doubles 119 - 169, suites 219 - 1022). Extra bed 25.
PHRUIFLGKDW
Savoy Boutique D-2/3, Suur-Karja 17/19, tel. (+372)
680 66 88, fax (+372) 680 66 89, savoy@tallinnhotels.
ee, www.tallinnhotels.ee. Every bit as posh as the name
implies, this Old Town establishment is a worthy addition to
the growing boutique hotel market. Along with very tasteful
rooms with old-fashioned touches (antique photos included),
Savoy offers lots of little comforts like bathrobes, slippers and
free local calls. And if you don't have your own laptop, they'll
lend you one. Beautiful lobby caf. Q44 rooms (singles 111
- 141, doubles 121 - 167, suites 251 - 271). Extra bed 35,
pets 16. JH6UIGKW hhhhh
Schlssle C-3, Phavaimu 13/15, tel. (+372) 699 77
00, fax (+372) 699 77 77, sch@schlossle-hotels.com,
www.schlossle-hotels.com. The elegance, history and
warmth of its three attached Old Town buildings are a major
part of Schlssle's five-star appeal. Over the past decade
this luxury hotel has played host to musicians and heads of
state, but even if you aren't rock or royal ty, the helpful and
friendly staff will treat you as such. A beautiful medieval lobby,
a crackling fireplace and a world class restaurant invite you to
linger and stay just one more night. Q23 rooms (singles 154
- 176, doubles 174 - 198, suites 284 - 710). Extra bed 30,
pets 32. PJHRUILGKDW hhhhh
St. Petersbourg C-2, Rataskaevu 7, tel. (+372) 628
65 00, fax (+372) 628 65 65, stp@schlossle-hotels.
com, www.hotelstpetersbourg.com. Aristocrats in the
19th century would stay at the St. Petersbourg when visiting
Each of the spa hotels below offers accommodation
as well as treatment packages and day spa services.
Prices here are for accommodation only, check their
websites for details on their package deals.
Kalev Spa Hotel B-3, Aia 18, tel. (+372) 649 33
00, fax (+372) 649 33 01, kalevspa@kalevspa.ee,
www.kalevspa.ee. Opened in 2006, this enormous,
state-of-the-art facility brings Estonia's spa phenomenon
to the heart of the city. In addition to tidy guest rooms,
complete spa packages are available, as are a heal th
and wellness centre, a fitness centre and a restaurant
with a view of the water park. The park includes three
waterslides and a 50m swimming pool, Tallinn's largest
and along with the gym is available free of charge for hotel
guests. Q100 rooms (singles 66, doubles 86, suites
155, famil y rooms 140). Extra bed 26, pets 13.
TJHR6UFLGKDCW hhh
Meriton Grand Conference & Spa Hotel G-2,
Paldiski mnt. 4, tel. (+372) 667 71 11, hotel@
meritonhotels.com, www.meritonhotels.com. Wi th
some fantastic views onto Toompea, a full-service spa,
several eateries and sprawling conference facili ties,
this hotel certainl y provides an 'all-inclusive' experience
for i ts guests. The steel and glass structure houses
some of the most state-of-the-art spa facilities in the
city, including a sal t chamber, low temperature sauna,
heated beds and even something called a 'mushroom'
for the kids. The conference facili ties can hold up to
380 attendees and are also decked out in the latest
gadgetry to gi ve presentations a lasting impression.
Q465 rooms (singles 70 - 150, doubles 80 - 170,
suites 280, famil y room 175, presidential suite 460).
PTHUFLGKDCW
Pirita TOP SPA Hotell Regati pst. 1, tel. (+372)
639 86 00, fax (+372) 639 88 21, reservation@
topspa.ee, www.hotels.tallink.com. Originally built for
the 1980 Ol ympic Games, Pirita TOP SPA was renovated
and reopened in 2003 as Tallinn's most sprawling hotel
and spa complex. I t has ample space for i ts several
shops, a beauty centre, restaurant, casino, pharmacy
and opti cian, to say nothing of i ts extensi ve heal th
facilites and several classes of guest rooms. A number
of treatments are available, and use of the sauna and
25m swimming pool are free for guests. Take bus N 1A,
8, 34A or 38 from bus station under Viru Centre. Q267
rooms (singles 58 - 83, doubles 77 - 102, suites 109
- 141, famil y room 90 - 115). Extra bed 25, pets 32.
Spa hotels
Book your room at:
24
Where to stay
25
Where to stay
Upmarket
Baltic Hotel Imperial B/C-2, Nunne 14, tel. (+372)
627 48 00, fax (+372) 627 48 01, imperial@baltichot-
elgroup.com, www.imperial.ee. Part of the medieval Old
Town wall runs right through this small, luxury hotel, and de-
signers have wisely integrated it into the 21st-century interior
to preserve the historical feel of the building. The Imperial's
management have aimed for a four-star level of quality, and
with its bright rooms, beautiful sauna hall and elegant cheese
restaurant (Estonia's onl y), they got there. The size of the
double rooms varies. Be sure to ask for one overlooking the
neighbourhood's picturesque cobbled streets. Q32 rooms
(singles 134, doubles 160, suites 205 - 390, famil y room
243). Extra bed 32. PJHRUILGKDW
hhhh
Baltic Hotel Vana Wiru C-3, Viru 11, tel. (+372) 669
15 00, fax (+372) 669 15 01, hotel@vanawiru.ee, www.
vanawiru.ee. It's hard to imagine that a five-storey hotel with
such a grandiose marble lobby - complete with an elevated
walking bridge and Italian restaurant - could be tucked into
this bustling part of Old Town, but a quick peek at Vana
Wiru will remove all doubt. In addition to offering guests an
unbeatable location and pristine rooms, the hotel caters to
business travellers with in-room WIFI connections. Find the
main entrance around the corner off Mrivahe. Q82 rooms
(singles 128, doubles 153 - 179, suites 237 - 288). Extra
bed 32. JHRUILGKDW hhhh
Bern C-3/4, Aia 10, tel. (+372) 680 66 30, bern@tal-
linnhotels.ee, www.tallinnhotels.ee. Hotel Bern, which
is tucked into a courtyard that's convenientl y across from a
grocery store, aims to bring its guests the best in Swiss-style
hospitality with its friendl y and professional staff. Due to size
restrictions the 50-room establishment hasn't got many
perks, but it does have a 24- hour bar, and breakfast is served
in their petite, in-house restaurant. Q50 rooms (singles 48
- 84, doubles 58 - 94, de Luxe 156). Extra bed 35, pets
16. PJ6UGKDW hhhh
L'Ermitage H-2, Toompuiestee 19, tel. (+372) 699
64 00, fax (+372) 699 64 01, reservations@lermitage-
hotel.ee, www.lermitagehotel.ee. A quiet, restful place to
hermit yourself away - just as the French name implies - the
centrally-located L'Ermitage pampers its guests with in-room
creature comforts like minibars, flat pannel TVs and internet
connections. Some rooms even have views of Toompea
Castle, in case you lose yourself in introspection and forget
what country you're in. For a trul y gigantic bathroom, be sure
to request a 'superior' double. Q90 rooms (singles 55,
doubles 60, sui tes 130, superior 80). Extra bed 24.
ZJHRUILGKDW
Tallinn, likewise 21st-century travellers looking for luxury Old
Town accommodation can find it here at the city's oldest,
continuousl y-running hotel. Completel y renovated to keep
pace wi th newer ri vals, the hotel treats i ts guests wi th
modern comforts like deluxe art-deco furnishing and plush
bathrobes, all the while retaining a strong sense of old world
charm. Q27 rooms (singles 80 - 107, doubles 95 - 130,
suites 205 - 292). Extra bed 20, pets 32. H6UIw
FLGKDW hhhh
Swisstel H-3, Tornime 3, tel. (+372) 624 00 00, fax
(+372) 624 00 01, tallinn@swissotel.com, www.swis-
sotel.com/tallinn. This lavish hotel has bragging rights
as Tallinn's tallest building and needless to say some of
room-views are fabulous. Inside you'll find all the things you'd
come to expect from the luxury chain, including conference
facilities, a high-end spa, state-of-the-art technology and a
highl y trained staff catering to your every whim. Swissotel
is all about the little extras such as special bathrobes and
bedspreads for the kids, iPod docking stations in the execu-
tive rooms and Lavazza espresso machines in every room.
Even if you don't have the pleasure of staying here, be sure to
investigate some relaxing opportunities at the Provel Spa or
enjoy a delightful buffet in Caf Swiss. Q238 rooms (singles
100 - 295, doubles 100 - 295, suites 260 - 2275). Extra
bed restricted to grand rooms onl y 40. PHRUFLw
GKDCW
Telegraaf C-3, Vene 9, tel. (+372) 600 06 00, fax
(+372) 600 06 01, info@telegraafhotel.com, www.
telegraafhotel.com. This full-service hotel in a restored
19th-century former bank turned communications building
has facili ties that include a wellness spa, a Russian-style
restaurant and an unheard-of Old Town luxury: underground
parking! The ul tra comfortable rooms are more spacious
than typical for an Old Town hotel, you might however be
tempted to spend a li ttle bi t too much time in the bath-
rooms decorated wi th French' post cards'. Q86 rooms
(singl es 226 - 258, doubl es 246 - 278, sui tes 445
- 899). Extra bed 50. PJHRUILGKDCW
hhhhh
Three Sisters Hotel A/B-3, Pikk 71/Tolli 2, tel.
(+372) 630 63 00, fax (+372) 630 63 01, info@
threesistershotel.com, www.threesistershotel.com.
This luxury hotel buil t into three famous medieval houses
on the end of Pikk tnav provides the quintessential Tal-
l i nn experi ence. The top-notch establ i shment offers
large rooms decorated in a striking blend of modern and
antique styles. Flat-screen TVs can be found alongside
old-fashioned bathtubs and hidden staircases. One sui te
even spor ts a grand piano. The librar y wi th fireplace,
world-class restaurant and cosy wine cellar are just icing
on the cake. Q23 rooms (singles 188 - 268, doubles
214 - 294, sui tes 508 - 946). Extra bed 51, pets 19.
PJHR6UILGKW hhhhh
Viru Inn C-3, Viru 8, tel. (+372) 611 76 00, fax (+372)
641 83 57, viruinn@viruinn.ee, www.viruinn.ee. Set in
a 15th-century house on Old Town's main shopping street,
this intimate, boutique hotel offers the quintessential Tallinn
accommodation experience - wooden beams, curvy stair-
cases and all. Each of i ts rooms and sui tes is a bi t di fferent,
but all come complete wi th antique-style furnishings and
other old-fashioned touches. I ts modern bonuses include
an enormous Jacuzzi, two saunas (free in mornings), an
I talian caf, a wine cellar and free airport pick-ups. Children
under 12 stay at no extra charge. Q15 rooms (singles 70,
doubles 110, sui tes 180 - 200, deluxe 125). Extra bed
35. PJHRUGKDCW
Meriton Old Town Garden Hotel B-2, Pikk 29/
Lai 24, tel. (+372) 667 71 11, fax (+372) 667 70 01,
reservations@meritonhotels.com, www.meritonho-
tels.com. Tallinn's newest hotel has everything you could
possibl y want in an Old Town establishment - including two
entrances on entirel y di fferent streets. The hotel blends
perfectl y together the charms of the old world wi th the
conveniences we find handy in our modern times. In typi-
cal Old Town fashion, no two rooms are exactl y the same,
which just adds to the charm. You'll also find the mouth-
watering cakes of Caf Mademoiselle on the premises,
as well as the Estonian Dining Room and a pretty ni fty
public toilet, complete wi th an ancient well. Q50 rooms
(economy 35 - 90, standard 50 - 110, Bella Garden
130). PJHKW
Meriton Old Town Hotel A-3, Lai 49, tel. (+372)
614 13 00, fax (+372) 614 13 11, oldtown@meri-
tonhotels.com, www.meritonhotels.com. A ni ce
combinati on of modern comfor t and histori c surround-
ings are what's offered in this tourist-class hotel at the
edge of Old Town. The main building wi th i ts zi gzagging
corridors dates from the 19th century and houses some-
what small, but cheerfull y decorated guest rooms. More
interesting is the l obby, whi ch contains par t of the old
ci ty wall and the round, outer edge of the nei ghbouring
15th-century horse mill. Try the Russian Dining Room here
for some fast and authenti c Russian cuisine. Q41 rooms
(singl es 90 - 120, doubl es 108 - 120). Extra bed 22.
JRUILGKW
Nordic Hotel Forum C-4, Viru vljak 3, tel. (+372)
622 29 00/(+372) 622 29 99, fax (+372) 622 29 01,
forum@nordichotels.eu, www.nordichotels.eu. You
cer tainl y won't be abl e to miss this stylish, brass-flanked
glass structure whi ch has 137m of cedar trees lining
the roof. The hotel's interi or is thoughtfull y desi gned,
using natural materials, whi ch ooze warmth and comfor t
throughout. The premises are outfi tted wi th the latest
in communi cati on and enter tainment technol ogy, includ-
ing Skype-enabl ed rooms. I t also boasts a beauti ful spa
and excell ent, Medi terranean restaurant. The Forum's
fri endl y staff have been carefull y sel ected to make sure
travell ers who pass through i ts doors are well l ooked
after - and they cer tainl y are. Q267 rooms (singl es 95
- 150, doubl es 95 - 150, sui tes 155 - 210, business
class room 125 - 180, doubl e delux 135 - 190). Extra
bed 30, parking 17/ni ght. PJHUIFLGKw
DCW hhhh
Scandic Palace E-2, Vabaduse vljak 3, tel. (+372) 640
72 00, fax (+372) 640 72 99, palace@scandichotels.
com, www.scandichotels.com. For that classic, brass-
trimmed, bell-hopping hotel experience, i t's hard to outdo
the Scandic Palace. This old Tallinn standby manages to
outclass many newer arrivals with little touches like wood-
paneled elevators, trouser presses, and a nice caf next
to the lobby. Ask for a room facing Old Town, overlooking
Vabaduse Square. Q86 rooms (doubles 53 - 87, triples
179 - 203, suites 179 - 397). Extra bed 25, pets 12.80.
PHR6UFGKDW hhhh
26
Where to stay
27
Where to stay
Mid-range
Braavo B-3, Aia 20, tel. (+372) 699 97 77, fax (+372)
641 23 17, braavo@braavo.ee, www.braavo.ee. And now
for something completel y different! Located just at the edge
of Old Town, this bright and colourful lodging is designed with
families and youth in mind. The rooms are spacious, cheerful
and come at an affordable price. Don't expect too many extras
but if you're looking for a place to rest your head in a central
location this hotel will certainl y do. If you fancy a swim or a
workout, the attached Reval Sport complex will facilitate you.
Q27 rooms (singles 65 - 80, doubles 70 - 85, famil y room
83 - 100). Extra bed 18. JRUFLGDCW
City Hotel Portus G-3, Uus-Sadama 23, tel. (+372)
680 66 00, fax (+372) 680 66 01, portus@tallinnhotels.
ee, www.tallinnhotels.ee. A fairl y new hotel just oppo-
site the Passenger Port's D-Terminal, Portus is a boon for
economical travellers, offering decent rooms and services
at a no-nonsense price. The friendl y, slightl y goofy interior
makes it inviting, as do its Caf Retro and free internet ter-
minal in the lobby. Q107 rooms (singles 35 - 54, doubles
38 - 59, famil y room 104). Extra bed 22, pets 16.
H6ULGKDW hhh
Go Hotel Shnelli B-1, Toompuiestee 37, tel. (+372) 631
01 02, fax (+372) 631 01 01, reservations@gohotels.ee,
www.gohotels.ee. This starkly modern, seven-storey hotel
is attached to Tallinn's newly revamped railway station, which
happens to have a great location just outside the Old Town
walls. All rooms are done in a simple, no-nonsense style with a
slight railroad theme. The 'superior class' rooms on the upper
floors have beautiful views of Toompea hill. Train buffs should
book a room in the slightly cheaper 'standard class' rooms
overlooking the tracks. Try the restaurant and day spa. Q124
rooms (singles 37, doubles 38, family rooms 98). Extra bed
21, pets 13. PJH6ULGKW
Rocca al Mare Vabahumuuseumi tee 11, tel. (+372)
664 59 50, sales@roccahotels.ee, www.roccahotels.
ee. Not exactl y central, but if you've a car or don't mind riding
public transport, this hotel, located a stone's throw from a
major shopping mall, the zoo and the open air museum might
just be the place to lay your head. Rooms are clean, relativel y
affordable and they provide all the amenities you could want
- some with a sea view. Q (singles 49 - 59, doubles 65
- 71, suites 135). Extra bed 21. HKDCw
Salzburg Prnu mnt. 555, Laagri, tel. (+372) 650 39 65,
fax (+372) 650 39 00, info@salzburg.ee, www.salzburg.
ee. This hotel, located just past the Tallinn border has a style
that is Austria ber alles. Al though there are no mountains
or Fruleins singing in the hills, the rooms are comfortable,
affordable and have everything needed for a good night's rest.
The restaurant offers Austrian-themed dishes invol ving elk
and wild boar, however if you're not content to eat someone
else's trophy, the hotel will arrange hunting trips for guests.
Q53 rooms (singles 23 - 36, doubles 29 - 48). Extra bed
13, pets 10, caravan 15. PH6UILGKDW
Tallink Express A-4, Sadama 9, tel. (+372) 667 87 00,
fax (+372) 667 88 00, expresshotel@tallink.ee, www.
hotels.tallink.com. The smart-looking structure 300m from
the passenger port is home to a sparklingl y modern and
orderl y hotel that caters to visitors who want easy access
to both the Old Town and to Helsinki-bound ships. Guests are
treated to free wireless internet, and should consider trying
out the hotel's famed soup buffet. Q163 rooms (singles 38
- 79, doubles 38 - 79, famil y room 63). Extra bed 25, pets
14. HR6ULGKW hh
Sokos Hotel Viru C-4, Viru vljak 4, tel. (+372) 680 93 00,
fax (+372) 680 92 36, viru.reservation@sok.fi, www.viru.
ee. Occupying an enviable spot on what's generally considered
the very centre of Tallinn, the large, Finnish-managed Sokos Hotel
Viru offers an unbeatable combination of amenities and location.
Aside from several classes of spiffy rooms, a conference centre,
two respectable restaurants and a popular nightclub, the hotel
also has direct access to the huge Viru shopping centre, which
can satisfy even the deepest of retail cravings. Rooms are
furnished in a colourful, friendly style. Q516 rooms (singles
83 - 158, doubles 93 - 168, suites 223 - 298, family rooms
98 - 168, double deluxe 113 - 208). Extra bed 20, pets 10.
PJHR6ULGKDW
St. Barbara E-2, Roosikrantsi 2a, tel. (+372) 640 00 40,
fax (+372) 640 00 41, reservations@stbarbara.ee, www.
stbarbara.ee. More affordable than many other centrally located
hotels in its class, the St. Barbara delivers the same high quality,
but without certain extras like a lobby bar and sauna. The rooms
here have been recently 'refreshed' and are quite comfortable,
many featuring high ceilings and enormous windows. Be sure to
ask about the interesting legend surrounding the saint from which
the hotel got its name. Q53 rooms (singles 45 - 95, doubles 49
- 110, triples 70 - 140, suites 95 - 170, family room 70 - 140).
Extra bed 20, pets 13. JH6LGKW hhh
Taanilinna Hotell C-3, Uus 6, tel. (+372) 640 67 00, fax
(+372) 646 43 06, info@taanilinna.ee, www.tallinnhotels.
ee. Management have lent one of Tallinn's medieval names
to this fittingly old-fashioned looking hotel in the heart of Old
Town. The dcor here sports deliberately quaint retro-touches,
while all the fixtures are modern and even on the elegant side.
Great location for the price. Q20 rooms (singles 44 - 72,
doubles 44 - 86, suites 85 - 106). Extra bed 22. Pets 16.
JH6LGW
Tallink City Hotel G-3, Laikmaa 5, tel. (+372) 630 08 00,
fax (+372) 630 08 10, cityhotel@tallink.ee, hotels.tallink.
com. The Tallink ferry line made absolutely no compromises
on quality when they installed their sparkling, mirrored hotel in
downtown Tallinn. The full-service facility provides all the right
touches, from conference rooms and chic restaurant to candies
on the pillows. Finnish guests in particular will appreciate the
nightclub and free morning sauna. Rooms are done up in a
bright, sharp, contemporary style, with the higher priced 'de
Luxe' doubles providing a lot more space. Q332 rooms (singles
69 - 157, doubles 74 - 211, suites 99 - 301). Extra bed 25.
PHRUFLGKDW hhhh
lemiste I-5, Lennujaama tee 2, tel. (+372) 603 26 00,
fax (+372) 603 26 01, sales@ylemistehotel.ee, www.
ylemistehotel.ee. This brilliantly modern hotel next to Tallinn's
quiet airport has so many services you might not want to leave.
Aside from the fitness centre, two saunas, European-style res-
taurant and conference rooms, there's a comfortable night bar
and a BBQ terrace. Rooms on upper floors have a magnificent
view of the lake. Despite the airport-side location, it's a fairly
convenient place to stay, since buses leave from the front of the
hotel and bring you into town in about 10 minutes. Q128 rooms
(singles 99 - 115, doubles 115 - 135, suites 170 - 340). Extra
bed 25. PZHRUIFLGKDW hhhh
Budget
Al though there are l oads of hostel s around town,
the free-spi ri ted often communal l i vi ng feel of them
i s not for everyone - especi al l y i f you are l ooki ng
for somethi ng a l i ttl e more pri vate. Here are some
al ternati ves.
City Hotel G-4, Narva mnt 24 (corner of Kreutz-
waldi), tel. (+372) 640 04 05/(+372) 55 51 12
70, fax (+372) 640 04 04, info@cityhotel.ee, www.
cityhotel.ee. Al though techni call y a guest house by
Estonian rul es, Ci ty Hotel reminds more of an upscal e-
budget hotel, offering a wide range of ser vi ces including
sauna, pool and beauty parl our. The neat and modern
rooms are decorated wi th a quirky Russian aestheti c
and are comfor tabl e to say the l east, most rooms come
equipped wi th a WC and shower in-room, however you
can opt for even cheaper accommodati on that share
these ameni ti es. Q (singl es 25 - 35, doubl es 55,
tripl es 80, quads 105, sui tes 80). Extra bed 10.
PTHLGKDW
City Hotel Tallinn G/H-2, Paldiski mnt. 3, tel.
(+372) 660 07 00, fax (+372) 661 61 76, info@
uniquestay.com, www.uniquestay.com. In what seems
to be a new trend in the ci ty, the Uni que hotel has con-
ver ted some of their rooms to a no-frills concept. You can
expect the same quali ty and modern rooms as before,
just wi thout the costl y extras, such as room-cl eaning
and towel changes. These of course can be purchased
for an addi ti onal charge al ong wi th other ser vi ces. We
think i t's a great opti on for those on a budget, who don't
want a 'budget' room. Check-in is ri ght next door at the
von Stackelberg. Q17 rooms (singl es 45, doubl es 50).
Extra bed 10, pets 10. 6ULGW hh
Hotel Economy B-1, Kopli 2c, tel. (+372) 667 83
00, fax (+372) 667 83 01, booking@economyhotel.
ee, www.economyhotel.ee. Restorati on has brought
the st yl i sh, mi nt-col oured, 1920s l ook back to the
hall ways and common areas of this histori c hotel that
overl ooks the busy train stati on market area. Rooms,
by contrast, are 21st centur y all the way. The col ourful,
bri ghtl y-li t restaurant can be reser ved for groups. Q38
rooms (singles 25, doubles 50, triples 75, famil y room
55 - 75). Extra bed 15. Pets 5. 6LGKW
Pirita Convent Guesthouse Merivlja tee 18, tel.
(+372) 605 50 00, fax (+372) 605 50 06, pirita@
osss.ee, www.piritaklooster.ee. Administered by the
nuns of the Swedish St. Bridgettine order, this modern
guesthouse in their Piri ta convent naturall y has a pi ous
feel. The spaci ous rooms are decorated in comfor tabl e,
subdued whi tes, and some have windows overl ooking
the anci ent ruins of the old St. Bridgette convent, next
door. A common room, wi th TV and fridge, is availabl e to
guests. Q20 rooms (singl es 34, doubl es 47, tripl es
62, quads 80). UILNGW
Poska Villa G-4, Poska 15, tel. (+372) 601 36 01,
fax (+372) 601 37 54, poskavilla@venu.ee, www.
hot.ee/poskavilla. This turn-of-the-century villa located
on the edge of the beauti ful Kadri org park offers up a
chance for some peace and qui et. The rooms are on
the small side but ver y comfor tabl e and cer tainl y full of
col our. Home-made breakfast is ser ved by fri endl y staff
and the parking, unlike elsewhere in Tallinn, is free. Q8
rooms (singl es 42, doubl es 50 - 55, sui tes 63). Extra
bed 16, pets 16. PH6LGW
Hostels
The Estonian Youth Hostel Association's website is www.
hostels.ee.
16 Euro Hostel C-4, Roseni 9, tel. (+372) 501 30 46,
info@16eur.ee, www.16eur.ee. If it's price and location you're
after, then this recycled, former hotel turned hostel will probably
suit you just fine. The furnishings are kind of mix and match, but
it's overall quite clean, just don't expect to get a good nights
sleep here on the weekend as it also sits smack dab in the
middle of several bars, a nightclub and a gentlemen's club. We
suggest wearing earplugs and that problem just might go away.
Q (singles 25, doubles 32, triples 50, quads 56, dorm bed
10). Extra bed 9.60. Breakfast 5.75. J6DW
Academic Hostel Akadeemia tee 11, tel. (+372) 620
22 75, fax (+372) 620 22 76, info@academichostel.com,
www.academichostel.com. A large hostel 5km from the city
centre situated on the Tallinn University of Technology cam-
pus grounds, offering rooms for one or two persons (kitchen,
dining room and bathroom shared between every two) and
all surrounded by a quiet and peaceful forest. Perks include
free parking, laundry facilities and internet connections in
every room. Take trolleybus N3 from Vabaduse vljak to the
Keemia stop. Q108 rooms (Twin 27). Extra bed 16, pets
6.50, breakfast 3. R6ULGW
Chilled Backpackers B-3, Pikk 57 - 2, tel. (+372) 58 26 30
35, booking@chilledbackpackers.com, www.chilledback-
packers.com. Wow man, like, these dudes are chill - or so we
hear. Apparently the newest and coolest hostel in Old Town, Chilled
is situated in a medieval building but offers up all of the amenities
one would expect in the new millennium. They've got computers,
a sauna, a jacuzzi, WIFI, movies and even a kitchen sink. They'll
even give you some great tips on where to go, where to eat and
where to party - not as good as our tips but hey, it's something.
Q (singles 20 - 25, doubles 25). JRLD
Euphoria E-2, Roosikrantsi 4, tel. (+372) 58 37 36 02, eu-
phoria@traveller.ee, euphoria.traveller.ee. This hostel-esque
happening, brought to you by the good folks over at the Hostel
With No Name', is one of the larger places in town. It's kind of a
unique concept that centres around four apartments on different
floors and a large common room where everyone can hang out,
play the guitar, bang on bongos or if the spirit moves you, maybe
even paint your own mural on the wall. Each floor has its own
kitchen and toilet, one of them even has a bath! Light breakfast
included. Q Prices 11.20 - 12.80/person. RLW
Flying Kiwi Backpackers C-2, Nunne 1, tel. (+372)
58 21 32 92, info@flyingkiwitallinn.com, www.flying-
kiwitallinn.com. Our research suggests that Ki wis lack
the necessary wing structure to be able to fl y. However,
this hostel is so convenientl y located you won't need to fl y
anywhere. The interior is surprisingl y modern and has all of
the amenities you'd expect from a hostel and more - fancy
an evening sauna anyone? It offers up dorm-style rooms as
well as more private ones and get this, a 10% discount on
bike rentals from the folks over at City Bike Rentals & Tours.
Q6 rooms (doubles 44, triples 60, dorm room 13, twin
36). No breakfast. JGDW
28
Where to stay
29
restaurants
Apartment rental
Short-term apartment rental is a good option for anyone
staying more than a few days - you can often get a beauti-
ful, Old Town apartment for the same price you'd pay for a
cramped double room in a tourist class hotel. Apartments
come fully outfitted with dishes, towels, etc. Prices are
usually per apartment (not per person) and drop substan-
tially the longer you stay. The prices we've listed here are
for a single night and do not normally include breakfast
unless stated otherwise. Check the individual apartments'
websites for full details on their rates.
Erel Apartments & Residences H-1, Paldiski mnt.
26a, tel. (+372) 663 16 40/(+372) 524 80 99, fax
(+372) 663 16 41, erel@erel.ee, www.erel.ee. This
large, highly experienced firm manages serviced apartments
concentrated in three Old Town buildings, including one on
Town Hall Square and another in a marvellousl y restored
medi eval house on Rataskaevu. Furnishing in these 2
- 8-person apartments is mainl y Scandinavian and al ways
tasteful. Guests can stay anywhere from one day to one year,
but rates are better the longer the contract. The company
will even pick you up at the airport. Prior booking by credi t
card is required. Q 25 apartments: standard class 69
- 149, business class 108 - 249. Extra bed 31. Pets
31. JR6GW
Ites Apartments D-2, Harju 6, tel. (+372) 631 06
37/(+372) 56 21 71 14, info@ites.ee, www.ites.ee.
Geared towards travellers staying from one night to several
months, this collection of apartments around the Old Town
and centre offers full y equipped apartments, most wi th
satelli te TV and internet access. Some even have saunas,
so ask when you reserve. Car rental service also available.
Q 11 apartments from 80. JRD
RED Group Apartments C-3, Je 5, tel. (+372)
666 16 50/(+44) 20 32 86 16 50, fax (+372) 666
16 51, info@redgroup.ee, www.redgroup.ee. The Red
Group's apar tments are all full y furnished and mostl y in
Old Town, making this opti on a good choi ce for l ocati on,
quali ty and pri ce. Interi ors have a warm l ook, and the
staff are al ways ready to help guests out wi th informa-
ti on and arrange other ser vi ces like airpor t pi ck-ups
and drop-offs. Breakfast isn't included in the pri ce, but
an Old Town caf is never far. Availabl e for medium and
long-term rentals also. Q 20 apartments from 73 - 143.
PRILGDW
Villa Hortensia C-3, Vene 6, tel. (+372) 50 46 113,
fax (+372) 641 80 17, jaan.parn@mail.ee, www.
hoov.ee. The guesthouse in the newl y refurbished Old
Town Master's Cour tyard' shares i ts l ocal e wi th a gal-
l er y, ar tisans' workshops and a popular chocolate caf.
I t mostl y caters to visi ting ar tists, but anyone wi th a
reser vati on is wel come. The stylish doubl es are like tiny,
spli t-l evel apartments, each wi th i ts own mini-ki tchen and
l oft bedroom, whil e the sui te even has i ts own bal cony.
There's no recepti on, so phone ahead for keys. Q6
rooms (singl es 40, doubl es 55, sui tes 80 - 130).
Extra bed for kids 12.80. JGW
OldHouse Hostel B-3, Uus 26, tel. (+372) 641 12
81/(+372) 503 70 60, info@oldhouse.ee, www.old-
house.ee. Bright, fluffy rooms make this nicel y renovated,
Old Town establishment almost too nice to be called a hostel.
Common areas like the hall ways, TV room and guest kitchen
are just as spiffy. For those without a laptop, there's access to
an internet connected computer free of charge. Q Reception
open 24hrs.12 rooms (singles 22 - 24, doubles 32 - 36,
triples 45 - 50, quads 56 - 64, place in dorm 9 - 11).
Breakfast 4. JRLNGW
Old Town Alur B-2, Lai 20, tel./fax (+372) 646 62 10,
contact@alur.ee, www.alur.ee. Touted as being the 'big-
gest' hostel in Old Town, the Alur has everything you'd want in
a hostel plus an awesome courtyard where you can bbq in the
summer - or winter if that's your thing. They've even got brand-
spanking- new showers and organise loads of activities, some
perhaps even involving showers, for those who get bored fairly
quickl y. Great place for travellers, people who like showers,
groups of friends and those who like to shower with friends.
Q11 rooms (singles 29, doubles 45, triples 39, quads
49, place in dorm 11). No breakfast. JRGW
Old Town Backpackers C-3, Uus 14, tel. (+372) 53
83 50 95, uus14tallinn@hotmail.com. Owners insist
it's 'not for tourists, onl y for travellers', so put on your best
hippy-backpacker attitude if you plan to stay here. The cen-
trall y-located hostel on Aia is basicall y ten bunks and some
sofas crammed into two rooms, with a huge guest kitchen,
sauna, laundry, internet-connected computer. Q 10 beds
10 - 12/person. Linen 1.60. JDW
Tallinn Backpackers B-3, Olevimgi 11-1, tel. (+372)
644 02 98, tallinnbackpackers@gmail.com, www.tal-
linnbackpackers.com. Hands down this hostel is Tallinn's
best for that feeling of international traveller camaraderie.
Basicall y a collection of open bunk rooms, it's cheap, central
and friendl y, and the foreign backpacker who staff it organise
video screenings and the occasional spontaneous pub visits
and some funky tours both in and out of Tallinn. Free sauna,
kitchen, computer and WiFi. Laundry for a fee. Looking to stay
in town a little longer? They've got rooms for that too. Q5
rooms (5 Total rooms ). 34 dorm beds 9.60/bed. Extra bed
6.40. No breakfast. JRIGW
Viru Backpackers C-3, Viru 5-2, tel. (+372) 644 60 50,
virubackpackers@gmail.com, www.tallinnbackpackers.
com. Tallinn Backpackers' smaller Old Town facility has the
same fun, backpacker-run feel as its main hostel, but it's
buil t in a former office space where rooms offer more privacy.
Computer, WiFi, kitchen and laundry are available, and guests
are welcome to visit the Olevimgi location to groove with the
folks there. Q7 rooms (singles 16, doubles 32, triples 38).
Extra bed 12.80. No breakfast. JRGW
J Old Town location U Facilities for disabled
T Child friendl y 6 Pets allowed
E Live music S Take away
X Smoking area W WiFi connection
I Fireplace L Parking available
N Payment in cash onl y
Symbol key
Although the food quality in Tallinn has gone way up over
the past few years, the service quality still lags behind
the rest of the civilised world. Youll still have to ask for
most of those little extras like butter with your rolls and
fresh ground pepper when you can clearly see the giant
pepper-grinder from the corner of your eye.
Another thing that has become inevitable is the excruci-
atingly long wait for the cheque at the end of the meal,
even when youve clearly stated that you are finished.
Weve been trying for some time to start some sort of
a mini cultural revolution in this regard, but until things
change we suggest you just be upfront with the server
and demand your bill when you get the chance.
That being said, please tip your server if they are the
least bit friendly or attentive, after all, they are among
the lowest wage earners in the country. Approximately
10% is fairly standard, well leave it up to you.
Restaurant tips
Due to the current economic climate you may find that
the occasional restaurant we have listed here has either
closed its doors or reduced its hours of operation, but
we've tried our best to have an accurate list by print time.
Also be aware that in most cases you'll have to seat your-
self, so don't wait around like a dummy - just grab an avail-
able seat and you'll eventually be brought a menu. In pubs,
you'll likely need to order and pay at the bar. Service in the
centre is nearly always English-speaking and foreign-lan-
guage menus are the rule, although the words may not
always be spelled correctly. VAT (20%) is always included
and service should never be added to the bill.
African
African Kitchen B-3, Uus 32/34, tel. (+372) 644 25
55, info@africankitchen.ee, www.africankitchen.ee.
This highl y funky African-themed establishment is the place
to go for affordable, exotic meals and a trendy, lounge-like
atmosphere. Traditional and contemporary cuisine from the
continent is served in hip, colourful surroundings. Lounge
tables in the main room are a bit low, so reserve a spot in
the cosier Cave Room' for more comfortable dining. Service
slows considerabl y when crowded. QOpen 12:00 - 24:00,
Fri, Sat 12:00 - 02:00. (9.60). JLDXSW
American
Baby Back Ribs & BBQ H-1, Endla 45 (Kristiine
Centre), tel. (+372) 600 55 92, booking@babyback.
eekristiine@babyback.ee, www.babyback.ee. You will se-
riously question what country you're in once you step into this
authenticall y American-style ribs joint. Upholstered booths,
bottles of Heinz 57 on the tables and a piped in radio station
from Louisiana make it perhaps more American than any place
in America. The long menu includes pizzas, milkshakes and
burgers, but the steaks and ribs are the stars here. Order
the full rack 'monster' and contemplate why Texans are so
huge. QOpen 10:00 - 21:00, Fri, Sat 10:00 - 22:00. Also at:
Kallaste Keskus 12, Tabasalu, tel 600 55 62, booking@
babyback.ee. Open 12:00 - 22:00, Fri - Sat 12:00 - 23:00.
(10.85). T6ULSW
Mack Bar-B-Que H-4, Tartu mnt. 63, tel. (+372) 601
09 69, table@americanfood.ee, www.americanfood.
ee. In terms of American-style atmosphere and service, it's
hard to get any more authentic than Mack. Designers of this
combination sports bar/famil y-style restaurant went all the
way, with red, vinyl booths, bottles of Heinz catsup, piped-in
80s hits and no smoking' signs in Spanish. There's even
free ice-water! Unfortunatel y the food quality doesn't reall y
li ve up to expectations. The long menu includes nachos,
pizza, burgers and milkshakes, but barbecued meats are the
speciality. If you get stuck, just order a Dr. Pepper. QOpen
12:00 - 23:00, Fri 12:00 - 24:00, Sat, Sun 13:00 - 24:00.
(10.85). TVXS
Texas Honky Tonk & Cantina B-3, Pikk 43, tel.
(+372) 631 17 55, texas@texas.ee, www.texas.ee.
Beer ads, steer horns, cactus and rowdy conversation - this
bar screams 'Texas' so loud you might think you've walked into
one of those old roadhouse movies. Thankfully the ambience
is more rock and blues than twangy two-step. The long menu
is mostl y U.S. -style Tex-Mex (Cadillac nachos, quesadillas,
etc) with other things like hot wings, Texas potato salad and a
decent selection of vegetarian items thrown in. Not all dishes
are as authentic as the Alamo, but enough are to make this
a decent destination for homesick Yanks. QOpen 12:00
- 24:00, Fri, Sat 12:00 - 01:00. (8). J6IESW
Argentinian
Argentiina H-2, Prnu mnt. 37, tel. (+372) 660 51 77,
info@argentiina.ee, www.argentiina.ee. Believe it or not,
they actually played 'Don't cry for me Argentina' when we were
here, but that's not why we recommend the place. The truth
is it's actuall y a well-established, popular and slightl y swank
restaurant where South American cooks grill slabs of steak
and fish right in the centre of the dining room. The formal-ish
look of the place is offset by some very quirky Mexican-style
wall dcor, as well as a lovabl y kitschy dance show on week-
ends. QOpen 12:00 - 24:00. (15). JES
30
restaurants
31
restaurants
Asian
Asian Aroma H-2, Sda 1, tel. (+372) 627 89
77/(+372) 53 31 15 63, aa.asianaroma@gmail.com,
www.asianaroma.ee. This fast-food caf was originall y
billed as pan-Asian, but just about everything on the menu
seems to be Chinese, or at least Chinese-like. The spring
rolls were great, and the sweet and sour fish was, well...
let's say edible, though uninspired. On the plus side, the
service is actuall y fast and friendl y. QOpen 12:00 - 22:00.
(5.75). VS
Asian Wok & Grill H-2, Paldiski mnt. 4 (Meriton
Grand Conference & Spa Hotel), tel. (+372) 628 81 51,
hotel@meritonhotels.com, www.meritonhotels.com.
Other than the fact that i t's pretty tasty food for a decent
price, there's one more bonus - you can eat as much as you
want for that same price! There are a couple of ways to get
your food here. The first way is to load your plate full of hot
and ready Asian cuisine, take i t back to your table and dig
in. The second option is to fill your plate full of meats and
vegetables, choose a sauce and have the smiling chef 'wok'
i t up for you. Starters, sushi, soups, salad and a dessert
are also included - in case you were worried. Drinks cost
extra and there's also an la carte menu for those wi th
li ttle imagination. QOpen 12:00 - 15:00; 18:00 - 23:00.
(Buffet 25). JUW
Bollywood B-2, Pikk 31, tel. (+372) 644 24 45/(+372)
56 24 26 07, info@bollywood.ee, www.bollywood.
ee. This slash-Indian-Asian place in Tallinn is actuall y quite
decent and usuall y fills up in the evening hours. The name
and dcor are decidedl y Indian but they offer a plethora of
Chinese and Thai samplings for those that prefer crispy or
coco-nutty over chutney. As is the norm for the genre, mains
come wi th rice and can usuall y feed two - as long as an
appetiser has been ordered. QOpen 12:00 - 23:00. (10).
TJ6VXSW
Chedi B-3, Sulevimgi 1, tel. (+372) 646 16 76, chedi@
chedi.ee, www.chedi.ee. Call it a swank, upscale restaurant
with an Asian menu, or an Asian restaurant done up to the
nines. In either case, what you'll get at Chedi is a sleek, novel
dining experience that fuses East Asian and Western trends.
This is where Thai Pike Perch meets lamb chop in chocolate
sauce, and the quality is al ways top-notch. The onl y hiccup
here is the service, which can at times be sluggish. QOpen
12:00 - 23:00, Fri, Sat 12:00 - 24:00, Sun 13:00 - 22:00.
(17). JS
Everest Kathmandu H-3, Liivalaia 19, tel. (+372) 644
20 68, www.kathmandu.ee. Set up like a casual, lunch
caf, this nominall y Nepalese establishment is a contrast in
styles, meaning the piped-in monks' chanting clashes a bit
with the sexy Fashion TV models strutting on the corner set.
The menu is divided into Indian and Chinese sections, and
the food was passable. Be warned that if you opt to try the
chef's own sauce, you'll want to suck on a fire extinguisher.
QOpen 11:00 - 23:00. (6). 6VSW
Masala D-4, Maakri 19/21, tel. (+372) 610 84 40,
info@masala.ee, www.masala.ee. Masala, which in Hindi
means a mixture of spices used in cooking, is the kind of
place that's filled with warmth. We're pretty certain that at
least one of the many Asian dishes on offer here will find a
suitable home in your bell y. The garlic Naan was perfect and
the crispy lamb was quite succulent. Onl y one caveat, if you
like it spicy ask for it, as the heat is tuned down a bit to reflect
local preferences. QOpen 11:00 - 23:00, Sat 12:00 - 23:00,
Sun 12:00 - 22:00. (13). VESW
St. Michael Juusturestoran (St. Michael
Cheese Restaurant) B-2, Nunne 14, tel. (+372)
627 48 45/(+372) 627 48 04, restoran@impe-
rial.ee, www.juusturestoran.ee. Monks and cheese
- al ways an unbeatable combination. The Imperial Hotel
building was once part of the St. Michael Nunnery, so
naturall y waiters in monks' garb preside over its smart,
medieval style restaurant. Choose from cheesy mains
such as tournados with Roquefort, but be warned though
that they're on the heavy side. There's also a cheese-free
menu for the lactose wary. QOpen 17:00 - 23:00, Fri, Sat
16:00 - 24:00. (17). TJULESW
Say cheese!
Balkan
Admiral G-3, Lootsi 15, tel. (+372) 662 37 77, admiral@
estpak.ee, www.aurulaev-admiral.ee. A meal at Admiral, a
smart restaurant built into an old steam ship, has to be of the
most unforgettable dining experiences in town. The service
and atmosphere here harken back to times when a luxury sea
voyage was the height of class. While waiting for your meal
you are encouraged to check out the multitude of old photos,
model ships and seafaring memorabilia that grace the interior.
The impressive view of Tallinn harbour through the portholes is
unquestionably 100% Estonian, but the menu here is actually
Balkan, with Serbian beef and other lamb and fish dishes from
that region. QOpen 12:00 - 23:00. (12.80). TLXS
Caucasian
Hearty cuisine from Armenia, Georgia and Azerbaijan
became popular here during Soviet times and continues to
leave its mark on the local culinary scene.
Must Lammas C-3, Sauna 2, tel. (+372) 644 20 31,
restoran@mustlammas.ee, www.mustlammas.ee. Serv-
ing up a chic, gourmet take on Georgian cuisine - elsewhere a
relatively casual affair - Black Sheep certainly stands out in the
herd. Not that anyone's complaining. The restaurant's sharp
interior is worthy of a design catalogue, and the excellent
trout with raisins, plums and estragon we had was far more
exciting than anything you'd find at the average shashlyk
(kebab) stand. Rest assured though that shashlyk and other
Georgian favourites are available here too. QOpen 12:00
- 23:00, Sun 12:00 - 18:00. (9.60). TJ6S
Pirosmani lipilaste tee 1, Nmme district, tel. (+372)
639 32 46, info@pirosmani.ee, www.pirosmani.ee. This
one is way off the map, but it's the only place we've found that
makes Georgian food like they do in Georgia. The restaurant's
cosy, country tavern interior gives it a kind of downmarket
authenticity, and if you can't decipher the menu, just look
at the pictures. In summer there is also an outside seating
area with a small kids' playground. In the Nmme suburb, take
trolleybus N3 about 30 minutes to the Ehitajate tee stop,
then go left and pass the university. QOpen 10:00 - 24:00,
Fri, Sat 10:00 - 01:00. (7.35). IXS
Bistroo Mary G-2, Paldiski mnt. 4 (Meriton Grand
Conference & Spa Hotel), tel. (+372) 628 81 50,
hotel@meritonhotels.com, www.meritonhotels.
com. One of several eateries at the sparkling Meriton
Conference and Spa Hotel, Bistroo Mary is simple yet
elegant. The international cuisine is all fresh, delightfull y
prepared and the desserts - to die for. QOpen 12:00
- 15:00. Closed Sat, Sun. Buffet lunch 20. UW
Express Caf Soup Gallery A-4, Sadama 9, tel.
(+372) 667 87 00, expresshotel@tallink.ee, www.
hotels.tallink.com. On a cold day it's hard to go past an all
you can eat soup buffet. There are always at least six tasty
soups to choose from, so take your time and enjoy. QOpen
11:30 - 21:00, Sat, Sun 12:00 - 21:00. (4.15). USW
Kikka Buffet G-3, Lootsi 7, tel. (+372) 669 88 60,
info@kikka.ee, www.kikka.ee. Al though they call
themsel ves a buffet restaurant - theres not a whole lot
that really classifies them as a buffet place. What they do
offer though is a hearty, inexpensive lunch right near the
port. Breakfast can also be had here from 9:00 - 11:00
dail y. QOpen 11:00 - 19:00. (2.90). TUSW
Turg C-2, Mndi 3, tel. (+372) 641 24 56, reserve@
turg.ee, www.turg.ee. Turg's hearty buffet is a hidden
gem, tending towards the Eastern European style, and
the people in the ki tchen reall y seem to know what
they're doing. Servings cost 1 per 100g, coffee and
water are included. QOpen 11:30 - 24:00. Lunch buffet
12:00 - 15.00. JS
Buffet express
32
restaurants
33
restaurants
Chinese
new
Cha Dao G-3, Suur-Patarei 2, tel. (+372) 642 00
03, info@chadao.ee, www.chadao.ee. A shor t hop
from Old Town, near the Fat Margaret tower, Cha Dao is
certainl y Tallinns most exclusi ve Chinese restaurant. The
interior is stylish, the cuisine is excellent and you can find
dishes here that you wont be able to find anywhere else
in Estonia. That being said, i ts a li ttle pricey i f you just
have a hankering for sweet and sour pork for lunch. Huge
selection of teas and surprisingl y, an organic Chinese beer.
QOpen 12:00 - 24:00.
China Inn C-3, Viru 9, tel. (+372) 648 45 85, www.
chinainn.ee. Located smack dab in the middl e of Viru
street, this 100% Chinese cellar-restaurant has all the
makings of a tourist trap, but isn't. The food is pretty
decent, and certainl y prepared from authenti c recipes.
Some of the dishes are a li ttle on the expensi ve side, but
you can still fill your bell y and afford to have drinks wi th
friends later. Check out the affordable buffet too. QOpen
11:00 - 23:00. (18.80). JS
Dao Hua H-3, Mardi 1, tel. (+372) 660 60 17, info@
daohua.ee, www.daohua.ee. When we arri ved here the
first time, on a Monday, they were closed to the public -
however, a bus-load of Chinese nationals got off and filled
the oddl y located restaurant to the brim. Considering that
so many Chinese would want to come and eat here, we
vowed to come back, even though i t's a bi t off the centre.
When we did finall y dine here, we weren't disappointed.
The quali ty was qui te good and the dishes were authentic.
QOpen , Tue, Wed, Sun 12:00 - 20:00, Thu, Fri, Sat 12:00
- 22:00. Closed Mon. (10). SW
Golden Dragon B-2/3, Pikk 37, tel. (+372) 631 35
06, golden.dragon@mail.ee, www.goldendragon.ee.
A l ong-time favouri te among Tallinn's experi enced diners,
this li ttl e cellar restaurant's food quali ty has suffered
mi xed revi ews as of late. However, we qui te liked i t the
last time we were here so we'll l et you be the judge. The
por ti ons of spring rolls continue to be bi g enough to feed
you and 1.3 billi on of your cl osest fri ends. Be warned
though that the servi ce, whil e al ways friendl y, can slow to
a crawl when things get busy. Come by for the economi cal
weekday lunch special. QOpen 12:00 - 23:00. (8.95).
TJIVS
Kathmandu Hill H-2, Prnu mnt. 36, tel. (+372)
631 42 12, kathmanduhill@gmail.com, www.kath-
manduhill.ee. Mainl y catering to the local lunch crowd,
this is a simple, brick-lined, caf-like affair serving mainl y
Chinese and a bi t of Indian cuisine to those coming in off
the busy street outside. Because the food is fairl y decent,
i t's developed i ts share of regulars. I f you want spice, be
sure to tell the cook. QOpen 11:00 - 22:30, Sun 12:00
- 22:30. (9). VSW
Peking C-3, Mrivahe 52, tel. (+372) 51 91 66
16/(+372) 644 05 71, balty2003@hotmail.com,
www.peking.ee. One of the oldest restaurants of i ts
kind in town, Peking, is in fact getting old. I t does however
offer a very interesting and creati ve menu featuring an
Aphrodisiac selection that includes Fried bull eggs wi th
sauce', among other supposed sexual enhancing delica-
cies. The atmosphere is a li ttle tacky, albei t not surprising
for a restaurant of the genre, but unfortunatel y we found
the food to be mediocre. QOpen 12:00 - 22:00, Fri, Sat
12:00 - 23:00. (7.70). J6IS
Estonian
Estonian Dining Room A-3, Pikk 29 (in Meriton Old Town
Garden Hotel), tel. (+372) 664 88 03, garden@meritonho-
tels.com, www.meritonhotels.com/garden_gastronomy/.
Joining the long list of gastronomic possibilities to be had at the
Meriton hotel chain - the Estonian Dining Room offers its guests
the possibility to sample some local cuisine for a reasonable
price. Whether it be blood sausage, Baltic herring, kama, kali or
some interesting porridges - you'll find it here. Cosy atmosphere
too. QOpen 12:00 - 23:00. (10). J6W
Kaerajaan C-2, Raekoja plats 17, tel. (+372) 615
54 00, kaerajaan@kaerajaan.ee, www.kaerajaan.ee.
Named after a popular national folk dance, this is an Esto-
nian-themed restaurant with a modern twist. It consists of a
caf on the main floor and a slightl y more formal restaurant
in the top floor. You won't find any of the traditional, national
dishes on the menu, however you will be pleased to discover
many Estonian ingredients sporting an haute cuisine style.
Check out the upstairs toilet for a trul y architectural experi-
ence. QOpen 11:00 - 24:00. (11.80). JW
Kuldse Notsu Krts C-2, Dunkri 8, tel. (+372) 628 65
67, knk@schlossle-hotels.com, www.notsu.ee. Heaven
for pork-lovers, at the Golden Piglet Inn' the cooks even put
bacon in the bread! This country-style Estonian restaurant
undeniabl y caters to the tourist crowd, but we reall y liked
the bright, folk-art motif. The menu is much more interest-
ing than the heavy food however, offering such dishes as the
'Estonian sausage feast for two' get your minds out of the
gutter ladies, or the ever popular 'crisp pork knuckle with
sauerkraut.' Despite the carnivorous theme, a selection of
vegetarian dishes is available for those herbivores out there.
QOpen 12:00 - 23:00. (12.80). JUISW
Estonian Dining Room is oering
authentic Estonian cuisine.
Menu features Estonian national food
as golden fried Baltic herring, spicy
blood sausage, kama cream etc.
In the beverage list there is
represented typical drink of Estonians
kali or kvas and large variety
of beers and mead.
Restaurant is open
Sun-Thu 12.00-22.00 and
Fri-Sat 12.00-23.00
and is located in the
Meriton Old Town Garden Hotel
Lai 24/ Pikk 29
For reservations
please call
(+372) 66 48 803
Leib B-3, Uus 31, tel. (+372) 611 90 26/(+372) 53 49
68 32, info@leibresto.ee, www.leibresto.ee. Another one
of our new favourites, Leib - which means bread in Estonian,
has hi t the mark on each of the several occasions we've
visited. The service has been stellar, the fresh and interesting
cuisine has certainl y pleased the palate and the atmosphere
- is refreshing, for lack of a better term. One of the owners is
al ways on site and they bend over backwards to make sure
your experience is mention-worthy. Fantastic home-made
bread and prices that won't leave you broke. QOpen 12:00
- 15:00; 18:00 - 23:00. Closed Sun. (11). TJIEW
Liisu Juures C-2, Raekoja plats 13, tel. (+372) 644
19 83, info@liisujuures.com, www.liisujuures.com. Set
in a historic cellar on Town Hall Square, you'll find authentic
Estonian food presented in a gourmet fashion at Liisu's Place.
Choices such as 'pork knuckle for 2', served with sweet and
sour red cabbage and braised potatoes are on offer as are
'frisky sausages' for the kids, all of which can be enjoyed on
the outdoor summer terrace, weather and season permitting.
QOpen 11:00 - 23:00. (10.25). JIS
Mekk D-2/3, Suur-Karja 17/19, tel. (+372) 680 66
88, info@mekk.ee, www.mekk.ee. For modern Estonian
cuisine done right, make sure to pay a visi t to the Savoy
Boutique hotel's culinary gem that is Mekk. Al though the
portions are somewhat dietary, the fare is fresh, prepared
imaginatively and the meals come complete with home-made
artisan bread. The service was pleasantly welcoming, as were
the prices for the overall experience. We highl y recommend
the to-die-for desserts, which in our opinion belong under
glass in an art gallery. QOpen 12:00 - 23:00. Closed Sun.
(12.80). TJ6USW
B-4, Mere pst. 6e, tel. (+372) 661 61 50, restoran@
restoran-o.ee, www.restoran-o.ee. Despite being named
for one of Estonia's hardest-to-pronounce vowels, is well
worth seeking out. The atmosphere of stylish, charcoal-co-
loured furniture, with dove-wing chandeliers overhead add an
artistic touch. The equally fashionable menu, prepared by one
of Estonia's most decorated chefs, is inventive and modern
with emphasis on the use of local ingredients. Here you can
find mouth-watering moose dishes, home-made reductions
and fresh seasonal fish. QOpen 12:00 - 23:00, Fri, Sat 12:00
- 24:00, Sun 13:00 - 22:00. (22.35). JLSW
Vanaema Juures C-2, Rataskaevu 10/12, tel. (+372)
626 90 80, vanaema.juures@mail.ee, vonkrahl.ee/et/
toit/vanaemajuures. True to its name, Grandma's Place
treats its guests to a warm welcome and a cosy dining room
filled with antiques. Take heart that there's no sign of the big,
bad wolf here, though wild boar is occasionall y on the menu.
Elk roast is a regular feature and the lamb with bleu cheese
comes highl y recommended. Reservations are a good idea
for Friday and Saturday evenings. QOpen 12:00 - 22:00, Sun
12:00 - 18:00. (9.60). TJS
Kapten Tenke E-2, Prnu mnt. 30, tel. (+372)
644 56 30, restoran@kaptentenkes.ee, www.kap-
tentenkes.ee. An old-time Tallinn favourite, this friendl y,
little restaurant sports wooden tables, garlic wreaths and
lots of strange, little doilies, all shining a nostalgic light on
the land of Estonia's Finno-Ugric cousins. The focus here
is on tasty Hungarian favorites, prepared with your pocket-
book in mind. We quite liked the pork snitzel. QOpen
12:00 - 23:00, Sun 13:00 - 22:00. (9). TSW
Hungarian
34
restaurants
35
restaurants
French
Bonaparte B-3, Pikk 45, tel. (+372) 646 44 44,
bonaparte@bonaparte.ee, www.bonaparte.ee. You'll be
hard pressed to find a more elegant locale for French cuisine.
Set in an amazingly restored 17th-century merchant's house,
Bonaparte is a high-class affair all the way, from the compli-
mentary elk carpaccio to the wine and cheese cellar. The
portions seem small though - maybe it was the huge plates.
QOpen 12:00 - 24:00. Closed Sun. (19.15). JSW
C'est La Vie C-2, Suur-Karja 5, tel. (+372) 641 80 48,
info@cestlavie.ee, www.cestlavie.ee. One of the most
impressive restaurants we've had the pleasure of reviewing
comes in the form of this snazzy cellar venue. From the black
and gold 1920's motif to the friendl y service and the heated
floors, C'est La Vie gets top marks. The internationally infused
menu contains just the right amount of Frenchness and the
artfull y prepared food is more than magnifique. We think
it's the perfect spot for a romantic dinner or just a classy
start to any evening out. QOpen 13:00 - 24:00. (14.50).
J6ESW
Gastropubs
Clayhills Gastropub C-2, Pikk 13, tel. (+372) 641 93
12, clayhills@clayhills.ee, www.clayhills.ee. The first of
its kind in the Bal tics, Clayhills Gastropub has raised the bar
high. With executive chef Argo Ots (formerl y of Pegasus) at
the kitchen's helm, the fresh cuisine is more along the lines
of a Michelin Star restaurant than that of a pub. Fortunatel y
you won't have to pay Michelin level prices. The rich interior
is heavily garnished with leather and the cellar is well stocked
with quality beers and wines alike. The service also comes
with a smile and the atmosphere is brimming with warmth.
QOpen 11:00 - 24:00, Wed, Thu 11:00 - 01:00, Fri, Sat 11:00
- 02:00. (11). J6EW
new
Brewery Beer Club (Brewery lleklubi) C-2, Pikk 1,
tel. (+372) 631 36 31. With 47 different beers to choose
from (including Stella on tap), a stylish interior and excellent
service - BBC certainl y has a lot going for it. The menu, which
has a lot of potential, did not quite live up to our expectations
though. Wi th the Estonian favouri te, potato seasoning
blanketing our fries and a burger that li terall y fell apart in
our hands under the weight of what appeared to be Caesar
salad dressing - this addition to Tallinns dining season falls a
little flat. QOpen 12:00 - 01:00, Thu, Fri, Sat 12:00 - 04:00.
(12). JIEXSW
Balthasar C-2, Raekoja plats 11, tel. (+372) 627
64 00, balthasar@ag.ee, www.balthasar.ee. Beauti-
fully-restored dining rooms overlooking Town Hall Square
provide Balthasar the perfect aristocratic setting for its
refined establishment. The speciality of the house is garlic,
and everything that can be made with it. The number of
bulbs next to each menu item indicates the dent it will put
in your evening's social prospects. Just when you thought
you had enough garlic, a quick look at the dessert menu re-
veals garlic ice cream! Reservations are recommended.
QOpen 12:00 - 24:00. (17). TJEW
Garlic
Al though we here at Tallinn I n Your Pocket nei ther
condone nor support eating j unk food, especiall y
wi th bikini season j ust around the corner, here's a
list of for all you fast food j unki es out there.
Hesburger C-4, Viru 27a, tel. (+372) 58 50 12
12, tallin3@hesburger.f i, www.hesburger.ee.
Finland's burger empire has done i ts home town of
Turku proud. Heavy emphasis on heavy mayonnaise.
QOpen 09:00 - 23:00, Fri, Sat 09:00 - 05:00. Also
at: C-4, Viru vljak 4 (Viru Centre), tel. 58 50 12
13, viru@hesburger.fi. Open 09:00 - 23:00, Fri, Sat
09:00 - 01:00. JS
McDonald's & McCaf C-3, Viru 24, tel. (+372)
631 44 33, www.mcdonalds.ee. There's a chance
that eating burgers may make you fat. There, we
warned you. Please don't sue us. Now you can also en-
j oy a decent latt al ongside your 'Royal wi th Cheese'
thanks to the McCaf. Gi ve i t up for the accent mark.
QOpen 08:00 - 24:00, Fri, Sat 08:00 - 02:00.
JSW
Nehatu B-1, Toompuiestee 39, tel. (+372) 615 60
57, baltijaam@nehatu.ee. A long-time local favouri te,
look for the suspiciousl y-smiling hamburger sign behind
the train station. QOpen 07:00 - 19:00, Sat 08:00
- 19:00, Sun 09:00 - 19:00. NS
Square Kebab D-2, Vabaduse vljak 9 (in tun-
nel), tel. (+372) 699 95 50, info@squarekebab.
ee, www.squarekebab.ee. Thi s may or may not
be the best kebab place in town - depending on who
you ask or what your defini ti on of a good kebab place
i s. Regardl ess of that, they cer tainl y have a huge
sel ecti on of things that you can eat al ongside kebab
meat and the l ocati on is easy to find. QOpen 10:00
- 22:00. JLS
TurKebab D-4, Kaubamaja 6, www.turkebab.
com/ee/. Apparentl y par t of a Lat vi an chai n,
Turkebab was actuall y pl easantl y surpri sing. The
'Durum Kebab' was probabl y the best we've ever
had in Estonia and unlike most kebab places in town
they actuall y offer a yoghur t-garli c sauce. Pretty de-
cent baklava too. QOpen 10:00 - 23:00, Sun 12:00
- 22:00. SW
Turkish Kebab D-4, Vana-Viru 10, tel. (+372)
627 12 00. Another popul ar al ternati ve to the
bi g Ameri can fast food chai n that shal l remai n
namel ess, thi s kebab place i s actuall y owned by a
nati ve of the former Byzantine empire. There's a
wide sel ecti on of meaty di shes and pi zzas availabl e
but our favouri te i s the Dner kebab on a pi ta. You
can get any of the i tems to go or enj oy them on the
roof top pati o, weather permi t ting. QOpen 10:00
- 18:00. JS
XPRS Deli D/E-3/4, Estonia pst. 9 (Solaris
Centre), tel. (+372) 600 02 10, solaris@xprsdeli.
eu, xprsdeli.eu. Featuring l oads of fresh choi ces,
deli-styl e sandwi ches and even a tempting sweet
deli ght or 12, XPRS is a ni ce al ternati ve to the deep-
fri ed places when you're on the move. QOpen 10:00
- 21:00. JS
Fast food German
Baieri Kelder E-2, Roosikrantsi 2a, tel. (+372) 640 00
45, www.stbarbara.ee. All the classic beer-hall elements are
presented in the Hotel St. Barbara's cellar restaurant. It's got
the vaulted stone ceilings, the heavy wooden tables and the
obligatory, outrageously happy, piped-in schlager music. The
brief menu offers things like Bavarian hunter sausages and
Vienna schnitzel. Our pike perch came decently peppery, but
was served with less-than-cohesive potato dumplings. QOpen
12:00 - 23:00, Sun 14:00 - 21:00. (10.55). TILEW
Beer House C-2, Dunkri 5, tel. (+372) 644 22 22, info@
beerhouse.ee, www.beerhouse.ee. In keeping wi th i ts
beer-drinking theme, the menu at Tallinn's onl y microbrewery
lists six different kinds of sausages (pizza also available). The
real reason to stop in though is the beer-hall ambience and
the unpasteurised, home-made brew, which comes in seven
varieties. QOpen 11:00 - 24:00, Fri, Sat 11:00 - 02:00.
(10.55). J6EXS
Schnitzel Haus D-2, Rtli 28/30, tel. (+372) 645
00 59, schnitzelhaus@schnitzelhaus.ee, www.schnit-
zelhaus.ee. Accordion-heavy pop hi ts, wooden beer hall
tables and vaul ted ceilings, come together to form this den
of schnitzel. The menu consists mainl y of... well - schnitzel
and they will certainl y have you yodelling. Just in case you're
not in the mood for a pounded-flat, breaded and fried meal,
they've also got a few other meaty mains to choose from and
a 'Radler' on the drink menu was also a plus. QOpen 12:00
- 24:00. (8.30). TJ6ILESW
Greek
Artemis Taverna B-3, Pikk 35, tel. (+372) 644 11 14,
info@artemis.ee, www.artemis.ee. Having Greek owners,
who actuall y cook the food, puts Artemis far, far above the
other 'Greek' restaurants in town. This is a tiny, but well-ap-
pointed restaurant where each table is named after an island,
and plastic grapes dangle from the ceiling. Authentic items like
moussaka, pasticcio and several feta dishes make up the
menu. The meat platter was fantastic; in fact our mouths are
still watering. QOpen 12:00 - 23:00, Fri, Sat 12:00 - 24:00,
Sun 12:00 - 21:00. (10.20). JS
Syrtaki Taverna C-1, Piiskopi 1, tel. (+372) 644 60 76,
syrtaki@hot.ee, www.syrtaki.ee/tavern. One of the very
few eating establishments located on Toompea, this little
Greek Tavern serves up hearty, meat and onion-laden dishes
even Zorba could appreciate. Expect to find a plethora of Greek
favourites prepared according to traditional recipes. Be warned
though that portions here are rather large and the meals meant
for two could almost feed an army. QOpen 11:00 - 22:00, Fri,
Sat 10:00 - 23:00, Sun 10:00 - 19:00. (9.60). JIS
36
restaurants
37
restaurants
Indian
Caf VS E-2, Prnu mnt. 28, tel. (+372) 627 26 27,
info@cafevs.ee, www.cafevs.ee. After all these years Cafe
VS is still a popular, cutting-edge bar rather than a traditional
Indian restaurant. Nevertheless this is where Tallinn's expats,
Indians included, end up when they crave a good Indian meal.
A good pick for fantastic Tandoori cuisine without the formality
(and price) of other Indian venues. The main courses can be
quite large, but they do offer a half-portion not listed on the
menu. QOpen 10:00 - 24:00, Fri 10:00 - 02:00, Sat 12:00
- 02:00, Sun 12:00 - 24:00. (10.55). USW
Chakra B-3, Bremeni kik 1, tel. (+372) 641 26 15,
info@chakra.ee, www.chakra.ee. I f there's one thing
you should know about Chakra, i t's that the people who
envisioned it have a long and successful history bringing inno-
vation and quality to the local dining scene. The atmosphere
comes complete with authentic, often naughty, knick-knacks
from India. The food is prepared with care, using top-notch
ingredients and recipes, some of which onl y the best chefs
from the home country can pull off. In short, we think that it
probably won't be the last time we'll dine here. QOpen 12:00
- 24:00, Fri, Sat 12:00 - 01:00. (11.95). JSW
Elevant C-2/3, Vene 5, tel. (+372) 631 31 32, elevant@
elevant.ee, www.elevant.ee. This is an exceptional Old
Town al ternative to medieval theme restaurants. Beautiful
dcor from the entry foyer's antique wrought iron staircase to
the sparse earthy sheik furnishings make it a place to linger
over your meal. The sophisticated East meets West style also
extends to the menu, offering a wide selection of innovative,
carefull y prepared Indian and fusion dishes. Adventurous
diners should pay particular attention to the meat selection.
QOpen 12:00 - 23:00. (9.60). TJS
Maharaja C-2, Raekoja plats 13, tel. (+372) 644 43
67, info@maharaja.ee, www.maharaja.ee. Of all the Indian
restaurants in Tallinn, this old favourite on Town Hall Square
is the most formal and the most invol ved - someone even
greets you at the door and fusses over you until you're seated.
The food here is absolutel y amazing, so if you don't mind the
fact that an order of rice here costs the same as a full meal
elsewhere, it's a fine choice. Every detail here is authentic,
from the large likeness of Vishnu down to the mango chutney.
QOpen 12:00 - 24:00. (13.75). JS
Spice C-2, Mndi 4 / Pikk 14, tel. (+372) 644 18 18,
info@spicerestoran.ee, www.spicerestoran.ee. Looking
for friendl y service in Tallinn? It actuall y does exist at Spice,
where they serve up a smile alongside fresh, flavourful and
spicy Indian cuisine. If you can't handle the heat, you'll also
find a decent selection of coco-nutty Thai dishes, a handful
of European and some interesting vegetarian offerings. We
hear that all the chefs here hail from India, so you're in for a
real treat. QOpen 10:00 - 23:00. (7). J6SW
International
Bossanova C-2, Kinga 1, tel. (+372) 644 65 05, info@
bossanova.ee, www.bossanova.ee. Apparently everybody
in Tallinn is doing sushi now. Sitting right on Town Hall Square,
this is a dark and swank establishment with several menus
offering everything from pizza to... you guessed it - sushi. An
army of staff buzzes about the place helping diners narrow
their choices between calzones and nigiris. We just hope the
sushi chefs won't be unheal thil y inspired by the oversized
aquarium and their pet shark named Eve. QOpen 11:00
- 01:00, Fri, Sat 11:00 - 03:00, Sun 11:00 - 24:00. (16).
TJXSW
Chicago 1933 C-3, Aia 3, tel. (+372) 627 12 66,
info@chicago.ee, www.chicago.ee. If you're lookin' for
the swankiest Speakeasy in town to take your sweetheart or
just a safe place to meet with some 'associates', you'll find
Chicago provides just that. The classy dames who serve you
won't pry into the nature of your 'business' and they'll bring you
a glass of 'Canadian whiskey' or a 'Sidecar' with a smile. The
menu is a 'brothel', chalk full of juicy meats, mouthwatering
pastas and even a nifty selection for the sweet tooth. In fact,
pretty much the onl y thing you won't find here is a deep dish
pizza ...but we'll try not to hold that against them. In short, this
joint certainl y ain't no gamble. QOpen 12:00 - 24:00, Wed,
Thu 12:00 - 01:00, Fri 12:00 - 03:00, Sat 14:00 - 03:00, Sun
14:00 - 24:00. (14). JEXSW
Clazz C-2, Vana Turg 2, tel. (+372) 627 90 22, clazz@
clazz.ee, www.clazz.ee. Occupying a prime, Old Town loca-
tion, Clazz falls somewhere between trendy restaurant and
a plush lounge bar with live music on most nights. Actuall y,
the sprawling establishment has plenty of room to be both.
The menu offers a medley of international favourites with an
emphasis on jazzy dishes you'd expect to find only in the Dirty
South'. QOpen 17:00 - 03:00, Mon, Sun 17:00 - 01:00, Fri,
Sat 17:00 - 04:00. (11). J6UEW
Dominic C-3, Vene 10, tel. (+372) 641 04 00,
dominic@restoran.ee, www.restoran.ee. The historic
Dominic has two di fferent faces - an elegant 'black & whi te'
caf in the front and a luxurious restaurant in the back.
The caf is a great place to nibble on a slice of cake while
enjoying a rich espresso or to even indul ge in one of the
light bi tes on offer. For a more formal experience, table
cloth napkins and all, the restaurant might just fi t the bill
- and cost a few too. QOpen 12:00 - 24:00, Sun 12:00
- 21:00. (13). J6W
Entrecte Restaurant C-2, Dunkri 6, tel. (+372) 697
75 10, info@merchantshousehotel.com, www.merchant-
shousehotel.com. Laid out in a warren of nicel y spruced-up
cellar rooms, the Merchant's House Hotel's restaurant wins
our praise for friendl y service and i ts quiet and romantic
ambience. You can find several meaty favourites on the small,
easy to navigate menu, but what really won our hearts was the
finest Wiener Schnitzel we've ever had in Tallinn. For daytime
diners, you can also savour the full menu from the comfortable
leather seats in the upstairs lounge. QOpen 17:00 - 22:30,
Fri, Sat 14:00 - 22:30. (12). TJISW
Kalle Kusta C-3, Viru 21, tel. (+372) 644 95 27, info@
kallekusta.ee, www.kallekusta.ee. One of the oldest 'tour-
ist traps' in all of Tallinn, somehow we missed listing them.
But if we must be honest, they haven't really been missed too
badl y. The quality of the food is on par with most older pubs
around town, but the price for food ratio is a little skewed with
the 'don't-pay-much-attention-to-the-price tourist' in mind. Not
that it was awful, just mediocre and pricey for what we got.
The cellar atmosphere was also a little lacking and left us
feeling - what's the opposite of cosy? Beware of the sketchy
character standing outside trying to tempt you into dining
here. QOpen 10:00 - 23:00. (10). J6SW
Karl Friedrich C-2, Raekoja plats 5, tel. (+372) 627
24 13, karl.friedrich@ag.ee, www.karlfriedrich.ee. This
restaurant overlooking Raekoja Plats serves up roast duck
shank and all manner of chicken and pork fillets in its nicel y
carpeted, wood-panelled, second floor dining room. The food
here is rather decent, though the prices seem to have the
free-spending tourist in mind. During the warmer months you'll
find a scaled down menu out on the terrace. QOpen 12:00
- 24:00. (16.60). TJI
Mannerheim B-4, Mere pst. 8A, tel. (+372) 661 89 20,
info@mannerheim.ee, www.mannerheim.ee. Al though
technicall y an international-style restaurant, Mannerheim,
which takes its name from the famous baron and onetime
president of Finland, certainl y has a lot of Estonian inspira-
tion when it comes to cuisine. Under the watchful eyes of
celebrated chef de cuisine Rudolf Visnapuu, timeless clas-
sics are transformed or recreated using onl y the best local
ingredients, whenever available of course. Considering the
quality, the prices are also quite reasonable. QOpen 12:00
- 24:00, Sun 12:00 - 22:00. (13). TJ
NEH G-3, Lootsi 4, tel. (+372) 602 22 22, info@neh.
ee, www.neh.ee. What began as a seasonal establish-
ment on the Island of Muhu during the summer months,
proved so popular among Estonians that they decided to
pack up the ki tchen and move to Tallinn during the colder
season. A sel f-described, 'winter retreat for foodies' - Neh,
which kind of sounds like a sneeze i f you you try to say i t
three times fast, trul y is such a culinary experience that
locals reserve far in advance just to get a table here. They
offer a less expensi ve lunch menu and a pricier, albei t more
invol ved, dinner menu. Regardless of when you plan on
checking i t out - reservations are indeed recommended.
QOpen 12:00 - 15:00; 18:00 - 21:30, Sat 18:00 - 21:30,
Sun 12:00 - 15:00. Closed Mon. Thu - Sat late ni te supper
22:00 - 23:00. (15-26). UL
Old Estonia C-2, Raekoja plats 8, tel. (+372) 641 21
83, info@oldestonia.ee, www.oldestonia.ee. Taking full
advantage of its prime Raekoja Plats position with a ceiling to
floor glass front, Old Estonia is perfect for dedicated people
watchers. The simple stylish menu is complimented by an
extensive wine list compiled from wine regions across the
globe. QOpen 10:00 - 23:00. (16). TJS
Rumours restaurant & lifestyle C-4, Vana-Viru 13,
tel. (+372) 644 10 00, info@rumours.ee, www.rumours.
ee. Psssst... have you heard the rumour? Not onl y is this a
restaurant, it's also a lifestyle. Eatery by day and lounge by
night, Rumours certainl y is trendy and, at least the last time
we stopped by, filled with apparentl y beautiful people. The
food was quite nicel y prepared as well, however, as often
happens with these kind of establishments - we did leave
kind of hungry and lighter in the wallet. QOpen 11:00 - 24:00,
Wed 11:00 - 01:00, Fri, Sat 11:00 - 03:00, Sun 12:00 - 23:00.
(13). JSW
Sfr C-4, Mere pst. 6e, tel. (+372) 56 99 22 00/(+372)
56 99 22 25, resto@sfaar.ee, www.sfaar.ee. In terms of
dcor, this eatery/fashion and wine shop is kind of a cross
between an old Soviet-era cafeteria and a stylishl y retro
second living room. The 'New Estonian' cuisine with Italian
leanings and the artisan breads certainl y had us impressed,
as did the complimentary (before 4pm) cucumber and citrus
infused pitchers of water. We've already been back for sec-
onds. QOpen 08:00 - 23:00, Sat 11:30 - 01:00, Sun 11:30
- 23:00. (8.30). TLW
Vana Toomas C-2, Raekoja plats 10, tel. (+372) 631
42 27, reserve@vanatoomas.ee, www.vanatoomas.
ee. Named after the famous Town Hall weather vane that
can actuall y be seen from some of the tables here, this
international-style restaurant/caf offers fresh baked goods,
pizzas, salads and other hearty but heal thy dishes. While
nothing fancy, the food is qui te decent and they even pres-
ent respectable and inexpensi ve breakfast options from
08:30 - 11:30 every day. We dare you to try the chocolate
cake, you may or may not regret i t. QOpen 08:30 - 24:00.
(14). JS
Von Krahli Aed C-2, Rataskaevu 8, tel. (+372) 626 90
88, aed@vonkrahl.ee, www.vonkrahl.ee/toit/restor-
anaed. The 'Garden' is a highly chic establishment with plenty
of opportunity to lounge while enjoying a fresh meal or light
snack. The emphasis here is on healthier choices and you can
choose from mains that involve spel t, hemp seeds and other
intriguing additions. They even mark items on the menu that
contain gluten, eggs and lactose. We thought the duck fillet
cooked at a low temperature with roasted vegetables and
Pl tsamaa wine sauce seemed rather interesting. QOpen
12:00 - 24:00, Sun 12:00 - 18:00. (6). J
38
restaurants
39
restaurants
Below you'll find a list of venues that specialise in
pizza, however, if you're looking for a 'special' pizza
you may visit some of the Italian restaurants in town,
which usually make an even better pie.
Attimo H-6, Peterburi tee 49, tel. (+372) 605 24
70, paolo@topmodels.ee, www.attimo.ee. Despite
its far-flung location out on the Peterburi highway, this
authentic Italian restaurant has become known for its
fantastic pizzas, cooked in a wood-fired oven. They also
have a wide selection of other Italian favorites including
to die for fresh pastas. Convenient to the Hotel Susi.
QOpen 11:00 - 22:00, Sat, Sun 12:00 - 22:00. (4.80).
TUS
Peetri Pizza B-4, Mere pst. 6, tel. (+372) 661 61
81, pizzameistrid@hot.ee, www.peetripizza.ee. A
local favouri te, Peetri offers pizzas that we find - well,
passable. Apart from this fairly simple caf, it has various
branches and stands all over town just in case you need
that cheesy fix. QOpen 11:00 - 21:00, Fri, Sat 11:00
- 22:00. (5). JS
Pizza Americana D-2, Mrivahe 2, tel. (+372)
644 88 37, merje@americana.ee, www.americana.
ee. Try any of the 60 varieties of thick tasty pizza at
this li ttl e corner pi zzeria and you'll be immobilised
for days. But i f you order your pizza by phone, you'll
have to put up a fight to eat i t there. Lunch specials
for 5.45 and 8.65. Deli very 4.50. QOpen 11:30
- 22:30. TJLVS
Pizza Grande C/D-2/3, Vike-Karja 6, tel. (+372)
641 87 18, inf o@pizzagrande.ee, www.pizza-
grande.ee. Grande's signboard proudl y displays the
flag of that great pizza-making nation - Norway. Huh?
Anyhow, the pizza in this cellar caf is fairl y tasty, and
comes in three sizes. Be warned though that the large
is more like an extra-large. QOpen 11:00 - 23:00.
(6.40). JS
Pizza
Italian
Due, perhaps in part, to the influx of Italian men who
have seemingly migrated to Tallinn because of the rather
endless supply of long-legged blondes, the city has a
plethora eateries in this category. We're not complaining
though, both the food and the blondes are bella.
Basiilik G-3, Hobujaama 5, in Coca-Cola Plaza, tel.
(+372) 56 50 99 91, info@basiilik.ee, www.basiilik.
ee. Trul y an unexpected find. Though not qui te ri valing
the best I talian cuisine in town, for a restaurant that's in
a giant cinema house, Basilik is surprisingl y high-quali ty.
Soups, pastas and other mains are served by friendl y staff
in a nicer-than-average dining room. Crowds ebb and flow
according to the film schedule. QOpen 11:30 - 23:00.
(7.65). SW
Bocca B-3, Olevimgi 9, tel. (+372) 611 72 90,
bocca@bocca.ee, www.bocca.ee. A smart, slick estab-
lishment where you'd expect to run into super-chic members
of Tallinn's A-list, or maybe a supermodel or two. Bocca
deli vers formal, professional service and an inventi ve array
of pastas and filletos (fillets), all under the watchful eye of
award-winning chef Nicolo Tanda. The attached loungy bar
is a swank place for a post meal cognac. Make reservations
on weekends. QOpen 12:00 - 23:00, Fri, Sat 12:00 - 24:00,
Sun 13.00 - 22:00. (15.65). J6S
Buongiorno D-3, Mrivahe 17, tel. (+372) 627 76
13, info@buongiorno.ee, www.buongiorno.ee. Infused
wi th the powerful fragrance of garlic and decked out wi th
unmistakabl y I talian mementoes, this small caf leaves no
room for doubt that there's the hand of a nati ve at work
here. More casual and less expensi ve than Old Town's other
I talian choices, Buongiorno will treat you to an authentic and
friendl y experience. Rumour has i t that quali ty has been
down as of late, we'll let you be the judge. QOpen 12:00
- 23:00. Closed Mon. (10). J6S
Complemento D-3, Viru 11, tel. (+372) 669 15 10,
pub@vanawiru.ee, www.vanawiru.ee. Once you get over
the location - in the lobby of the Bal tic Vana Wiru Hotel
- you'll be surprised by the wonderful quali ty-to-price ratio
here. A small selection of delicious fettucine and ravioli is
complimented by a range of 'roasts', all served wi th hot
rolls and sti ff formali ty. We found the food to be qui te good.
One hint: make sure you're seated to the left as you come
in or you'll be gi ven a pub menu. QOpen 11:00 - 23:00.
(7). TJUL
Controvento C-3, Vene 12/Katariina kik, tel. (+372)
644 04 70, info@controvento.ee, www.controvento.
ee. Decorated in a cosy combination of medieval Estonian
and rustic I talian, this stylish eatery has been a favouri te
of expats and locals for years, and deservedl y so. The food
here is absolutel y top notch, wi th excellent pastas and beef
dishes complemented by a good selection of I talian wine.
I t's featured in every tourist guidebook, so be sure to make
reservations. QOpen 12:00 - 22:45. (13). JI
Fellini C-2, Kinga 1 (Raekoja plats), tel. (+372) 631
47 75, info@fellini.ee, www.fellini.ee. Distinguished by
i ts location above Town Hall Square (defini tel y ask for a
window table!), Fellini offers pastas, meat and fish dishes
in a subdued ambience that skirts the edge of formal-
i ty. Li ve piano music two nights a week adds a romantic
touch. QOpen 11:00 - 24:00, Fri, Sat 11:00 - 01:00. (16).
TJESW
Gianni G-3, Je 4a, tel. (+372) 626 36 84, info@gianni.
ee, www.gianni.ee. Think candlelight, champagne buckets
and soft, swank moderni ty. A sophisticated, I talian restau-
rant like Gianni could pass muster anywhere in the world
- this one just happens to be in Tallinn, off Narva mnt. in the
direction of the port. Our ricotta-filled ravioli was expertl y-
prepared. Those looking for a less invol ved experience
can head to the attached Gianni Caf, open 09:00 - 21:00.
QOpen 12:00 - 23:00. (19.15). 6UISW
Krme Klik D-2, Harju 7, tel. (+372) 699 96 80,
info@kyylik.ee, www.kyylik.ee. Estonian for 'Speedy
Hare' the service at this 'I talian' restaurant was certainl y
fairl y speedy and friendl y to say the least. The atmosphere
was also qui te cosy and emanated a certain warmth. The
food on the other hand fell short of excellent. Our pizza was
raw and even after i t had been remade came back soggy
and slightl y raw. The advertised prosciutto was also noth-
ing more than ham and not the Parma variety. They did
apologise however and promised to improve. Overall not a
bad place, but there are so many authentic I talian eateries
in Old Town. QOpen 12:00 - 23:00. (8). JSW
La Bottega C-3, Vene 4, tel. (+372) 627 77 33,
info@labottega.ee, www.labottega.ee. Dreamt up by
the creati ve minds who brought you the likes of Bocca, ,
Chedi and a host of other stylish eateries, the Bottega is
certainl y just as 'sparkling'. In fact, this restaurant is styled
just like an upscale I talian 'shop' wi th shel ves of wine and
other delicacies stacked all the way to the very high ceiling.
The cuisine is equall y fresh and the service was not disap-
pointing. QOpen 12:00 - 23:00, Fri, Sat 12:00 - 24:00, Sun
13:00 - 22:00. (12.80). J6S
Limoncello C-3, Vene 6, tel. (+372) 682 58 67, info@
limoncello.ee, www.limoncello.ee. Fresh, elegant and
delicious are just three words that describe this revi talised
eatery on Vene street. The ingredients that go into the
cuisine combine the best locall y available i tems wi th certain
special touches from I tal y. There are a variety of exceptional
wines on hand and, as the name would suggest, enough Li-
moncello and inspired creations to go around. QOpen 12:00
- 23:00, Fri, Sat 12:00 - 24:00. (9.60). JSW
Luce C-2, Kullasepa 4, tel. (+372) 641 52 21. The idea
behind this I talian place is simple - to offer delicious, but
simple I talian cuisine for affordable prices to people who
like to relax and enjoy li fe. The atmosphere is stylish but
equall y relaxed and the friendl y staff are also qui te happy
to make sure you feel at home. Al though they are officiall y
open until 11pm, i f you stop by later in the evening you may
just wind up drinking wine until the wee hours. QOpen 12:00
- 23:00. (9.60). JW
Osteria di Bacco D-3, Vike-Karja 8, tel. (+372) 682
50 00, osteriadibacco@gmail.com. I talian eatery by
day and wine-bar/I talian cul tural centre by night, Osteria
specialises in bringing a li ttle piece of I tal y to i ts guests.
Savoury and sweet pies, pizza, paninis, ciabattas, and lasa-
gna are just some of the delights you can find here. Loads
of fantastic wines can be enjoyed on the premises or in the
comfort of your own home. QOpen 12:00 - 01:00, Fri, Sat
12:00 - 03:00. (13.50). TJ6ESW
Pulcinella C-2, Suur-Karja 2, tel. (+372) 56 22 96 91,
info@pulcinellaitalianfood.com, www.pulcinellaitalianfood.
com. Certainly one of the few actual delights we've had the
pleasure of reviewing as of late, this very authentic, Neapolitan
cellar-restaurant pulls all the stops to give you the complete
experience. From the native chefs and owner to the sprawling
miniature scene complete with running water, we quite enjoyed
the ambiance. The cuisine was also delightful and our pizza
one of the best we've had in Tallinn. There are so many layers
to explore at Pulcinella and we look forward to going back to
discover them all. QOpen 12:00 - 24:00. (12). JS
Ristorante Merlini C-3, Aia 7, tel. (+372) 646 30
30, info@merlini.ee, www.merlini.ee. Gi ven that there
are so many I talian restaurants in Tallinn you might ask why
someone would want to open another one - Roberto's place
though is something a little different than the usual and given
his over forty-year experience in the business and his pas-
sion for food, a visi t here will not be a disappointment. The
dishes are prepared according to old recipes, the ingredients
are top-notch and the service is above average for the ci ty.
QOpen 12:00 - 23:00. (8.50). JS
new
Trattoria Massimo H-3, Maakri 25, tel. (+372) 55 62
06 23, massimo@trattoria.ee, www.trattoria.ee. Fantas-
tic interior, pretty good service and some interesting menu
items give Massimo an overall good grade. They are however
somewhat lacking when it comes value for money on certain
dishes as well as quality control in the kitchen. Hopefully they'll
iron out the kinks in order to bring themselves up to top-notch.
Great daily offers and some excellent live music on weekends.
QOpen , Mon, Tue 11:00 - 23:00, Wed, Thu 11:00 - 01:00,
Fri, Sat 11:00 - 02:00, Sun 11:00 - 22:00. (12). E
Vapiano B-3, Hobujaama 10, tel. (+372) 682 90 10,
foorum@vapiano.ee, www.vapiano.ee. Vapiano is a
European chain of self-service, market concept restaurants
where the tantalising food is prepared right before your very
eyes. When you arrive at the door you're greeted and given a
plastic card, then proceed to the area of your choice to place
your order (pasta, salad/antipasti or pizza) and the items are
charged to the card. The majority of mouth-watering food
items and fresh, that's right - fresh, pastas are dispatched
quite quickl y, the pizza doesn't take too long either, but you'll
be given a pager that vibrates and blinks when your pie is
piping hot. The prices are delightfull y affordable and the food
- bella! QOpen 11:00 - 23:00, Fri 11:00 - 24:00, Sat 12:00
- 24:00, Sun 12:00 - 23:00. Also at: D/E-3/4 Estonia pst.
9 (Solaris Centre), solaris@vapiano.ee, tel. 628 59 99. Open
11:00 - 23:00, Fri-Sat 11:00 - 24:00. (6). JUW
40
restaurants
41
restaurants
Japanese
Sakura Ramen & Sushi bar E-3, Sakala 20, tel. (+372)
648 44 77, info@restoransakura.ee, www.restoran-
sakura.ee. This reincarnation of 'Sakura' was overall quite
satisfactory. Al though we did not see anyone working here
of Japanese ancestry, the chefs that currentl y staff it prob-
abl y learned a thing or two from the former head chef from
the island of Nippon. You can find all manner of sashimi,
nigiri, maki as well as some hot Japanese specialities to
round it all out. We quite liked everything we had and the
service, at least on that day, was efficient and came with a
smile. QOpen 12:00 - 22:00, Fri, Sat 12:00 - 23:00. (5.40).
T6LVSW
Silk C-2, Kullassepa 4, tel. (+372) 648 46 25, silk@silk.
ee, www.silk.ee. Just off the square, this sleek and trendy
sushi spot has made a big splash with those who are willing
to spend. All varieties are available - maki sushi, baked sushi,
spicy sushi, etc. Eight-piece maki dishes generall y run 1.60
- 6.07, while larger assortments go from 14.70 - 31.30. Other
Japanese dishes are also available in the tasteful, black-lined
restaurant. You can even order sushi online and have it deliv-
ered to your hotel. See www.silk.ee for more details. QOpen
12:00 - 23:00, Fri, Sat 12:00 - 24:00. Also at: G-4, Narva
mnt. 15, tel. 661 60 99. Open 11:00 - 22:00, Fri 11:00
- 23:00, Sat 12:00 - 23:00. (8.95). JSW
Korean
Ariran G-1, Telliskivi 35, tel. (+372) 673 39 92, info@
ariran.eu, www.ariran.eu. This Korean place might not
be your first choice given it's awkward location on the way
to Kopli - however, i t has been a local favouri te for years
and the dishes are prepared rather authenticall y. The inner
dcor, as would be expected, is delightfull y tacky but we
quite enjoyed our overall experience. QOpen 11:00 - 22:00.
(6.50). UIVS
Saigon H-3, Pronksi 3, tel. (+372) 640 39 44, www.
saigon.ee. The menu here offers both Vietnamese
and Chinese dishes, and we (along with our waitress)
had trouble working out which were which. Still, i t's a
pleasant enough little place, clean, casual and caf-like
and our food, whichever nation claims it, was highl y ed-
ible. Ingredients are fresh and rice dishes are excellent.
QOpen 11:00 - 23:00, Sat, Sun 12:00 - 23:00. (7).
TULVSW
Vietnamese
Sushi is currently quite popular in Tallinn these days
and the number of places that offer the Japanese
street food have sky-rocketed. Here is a list of just
some of the many places around town offering sushi
these days.
Oishii H-3, Rvala pst. 5, tel. (+372) 648 14 17.
'You spin me right round baby right round'... okay, we'll
stop there. This fast-food sushi place is the onl y one of
its kind in the city and even though the chefs aren't from
Japan, or Korea, the quality was actuall y quite decent.
The items are all laid-out on a conveyor bel t or kaiten,
the plates are colour-coded for price and that's pretty
much it. QOpen 11:00 - 21:00. Closed Sat, Sun. (1-3
per plate). S
Silk Sushi Bar C-4, Viru Centre, Viru vljak 4/6,
(first floor), tel. (+372) 610 15 81, info@silk.ee,
www.silk.ee. The newest addi tion to the Silk sushi
famil y is located convenientl y in a shopping centre.
Eight-piece maki run 1.90 - 12.45, nigiri 1.90 - 3.85,
and combos range 14 - 31.30. QOpen 10:00 - 21:00.
JUSW
Sushi Cat H-3, Roosikrantsi 16, tel. (+372) 682 52
33, info@sushicat.ee, www.sushicat.ee. The weird
and wonderful world of Japanese pop cul ture roars at
Sushi Cat, a bright, upbeat caf where the dcor, and
even the wai tresses, are done up like naughty/sexy
manga characters. Settle into a pink seat and watch
the bewildering music videos. It's far more casual and
affordable than its rivals - the sushi comes in sets ranging
from 'kitten' (3.90) to 'lion' (12.80), all of which include
green tea and miso soup. QOpen 12:00 - 22:00, Fri
12:00 - 24:00, Sat 13:00 - 23:00, Sun 13:00 - 22:00.
Also at: H-4, Tartu mnt. 47, tel (+372) 655 95 59.
Open 12:00 - 22:00, Fri 12:00 - 24:00, Sat - Sun 13:00
- 23:00. T6VSW
Sushihouse D-3, Estonia pst. 9 (Solaris Centre), tel.
(+372) 682 57 77, toomas@sushihouse.ee, www.
sushihouse.ee. Located in the sparkling Solaris centre
and the recipient of a silver spoon gastronomy award, this
sushi bar presents five-piece maki ranging from 1.80
- 4.28, nigiri 0.77 - 2.56, and combos 4.45 - 22.69.
QOpen 10:00 - 23:00. JLSW
Zebra Caf G-3, Narva mnt. 7, tel. (+372) 610 92
30, info@zebracafe.ee, www.zebracafe.ee. A little on
the pricey end of the chopstick but very professionall y
prepared, this trendy lounge restaurant offers up eight-
piece maki for 6.70 - 15, nigiri 1.90 - 4.15 and combos
19.80 - 35.45. QOpen 12:00 - 24:00, Mon, Tue, Sun
12:00 - 23:00. VS
Sushi Meaty choices
Caravan H-3, Maakri 19/21, upstairs, tel. (+372)
653 31 99/(+372) 507 63 57, info@caravangrill.ee,
www.caravangrill.ee. Imagine a huge, mirrored ball and
a keyboardist playing a deafening rendition of El ton John's
'Nikita' to an empty room. Otherwise this might be a worthy
place, with date palms adding a quasi-Egyptian touch. The
food at the self-proclaimed 'grill house' is a cut above the
pub-style average. QOpen 12:00 - 24:00, Fri, Sat 12:00
- 02:00. (9.90). ES
Goodwin Steakhouse C-3, Viru 22, tel. (+372) 661
55 18, info@steak.ee, www.steak.ee. Goodwin has tried
hard to be the best steakhouse in Tallinn and it probabl y is,
even though it's reall y the onl y one. The interior is rich and
woody, the service is efficient and the imported cuts of beef
are excellent. If a full-on beef-fest is a little too heavy, you
could al ways drop by during the week for their business lunch
specials, but let's be honest, is a big slab of beef ever 'too
much'. QOpen 10:00 - 24:00. (19.15). JS
Grillhaus Daube D-2, Rtli 11, tel. (+372) 645 55
31, daube@daube.ee, www.daube.ee. A huge step
up from the typical throw-the-pork-on-the-fire grill house,
Daube is a roomy, two-floor affair decorated in a warm style
that's the very defini tion of 'smart casual'. Expect smiling
service and happy tastebuds. Find i t in a nicel y redone
li ttle house just off Harju street. QOpen 12:00 - 23:00.
(11.20). JIS
Kuluaar C-3, Aia 2, tel. (+372) 631 35 07. The sign
outside offering 'pippuripihvi + olut' (Finnish for 'peppersteak
and beer') tells you all you need to know about Kuluaar's target
market. This modern - and earil y spartan - cellar venue cooks
up a small selection of typical meat and fish dishes. Service
is fast and food is actuall y pretty good, but if you do decide
to eat here we suggest you do so during the patio season.
QOpen 10:00 - 23:00. (9.60). T6ISW
Madissoni Grill & Baar D-4, Rvala pst. 3 (Radisson
Blu), tel. (+372) 682 34 22, info@madissoni.ee, www.
madissoni.ee. The name rhymes with Radisson, as in Radis-
son Blu, the towering hotel to which this two-storey grill-bar is
attached. Gigantic windows, slick design and TVs tuned to sat-
ellite channels give it that familiar international feel. In addition
to pricier items from the grill, the menu includes a club sandwich
and a bacon cheeseburger. On weekdays it also works as a
breakfast caf. QOpen 08:00 - 22:00, Fri 08:00 - 23:00, Sat
12:00 - 23:00. Closed Sun. (12.80). T6ULSW
Munga Kelder C-3, Vene 12, tel. (+372) 644 46 14,
mungakelder@gmail.com, www.mungakelder.ee. Overtly
geared toward tourists, the Monk's Cellar is essentiall y a
basement bar turned upscale by the clever use of table
linen and glasses. Meat and fish dishes are served up along
with awful, saxophone versions of 70s hits. The salmon in
foil was mediocre and the service indifferent. QOpen 11:00
- 23:00. (11.80). JI
Oliver C-3, Viru 3, tel. (+372) 630 78 98/(+372) 53 47
47 41, info@oliver.ee, www.oliver.ee. A diligent, carved
wooden waiter spends all day long on Viru tnav trying to en-
tice people into this cellar restaurant, where meaty items like
entrecote and steak dominate the menu. Other choices such
as a vegetable wok are available to the less protein inclined.
We've heard a few good reviews about the food and service
as of late and the kids play area and eight-page children's
menu certainl y make this a good stop for families. QOpen
10:00 - 24:00. (16). TJUIESW
42
restaurants
43
restaurants
Cubanita G-3, Narva mnt. 5, tel. (+372) 664 04 22,
info@cubanita.ee, www.cubanita.ee. Given its size
and snazzy decor you would expect this restaurant/caf/
lounge to provide one with a culinary experience worth
telling friends about - it does not. Where it does shine
though is in the nightlife genre. They have an extensive
range of cocktails, Cuban and otherwise, some great
Latin-oriented live music from Thursdays to Saturdays
and some decent appetisers to go with your drinks. Be
sure to check their website for performance schedules.
QOpen 11:00 - 02:00, Mon, Tue 11:00 - 23:00, Sun
12:00 - 00:00. 1st floor Deli&Caf open 09:00 - 21:00.
(7). EXSW
Latin American
Medieval
Maikrahv C-2, Raekoja plats 8, tel. (+372) 631 42
27/(+372) 55 51 45 17, reserve@maikrahv.ee, www.
maikrahv.ee. Named for the 'May Count' of Tallinn's medieval
days of yore, this respectable establishment hidden under
Town Hall Square hints at old-style regality all the while pro-
viding a decidedl y modern and down-to-earth dining experi-
ence that won't bust your budget. The menu is international,
dominated by fillets with a couple of pastas thrown in for good
measure. Delicatel y prepared food and professional service
made the experience come off without a hitch. QOpen 12:00
- 24:00. (14.40). TJES
Olde Hansa C-2, Vana turg 1, tel. (+372) 627 90 20, re-
serve@oldehansa.ee, www.oldehansa.ee. Many frequent
travellers would say that you haven't really been to Tallinn unless
you've visited Olde Hansa. This Mecca of mediaevalism in the
heart of Old Town doesn't just serve historically authentic fare
made from carefully-researched recipes, it provides guests with
a whole experience using a combination of candlelight, waiters
and waitresses in period costume and medieval background
music. Chamber musicians round out the ambience every night
of the week. Make sure to check out Olde Hansa's Waggehus
located just around the corner at Vanaturu Kael 8. QOpen
11:00 - 24:00. (13). J6UIE
Peppersack C-2/3, Viru 2, tel. (+372) 646 68 00,
peppersack@peppersack.ee, www.peppersack.ee. Pep-
persack makes wonderful use of the 15th-century building it
calls home - both the vast main hall and the more intimate
rooms further back exude comfy medieval-ness. The menu is
European-based and fun-loving, with clever choices like Lady
Margareta's weakness (chicken fillet) and Mansion Lord's
contemplation (duck fillet). The fresh, hot rolls are a nice
touch. Every day at 20:00 there's a theatrical sword fight on
the staircase, on Fridays and Saturdays followed by Oriental
dancing. Great Terrace in the summer. QOpen 12:00 - 24:00,
Sun 12:00 - 23:00. (10.85). TJES
Middle Eastern
Bazar H-1, Tulika pik 3/Madara 14, tel. (+372) 660 93
77, bazar@bazar.ee, www.bazar.ee. This restaurant pro-
vides just the right touch of exotic, but its enormous popularity
is probably down to the sheik-sized portions of Arabian dishes
and kebabs served here. It gets crowded on weekends, so
make reservations and don't be surprised if flagging down a
waitress takes a little effort. They've also got water pipes avail-
able for anyone wishing to complete the experience. The last
time we popped by the menus were in Estonian only, however
the staff did speak English. QOpen 12:00 - 23:00, Fri, Sat
12:00 - 02:00, Sun 13:00 - 22:00. (5). LEX
Alter Ego B-4, Roseni 8 (Rotermanni Quarter),
tel. (+372) 54 56 03 39, info@alterego.ee, www.
alterego.ee. One of the most delightful culinary experi-
ences we've had in some time comes in the form of this
heavil y Spanish-influenced, Mediterranean-style restau-
rant located in the fashionable Rotermanni Quarter. The
owner is a recent Spanish arrival with roots in the wine in-
dustry and he certainl y knows how to lavish his creativity
and highl y tuned palate into producing top-notch cuisine.
Needless to say, the wine selection is immense and the
dishes are mouth-watering. QOpen 12:00 - 22:30, Fri,
Sat 12:00 - 23:00. (13.70). J
Mediterranean
Revalia Grill House C-2, Raekoja plats 8, tel. (+372)
641 21 83, info@restaurantrevalia.ee, www.restaurant-
revalia.ee. With its enviable location right on Old Town's main
square, Revalia is never wanting for customers. The interior
dcor makes it look a bit like an art shop, but there's no
mistaking the menu - tenderloin steaks and other grill items
of the type that are popular around this part of Europe. Crepes
available too. QOpen 10:00 - 23:00. (16). TJUS
Steakhouse Liivi C-3, Viru vljak 2 (Metro Plaza),
tel. (+372) 661 61 78/(+372) 661 62 79, info@steak-
house.ee, www.steakhouse.ee. Even though the location
has changed we have been assured that their overall level
of service, atmosphere and menu haven't - which could be
either a good or a bad thing depending on what you're look-
ing for. The food, which reminded us more of a glorified pub
meal is nothing fancy, nevertheless our steak was decent.
Expect every possible sauce known to man, often containing
peppercorns, slathered over a cut of beef. QOpen 11:00
- 23:00. (17). PTUXSW
Tommi Grill Metro C-4, Viru vljak 2 (Metro Plaza),
tel. (+372) 662 20 99, tommigrill@gmail.com, www.
tommigrill.ee. This oddl y located grill actuall y surprised
us - and in a good way. Al though we had to order at the bar,
service was snappy, of the friendl y variety and the food was
overall to our liking. We suggest you stick with the grilled meat
choices though as it seems to be what they do best. Keep in
mind that they can get busy during lunch hour. QOpen 10:00
- 02:00, Mon, Tue, Sun 10:00 - 24:00. (9). JS
44
restaurants
45
restaurants
Russian
Balalaika H-2, Paldiski mnt. 4 (Meriton Grand Confer-
ence & Spa Hotel), tel. (+372) 667 71 20, conferenc-
espa@meritonhotels.com, www.meritonhotels.com/
russian+restaurant/. This Russian restaurant located in
the flagship Meriton hotel at the base of Toompea, offers up
all the usual Russian fare you'd expect, such as caviar and
blinis and the dishes are all prepared quite nicel y. One thing
though that sets Balalaika apart from the others is that they
also offer a cold zakuska buffet, presented in an antique
carriage from St. Petersburg - that, and the complimentary
half-shot of vodka of course. Na Zdorovie! QOpen 12:00
- 15:00; 18:00 - 23:00. (15.50). ULW
Caf Pushkin C-4, Mere pst. 5, tel. (+372) 631 36 36,
info@cafepushkin.ee, www.cafepushkin.ee. While other
Russian places are geared towards tourists, Caf Pushkin is
where the local Russians, including politicos and celebs, come
to eat. The bliny (pancakes) are said to be the best in the
city. A long list of other Russian favourites is on offer, including
the triple ukha (fish soup) and the Boyar (rolled beef stuffed
with cherries and walnuts). QOpen 10:00 - 22:00, Fri 10:00
- 23:00, Sat, Sun 11:00 - 23:00. (9). JESW
Klafira C-3, Vene 4, tel. (+372) 58 37 73 33, info@
klafira.ee, www.klafira.ee. If it's an aristocratic Russian
experience you're after, Klafira, strategicall y located on
Vene tnav (Russian Street) is the perfect place. Beautifull y
decorated to take you back to the weal th of 19th-century
Russia, the cosy, old style atmosphere and friendl y service
more that make up for the pricey food. All the favouri te
Russian delights can be found on the menu and a few more
exotic ones for adventurous diners. Live Russian music will
Odessa G-4, Narva mnt. 36, tel. (+372) 648 58
10, info@odessa.ee, www.restoranodessa.ee. This
place out on Kadriorg's doorstep is overall quite good,
the food is prepared fresh, the service was quite prompt
and friendl y and the overall atmosphere was quite desir-
able. It loses a few marks based on authenticity though
- other than the 'Chicken Kiev' we couldn't find too many
actual Ukrainian dishes on the menu. We know Russian
and Ukrainian cuisine share a lot of things but we've eaten
Ukrainian food enough times to know it when we see
it. QOpen 11:30 - 23:00, Fri 11:30 - 24:00, Sat 12:00
- 24:00, Sun 12:00 - 23:00. (12). SW
Trahter Bogdan Mustame tee 116, tel. (+372)
625 18 50/(+372) 55 67 92 56, info@bogdan.ee,
www.bogdan.ee. For the best Ukrainian food in the city
you'll have to travel a little outside of the centre. Approx.
onl y a 15-minute car-ride from Old Town, Bogdan serves
up authentic food and is much closer than travelling all
the way to Kiev. The service can be a little slow, but the
warm feeling in your bell y after dining and the genuine
atmosphere make it well worth the wait.Take trolleybus
N1 from Kaubamaja, or N5 from the Bal tijaam train sta-
tion to the Tammsaare stop and keep walking. QOpen
11:30 - 23:00, Fri 11:30 - 24:00, Sat 12.00 - 24:00, Sun
12.00 - 23.00. (6). T6LSW
Ukrainian
Hungry for more?
keep you entertained if your company isn't doing the job.
QOpen 17:00 - 23:00, Fri, Sat 12:00 - 23:00. Closed Mon,
Sun. (14). J6ES
Nevskij C-2, Rataskaevu 7, tel. (+372) 628 65 65,
nevskij@schlossle-hotels.com, www.nevskij.ee. Given the
way the St. Petersbourg Hotel's high-class restaurant is deco-
rated, it might very well be mistaken for Russian intellectual's
sitting room, were it not for the fact that a smart waiter greets you
at your table with a vodka and caviar menu. Classic aristocratic
staples are on offer and are done in a way that shows a clever
chef at work. We enjoyed our food, and the fact that the compli-
mentary vodka shots seemed to keep coming. QOpen 12:00
- 23:00. Closed Mon, Sun. (15.50). JIESW
Tchaikovsky C-3, Vene 9, Hotel Telegraaf, tel. (+372)
600 06 10, tchaikovsky@telegraafhotel.com, www.
telegraafhotel.com. Located in the beautifull y renovated
Telegraaf and much more opulent than most hotel restau-
rants, the Tchaikovsky is a luxury Russian-French-fusion affair
dedicated to preparing culinary delights reminiscent of fine
cuisines from a whole other era. Here you'll find flaky pastry
crusts, succulent shrimps and fine wines fit for the Tsar, and
if you're lucky he'll offer to pay as well. QOpen 12:00 - 23:00,
Sat, Sun 13:00 - 23:00. (17). JUILEW
Troika C-2, Raekoja plats 15, tel. (+372) 627 62 45,
restoran@troika.ee, www.troika.ee. One of Tallinn's must-
see cellar restaurants, Troika wows its clientele with a cosy,
old-style Russian dcor and a singer who bel ts out folk songs
from a balcony from time to time. (When choosing your table,
you may want to consider just how close you want to be to
this spectacle.) But the best thing about this place is the
food - excellent bliny and pelmeni as well as a selection of
traditional main courses. Great service. Book ahead. QOpen
10:00 - 23:00. (12.50). JUIEX
Vene Sgituba A-3, Lai 49 (Meriton Old Town hotel),
tel. (+372) 614 13 50, www.meritonhotels.com. Kind of
like the little brother to their Balalaika restaurant, the 'Rus-
sian Eatery' is more laid-back and caf-like featuring dail y
dishes, dumplings, soups, bliniis and crpes. It's the kind of
place where one can hang around a while, read a book, surf
the internet or just enjoy a conversation with a friend. Great
desserts too! QOpen 10:00 - 20:00. (7.50). J
Seafood
Fish & Wine C-2, Harju 1, tel. (+372) 662 30 13,
gloria@f w.ee, www.f w.ee. Wi th i ts polished desi gn,
this large restaurant looks more like a trendy lounge at
first glance. The friendl y table service, however, extends
all the way to complimentary roll and oli ve oil. As the name
implies, a selection of, mainl y, fish dishes makes up the
menu, and i f you're stuck, the wines by the glass 'go wi th
everything'. Be aware that the pri ce to portion ratio is
a li ttl e lopsided, thank-God for the free bread. QOpen
11:30 - 23:00, Fri, Sat 11:30 - 01:00, Sun 11:30 - 21:00.
(9.80). J6SW
new
Kaljas C-3, Viru 23, tel. (+372) 666 00 02, info@
kaljas.ee, www.kaljas.ee. Gi ving Tallinns proximi ty to
the sea, i ts surprising that there arent more seafood
restaurants in the ci ty. The interi or of this place gi ves
one the feeling that they are dining insi de a wooden
ship and al though kind of the point i ts done qui te well.
Even though Kaljas seems to cater more for the tourist
than l ocals, overall the food and experi ence is cer tainl y
worth checking out. Excell ent lunch specials too. QOpen
12:00 - 23:00, Wed, Thu 12:00 - 24:00, Fri, Sat 12:00
- 01:00. (16). J
Tex-Mex
Amarillo C-4, Viru vljak 4, tel. (+372) 680 92 80,
amarillo.tallinn@sok.f i, www.amarillo.ee. Bri ght,
friendl y colours, hot (spicy) food, and a professional outlook
set Amarillo a notch or two above most other Tex-Mex
contenders. More Yankee choices like burgers and pizzas
are as available as quesadillas and faji tas. The vast dining
area and large kid's play corner, make this restaurant on
the ground floor of the Sokos Viru Hotel a great choice
for families, while two bars cater to an after-work crowd.
QOpen 11:00 - 24:00. (11.50). TULES
Taco Express D-2, Suur-Karja 18, tel. (+372) 682
55 08, info@tacoexpress.ee, www.tacoexpress.ee.
Beware of the hot sauce! I t's twice as hot coming out.
Al though not overl y authentic, Express certainl y does fill
a niche in Tallinn. They've got loads of pseudo Mexican
choices available, in di fferent combinations and wi th vary-
ing degrees of heat. There are also pizzas available, a fair
amount of vegetarian i tems and a few breakfast choices,
including the ever popular breakfast burri to. All aboard the
Taco Express, let's see where i t takes us. QOpen 09:00
- 07:00, Sat, Sun 11:00 - 10:00. (6.50). JSW
Tapas Bar & Restaurant H-2, Paldiski mnt. 4
(Meriton Grand Conference & Spa hotel), tel. (+372)
667 71 10, grandhotel@meritonhotels.com, www.
meritonhotels.com. If you've ever been to Spain you'll
know that tapas are a very important part of the easy
going lifestyle there. Now, diners in Tallinn can also ap-
preciate these little bite sized temptations (2.25 - 3.50),
alongside a full bodied Spanish red, accompanied by well
endowed blonde or in the company of good friends. If
you'd rather not fill up completel y on tapas, they've got
a decent selection of other Spanish delicacies. QOpen
09:00 - 24:00. Also at: Meriton Old Town Garden Ho-
tel, B-3, Pikk 29, tel. 664 88 03. Open 12:00 - 23:00.
(6.40). J6UILSW
Spanish
46
restaurants
47
restaurants
Trendy home-style
The newest category of eateries to hit the Tallinn dining
arena sees the combination of trendy elements, home-
style cuisine and down-to-earth dining all rolled into one. A
fresh alternative to the ever present pub scene.
Kohvik Kompott G-4, Narva mnt. 36, tel. (+372) 641
60 15, kompott@kompott.ee, www.kompott.ee. Located
just on the edge of the beaten track in the direction of Kadri-
org, this eatery combines just the right amount of trendiness
with a retro look and feel. Many of the dishes are also some-
thing of a hybrid, between the quite plain and fresh - and are
even occasionall y organic. Overall we quite liked it, but it did
fall just a little short of the mark and the prices were a tiny
bit high considering the location and the size of the dishes.
QOpen 11:00 - 23:00. (5.50). TLSW
Kohvik Moon G-3, Vrgu 3, tel. (372) 631 45 75, koh-
vik@kohvikmoon.ee, www.kohvikmoon.ee. Caf Poppy is
one of Tallinn's hidden gems - and quite literall y so, in fact if
you didn't read about it in our guide you most likel y wouldn't
find it at all. Expect stylishl y prepared haute-home cuisine for
prices much lower than the majority of other establishments
in its class. Oh, and the home baked bread was so good that
we would probabl y do some very bad things to have it again.
QOpen 12:00 - 23:00, Sun 13:00 - 21:00. Closed Mon.
(10). T6SW
Trendy restaurants
Deja Vu C-3, Vana-Viru 8, tel. (+372) 56 88 44 55,
info@dejavu.ee, www.dejavu.ee. Wait - haven't we been
here before? Actuall y, no we haven't. This reincarnation of a
local favourite nightspot serves up plenty of tasty and trendy
treats, the service is great and the atmosphere is stylish.
We tried the shrimp and the Caesar salad and were quite
impressed. Turns into a full-on party during the weekend
nights and the kitchen stays open late too. QOpen 12:00
- 06:00, Mon, Tue 12:00 - 24:00, Sun 12:00 - 05:00. (10.50).
JEXW
Museum C-4, Vana-Viru 14, tel. (+372) 646 09 01,
museum@museum.ee, www.museum.ee. Housed in a
former fire-fighting museum, this sophisticated yet unpreten-
tious establishment seems to be not quite as cool as it used
to be. That being said, the last time we were in, we quite
enjoyed our experience. The cuisine, with a heavy leaning
towards Japanese and Mediterranean, was respectable and
the prices, unlike many of those in the city centre, weren't so
high as to force us to sell one of our favourite internal organs.
QOpen 12:00 - 23:00, Fri, Sat 12:00 - 01:00. (11.50).
J6UESW
Thai
Krua C-4, Vana-Viru 13, tel. (+372) 646 26 13, info@krua.
ee, www.krua.ee. One of the few truly Thai places in the city,
Krua disappointed us. Don't get us wrong, the food that we finally
managed to eat, after a frightfully long wait, was quite fresh and
decent - but the service was a nightmare and it appeared that
the waitress we had was in fact 'newer' than the restaurant itself.
Even our beer took over half an hour to get to us and after a few
false food deliveries we were told that they had run out of spring
rolls that we had ordered. QOpen 12:00 - 22:00, Fri, Sat 12:00
- 23:00. (11.50). JSW
Villa Thai G-4, J. Vilmsi 6, tel. (+372) 641 93 47, villathai@
villathai.ee, www.villathai.ee. A well-estab-lished favourite
in the Kadriorg district just outside the city centre, the Villa is
a quiet, comfortable affair. Sit with the ceramic elephants and
drapery of the dining room or head to the bamboo-filled atrium
with its gurgling fountain. Interestingly, the menu goes well beyond
Thailand, encompassing Vietnamese, Indonesian, Malaysian
and Tandoor dishes. Some dishes are on the heavy side. We
liked the fish cakes. QOpen 12:00 - 23:00. (8). TUSW
Theme restaurants
new
Glad Estlander C-2, Vanaturu kael 3, tel. (+372) 627 90
24. Not quite 100% open when we visited (still renovating the
upper floor and finalising their menu), if you do happen to see the
lights on from the street, this establishment is certainly worth
checking out. Set in the historic Hopner merchant house, the
idea behind this eatery is a 17th-century tavern and it doesnt
get much more authentic than this. The menu is fairly simple
and consists of dishes and drinks from Estonian recipes of that
era. QOpen 11:00 - 12:00. J
Korsaar C-2, Dunkri 5 (Beer House), tel. (+372) 666 8064,
booking@korsaar.ee, www.korsaar.ee. Avast mateys! If
you've ever dreamed of running away to become a pirate or a
wench, now's your chance. This stunning pirate-themed res-
taurant goes way beyond anything we've ever seen in terms of
attention to detail and authenticity. From gangplanks to shark
tanks, this subterranean grotto has everything covered. The
international food is equally fantastic, with leanings on the creole
and seafood side of the port bow. This would be an awesome
place for kids, sadly they insist on not allowing children under
the age of 12 in to the restaurant - which we are not even sure
is legal. QOpen 12:00 - 15:00; 18:00 - 24:00, Sat, Sun 12:00
- 24:00. (19.15). JXS
Le Chteau B-2, Lai 19, tel. (+372) 665 09 28, restoran@
chateau.ee, www.chateau.ee. Elaborately done up in the
style of old France (think musketeers, etc), Le Chteau is of
Tallinn's best-kept secrets. Essentially it's an elegant, candle-lit
cellar full of heavy, wooden furniture and staff in 16th-century
French garb. The real treat here though is the food - particularly
the high-value lunch specials. If you come for dinner, be sure to
try the soup, served in an enormous terrine. QOpen 12:00
- 24:00. Closed Sun. (10.55). JL
Turg C-2, Mndi 3, tel. (+372) 641 24 56, reserve@turg.
ee, www.turg.ee. The name in Estonian means market' and
that's exactly what this theatricaly-decorated cellar restaurant
looks like inside - a classic, outdoor market square, complete with
overhanging eves, a tree, chirping birds and some faux produce.
That doesn't mean you can haggle over menu prices though.
The food on offer tends towards the Eastern European with a
few Italian pizzas thrown in for good measure. For the frugal try
the lunch buffet on offer Mon to Fri between 11:30 and 15:00.
QOpen 11:30 - 24:00. (9.60). JS
Novell G-3, Narva mnt. 7c, tel. (+372) 633 98 91,
novell@rezidorparkinn.com, www.novell.ee. The Park
Inn by Radisson Central Tallinn's spiffy ground floor lounge
restaurant makes its mark on Tallinn's culinary scene with
an inventive menu. Items like duck leg confit with Gorgonzola
potatoes, grilled beef with tomato and butter fish with potato
cream can be enjoyed while sitting under a glass roof. Upstairs
studios' are available for groups, and individuals on the go
can grab items from the coffee shop also located on site.
Open Mon-Fri 07:30-22:00. QOpen 12:00 - 23:00, Fri 12:00
- 01:00. Closed Sun. (12). TULESW
Number 9 H-3, Rvala pst. 4, tel. (+372) 639 93 99,
info@number9.ee, www.number9.ee. Not to be confused
with the Beatles' song of the same name, this supposedl y
'upscale' eatery fell short of our expectations in several areas.
The prices are high for what you get, the cuisine is decent but
the staff, while friendly, display a bit too much of a laid-back at-
titude for a restaurant in its class. What reall y got our panties
in a knot though were the apparently mass-produced, 'out-of-
the-freezer, into-the-oven buns' served before our meal. Some
fantastic views of the city though. QOpen 12:00 - 23:00, Fri,
Sat 12:00 - 24:00. Closed Sun. (12.50). J6
Platz B-4, Roseni 7, tel. (+372) 66 45 086, info@platz.
ee, www.platz.ee. Everything old is new again - or at least
in the Rotermanni Quarter it is. It's there you'll find this stylish
yet elegant eatery nestled into an old, industrial limestone
building. The cuisine, artfull y prepared by a son of Naples, is
an innovative and fresh fusion of world flavours. The service
is equall y crisp but not too starchy. We quite enjoyed the
tempura and the decadent desserts. QOpen 17:00 - 24:00.
Closed Sun. (12). J6LES
Ribe C-3, Vene 7, tel. (+372) 631 30 84, info@ribe.ee,
www.ribe.ee. We couldn't quite figure out what category
this fine eatery should fall under, but that actuall y doesn't
matter as the food and overall experience were excellent. The
intriguing menu items are all artisticall y presented and the
interior design is just pretty as punch. We found the portions a
little on the slim side, nonetheless the ambience and friendl y
service made each of the small bites special. QOpen 12:00
- 23:00. (12.80). TJ6
Zebra Caf G-3, Narva mnt. 7, tel. (+372) 610 92 30,
info@zebracafe.ee, www.zebracafe.ee. One of a new
breed of high-quality, casual gourmet restaurants that have
recentl y blossomed in Tallinn. Zebra offers la carte dining
with the option of a slightl y cheaper cafeteria set-up, com-
plete with freshl y-baked pastries, desserts and a salad bar,
all in one very slick, cool room. The service is excellent, and
prices, while they might be a bit higher than elsewhere, are
more than justified by the wonderful cooking. Dj's spin some
hot tracks Friday and Saturday nights. QOpen 11:00 - 24:00,
Mon, Tue, Sun 11:00 - 23:00. (14). VSW
Upscale
Bordoo A/B-3, Pikk 71/Tolli 2, tel. (+372) 630 63
55, bordoo@threesistershotel.com, www.threesist-
ershotel.com. Estonian for Bordeaux, the Three Sisters
restaurant is in a class unto i tsel f. The stylish interior
combines a new world elegance wi th hints of i ts old world
surroundings. Headed up by award-winning chef Tnis Siigur
and his energetic team, the focus here is on fresh local ingre-
dients brought to li fe wi th creati vi ty and flavourful ideas. To
top i t all off, they also create their very own artisan breads,
scrumptious marmalades and to-die-for desserts. QOpen
12:00 - 23:00. (22.35). J
Egoist B-3, Vene 33, tel. (+372) 646 40 52, egoist@
egoist.ee, www.egoist.ee. Take all trappings of an old-fash-
ioned, high-class restaurant - the chandeliers, the antiques,
the tie-clad diners - multiply the decadence by three, and you'll
get some idea of what the award-winning Egoist is all about.
The sister restaurant to Gloria, this exclusive establishment
has an equall y impressive menu, offering choices like lobster
carpaccio, pan-fried foie gras and elk fillet noisettes. Book
ahead, dress to impress and ring the bell to enter. QOpen
12:00 - 23:00. Closed Sun. (25.55). J
Francesco Sibio Ristorante D-4, Estonia pst. 9
(attached to the Solaris Centre), tel. (+372) 601 90
11/reservations 1339, info@sibio.ee, www.sibio.ee.
Located in the historic Sakala' tower and attached to the
Solaris Centre, Ristorante Francesco Sibio is an opulent Ital-
ian eatery that makes its guests feel like royal ty. When you
first enter the restaurant it's quite obvious that this isn't your
average pizzeria. Al though they do offer a good selection of
the Italian favourites, you'll be able to indulge in so much more
here. Francesco's will impress even the hardest to please
and the desserts are in a word - legendary. QOpen 12:00
- 24:00. (24). ULW
Gloria D-2, Mrivahe 2, tel. (+372) 640 68 00, gloria@
gloria.ee, www.gloria.ee. Gloria has been synonymous with
class and style since it opened in 1937, and once you get a
look at the intricate, pre-war interior, you'll understand why this
was the restaurant of choice for the Pope and several visiting
heads of state. In case you need more convincing, Cond Nast
named Gloria one of the world's 100 best. We found our meal
here a relaxing, well-orchistrated experience. QOpen 12:00
- 23:30, Sun 12:00 - 23:00. (21.70). TJLSW
Kuninga Restoran C-2, Kuninga 3, tel. (+372) 646 60
08, info@kuninga.ee, www.kuninga.eu. This sparkling
new establishment in Old Town is a caf slash restaurant
and fills both needs quite nicel y. The interior is a nice blend
of antique and contemporary and the cuisine was also
delightfull y prepared - portion-wise perhaps more fitting for
a supermodel than a hungry man though. Complimentary
canap, home-made roll, hand-crafted goat's milk butter and
a decent wine selection round out the experience. Desserts
looked quite tempting as well. QOpen 12:00 - 23.00, Sun
12:00 - 21:00. (18). TJSW
new
M.C Grill C-3, Phavaimu 13/15, tel. (+372) 699 77
80, maksim@schlossle-hotels.com, www.schloess-
lehotel.com/dining/MC Grill-restaurant.html. The
Schlssle hotel's venerated cellar restaurant is an elegant
refuge decorated wi th col our ful swaths of cl oth that
bring to mind a fairytale castle. Everything on the menu
is exquisi tel y prepared by a team of award-winning chefs,
making i t well worth the price. QOpen 12:00 - 24:00. (19).
J6IXSW
48
Cafs
49
Cafs
Loads of little bakeries and cafs around town churn out
tempting pastries and provide coffee and tables to let
you indulge on the spot. Here we have listed just a few
that specialise in baked goods.
Coco D-3, Estonia pst. 9 (Solaris Centre), tel. (+372)
672 27 22, info@cocopagar.ee, www.cocopagar.ee.
QOpen 09:00 - 22:00. JS
Karja Caf C-2, Suur-Karja 3, tel. (+372) 644 43 65,
riina.kallis@mail.ee. QOpen 08:00 - 19:00. JSW
Mademoiselle H-2, Paldiski mnt. 4 (Meriton Grand
Conference & Spa Hotel), tel. (+372) 628 81 55,
www.meritonhotels.com. QOpen 07:00 - 22:00.
JS
Pagaripoisid C-2, Nunne 11, tel. (+372) 641 67 00,
tellimine@pagaripoisid.ee, www.pagaripoisid.ee. QO-
pen 08:00 - 19:00, Sat 09:00 - 19:00, Sun 10:00 - 18:00.
Also at: I-2, Vana-Luna 37, tel. 627 37 00. Open 07:30
- 19:30, Sat 08:00 - 18:00, Sun 10:00 - 17:00. JS
Peppersack C-2/3, Viru 2, tel. (+372) 646 69 95,
peppersack@peppersack.ee, www.peppersack.ee.
QOpen 08:00 - 17:00, Sun 09:00 - 17:00. JS
Bakeries
Classic cafs
The staple formula of a bunch of little, round tables and a
pastry counter has served Tallinn well for years. It's not that
these places don't have ambience - they do, but they're
more for grabbing a bite on the run than for settling in.
Anneli Viik Handmade Chocolates Caf B-3, Pikk
30, tel. (+372) 644 45 30, anneli@anneliviik.ee, www.
anneliviik.ee. Chocoholics beware! This li ttle, Old Town
caf features Anneli Viik's handmade chocolates, made
on the spot and sold either by the box for take-away, or in
smaller portions to accompany your coffee (or light food or
cognac, etc). There's even a glass wall that lets you watch
the chocolatiers do their stuff. QOpen 11:00 - 19:00, Fri, Sat
11:00 - 21:00. J6USW
Caf Rose C-2, Voorimehe 4, tel. (+372) 55 52 56
58, artvitis@hotmail.com. Tucked into a side street, this
Lilliputian-sized caf kind of reminds you of Grandmas place,
onl y they charge you for the tea and biscuits. We'd recom-
mend it to anyone who either misses Grandma or is doing
research for a book on older women that have more than
three cats and garden a lot. QOpen 09:00 - 23:00, Fri, Sat
09:00 - 02:00. J6USW
Kohvik Julius D-2, Harju 40a, tel. (+372) 55 51 57
36, kohvik@gloria.ee, www.gloria.ee. Wi th i ts perfect
views onto the park and bustling Harju street, this little caf
serves up some great Viennese coffee, pastries and some
excellent people watching possibilities - both in summer and
winter, thanks to being right next to the ice rink. QOpen 10:00
- 22:00. (7). JW
Kohvituba B-2, Lai 26, tel. (+372) 508 60 68, info@
kohvituba.eu, www.kohvituba.eu. The things that make
this tiny caf special are i ts minute proportions, i ts fresh
cakes and ultra quaint and romantic atmosphere. It's the kind
of place you'd want to bring Grandma after church or a friend
you haven't seen in a while. The prices are quite reasonable
and the sheer size of the coffee list is commendable. QOpen
10:00 - 19:00. JS
La Boheme G/H-2, Toompuiestee 23, tel. (+372) 660
07 11, laboheme@uniquestay.com, www.laboheme.
ee. Nicel y done up wi th stone walls and cheerful orange
tables, this slick little caf is a great stopping place for big,
fresh, inexpensive pastries. More exotic items like passion
fruit milkshakes and couscous salads are on offer, and the
aquarium counter is an interesting addition. QOpen 12:00
- 22:00. (10). TUSW
Mademoiselle B-3, Pikk 29 (Meriton Old Town Garden
Hotel), tel. (+372) 664 88 05, hotels@meritonhotels.com,
www.meritonhotels.com. Considered for years to be one of
Tallinn's best places to get a delectable dessert, this classic caf
still lives up to its reputation. Along with the many calorie-laden
treats on offer, you can also find a few decent savoury meals and
a couple of breakfast options at each of the four locations around
town. QOpen 07:00 - 21:00. Also at: H-2, Meriton Grand
Conference & Spa Hotel, Paldiski mnt. 4, tel. (+372) 628
81 55. Open 07:00 - 22:00. (6.40). TJSW
Maiasmokk C-2, Pikk 16, tel. (+372) 646 40 79, www.
kalev.eu/maiasmokk/kohvik. Tallinn's oldest caf, the
Sweet Tooth has been serving marzipan and other treats since
it opened way back in 1864. Drop in for elaborate cakes, cheap
coffee, and an amazing, pre-war interior. QOpen 08:00 - 19:00,
Sun 09:30 - 17:00. JS
Pikajala C-1, Pikk jalg 16, tel. (+372) 648 14 28, aylika1@
gmail.com, www.pikajalakohvik.ee. There aren't too many
places to grab a bite or a coffee when you reach the top of the
hill that is Toompea, but this is one of them. A reincarnation of
an old tourist trap of the same name has actually gotten much
better and eating a light bite here won't break the bank. QOpen
09:00 - 20:00. (11). JSW
Reval Caf Vene 1 C-2/3, Vene 1, tel. (+372) 644 64 73,
info@revalcafe.ee, www.revalcafe.ee. It's the one with the
giant mocha pot. The atmosphere is relaxed and comfortable,
the perfect spot to lounge out with a cup of joe and a friend. If
you'd rather have a read with your coffee, head upstairs where
there's less noise. QOpen 08:00 - 22:00, Fri, Sat 08:00 - 23:00,
Sun 08:30 - 21:00. (5.10). J6UIESW
Saiakang C-2, Saiakang 3/5, tel. (+372) 644 30 55,
www.saialill.ee. One of the last of Old Town's simple and
cheap cafs. Here you'll find plenty of salads, pastries and
frugal, old folks. QOpen 09:00 - 20:00, Sun 10:00 - 18:00.
(3.60). JS
Fashionable
Tallinn's most en vogue cafs all offer full meals as well as
the satisfaction that you're with the 'in' crowd.
Bestseller C-4, Viru Vljak 4/6, 3rd floor of Viru
Centre, tel. (+372) 53 46 71 96, kohvik@relevante.
ee. Pulling in a clientele that's both intellectual and trendy
(think blondes wearing glasses), this caf on the lower
floor of the Viru Centre's Rahva Raamat book store has
become a popular gourmet lunch destination. I t offers an
original selection of salads and light brasserie-style meals
as well as ciabatta sandwiches or bread to go. Surprisingl y
inexpensi ve for this level of quali ty. QOpen 09:00 - 21:00.
TULSW
Caf Mozza C-4, Vana-Viru 14, tel. (+372) 646 10 21,
mozza@mozza.ee. This recent addi tion to the Sparkling
Groups vast holdings offers a less serious way to enjoy
their wares. One of Estonias top chefs is the captain of the
culinary ship and i t certainl y shows. Our Entrecte was a
fine cut of beef, but the meat and the home-cut fries were
too heavil y sal ted for our pallet. The price to portion ratio
of the mains were also a li ttle on the pretentious side. That
being said, there are plenty of fantastic brochettes and
tapas to be found at this Medi terranean-style eatery - and
the desserts are qui te delicious. QOpen 12:00 - 23:00, Fri,
Sat 12:00 - 01:00. (12). J
Kaevukohvik C-2, Rataskaevu 16, tel. (+372) 642 40
25/(+372) 506 17 00, info@kaevukohvik.ee, www.
kaevukohvik.ee. Gi ven the horrible lack of service, this
was a bi t of a disappointment reall y. The atmosphere was
certainl y stylish, the cuisine was also laid-out qui te nicel y
- but the prices were rather lofty in our honest opinion. Sides
also need to be ordered and indeed paid for separatel y,
something that al ways leaves us wi th a bad taste in our
mouths. Could be a decent spot for a coffee and dessert,
but you probabl y won't catch us in Kaevu again. QOpen
12:00 - 22:00, Fri, Sat 10:00 - 24:00. (8). J
Must Puudel D-3, Mrivahe 20, tel. (+372) 505 62
58. Not to be confused wi th 'Must Lammas' , on the parallel
Sauna street, the Black Poodle is a funky, retro eatery wi th
a heavy Soviet-li ving-room feel and a cosy hang-out kind of
atmosphere. The cuisine is kind of a blend between trendy
and home-style, the prices won't bankrupt you and there
are even li ve entertainment events held some weekends.
QOpen 09:00 - 02:00. (5). JEW
Wabadus D-2, Vabaduse vljak 10, tel. (+372) 53
70 19 03/(+372) 644 42 32, wabadus@wabadus.ee,
www.wabadus.ee. The newest incarnation of this eatery,
formerl y known as Moskva and Kul tus, just happens to
hi t the nail right on the head - so to speak. From the clean
interior design and 1930's inspired outfi ts to the delight-
full y prepared dishes and the snappy service Wabadus will
transport you back in time. QOpen 11:00 - 23:00, Mon
11:00 - 21:00, Fri, Sat 11:00 - 03:00. Closed Sun. (9.50).
JEW
XX sajand C-2, Kullassepa 13, tel. (+372) 611 90
85, kohvik@xxsajand.ee, www.xxsajand.ee. Located
just across from the Tourist Information Centre, this is
a great li ttle spot for a light bi te, a coffee, a dessert or
a cocktail - '20th Century' is both cosy and central. You
can tell that the owners have put their hearts into i t and
i t's one place we will certainl y visi t again. QOpen 09:30
- 22:00, Thu 09:30 - 24:00, Fri, Sat 09:30 - 01:00. (9).
TJ6ESW
Stylish & Cosy
These classy establishments are best for long chats with
friends, and discussions about your next novel.
Bogapott C-1, Pikk jalg 9, tel. (+372) 631 31 81, www.
bogapott.ee. Tucked into part of a medieval town wall on Toom-
pea, the family-run Bogapott is a cosy, otherworldly hideaway.
Fresh, flaky pastries and sandwiches are the speciality in this
combination caf, art shop and ceramics studio. QOpen 10:00
- 18:00, Sun 10:00 - 17:00. JIW
Bonaparte B-3, Pikk 45, tel. (+372) 646 44 44, bonapar-
te@bonaparte.ee, www.bonaparte.ee. Nestled in a beauti-
ful, 17th-century building, Bonaparte certainly has a refined
atmosphere, but it's a casual and surprisingly affordable place
to sip earl grey and sample the buttery croissants and other
home-made pastries. Sit and watch the world go by, or check
out one of the revolving art exhibits. QOpen 08:00 - 22:00, Sat
09:00 - 22:00, Sun 10:00 - 18:00. (7). J6SW
Caf Amore D-2, Harju 5, tel. (+372) 644 07 21, info@
cafeamore.ee, www.cafeamore.ee. Because it's all about
the love isn't it. This quaint little caf kind of bleeds romantic,
from the ultra sinful chocolate cakes and the rich coffees to the
little cans of proseco and gold framed everything, Amore really
spreads the love. Quite a nice view onto Niguliste church too.
QOpen 10:00 - 22:00, Sun 10:00 - 21:00. (10). JS
C'est La Vie C-2, Suur-Karja 5, tel. (+372) 641 80 48,
info@cestlavie.ee, www.cestlavie.ee. This swanky establish-
ment's 1930's style interior will have you dancing the Charleston.
The cuisine certainly has a French bent to it, and the romantic
ambience makes this a great choice for a date. QOpen 12:00
- 23:00, Fri, Sat 12:00 - 01:00. (5). TJ6UESW
Josephine C-3, Vene 16, tel. (+372) 641 82 91, pierre@
pierre.ee, www.pierre.ee. Brought to you by the same fine
chocolatiers as Pierre located in the courtyard just down the
street, the atmosphere at Josephine is quite a bit different a
little swankier, and oh man, you have got to try the handmade
chocolate. This is not a bad place to indulge your yourself in
decadence. QOpen 10:00 - 22:00. JW
Kehrwieder Chocolaterie C-2, Saiakang 1 (Raekoja
Plats), tel. (+372) 55 56 72 03, saiakang@kohvik.ee,
www.kohvik.ee. One of the best cafs in town for ambience,
Kehrweider is a snug warren of cave-like stone rooms filled
with quirky, old furniture. Excellent gourmet coffees, handmade
chocolates and the Town Hall Square location are other plusses,
but be warned it can get crowded here. QOpen 08:00 - 23:00,
Fri, Sat 08:00 - 01:00. JSW
Kohvik Komeet D/E-3/4, Estonia pst. 9 (Solaris Centre),
tel. (+372) 614 00 90, info@kohvikkomeet.ee, www.koh-
vikkomeet.ee. This gem of a caf located in the sparkling new
Solaris centre has great views, fresh foods and above all, killer
desserts. Did we mention the awesome desserts? Because
if you come here you should really try some of their excellent
desserts. QOpen 10:00 - 23:00, Fri, Sat 10:00 - 24:00, Sun
10:00 - 21:00. (7). PT6USW
Pierre Chocolaterie C-3, Vene 6 (in the courtyard), tel.
(+372) 641 80 61, pierre@pierre.ee, www.pierre.ee.
People squeeze into this quaint, frilly, 19th-century style caf for
two reasons: One is that it has its own master Chocolatier who
cooks up truffles from scratch, and the other is the unbeatably
cosy atmosphere. Be warned that seats fill up fast and that
during slow times they occasionally close a little early. QOpen
09:00 - 23:00. JW
Viru Keskus is the best lifestyle and shopping centre in Estonia. It is a magical fashion palace
where everyday rules and routine has no power over you. Viru Keskus offers you everything to
Viru vljak 4/6 Tallinn
bring out harmony and pleasure in you. There is more
than 100 shops, over 10 cafs and restaurants, biggest
bookstore and largest beauty area in the Baltic countries.
You can also fnd a trendy ftness club on the top foor
of the centre. Best choice of different fashion brands,
traditional fashion events and large range of artistic
and cultural events offer exceptional enjoyment even
for the most sophisticated taste. Viru Keskus locates in
the heart of the city and is easy to access for pedestrians
or drivers. There is a parking space for more than 450
cars and the only underground bus terminal in Tallinn.
fashion lives here
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52
nightlife
53
nightlife
One could get the impression that Estonians are hopeless
party animals. For a town its size, Tallinn has a suspi-
ciously high number of bars and nightclubs. But for foreign
visitors, this just means theres more variety on offer. This
section is designed to help you pick the nightspot that
suits your mood, whatever that may be.
Expat hangouts
Whether or not you consider it a stamp of approval, these
bars and pubs are where Tallinn's expats, and more than a
few tourists, tend to congregate.
Cafe VS E-2, Prnu mnt. 28, tel. (+372) 627 26 27,
info@cafevs.ee, www.cafevs.ee. You will never be alone in
this groovy well-established favourite bar of locals and expats
alike, which interestingl y doubles as an Indian restaurant.
There's al ways a vibrant ambience which, depending on the
time of day, will have you chilling on the comfy lounges or
grooving when the DJs are in the house later in the evening.
Head to the more intimate room downstairs for a bit of privacy.
QOpen 10:00 - 24:00, Fri 10:00 - 02:00, Sat 12:00 - 02:00,
Sun 12:00 - 24:00. USW
Clayhills Gastropub C-2, Pikk 13, tel. (+372) 641 93
12, clayhills@clayhills.ee, www.clayhills.ee. Gastronomi-
cal delights by day and a great place to hang out by night,
Clayhills offers up a heal thy selection of local and imported
beers, heart-warming and creative pub cuisine and a heal thy
dose of live music on weekend evenings. You'll also be able to
catch the latest football match on the big screens or watch
Tallinn pass you by from the great outdoor terrace during the
warmer months. This is the evolution of the pub'. QOpen
11:00 - 24:00, Wed, Thu 11:00 - 01:00, Fri, Sat 11:00 - 02:00.
(11). J6EW
Hell Hunt B-3, Pikk 39, tel. (+372) 681 83 33, hell-
hunt@hellhunt.ee, www.hellhunt.ee. If you just want to
grab a beer with friends and avoid the tourist scene, Hell
Hunt (The Gentle Wolf) is probabl y your best bet. An open,
comfortable drinking establishment with a strong sense of
style, it pulls in the locals by the droves with its no-nonsense
atmosphere. While here, try the pub's own brand of light and
dark beers (brewed in Viru lu). Good, cheap food too. QOpen
12:00 - 02:00. Age restriction 18+. J6IEXW
Molly Malone's C-2, Mndi 2, tel. (+372) 631 30
16, www.mollymalones.ee. Right on Town Hall Square,
this roomy Irish pub has become a popular meeting spot,
particularl y for male tourists and business travellers. In an
effort to draw a younger crowd though, it has now been given
a sports-bar makeover, with added TVs, etc. Live bands get
the place buzzing on weekends, but you can find at least a
small crowd here just about every night of the week. QOpen
10:00 - 01:00, Fri, Sat 09:00 - 04:00. JEXW
Nimeta Baar (The Pub with No Name) C/D-3, Suur-
Karja 4, tel. (+372) 641 15 15/(+372) 56 49 14 91,
nimetabaar@hot.ee, www.nimetabaar.ee. In case the
flags hanging out front don't give it away, Nimeta is the quint-
essential expat bar. At times it looks like something between
a British stag party hangout and an expat boys' club, but a
good number of locals and backpacker types make it more
interesting, especially on weekends when DJs get people into
the dancing mood. A good place to watch sports and/or eat
pub food. QOpen 09:00 - 03:00, Thu, Fri, Sat 09:00 - 05:00.
Age restriction 18+. JUXSW
Tonic D-2, Suur-Karja 13, tel. (+372) 680 76 17, www.
tonic.ee. The pub formerl y known as Nimega (The Bar With
a Name), is still a very livel y locale on Old Town's main bar
street. This nightlife reincarnation hopes to attract a slightl y
more urbane crowd than those who used to come here for
cheap drinks. The air here is still generall y one of boy-meets-
girl and on weekends, the little dance area in back sees plenty
of action. QOpen , Mon, Tue 11:00 - 02:00, Wed, Thu 11:00
- 03:00, Fri 11:00 - 07:00, Sat 18:00 - 07:00, Sun 18:00
- 02:00. JXW
Puff to your heart's content in these highly urbane
shop/lounges.
Chicago 1933 C-3, Aia 3, tel. (372) 627 12 66,
info@chicago.ee, www.chicago.ee. This is hands-
down, the best cigar lounge in the ci ty. The lounge
comprises the entire upstairs floor of the restaurant,
contains a walk-in humidor, a copious amount of fine
cigars and more cognac than could kill the entire line-
up at the Kentucky Derby - that's horses and jockeys.
QOpen 12:00 - 24:00, Wed, Thu 12:00 - 01:00, Fri
12:00 - 03:00, Sat 14:00 - 03:00, Sun 14:00 - 24:00.
JUXSW
La Casa Del Habano C-2, Dunkri 2, tel. (+372)
644 56 47, lcdh@havanas.ee, www.havanas.ee.
Owned by Estonia's exclusi ve Cuban cigar distributor,
this beauti ful, casual Afro-Caribbean-style lounge has
comfy chairs and a warm look. I t's a sensible place
to stop for a Cohiba or a cup of Cuban coffee at the
beginning or the end of your evening out. Friendl y, pro-
fessional service. QOpen 10:00 - 24:00, Sun 12:00
- 18:00. JXW
Cigar lounges
I f you want to get in good wi th the locals, i t never hurts
to learn how to toast in the national language. Luckil y
i ts fairl y simple here: Estonians toast by clinking their
glasses and saying Terviseks (heal th). I ts crucial,
however, that you l ook your drinking compani on in
the eye just as your glasses are clinking. I f you miss
this step, the toast doesnt count and youll have to
start all over!
How to toast in Estonian
Perhaps due to the fact that many Estonians holiday in
Egypt where shisha smoking is pretty much a human-
right, there are loads of establishments around town
that offer a puff. Here we have listed just a few that
specialise in the pastime.
Calif Oriental Lounge C-3, Mrivahe 23a, tel.
(+372) 55 51 05 60, www.calif.ee. A lot more expen-
sive and elaborate than the other Hookah establishments
around the city, the interior certainly is pretty fancy though
as is the selection of tobaccos and other eastern delights.
QOpen 19:00 - 04:00, Fri, Sat 18:00 - 06:00. JX
Popular C-3, Vana-Viru 6, tel. (+372) 641 45 65,
info@popular.ee, www.popular.ee. Though it's a bit
smaller than the other fashionable lounges, Popular still
manages to fill its little seats and sofas with a respectable
volume of trend monkeys. They seem to be pulled in by
the availability of tobacco-filled water pipes, as well as the
DJs who play progressive music on weekends. QOpen
09:00 - 01:00, Fri, Sat 09:00 - 04:00. JXW
Vesipiibu Kohvik (Water Pipe Caf) E-2, Tatari 1, tel.
(+372) 56 46 46 06, andres@vesipiibukohvik.ee, www.
vesipiibukohvik.ee. Certainly a tongue-twister for most
foreigners, the vesi-piibu-koh-vik is quite a relaxing place to
while away your afternoons, or evenings. Those evenings may
even turn into weeks, months or years if you're not too careful.
Actually, we just confused this place with an opium den, never
mind. Live belly dance shows on weekends are certain to be a
hit - get it? QOpen 11:00 - 01:00, Fri, Sat 11:00 - 05:00, Sun
11:00 - 22:00. Age restriction 18+. LXW
Hookah joints
Estonian style
If you're looking for a bit of local flavour, try these.
Hellemani Krts C-3, Mrivahe 50, tel. (+372)
646 43 33/(+372) 56 67 43 65, helleman@helleman.
ee, www.helleman.ee. For some good-old-fashi oned
hospi tali ty, attenti ve servi ce and a fantasti c location, the
Hell emani, whi ch is tucked inside the base of a for ti fi ca-
tion tower, impressed us. Great for groups or just a couple
of fri ends who want a beer and snacks, the home-styl e
food was simpl e but ful filling. Oh, and i f you're l ooking for
a modern rendi tion of a tin battl e helmet i t's yours for just
32. QOpen 12:00 - 23:00, Fri 12:00 - 01:00, Sat 11:00
- 01:00, Sun 11:00 - 22:00. (6.40). JSW
Karja Kelder C/D-3, Vike-Karja 1, tel. (+372) 644
10 08/(+372) 644 65 87, karjakelder@hot.ee, www.
karjakelder.ee. A well-l oved Old Town pub wi th a more
relaxed, l ocal feel than i ts expat-ori ented nei ghbours,
Karja Kelder is defini tel y one to seek out. The vari ety of
cheap beer (and food) makes i t a hi t, as do the occasional
li ve bands. One caveat is that i t gets crowded in the
evening, necessi tating a totali tarian coat-check poli cy.
QOpen 11:00 - 02:00, Mon, Sun 11:00 - 24:00, Fri, Sat
11:00 - 04:00. (5.10). JESW
Kol mas Draakon (The Thi r d Dragon) C- 2,
Raekoja plats 1 (Town Hall), tel. (+372) 627 90 20.
Tucked into the corner of Tallinn's famous Town Hall,
this teensy-weensy tavern has both a histori c ambi ence
and an enviabl e l ocati on. Better still, i t's owned by Olde
Hansa so i t's guaranteed to be a great l ocal e to grab a
soup, pastr y or a pint of 'mead'. All drinks are 2, food
is 1 and brine pi ckl es in the barrel are FREE! QOpen
08:00 - 24:00. JS
Traveller's Pub and Club (Seiklusjutte Maalt ja
Merelt) H-4, Tartu mnt. 44, tel. (+372) 601 07 62,
info@seiklusjutte.ee, www.seiklusjutte.ee. Named
for Estonia's favouri te collection of adventure stories, this
popular l ocal has a warm, air y, l odge-like feel - a sharp
contrast to the nearby market area. There are pl enty of
maps and gl obes here to help you plan your expedi ti on
to Danger Island, or the Centre of the Ear th or wherever.
Bi g-screen TV and comfy chairs. QOpen 11:00 - 24:00,
Thu, Fri, Sat 11:00 - 02:00. (6). ISW
Valli Baar D-2, Mrivahe 14, tel. (+372) 641 83 79.
The Valli is defini tel y one Tallinn establishment you need to
check out. Let's just say that i t is so full of local colour', i t
even had a documentary made about i t recentl y. I t's also
a well known fact that attracti ve blondes often head here
for the house speciali ty 'Millimallikas' cocktail before trawl-
ing for men over at Club Holl ywood. This bar undoubtedl y
makes i t seem cool to be a dirty old man. QOpen 12:00
- 02:00, Sun 12:00 - 24:00. JE
54
nightlife
Bars & Pubs
Assorted watering holes, each with its own style.
Bayern&Bhmen Keller D-2, Suur-Karja 18, tel. (+372)
644 47 33, bbkeller@hot.ee, www.bbkeller.ee. Ah, Bavaria
- the rolling hills, the great beer, the lederhosen, sturdy women
with overflowing and abundant cleavage, the mouth-watering
sausages and succulent schnitzels... we apologise for getting
your hopes up, but you won't find any of that here. What you will
find is a, somewhat, nicely decorated cellar pub which belongs
to a rather large chain of Estonian pubs that litter the country
and serve very average pub cuisine to locals who have gotten
used to greasy unimaginative food that is often heated up in
the microwave and served with French fries covered in French
fry seasoning. Und das ist nicht wunderbar. QOpen 11:30
- 24:00, Fri, Sat 11:30 - 02:00. JXSW
Drink Bar & Grill D-3, Vike-Karja 8, tel. (+372) 644 94
33, drinkbaar@live.com, www.drinkbaar.com. It's evident
there's a passion for beer cul ture here, not onl y its name
Drink' but overall, offering natural beers, a special 'house
brew', unusual imports, regular interacti ve beer lectures
and even organic ciders. On a typical evening you'll find a
livel y bunch of patrons from all over the world; backpackers,
travellers, locals and ex-pats all seem to congregate here.
Whatever category you might fit into, you'll be sure to have an
enjoyable experience, drinking or otherwise. QOpen 12:00
- 24:00, Fri, Sat 12:00 - 03:00. (7). J6IXW
Karoliina Bar D-2, Harju 6, tel. (+372) 631 05 05. This
quirky little bar shaped like a tunnel and dug into the hill heading
up to Toompea is excellent option for a secluded, quiet catch up
with friends. Stretched cow skins and fake rose vines along the
walls make an odd decorative combination. Try the Karoliina spe-
cial - hot wine spiked with spirits. QOpen 11:00 - 23:00. J
Due to Tallinns proximity to the karaoke-loving nation
of Finland, there are quite a few karaoke spots to
be found here. By no means have we listed all the
possible karaoke venues, but here are a few that
specialise in the art of personal embarrassment
Koskenkorva Karaoke Bar B-4, Roseni 13, tel.
(+372) 681 65 05, info@karaokebaar.ee, www.kara-
okebaar.ee. Brought to you by the most popular vodka in
Finland, this spot runs Karaoke every night except Sunday.
They take this art-form so seriousl y they even hold com-
petitions and have a client card. QOpen 19:00 - 01:00,
Fri, Sat 19:00 - 03:00. Closed Sun. JXW
Park Inn Central Tallinn karaoke G-3, Narva
mnt. 7, tel. (+372) 633 98 00, www.cafekompass.
ee. Al though it onl y runs karaoke on Saturday nights, we
hear the competition can get pretty fierce. QOpen , Sat
20:00 - 02:00. LW
The Shamrock Pub karaoke C-3, Viru 24, tel.
(+372) 631 31 36, merike24@msn.com. QOpen
22:00 - 02:00, Fri, Sat 22:00 - 04:00. JXW
Vana Toomas karaoke C-2, Raekoja plats 10, tel.
(+372) 631 42 27, www.vanatoomas.ee. Offering
karaoke two nights per week - this is by far the most central
and even draws a fair amount of locals. QOpen , Fri, Sat
22:00 - 24:00. J
Karaoke
Live entertainment
Lots of pubs have weekend bands, but some places in
particular are known as venues for live music. Caf Amigo
(see clubs) also pulls in some of Estonia's best acts.
Chicago 1933 C-3, Aia 3, tel. (+372) 627 12 66, info@
chicago.ee, www.chicago.ee. For some of the finest live
blues this side of... well - Chicago, you can check out this
swinging establishment just around the corner from the Viru
Gates. The interior is all decked out in rich, dark wood and
filled with large booths just like they have in the 'Windy City'.
There's a strict 'no firearms allowed' policy though, so make
sure you check your guns at the door. QOpen 12:00 - 24:00,
Wed, Thu 12:00 - 01:00, Fri 12:00 - 03:00, Sat 14:00 - 03:00,
Sun 14:00 - 24:00. (14). JUEXSW
Clazz C-2, Vana turg 2, tel. (+372) 627 90 22, clazz@
clazz.ee, www.clazz.ee. Not only is Clazz a great place to
grab a bite all hours of the day or night, it has quickly turned into
one of the most happening spots in town for live music - practi-
cally every night of the week! Expect a wide variety of local and
international performers, with styles ranging from jazz to Latin
and everything in between. QOpen 17:00 - 03:00, Mon, Sun
17:00 - 01:00, Fri, Sat 17:00 - 04:00. JUEW
Drink Bar Comedy Night D-3, Vike-Karja 8, tel.
(+372) 644 94 33, drinkbaar@live.com, www.drinkbaar.
com. Every second Wednesday of each month is Comedy
Night at the Drink Bar and we quite enjoyed oursel ves the
last time we were there. There were of course a few manda-
tory groans mixed into the stew pot of chuckles, but the
atmosphere was all good - so too the hearty pub favourites.
They bring in comedians from all over Northern Europe to
round out a few regular expats and a handful of Estonian
comics. Be sure to show up earl y as it tends be standing
room onl y by the time 20:00 rolls around. Q Every second
Wednesday of each month, show starts at 20:00. Admission
5. JKXW
Rock Cafe H-4, Tartu mnt. 80d, 3rd floor, rc@rockcafe.
ee, www.rockcafe.ee. Buil t into an old factory building just
past the city's bus station, this minimalist, two-story rock
club is decidedl y raw and industrial. Live acts - mainl y rock
but sometimes blues or funk - are booked every weekend,
and the place boasts one of the best sound systems of any
club in Estonia. Enter the courtyard, go right and up the stairs.
Please note that you may find them open onl y when there are
live acts scheduled. See website for details. QOpen , Fri, Sat
22:00 - 03:00. Admission 3 - 9. LEX
Scotland Yard B-4, Mere pst. 6e, tel. (+372) 653 51 90,
scotlandyard@scotlandyard.ee, www.scotlandyard.ee.
An absolute monster of a pub just outside Old Town, Scotland
Yard earns praise for its quaint Victorian-library/police-depart-
ment interior, which even includes toilets done up like electric
chairs! Sadly, people have died of old age waiting to get a drink
at the bar. Rock-type bands take to the stage on weekends,
and despite its gargantuan size, the place often fills to the
brim. QOpen 09:00 - 24:00, Fri, Sat 09:00 - 02:00. Admis-
sion free. JLEW
Von Krahl C-2, Rataskaevu 10/12, tel. (+372) 626 90
90, baar@vonkrahl.ee, www.vonkrahl.ee. The real name
is 'Von Krahli Baar' but regulars just call it 'Krahl.' This down-
to-earth pub attached to a local theatre is where Tallinn's
alternative bands come to play, and naturally the crowd tends
towards students, punks and artsy types. Come by during the
day for good, cheap pub food. QOpen 12:00 - 01:00, Fri, Sat
12:00 - 03:00. JEW
56
nightlife
57
nightlife
Bars of the world
Why waste money on more world travel when you can see
it all right from Tallinn - and get pleasantly intoxicated in
the process?
Arizona Saloon C-3, Viru 6, tel. (+372) 627 29 87, arizona-
saloon@gmail.com. Overpriced beer, tacky cowboy dcor and
a location on Viru tnav are evidently all it takes to pull in herds
of unsuspecting Finnish tourists. Compared to the other traps on
this street though, at least this one has nice furniture. QOpen
10:00 - 22:00, Fri, Sat 10:00 - 02:00. (11.50). JEX
Beer Garden C-4, Aia 10 / Inseneri 1, tel. (+372) 688
00 13, info@beergarden.com, www.beergarden.ee.
Al though certainl y a bit of a tourist trap, the newl y opened
Beer Garden is quite nicel y decorated and the food quality is
rather decent for its genre - even though we fel t that several
notable Bavarian-specialities were missing from the menu.
They also have something called a beer-buffet from 16:00-
19:00 which is all you can drink for 15 - handy that they have
bench seating to deal with the aftermath. Live music can be
enjoyed on weekends. QOpen 10:00 - 22:00, Thu 10:00
- 02:00, Fri, Sat 10:00 - 04:00. (8). JEW
Beer House C-2, Dunkri 5, tel. (+372) 644 22 22,
info@beerhouse.ee, www.beerhouse.ee. So, how much
German oompah music can you stand? Just teasing, they do
play other beer-drinking favorites as well. This enormous, old-
fashioned, Bavarian-style beer hall is something of a landmark
in Tallinn. That said, the sprawling restaurant just off Town
Hall Square is also Tallinn's onl y microbrewery, serving seven
Kompressor C-2, Rataskaevu 3, tel. (+372) 646 42 10,
egiid@hot.ee, www.kompressorpub.ee. Students in par-
ticular seem to be drawn to this simple, unassuming bar with
oversized tables and cheap drinks. Kompressor is also locally
famous for its excellent pancakes, which are both cheap and
filling. Kitchen closes at 22:00. QOpen 11:00 - 23:00. JN
St. Patrick's C/D-2, Suur-Karja 8, tel. (+372) 641 81
73, info@patricks.ee, www.patricks.ee. The name and
dcor may be Irish, but the crowds in each of Tallinn's four
St. Patrick's pubs are just about as Estonian as they come.
The one here on Suur-Karja is the most famous, cleverl y
buil t into a spacious, medieval hall. All offer decent, cheap
food, and every fourth Saku Originaal is al ways free. QOpen
11:00 - 02:00, Fri, Sat 11:00 - 04:00. Also at: D-2, Vana-
Posti 7, tel. 631 48 01. Open 11:00 - 02:00, Fri-Sat 11:00
- 04:00. Also at: E-2, Prnu mnt 20, tel. 669 18 16. Open
11:00 - 02:00, Fri-Sat 11:00 - 04:00. Also at: G-3, Narva
mnt 5, tel: 664 04 43. Open 11:00 - 02:00, Fri-Sat 11:00
- 04:00. J6W
Loads of bars in Old Town offer shots or shooters but
these places seem to specialise in them.
new
Hullumaja Baar C-2, Suur-Karja 11. It's pretty craz-e-
e-e-e... Hulumaja means 'nuthouse' in English and given the
low shooters prices, a few hours spent here can certainly
end up contributing to a less than sharp mental state. The
interior dcor is a little lacking, we would have liked to see
all manner of freaky medical instruments hanging on the
walls, but a smattering of signs, padded walls and shots
served in urine cups get the point across. Q See Facebook
page for up-to-date shots prices. J
Kohvik Noorus C-2, Lai 10, tel. (+372) 600 53 73,
rekkalesbi@kohviknoorus.ee, www.kohviknoorus.
ee. We promised some of our friends that we wouldn't
give this place too good a review as we al ways seem
to ruin a good thing by letting too many tourists in on it
- but friends don't pay our bills. Cheap drinks, free flowing
shooters and gorgeous girls who might even show you
their boobs for a couple of shots, abound at this locale.
This place is awesome. There - we said i t, and onl y
feel mildl y bad about it. QOpen 18:00 - 05:00. Closed
Mon, Tue. J
Labor C-3, Vike-Karja 1. 'Labor' which means 'lab'
in English is pretty much just that - they've got loads of
experimental shooters on the menu, served in holders
containing ten test tubes. I f you'd prefer to sip your
chemical concoctions, they also offer an explosion of
other science-themed cocktails, certain to please even
you got an 'F' in chemistry. Spending too much time here
could be hazardous to your health. QOpen 21:00 - 05:00.
Closed Mon, Tue, Sun. J
Shooters C-2, Suur-Karja 4, tel. (+372) 600 22 20,
info@shooters.ee, www.shooters.ee. As the name
quite obviously implies, Shooters is pretty much all about
the booze. Add to that its location on one of the busier bar
streets in Old Town and the ongoing special of 5 shots for
5 and ding-ding-ding, we have got ourselves a winner - or
a lot of losers depending on your perspective. QOpen
11:30 - 04:00, Wed, Thu 11:30 - 05:00, Fri, Sat 11:30
- 06:00. Age restriction 18+. JEW
Shooter bars
Talukrts D-3, Viru 18, tel. (+372) 641 83 87, info@
talukorts.ee, www.talukorts.ee. You need to offer some-
thing special if you expect people to climb three flights of
stairs for a drink or something to eat. Besides an unusual
rural landscape painted on the walls, Talu Krts has a pretty
average menu and lacks any real atmosphere and probabl y
isn't worth the exercise required to get there. QOpen 11:00
- 22:00, Fri, Sat 11:00 - 23:00. (9.90). J6W
The Dubliner D-2, Suur-Karja 18, tel. (+372) 644 46
94, dubliner@hot.ee, www.dubliner.ee. Part of a large
Estonian chain of mediocre pubs, the most Irish thing about
the Dubliner is the Guinness beer on tap and the picture
of Bono on the wall. The microwaved garlic cheese bread,
lacklustre service and soggy schnitzel left us feeling a little
limp. Needless to say, we were rather unimpressed with our
overall experience, but we hear that it can be a fun place
for drinks and an inexpensive lunch - we'll let you decide for
yourself. QOpen 11:00 - 01:00, Mon, Sun 11:00 - 24:00, Fri,
Sat 11:00 - 03:00. (7). JSW
The Shamrock Pub C-3, Viru 24, tel. (+372) 631 31
36, shamrockpub@hot.ee. Though strewn with off-the-shelf
Irish dcor, Shamrock's character seems mostly derived from
i ts high-traffic location at the foot of Viru tnav. I t's often
packed by a transient, motley crowd of tourists and locals,
many drawn in by the karaoke or sports events shown on the
large-screen TV. QOpen 10:00 - 02:00, Fri, Sat 10:00 - 04:00.
Age restriction in the evenings 18+. JXW
Vana Wiru Pub C-3, Viru 11, tel. (+372) 669 15 10,
pub@vanawiru.ee, www.vanawiru.ee. A no-nonsense,
classic pub with hints of an Old Tallinn theme. Vana Wiru's
ideal, Viru street location that makes it a convenient stopping
place for families to hunker down with their drinks. Check out
the interesting jukebox selections. QOpen 08:00 - 24:00,
Fri, Sat 08:00 - 02:00. TJUGS
very decent in-house varieties. QOpen 11:00 - 24:00, Fri, Sat
11:00 - 02:00. JEXS
vejki Juures B-3, Uus 25/Olevimgi 16, tel. (+372)
641 10 21, info@svejkijuures.ee, www.svejkijuures.ee.
It calls itself a beer restaurant,' but vejk's Place is reall y
a weird basement pub laid out like a little military beer hall.
The much-loved Czech cartoon character, vejk, makes his
presence fel t here as do a selection of heavy, greasy, dodgy
Czech beer snacks. QOpen 11:00 - 01:00, Fri, Sat 11:00
- 02:00, Sun 11:00 - 23:00. (10.55). JEXW
Texas Honky Tonk & Cantina B-3, Pikk 43, tel.
(+372) 631 17 55, texas@texas.ee, www.texas.ee.
Respectabl y busy (but rarel y packed) on a given Friday night,
Tallinn's Texas-style cantina is a casual place to knock back
a corona while tapping your foot to the twangy country/rock
or old blues played in the stereo. Monster portions of fries
will kill even the worst munchies. QOpen 12:00 - 24:00, Fri,
Sat 12:00 - 01:00. J6IESW
The Englishman Pub H-3, Liivalaia 33, Radisson Blu
Hotel Olmpia, tel. (+372) 631 58 31, info.olumpia.tal-
linn@radissonblu.com, www.radissonblu.com/olumpia-
hotel-tallinn. Find the bowler hat on the sign and you'll know
you're in the right place. The Radisson Blu Olmpia's pub looks
a bit like a cross between an English library and a cricket
museum. QOpen 18:00 - 24:00, Fri, Sat 18:00 - 02:00.
Closed Mon, Sun. ULXW
The Lost Continent G-4, Narva mnt. 19, tel. (+372)
662 36 65, info@lostcontinent.ee, www.lostcontinent.
ee. This Aussie-style pub finall y got rid of i ts inane and
predictable Wombat X-ing' kitsch and turned the place into
a kind of trendy lounge. It's still a bit far from the centre to
be a wildl y popular nighttime hangout, but it nevertheless
attracts a decent-sized crowd, and you can get a 5-li tre
Foster's beer bong if your bladder needs a workout. QOpen
11:30 - 23:00, Wed 11:30 - 24:00, Thu 11:30 - 01:00, Fri,
Sat 11:30 - 02:00. EW
Tallinn's gay scene isn't a large one by any means,
but that doesn't mean those looking to play with local
queers will be left wanting. Here's the short and curly
list of where to let it all 'hang' out, so to speak.
G-punkt E-2, Prnu mnt. 23 (entrance from Tatari
street), tel. (+372) 644 05 52, info@gpunkt.ee,
www.gpunkt.ee. One of the oldest gay joints in the
city and geared mainl y to Estonia's Russian community,
'G-spot' offers up fun times for both sexes who happen to
be looking for a good time, with the same sex. Loads of
activities and amenities are guaranteed to hit the spot,
as it were. QOpen , Fri, Sat 22:00 - 06:00. Closed Mon
- Thu, Sun. Age restriction 18+. JXW
X-Baar E-2, Tatari 1, tel. (+372) 644 01 21, info@
xbaar.ee, www.xbaar.ee. If you want to know every-
thing there is to know about the local gay cul ture, come
to Tallinn's oldest gay bar. The unofficial command centre
for the city's gay scene, X-Baar has acquired a new, three-
floored location complete wi th a small terrace, billiard
table and loyal customers (both men and women) keep it
lively by piling onto the dance floor. QOpen 16:00 - 01:00,
Fri, Sat 14:00 - 03:00, Sun 14:00 - 01:00. Admission free.
Age restriction 18+. JXW
Gay nightlife
58
nightlife
59
nightlife
Artsy/underground
The raw underbelly of Tallinn's music and art scene will
be appealing only to more adventurous travellers.
Depeche Mode C-2, Voorimehe 4, tel. (+372) 631
43 08, bar@depechemode.ee, www.depechemode.
ee. Vilnius has i ts Frank Zappa statue, so i t's onl y fair
that Tallinn has this bar dedicated to Depeche Mode. For
normal humans, this is just a friendl y di ve bar stuffed wi th
fan memorabilia. But i f you're a true DM fan, this is all you
ever wanted, all you ever needed. QOpen 12:00 - 04:00.
Age restriction 18+. JEXW
Hoov C-3, entrance through passage next to Viru 2, tel.
(+372) 53 4 34 13, programm@hoov.eu, www.hoov.
eu. Si tuated in a courtyard and old cinema house, Hoov
certainl y is a whole lot of artsy and underground. Expect
performances from all sorts of genres and disciplines to take
place here. This is where Tallinn's 'up and coming' musicians,
artists and just the right amount of eccentric 'movers and
shakers' like to hang and put themsel ves on display. We're
not 100% sure that this venue doesn't break any heal th-code
or safety violations, but the risks kind of add to the atmo-
sphere. Q Open 22:00 - 04:00, closed Mon, Sun.
Kodu Baar B-2, Vaimu 1, tel. (+372) 56 46 79 77,
info@kodubaar.ee, www.kodubaar.ee. Formerl y a li ttle
bar called Juuksur, nothing has reall y changed since the
name change. I t's still a stone cellar full of mismatched
furni ture and art nerds. The bar's name means 'Home Bar',
so naturall y i t kind of feels like a student's second li ving
room. Expect li ve bands on some nights and inexpensi ve
bottled beer. QOpen 16:00 - 04:00. J
Kuku Klubi D-2, Vabaduse vljak 8, tel. (+372)
644 58 64, inf o@kukuklubi.ee, www.kukuklubi.
ee. Reaching unmatched hei ghts in retro shabbiness,
Kuku i s a l ovabl y tacky cellar hangout where Tallinn's
ol d ar ti sts get l oaded on red wine, talk phil osophy, or
on weekends, dance to 80s hi ts. You have to have a
club card to open the door, but you can al so just hang
out by the entrance and wai t for someone to come in
or out. QOpen 11:30 - 02:00, Fri 11:30 - 03:00, Sat
14:00 - 03:00, Sun 14:00 - 23:00. These days usuall y
just open for special events, see Facebook page for
detail s. JIEW
Levist vljas B-3, Olevimgi 12, tel. (+372) 50
46 048, vaari@hot.ee. Tallinn's most grot t y, seedy
and all-around di vi est di ve bar. Students, Rastafarians
and rockers alike congregate in this medi eval cellar bar
known for cheap drinks and uninhibi ted fun. Levist is usu-
all y peopl e's last stop of the ni ght after drinking heavil y
elsewhere. QOpen 15:00 - 03:00, Fri, Sat 15:00 - 06:00.
Age restri cti on 18+. J6ENXW
Protest B-4, Roseni 9a, tel. (+372) 660 29 50,
protest@protest.ee, www.protest.ee. What star ted
out as a temporary l ocal e in a building due for demoli tion,
has turned into a hotbed of ar tful dodgers, where the
cheap drinks fl ow and the musi c is l oud and poi gnant.
The posters adver ti sing upcoming events are hand-
drawn, the fl oors are often sti cky and the atmosphere
is ber relaxed. The par ty hangs on until you do and i f
you've ended up having one too many, you'll be happy
to know that there's a cheap hostel ri ght next-door. Q
From 14:00 until the par ty is over. Admissi on 0 - 6. Age
restri cti on 18+. J6LW
Trendy lounge bars
Dress to impress and mingle with Tallinn's trendy club
types or upwardly mobile elite.
Butterfly Lounge C-4, Vana-Viru 13 / Aia 4, tel.
(+372) 56 90 37 03, getter@kokteilibaar.ee, www.
kokteilibaar.ee. When we were last here we got the distinct
feeling that this lounge was geared primaril y towards the
ladies. Perhaps i t was the pink-clad wai ters, overall butter-
fl y moti f, frou-frou menu i tems and more cock... tails than
you can shake a stick at that made us feel this way, but i f
you want to spend the evening hanging out wi th a harem
of beauti ful dames this just might be the perfect place.
Excellent service. QOpen 12:00 - 24:00, Wed, Thu 12:00
- 02:00, Fri 12:00 - 03:00, Sat 15:00 - 03:00. Closed Sun.
Age restriction 18+. J6EW
Deja Vu C-3, Vana-Viru 8, tel. (+372) 56 88 44 55,
info@dejavu.ee, www.dejavu.ee. Now that it has moved
locations, this super-stylish restaurant/lounge/champagne
embassy has only gotten better. There's more room, the loca-
tion is prime and the kitchen, which churns out some fantastic
food, is open until the wee hours. Pop by for the many special
events, often invol ving champagne or lingerie - sometimes
both, on Friday and Saturday nights. QOpen 12:00 - 06:00,
Mon, Tue 12:00 - 24:00. Closed Sun. JEXW
Eliksiir D-4, Estonia pst. 5, tel. (+372) 641 91 33,
info@eliksiirbaar.ee, www.eliksiirbaar.ee. Eliksiir is just
a short hop from Old Town and the stylish interior plus the
li ve acts on weekends make this a good choice for having
at least a couple of drinks wi th friends. The crowd was a
li ttle sparse when we checked i t out but were sure i t'll at-
tract more of a following as the weeks go by. QOpen 11:00
- 01:00, Fri, Sat 11:00 - 03:00. 6XW
Embassy Lounge D-2, Vike-Karja 1, tel. (+372) 641
22 02, info@embassy.ee, www.embassy.ee. Coming
here is like spending time in your best friend's li ving room,
onl y i t's equipped wi th an extensi ve cocktail list. The large,
wall-mounted tel evision playing a fireplace clip and the
decorati ve wood logs stacked below might not actuall y
keep you warm, but we assume the throw blankets draped
over the comfortable leather couches are available for that
purpose. For a more li vel y experience, stop by later in the
night rather than earlier. QOpen 17:00 - 02:00, Fri, Sat
17:00 - 05:00. JSW
Lai V Bar C-2, Lai 5, tel. (+372) 616 11 88, info@bar5.
ee, www.bar5.ee. Tucked into an Old Town cellar on Lai
street, this lounge/restaurant/bar is decentl y stylish but not
overl y pretentious in i ts presentation. You'll be able to grab
a decent meal here, enjoy some li ve DJ's on the weekend or
just hang out wi th friends while enjoying a few 'well-crafted'
cocktails. Sometimes simplici ty works. QOpen , Wed, Thu
15:00 - 01:00, Fri, Sat 12:00 - 04:00. Closed Mon, Tue, Sun.
Age restriction 21+. JW
Lounge 24 H-3, Rvala pst. 3 (in Radisson Blu Hotel),
tel. (+372) 682 34 24, info@madissoni.ee. A full 90m
above street level, the suave lounge on the Radisson's 24th
floor is the place to come for drinks wi th a view. At night,
the stylish, li ttle bar turns i ts lights down low, letting the
ci tyscape fill the windows and creating a romantic mood,
but when the weather is warm, the outdoor terrace is the
place to be. Cocktails and light meals on the menu. QOpen
12:00 - 00:00, Thu, Fri, Sat 12:00 - 02:00. T
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61
nightlife
In recent years, wine bars have emerged as a sophis-
ticated, mature alternative in this overly beer-centric
town.
In Vino Veritas C-2, Lai 6, tel. (+372) 641 84 40,
restoran@invinoveritas.ee, www.invinoveritas.
ee. More of a full-on restaurant than wine-bar, i t's a
quaint li ttle place wi th an atmosphere that makes you
want to settle in for a while. The menu isn't huge, but
the assortment of cheeses, pastas and fresh mains
are pleasing to even the most fickle of tastes, and
needless to say, the selection of wines here make i t
that much better. Dining in the wine cellar available for
small groups. QOpen 12:00 - 23:00, Fri, Sat 12:00
- 24:00. JI
MarcoVino B-2, Lai 26, tel. (+372) 672 20
55/(+372) 55 96 11 54, inf o@marcovino.ee,
www.marcovino.ee. What i t lacks in size, this tiny
wine-bar makes up for in spiri t. Owned and operated
by one of Tallinn's I talian transplants, this sip-sized
vinoteque serves up a good number of fine I talian wines
alongside some savoury bi tes from the 'Old Country'.
Space is limi ted, but the possibili ti es are endl ess.
QOpen 16:00 - 23:00. Closed Mon. JW
Musi C-2, Niguliste 6, tel. (+372) 644 31 00,
kati@musi.ee, www.musi.ee. A popular li ttle haunt.
This one offers a romantic, old-fashioned front room
and an equall y cosy, but more modern and colourful
back lounge. There's also a menu of affordable light
snacks, mains and delicate desserts. QOpen 17:00
- 24:00. Closed Sun. JEW
Old Estonia C-2, Raekoja plats 8, tel. (+372)
641 21 83, info@oldestonia.ee, www.oldestonia.
ee. I ts location right on Raekoja plats makes this the
most central and visible of Tallinn's wine bars, but Old
Estonia still manages to keep up a standard of personal
and friendl y service. The huge windows overlooking
the square were just made for peopl e-watching, or
spying, depending on how you look at i t. QOpen 10:00
- 23:00. JW
Osteria del Gallo Nero C-2, Rataskaevu 4,
tel. (+372) 646 21 07, osteria@italbaltica.
com. Personali ty i s ever ything, and that's exactl y
what you'll find at thi s cosy I talian food shop/caf.
The owners turn i t into li vel y - al bei t tiny - wine bar
at ni ght. They'll mingl e wi th you and may even en-
courage you to sing al ong wi th the stereo. QOpen
10:00 - 24:00, Thu, Fri, Sat 10:00 - 01:00, Sun 11:00
- 24:00. JSW
Wine Library C-2, Raekoja plats 8/Kinga 6, tel.
(+372) 641 12 20, info@winelibrary.ee, www.
winelibrary.ee. Probabl y the best thing about this
place right on Town Hall Square is just that - i t's on Town
Hall Square. Re-branded as a wine bar, this former caf
does indeed have an extensi ve wine selection, but i t's
a li ttle too small to be effecti ve enough in this category.
Not to say that you shouldn't stop in though, just that
there are certainl y better places in Old Town for the
'Wine Aficionado'. I f i t's a decent glass of fermented
grapes your after and a good view, i t certainl y fi ts the
bill. QOpen 10:00 - 01:00. JW
Wine bars
Clubs
Tallinn has quite a bit to offer on the club-scene. From
tacky to cutting edge, you'll certainly find something that
fits your needs. The regular admittance age to most clubs
is 18+, exceptions are listed at the end of our review.
Apollo Live Club & Cabaret H-3, Tartu mnt. 17, tel.
(+372) 610 14 30, info@apolloclub.ee, www.apolloclub.
ee. Currentl y a lot of 'Live Club' and not so much 'Cabaret'
- Apollo could be a lot more than it is - but it isn't. Great venue
if you want to check out what the Estonian popular music
scene is all about, they also pull in a few foreign performers
too. Although beware, if they advertise Ace of Base will be per-
forming you might get onl y the 'Base' but not the 'Ace'. Crowd
also thins seriously after head-liners leave the stage. QOpen
, Fri, Sat 23:00 - 05:00. Closed Mon - Thu, Sun. EX
Arena 3 G-3, Sadama 6, clubarena3@hotmail.com,
www.arena3.ee. Located a little off the beaten track in the
port area, Arena 3 might easil y be one of the biggest clubs
in the vicinity of Old Town. The music is bumping and the
crowd seemed to be a mix of Estonians and Russian-Esto-
nians with a heal thy dose of non-locals as well. We found the
atmosphere quite reasonable, the drinks prices affordable
and the large, rooftop terrace to be quite a bonus - at least
during the warmer months. QOpen , Fri, Sat 23:00 - 08:00.
Closed Mon - Thu, Sun.
Shimo C-2, Kuninga 1, tel. (+372) 55 61 16 11/(+372)
58 05 40 22, shimo.tallinn@hotmail.com, www.shimo.
eu. This old haunt in new clothing has somehow lost that love
and feeling - not a bad place overall but somewhat pointless
in our eyes. The last couple of times we popped in, it was only
us and them and even though we heard music, there was an
awkward silence. We hope it changes because we certainl y
like the location. QOpen 11:00 - 02:00, Fri, Sat 11:00 - 05:00.
Closed Mon, Sun. J6IEW
new
Sohvabaar LaVie C-2, Rataskaevu 22, tel. (+372) 641
34 14, info@sohvabaar.ee, www.sohvabaar.ee. Certainly
has a nice atmosphere and interior but this little lounge is
nothing special overall. In fact, we cant really tell the difference
between it and the previous lounge that existed in the same
spot. Were not saying Dont check it out, just that there are
better locales with more going on in this category.QOpen
12:00 - 24:00, Fri, Sat 12:00 - 07:00. J
Vabandust D-2, Vabaduse vljak 10, tel. (+372) 503
00 67, vabandust@vabandust.ee, www.vabandust.ee.
'Excuse me' in English, Vabandust is more of an after-party
than the main event - which is precisel y how it's being po-
sitioned, even though it does open at 9pm. Overall nothing
really special, but given it's proximity to a bunch of bars, clubs
and lounges it certainly does draw a decent crowd, some rea-
sonable DJs and can turn into quite a party in the wee hours.
QOpen 21:00 - 05:00. Closed Mon, Tue, Sat, Sun. J
Balou D-2, Rtli 18, tel. (+372) 53 70 60 82, balou@
balou.ee, www.balou.ee. While traversing the cobblestones
of Old Town sometimes you end up stumbling upon, or down
into, as is the case with this cavernous cellar club, something
just a little different. The oasis of cheap thrills that is Balou,
might not be as glitzy or glamorous as some of its contempo-
raries, but the crowd is sparkling and the beats spun here are
cutting edge and highl y danceable. Stay tuned for their caf
to open in the beautiful medieval courtyard during the warmer
months. QOpen , Thu, Fri 23:00 - 05:00, Sat 23:00 - 06:00.
Closed Mon - Wed, Sun. Admission 0 - 8. JW
BonBon B-4, Mere pst. 6e, tel. (+372) 54 00 54 11,
info@bonbon.ee, www.bonbon.ee. The beautiful people,
the beautiful people..., we have a feeling we already wrote that
somewhere before. At any rate, the newly renovated Bon Bon
- long a hot spot for Tallinns most beautiful, still seemed to
be teeming with an experienced yet attractive crowd when we
checked it out. Time will tell whether or not itll be able to keep
the elite interested, but it did seem to thin out a little around
3am. Drinks prices, as can be expected for an establishment
like this, were quite high - guess thats how they keep the riff-raff
out. QOpen , Fri, Sat 23:00 - 04:00. Closed Mon - Thu, Sun.
Admission 8 - 12. Age restriction 21+. LXW
Caf Amigo C-4, Viru vljak 4, (Sokos Hotel Viru), tel.
(+372) 680 93 80, amigo@amigo.ee, www.amigo.ee.
Surprisingl y hip and happening for a hotel club, Amigo at-
tracts a good mix of Finnish tourists and local party animals
who tend to be slightl y older than the typical club monkeys.
The big draw here are the live rock and blues bands - the
country's best-loved names - that play here almost nightl y.
Before bands come one, DJs spin all your favorite pop dance
hits from the 70s-90s, and al ways manage to fill the floor
with a cross-generational crowd. QOpen 22:00 - 04:00, Fri,
Sat 22:00 - 05:00. Admission 5, Fri-Sat 8. Age restriction
21+. JULEXW
CatHouse C-4, Viru vljak 4/6, tel. (+372) 610 14 30,
cathouse@cathouse.ee, www.cathouse.ee. Billed as the
sexiest club in Tallinn, it just might be that. They have some
pretty sexy events, which happen fairl y regularl y, including
Playboy parties, topless DJs and the occasional sex show.
The crowd is primaril y Russian, but the Slavs often have a
leg up on the Estonians in terms of the 'fun factor'. We had an
all right time when we were last there, but for some reason
couldn't keep our eyes off of the DJ - perhaps it had something
to do with the breasts. QOpen , Wed, Thu 23:00 - 04:00,
Fri, Sat 23:00 - 05:00. Closed Mon - Tue, Sun. Admission 3
- 10. LXW
Club Baila C-3, Sauna 1, tel. (+372) 641 04 60, info@
bailabaila.ee, www.bailabaila.ee. Baila, baila, baila - pretty
much sums this intimate club up. The focus here is on fun,
dancing, Latin rhythms, cocktails and a care-free attitude...
just like one might find on a tropical island. The interior is
whimsical and colourful in order to keep the mood light. Great
for those who've grown tired of big loud clubs filled with wan-
nabe fashion victims. QOpen , Wed, Thu 21:00 - 04:00, Fri,
Sat 21:00 - 06:00. Closed Mon, Tue, Sun. JX
Club Hollywood D-2, Vana-Posti 8, marili@bdg.ee,
www.clubhollywood.ee. If there's one club in Tallinn that's
guaranteed to be jumping, it's Holl ywood, the mixing bowl
for tourists and Tallinn's young (repeat, young) party crowd.
The dance floor features raised platforms where scantily-clad
go-go dancers jiggle to the beat. Wednesday night is ladies
night - free entrance for girls, which pretty much guarantees
a good time for the lads. QOpen 23:00 - 05:00. Closed Mon,
Tue, Sun. Admission 3 - 8. JLEX
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nightlife
If you're looking for food and drink after the pubs close,
don't expect much of quality. Here are some options.
Caravan Bistroo H-3, Maakri 19/21, tel. (+372)
610 84 45, info@caravangrill.ee, www.caravangrill.
ee. Located just a few steps from the Radisson Blu hotel,
this is one of the very few places that offers a place to grab
a seat and a nice warm bite at any hour of the night. They
offer up a wide selection of pizzas, sandwiches and a few
heal thy selections too. Q Open 24hrs. (3.85).
Istanbul Caf D-4, Estonia pst. 7, tel. (372) 55 59
79 15. Dying for some dners done right? This kebab
place is actuall y owned by real Turks who as it turns out
also prepare the food. Here you can find mouth watering
pitas stuffed with loads of meat and veggies basted in
several thick sauces. QOpen 10:00 - 24:00, Fri, Sat
10:00 - 06:00, Sun 12:00 - 24:00. JS
Loca E-2, Tatari 1, tel. (+372) 55 51 52 35, info@
loca.ee, www.loca.ee. Open late on Friday and Saturday
nights, Loca isn't too far to stumble from Old Town and
they offer a little more variety than some of the kiosks
in the centre. Pizzas will set you back about 5. QOpen
11:00 - 23:30, Fri, Sat 11:00 - 07:00. JS
Lucky Irish B-4, Rotermanni 8, tel. (+372) 602 06
66. This establishment fits into several categories, but
the late opening hours on Friday and Saturday nights plus
their extensive pub-snack and breakfast menus are real
pluses. Try their famous taco-fries! QOpen 10:00 - 23:00,
Fri, Sat 10:00 - 03:00, Sun 12:00 - 23:00. JLS
Sgiplats D/E-2, Tatari 1/Vabaduse vljak, tel.
(+372) 660 48 47, info@soogiplats.ee, www.soogi-
plats.ee. Trul y one of Tallinn's scariest food choices, this
all-night, drowned in questionable 'sauce' burger window
serves up greasy fare to nightclub rejects and local
drunks. Some 'expats' lovingl y refer to it as 'dirty burger',
but the management claims they are just as heal thy if
not a heal thier al ternative to the open-late kebab places.
We'll let you be the judge. Q 24hrs. VS
Taco Express D-2, Suur-Karja 18, tel. (+372) 682
55 08, info@tacoexpress.ee, www.tacoexpress.ee.
This little 'tacos'n'more' joint offers up some pretty spicy
offerings alongside a few decent pizzas and is al together
centrall y located enough that your newl y acquired jello-
legs will probabl y even manage to bring you here from
most of the establishments offering up liquid courage in
the area. QOpen 09:00 - 07:00, Sat, Sun 11:00 - 10:00.
(4). JSW
The Old Club D-2, Suur-Karja 10, tel. (+372) 683
52 05, www.oldclub.ee. This fairl y non-descript pub's
claim to fame is being open for all night dining and drink-
ing. Main courses are available (in the 6 range), but
we recommend you stick to the French fries. Q Open
22hrs. JEXW
Midnight munchies
Club Mnt D-3, Mrivahe 22, tel. (+372) 53 58 09 04,
info@clubmynt.eu, www.clubmynt.eu. The former Spider
club has new digs and a new name. Mnt, which means both
mint and coin in Estonian, probabl y won't leave your breath
fresh and tasty but certainly will leave more coin in your pocket
as they offer up 1 drinks. Expect all the grown-up fun that
a place offering such cheap drinks has to offer and a heal thy
dose of girls wearing the amount of clothing a girl who can
onl y afford 1 drinks might be wearing. QOpen , Wed, Thu
23:00 - 04:00, Fri, Sat 22:00 - 05:00. Closed Mon - Tue, Sun.
Admission 7 - 10. J
Club Priv D-2, Harju 6, tel. (+372) 631 05 80/(+372)
56 25 60 00, info@clubprive.ee, www.clubprive.ee.
Along with BonBon, the smaller Priv is considered one of
Tallinn's two trendiest club destinations. Heading here is a
bit of a gamble though. If you hit it on the right night, it can
be a very cool scene where you'll hear the region's best DJs,
but on the wrong night it's just another club full of fog and
foreigners - to avoid disappointment make sure to check the
website for list of events and the night's musical orientation.
QOpen , Wed, Thu 23:00 - 04:00, Fri, Sat 24:00 - 06:00.
Closed Mon - Tue, Sun. Admission 7 - 14. Age restriction
20+. JEX
new
Club Studio C-3, Sauna 1, info@clubstudio.ee, www.
clubstudio.ee. Young, hip and one helluva queue to get
into the place kind of gives you the idea of what Studio is
all about. Probabl y the most popular place at the moment
for the 18-25 crowd, Studio actuall y pumps out some pretty
quality music from genres most of us old people have never
heard of. Dress youthful, drink plenty of Redbull and youll
fit in just fine.QOpen , Fri, Sat 23:00 - 06:00. Closed Mon
- Thu, Sun. J
Korter B-4, Roseni 9, tel. (+372) 509 43 39, info@
krtr.ee, www.krtr.ee. There's not a whole lot that sets
Korter apart from other clubs, but as far as the music
goes, you'll be treated to something other than the typical
club bunny, top 40, mainstream noise that's so prevalent
at the majori ty of nightspots. The sound system is pretty
decent, the bass is pretty bumpin' and at least i f you go
late enough in the night the Estonians who frequent i t will
be shakin' i t the best they know how. Expect sparse furnish-
ings, a whack of stencilled-on flies and urban modernism.
QOpen , Fri, Sat 23:00 - 05:00. Closed Mon - Thu, Sun.
Admission 1 - 12. X
Panoraam G-3, Ahtri 10, tel. (+372) 611 61 44, info@
clubpanoraam.ee, www.clubpanoraam.ee. Panoraam is
a two story disco a short walk from Old Town that places a
heavy emphasis on i ts schedule of Estonian pop acts. When
a good concert is on, i t can draw hundreds of teenagers
and a few lost and drooling easyJet travellers. Otherwise
i t's about as exci ting as a hotel lobby in Oslo. QOpen , Fri,
Sat 23:00 - 05:00. Closed Mon - Thu, Sun. Admission 7-8.
ULEXW
Parlament H-3, Ahtri 10, tel. (+372) 611 61 45, club-
parlament@clubparlament.com, www.clubparlament.
com. Even though this long-time club has changed locations,
i t appears as though not much at all has changed here - i t's
allright as far as clubs go, but just nothing special. Inside
you'll find a mi x of Russians and Estonians and depending
on the night i t will be more or less of the other. Last time we
went they had an imported 'topless' DJ from the Uklraine who
actuall y had silicone sprayed onto her breasts - not reall y
topless now is that. QOpen , Fri, Sat 23:00 - 05:00. Closed
Mon - Thu, Sun. Admission 7 - 25. ULEXW
Partei D-4, Rvala pst. 8, info@parteiklubi.ee, www.
parteiklubi.ee. More of an underground place than a main-
stream club, Partei packs in a typicall y younger, substance-
fuelled crowd than the top-40 places. If you don't know what
Breakbeat, Jungle, DrumnBass, Techstep, Atmo, Liquid,
Neuro, Jump-Up and Darkside are then you will probabl y feel
a bit like Alice in Wonderland - before she drank the bottle that
had "drink me" written on it. QOpen , Fri, Sat 24:00 - 05:00.
Closed Mon - Thu, Sun. Admission 3 - 8. J
Plub C-3, Sauna 1, tel. (+372) 631 11 38/(+372) 56
92 00 52, plub@plub.ee, www.plub.ee. Is it a pub? Is it
a club? As the very inventive name suggests, the owners
couldn't qui te decide and as the empty venue suggested
to us - most passers-by couldn't decide to go in either. But
how can that be? It's the 'Best Nightclub in Old Town' and
they have 286 fans on Facebook. As far as we could tell
though, it does have a few good things going for it - both the
admission price and drinks prices are quite reasonable for a
club given its location. QOpen 11:00 - 04.00, Thu, Fri, Sat
11:00 - 07:00. J
Tapper J-2, Prnu mnt 158g, tel. (+372) 654 75 18,
info@tapper.ee, www.tapper.ee. This rock club on the
edge of Tallinn's centre holds regular rock nights, loads of
local and international concerts, live events and even some-
thing called 'heavy aerobics' three times per week - which is
certain to get a whole lot sweatier than the regular type of
aerobics. We hear this club fits like a well worn leather jacket
drenched in Jack Daniels, we'll let you see for yoursel ves.
QOpen 11:00 - 16:00, Fri 11:00 - 03:00, Sat 19:00 - 03:00.
Closed Sun. UEXW
Teater D-2, Vabaduse vljak 5, tel. (+372) 56 88 44
44, info@klubiteater.ee, www.klubiteater.ee. One of
the most interesting and elaborate clubs to hi t Tallinn in
recent memory, Teater takes advantage of i ts location in
an old theatre and certainl y provides the club-goer wi th a
theatrical experience. The dcor is 1930's-inspired and the
large cigar lounge is also a nice touch. Drinks can tend to
be a bi t pricey, but the overall ambiance, li ve performances
and the opportuni ty to mingle wi th an upwardl y mobile
crowd makes i t all worth i t. QOpen , Fri, Sat 23:00 - 05:00.
Closed Mon - Thu, Sun. Admission 5 - 8. Age restriction
21+. JEX
Vabank D-2, Harju 13, tel. (+372) 660 52 99, info@
vabank.ee, www.vabank.ee. The beautiful people, the
beauti ful people. The answer to the question "What is
Vabank?" can be summed up fairl y easil y. Vabank is a large
nightclub at the edge of Old Town, housed in what is a former
bank where, currentl y, Tallinn's beautiful people hang out
listening to rather unimaganitive house music and sipping on
pricey cocktails. If that is your idea of a good time, so be it. A
couple of cool features of note though, the VIP bedrooms off to
either side of the dance floor and the private room downstairs
in the former vaul t. QOpen , Fri, Sat 23:00 - 05:00. Closed
Mon - Thu, Sun. Admission 8. From 23:00 - 23:30, ladies
free. Age restriciton 21+. J
Venus C-4, Vana-Viru 14, tel. (+372) 551 99 99, venus@
venusclub.ee, www.venusclub.ee. Rows of classi cal
cherub statues added to an Arabian dessert motif may give
the impression of a palace decorator gone mad, but the over-
riding mood at Venus is of serious partying and flirting by a
mixed foreign and Estonian crowd. The last time we popped
in it was just around midnight and Venus was already bumping
and grinding to full capacity - let's just say that we'll certainl y
be back. QOpen 22:00 - 04:00, Fri, Sat 22:00 - 05:00. Closed
Sun. Admission 0 - 7. Age restriction 21+. JXW
64
nightlife
Adul t entertainment
Don' t expect to partake from afar. I f they per form on
stage at al l, dancers i n Tal l i nn's stri ptease cl ubs typi -
cal l y vi si t the tabl es, getti ng up cl ose and personal to
coll ect tips, usuall y 3 - 5. Whil e between per formances
on the stage, other dancers will try to coax you i nto buy-
i ng an expensi ve l adi es' cocktai l', whi ch i s essenti al l y
a huge ti p for si tti ng wi th you and maki ng dul l smal l
tal k. Gentl emen's cl ubs have recentl y been poppi ng
up everywhere i n Ol d Town, here we have l i sted j ust
a few of them.
Alcatraz Club A-4, Sadama 6/8, tel. (+372) 661
48 88, alcatraz@alcatrazclub.ee, www.alcatrazclub.
ee. Al though the name mi ght not be the most ori ginal, (i t
seems that there's a club call ed Al catraz in most maj or
ci ties throughout Eastern Europe) the concept, at least as
far as gentl emen's clubs go, is uni que. Jail cages replace
the tradi tional stripper pole, the space is larger than most
and the dancers take turns wearing topless jailbird outfi ts
to wai t on the tabl es. The entrance fee is a li ttl e hi gh,
however, i t does include a wel come drink. The booze is
a reasonabl e pri ce and from what we could see, the girls
are cer tainl y wor th spending' some time wi th. QOpen
12:00 - 07:00. Admissi on 20. X
Lady's Shadow C-2, Suur-Karja 13, tel. (+372)
631 49 00/(+372) 56 69 57 71, info@ladyshadow.
ee. Probabl y one of the most beauti full y desi gned adul t
enter tainment spots in Tallinn, Lady's Shadow i s bril-
liantl y decorated in an 'Arabian Nights' moti f and certainl y
reminds one of a stylish harem. The rest of the details
are pretty much the same as the maj ori ty of these kind
of clubs in the ci ty - i f you're lucky though, you'll meet a
girl who is a smar t business woman and will offer to do
a fl oor show even i f there aren't any schedul ed. QOpen
21:00 - 06:00. JX
Lasso B-4, Mere pst. 6a, tel. (+372) 661 61 99. Find
Lasso among the touristy hotels in the por t area. A man
at the door may tr y to hustl e you into going to a more,
shall we say, 'invol ved' establishment elsewhere in town,
but once you push past him, you'll find a fairl y standard
striptease j oint, wi th one l ong stage surrounded by sofas
and the usual pricey drinks. I f you opt for the pri vate show,
bring your ni ghtvisi on goggl es. They like to keep i t dark.
QOpen 10:00 - 06:00. Admissi on 10.
Mister XXX C-3, Mrivahe 23a, tel. (+372) 631
43 44, www.misterxxxclub.com. One of the most
focused and experi enced strip clubs in town (the owners
have actuall y opened branches in Thailand), Mister XXX
lures in punters wi th swirling, col oured li ghts and the oc-
casi onal dancer pouting in the window. The place i tsel f
is small and plush, and the dancers are well trained to
push you to spend, spend, spend. QOpen 19:00 - 04:00.
Admissi on 15. JX
X Club D-2, Harju 6, tel. (+372) 631 05 75, fax
(+372) 631 05 74, info@xclub.ee, www.xclub.ee.
One of the more sophisti cated clubs of this type in Tal-
linn, X Club is favoured by business types and hi gh-end
bachel or par ti ers. In addi ti on to the main show room,
an Ori ental Room dazzl es cli ents wi th bell y-dancing and
water-pipes. Even the medi eval-styl e tor ture booth has
ni ce dcor. Fri endl y staff and a relaxed atmosphere. A
good place for group events like stag ni ghts or poli ti cal
conventi ons. QOpen 21:00 - 06:00. Admissi on 15. Age
restri cti on 18+. JU
66
What to see
67
What to see
Toompea Hill
Climb Pikk jalg and youll find yoursel f on Castle Square
(Lossi plats), smack-dab between the seat of the Estonian
government at Toompea Castle and the 19th-century symbol
of the Tsars power in Estonia, Alexander Nevsky Cathedral.
You are standing at the birthplace of Tallinn.
Viewing platforms (C-
1/2) The Kohtuotsa and
Patkuli vi ewing platforms
are usuall y the first place
that tourists want to see
when they visit Tallinn. From
here, sweeping vi ews of
the town, its red-tiled roofs,
its towers, its walls and all of its charm open up. Get your
camera ready.
Toompea Castle D-1, Lossi plats 1, www.riigikogu.ee/
index.php?id=31565. Built on the spot where the ancient Es-
tonians' wooden fortress stood before the 1219 Danish invasion,
Tallinn's castle served for seven centuries as the seat of power
for the nation's foreign masters. Now it houses the Riigikogu,
Estonia's parliament. On one corner of the castle you can see
Pikk Hermann tower with the blue, black and white tricolour flag
waving above it. It's commonly recognised that whoever's flag
flies on top of this tower is the ruler of Estonia. The pink sec-
tion you see in front is actually a
baroque structure added in the
18th Century. For a more castle-
like view of this building, head
behind i t, down the opposi te
side of the hill. QAdmission only
with a guided tour, Mon-Fri from
10:00 - 16:00. Call (+372) 631
63 45 for details. J
Alexander Nevsky Cathedral
C/D-1, Lossi plats 10, tel. (+372)
644 34 84, nevsky@hot.ee, www.
hot.ee/nsobor. Toompea's dominat-
ing landmark is the Russian Orthodox
cathedral named for the duke who at-
tacked southeastern Estonia and Pskov
in the earl y 13th century. Tsar Alexander
III ordered the cathedral desi gned in
1894 by St. Petersburg master Mikhail
Preobrazhensky and it was completed in 1900. According
to legend, the cathedral was buil t on the grave of Estonian
hero Kalev and has suffered structurall y as a resul t. QOpen
08:00 - 19:00. Admission free. J
Dome Church (Toomkirik) C-1,
Toomkooli 6, tel. (+372) 644 41
40, tallinna.toom@eelk.ee, www.
eelk.ee/tallinna.toom. Also called St.
Mary's Church, what might be the oldest
church in Estonia was founded in 1219
by the first wave of Danish forces. The
Gothic exterior dates to the 14th century,
but the interior was rebuil t after the
1684 fire. The Baroque pulpit (1686) and organ loft (1780)
are worth a look. As you enter be sure to step on the tomb
of Otto Johann Thuve, who asked that his grave be placed in
this humbling location. Please be considerate and visit after
the Sunday service. QOpen 09:00 - 15:00. Closed Mon.
Services in Estonian Sun 11:00. Organ music Sat 12:00.
Admission free. J
Kiek in de Kk (Peep into the
Kitchen) D-1/2, Komandandi 2, tel.
(+372) 644 66 86, kok@linnamuuse-
um.ee, www.linnamuuseum.ee/kok.
Buil t 1475 - 1481, this 45m, six-storey
cannon tower played a key role in the
Li vonian War and still has nine of I van
IV's cannonballs embedded in i ts walls
to prove it. Medieval soldiers joked that
from its top, they could see right into the
kitchens of the houses below - hence the odd name. The
tower now operates as a museum. QOpen 10:00 - 17:30.
Closed Mon. Admission 4.47. Joint ticket with the Bastion
Tunnels 8.31. J
The Old Town
Dating back as far as the 13th century, the old section of
Tallinn is what keeps most visitors occupied during their stay.
The winding, cobbled streets of the medieval capital take you
past half-hidden lanes, courtyards, spired churches and old,
merchant houses. For centuries, whats now the Old Town
has been divided into two distinct parts: Toompea Hill, which
was home to the gentry that lorded over the countryside, and
Lower Town, which was a separate political entity with rights
as an autonomous town.
Given its age (over 800 years old) and its fascinating his-
tory, Tallinn is chalk-full of sights, museums and countless
stories to help you pass the time rather interestingly. Here
you'll find the must-sees and a whole lot more.
Find Tourist Information Points in the Basics section.
www.tallinncard.ee. I f you're trying
pack the most into your time in Tallinn,
consider picking up the city tourist office's
discount card, the Tallinn Card, good for
6hrs (12), 24hrs (24), 48hrs (32), or 72hrs (40). For
kids 6 - 14, the price is reduced by 50%. Cardholders get
to choose from one free city tour and 50% off a number of
others. Cardholders will also gain free admission to all the
city's museums, unlimited use of public transport and all
sorts of fun bonuses and freebies, like chocolate-covered
marzipan and admission to Club Hollywood. A very well
written, fat booklet that comes with the card lists all the
offers. There's also a six-hour version of the card (no sight-
seeing tour included) designed for cruise ship passengers
and anyone else blowing through town. It costs 12. The
card is sold in major hotels, can be found at the airport, in
the harbour and at the Tallinn Tourist Information Centres
(Kullassepa 4 and Viru vljak 4). For more details, consult
the website at www.tallinncard.ee.
The Tallinn Card
Schnelli park (B/C-1)
Dominican Monastery (Dominiiklaste klooster)
C-3, Vene 16, tel. (+372) 644 46 06/(+372) 515 54 89,
info@kloostri.ee, www.kloostri.ee. One of Tallinn's oldest
existing buildings is this monastery founded in 1246. The part
of the monastery administered by the museum includes the
courtyard and surrounding passageways, where fascinating
15th- and 16th-century stone carvings are on display. To see
the inner rooms, visit the Claustrum, listed next. J
Dominican Monastery Claustrum C-3, Mrivahe
33, tel. (+372) 511 25 36, www.claustrum.eu. Here
you'll find the monastery's inner chambers such as the monk's
dormi tory, priory, library, etc. One of the most interesting
spots may be the downstairs room that houses the 'energy
pillar' purportedl y the source of a mysterious power. Open
only for prearranged group bookings. Groups of 20-25,
prices starting from 200. Various programmes available,
see website for details. J
Niguliste Church - Museum
C-2, Niguliste 3, tel. (+372) 631
43 30/(+372) 644 99 03 tours,
niguliste@ekm.ee, www.ekm.ee.
Tallinn's most famous work of art, a
wall-sized fragment of Bernt Notke's
spooky, 15th-centur y masterpi ece
Dance Macabre, has its home in this
13th-century Gothic church-turned art
museum. Destroyed during World War
II and rebuilt during Soviet times, the
church now houses a fascinating collection of medieval religious
art, with altars from the 15th and 16th centuries, a collection of
Baroque and Renaissance chandeliers, and a 'silver chamber.'
The church is also known for its acoustics - organ concerts are
held here every Saturday and Sunday at 16:00. QOpen 10:00
- 17:00. Closed Mon, Tue. Admission 3.50. J
St. Catherine's Passage (Ka-
tarina Kik) C-3, . One of the
prettiest little walkways in all of Old
Town, the medieval St. Catherine's
passage connects Vene and Mri-
vahe streets. On the nor thern
portion of the passage you can find
what's left of St. Catherine's Church
(hence the passage name) and
various large, ancient tombstones
that used to line the inside of the
sanctuary. On the southern portion of the passage, you'll find
numerous artisan workshops, where you'll even get see them
hard at work creating new items for you to buy. At any rate,
we're sure you'll find Katarina Kik, a pretty nice hike.
St. Olaf's Church (Oleviste Kirik) B-3, Lai 50, tel.
(+372) 641 22 41, oleviste@oleviste.ee, www.oleviste.
ee. St. Olaf's 124m spire is a Tallinn landmark, and was the
tallest building in Europe between 1549 and 1625. An old leg-
end claims that the church was built to attract more merchant
ships to the town by a mysterious craftsman who promised
to work for free if the townspeople dis-
covered his name (Olev). In reality, the
church took its name from the canon-
ised Norwegian king, Olav Havaldsson.
The first mention of the church dates
to 1267, but the interior dates to 1840
and reflects that era's Historicist bent.
Q Services in Estonian Sun 10:00,
12:00, Thurs 18:30 (prayer). English
service first Sunday of the month at
17:00. Admission free. J
Lower Town
Lower Town, the larger part of medieval Tallinn (or Reval as it
was called back then), became a member of the Hanseatic
League at the end of the 13th century. Goods from around the
world came in through the port and were traded on the market
on Town Hall Square. Reval operated autonomousl y from the
rest of the Estonian territories right up until Tsarist Russian
times. As in the rest of the country, the real movers and
shakers in Reval society were the Baltic Germans, with Ethnic
Estonians for most part second-class citizens. However, Esto-
nian peasants from surrounding areas often escaped to the
city, where they could eventuall y be considered free.
Town Hall Square (Raekoja
Plats) C/D-2. As a medieval market
and a modern meeting place, Town
Hall Square has been the heart of
city life for eight centuries. With the
Town Hall at your back, you can survey
some of the most impressive examples of Gothic architecture in
Tallinn. Hunt for a circular stone in the centre of the square marked
with a compass rose, you can see all five towers from there.
Town Hall (Raekoda) D-2, Raekoja plats 1, tel. (+372)
645 79 00, raekoda@tallinnlv.ee, veeb.tallinn.ee/raeko-
da. The jewel in the crown of Old Town is unquestionabl y the
Town Hall, the centre of civic rule from the Middle Ages to the
earl y 20th century. Though a previous town hall stood here
at least as far back as 1322, the imposing Gothic building
of today dates to 1404. Old Thomas, the weather vane who
symbolises Tallinn, has been keeping watch since 1530. This
time of year you need to call ahead to arrange for a glimpse
of the vaul ted halls and carved friezes of the historic interior.
QOpen 10:00 - 16:00. Closed Sun. Admission 3. JN
Town Hall Pharmacy (Raeapteek) C-2, Raekoja plats
11, tel. (+372) 631 48 60, raeapt@hot.
ee. One of the oldest continuously running
pharmacies in Europe is on Town Hall Square.
No one knows exactly when it opened, but
records show that the Raeapteek was al-
ready on its third owner in 1422. In Medieval
times patients could buy mummy juice and
burnt bees for treatment, and healthy folks
could even drop in for a glass of spiced wine.
Keeping up with the times, the pharmacy sells the usual aspirin
and condoms, but part of the shop is also a museum, displaying
old medical instruments and other curiosities. QOpen 10:00
- 18:00. Closed Mon, Sun. Admission free. J
Holy Spirit Church (Pha Vaimu kirik) C-2/3, Phavaimu
2, tel. (+372) 644 14 87, tallinna.puhavaimu@eelk.ee,
www.eelk.ee/tallinna.puhavaimu. This awe-inspiring, 13th-
century church adjacent Town Hall Square sports an impressive
Baroque tower as well as an ornate, outdoor clock that's said
to be one of the most photographed objects in Tallinn. The real
treasure however is the intricate, wood-carved interior, which
includes Baroque pews and a Renaissance pulpit (the oldest in
Tallinn). Founded by the Order of the Holy Spirit, the church was
always close to the people - It was the most active in providing
alms to the sick and poor, and it was here that the first sermons
were given in Estonian after the Reformation.
QOpen 10:00 - 15:00. Closed Sun. Services
in Estonian Sun 11:00, in English 15:00, first
Sunday of the month in Latvian at 13:00 and
in sign language second and fourth Sunday
of the month at 13:00. Classical music
hour Mon 18:00. From March open 10:00
- 15:00. Entrance fee 1. J
68
What to see
69
What to see
Niguliste Church (see p.67)
Estonian Experience
tel. (+372) 53 46 40 60,
sales@estonianexperi-
ence.com, www.estonian-
experience.com. If youve
come to Tallinn just for a
weekend and want to make
the most of your limited time,
or if you want to enjoy the
premium service of having your personal private guide - why
not check out the private tours of Estonian Experience? The
fun-loving people at the Estonian Experience provide the larg-
est choice of private guided excursions in and out of Tallinn.
Focus on individual travellers and very small groups gives you
the intimate attention that you might not otherwise find in a
large tour group. As all tours are private, they start from the
customers hotel. Most tours and activities can be booked for
the same or next day, during all seasons and in a wide variety
of languages. Prices depend on the group size. The following
prices are per person for private groups of 2 people. The
Medieval Tallinn and Legends 2hr walking tour 30. 3hr
Tallinn City Tour 50. Stories of the Soviet Legacy 3hr tour
75. Undiscovered Paldiski 3.5hr trip 75. Tallinn Old Town
and Kadriorg-Pirita Seaside 5hr round-trip 95. Lahemaa
National Park & Manors 8hr day trip 100. Snowmobile
Safari (incl. transfers) 3.5hr activity 120.
Experience Estonia
Sightseeing tours
Audioguide Old Town Tour tel. (+372) 655 66 33,
info@audioguide.ee, www.audioguide.ee. On this sel f-
guided tour, your own personal mobil e devi ce provides
customised narration (and sound effects!) on the history and
architecture of key Old Town sights. Follow the map (provided)
and set your own pace. There are also tours available for the
Estonian Open Air Museum and the Tallinn City Museum. Q
Available for download to your mobile phone, android, iPhone,
laptop, tablet etc. at the Tallinn Tourist Information Centre for
3.49 and at some large hotels. Free with Tallinn Card at the
Information Centre.
City Bike Tours B-3, Uus 33, tel. (+372) 511 18 19,
mail@citybike.ee, www.citybike.ee. Now more than just
bikes, Citybike offers tours on wheels and by foot. There are
tours available for pretty much any interesting sight in and
around the city. These include excursions of Old Town, includ-
ing a visit to the tunnels, nature tours and trips to Pirita and
Kadriorg. In addition to the dail y 'Welcome Tours' of Tallinn,
customised tours are also available. Tours leave from the
Ci ty Bike office in Old Town, Uus 33. Hotel pick-up by ar-
rangement. Ask about the cool and weird 'Conference Bike',
it's an experience the whole gang can enjoy. Reservations
for all bikes and tours are a must during the summer. Rental
of hand-held GPS devices are also an option. QOpen 09:00
- 19:00. 16 covers rental, tour and a refreshing drink. Free
with Tallinn Card. J
Euroaudioguide info@euroaudioguide.com, www.tal-
linnaudioguide.com. This audio guide allows the user to take
themselves on a tour at their leisure, using an iPod, a map and
their own two feet. The narration provides loads of interesting
facts and exciting tales from Tallinn's past and it's available
at many major hotels throughout the city and the Tourist
information centre (see Basics section). You can also rent the
audio guide on iPod. Rent is 19 for 24hrs, 22 for 48hrs or
free for 24hrs with the purchase of a Tallinn Card.
Hop-On Hop-Off City Tour C-4, Mere pst. in front of the
souvenir market, tel. (+372) 627 90 80/(+372) 53 055
055, info@citytour.ee, www.citytour.ee. This tour uses
bright red, London-style double-decker buses to take tourists
on several different routes through Tallinn. There's a Red Line
covering the town centre and Kadriorg, a Green Line connecting
to Pirita, the TV Tower and the Botanic gardens, and a Blue Line
that takes you to the Estonian Open Air Museum. Information for
each location is provided in ten languages by Audioguide (see
above), and riders can hop on and off at any stop. Q One-day
ticket 16; two-day ticket 20, three-day ticket 23. Free with
24h, 48h and 72h Tallinn Card.
Tallinn Official Sightseeing Tour E-2, Roosikrantsi 8B,
Reisiekspert, tel. (+372) 610 86 16, incoming@reisiek-
spert.ee, www.travel2baltics.com. The classic general tour
of Tallinn, the Official Sightseeing Tour, is made up of two parts: a
bus tour of the city that covers downtown and some of the more
interesting outer areas, and then a walking tour of Old Town. The
whole affair takes 2.5 hours. Two to three tours daily; see website
for schedule. Pick-up at major hotels. Q The tour costs 20. Free
with Tallinn Card.
Tallinn Traveller Tours C-2, Vana-Posti 2, tel. (+372) 58
37 48 00/(+372) 55 54 21 11, tallinn@traveller.ee, www.
traveller.ee. Tallinn Traveller organises several adventures con-
ducted by local youths that are cheaper and more original than
most guided tours out there. There's also an intimate 'Chillout
Walking Tour' that'll give you the chance to walk around Old Town,
chat with the locals and all the while gaining insight on cultural dif-
ferences and insider tips on what Tallinn is really all about. Tours
must be booked in advance, cost 10 per person and requires a
minimum of three people. Last but certainly not least there's the
'Tallinn Pub Crawl', great for those who like to party. It costs 16,
gains you access to several bars and pubs, includes at least 3
free 'shots', an Estonian 'surprise drink' and certain discounts. It is
highly recommended that you book all of these tours in advance
as they have become quite popular and spaces tend to fill up
quickly. See website or visit them for more info.
Churches
Tallinn's most famous churches have already been listed in
the Old Town pages, but here are several more churches for
readers with a special interest.
Church of Our Lady of Kazan (Kaasani Jumalaema
Sndimise kirik) H-3, Liivalaia 38, tel. (+372) 660 79
90. Built in 1721, this small, cross-shaped Russian Orthodox
church is the oldest wooden structure in Tallinn. Extensive
repairs in the 19th century gave the building a Classicist
facade and brought a Classicist feel to the interior. Plaques
commemorate the casualties of the Napoleonic wars and the
Russo-Japanese War.
Church of the Transfiguration of Our Lord (Issanda
Muutmise Kirik) B-2, Suur-Kloostri 14-1, tel. (+372)
646 40 03. Originall y belonging to St. Michael's Convent
of the Cistercian Order (located next door and now housing
the Gustavus Adolphus School), the church was given to an
Orthodox congregation in 1716. The church has retained its
original form, save the addition of a Baroque spire in 1776 and
exterior renovations in the early 1800s. The carved-wood ico-
nostasis is one of the most impressive of its kind. Q Services
in Estonian Sun 10:00. J
St Charles' Church (Kaarli Kirik) E-1, Toompuiestee
4, tel. (+372) 611 91 00/(+372) 611 91 01, fax (+372)
631 13 63, tallinna.kaarli@eelk.ee, www.eelk.ee/tal-
linna.kaarli. Built in pseudo-Romanesque style on the site of
a 17th-century wooden church, Kaarli is an excellent example
of the use of one of Estonia's greatest resources - limestone.
In all, construction took 20 years (1862 - 1882), but painter
Johann Kler completed Estonia's largest mural here, Come
to Me, in just ten days. The church is also home to Estonia's
largest church organ. Q Services in Estonian Sun 10:00 and
Mon 13:00. Classical music hour on Tue 17:00.
St. John's Church (Jaani kirik) D-2, Vabaduse vljak 1,
tel. (+372) 644 62 06, tallinna.jaani@eelk.ee, www.eelk.
ee/tallinna.jaani/. This bright yellow landmark is one of two
churches begun in 1862, testifying to Tallinn's population boom
at that time. Built for a local congregation, St. John's boasts
the first bell inscribed in Estonian. Q Services in Estonian Sun
10:00, service with music each Wed 13:30. J
St. Michael's Swedish Lutheran Church (Rootsi-
Mihkli Kirik) D-2, Rtli 9, tel. (+372) 644 19 38,
rootsi-mihkli@eelk.ee, www.stmikael.ee. Originally built
as a hospital in the 16th century, St. Michael's also housed
a spinning factory where 'fallen women' worked. Then it was
transformed into a church for local Swedes. After serving as a
weightlifting room under the Soviets, the church was returned in
1993 to the Swedish congregation, whose efforts to fund-raise
for renovation of the church have paid off. Book in advance for
museum tour. Q The office is open after the service and Mon
Before you complain about the
chalky taste of Tallinns tap water,
you might want to stop to consider
what the towns Medieval residents
had to put up with. This wheel well
on the corner of Rataskaevu and
Dunkri in the Old Town was once
one of the main sources of water
for the Tallinn. According to legend,
some of the locals got it into their
heads that an evil water spirit lived
in the well and threatened to make
all the towns wells run dry if it wasnt given regular animal
sacrifices. To keep the spirit happy, some cattle and sheep
carcasses were thrown down the well, but the main victims
were stray cats, who were rounded up and tossed, some-
times live, down the shaft. This practice was so common
that the locals started calling this watering hole Cats Well.
In a sense, the sacrifices worked - the towns wells never
ran dry. But the practice of throwing animals down the well
didnt do much for the water quality, and the Cats Well had
fallen into disuse by the mid 19th century. Rest assured
that nowadays Tallinns water is much safer to drink, and
the cats of Old Town no longer live in fear.
Cats Well
D-2, Vabaduse Vljak. After many delays and not without
a certain amount of controversy, the freedom monument
was officially unveiled to much fanfare at midnight on June
22, 2009. The 26m structure buil t from imported Czech
glass was modelled after the 'Cross
of Liberty', an honour bestowed upon
individuals who helped Estonia gain
her independence back in 1920.
Winston Churchill was even a holder
of the 'Cross of Liberty'. It's quite a
spectacular monument, but to see it
in all its glory you should check it out
at night when it's all lit up.
Tribute to freedom
- Thu 9:00 - 17:00, on Fri 9:00 - 15:00. Services in Swedish
every Sunday 12:00 and in Finnish every Sunday 10:00. In
German every 2nd and 4th Sunday. J
St. Nicholas' Orthodox Church (Pha Nikolai
Imetegija kirik) B-3, Vene 24, tel. (+372) 644 19 45.
The present Classical building dates to the 1820s, but a
Russian Orthodox church stood here in the early 1400s. The
young church houses many objects of artistic value predating
it, including 16th-century icons. QOpen 10:00 - 16:00, Sun
10:00 - 15:00. Services in Russian Fri 17:00, Sat 10:00, 17:00,
Sun 10:00. J
St. Peter and Paul Roman Catholic Church (Rooma
Katoliku Kirik) C-3, Vene 18, tel. (+372) 644 63 67,
peeter-pauli@online.ee, www.katoliku.ee. A relati ve
newcomer as far as Tallinn's houses of worship go, this
pseudo-Gothic church was built in on the former refectory of
the Dominican Monastery from 1841 - 1844. Drop by to look
at the interior. If the door is locked, go to the office and knock.
Q Services in Estonian Mon - Fri 08:00, Mon - Wed & Fri 18:00,
Sun 11:30; in Russian Sun 18:00; in Latin Sat 08:00; in Polish
Thu 18:00, Sun 10:00; in English Sat 18:00. J
Nevsky Cathedral (see p.66)
70
What to see
71
What to see
The Museum of Occupation and of the Fight
for Freedom (Okupatsioonide Muuseum) D/E-
1, Toompea 8, tel. (+372) 668 02 50, muuseum@
okupatsioon.ee, www.okupatsioon.ee. In the period
from 1940 to 1991, Estonia was occupied briefl y by Nazi
Germany and then for four and a half decades by the
USSR. The history of this difficul t period comes to life in
this modern museum on the edge of Old Town. High-tech
audio-visual displays and art installations add life to the
museum's artefacts and texts. QOpen 11:00 - 18:00.
Closed Mon. Admission 2. J
Occupation history
History museums
Estonian History Museum - Maarjame Palace
(Maarjame Loss) F-6, Pirita tee 56, tel. (+372) 622
86 10, fax (+372) 644 34 46, post@ajaloomuuseum.
ee, www.ajaloomuuseum.ee. The branch of the Estonian
History Museum that covers the 19th and 20th centuries
makes i ts home in this landmark house on the road to
Pirita. Originally a summer house, this pseudo-Gothic 'palace'
housed the Dutch consulate, a posh hotel, future pilots and
the Soviet army, before being given to the History Museum
in 1975. Excellent exhibitions on the War for Independence
and the first Estonian Republic. QOpen 10:00 - 17:00. Closed
Mon, Tue. Admission 3.
Estonian History Museum - The Great Guild Hall
(Eesti Ajaloomuuseum) C-2, Pikk 17, tel. (+372) 641
16 30, fax (+372) 644 34 46, post@ajaloomuuseum.
ee, www.ajaloomuuseum.ee. Housed in the Great Guild
Hall, this newl y renovated museum's permanent exhibition,
entitled Spirit of Survival, covers 11,000 years of Estonia's
history with interactive displays and text in Estonian, English
and Russian. The building itself, buil t 1407 - 1410, is sig-
nificant as the home of Tallinn's union of weal thy merchants
and is a sight worth visiting in its own right. As part of the
renovations, several formal rooms and cellars have now been
opened to the public for the first time. QOpen 10:00 - 18:00.
Closed Wed. Admission 5. J
Estonian War Museum (General Laidoner Museum)
Misa tee 1, Viimsi, tel. (+372) 621 74 10, info@esm.ee,
www.esm.ee. Housed in Viimsi Manor, the former home of
Johan Laidoner who was perhaps the most influential war hero
in Estonian history, the Estonian War Museum is a great place
to start if you'd like to learn more about this country's history.
Estonia has had troops fighting on its soil from Denmark, Swe-
den, Germany, Poland, Russia and has even witnessed some
Viking battles. Inside you'll find all sorts of displays and info
on the various wars Estonia has been involved in, as well as
exhibits on the role the country's armed forces currently play
in the world of warfare.
Getting there: Take bus nr 1A to Viimsi from the Viru Centre's
underground bus terminal (C-4) and get off at Viimsi vallamaja
stop (should be about a 25min ride). Walk back to the main
road and turn right, another 50m and it will be the large pink
building on your left. QOpen 11:00 - 18:00. Closed Mon, Tue,
Sun. Admission free. An in-depth and guided tour can be had for
groups of up to 10 people for a mere 6.40.
Kiek in de Kk (Peep into the Kitchen) D-1/2, Kom-
andandi 2, tel. (+372) 644 66 86, kok@linnamuuseum.ee,
www.linnamuuseum.ee/kok. Now fully renovated, this tower/
museum is an excellent introduction to the history of Tallinn's
defences. Built 1475 - 1481, the 45m, six-storey cannon tower
played a key role in the Livonian War and still has nine of Ivan IV's
cannonballs embedded in its walls. The top floor houses a caf
with some excellent views. And where did the tower get its name?
Check out the voyeur's view from the windows for yourself as you
climb upward. QOpen 10:00 - 17:30. Closed Mon. Admission
4.47. Joint ticket with the Bastion Tunnels 8.31. J
St. John the Baptist's Almshouse (Jaani Seek) H-3,
Tartu Road near the Radisson Hotel, tel. (+372) 644 23
32/(+372) 56 17 61 17, seek@linnamuuseum.ee, www.
linnamuuseum.ee/jaaniseek. During road reconstruction,
workers came across skeletons and other artefacts linked to the
adjacent, 13th-century St. John the Baptist's almshouse/hospi-
tal. Items on public display in the spot they were found. Q Open
for groups upon prearranged appointment. Admission 1.28.
Tallinn City Museum (Linnamuuseum) C-3, Vene 17, tel.
(+372) 615 51 80, info@linnamuuseum.ee, www.linnamuu-
seum.ee/linnamuuseum. By far, the most modern and complete
introduction to Tallinn. Appropriately built into a 14th-century
merchant house, the City Museum houses elaborate displays,
with English captions, demonstrating various aspects of Tallinn life
through the ages. QOpen 10:00 - 17:30. Closed Tue. From March
open 10:30 - 18:00, closed Tue. Admission 3.20. J
D-1/2, Komandandi 2 (Kiek in de Kk), tel. (+372)
644 66 86, kok@linnamuuseum.ee, www.linnamuu-
seum.ee/kok. Legends, secrets and underground
passages, the tunnels aren't just for rats any more, now
you can tour them, too! Buil t in the 17th-century by the
Swedes to help protect the city, these tunnels are a fas-
cinating relic of times past. Now having completed phase
two of the renovations, visitors can ride the underground
train into Tallinn's future or take a walk into the depths
of the city's past. Watch your head though some of the
passage ways can be a little 'hard' on you.
Tours (by arrangement) run from 10:00 - 17:30, every day
except Monday. For booking, contact Kiek in de Kk tel.
(+372) 644 66 86. Admission 5.75, children 3.20. Joint
ticket with the Kiek in de Kk 8.31. Bring warm clothing
as the tunnel temperatures are 6 to 8 degrees. Q From
March open 10:30 - 18:00, closed Mon. J
Tunnels under Tallinn
Tallinn City Museum www.linnamuuseum.ee
includes the following
branch museums:
Remodelled MUSEUM KIEK IN DE KK and
BASTION PASSAGES at 2, Komandandi Road
PHOTO MUSEUM at 4/6 Raekoja Street,
CHILDRENS MUSEUM at 16, Kotzebue Street
ST JOHNS ALMSHOUSE at Vike-Psukese Street
(nearby Radisson Blu Hotel Tallinn)
HOUSE OF PETER I at 2, Mekalda Street
MUSEUM MIIA-MILLA-MANDA at 21c, Koidula Street
Colourful theme museum for children
Writers museums with authentic interiors:
A. H. TAMMSAARE MUSEUM at 12a, Koidula Street
E. VILDE MUSEUM at 3, Roheline Aas
CITY MUSEUM at 17, Vene Street
The Tallinn City Museum is housed in a medieval
merchants dwelling in the centre of the Old Town.
It got the European Museum Forums nomination in 2003.
The museum and its caf are open:
Wed-Mon 10.30 am-6 pm
One of Tallinns most
recognised and legendary
figures, the weathervane
Vana Toomas (Old Thomas),
can be seen guarding over
Old Town from the top of
the Town hall tower, rain or
shine. Toomas wasnt al ways
as old as his current name
suggests - you see, as a
wee peasant lad he won an
annual archery contest that
was onl y reserved for the
nobility. He expected to get
into a fair amount of trouble
for winning, as it had never been done by someone of
his lowl y stature, but his win would not be in vain as he
was invited to become an apprentice guard. The next
few years would see much adventure for our young hero
as he performed numerous heroic deeds during the
Livonian war and went on to serve Tallinn well past the
usual retirement age. At some point later the townsfolk
noticed a similarity between the weathervane and their
favorite soldier and decided to honor him by giving his
name to the vane. He has since become a symbol of
the city.
Vana Toomas
For art museum and gallery listings
please turn to Culture & Events section.
72
What to see
73
What to see
Doll Museum (Lastemuuseum) A-1, Kotzebue
16, tel. (+372) 641 34 91, laste@linnamuuseum.
ee, www.linnamuuseum.ee/lastemuuseum. Just
as the name implies, this museum is a treasure trove of
dolls, antique and modern. Small and geared toward kids,
the museum proudl y presents its permanent exhibition,
Old Beloved Toys. QOpen 10:00 - 17:30. Closed Mon,
Tue. From March open 10:30 - 18:00, closed Mon, Tue.
Admission 1.92.
Estonian Children's Literature Centre A-3, Pikk
73, tel. (+372) 617 72 30, eltk@eltk.ee, www.
eltk.ee. This literature centre predominatel y features
children's books in the Estonian language, but also has a
good selection of books in other languages as well. The
centre also has a few permanent and special exhibitions,
including the Edgar Val ter gallery, which is dedicated to
the loved children's author and illustrator. Many of the
displays are interesting for young and old alike, no matter
what your Estonian language skills. Groups should book
in advance by calling (+372) 617 72 35. QOpen 10:00
- 18:00, Sat 11:00 - 16:00. Closed Sun. J
Estonian Puppet Theatre
(Eesti Nuku- ja Noorsoote-
ater) C-2, Lai 1, tel. (+372)
667 95 55, inf o@nuku.ee,
www.nuku.ee. The elaborate
Puppet Theatre has been a staple
of local entertainment since 1952.
It also houses an extensive, high-
tech museum that deal s wi th
puppet theatre history and pretty
much anything else related to the
'puppet-verse'. Performances are
in Estonian, but small children of any language can still be
wowed by the fun characters. They've also got something
called steampunk', which can be viewed from Nunne
street 8 (C-2) every half an hour. This bit of animated
madness, created by the brilliant Kei th Newstead, is
guaranteed to take the viewer to another world- Puff,
the Magic Dragon anybody? QOpen 10:00 - 18:00.
Museum open 10:00 - 19:00, closed Mon. Admission 5
or 14 for a famil y ticket. J
Miia-Milla-Manda G-5, Koidula 21A, tel. (+372)
601 70 57, mmmm@linnamuuseum.ee, www.
linnamuuseum.ee/miiamillamanda. This hands-on
museum just for kids is located in the beautiful Kadriorg
Park and is especiall y geared towards children between
the ages of 3 and 11. The playful exhibits are constantl y
changing and wi th acti ve themes the li ttle ones are
sure to be stimulated to the point of exhaustion - or so
we hope. QOpen 12.00 - 18:00. Closed Mon. Famil y
ticket 5.11.
Fun for the whole family
Great outdoors
Estonian Open Air Museum Vabahumuuseumi tee
12, tel. (+372) 654 91 00/(+372) 654 91 01, info@evm.
ee, www.evm.ee. Nearly 100 farm buildings nestle on 80ha
of forest in Rocca al Mare, on the shore of the Kopli Gulf. Infor-
mative signs in Estonian, Russian, English and German guide
you through 150 years of farming history. Sample the pea
soup and other traditional foods at Kolu Tavern (Kolu Krts).
Take bus N21 or 21b from the train station to Rocca al Mare
stop. QOpen 10:00 - 17:00. Admission 3. A joint family ticket
for the Tallinn Zoo and Open Air Museum is 10.
Tallinn Botanical Garden (Tallinna Botaanikaaed)
Kloostrimetsa tee 52, tel. (+372) 606 26 66, aed@
botaanikaaed.ee, www.botaanikaaed.ee. With the richest
collection of live plants in Estonia, the gardens are a well-kept
secret. Around 8,000 species are arranged on 123ha of land,
with large modern greenhouses where you can find displays
of tropical, subtropical and desert plants. Take bus N34A or
38 to the Kloostrimetsa stop.
January 28 - February 05: Plants traveling on land and water.
March 03 - 11: Orchid Exhibition. QOpen 11:00 - 17:00.
Greenhouses open 11:00 - 16:00. Call 606 26 66 for tours.
Admission 3.50.
Tallinn Zoo (Loomaaed) Paldiski mnt. 145, tel.
(+372) 694 33 00, zoo@tallinnzoo.ee, www.loomaaed.
ee. Al though not an overl y large zoo, Tallinn's animal garden
boasts one of the most impressi ve collections of exotic
species in Northern Europe. Birds of prey are to the left,
Siberian tigers and polar bears are straight ahead as you
pass the indoor viewing areas. You can check out the newl y
reopened Elephant House or duck into the steamy, crocodile
and chimp-filled Tropical House. Take bus N22 or trolleybus
N6 from the Vabaduse vljak to the Zoo stop. QOpen 09:00
- 15:00. Indoor expositions (Tropic house, Elephant house)
open Tue - Sun 10:00 - 16:00, closed Mon. You are allowed
to wander the zoo 2 hours after the ticket office closes. In
March zoo open 09:00 - 17:00, indoor expositions 10:00
- 18:00. Admission 3.20. Famil y and children's prices avail-
able too. A joint famil y ticket for the Tallinn Zoo and Open Air
Museum is 10.
Suur Tll F-2, Kti 17, tel. (+372) 641 14 08/(+372)
641 14 10, info@meremuuseum.ee, www.meremuu-
seum.ee. Maritime buffs will want to seek out Tallinn's
old sea-plane port (Lennusadam).The Suur Tll is the
world's largest surviving steam-powered icebreaker and,
since its launch in 1914, had spent decades keeping the
Bal tic waterways clear. QOpen 10:00 - 18:00. Closed
Mon, Tue. Admission 4.
Museum ship
Speciality museums
Bank of Estonia Museum (Eesti Panga muuseum)
D-3, Estonia pst. 13, tel. (+372) 668 07 60, muuseum@
eestipank.ee, www.eestipank.info. The 20th century was
a turbulent one for Estonias currencies. This modern museum
displays every kind of banknote used here from Tsarist roubles to
German occupation tender, and outlines the history of Estonias
national bank itself, founded in 1919. Theres also an in-depth
exhibit that helps the visitor understand the role of money in
society and information all about the Euro and just how the
Eurozone works. For anyone whos already forgotten what they
look like, those now-extinct Euroland currencies (the Estonian
Kroon included) are also showcased.QOpen 12:00 - 17:00, Sat
11:00 - 16:00. Closed Mon, Sun. Admission free. J
Estonian Maritime Museum (Meremuuseum)
A-3, Fat Margaret Tower, Pikk 70, tel. (+372) 641 14
08/(+372) 641 14 10, fax (+372) 641 14 14, info@
meremuuseum.ee, www.meremuuseum.ee. Centuries
of seafaring history, including models, charts and other arti-
facts, are displayed in this mul ti-storied museum housed in
the 16th-century Fat Margaret cannon tower. Don't miss the
antique diving equipment or the view from the roof. QOpen
10:00 - 18:00. Closed Mon, Tue. Admission 4. J
Estonian Museum of Natural History (Loodusmuu-
seum) B-2, Lai 29a, tel. (+372) 641 17 39, muuseum@
loodusmuuseum.ee, www.loodusmuuseum.ee. All your
favouri te taxidermied Estonian animals (not to mention
dried plants and mollusks) are on display in this three-storey
museum designed to introduce nature to youngsters. Don't
miss the museum's mascot, the biggest fish ever caught
in the Bal tics. Wherever you don't see English-language
placards, look for printed information sheets floating around.
QOpen 10:00 - 17:00. Closed Mon, Tue. Admission 2, fam-
il y ticket 4. J
Museum of Estonian Photography (Fotomuuseum)
C-2, City Prison, Raekoja 4/6, tel. (+372) 644 87 67,
foto@linnamuuseum.ee, www.linnamuuseum.ee/foto-
muuseum/. Back in the 14th century this building behind
the Town Hall served as the town prison (as a visit to the
cellar will show). Now it houses an extensive exhibition on
Estonian photography, mainl y devoted to the 1840 - 1940
period. Drop in to peruse the old Tallinn photos, recreated
studio and antique cameras on display. QOpen 10:00 - 17:30.
Closed Wed. Admission 1.92. J
Theatre & Music Museum (Teatri- ja muusika-
muuseum) D-2, Mrivahe 12, tel. (+372) 644 64
07/(+372) 644 21 32, info@tmm.ee, www.tmm.ee.
Housed in the medieval Assawe tower, the museum hosts
a weird and wonderful collection of musical devices, from
ancient horns to old clavicords. Splurge another 7 to get
them to crank up a the curious mechanical music machines.
Theatre is covered very minimall y and text is mostl y in Esto-
nian. QOpen 10:00 - 18:00. Closed Mon, Tue, Sun. Archives
open Tue-Fri 10:00 - 17:00. Closed Mon, Sat - Sun. Admission
3. English language tour available for 13. J
The Marzipan Museum C-3, Pikk 40, tel. (+372) 646
06 26. The room of this little shop/museum has a few more
creations than the Kalev Marzipan Room, but is not quite
steeped in as much history. Visi tors do however get the
chance to build their own marzipan figurines and even receive
a gift-box to house the sweet creation. The marzipan sculptur-
ing experience will set you back 3. QOpen 10:00 - 18:00.
Admission free. Marzipan history tour for groups from 10-30
people costs 4 per person. Call for details. J
With 46 towers, medieval Tallinn was known as 'one of the
most fortified burgs in all Northern Europe'. Today 1.85km
of the original city wall and 20 towers survive.
Epping Tower B-2, Laboratooriumi 31, tel. (+372)
601 30 01, nele@kuukala.com, www.eppingtower.
info. The focus of the museum inside the Epping tower is
an interactive exhibition that walks the visitor through the
history and development of medieval defence systems.
On display are items pertaining to the towers' history,
including suits of armour and complete maps of how the
town looked during the 15th-century. Make sure you climb
all the way to the top, the view of Old Town is pretty cool.
Q Open Sat and Sun 11:00 - 16:00, closed Mon - Fri.
Admission 4. J
Fat Margaret Tower A-3, Pikk 70. Originall y con-
structed in the 14th century and arguabl y one of the
top sights in the city, Paks Margareta as she is known
to locals, is 82m in diameter and boasts 5m thick walls.
At one point, Tallinn's harbour was just outside the Great
Coastal Gate and she certainl y provided a formidable
defence against any hostile forces trying enter the city
here. The tower currentl y houses the Estonian Maritime
Museum, see museum entry for details. Q J
Hellemann Tower Gallery C-3, Mrivahe 48,
info@hellemann.ee, www.hellemann.ee. This medi-
eval structure has been converted into an art gallery, but
paying the small entrance fee will let you have a look at the
inside of the tower and give you a chance to walk along a
section of the original town wall where you'll get a pigeons-
eye view of Old Town. Don't forget to check out the various
exhibitions being held here as well. QOpen 12:00 - 16:00,
Sat, Sun 11:00 - 17:00. Admission 3. J
Nunne, Sauna and Kuldjala towers B-2, Gm-
naasiumi 3, tel. (+372) 644 98 67, kodu.linn@mail.
ee. Three of the oldest towers are open to the public,
entrance at this spot. QOpen 11:00 - 16:00. Tour hours
may vary. Call ahead to make sure they are open. Admis-
sion 1.50. J
Viru Gates C-3 The main en-
trance into Old Town is marked
by these beautiful twin gate tow-
ers, which are onl y a fraction of a
previous gate structure. The gate
entrance was composed of a large
tower, walls and the existing two
towers. Unfortunatel y the larger
inner gate towers were destroyed,
but i f you close your eyes we're
sure that you can picture what they
would have looked like.
Town Fortifications
74
What to see
75
What to see
Soviet Tallinn
The first thing Tallinners did after regaining independence
in August 1991 was to remove as many symbols of Soviet
power as they could find, but a few humorously grotesque
or sad reminders of that time are still with us.
Architectural Elements . Wi th the exception of the
Officer's House (see below), few visible sickles and ham-
mers are left on Tallinn's buildings. There are a couple of
places where you can still see some rather Soviet-looking
stars though. One of them (pictured here) is on the corner of
Suur-Karja and Vana-Posti, (D-3), in a building which used to
house some offices of the Soviet navy. On the same square
you can see the Sprus cinema with more socialist design
elements near the roof.
House on Tartu mnt. H-4, Tartu mnt. 24. Tallinn was
never gi ven the gift of one of those colossal, mul ti-tiered
wedding cake buildings that were so praised during the Soviet
1950s (Riga and Warsaw were not so lucky). Instead, it has
a much smaller corner building buil t in a similar style, with a
spire and star at the top. There's nothing special about the
house itself (it was just a residential building), but it is the
strongest representative of that style in Tallinn. You can find
it by going to the Stockmann department store and looking
across the road, or try to pick it out in the skyline when gazing
out over Tallinn from the lookout on Toompea hill.
KGB Headquarters B-3, Pagari 1, at the corner of Pikk
59. Look for the building with the bricked-up cellar windows.
It was here that perceived enemies of the regime were in-
terrogated and either shot or sent to Siberian work camps.
The plaque reads, This building housed the headquarters
of the organ of repression of the Soviet occupational power.
Here began the road to suffering for thousands of Estonians.'
Interestingl y, the KGB used the tall spire of the nearby St.
Olaf's Church to send radio transmissions.
KGB Museum C-4, Viru vljak 4 (Sokos Hotel Viru),
tel. (+372) 680 93 00, viru.reservation@sok.fi, www.
sokoshotels.fi/en/hotels/tallinn/basic-information/
new-museum/. For years, stories have been circulating
about how one side of the first foreign owned and operated
hotel in Tallinn during Soviet times was completel y wired up
so that the KGB could listen in on foreign and local guests'
conversations. When the iron curtain finall y fell, those staff-
ing the room destroyed or took with them what they could
and high-tailed it back to 'Mother Russia'. Now the room is
finall y open to the public and exists exactl y the way they left
it, including an ashtray and Soviet-era cigarette butts. Sokos
also fixed up another adjacent room which serves as a kind
Look for two l ong cobbl estones
that make the letter L in the corner
of Town Hall Square nearest the
Raeapteek. This spot marks one of
the more bizarre tales from Tallinns
medieval history. In the late 1600s,
so the story goes, a priest named
Panicke walked into an inn and or-
dered an omelette. What he got was
hard as the sole of a shoe, so he
sent it back. The next two that the waitress brought were
even worse, and after an argument, the priest decided to
make his point by killing the waitress with an axe. For this
unusually violent crime, the priest was swiftly hauled out
to the square and beheaded, and the spot was marked
for the convenience of future tourguides.
L Marks the Spot
of time-capsule to Soviet hotel history. The museum, albeit
small, is certainl y worth a visit for both tourists and locals
alike. Q Tours run every day except Monday and cost 5
for hotel guests and 7 for others. Tours must be booked
in advance. J
Linnahall F-3, Mere pst. 20. Buil t for the Ol ympics in
1980, this event centre and port is a perfect example of a
much-criticised Soviet building practice - overuse of concrete.
The hall can best be described as a cross between a parking
garage and a somewhat flattened Mayan pyramid. Linnahall
is easy to visit by foot since it's so close to the centre. We
suggest you hurry though, it's crumbling rather fast.
Maarjame War Memorial On the highway to Pirita.
The pointed obelisk alongside the highway to Pirita Beach is
part of the Maarjame War Memorial complex, a cement-filled
park similar in its imposing style to other large complexes
created in the USSR in the 1960s and 70s. The spire was put
up in 1960 in memory of Russians who died in 1918, while
the surrounding inspirational concrete and iron figures were
added in 1975 to honour Soviet soldiers killed trying to fend
off the Nazis in 1941.
Naval Officers' Club C-4, Mere pst. 5. This imposing
Stalin-era building on the edge of Old Town was buil t in 1952
as a recreational club for Soviet officers and is now home to
the Russian Cultural Centre. Not only is the building one of the
last to sport a sickle and hammer on its facade (look way up
high), it's also retained many of the traditional, propogandistic
design elements in the interior.
The Bronze Soldier (Aljosha) I-3/4, Filtri 13, Es-
tonian Defence Forces Cemetery. Erected in 1947, this
world-famous monument was originall y located in front of
the National Library and commemorated Soviet soldiers who
died fighting in WWII, and from the point of view of locals, oc-
cupying Estonia. It served as a kind of tomb of the unknown
soldier,' at one point having an eternal flame' burning in
front. After the Soviet Union fell, the monument was one of
the few of its kind to survive, mainl y due to objections by the
local Russian-speaking population. The plaques that now
flank the soldier simpl y read For those fallen in World War II'
with no reference to nationality. Due to huge and destructive
clashes between police and drunken demonstrators largel y
from Russia, the statue was relocated to the Defence Forces
cemetery in the spring of 2007. Visitors to Tallinn can even find
Bronze Soldier related t-shirts, DVDs and other memorabilia
dedicated to these events.
Kadriorg Palace
Kadriorg
Just a short westerly hike along Narva mnt. brings you to one
of the most beautiful districts in all of Tallinn. Kadriorg is home
to magnificent parks and gardens, the Presidential Palace
and several art museums. Trams N1 and 3 will also get you
there. Once you've arrived, nearly everything you want to see is
located conveniently on, or just next to, the same short stretch
of Weizenbergi.
Kadriorg Palace G-5, Weizenbergi 37, tel. (+372) 606 64
03, kadriorg@ekm.ee, www.ekm.ee. Italian master architect
Niccolo Michetti designed this magnificent, Northern Baroque
palace in 1718 at the request of Russian Tsar Peter the Great,
who intended to use it as a summer residence for the royal
family. The emperor named the estate for his wife Catherine I
('Catherine' is 'Kadri' in Estonian), hence the name of the area.
The palace is now home to the Kadriorg Art Museum. In addition
to perusing the nation's collection of foreign art, visitors get to
see the mind-bogglingly ornate Great Hall, and the room upstairs
that served as president's office in the 1930s. Don't miss the
lavish manicured gardens, out back. QOpen 10:00 - 17:00, Wed
10:00 - 20:00. Closed Mon, Tue. Admission 4.50.
Kadriorg Park Museum & Library G-5, Weizenbergi 26,
tel. (+372) 601 31 83, muuseum@kadriorupark.ee, www.
kadriorupark.ee. This small museum is dedicated to the park's
history, as well as to the architecture of other parks around
Estonia. Changing exhibits and a library. QOpen , Fri, Sat 10:00
- 17:00. Closed Mon - Thu, Sun. Admisson free.
Park and Swan Pond G-4. The entire leafy park northeast
of Weizenbergi is criss-crossed with paths, perfect for a wander-
ing visitor. The forest includes several horse chestnuts planted
here in 1722 that were supposed to be replanted later in St.
Petersburg, but never were. The most visited spot here is the
recently renovated Swan Pond, an artificial, rectangular pond
with a picturesque gazebo in the middle. It looks like something
out of a Chekhov play, and is a required stop on any tour of
Kadriorg. Bring plenty of film for the camera and food for the
ducks and swans.
Peter The Great House Museum G-5, Mekalda 2,
tel. (+372) 601 31 36, peetri@linnamuuseum.ee, www.
linnamuuseum.ee/peetrimaja. This humble little cottage's
claim to fame is that this was where Russian Tsar Peter the Great
stayed during his visits to Tallinn before his Kadriorg Palace was
complete. In fact it's still filled with Peter's furniture, portraits and
other artefacts from his interesting life. QOpen 10:00 - 16:00.
Closed Mon, Tue. Admission 1.92.
Presidential Palace G-5, Weizenbergi 39. For a few years
during Estonia's first period of independence (1918 - 1940), the
Estonian head of state worked out of the Kadriorg Palace, but in
1938, this purpose-built presidential palace was opened next
to it, just up the hill. The Presidential Palace's style echoes the
Kadriorg, albeit without quite so much flourish. Since the building
once again serves as the President's office and residence, it's
closed to visitors, but you can still wander into the parking area
for a better view and, if your timing is lucky, you'll see the honour
guards marching out front.
Russalka monument G-5, Across Narva mnt., by the
shore. This striking sculpture of an angel facing out into the sea
horizon is a memorial to the 177 men of the Russalka, a Russian
military ship that tragically sunk while en route to Helsinki in 1893.
Created by famed Estonian sculptor A.H. Adamson, the monu-
ment has become a Tallinn landmark and a traditional spot for
Russian couples to lay flowers on their wedding day.
Pirita
A bit further out from Kadriorg is another district that provides
an escape from the city's bustle - Pirita. This historic district is
actually within Tallinn city limits, only a 10 - 15 minute ride from
the centre. When you get here though, you'll never believe you
were in Tallinn; suddenly you're surrounded by lush forest, fresh
air and, best of all - silence. Getting here is simple. Take bus
number 1, 1A, 8, 34A or 38 from the underground stop at the
Viru Centre. For the beach, convent or river area, get off at the
Pirita stop, which is the first one after you cross the river.
Song Festival Grounds (Lauluvljak) F/G-5/6, Narva
mnt. 95. Located directly between Kadriorg and Pirita, lies one
of Estonia's most important pieces of real estate, the Song
Festival Grounds. In June of 1988 these grounds played host
to over 100,000 Estonians who raised their collective voices in
songs of freedom that would ultimately lead to Estonia regain-
ing her independence after more than 50 years of Soviet rule.
Singing has always had an important place in the hearts of
Estonians and the first song festival was held in Tartu back in
1869. Currently a Song Festival happens every couple of years,
and still plays a huge part of the national identity. When there
isn't a festival happening, the grounds host numerous other
events and concerts. If you'd like to take a peek at the historic
grounds and the massive bowl structure where the choirs sing,
the park is open to the public without an admission fee during
non-event times. At the top of the hill you will also see a large
golden sculpture of Gustav Ernesaks, the famous conductor
who also played a big role in the Singing Revolution.
St. Bridget's Convent Ruins (Pirita klooster)
Kloostri tee 9, tel. (+372) 605 50 44/(+372) 58 17
35 60, lagle@osss.ee, www.piritaklooster.ee. Rising up
along the banks of the Pirita River, the spectacular ruins of this
15th-century convent make one of Tallinn's more fascinating
historic sights. Founded in 1407 by
the Bridgetine Order, the convent
was unique in that it housed both
monks and nuns. The convent
crumbled in a siege by I van the
Terrible in 1577 and its stones were
later carted off to construction
projects throughout Tallinn. What
remains today are the towering
Gothic gable and walls of the main
hall, as well as some surrounding
foundations and cellars. Take bus
N1, 8, 34A or 38 from Viru vljak
to the Pirita stop. QOpen 12:00
- 16:00. Admission 2.
76
interaCtiVe
Ku:lsa:l B-4, Mere pst. 6, tel. (+372) 661 66 82,
bowling@kuulsaal.ee, www.kuulsaal.ee. This ul tra-
modern, ul tra-cool, two-storey club offers the closest
bowling to Old Town. Try their blacklight system for a
cosmic effect. 12 lanes 10.90 - 17.90/hr. They also offer
seven pool tables, including snooker and Russian billiards
for 1.90 - 3.90 per hour. QOpen 11:00 - 23:00, Fri 11:00
- 02:00, Sat 10:00 - 02:00, Sun 10:00 - 23:00. J
Zelluloosi Bowling I-4, Tartu mnt. 80b, tel. (+372)
681 08 81/(+372) 53 07 27 32, info@zbowling.ee,
www.zbowling.ee. Mmmm, the smell of shoe disin-
fectant, the sound of pins crashing into each other and
the sight of all those bums wiggling on the lanes. This
'friendl y' bowling club wi th attached sauna has lanes
for 10.80 - 16.80/hr. QOpen 16:00 - 24:00, Fri 16:00
- 01:00, Sat 12:00 - 01:00, Sun 12:00 - 24:00. K
Bowling & Billiards
Adventure and travel
360 degrees tel. (+372) 56 22 29 96, info@360.ee,
www.360.ee. At 360 degrees if adventure is the name then
they've got the game. All sorts of adventures can be had
from river rafting, canoeing, sea kayaking and skating. The
type of adventure is onl y limited to the weather conditions.
Also offering a number of scheduled tours. See website for
complete details.
Estonian Experience tel. (+372) 53 46 40 60, sales@
estonianexperience.com, www.estonianexperience.
com. This experienced tour-operator makes day-trips to
Lahemaa National Park, Paldiski and loads of other interesting
places. See their main listing under Sightseeing for more on
the places you can experience with them.
Tallinn Day Trip Tours tel. (+372) 53 41 31 09, info@
tallinndaytrip.com, www.tallinndaytrip.com. Brought
to you by the same people who run the Prangli Island tours
in the summer, these two tours run during the more frigid
months of the year. The 'Sunset Tour of Tallinn Coast'
begins in Autumn and is a great way to take in a little bit of
the nature surrounding Tallinn. Highlights of the tour include
a visit to several museums, great views of Tallinn and lunch
at a great seaside-restaurant. Commencing in January,
depending on ice conditions, the 'Ice Road Tour' will give a
once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to drive in a vehicle over the ice
road to the picturesque island of Hiiumaa. On this tour you'll
get the chance to see a little bit of the Estonian countryside,
have a coffee-break in the quaint town of Haapsalu, feel the
thrill of driving over the frozen Bal tic Sea and breathe in the
snow-covered beauty of Hiiumaa. Q It's recommended to
book by 12:00 on the day prior to departure, see website
for additional details. See website for all pricing and detailed
information on both tours.
XXXL Tours Rohuneeme tee 61C, tel. (+372) 55 53
18 88, info@xxxltours.com, www.xxxltours.com. Pretty
much the most extreme hen and stag party organiser in
Tallinn, they provide such unique activities as anger pack-
ages wi th kalashnikov shooting, go-karting, paintball, clay
pigeon shooting, and pub crawling wi th a female guide...
that's right, female guide. Perhaps they even offer machine
gun shooting while riding on go-karts with a female guide,
you can al ways ask.
Cul ture
Ceramics Studio C-3, Vene 6, tel. (+372) 56 46 40 75,
ritarandmaa@hot.ee, www.keraamikakoda.ee. For a truly
personal souvenir of Tallinn you might want to check out this
ceramics studio which offers lessons every week to those
interested in such things. Lessons are between 1.5-2hrs in
length and cost a mere 14 per person. It's also possible
to order private lessons for groups of up to 10 people, see
website for details. QOpen 11:00 - 18:00. J
Kalev Master's Chamber B-4, Roseni 7 (Rotermann
Courtyard), tel. (+372) 54 55 58 86/(+372) 54 52 58
29, meistrikoda@kalev.eu, www.kalev.ee. Located in the
loft above the Kalev candy shop in the Rotermanni Quarter,
the Master Chamber provides guests with the opportunity
to create their own marzipan figurines or decorate their own
fine chocolates. What could make a better memory of your
time in Tallinn than something sweet, created by your own
hands - of course, whether or not it ends up being a good
memory probabl y depends on your artistic abilities or lack
there of. Workshops are available for a minimum of four guests
and arrangements should be made ahead of time by phone,
by e-mail or even in person. Prices vary depending on how
many people are in your group. QOpen 10:00 - 20:00, Sun
11:00 - 18:00. J
Saku Brewery Tallinna mnt. 2, Saku, tel. (+372) 650
83 38/(+372) 650 83 39, saku@pruulikoda.ee, www.
pruulikoda.ee. Often considered Tallinn's beer as the factory
is onl y about a 15 minute car ride from the centre, Saku (now
full y owned by the Carlsberg Group) has been brewing beer
since 1820, thus making it the oldest brewery in Estonia. Visi-
tors are invited to check out the museum filled with interesting
beer related relics from the days of yore, take the tour of the
operational brewery and hoist a few back or grab a bite in
Brewhouse Pub. Q You can book tours on weekdays from
9:00 - 17:00. Due to high demand they recommend you book
at least three weeks in advance by email visit@pruulikoda.ee
or by telephone (+372) 53 02 68 58.
Vanalinna Klaasikoda Suur-Sjame 8A, tel. (+372)
55 57 36 37, info@vlklaasikoda.ee, www.vlklaasikoda.
ee. Not at all in Old Town as the name would suggest, this
house of glass, located right behind lemiste Shopping Cen-
tre, offers up some unique souvenirs and the opportunity to
learn about and indeed create your own glass-terpieces. See
website for details. QOpen 11:00 - 17:00. Closed Mon.
77
AHHAA - Science Centre D-2, Vabaduse vljak
9, tel. (+372) 666 00 66, tallinn@ahhaa.ee, www.
ahhaa.ee. At the bottom of the newl y redesigned Free-
dom Square, this interactive science experience is trul y
amusing for the whole famil y. The concept started years
ago in the university town of Tartu and now that we have a
branch in Tallinn - we're richer for it. The hands-on exhibits
will allow the user to become familiar with a fascinating
array of scientific concepts, but perhaps the most exciting
part of the science centre is the 4D cinema. The 9-seat,
multi-sensory set-up allows the viewer to truly experience
the films like never before. Who said science wasn't fun.
Through April 30, Ahhaa, To The Forest With Ice
Cream! an interactive exhibition that deals with trees,
ice cream and and how they are connected - well, sort of.
QOpen 12:00 - 20:00, Sat, Sun 10:00 - 20:00. Admission
5, famil y ticket 12, students and seniors 4.50. Prear-
ranged group tick-
et, 4 per person.
Ti cket sal es end
one hour prior to
closing. 4D cinema
only, Mon-Fri 10:00
- 16:00 3.20 and
al l ot her t i mes
4.50. For visitors
of the centre, cin-
ema ticket is hal f
price. TJUL
Aah-haa!
77
interaCtiVe
Harju street ice rink D-2,
Harju street, tel. (+372)
610 10 35, info@uisuplats.
ee, www.uisuplats.ee.
Uisuplats, an outdoor skat-
ing rink in Old Town, provides
a perfect opportunity for slip-
pery, winter fun. It even has its
own caf and bar! The rink is
located adjacent Harju street,
next to the Niguliste Church
and is open from 10:00 to
22:00 dail y. For more details, see website. Q Prices per
hour are as follows: Monday to Thursday, children (4 to
15 years) 2.20, adul ts (16 and older) 3.50, Friday to
Sunday, children 2.50, adul ts 4.50. Skate rental (1 hr)
1.50. Note that using your own skates is also permitted.
Toilets, lockers and caf on site. J
Jeti Ice Hall I-6, Suur-Sjame 14b (near Airport),
tel. (+372) 610 10 35, info@jeti.ee, www.jeti.ee.
Mostl y used as a professional sports practice arena,
it is open to the public at other times. See website for
free-skate schedule. Ticket 3.50 - 4.50/hr (children
under sixteen 2.20 - 2.50/hr). Skate rental 1.50/hr.
Caf and sauna on site.
Premia Ice Hall Haabersti 3, tel. (+372) 660 05
00, info@icearena.ee, www.icearena.ee. See website
for free-skate ice times. Tickets (1 hr) 6; children under
sixteen 4. Skate rental 2 - 3. Q N
Skate away
Famil y fun
Energy Discovery Centre A-3, Phja pst. 29, tel.
(+372) 715 26 50, info@energiakeskus.ee, www.
energiakeskus.ee. Science made fun, or at the very least,
a nerd's paradise. Modelled after the famous Exploratorium
in San Francisco, this hands-on museum is designed to
demonstrate things like physics, optics and acoustics to the
younger generation. There are also exhibits related to space
exploration. Don't miss the see-and-do displays downstairs.
The museum building is a former power station, in operation
from 1913 to 1979. Ring the bell to enter. QOpen 10:00 -
18:00, Sat 12:00 - 17:00. Closed Sun. Admission 3, famil y
ticket 8. J
Juku Playland Paldiski mnt. 102, tel. (+372) 665 91
49/(+372) 56 93 31 30, rocca@playland.ee, www.
mangumaa.ee. Playland in Rocca al Mare shopping centre
offering ball pits, jungle gym, trampoline and inflatable attrac-
tions. Tickets start from 2. QOpen 10:00 - 20:00.
Kalev Spa Water Park B-3, Aia 18, tel. (+372) 649
33 70, waterpark@kalevspa.ee, www.kalevspa.ee. Lo-
cated right downtown, this full y-equipped indoor water park
provides a whole host of wet entertainment. Besides its three
water slides, it has a 50m lap pool, an upstream swimming
pool, kids' pool and play area, saunas, hot tubs and a caf.
For a 2.5hr visit, the price for children up to 5 years of age
is 1, adul ts 10.90 and a famil y ticket (2 adul ts plus up to
3 children) is 33. Dail y and 1.5hr admission also available.
QOpen 06:45 - 21:30, Sat, Sun 08:00 - 21:30. Holiday hours
vary, see website for details. TJFLC
Nmme Snow Park Vana-Mustame 16, tel. (+372)
56 15 91 60, info@nommelumepark.ee, www.nomme-
lumepark.ee. Skiing, snow tubing, and snowboarding abound
at Tallinn's onl y organised snow hill. In case they wouldn't let
you on the plane with your snow-tube, you'll be able to rent one
along with skis and snowboards too. QOpen 12:00 - 21:00,
Sat, Sun 10:00 - 21:00. Adul t tickets cost between 5-14,
children up until 12 years 3-10 depending on the day of the
week. See website for up-to-date prices.
Puppet Museum (NUKU Muuseum) C-2, Nunne 8,
tel. (+372) 667 95 55, muuseum@nuku.ee, www.nuku.
ee. Who ever thought puppets could be so interesting. This
museum, which showcases pretty much everything there is to
about puppets and puppetry is an interactive experience the
whole family can enjoy. From touch-screens, to a personalised
experience via your very own code - the old caveat "look but
don't touch" certainl y does not appl y here. If you're lucky
you'll even get a chance to see puppets being made in the
workshop upstairs and you'll also be able to make your very
own souvenir of the whole experience. This is the museum
of the future. QOpen 10:00 - 19:00. Closed Mon. Puppet-
making workshops open dail y from 12:00 - 18:00. For group
bookings call (+372) 667 95 09. Admission 5. J
78
getting around
79
getting around
Taxi stands can be found near major hotels and next
the Drama theatre just outside Old Town, but grabbing
a taxi on the street, especially those parked in Old Town,
is the best way to get ripped off. Always check the prices
first, which should posted on the taxi's right rear window.
These consist of a base fare of usually 2.20 - 3.20 plus
two per-kilometre rates (one for daytime, one for night)
which should normally be around 0.35 - 0.96. When in
doubt, you can agree on a price to your destination with
the driver before you get in. Ordering a taxi by phone is
always the best strategy, as you'll avoid the dishonest
taxis that prey on tourists. Here is a list of taxi companies
along with their daytime base fares and per-kilometre
rates. Night time rates can be about 20% more.
Peretakso tel. (+372) 16111/(+372) 646 00 06,
peretakso@peretakso.ee, www.peretakso.ee. 3.20
+ 0.50 - 0.80/km.
Reval Takso tel. (+372) 1207/(+372) 601 46 00, info@
reval-takso.ee, www.reval-takso.ee. 2.50 + 0.45/km.
Saksa Takso tel. (+372) 1316/(+372) 53 03 50
35, info@saksatakso.ee, www.saksatakso.ee. 2.30
+ 0.42/km. Q N
Tallink Takso tel. (+372) 1921/(+372) 640 89 21,
info@tallinktakso.ee, www.tallinktakso.ee. 3.20 +
0.77 - 0.88/km.
Tulika Takso tel. (+372) 1200/(+372) 612 00 01,
takso@tulika.ee, www.tulikatakso.ee. 2.88 + 0.65
- 0.77/km, maxi taxi 5.75 + 0.96.
Taxis
I f youre driving in Estonia for the first time, heres
what you need to know: traffic signs and laws follow
general European standards. The law requires use of
seatbelts and headlights at all times. Small children
must sit in child seats. You must have a valid license
(wi th photo), your cars regi strati on and proof of
insurance with you in the car, as well as a letter of
authorisation i f you are not the owner of the vehicle.
In pretty much all cases, your drivers license from
back home will work fine.
Please note that the speed limit on highways is 90km/
h and in the cities 50 km/h, unless otherwise noted.
For the motorist
Parking
Tallinn is so centralised and pedestrian-friendly that there's
absolutely no reason to bring a car. If you happen to be here
with your own set of wheels though, keep in mind that find-
ing parking in downtown Tallinn, especially during working
hours, can be a real nightmare. Public parking on streets in
the town centre, as well as a few streets in Old Town, costs
1.04 - 4.60/hour, depending on the zone. Look for posted
signs to tell you the price and the hours/days that paid park-
ing is in effect. Some city centre areas require you to pay
even at night. Buy per-hour parking passes from streetside
vending machines or kiosks, and be sure to leave a parking
clock (or barring that a written note) on your dashboard to
mark the time that you first parked. If all this sounds too
complicated, you can just use the following guarded central
parking lots/garages:
Kaarli parking D-1, Kaarli pst. 2, tel. (+372) 1669, par-
kimine@yhisteenused.ee, www.parkimine.ee. 2.30/hr.
QOpen 24hrs.
Rvala parking house D-4, Rvala pst. 3, tel. (+372)
661 02 23, europark@europark.ee, www.europark.
ee. 0.90 for first 20min and 0.60/20min after that. Q
Open 24hrs.
Rotermann parking house B-4, Rotermanni 5/ Roseni
10, tel. (+372) 661 02 23, europark@europark.ee,
www.europark.ee. Entrance from Ahtri street. 1.60/hr.
QOpen 24hrs.
Solaris parking house D-3, Estonia pst. 9, tel. (+372)
661 02 23, europark@europark.ee, www.europark.ee.
Entrance from Sakala street. 2.80/hr. QOpen 24hrs. J
Vabaduse vljak parking house D-2, Vabaduse vljak
9, tel. (+372) 1669, parkimine@yhisteenused.ee, www.
parkimine.ee. 2/hr. Q Open 24hrs.
Viru Centre parking house C-4, Viru vljak 4, tel.
(+372) 1669, parkimine@yhisteenused.ee, www.par-
kimine.ee. 1.80/hr. Q Open 24hrs. J
WTC parking house H-3, Ahtri 8, tel. (+372) 661 02
23, europark@europark.ee, www.europark.ee. 2/hr.
Q 24hrs.
Public transport
Tallinn's public transportation system is a fairly straightfor-
ward network of buses, trollybuses and trams, all of which
use the same tickets. Trams provide the simplest way to
get around downtown areas, whereas buses are mainly for
getting to outlying neighbourhoods. From the centre, most
major bus routes leave from the new terminal under the Viru
Keskus, or from Vabaduse Vljak. You can easily pick up
trams in several places adjacent Old Town - check our handy
transport map in the back of the guide. Routes and schedules
are also listed in English on the www.tak.ee website, and
detailed route maps are posted at most bus stops.
When climbing on board, in 98% of cases, you can just hop on
any door, i.e. you don't have to show your ticket to the driver.
The rare exception is a few buses that have no-entry' signs
on their rear doors. If you see this sign and the door doesn't
open, head to the front and punch your ticket/show your pass
to the driver. Tickets are otherwise checked by inspectors
who jump on at random stops. In our experience, inspectors
appear very rarely, but in theory they could show up any time.
In other words, don't blame us if you get nailed. The fine for
'riding like a rabbit' - as locals call it - is 40.
Tickets: The same tickets are good on all three systems.
The simplest version is the single-ride ticket, or talong. Buy
one from nearly any kiosk for 1 (a book of ten tickets is only
8) or from the driver for 1.60. Once you're on board, punch
your talong to validate it. Slide it into the green-topped ticket
punch and pull the top towards you. Other types of tickets are
good for specific periods of time and are only sold in kiosks.
These include a 1hr (1.20; a book of ten tickets 10), 24hr
(4) and tourist-convenient 72hr (6) ticket. These need to be
validated the first time they're used - find the modern-look-
ing ticket punch with digital time clock on board the vehicle
(usually by the centre door). Long-term visitors can also opt
for a 30-day (27) pass.
Falck Autoabi Laki 11, tel. (+372) 1888/(+372)
697 91 88, info@falckautoabi.ee, www.falckautoabi.
ee. For help in any kind of road emergency anywhere in
Estonia. Q Open 24hrs.
Towing service
Sir Autorent H-3, Juhkentali 11,
tel. (+372) 661 43 53/(+372) 56
51 353 (24hrs), sirrent@online.
ee, www.sirrent.ee. QOpen 09:00
- 18:00. Closed Sat, Sun.
R-Rent J-5, Lennujaama tee 2, Tal-
linn Airport, tel. (+372) 50 36 446
(24hrs), info@rrent.ee, www.rrent.
ee. Prices starting from 25/day. Car
delivery free of charge.
Sixt J-5, Lennujaama tee 2, Tallinn Airport, tel. (+372)
605 81 48, rent@sixt.ee, www.sixt.ee. Whether you
need a car rental for business or pleasure, Sixt offers you
great rates and quality vehicles. QOpen 09:00 - 18:00, Sat,
Sun 10:00 - 17:00. Also at: D-4, Rvala pst 5. Open 08:30
- 17:00, closed Sat, Sun.
Car rental
Advantage Rent A Car J-5, Lennujaama tee 2, Tallinn
Airport, tel. (+372) 520 30 03 (24h), rentacaresto-
nia@advantage.ee, www.advantage.ee. QOpen 09:00
Avis H-3, Prnu mnt. 141, tel. (+372) 667 15 15, avis@
avis.ee, www.avis.ee. QOpen 08:30 - 17:00. Closed Sat,
Sun. Also at: J-5, Tallinn Airport, tel. 605 82 22. Open
05:00 - 02:00.
Budget J-5, Lennujaama tee 2, Tallinn Airport, tel.
(+372) 605 86 00, rent@budget.ee, www.budget.ee.
QOpen 09:00 - 18:00. Also at: H-3, Prnu mnt. 141, tel
6 058 60.
Hansar ent G- 3, Ahtri 6, tel . (+372) 655 71
55/(+372) 53 04 40 55 (24hrs), booking@hansar-
ent.ee, www.hansarent.ee. QOpen 09:00 - 17:00.
Cl osed Sat, Sun.
By far the fastest way to get to Helsinki.
Copterline F-3, Linnahall Heliport, Mere pst. 20,
tel. (+372) 610 18 18, fax (+372) 610 18 01,
contact.ee@fast-class.com, www.fast-class.com.
Copterline runs a fast passenger link between Tallinn
and Helsinki. The flight takes 18 minutes to cover the
85km between two capi tals. Flights run fi ve times per
day, Mon-Fri and tickets cost between 238 and 540
return. Tallinn's helicopter terminal is the flat roof of the
Tallinna Linnahall near the Tallinn passenger port. The
opposi te terminal is in Helsinki's Hernesaari port, a
fi ve-minute taxi ride from town. QOpen 07:15 - 18:30.
Cl osed Sat, Sun. Check websi te for schedul es and
pricing information.
Helicopter
Airport
Lennart Meri - Tallinn Airport (Lennujaam) J-5, Len-
nujaama tee 2, tel. (+372) 605 88 88 (24hr flight info), fax
(+372) 605 84 33, info@tll.aero, www.tallinn-airport.ee.
Tallinn's airport is a modern affair, but still so small there's never
a worry about getting lost. Once past the luggage receiving
area, you'll find ATMs and currency exchange in the centre of
the hall; toilets and car rental offices are downstairs. Officials
still recommend you arrive 2 hours before your flight though. Es-
tonian Air check-ins close 35 minutes before take-off. A taxi ride
from the centre roughly costs 9 and takes between 10 and 20
minutes. You can also take bus N2 (marked Lennujaam - Migu)
from the 'A. Laikmaa' stop, just outside to the downtown Viru
Centre on its east side; or alternatively the airport shuttle that
costs 2 per ride, from one of the 7 central stops, including
Vabaduse sq, Balti jaam train station and 'Kunstiakadeemia'
stop, located next to 'A. Laikmaa' stop (see above).
Airline offices
Air Baltic D-3, Estonia pst. 1/3, tel. (+372) 630 66
66/(+371) 67 00 60 06, tallinn@airbaltic.com, www.airbal-
tic.com. QOpen 09:30 - 18:00. Closed Sat, Sun. J
Czech Airlines D-4, Liivalaia 33, tel. (+372) 630 93 97,
sales.tll@czechairlines.com, www.czechairlines.com.
Estonian Air I-5, Lennujaama tee 2, at the Airport, tel.
(+372) 640 11 60, fax (+372) 640 11 61, lennukas@
estonian-air.ee, www.estonian-air.ee.
Finnair , tel. (+372) 626 63 09/(+372) 626 63 10, fax
(+372) 626 62 52, finnair@bose.ee, www.finnair.com.
QOpen 09:00 - 17:00. Closed Sat, Sun.
Lufthansa D-4, Lennujaama tee 2, tel. (+372) 605 81 85,
fax (+372) 605 81 87, tllteammailbox.ga@dlh.de, www.
lufthansa.ee.
80
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81
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To Tallinn
Days Departure Arrival Terminal Ship Terminal Departure Arrival Days
To Stockholm From Stockholm
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 18:00 10:00* D Bal tic Queen/
Victoria I (Tallink)
Vrtahamnen 17:45 10:45* 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
To St. Petersburg From St. Petersburg
1 2 18:00 09:00* A Princess
Maria (St. Peter
Line)
Morskoi Vokzal 19:00** 20:00* 1 7
Ferries to Stockholm & St.Petersburg
*arrival on next day.
** Return via Helsinki. Stop-over in Helsinki 08:00 - 16:30.
Ferry schedule valid as of January 05, 2012. Please note that Tallinn In Your Pocket does not take responsibility for changes in the
schedule. Please always check for the most current schedule with the service provider.
From Tallinn Helsinki To Tallinn
Days Dep. Arrival Terminal Ship Terminal Departure Arrival Days
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 07:30 09:30 D Star/Superstar (Tallink) Lnsi 07:30 09:30 1 2 3 4 5
1 2 3 4 5 11:00 13:00 D Star/Superstar (Tallink) Lnsi 08:30 10:30 6 7
6 7 11:30 13:30 D Star/Superstar (Tallink) Lnsi 10:30 12:30 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 13:00 16:30 D Bal tic Princess (Tallink) Lnsi 18:30 22:00 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 14:00 16:00 D Star/Superstar (Tallink) Lnsi 14:00 16:00 1 2 3 4 5
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 17:30 19:30 D Star/Superstar (Tallink) Lnsi 14:30 16:30 6 7
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 21:00 23:00 D Star/Superstar (Tallink) Lnsi 17:30 19:30 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Star/Superstar (Tallink) Lnsi 21:30 23:30 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 08:00 10:30 A M/S Viking XPRS Katanajokka 11:30 14:00 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
1 2 3 4 5 6 18:00 20:30 A M/S Viking XPRS Katanajokka 21:30 00:00 1 2 3 4 5 6
7 16:30 19:00 A M/S Viking XPRS Katanajokka 20:00 22:30 7
1 2 3 4 5 16:30 20:00 A M/S Nordlandia (Ecker) Lnsi 08:00 11:00 1 2 3 4 5
6 17:30 20:45 A M/S Nordlandia (Ecker) Lnsi 09:00 12:00 6
7 16:00 19:15 A M/S Nordlandia (Ecker) Lnsi 10:30 13:30 7
2 3 4 5 6 01:00 06:40 A M/S Nordlandia (Ecker) Lnsi 20:15 23:30 7
1 00:30 06:40 A M/S Nordlandia (Ecker) Lnsi 21:00 00:15 1 2 3 4 5
Ferries to Helsinki
Ferry schedule valid as of January 05, 2012. Please note that Tallinn In Your Pocket does not take responsibility for changes in the
Ferries
The vast majority of visitors travelling onward from Tallinn
go by ship, and it's no wonder - the city has excellent, af-
fordable ferry connections to Helsinki, Stockholm and Saint
Petersburg. On the Tallinn-Helsinki route, you have the choice
between large car ferries, which make the crossing in about
two hours, and fast ferries (hydrofoils and catamarans), which
usually take only 1.5 hours, but are seasonal and don't run in
all weather conditions. Ferries leave from various terminals
of the city's two passenger harbours, clustered just outside
Old Town (see our map).
Linnahall (Linnahalli kiirlaevade sadam) F-3,
Mere pst. 20, tel. (+372) 699 93 33, info@lindaliini.
ee, www.lindaliini.ee. Onl y Lindaline hydrofoils, whi ch
operate exclusi vel y in warmer months and in good weather
condi tions, leave from this Soviet-era concrete wonder.
Q Ticket office open 1 hr before first departure until the
last departure.
Passenger Port, Terminal A - D (Reisisadam) F-3,
Sadama 25, tel. (+372) 631 85 50, ts@ts.ee, www.
portoftallinn.com. Nearl y all ferry companies use the Pas-
senger Port, which is divided into terminals A through D. All
Tallink ships use D-Terminal. Q Information open in A-Terminal
06:00 - 18:30, in D-Terminal 06:00 - 22:30.
From Tallinn To Tallinn
Days Departure Arrival Destination Departure Arrival Days Price
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 06:46 09:51 TARTU 06:35 08:58 1 2 3 4 5 6 6.71-9.91
1 2 3 4 5 07:52 10:14 TARTU 07:34 10:43 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 6.71-9.91
5 7 14:05 16:26 TARTU 14:14 16:32 5 7 6.71-9.91
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 15:04 18:10 TARTU 17:19 19:38 1 2 3 4 5 7 6.71-9.91
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 17:10 19:33 TARTU 18:22 21:24 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 6.71-9.91
5 7 20:09 22:29 TARTU 19:49 22:09 5 7 6.71-9.91
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 06:54 09:42 PRNU 07:14 09:54 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 5.43
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 17:26 20:09 PRNU 17:11 19:59 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 5.43
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 07:48 10:26 VILJANDI 06:31 09:08 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 6.39-7.67
5 6 7 13:33 16:07 VILJANDI 13:15 15:52 5 6 7 6.39-7.67
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 16:36 19:11 VILJANDI 16:19 18:57 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 6.39-7.67
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 16:00 17:44 RAKVERE 05:52 07:35 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 3.96
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 18:20 20:10 RAKVERE 08:18 09:58 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 3.96
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 16:00 19:27 NARVA 06:35 09:58 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 7.35
Domestic train schedule
Schedule valid as of January 05, 2012. Please note that Tallinn In Your Pocket does not take responsibility for changes in the
Days Deparure Arrival Destination Dep. Arr. Days Price
Dail y 16:45 09:20* MOSCOW 18:05* 08:03 Dail y 59 224
International train schedule
*Moscow time.
Ferry companies
Ecker Line F-3, Terminal A, Passenger Port, tel. (+372) 664
60 00, info.ee@eckeroline.ee, www.eckeroline.ee. Large car
ferry Nordlandia. Adult single tickets starting at 21. QOpen 09:00
- 17:30, Sun 09:00 - 16:30. Reservations and information by phone
08:30 - 19:00, Sat 8:30 - 18:00, Sun 09:00 - 16:30.
Lindaline F-3, Mere pst. 20e, tel. (+372) 699 93 33,
fax (+372) 699 93 30, info@lindaliini.ee, www.lindaliini.
ee. Hydrofoils. Adul t single tickets starting from 26 up to
46, depending on class, hour and day of departure. QOpen
07:00 - 19:00, Fri, Sat 07:00 - 21:00, Sun 09:00 - 21:00. Also
at: H-3, Tallinn Kaubamaja service street at Gonsiori 2.
Open 09:00 - 21:00.
St. Peter Line F-3, Terminal A, Passenger Port, tel.
(+372) 666 08 00, terminal.tallinn@stpeterline.com,
www.stpeterline.com. Although it only leaves Tallinn once
a week, now you can head to St Petersburg via ship without
having to stop first in Stockholm. The round trip which includes
two nights on board and a day in St Petersburg can even be
completed visa-free where applicable. See website or contact
agent for full details. QOpen 09:00 - 17:00, Sun 12:00 - 18:00.
Also at: C-4, Viru vljak 2, tel: 666 08 09, sergei.shkurd@
stpeterline.com. Adult single tickets starting from 25.
Tallink G-3, Laikmaa 5, tel. (+372) 640 98 08, fax
(+372) 611 88 95, booking@tallink.ee, www.tallink.ee.
Large and fast car ferries. Adul t single tickets start from 19.
To Stockholm from 38. QOpen 09:00 - 20:00. Closed Sat,
Sun. Also at: H-3, Tallinn Kaubamaja service street at
Gonsiori 2. Open 09:00 - 21:00, Sun 10:00 - 19:00. J
Viking Line F-3, Terminal A, passenger Port, tel. (+372)
666 39 45/(+372) 666 39 66, fax (+372) 666 39 39,
booking@vikingline.ee, www.vikingline.ee. Large car fer-
ries Viking XPRS. Adult single tickets from 22. QOpen 06:30
- 18:00, Sun 06:30 - 16:30. Reservations and information
by phone 07:30 - 21:00. Also at: G-3, Hobujaama 4. Open
09:00 - 18:00, Closed Sat, Sun.
Reservations and information by phone 08:00 - 20:00, Sat
- Sun 09:00 - 18:00.
Trains
Train travel in Estonia has not gained the popularity it has
elsewhere in Europe. The only real international connections
are to points east ( Moscow and beyond), and forget about
taking the train to Riga or Vilnius. It is, however, possible to
get to Tartu and other Estonian cities by rail. Three separate
companies cover Estonia's train system: GoRail (www.gorail.
ee) handles international, Edelaraudtee's trains (www.edel.
ee) are inter-city, and Elektriraudtee (www.elektriraudtee.ee)
does the local electric trains.
Balti Jaam (Train Station) B-1, Toompuiestee 37,
tel. (+372) 631 00 23/(+372) 1447, reisid@gorail.ee,
www.baltijaam.ee. Located just outside Old Town, Tallinn's
newl y-revamped train station boasts a trendy caf, fountain
and a day spa, but still has almost no information posted in
English. Luckily, the system is not too confusing and there are
information booths (open 07:10 - 11:30; 12:30 - 18:15, Sat
- Sun 08:00 - 11:30; 12:30 - 18:15; Gorail info open 08:00
- 13:00; 14:30 - 19:00), usuall y staffed by someone mul ti-
lingual. Tickets for all trains, including the Russia trains, are
sold from windows in the main hall (take a number and wait).
For domestic routes, you don't even have to bother with this
process since the same tickets can al ways be purchased
82
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83
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Days Departure Arrival Destination Departure Arrival Days Price
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 06:30 10:30 RIGA* 08:00 12:15 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 13.30
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 14:00 18:25 RIGA* 12:00 16:30 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 13.30
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 19:00 23:15 RIGA* 19:00 23:45 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 13.30
1 2 3 4 5 06:00 10:15 RIGA 17:00 21:25 1 2 3 4 5 23
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 07:00 11:25 RIGA 18:30 22:55 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 17
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 10:00 14:30 RIGA 10:00 14:25 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 13
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 12:45 17:00 RIGA 12:30 16:55 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 20 22
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 16:00 20:25 RIGA 07:00 11:25 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 19
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 17:00 21:25 RIGA 14:45 19:05 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 11
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 18:30 22:55 RIGA 08:30 12:55 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 17 22
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 22:30 02:50 RIGA 02:35 06:55 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 13
1 2 3 4 5 7 06:00 14:00 ST. PETERSBURG 18:00 22:20 1 2 3 4 5 7 48
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 07:00 16:30 ST. PETERSBURG 07:15 12:25 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 22
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 08:00 16:10 ST. PETERSBURG 19:00 23:15 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 29
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 10:15 19:45 ST. PETERSBURG 23:00 05:00 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 23 25
1 5 6 7 11:00 20:45 ST. PETERSBURG 12:45 17:30 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 15 22
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 14:15 22:55 ST. PETERSBURG 09:00 13:45 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 29
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 15:00 23:30 ST. PETERSBURG 16:45 22:05 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 15 22
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 15:30 23:40 ST. PETERSBURG 23:50 05:00 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 29
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 23:00 07:30 ST. PETERSBURG 22:30 04:00 4 5 6 7 15 22
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 23:40 08:25 ST. PETERSBURG 14:00 19:20 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 29
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 23:59 09:30 ST. PETERSBURG 11:15 17:10 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 25.6027.50
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 06:30 14:40 VILNIUS* 07:00 16:30 1 2 3 4 6 25.70
2 3 4 5 6 7 14:00 22:25 VILNIUS* 25.70
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 10:00 19:05 VILNIUS 10:00 19:05 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 20
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 22:30 06:55 VILNIUS 22:30 06:55 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 20
VILNIUS 07:00 16:55 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 30
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 07:00 17:00 VILNIUS 06:30 16:55 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 33
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 10:00 20:40 VILNIUS 12:30 22:55 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 26 33
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 12:45 22:20 VILNIUS 14:15 22:55 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 28 35
International bus schedule
* Lines operated by Ecolines, others by Lux Express.
Prices for Ecolines are valid for tickets bought from the internet (5% discount compared to rack price).
Buses
If youre travelling city-to-city in the Baltics and you dont have
your own car, the bus is definitely the way to go. Its also a
good way to meet local students. Connections are frequent
and cheap, allowing you to cross the country for the same
money you might spend on a taxi in Tallinn.
Bus Station (Tallinna Bussiterminal) H-4, Lastekodu
46, tel. (+372) 12 550, info@bussireisid.ee, www.bus-
sireisid.ee. Tallinn's small bus station is a small, Soviet-era
relic, but it has been renovated, services are fairly efficient and
it's not as depressing as it used to be. Tickets are available
inside the station or from the driver. (Let ticket-holders get
on the bus first.) Ticket prices depend on the bus company
and route. On international routes it is advisable to reserve or
buy your ticket in advance. On internal routes this is generall y
not necessary, however there are exceptions: On Fridays and
Sundays buses to popular weekend destinations like Prnu
or Tartu tend to fill up quickl y, so buying your ticket earlier in
the day will guarantee a spot. Get to the station by taking city
trams N2 or 4 from the centre, or bus N17 next to the Solaris
Centre, to the Bussijaam stop. QOpen 06:30 - 21:00.
Ecolines I-4, Masina 22, tel. (+372) 606 22 17,
ecolines@ecolines.ee, www.ecolines.ee. A large bus
company wi th routes throughout the Bal tics and Europe.
Ecolines is generall y cheaper (in many senses of the term)
than Eurolines. Convenientl y you can book and pay for tickets
via the internet then print out the ticket yourself, saving a
trip to the ticket office. QOpen 09:00 - 18:00. For the earl y
birds, tickets can also be purchased here: ECOLINES Ticket
Office, H-4, Lastekodu 46, tel. 56 37 79 97, ecolines.
kassa@ecolines.ee, open 06:30 - 21:00.
Hansabuss Business Line Kadaka tee 62a, tel.
(+372) 627 90 80, booking@hansabuss.ee, www.
businessline.ee. By far the best way to get to Prnu or
Riga, other than fl ying, the Hansabuss business line reall y
takes good care of its guests. They offer complimentary WIFI,
comfortable seating and also have a bus attendant who will
cater to your needs. For an additional fee you can purchase
food and beverages on board. Tickets must be purchased
through their website.
Lux Express H-4, Lastekodu 46, tel. (+372) 680 09 09,
fax (+372) 680 09 01, info.ee@luxexpress.eu, www.
luxexpress.eu. Formerl y known as Eurolines, Lux Express
runs most international bus routes from Estonia. Seats on
all routes can be reserved up to 24 hours in advance by
calling ahead, though getting through to the office requires
persistence. As with Ecolines, you can also buy tickets from
the website and print them out. Find the office on the bus
station's second floor. QOpen 06:30 - 20:00.
Aarded D-2, Rtli 13, tel. (+372) 56 66 66
11/(+372) 56 50 07 38, aarded@aarded.ee, www.
aarded.ee. QOpen 11:00 - 16:00. J
Andry's Antiques & Collectibles C-3, Viru 9, tel.
(+372) 631 42 63, noeps@online.ee. QOpen 10:00
- 16:00. Closed Sun. J
Antiik C-2, Kinga 5, tel. (+372) 646 62 32, antique-
shop@hot.ee, www.antiqueshop.ee. QOpen 10:00
- 18:00, Sun 10:00 - 15:00.
Antiik & Kunst C-2, Dunkri 9, tel. (+372) 644 09
23. QOpen 12:00 - 18:00. Closed Mon, Sun.
Antikvaar C-2, Rataskaevu 20, tel. (+372) 641 82
69. QOpen 10:00 - 18:00. Closed Sun.
Idla Antiik B-3, Pikk 30, tel. (+372) 646 40 60,
jaanus@idla.ee, www.idla.ee. QOpen 10:00 - 18:00,
Sat 11:00 - 15:00. Closed Sun. .
Old Times Antique C-2, Raekoja plats 11, tel.
(+372) 529 35 41/(+372) 631 47 25, info@oldtimes.
ee, www.oldtimes.ee. QOpen 09:00 - 17:00. J
Reval Antiik D-2, Harju 13 (entrance at Mrivahe
2), tel. (+372) 644 07 47, info@reval-antique.ee,
www.reval-antique.ee. QOpen 10:00 - 17:45, Sat
10:00 - 16:00. Closed Sun.
Shifara Gallery Antiques D-2, Vana-Posti 7, tel.
(+372) 644 35 36, shifara@online.ee, www.shifara-
antique.ee. QOpen 10:00 - 14:00, 15:00-18:00, Sat
10:00 - 16:00. Closed Sun.
Antiques
There are plenty of opportunities to spend money
shopping in Tallinn. Old Town is literally lined with dozens
of souvenir, antique and speciality stores. Within Old Town
the main shopping streets are Viru, Mrivahe, Suur-Karja,
Vike-Karja and Kullassepa. The most central shopping
centre is Viru Centre home also to the Kaubamaja
department store. Kaubamaja and Stockmann offer
everything from electronics to cosmetics as well as large
clothing sections. See listings on page 88.
Art shops
Allagallery C-2, Nunne 7, tel. (+372) 641 55 01, al-
lagallery@hotmail.com, www.allagallery.com. QOpen
10:00 - 18:00.
Bogapott C-1, Pikk jalg 9, tel. (+372) 631 31 81,
www.bogapott.ee. QOpen 10:00 - 18:00, Sun 10:00
- 17:00. J
Domini Canes C-3, Vene 12/Katariina kik, tel. (+372)
644 52 86, info@dominicanes.eu, www.glassart.ee.
QOpen 12:00 - 17:00. N
Galerii 2 C-1/2, Lhike jalg 1, tel. (+372) 641 83 08,
galerii.kaks@mail.ee. QOpen 10:00 - 18:00, Sun 10:00
- 17:00.
Galerii 36 C-1/2, Lhike jalg 8, tel. (+372) 644 16 58,
galerii36@hot.ee. QOpen 12:00 - 16:00. Closed Sun.
Galerii-G D-2, Vabaduse vljak 6, tel. (+372) 644 89
71, info@galeriig.ee, www.galeriig.ee. QOpen 10:00
Hindricus anno 1393 C-2, Lhike jalg 2, tel. (+372)
660 52 03, merike.oosalu@mail.ee. QOpen 10:00 -
18:00, Sun 10:00 - 16:00.
Hobusepea Galerii B/C-2, Hobusepea 2, tel. (+372)
528 53 24/(+372) 627 67 77, galerii@eaa.ee, www.
eaa.ee/hobusepea/hindex.htm. QOpen 11:00 - 18:00.
Closed Tue.
Kunstiaken C-3, Vene 20, tel. (+372) 646 42 09, pe-
nelope.pood@gmail.com. QOpen 10:00 - 18:00.
Lhikese Jala Galerii C-1/2, Lhike jalg 6, tel. (+372)
631 47 20, lpgalerii@hot.ee, www.hot.ee/lgalerii.
QOpen 10:00 - 18:00, Sat, Sun 10:00 - 17:00.
Navitrolla Galerii B-3, Sulevimgi 1, tel. (+372) 631 37
16, navi@navitrolla.ee, www.navitrolla.ee. QOpen 10:00
- 18:00, Sat 10:00 - 17:00, Sun 11:00 - 16:00.
Bookshops
You won't find a great selection of books in English or
other foreign languages in Tallinn, but you won't be left
without any reading material either. Rahva Raamat has the
widest selection of English language novels. Allecto has a
good variety of speciality books and textbooks.
Allecto H-3, Juhkentali 8, tel. (+372) 627 72 30, al-
lecto@allecto.ee. This specialist in foreign language books
is a good bet for all sorts of titles. QOpen 09:00 - 18:00, Sat
11:00 - 16:00. Closed Sun.
Apollo Raamatupood D/E-3/4, Estonia pst. 9 (Solaris
Centre), tel. (+372) 633 60 00, info@apollo.ee, www.
apollo.ee. The most central source for English-language
novels and travel guides. QOpen 10:00 - 21:00.
Raamatukoi C-2, Harju 1, tel. (+372) 683 77 10,
raamatukoi@raamatukoi.ee, www.raamatukoi.ee.
Specialising in antique books. QOpen 10:00 - 19:00, Sat
10:00 - 17:00. Closed Sun.
Rahva Raamat C-4, Viru vljak 4/6 (Viru Centre), tel.
(+372) 644 66 55, www.rahvaraamat.ee. Probabl y the
best stocked in Estonia for English books, with titles through-
out the store. QOpen 09:00 - 21:00. Also at: D-3, Prnu
mnt. 10, tel. 644 36 82. Open Mon - Fri 09:00 - 19:00, Sat
10:00 - 17:00, Sun 10:00 - 16:00.
Slothrop's C-3, Mrivahe 19, info@slothrops.ee,
www.slothrops.ee. The onl y bookshop in Tallinn that
specialises in English and other foreign-language literature.
QOpen 11:00 - 18:00. Closed Fri, Sat, Sun. J
84
shoPPing
85
shoPPing
Estonian Handicraft House C-2, Pikk
22, tel. (+372) 631 40 76, info@crafts.
ee, www.crafts.ee. QOpen 09:30 - 18:30,
Sun 10:00 - 17:00. Also at: C-2, Pikk 15, tel.
631 33 93. Open 09:30 - 18:30, Sun 10:00
- 17:00. Also at: C-1, Lhike jalg 6, tel. 641 17 08. Open
10:00 - 18:00, closed Sun. Also at: C-4, Viru vljak 4/6,
Viru Centre, tel. 610 13 32. Open 09:00 - 21:00. J
Krambude C-2, Vana turg 1, tel. (+372) 627 90 20,
reserve@oldehansa.ee, www.oldehansa.net. This
great medieval shop, brought to us by the folks at Olde
Hansa, features authentic wares such as hand-blown
glass, hand-crafted pottery,
l eather i tems and even
spiri ts. All of the bi ts and
pieces here have been rec-
reated based on countless
hours of research and are
replicas of items used by
actual townsfolk in the days
of yore. The items are even
functional, which is pretty
cool in our books. QOpen
10:00 - 21:00. J
Medieval wares
Claire Boutique C-4, Viru vljak 4/6 (Viru centre),
tel. (+372) 631 35 88, www.kristall.ee. QOpen
09:00 - 21:00.
Kristall C-3, Viru 16, tel. (+372) 644 91 85, elma-
lin@hot.ee, www.elmalin.ee. QOpen 10:00 - 18:00,
Sun 10:00 - 17:00. J
Kristalling C-3, Mrivahe 31, tel. (+372) 646 44
72, info@kristalling.ee, www.kristalling.ee. QOpen
10:00 - 17:00, Sun 10:00 - 16:00. J
Crystal & Glass
Gifts & Souvenirs
The difficult challenge of selecting souvenirs that actually
possess some practical use is actually possible to achieve
in Tallinn. However, just as in any town heavily reliant on
tourism, you could also go poor buying useless crap or
items that really have nothing to do with Estonia, such as
the ever prevalent Russian nesting doll. Just like the nest-
ing doll, Old Town is filled with souvenir shops, some even
inside other souvenir shops. Here we have listed some of
the more reputable ones.
Angel & Button Shop (Ingli ja Nbi Pood) C-2,
Phavaimu 2, info@puupank.ee, www.puupank.ee.
QOpen 10:00 - 18:00. J
Estonian Handicraft Embassy C-3, Viru 3. QOpen
10:00 - 20:00. J
Etno.ee H-3, Tartu mnt. 6, tel. (+372) 682 51 24, info@
etno.ee, www.etno.ee. QOpen 10:00 - 19:00, Sat 11:00
- 16:00. Closed Sun.
Fankadelik C-3, Vana-Viru 6, info@fankadelik.com, www.
fankadelik.com. Fresh designs by young and hip Estonian
designers. QOpen 12:00 - 20:00, Sun 12:00 - 18:00. J
Good Estonian Souvenir D-3, Mrivahe 22, tel.
(+372) 642 00 21. QOpen 10:00 - 18:00. J
Good Estonian Thing C-3, Viru 23. QOpen 10:00
- 20:00. J
Handicraft World (Ksitmaailm) C-3, Viru 13/15,
on 0 floor, tel. (+327) 642 04 40. QOpen 10:00 - 20:00,
Sun 10:00 - 17:00. J
Helina Tilk C-2, Rataskaevu 6, tel. (+372) 646 42 80,
info@helinatilk.com, www.helinatilk.com. Porcelain. Shop
& Workshop. QOpen 09:00 - 18:00, Sat 10:00 - 17:00, Sun
11:00 - 15:00. Also at: D-2, Lhike jalg 5, tel 631 33 28.
Open 09:00 - 18:00, Sat 10:00 - 17:00, Sun 11:00 - 15:00.
Also at: B-3, Pikk 41, tel 641 45 15. Open 10:00 - 18:00,
Sat 10:00 - 17:00, Sun 11:00 - 15:00. J
Jardin C-2/3, Apteegi 3, tel. (+372) 631 46 25. QOpen
10:00 - 18:00. J
Kalev Chocolate Shop B-4, Roseni 7 (in the inner
yard of Rotermanni quarter), tel. (+372) 54 52 58 29,
rotermann@kalev.eu, www.kalev.eu. QOpen 10:00
- 20:00, Sun 11:00 - 18:00. Also at: C-2, Pikk 16 (in Kalev
Marzipan Museum), tel. 646 41 92. Open 10:00 - 18:00,
Sun 10:00 - 16:00. J
Katariina Gild C-3, Vene 12/Katariina kik, info@
katariinagild.eu, katariinagild.eu. QOpen 12:00 - 18:00.
Closed Sun. N
Loomekombinaat G-3, Narva mnt 14, tel. (372) 672 09
07, siiri@loomekombinaat.ee, www.loomekombinaat.
ee. QOpen 10:00 - 18:00, Sat 11:00 - 17:00. Closed Sun.
Nukupood C-2, Raekoja plats 18, tel. (+372) 644 30
58, www.nukupood.ee. Handicraft dolls & toys. QOpen
10:00 - 18:00, Sun 11:00 - 15:00. J
Oma Asi C-2, Saiakang 1, tel. (+372) 633 50 25,
sales@omaasi.com, www.omaasi.com. This quaint little
shop houses unique Estonian creations. QOpen 10:00
- 19:00. J
Raevangla Ksitkelder C-2, Raekoja 4/6, behind
Town Hall, tel. (+372) 644 64 88, meie@raepoeke.ee,
www.raepoeke.ee. QOpen 10:30 - 16:30, Sun 10:30
- 16.00. Closed Mon, Tue, Wed. J
Saaremaa sepad C-2, Nunne 7, tel. (+372) 646 43
15, sepad@sepad.ee, www.sepad.ee. QOpen 10:00
- 18:00. J
Sepa ri B-3, Olevimgi 11, tel. (+372) 680 09 71,
info@ross.ee, www.ross.ee. Wide range of products from
Estonian blacksmi ths. QOpen 10:00 - 18:00, Sat 10:00
- 17:00, Sun 10:00 - 15:00. J
Souvenirs (M. Villadisain) C-2, Vanaturu kael 10, tel.
(+372) 641 89 03, villadisain@hot.ee. QOpen 11:00 -
20:00. Also at: C-2/3, Viru 9, tel. 642 70 19. Open 09:00
- 18:00. Also at: C-3, Viru 21, tel. 600 41 53. Open 10:00
- 19:00. Also at: C-2, Dunkri 3, tel. 641 87 35. Open 10:00
- 19:00. Also at: C-2, Pikk 2, tel. 646 45 58. Open 09:00
- 18:00. Also at: C-2, Rataskaevu 2, tel 642 05 14. Open
10:00 - 19:00. J
Wood & Bug Shop (Puu ja Putuka Pood) C-3, Vene
6, info@puupank.ee, www.puupank.ee. QOpen 10:00
- 18:00. J
Glenfield C-3, Viru 10, tel. (+372) 631 39 02.
QOpen 10:00 - 19:00, Sun 10:00 - 18:00.
Hansa Lina C-2, Dunkri 1, tel. (+372) 644 03
94, inf o@hansalina.com, www.hansalina.com.
QOpen 09:00 - 19:00. Also at: C-3, Vana-Viru 3.
Open 09:00 - 19:00. J
Jolleri Handicraf t Chamber (Ksitkam-
ber) D-3, Mrivahe 11, tel. (+372) 648 45 88,
inf o@joller y-bunny.ee, www.joller y-bunny.ee.
QOpen 10:00 - 18:00. J
Kalliver C-3, Mrivahe 31, tel. (+372) 646 44
71. QOpen 09:00 - 17:00. J
Lino C-2, Pikk 12, tel. (+372) 646 20 12. QOpen
10.00 - 18:00.
Maret-M C-3, Viru 20, tel. (+372) 644 02 21.
QOpen 10:00 - 19:00. J
Natural Style C-3, Viru 1, tel. (+372) 667 51
13, horveit@horveit.ee, www.horveit.ee. QOpen
10:00 - 18:00. Also at: C-3, Vene 2, tel. 667 52
00. Open 10:00 - 18:00. Also at: C-3, Viru 7, tel.
644 21 00. Open 10:00 - 19:00. J
Rewill C-3, Vene 7, tel. (+372) 631 33 62,
rewill@rewill.ee, www.rewill.ee. QOpen 10:00
- 18:00, Sun 10:00 - 16:00. J
VeTa C-2, Pikk 6, tel. (+372) 646 41 40, www.
veta.ee. QOpen 10:00 - 19:00. Also at: C-2, Kul-
lassepa 4, tel. 644 02 82. Open 10:00 - 19:00.
Also at: C-3, Viru 4, tel. 664 44 66. Open 10:00
- 19:00. J
Villa-Nella C-2, Kinga 6. QOpen 09:30 - 18:00.
J
Knits & Linen
Alcohol Booze of any type (cheap
i n Estoni a) i s a gi f t t hat never
seems to go ami ss, but the most
Tal l i nnesque i s def i ni tel y Vana
Tallinn, a 1960s concocti on thats
considered the quintessential Es-
tonian beverage. Buy the l eather
pouch thats of ten sol d wi th i t.
Amber Though all the petri fied tree
sap sold here is actuall y from Li thu-
ania and Poland, i ts still considered
a sought-after gi ft for anyone visi t-
ing the Bal ti c countri es. Ranging in
shades from green to whi te to deep
brown, i ts made into all manner of
j ewell er y and fi gurines.
Ceramics Sou-
veni r shops do a good trade i n
cerami c fi gures, especiall y li ttl e ce-
rami c buildings. Some are fairy-tal e
creati ons that have a holl ow inside
where you can put a candl e. Others
are amazingl y preci se copi es of
speci fi c buildings in Old Town.
Chocolate Anything by famous
l ocal confecti oner, Kal ev. Assor t-
ments wi th pi ctures of Tallinn are
a hi t. One of the bi g favori tes to
buy is their Maiasmokk chocolate
candy box.
Knits Sweaters of all vari eti es,
kni t caps, gl oves and mi ttens are
tradi ti onal gi fts that are sold just
about everywhere in Old Town. The
most interesting place to shop for
kni twear is defini tel y the sweater
market on Mri vahe, along the Old
Town wall near McDonalds.
Linen The tradi ti onal fabri c from
centuri es gone by is still a popular
handi craft i tems among the l ocals.
Tabl e coverings are the most obvi-
ous use, but a linen shir t can also
make a stylish gi ft for your favouri te
kni ght.
Marzipan Ori ginall y used for i ts
medi cinal proper ti es, the sweet
almond-flavoured confecti on has
been produced and sold in Tallinn
for at l east 500 years and j ust
mi ght have become as popular as
Lbeck Marzipan had i t not been
for those pesky Sovi ets.
Smither y wares Bl acksmi ths
have been whacking hot iron wi th
hammers for many centuri es in Tal-
linn. You can find i tems ranging from
ashtrays to cur tain rods for sal e at
any gi ven souvenir shop. Af ter all
nothing says I l ove you better than
an iron-forged fireplace poker.
Wood Toys, dol l s, beer mugs,
ki tchen utensils and anything else
that can be car ved out of juniper
are popul ar, and gi ve souveni r
shops their distincti ve fragrance.
What to buy in Estonia Home design
Ene ja Anni C-3, Vene 12, tel. (+372) 644 53 65.
QOpen 11:00 - 18:00. Closed Sun.
Kiika Kki B-3, Uus 28, tel. (+372) 641 68 56,
kiikakooki@kiikakooki.ee, www.kiikakooki.ee.
QOpen 10:00 - 18:00, Sat 10:00 - 16:00, Sun 11:00
- 16:00.
Laura Ashley D-3, Suur-Karja 23, tel. (+372) 627
01 65, inf o@lauraashley.ee, www.lauraashley.
ee. QOpen 11:00 - 19:00, Sat 11:00 - 17:00. Cl osed
Sun. J
Mang I-2, Prnu mnt. 67B, tel. (+372) 656 73 92,
mang@mang.ee, www.mang.ee. QOpen 10:00 - 18:00,
Sat 11:00 - 16:00. Closed Sun. J
Muster J-2, Prnu mnt. 139, tel. (+372) 679 17
46, info@muster.ee, www.muster.ee. QOpen 10:00
- 19:00, Sat 11:00 - 17:00, Sun 11:00 - 16:00.
Teaspon J-2, Tri 4, tel. (+372) 650 87 15, kauplus@
teaspon.ee, www.teaspon.ee. QOpen 10:00 - 18:00,
Sat 10:00 - 15:00. Closed Sun.
Universaal Universum B-3, Olevimgi 16, tel. (372)
641 17 03, olevi@eksootika.ee, www.eksootika.ee.
QOpen 10:00 - 19:00, Sat 10:00 - 17:00, Sun 12:00
- 16:00.
Villeroy & Boch C-3, Valli 4, tel. (+372) 644 04
89, info@villeroy-boch.ee, www.villeroy-boch.com.
QOpen 10:00 - 19: 00, Sat 11:00 - 17: 00. Cl osed
Sun. J
Zizi C-3, Vene 12, tel. (+372) 644 12 22, zizi@zizi.ee,
www.zizi.ee. QOpen 10:00 - 18:00, Sun 10:00 - 16:00.
Also at: C-2, Suur-Karja 2, tel. 644 11 55. Open 10:00-
18:00, Sun 10:00 - 16:00.
86
shoPPing
87
shoPPing
Estonian fashion designers
A.G.A.N. - As Good As New Rotermanni 5/Roseni 10,
tel. (+372) 56 49 56 57, dairefr@hotmail.com. Both a
second-hand boutique and a showcase for young Estonian
designers specialising in creations made from reclaimed
materials. QOpen 10:00 - 20:00, Sun 11:00 - 18:00.
Baltman C-4, Viru vljak 4/6 (Viru Centre), tel. (+372)
660 14 69, www.baltman.ee. QOpen 09:00 - 21:00.
Bastion C-3, Viru 12, tel. (+372) 644 15 55, www.
bastion.ee. QOpen 10:00 - 19:00, Sat 10:00 - 18:00, Sun
11:00 - 16:00. Also at: C-4, Viru vljak 5/6 (Viru Centre),
tel. 610 13 27. Open 09:00 - 21:00.
IIDA - Estonian Textile, Design & Fashion C-2,
Suur-Karja 2, tel. (+372) 641 10 77, www.iidadesign.eu.
Ivo Nikkolo C-2, Suur-Karja 14, tel. (+372) 641 90
57/(+372) 641 90 58, info@ivonikkolo.com, www.
ivonikkolo.com. QOpen 10:00 - 19:00, Sat 10:00 - 17:00,
Sun 11:00 - 16:00.
Kairi Vilderson C-3, Aia 3 (WW Passaa), tel. (+372)
627 12 10, info@moemaja.ee. QOpen 10:00 - 20:00,
Sun 10:00 - 17:00.
Lana Malysheva Boutique C-3, Uus 2, tel. (+372)
631 32 54/(+372) 518 26 74. QOpen 11:00 - 18:00.
Closed Sun.
Les Petites Disain H-3, Tartu mnt 28, info@lespetites.
ee, www.lespetites.ee. QOpen 12:00 - 18:00, Sat 12:00
Monton C-4, Viru vljak 4/6 (Viru centre), tel. (+372)
660 18 47, www.montonfashion.com. QOpen 09:00
- 21:00.
Mosaic I-5, Suur-Sjame 4 (lemiste Centre), tel.
(+372) 603 49 47, info@mosaic-fashion.com, www.
mosaic-fashion.com. QOpen 10:00 - 21:00.
Naiiv B-3, Pikk 33, tel. (+372) 646 40 90, lviira@
hotmail.com, www.naiiv.eu. QOpen 10:00 - 18:00, Sun
12:00 - 16:00. J
Namarie C-3/4, Aia 3 (WW Passa), tel. (+372) 627
12 41/(+372) 53 43 07 56, wenderol@hotmail.com.
Original works by young Estonian fashion designers. QOpen
10:00 - 20:00, Sun 10:00 - 17:00.
Nu Nordik D-2, Vabaduse vljak 8, tel. (+372) 644 93
92, nunordik@nunordik.ee, www.nunordik.ee. Clothes
and more from young Estonian designers. QOpen 10:00
Sda Boutique - Oksana Tandit C-2, Suur-Karja 2,
tel. (+372) 646 75 35, suda@suda.ee, www.suda.ee.
Tallinn Dolls I-2, Tatari 64, 4th floor, tel. (+372) 56
22 62 25/(+372) 631 32 88, www.tallinndolls.com.
Fashion stores
Emporio Armani D-3, Prnu mnt 10, tel. (+372) 628
22 72. QOpen 10:00 - 19:00, Sat 11:00 - 17:00, Sun
11:00 - 16:00.
Esprit C-2, Raekoja plats 4, tel. (+372) 644 63 56. QO-
pen 10:00 - 19:00, Sun 10:00 - 17:00. Also at: D-4, Melon
Centre, Estonia pst 1/3, tel. 646 60 65. Open 10:00
- 20:00, Sun 10:00 - 18:00. Also at: C-4, Viru Centre, Viru
vljak 4/6, tel. 610 13 58. Open 09:00 - 21:00. J
G-Star Raw D-3, Prnu mnt 8/Vike-Karja 9, tel. (+372)
641 01 16, tallinn@gstrading.ee, www.g-star.com. QOpen
10:00 - 19:00, Sat 10:00 - 17:00, Sun 11:00 - 16:00. J
Guess C-4, Rotermanni 5 (Rotermanni quarter), tel.
(+372) 666 77 62, guess@denimdream.ee. QOpen
10:00 - 20:00, Sun 10:00 - 18:00. Also at: D-4, Viru Centre,
Viru vljak 4/6, tel. 610 15 12. Open 09:00 - 21:00.
Hugo Boss D-2, Harju 6, tel. (+372) 631 06 10, hu-
goboss@apranga.ee. QOpen 10:00 - 19:00, Sat 11:00
- 17:00, Sun 11:00 - 16:00. J
Jack & Jones C-3, Viru 13/15, De La Gardie shopping
centre, tel. (+372) 631 47 66, www.jackjones.com.
QOpen 10:00 - 20:00, Sun 10:00 - 17:00. JU
Lacoste Boutique E-2, Rotermanni 5/Roseni 10, tel.
(+372) 664 50 09, lacoste@lacoste.ee, www.lacoste.
ee. QOpen 10:00 - 20:00, Sun 11:00 - 18:00.
Lindex C-3, Viru 13/15, De La Gardie shopping centre,
tel. (+372) 615 55 40, www.lindex.com. QOpen 10:00
- 20:00, Sun 10:00 - 17:00. JU
Marina Rinaldi C-2, Harju 1, tel. (+372) 56 66 38 46,
marinarinaldi@hot.ee, www.marinarinaldi.com. QOpen
11:00 - 19:00, Sat, Sun 11:00 - 17:00.
MaxMara D-2, Harju 6, tel. (+372) 631 05 14, max-
mara@hot.ee. QOpen 11:00 - 19:00, Sat 11:00 - 17:00.
Closed Sun.
Nju Butiik D-2, Harju 5, tel. (+372) 55 69 28 69, info@
nju.ee, www.nju.ee. QOpen 11:00 - 20:00, Sat 11:00
- 18:00, Sun 11:00 - 17:00. J
Replay G-3, Narva mnt. 5, Foorum centre, tel. (+372)
664 04 31. QOpen 11:00 - 20:00, Sun 11:00 - 18:00.
StudioT C-4, Lai 36, tel. (+372) 641 19 46, www.
studiot.ee. QOpen 11:00 - 19:00, Sat 11:00 - 17:00.
Closed Sun.
Versace E-2, Roosikrantsi 23, tel. (+372) 648 80 00,
www.versace.com. QOpen 10:00 - 19:00, Sat 11:00
- 17:00, Sun 11:00 - 16:00.
Zara C-4, Viru Centre, Viru Vljak 4/6, tel. (+372) 610
13 66. QOpen 09:00 - 21:00.
Bonbon lingerie E-2, Prnu mnt 21, tel. (+372)
642 20 42, info@bonbonlingerie.com, www.bon.ee.
Estonia's very own brand of stylish and sexy underwear
oozes feminini ty. QOpen 10:00 - 19:00, Sat 11:00
Intimo C-3, Viru 17, tel. (+372) 644 68 76, info@
intimo.ee, www.intimo.ee. QOpen 11:00 - 19:00, Sun
11:00 - 16:00. Also at: H-2, Prnu mnt 38, tel 646 60
01. Open 11:00 - 19:00, closed Sun.
Lauma C-3, Mrivahe 17, tel. (+372) 648 70 33,
lauma@lauma.ee, www.lauma.ee. QOpen 10:00
- 18:00, Sat 10:00 - 17:00. Closed Sun. J
Linette D-3, Mrivahe 17, tel. (+372) 648 54
00, info@linette.ee, www.linette.ee. QOpen 09:00
- 18:00, Sat 10:00 - 16:00. Closed Sun. Also at: C-4,
Viru vljak 4/6 (Viru Centre), tel 610 13 76. Open
09:00 - 21:00. J
Lingerie
Vivian Vau Shoe Salon C-2, Rataskaevu
2, tel. (+372) 641 64 40, info@vivianvau.
ee, www.vivianvau.ee. The exquisite shoes
at Vivian Vau are imported mainly from Italy
and Spain and are crafted from the finest
materials and leathers. Sizes from 34- 45. QOpen 11:00
- 19:00, Sat 12:00 - 16:00. Closed Sun. J
Delicatessens
Chado C-3, Uus 11, tel. (+372) 601 26 76, www.
chado.ee. Specialist teashop. QOpen 12:00 - 18:00,
Sat 11:00 - 16:00. Closed Mon, Sun. J
Del Gallo Nero C-2, Rataskaevu 4, tel. (+372)
646 21 07, osteria@italbaltica.com, www.osteria-
gallonero.com. This place is so Italian you may forget
you're in Tallinn. Expect all the best Italian wares, wines
and conversation. QOpen 10:00 - 24:00, Thu, Fri, Sat
10:00 - 01:00, Sun 11:00 - 24:00. J
Vertigo Gourmet C-3, Viru 17, kauplus@vertigo-
gourmet.ee, www.vertigogourmet.ee. Deli and caf.
QOpen 09:00 - 21:00, Sat 10:00 - 21:00, Sun 11:00
- 19:00. JS
Grocers
Hyper Rimi (Norde Centrum) G-3, Lootsi 7, tel.
(+372) 669 89 00, info.lootsi@rimibaltic.com, www.
rimi.ee. QOpen 09:00 - 22:00.
Kolmjalg (the Everything Store) C-2, Pikk 11,
tel. (+372) 631 15 11. QOpen 24hrs.J
Rimi C-3, Aia 7, tel. (+372) 644 38 55, kauba-
hall@rimibaltic.com, www.rimi.ee. QOpen 09:00
- 22:00.J
Solaris Food Shop D/E-3/4, Estonia pst. 9 (Solaris
Centre), tel. (+372) 663 13 30, info@solaris.ee,
www.solaris.ee. QOpen 09:00 - 23:00.
Stockmann H-3, Liivalaia 53, tel. (+372) 633 95 39,
fax (+372) 633 95 56, www.stockmann.ee. QOpen
09:00 - 21:00, Sun 10:00 - 21:00. ULK
Tallinna Kaubamaja D-4, Gonsiori 2, tel. (+372)
667 31 00, tallinn@kaubamaja.ee, www.kaubamaja.
ee. QOpen 09:00 - 22:00.
Westman E-2, Prnu mnt 19, tel. (+372) 660 51
82. Q Open 24hrs.
Food
Nolita Vintage C-3, Uus 3, tel. (+372) 58 10 84
74, nolitavintage@gmail.com, www.nolitavintage.
com. QOpen 12:00 - 18:00, Sat 12:00 - 16:00. Closed
Mon, Sun. J
Oh So Retro D-2, Suur-Karja 13, tel. (+372) 53 58
43 37, ohsoretrovintage@gmail.com. QOpen 11:00
- 19:00, Sat 11:00 - 17:00. Closed Mon, Sun. J
Vintage
Jewellery
A-galerii C-2, Hobusepea 2, tel. (+372) 646 41 01,
info@agalerii.ee, www.agalerii.ee. QOpen 10:00 - 18:00,
Sat 11:00 - 16:00. Closed Sun. J
Goldman C-3, Suur-Karja 9, tel. (+372) 641 93 33,
boutique@goldman.ee, www.goldman.ee. QOpen 11:00
- 18:00, Sat 11:00 - 15:00. Closed Sun. J
Juveel D-3, Prnu mnt 8, tel. (+372) 644 42 16, myyk@
juveel.ee, www.juveel.ee. QOpen 10:00 - 19:00, Sat
10:00 - 17:00. Closed Sun.
Kuldgraal B/C-2, Hobusepea 2, tel. (+372) 646 42
01, www.kuldgraal.ee. QOpen 10:00 - 18:00. Closed
Sat, Sun.
Kuldsrme Kullari D-3, Vike-Karja 8, tel. (+372) 640
68 80, info@goldfinger.ee, www.goldfinger.ee. QOpen
10:00 - 18:00, Sat 10:00 - 16:00. Closed Sun. J
Sangla juveelisalong C-2, Kullassepa 7, tel. (+372)
644 23 13, sangla@online.ee, www.sangla.ee. QOpen
10:00 - 18:00, Sat 11:00 - 17:00. Closed Sun.
Time & Diamonds C-4, Viru Vljak 4/6, tel. (+372) 610
15 99, info@royalboutique.ee, www.royalboutique.ee.
QOpen 09:00 - 21:00. Also at: C-3, Viru 23, tel. 631 33
77. Open 10:00 - 19:00, Sat, Sun 10:00 - 17:00.
Kids' stuff
Bambini B-3, Pikk 48, tel. (+372) 646 43 94. Baby and
children's clothes. QOpen 11:00 - 18:00. Closed Sun. J
Jacadi C-3, Vike-Karja 12, tel. (+372) 601 02 31. QOpen
10:00 - 19:00, Sat 11:00 - 17:00, Sun 11:00 - 16:00. J
Laste Maailm D-3, Prnu mnt. 6, tel. (+372) 644 93
80/(+372) 644 28 70, laste.maailm@mail.ee, www.
lastemaailm.ee. QOpen 09:00 - 19:00, Sat 09:00 - 17:00,
Sun 09:00 - 15:00.
Nukupood C-2, Raekoja plats 18, tel. (+372) 644 30
58, www.nukupood.ee. Dolls and toys. QOpen 10:00
- 18:00, Sun 11:00 - 15:00. J
Shoes
ABC King C-3, Viru vljak 4/6 (Viru Centre), tel. (+372)
610 13 85, viru@abcking.ee, www.abcking.ee. QOpen
09:00 - 21:00.
Galerii D-3, Vike-Karja 6, tel. (+372) 641 80 88. QO-
pen 11:00 - 18:00, Sat 11:00 - 16:00. Closed Sun.
Rem King D-3, Vike-Karja 7, tel. (+372) 631 38 59,
www.rem.ee. QOpen 10:00 - 20:00, Sat 10:00 - 19:00,
Sun 11:00 - 18:00. J
Markets
Balti Jaama Turg B-1, Kopli 1, tel. (+372) 644 61
28. A throwback to the Soviet-era, the market area behind
the train station is where locals go to get spare parts, used
clothes and sides of beef. This is one of our favourites for
local colour but enter at your own risk. QOpen 09:00 - 18:00,
Sat, Sun 09:00 - 17:00.
Central Market (Keskturg) H-3/4, Keldrime 9, tel.
(+372) 660 63 04. A popular destination for fresh food
items. Also has clothing and other assorted 'treasures'. Take
tram N2 or N4 from the centre towards lemiste, make sure
to get off at the Keskturg stop. QOpen 07:00 - 17:00.
Knit Market (Sweater Wall) C-3, corner of Viru and
Mrivahe. Little old ladies sell their knitwear here along the
Old Town wall. Shopping here is almost a tradition for visitors.
QOpen 09:00 - 17:00.
Mere Art Market C-4, Mere pst. 1. Lots of knits on sale
in the yard adjacent the tram stop. QOpen 09:00 - 17:00.
Merekeskus A-4, Mere pst 10, tel. (+372) 644 91 38,
merekeskus@talrand.ee. Cheap, tacky goods are sold
here, mainl y to Finnish day-trippers. Pick up some question-
able underwear or 'genuine' CD. QOpen 08:00 - 17:00, Sat
08:00 - 18:00.
Sadama Turg G-3, Sadama 25-4, info@sadamaturg.ee,
www.sadamaturg.ee. Various Estonian handicrafts and
food items can be found at this new market in the port area.
QOpen 10:00 - 18:00. Closed Mon, Tue.
88
shoPPing
89
Business direCtory
Please note that alcohol sales in Tallinn are pro-
hibited from 22:00 until 10:00.
Go Alko C-3, Aia 5b, tel. (+372) 55 62 56 05. QOpen
10:00 - 19:00.
Liviko C-3, Mere pst. 6, tel. (+372) 683 77 45,
kplmere@liviko.ee, www.alcostore.ee. QOpen 10:00
- 20:00. Also at: G-3, Narva mnt. 7, tel. 683 77 40,
Open 10:00 - 20:00.
Mindy C-2, Kullassepa 13, tel. (+372) 631 47 09.
QOpen 10:00 - 22:00.
R-Alko C-3, Vana-Viru 4, tel. (+372) 641 98 70.
QOpen 10:00 - 22:00.
Wine and beers of the world
Alter Ego B-4, Roseni 8 (Rotermanni Quarter),
tel. (+372) 54 56 03 39, info@alterego.ee, www.
alterego.ee/e/alter-ego-wine-cellar.htm. QOpen
12:00 - 23:00. J
Bestwine C-2, Harju 1, tel. (+372) 622 89 76,
info@bestwine.ee, www.bestwine.ee. QOpen 11:00
Drink Beer Shop D-3, Mrivahe 15. QOpen 12:00
Finewine E-2, Prnu mnt. 30, tel. (+372) 622 87
00, www.finewine.ee. QOpen 11:00 - 19:00. Closed
Sat, Sun.
Veiniladu C-3, Aia 3, WW Passaa, 2nd floor, tel.
(+372) 518 47 23, info@winetrade.ee, www.veini-
ladu.ee. QOpen 13:00 - 19:00. Closed Mon, Sun. J
Alcohol
Stockmann H-
3, Liivalaia 53,
tel. (+372) 633
95 39, www.
stockmann.ee. The local branch of Finland's premiere
department store is a somewhat high-end affair. Just about
everything you can imagine is sold in the five-storey complex.
QOpen 09:00 - 21:00, Sun 10:00 - 21:00. ULKW
Solaris D/E-3/4, Estonia
pst. 9, tel. (372) 615 51
00, info@solaris.ee, www.
solaris.ee. Although more of an
all-in-one entertainment complex than purel y a shopping
centre, Solaris does have a reasonable amount of shops,
often higher end, where you can leave your money in lieu of
goods. QOpen 09:00 - 23:00. Shops open 10:00 - 21:00.
Restaurants open 10:00 - 23:00. JUFLK
Viru Keskus (Viru Centre) C-
4, Viru vljak 4/6, tel. (+372)
610 14 44, fax (+372) 610
14 01, info@virukeskus.com,
www.virukeskus.com. This 30,000m2 shopping and
dining complex a large, but very classy addition to down-
town's commercial scene. QOpen 09:00 - 21:00. Food
department open 09:00 - 22:00. JULFKW
fashion lives here
Shopping centres
Kristiine Centre H-1, Endla 45, tel. (+372) 665 03 41,
www.kristiinekeskus.ee. A large, modern mall just outside
the city centre. Q Open 10:00 - 21:00. Prisma grocery store
open 08:00 - 23:00. ULKW
Norde Centrum G-3, Lootsi 7, tel. (+372) 669 89
00, nc.keskused.ee. A medium-sized place near the port,
convenient if you're leaving by ship. QOpen 10:00 - 21:00.
LW
Rotermanni Kaubamaja B-4, Rotermanni 5/ Roseni
10, tel. (+372) 626 42 00, info@rotermannikaubamaja.
ee, www.rotermannikaubamaja.ee. This shopping com-
plex in Tallinn's newl y developed and renovated Rotermanni
district houses mainl y upscale international brands. QOpen
10:00 - 20:00, Sun 11:00 - 18:00. JUL
Tallinna Kaubamaja D-4, Gonsiori 2, tel. (+372) 667
31 00, tallinn@kaubamaja.ee, www.kaubamaja.ee.
Tallinn's giant, home-grown department store dates back
to 1960, but has done a great job of keeping pace with the
times. A glass gallery connects it to the Viru Keskus, where
it has additional departments. QOpen 09:00 - 21:00. Food
department open 09:00 - 22:00. JUKW
The Foorum Centre G-3, Narva mnt. 5, info@foo-
rumkeskus.ee, www.foorumshopping.ee. A collection of
high end shops, located at street level, in a beautifully designed
building. QOpen 10:00 - 20:00, Sun 10:00 - 19:00. JK
lemiste Centre I-5, Suur-Sjame 4, next to Tallinn
Airport, tel. (+372) 603 49 99, info@ulemiste.ee, www.
ulemiste.ee. This gigantic, two-level shopping mall next to
Tallinn's airport has hands-down the most retail space of any
mall in town. For serious shoppers, it's worth the short trip
from the centre. QOpen 10:00 - 21:00.
WW Passaa C-3/4, Aia 3, tel. (+372) 627 12 00. A
three-storey cluster of mainly slightly odd fashion boutiques in
Old Town. QOpen 10:00 - 20:00, Sun 10:00 - 17:00. JK
Accountants
Audest H-2, Liivalaia 5-65, tel. (+372) 646 32 67, fax
(+372) 646 14 25, info@audest.ee, www.audest.ee.
Deloitte E-2, Roosikrantsi 2, tel. (+372) 640 65 00,
fax (+372) 640 65 03, eesti@deloitteCE.com, www.
deloitte.ee.
Ernst & Young Baltic H-3, Rvala 4, tel. (+372) 611
46 10, fax (+372) 611 46 11, tallinn@ee.ey.com, www.
ey.com/ee.
HansaConsult G-3, Ahtri 6, tel. (+372) 661 64 17,
fax (+372) 661 64 20, info@hansaconsult.ee, www.
hansaconsult.ee.
IMG Numeri D-4, Estonia pst 1/3, tel. (+372) 686 71 10,
fax (+372) 686 71 31, numeri@img.ee, www.img.ee.
PricewaterhouseCoopers E-2, Prnu mnt 15, tel.
(+372) 614 18 00, fax (+372) 614 19 00, tallinn@
ee.pwc.com, www.pwc.ee.
Banks
Krediidipank G-3, Narva mnt. 4, tel. (+372) 669 09
21, fax (+372) 669 09 54, info@krediidipank.ee, www.
krediidipank.ee. QOpen 09:00 - 18:00, Sat 10:00 - 14:00.
Closed Sun.
Marfin Bank E-2, Prnu mnt 12, tel. (+372) 680 25
00, fax (+372) 680 25 01, info@marfinbank.ee, www.
marfinbank.ee. QOpen 09:00 - 17:00. Closed Sat, Sun.
Nordea G-3, Hobujaama 4, tel. (+372) 628 33 00/1772,
fax (+372) 628 32 01, tallinn@nordea.com, www.
nordea.ee. QOpen 09:00 - 18:00, Sat 10:00 - 15:00.
Closed Sun.
Sampo Pank G-3, Narva mnt. 11, tel. (+372) 680 08
00, fax (+372) 675 31 01, info@sampopank.ee, www.
sampopank.ee. QOpen 09.00 - 17:00. Closed Sat, Sun.
SEB H-3, Tornime 2, tel. (+372) 665 51 00, fax (+372)
665 51 03, info@seb.ee, www.seb.ee. QOpen 09:00
- 18:00, Sat 10:00 - 15:00. Closed Sun. Also at: E-2, Roosi-
krantsi 2, Open 10:00 - 18:00. Closed Sat-Sun.
Swedbank H-2, Liivalaia 8, tel. (+372) 631 03 10, fax
(+372) 631 04 10, info@swedbank.ee, www.swedbank.
ee. QOpen 09:00 - 17:00. Closed Sat, Sun. Also at: H-3,
Rvala pst 5. Open 09:00 - 18:00, Closed Sat, Sun.
Tallinn Business Bank (Tallinna ripank) D-4,
Estonia pst 5a, tel. (+372) 668 80 60, fax (+372) 668
80 65, info@tbb.ee, www.tbb.ee. QOpen 09:00 - 18:00,
Sat 09:00 - 15:00. Closed Sun. Also at: C-3, Vana-Viru 7.
Open Mon-Fri 09:00 - 17:00.
Business connections
American Chamber of Commerce D-2, Harju 6, tel.
(+372) 631 05 22, fax (+372) 631 05 21, amcham@
amcham.ee, www.amcham.ee.
British Estonian Chamber of Commerce G-3, Ahtri
6A, tel. (+372) 56 622 623/(+44) 20 32 395 779, fax
(+372) 611 69 54, becc@becc.ee, www.becc.ee.
Enterprise Estonia H-4, Lasname 2, tel. (+372) 627
97 00, fax (+372) 627 97 01, eas@eas.ee, www.eas.
ee. QOpen 08:30 - 17:00. Closed Sat, Sun.
Estonian Chamber of Commerce C-1, Toom-Kooli 17,
tel. (+372) 604 00 60, fax (+372) 604 00 61, koda@
koda.ee, www.koda.ee.
German Industry and Commerce in Estonia B-2,
Suurtki 4b, tel. (+372) 627 69 40, fax (+372) 627 69
50, info.ee@ahk-balt.org, www.ahk-balt.org.
Swedish Chamber of Commerce D-2, Rtli 9 (
Swedish St. Michael's Church in Tallinn), tel. (+372)
501 98 13, info@swedishchamber.ee, www.swedish-
chamber.ee.
Conference centres
Estonian National Library Conference Centre E-1,
Tnismgi 2, tel. (+372) 630 72 62/(+372) 631 14 16,
fax (+372) 631 12 02, konverents@nlib.ee, www.nlib.
ee/konverentsikeskus.
Radisson Blu Hotel Olmpia Conference Center
E-4, Liivalaia 33, Radisson Blu Hotel Olmpia, tel. (+372)
631 53 14, fax (+372) 669 06 91, info.olumpia.tallinn@
radissonblu.com, www.radissonblu.com/olumpiahotel-
tallinn.
Sokos Hotel Viru Conference Centre C-4, Viru vljak
4, tel. (+372) 680 93 00, fax (+372) 680 92 36, viru.
reservation@sok.fi, www.sokoshotels.fi/ee.
Lawyers
Hough, Hbner, Htt & Partners G-3, Narva mnt 7,
tel. (+372) 644 62 27, fax (+372) 631 44 17, estlaw@
neti.ee, www.hough-hubner-attorneys.ee.
Lepik & Luhar C-2, Niguliste 4, tel. (+372) 630
64 60, fax (+372) 630 64 63, tallinn@lawin.ee, www.
lawin.ee.
Luiga Mody Hl Borenius E-2, Prnu mnt 15, tel.
(+372) 665 18 88, fax (+372) 665 18 99, lmh@lmh.
ee, www.lmh.ee.
Raidla Lejins & Norcous E-2, Roosikrantsi 2, tel.
(+372) 640 71 70, fax (+372) 640 71 71, rln@rln.ee,
www.rln.ee.
Sorainen E-2, Prnu mnt 15, tel. (+372) 640 09 00,
fax (+372) 640 09 01, estonia@sorainen.ee, www.
sorainen.ee.
Tark & Co E-2, Roosikrantsi 2, tel. (+372) 611 09
00, fax (+372) 611 09 11, tarkco@tarkco.ee, www.
tarkco.com.
In addition to internet services most of these com-
panies also offer cable television and even land-line
telephone.
Elion G-3, Endla 16, tel. (+372) 165/(+372) 631
33 22, info@elion.ee, www.elion.ee. QOpen 09:00
Elisa C-4, Viru Vljak 4/6 (Viru centre), tel. (+372)
660 06 00, info@elisa.ee, www.elisa.ee. QOpen
09:00 - 21:00.
Starman E- 3, Rval a pst 19, tel . (+372)
1770/(+372) 677 99 00, klienditugi@starman.ee,
www.starman.ee. QOpen 09:00 - 19:00, Sat 10:00
Tele2 C-4, Viru Vljak 4/6 (Viru centre), tel. (+372)
686 68 66, fax (+372) 686 68 77, tele2@tele2.ee,
www.tele2.ee. QOpen 09:00 - 21:00.
Internet service providers
90
Business direCtory
91
lifestyle direCtory
Notaries
Aivar Mesikpp H-3, Rvala pst 3, tel. (+372) 699
63 00, fax (+372) 699 63 01, info@notarnet.ee, www.
notarnet.ee. QOpen 09:00 - 17:00. Closed Sat, Sun.
Anne Saaber H-3, Maakri 23a, tel. (+372) 666 20 10,
fax (+372) 666 20 11, anne.saaber@notar.ee, www.
saaber.net. QOpen 09:30 - 17:00, Wed 09:30 - 18:00, Fri
10:30 - 17:00. Closed Sat, Sun.
Heli Mttus E-3, Estonia pst. 15, tel. (+372) 610
39 30, fax (+372) 610 39 34, heli.mottus@notar.ee,
www.notar.ee/18383. QOpen 09:00 - 14:00, Mon 11:00
- 18:00, Wed 13:00 - 18:00. Closed Sat, Sun.
Piret Press G/H-3, Rotermanni 8, tel. (+372) 664 52
77, fax (+372) 664 52 66, piret.press@notarid.ee, www.
notar.ee/18383. QOpen 09:00 - 14:00, Mon, Wed 13:00
Tiit Sepp H-3, Rvala pst. 3, tel. (+372) 699 63 00, fax
(+372) 699 63 01, info@notarnet.ee, www.notarnet.ee.
Real estate
Arco Vara G-3, Je 2b, tel. (+372) 614 46 00, fax (+372)
614 46 01, info@arcovara.ee, www.arcovara.ee.
Baltic Property Expert G-3, Ahtri 6a, tel. (+372) 626
42 50/(+372) 626 42 51, bpe.tallinn@bpe.ee, www.
bpe.ee. QOpen 8:30 - 17:00. Closed Sat, Sun.
Goodson & Red G-3, Je 5, tel. (+372) 666 16
50/(+44) 20 32 86 16 50, info@goodsonandred.com,
www.goodsonandred.com. Goodson & Red specialise in
offering first class residential property to buyers and tenants
in Tallinn and surrounding areas. QOpen 09:00 - 17:30.
Closed Sat, Sun.
Majaekspert C-3, Viru 21, tel. (+372) 627 04 90, fax
(+372) 646 62 12, info@majaekspert.ee, www.majaek-
spert.ee. QOpen 09:00 - 18:00. Closed Sat, Sun.
Ober-Haus G-4, Narva mnt. 53, tel. (+372) 665 97 00,
fax (+372) 665 97 01, estonia@ober-haus.com, www.
ober-haus.com.
Pindi Kinnisvara H-3, Tartu mnt. 16, tel. (+372) 610
39 00/(+372) 1918, fax (+372) 610 39 01, tallinn@
pindi.ee, www.pindi.ee. QOpen 09:00 - 18:00. Closed
Sat, Sun.
Property in Estonia /(+44) 870 768 1020, enquiries@
property-in-estonia.co.uk, www.property-in-estonia.
co.uk.
Rime Kinnisvara I-2, Tatari 64, tel. (+372) 683 77 77,
fax (+372) 683 77 88, rime@rime.ee, www.rime.ee.
Translators & Interpreters
A&A Lingua E-2, Prnu mnt. 17, tel. (+372) 683 03 21,
fax (+372) 683 03 22, lingua@lingua.ee, www.lingua.
ee. QOpen 09:00 - 17:00. Closed Sat, Sun.
Connectus G-3, Ahtri 8, tel. (+372) 641 18 00, fax
(+372) 631 38 32, info@connectus.ee, www.con-
nectus.ee.
Feanor H-3, Rvala pst. 3, tel. (+372) 56 56 37 24,
fax (+372) 699 63 39, translations@feanor.com, www.
feanor.com/trad_ee.htm.
Interlex Translation Bureau D-4, P. Sda 14-2, tel.
(+372) 630 96 60, fax (+372) 630 96 61, interlex@
interlex.ee, www.interlex.ee.
Luisa Tlkebroo H-3, Ahtri 6a, tel. (+372) 626 42
82/(+372) 626 42 84, fax (+372) 626 42 80, tallinn@
luisa.ee, www.luisa.ee. QOpen 09:00 - 17:00. Closed
Sat, Sun.
Pangloss H-4, Tartu mnt. 61-10, tel. (+372) 603 17
70, fax (+372) 601 49 99, pangloss@pangloss.ee,
www.pangloss.ee.
Premium Translation Agency Mustame tee 44, tel.
(+372) 688 88 00, fax (+372) 688 88 01, info@premium.
ee, www.premium.ee.
Technical Translation Centre E-2, Prnu mnt. 23,
tel. (+372) 661 37 38, fax (+372) 661 37 39, info@
TranslationCo.eu, english.translationco.eu.
Danish Cultural Institute C-3, Vene 14, tel./fax
(+372) 646 63 73, inf o@dankultur.ee, www.
dankultur.ee.
Estonian Institute D-2, Suur-Karja 14, tel. (+372)
631 43 55, fax (+372) 631 43 56, einst@einst.
ee, www.einst.ee. QOpen 09:00 - 17:00. Closed
Sat, Sun.
Finnish Institute C-2, Harju 1, tel. (+372) 631 39
17, fax (+372) 631 39 52, tallinn@finst.ee, www.
finst.ee. QOpen 10:00 - 16:00. Closed Sat, Sun.
French Cultural Centre C-2, Kuninga 4, tel.
(+372) 627 11 91, fax (+372) 627 11 98, info@ccf.
ee, www.ccf.ee. Library, resource centre and cul tural
events. QOpen 09:00 - 19:30, Fri 09:00 - 17:00. Closed
Sat, Sun.
German Cultural Institute/Goethe-Institute
Tallinn B-2, Suurtki 4b, tel. (+372) 627 69 60,
fax (+372) 627 69 62, dkigi@tallinn.goethe.
org, www.goethe.de/ins/ee/tal/deindex.htm.
QOpen 09:00 - 13:00; 14:00 - 17:00. Cl osed Fri,
Sat, Sun.
GLIK (Gay and Lesbian Info Centre) , tel.
(+372) 645 45 45, fax (+372) 645 45 50, glik@
gay.ee, www.gay.ee. Centre i s currentl y cl osed,
however, they can field questions by e-mail or over
the telephone.
Hungarian Institute C-1, Piiskopi 2, tel./fax
(+372) 644 08 17, unginst@unginst.org.ee, www.
unginst.org.ee. QOpen 10:00 - 17:00, Fri 10:00 - 15:00.
Closed Sat, Sun.
Russian Cultural Centre C-4, Mere pst 5,
tel. (+372) 644 58 65, fax (+372) 641 83 01,
venekeskus@venekeskus.ee, www.venekeskus.
ee.
The British Council D-2, Vana-Posti 7, tel. (+372)
625 77 88, fax (+372) 625 77 99, info@britishcoun-
cil.ee, www.britishcouncil.ee. QOpen 09:00 - 17:00.
Closed Sat, Sun.
Cultural centres
Beauty care
Day Spa D-2, Vana-Posti 4, tel. (+372) 641 87 01,
info@dayspa.ee, www.dayspa.ee. Beauty salon and spa.
QOpen 09:00 - 21:00. J
Gersi Stiilistuudio G/H-3, Tartu mnt. 2 (City Plaza),
tel. (+372) 681 80 80/(+372) 641 91 81, gersi@online.
ee, www.gersi.ee. Personal styling service. QOpen 09:00
- 20:00, Sat 10:00 - 17:00. Closed Sun.
Meriton Wellness Spa G-2, Paldsiki mnt 4, tel. (+372)
628 82 21, wellness@meritonhotels.com, www.meriton-
hotels.com. QOpen 08:30 - 21:00. D
Provel Spa & Sport H-3, Tornime 3 (Swissotel 11th
floor), tel. (+372) 624 11 11, purovel.tallinn@swissotel.
com, purovel.com/en/tallinn.asp. QOpen 07:00 - 22:00,
Sat, Sun 09:00 - 21:00. Spa services are available daily 09:00
- 21:00. UFLDC
Roosikrantsi Beauty Salon H-3, Gonsiori 2 (Kaub-
amaja ground floor), tel. (+372) 669 13 00, roosike@
roosike.ee, www.roosike.ee. This beauty salon has loads
of refreshing and revitalising treatments for the weary travel-
ler. QOpen 09:00 - 21:00. JL
SpaLife (Shnelli Day Spa) B-1, Toompuiestee 37,
tel. (+372) 631 01 60, info@spalife.ee, www.spalife.
ee. Hair & beauty salon and a spa. QOpen 08:00 - 20:00.
Closed Sun.
Telegraaf Spa C-3, Vene 9, tel. (+372) 600 06 16,
spa@telegraafhotel.com, www.telegraafhotel.com. A
small upscale spa. QOpen 10:00 - 20:00.
Car wash
Rotermann car wash G-3, Rotermanni 5/Roseni 10
(Rotermann underground parking), tel. (+372) 55 56
20 07, www.autogavanni.ee. Interior cleaning, hand wash,
waxing, detailing and more. QOpen 09:00 - 20:00, Sat, Sun
09:00 - 18:00. 16 for full hand wash including car mats.
Dry cleaners
Ecoclean H-3, Liivalaia 53 (Stockmann 5th floor), tel.
(+372) 668 04 82, info@ecoclean.ee, www.ecoclean.
ee. QOpen 09:00 - 21:00, Sun 10:00 - 21:00.
Italdryclean E-2, Roosikrantsi 9, tel. (+372) 631 38
04, info@italdryclean.ee, www.italdryclean.ee. QOpen
09:00 - 20:00, Sat 10:00 - 18:00. Closed Sun.
Kati Koduabi O C-3, Uus 9, tel. (+372) 631 45 66.
QOpen 09:00 - 18:00, Sat 10:00 - 16:00. Closed Sun.
Kalev Spa Wellness Centre B-3, Aia
18, tel. (+372) 649 33 50, wellness@
kalevspa.ee, www.kalevspa.ee. Offering
top-notch treatment from professional staff
of spa therapists. QOpen 08:00 - 20:00,
Sun 08:00 - 17.00. JUFLDCW
Flowers
Burman Garden H-3, Maakri 36, tel. (+372) 661 06
34, lilled@burmaniaed.ee, www.burmaniaed.ee. Flow-
ers and bouquets for all occasions. QOpen 08:30 - 18:00.
Closed Sat, Sun.
Flower wall C-3, Beginning of Viru street. The most
central and popular place to buy flowers in Old Town. QOpen
24hrs. J
Hobusepea Flowershop C-2, Hobusepea 10, tel.
(+372) 648 18 41. QOpen 09:00 - 18:00, Sat 10:00
Key cuts
Fix-Serv C-3, Aia 3, (WW Passaa), tel. (+372) 627 12
34. QOpen 10:00 - 20:00, Sun 10:00 - 17:00.
Laundrettes
Seebimull H-2, Liivalaia 7, tel. (+372) 643 33 33,
www.alexpress.ee. QOpen 08:00 - 19:00, Sat 09:00
Sol Eesti H-3, Maakri 23, tel. (+372) 661 20 75, sol@
sol.ee, www.sol.ee. QOpen 07:00 - 20:00, Sat 09:00
Libraries
Central Library (Department of Foreign Literature)
H-3, Liivalaia 40, tel. (+372) 683 09 60, vko@tln.lib.ee,
www.keskraamatukogu.ee. QOpen 10:00 - 19:00, Sat
10:00 - 17:00. Closed Sun.
Estonian National Library E-1, Tnismgi 2, tel.
(+372) 630 76 11, nlib@nlib.ee, www.nlib.ee. QOpen
11:00 - 20:00, Sat 12:00 - 19:00. Closed Sun.
Money transfer
MoneyGram (Monex Exchange) C-3, Viru 23, tel.
(+372) 644 01 09, info@monex-money.com, www.
monex-money.com. QOpen 09:00 - 21:00. J
Western Union (Tallinn Post Office) C-4, Narva mnt
1, tel. (+372) 617 70 33/(+372) 1661, info@post.ee,
www.post.ee. QOpen 08:00 - 20:00, Sat 09:00 - 17:00.
Closed Sun. Also at: C-3, Viru 20, tel. 627 64 45. Open
10:00 - 18:00. Closed Sat, Sun.
Photo services
Fotoluks C-4, Viru vljak 4/6 (Viru Centre), tel. (+372)
610 13 17, viru@fotoluks.ee, www.fotoluks.ee. QOpen
09:00 - 21:00. J
Fotomeister D-4, Rvala 8, tel. (+372) 660 45
38, f oto@f otomeister.ee, www.f otomeister.ee.
QOpen 09:00 - 19:00, Sat 11:00 - 17:00. Cl osed
Sun. J
Shoe repair
Fix-Serv C-3, Aia 3 (WW Passaz), tel. (+372) 627 12
34. QOpen 10:00 - 20:00, Sun 10:00 - 17:00.
92
health
93
offiCials
Need help now? The Tallinn First Aid hotline tel. 697 11
45, can provide treatment advice in English, and if need
be, direct you to the appropriate hospital. If you need
cough syrup at 03:00, try the round-the-clock Tnisme
pharmacy (see pharmacies). For dramatic situations that
require and ambulance, call tel. 112. Emergency opera-
tors speak English.
Urgent care
Hedone C-3, Sauna 1, tel.
(+372) 631 34 04, inf o@
hedone.ee, www.hedone.ee.
A different kind of escape from the brutal Baltic weather is
this sophisticated, oriental massage club. Slip on a comfy
robe, sink into a deep sofa, take a puff on the water pipe
and get wet in the Jacuzzi that dominates the main room.
Before you ask, here 'massage' means just that, though
the hands-on staff wear alluring bell y-dancers' outfits.
There are several varieties of massages available. Res-
ervation is recommended. QOpen 11:00 - 06:00, Mon,
Tue, Sun 11:00 - 02:00. JX
Massage club
Most travellers' biggest health concern is the quality
of the water. Well, here in Estonia depending on the
location, the taste can take some getting used to, but
we've been drinking the water for years without any
adverse effects. In most areas, however, the water is
remarkably hard (i.e. high in mineral content), which
means it takes a lot longer to rinse the shampoo out of
your hair. Medical services are fairly cheap in Estonia.
Though the quality of service has improved dramatically
over the past decade, most Western residents still go to
Finland or elsewhere when a major operation is needed.
Interestingly, the number of foreigners coming to Es-
tonia for cheaper cosmetic surgery and dental work is
on the rise. For a less extreme - and less painful - type
of bargain, you can consider getting your perscription
glasses made here.
Clinics & Hospitals
Fertilitas Private Hospital Kaluri tee 5a, Viimsi, tel.
(+372) 605 96 05/(+372) 605 96 00, fax (+372) 605
96 99, fertilitas@fertilitas.ee, www.fertilitas.ee. QOpen
08:00 - 19:00, Sat 09:00 - 13:00. Closed Sun. Also at: E-4,
Kaupmehe 4, 660 40 72, 646 35 39. Open Mon-Fri 08:00
Regional Hospital of North Estonia - Mustame
block J.Stiste tee 19, tel. (+372) 697 13 00/(+372)
emergency 697 14 00, info@regionaalhaigla.ee, www.
regionaalhaigla.ee.
Tallinn Central Hospital H-3, Ravi 18, tel. (+372)
1900/(+372) 622 70 70, 620 70 40 (emergency care),
info@itk.ee, www.itk.ee.
Tallinn Children's Hospital H-3, Tervise 28, tel.
(+372) 697 71 13/(+372) 697 72 00, fax (+372) 697
71 43, admin@lastehaigla.ee, www.lastehaigla.ee.
Tallinn Magdaleena Hospital & Policlinics I-2,
Prnu mnt. 104, tel. (+372) 622 7070/(+372) 1900,
www.itk.ee.
Dentists
Baltic Medical Partners H-3, Tartu mnt 32, tel. (+372)
601 05 50, info@bmp.ee, www.bmp.ee. Private clinic.
Biolase H-3, Tar tu mnt. 28, tel. (+372) 641 86
25/(+372) 56 49 36 96, info@biolase.ee, www.biolase.
ee. Private clinic offering laser whitening.
Eurodent G-3, Lootsi 3A, tel. (+372) 611 55 51, info@
eurodent.ee, www.eurodent.ee. Private clinic staffed by
dentists trained in Turku, Finland. QOpen 09:00 - 19:00.
Closed Sat, Sun.
Tallinna Hambapolikliinik E-1, Toompuiestee 4, tel.
(+372) 611 92 30/(+372) 611 91 87, reg@hambapol.
ee, www.hambapol.ee. Large, state clinic. Call here in an
emergency. QOpen 08:00 - 20:00, Sat 09:00 - 16:00, Sun
09:00 - 15:00.
Terve Hammas H-4, Faehlmanni 5, tel. (+372) 646 14
93, tervehammas@tervehammas.ee, www.terveham-
mas.ee. English-speaking service.
Massage
Aurea Massage Studio G-3, Narva mnt. 7d, tel.
(+372) 669 67 73/(+372) 56 93 76 77, info@aurea.
ee, www.aurea.ee. QOpen 10:00 - 20:00, Sat 10:00
Indian Ayurveda Massage H-2, Toompuiestee 18,
tel. (+372) 604 21 72/(+372) 58 14 85 40, info@
hrishy.com, www.ayurveda.ee. Massages, therapies and
consul tations carried out by highl y qualified and experienced
specialists from India. QOpen 10:00 - 18:00. Sat - Sun open
by appointment. J
Kaarli Massaai Keskus H-2, Toompuiestee 4, tel.
(+372) 611 91 14/(+372) 515 29 99, info@kaarlimas-
saaz.ee, www.kaarlimassaaz.ee. Q N
Thai Rose Spa C-4, Vana-Viru 13, tel. (+372) 625
89 10/(+372) 56 63 40 00, info@thairose.ee, www.
thairose.ee. Thai massage performed by specialists from
Thailand. QOpen 09:00 - 21:00, Sat 10:00 - 21:00, Sun
11:00 - 20:00. J
Opticians
Eagle Vision D-3, Prnu mnt. 10, tel. (+372) 627 01
10, parnumnt@eagle-vision.ee, www.eagle-vision.ee.
QOpen 10:00 - 19:00, Sat 10:00 - 17:00. Closed Sun.
Instrumentarium C-4, Viru Vljak 4/6 (Viru centre),
tel. (+372) 610 13 61, viru@instru.ee, www.instru.ee.
QOpen 09:00 - 21:00.
Lens Optika G-3, Narva mnt 5 (Foorum Centre), tel.
(+372) 664 04 40, foorumkeskus@lensoptika.ee,
www.lensoptika.ee. QOpen 10:00 - 20:00, Sun 10:00
- 19:00.
Norman Optika H-3, Rvala pst. 6, tel. (+372) 646
71 23, fax (+372) 646 71 25, ravala@normanoptika.
ee, www.normanoptika.ee. QOpen 10:00 - 19:00, Sat
10:00 - 17:00. Closed Sun.
Tallinna Optika H-3, Rvala pst. 6, tel. (+372) 681 46
05, ravala@opti.ee, www.opti.ee. QOpen 10:00 - 18:00,
Sat 10:00 - 16:00. Closed Sun.
Pharmacies
Koduapteek Apteek 1 C-3/4, Aia 7 (Rimi super-
market), tel. (+372) 648 41 99, www.apteek1.ee.
QOpen 09:00 - 20:30, Sat 09:00 - 20:00, Sun 10:00
- 18:00.
Tnisme Apteek E-1, Tnismgi 5, tel. (+372) 644
22 82, tonismae@farmacia.ee, www.farmacia.ee. Q
Open 24hrs.
likooli apteek D-4, Kaubamaja 3 (Viru Centre), tel.
(+372) 669 13 80, kaubamaja@ya.ee, www.ya.ee.
QOpen 09:00 - 21:00.
Embassies
Austria H-3, Vambola 6, tel. (+372) 627 87 40/(+372)
627 87 45, fax (+372) 631 43 65, tallinn-ob@bmeia.gv.at,
www.austrianembassy.ee.
Belarus J-2, Magdaleena 3, section b, tel. (+372) 651 55
00/(+372) 655 80 01, estonia@belembassy.org, www.
estonia.belembassy.org.
Belgium C-2, Rataskaevu 2, tel. (+372) 627 41 00, fax
(+372) 644 01 22, tallinn@diplobel.be, www.diplomatie.
be/tallinn/.
Canada C-1, Toomkooli 13, 2nd floor, tel. (+372) 627
33 11/(+372) 627 33 10 (Visas), fax (+372) 627 33 12,
tallinn@canada.ee, www.canada.ee.
China G-5, Narva mnt. 98, tel. (+372) 601 58 30/(+372)
601 58 31, fax (+372) 601 58 33, mailoffice@chinaem-
bassy.ee, www.chinaembassy.ee.
Czech G-4, Lahe 4, tel. (+372) 627 44 00/(+372) 627
44 01, fax (+372) 631 47 16, tallinn@embassy.mzv.cz,
www.mzv.cz/tallinn.
Denmark D-1, Wismari 5, tel. (+372) 630 64 00, fax (+372)
630 64 21, tllamb@um.dk, www.ambtallinn.um.dk.
Finland C-1, Kohtu 4, tel. (+372) 610 32 00, fax (+372)
610 32 81, sanomat.tal@formin.fi, www.finland.ee.
France H-2, Toom-Kuninga 20, tel. (+372) 616 16
10/(+372) 616 16 18 (Visas), fax (+372) 616 16 20,
info@ambafrance-ee.org, www.ambafrance-ee.org.
Georgia C-4, Viru vljak 2 (Metro Plaza), tel. (+372) 698
85 90, fax (+372) 641 30 00, embassy.georgia@mail.ee,
tallinn.emb@mfa.gov.ge.
Germany H-2, Toom-Kuninga 11, tel. (+372) 627 53
00/(+372) 627 53 03 (Visas), fax (+372) 627 53 04,
info@tallinn.diplo.de, www.tallinn.diplo.de.
Greece D-3, Prnu mnt 12, 2nd floor, tel. (+372) 640 35
60, fax (+372) 640 35 61, grembest@yahoo.com.
Hungary G-5, Narva mnt 122, tel. (+372) 605 18 80, fax
(+372) 605 40 88, mission.tal@kum.hu, www.mfa.gov.
hu/kulkepviselet/EE/ee/.
Ireland C-3, Vene 2, 2nd floor, tel. (+372) 681 18 88,
fax (+372) 681 18 89, tallinnembassy@dfa.ie, www.
embassyofireland.ee.
Italy C-3, Vene 2, 3rd floor, tel. (+372) 627 61 60, fax
(+372) 631 13 70, ambasciata.tallinn@esteri.it, www.
ambtallinn.esteri.it.
Japan D-2, Harju 6, tel. (+372) 631 05 31/(+372) 631 05
32, fax (+372) 631 05 33, www.ee.emb-japan.go.jp.
Latvia E-1, Tnismgi 10, tel. (+372) 627 78 50/(+372)
627 78 65 (Visas), fax (+372) 627 78 55, embassy.
estonia@mfa.gov.lv, consulate.estonia@mfa.gov.lv,
consulate.estonia@mfa.gov.lv.
Lithuania B-3, Uus 15, tel. (+372) 616 49 90/(+372)
616 49 92, fax (+372) 641 20 13, amb.ee@urm.lt,
ee.mfa.lt.
Monaco C-4, Viru vljak 3 (Nordic Hotel Forum), tel.
(+372) 503 88 85, juri.tamm@gmail.com.
Netherlands C-1, Rahukohtu 4 -I, tel. (+372) 680 55
00, fax (+372) 680 55 01, info@netherlandsembassy.
ee, www.netherlandsembassy.ee.
Norway D-2, Harju 6, tel. (+372) 627 10 00, fax (+372)
627 10 01, emb.tallinn@mfa.no, www.norra.ee.
Poland C-2, Suur-Karja 1, tel. (+372) 627 82 06/(+372)
627 82 08 (Visas), fax (+372) 644 52 21, poola.info@
mail.ee, www.tallinn.polemb.net.
Portugal C-1, Kohtu 10, tel. (+372) 611 74 68, fax
(+372) 611 74 67, emb.portugal.tallin@gmail.com.
Russia C-2, Pikk 19, tel. (+372) 646 41 75/(+372)
646 41 69, fax (+372) 646 41 78, vensaat@online.ee,
www.rusemb.ee.
Spain H-3, Liivalaia 13/15, 6th floor, tel. (+372) 667 66
51/(+372) 667 66 58, fax (+372) 631 37 67, emb.tallin@
mae.es, www.mae.es/embajadas/tallin.
Sweden B-3, Pikk 28, tel. (+372) 640 56 00, fax (+372)
640 56 95, swedemb@neti.ee, ambassaden.tallinn@
foreign.ministry.se, www.sweden.ee.
Turkey G-4, Narva mnt. 30, tel. (+372) 627 28 80, fax
(+372) 627 28 85, tallinn@turkishembassy.ee, tallinn.
emb.mfa.gov.tr.
UK H-2, Wismari 6, tel. (+372) 667 47 00, fax (+372) 667
47 55, infotallinn@fco.gov.uk, ukinestonia.fco.gov.uk.
Ukraine G-4, Lahe 6, tel. (+372) 601 58 15/(+372)
601 58 35, fax (+372) 601 58 16, embassyofukraine@
gmail.comwww.mfa.gov.ua/estonia, www.mfa.gov.
ua/estonia.
USA E-3/4, Kentmanni 20, tel. (+372) 668 81 00, fax
(+372) 668 82 65, USAsaatkond@state.gov, www.
usemb.ee.
Government & State
Estonian Foreign Ministry E-4, Islandi vljak 1, tel.
(+372) 637 70 00, fax (+372) 637 70 99, vminfo@vm.ee,
www.vm.ee.
Government C-1, Rahukohtu 3, tel. (+372) 693 55 55,
fax (+372) 693 55 54, valitsus@rk.ee, www.valitsus.
ee.
Parliament C/D-1, Lossi plats 1a, tel. (+372) 631 63
31, fax (+372) 631 63 34, riigikogu@riigikogu.ee, www.
riigikogu.ee.
President Toomas Hendrik Ilves G-5, Weizenbergi 39,
tel. (+372) 631 62 02, fax (+372) 631 62 50, vpinfo@
vpk.ee, www.president.ee.
Prime Minister Andrus Ansip C-1, Rahukohtu 3, tel.
(+372) 693 57 01/(+372) 693 55 55, fax (+372) 693 55
54, peaminister@riik.ee, www.peaminister.ee.
International organisations
European Union Information Centre G-3, Rvala 4,
1st floor, entrance from Laikmaa str., tel. (+372) 626 44
00/(+372) 626 44 01, comm-rep-tll@ec.europa.eu, www.
euroopaliit.ee. QOpen 11:00 - 17:00. Closed Sat, Sun.
International Organisation for Migration (IOM) G-
3, Je 9, tel. (+372) 611 63 66, fax (+372) 611 63 67,
iomtallinn@iom.int, www.iom.fi.
Nordic Council of Ministers B-2, Lai 29, tel. (+372)
627 31 00, fax (+372) 627 31 10, info@norden.ee, www.
norden.ee.
Open Estonia Foundation D-4, Estonia pst. 5a, tel.
(+372) 631 37 91, fax (+372) 631 37 96, info@oef.org.
ee, www.oef.org.ee.
UNICEF G-1, Auna 6, tel. (+372) 600 03 00, fax (+372)
600 03 05, unicef@unicef.ee, www.unicef.ee.
World Health Organisation (WHO) H-4, Gonsiori 29,
tel. (+372) 626 93 50, fax (+372) 626 93 53, est@who.
org.ee, ee.euro.who.int.
Municipality
City Centre Government B-2, Nunne 18, tel. (+372)
645 72 00, fax (+372) 645 72 49, kesklinn@tallinnlv.
ee, www.tallinn.ee/kesklinn.
Mayor Edgar Savisaar D-2, Vabaduse vljak 7, tel.
(+372) 640 41 00, fax (+372) 640 43 27, lvpost@tal-
linnlv.ee, www.tallinn.ee.
Tallinn City Council C-4, Vana-Viru 12, tel. (+372) 694
32 01, fax (+372) 694 32 59, infopunkt@tallinnlv.ee,
www.tallinn.ee.
Tallinn City Government E-2, Vabaduse vljak 7, tel.
(+372) 640 41 41, fax (+372) 640 43 27, lvpost@tal-
linnlv.ee, www.tallinn.ee.
94
street register
Aarde G-1
Adamsoni H-2
Ahtri G-3
Aia C/D-4
Aida B-2
Alevi J-2
Alle G-5
Allika H-3
Ao H-2
Apteegi C-3
Aru F/G-1
Asula I/J-2
Asunduse H-5
Auli J-1/2
Auna G-1
Auru J-3
Bensiini G-5
Bremeni kik C-3
Dunkri D-2
Eha H-2
Endla H-1/2
Erika F-1
Estonia pst E-3/4
Faehlmanni H-4
Falgi D-1
Filmi G-5
Fil tri I-4
Gildi H-4
Gonsiori H-3/5
Gmnaasiumi C-2
Haigru I-1
Hane J-1
Haraka J-2
Hariduse H-3
Hrjapea G-1
Harju D/E-2
Hauka I-2
Heina F-1/G-2
Hermanni H-4
Herne I-3
Hbeda H-4
Hobusepea C-2
Imanta H-4
Inseneri C-4
Invaliidi H/I-3
Jahu F-3
Jakobi H-4
Jakobsoni H-4
Jrvevana I-4/J-3
Joa G-6
Je G-4
Juhkentali H-3/I-4
Kaarli pst E-1/2
Kbliku I-1
Kadri G-6
Kadriorg G-5
Kaera F-1
Kai G-3
Kajaka J-1
Kalasadama F-3
Kalevi F-2
Kalju F-2
Kannikese H-1
Knnu I/J-1
Ko J-1/2
Karjavrava D-3
Karu G-4
Kasvu H-1
Katariina kik C-3
Kauba I-2/J-3
Kauka H-3
Kauna I-3
Kaupmehe H-3
Kauri I-1
Keemia H-1
Keldrime H-4
Kentmanni H-3
K-Kalamaja B-1
Kesk-Ameerika I-2
Kesk-Sjame J-6
Kevade H-2
Kibuvitsa H-1
Killustiku H-5
Kinga C-2
Kiriku C/D-1
Kiriku pik C-1
Kiriku plats D-1
Kivimurru I-5
Kodu I-3
Kohtu D-2
Koidu H/I-2
Koidula G-4/H-5
Kie F-2
Kolde G-1
Kleri G-4/5
Kollane H-4
Komandandi E-1
Komeedi H-2
Kooli B-2
Kopli B-1
Koskla H/I-1
Kotka I/J-2
Kotkapoja I-2
Kotzebue A-1/2
Kreutzwaldi H-4
Kristiina I-2
Kuhlbarsi H-4
Kullassepa D-2
Kullerkupu H-1
Kulli J-1
Kunderi H-4
Kungla F-2
Kuninga D-2
Kure J-1
Kuristiku G-6
Laagna G/H-6
Laboratooriumi B-2
Lagle I-2
Lahe G-5
Lai B-3/C-2
Lasname G/H-6
Lastekodu H/I-4
Laulupeo H-4
Lauteri H-3
Lehe I/J-1
Lembitu H-3
Lennujaama I-5
Lennuki H-3
Liblika I-1
Liivalaia H-3/4
Liivame H-4
Lille H-1
Linda G-2
Lindamgi H-2
Linnu tee J-1
Lootsi G-4
Lkke H-2
Lokese J-2
Lubja H-4
Luha I-2
Luige I-1
Luise H-2
Luste F-1
Lhike jalg D-2
Madara H-1/2
Mekalda G/H-5
Magasini H/I-3
Magdaleena J-2
Maisi G-1
Majaka H/I-5
Malmi G-2
Maneezhi G-3
Mardi H-4
Mehaanika H/I-1
Mere A/D-4
Metalli H-1
Mineraali H-1
Mooni H/I-1
Mulla G/H-1
Mndi C-2
Munga C-3
Muti J-1
Mrivahe C-3/D-2
Nafta G-4
Narva G-3/6
Nepi I-2
Nevski D-2
Niguliste D-2
Niine A-1/2
Nisu F/G-1
Nmme I-2
Nunne C-1/2
Odra H-4
Olevimgi B/C-3
Oleviste B-3
Orase G-1
Oru G-6
Otsa E-3
Paavli F-1
Pae H-6
Paekaare H-6
Paekivi I-5
Pagari B-3
Paide J-2/3
Paldiski H-2
Prna H-4
Prnu I-3/J-2
Peterburi I-5/6
Petrooleumi G-4/5
Piiskopi D-1
Pikk B-3/C-2
Pikk jalg D-2
Pirita F-6/G-5
Planeedi I-2
Phja A-4/B-2
Poska G-5
Preesi G-1
Pronksi G/H-4
Punane H-6
Phavaimu C-3
Raekoja D-2
Raekoja plats D-2
Rahukohtu C-1
Ranname B-1/4
Rapla J-2
Rataskaevu C-2
Raua G/H-4
Rvala H-3
Ravi H-3
Reinvaldi H-4
Roheline aas H-5
Rohu G-2
Roopa H-2
Roosikrantsi H-3
Roseni B-4
Rotermanni C-4
Rukki F-1
Rutu C-1
Rtli D/E-2
Sadama G-3
Saiakang C-2
Sakala E-3
Saku J-2
Salme F-2
Saturni I-2
Saue G-2
Sauna D-3
Sle G/H-1
Spruse pst I/J-1
Spordi I/J-2
Staadioni H-4
Sda H-3
Sgise G-2
Suitsu J-3
Sulevimgi B-3
Suur Kloostri C-2
Suur Rannavrav A-3
Suur-Ameerika H-2
Suur-Karja D-3
Suur-Laagri F-2
Suurgildi C-2
Suurtki B-2
Tartu H-4/J-6
Tatari H/I-3
Teatri square E-4
Tedre I-1/J-2
Tehnika G/I-2
Telliskivi G-2/H-1
Terase G/H-4
Tihase I-1
Tina G-4
Tobiase H-4
Tolli B-3
Tondi J-2
Tnismgi H-2
Toom-Kooli D-1
Toom-Rtli C-2
Toompea E-1
Toompuiestee C-1
Toonela I-4
Tstuse A-1
Tormi G-5
Town Hall D-2
Tuha H-5
Tulbi H-1
Tulika H-1/I-2
Turba G-6
Tri J-2/3
Tuukri G-4
Tuuleme I-5
Tve J-1
Tuvi H-2
Trnpu H-4
lemiste tee I-5
Uue maailma I-2
Uus B/D-3
Uus turg D-3
Uus-Kalamaja F-2
Uus-Sadama G-4
Vabaduse v. E-2
Vabriku G-2
Vike-Ameerika I-2
Vike-Karja D-3
Vike-Kloostri C-2
Vike-Laagri F-2
Vike-Sjame J-6
Vaimu B/C-3
Valli D-3
Vana-Kalamaja B-1
Vana turg D-3
Vana-Luna I-3
Vana-Viru D-4
Vana-Posti D-2
Vanaturu kael D-2
Vase G-4
Veerenni I/J-3
Veetorni H-2
Vene C-3
Vesivrava G-4
Videviku I-2
Vilmsi G-4
Vineeri I-3
Virmalise I-2
Viru D-3/4
Vidujooksu G-6
Vistluse I-4
Voorimehe C-2
Weidemanni G-4
Weizenbergi G-5
Wismari E-1
98
index
16 Euro Hostel 27
Admiral 31
African Kitchen 29
Alcatraz Club 64
Alexander Nevsky Cathedral 66
Al ter Ego 42
Amarillo 45
Anneli Viik Caf 48
Apollo Live Club & Cabaret 60
Architectural Elements 74
Arena 3 60
Argentiina 29
Ariran 40
Artemis Taverna 35
Asian Aroma 30
Asian Wok & Grill 30
Attimo 38
Baieri Kelder 35
Balalaika 44
Balou 61
Bal thasar 35
Bal tic Hotel Imperial 24
Bal tic Hotel Vana Wiru 24
Bank of Estonia Museum 73
Barons 22
Bayern&Bhmen Keller 54
Bazar 42
Beer Garden 56
Beer House 35, 56
Bern 24
Bestseller 49
Bistroo Mary 31
Bocca 38
Bogapott 49
Boll ywood 30
Bonaparte 34, 49
BonBon 61
Bordoo 47
Bossanova 36
Braavo 26
Brewery lleklubi 34
Buongiorno 38
Butterfl y Lounge 59
C'est La Vie 34, 49
Caf Amigo 61
Caf Amore 49
Caf Mozza 49
Cafe VS 52
Calif Oriental Lounge 53
Caravan 41
Caravan Bistroo 62
CatHouse 61
Chakra 36
Chedi 30
Chicago 1933 36, 52, 54
Chilled Backpackers 27
China Inn 32
Church of Our Lady of Kazan 69
City Hotel 27
City Hotel Portus 26
City Hotel Tallinn 27
Clayhills Gastropub 34, 52
Clazz 36, 54
Club Baila 61
Club Holl ywood 61
Club Mnt 62
Club Priv 62
Club Studio 62
Complemento 38
Controvento 38
Cubanita 42
Dao Hua 32
Deja Vu 46, 59
Depeche Mode 58
Doll Museum 72
Dome Church 66
Dominic 36
Dominican Monastery 67
Drink Bar & Grill 54
Ecoland 26
Egoist 47
Elevant 36
Eliksiir 59
Entrecte Restaurant 36
Epping Tower 73
Estonian Dining Room 32
Estonian History Museum-
Maarjame Palace 70
Estonian History Museum - The
Great Guild Hall 70
Estonian Maritime Museum 73
Estonian Mus. of Nat. History 73
Estonian Open Air Museum 72
Estonian Puppet Theatre 72
Estonian War Museum 70
Euphoria 27
Everest Kathmandu 30
Fat Margaret Tower 73
Fellini 38
Fish & Wine 45
Fl ying Ki wi Backpackers 27
Francesco Sibio Ristorante 47
G-punkt 57
Gianni 38
Gloria 47
GoHotel Shnelli 26
Golden Dragon 32
Goodwin Steakhouse 41
Grillhaus Daube 41
Hellemani Krts 53
Hellemann Tower Gallery 73
Hell Hunt 52
Hol y Spirit Church 67
Hoov 58
Hotel Economy 27
Hullumaja Baar 56
In Vino Veritas 60
Istanbul Caf 62
Josephine 49
Kadriorg Palace 75
Kaerajaan 32
Kaevukohvik 49
Kalev Spa Hotel 23
Kaljas 45
Kalle Kusta 37
Kapten Tenke 33
Karja Caf 48
Karja Kelder 53
Karl Friedrich 37
Kehrwieder Chocolaterie 49
KGB Museum 74
Kiek in de Kk 66, 70
Klafira 44
Kohvik Julius 48
Kohvik Komeet 49
Kohvik Kompott 46
Kohvik Moon 46
Kohvik Noorus 56
Kompressor 56
Korsaar 46
Korter 62
Krts Krug Inn 53
Krua 46
Kuldse Notsu Krts 32
Kuluaar 41
Kuninga Restoran 47
L'Ermitage 24
La Boheme 48
Labor 56
La Bottega 39
La Casa Del Habano 52
Lady's Shadow 64
Lai V Bar 59
Le Chteau 46
Leib 33
Levist vljas 58
Liisu Juures 33
Limoncello 39
Linnahall 74
Loca 62
Lounge 24 59
Luce 39
Lucky Irish 62
M.C Grill 47
Maarjame War Memorial 74
Mack Bar-B-Que 29
Mademoiselle 48
Madissoni Grill & Baar 41
Maharaja 36
Maiasmokk 48
Maikrahv 42
Mannerheim 37
MarcoVino 60
Masala 30
McDonald's & McCaf 34
Mekk 33
Merchant's House 22
Meriton Grand C. & Spa Hotel 23
Meriton Old Town G. Hotel 25
Meriton Old Town Hotel 25
Miia-Milla-Manda 72
Moll y Malone's 52
Munga Kelder 41
Museum 46
Musi 60
Must Lammas 31
Must Puudel 49
My City Hotel 22
Naval Officers' Club 74
Nevskij 45
Niguliste Church - Museum 67
Nimeta Baar 52
Nordic Hotel Forum 25
Novell 47
Number 9 47
Nunne, Sauna and Kuldjala
towers 73
33
Odessa 44
Oishii 41
Olde Hansa 42
Old Estonia 37, 60
OldHouse Hostel 28
Old Town Alur 28
Old Town Backpackers 28
Oliver 41
Osteria del Gallo Nero 60
Osteria di Bacco 39
Pagaripoisid 48
Panoraam 62
Park and Swan Pond 75
Parlament 62
Partei 63
Peking 32
Peppersack 42, 48
Pierre Chocolaterie 49
Pikajala 48
Pirita Convent Guesthouse 27
Pirita TOP SPA Hotell 23
Pirosmani 31
Pizza Americana 38
Pizza Grande 38
Platz 47
Plub 63
Popular 53
Poska Villa 27
Presidential Palace 75
Protest 58
Pulcinella 39
Radisson Blu Hotel Olmpia 22
Radisson Blu Hotel Tallinn 22
RED Group Apartments 28
Reval Caf Vene 1 48
Revalia Grill House 42
Ribe 47
Ristorante Merlini 39
Rocca al Mare 26
Rock Cafe 54
Rumours restaurant &lifestyle 37
Saiakang 48
Saigon 40
Sakura Ramen & Sushi bar 40
Savoy Boutique 22
Scandic Palace 25
Schlssle 22
Schnitzel Haus 35
Scotland Yard 54
Senso 37
Sfr 37
Shimo 60
Silk 40
Sokos Hotel Viru 26
Spice 36
St. Barbara 26
St. Bridget's Convent Ruins 75
St. Catherine's Passage 67
St. John's Church 69
St. JohntheBaptist'sAlmshouse 70
St. Michael'sSwedishChurch 69
St. Michael Juusturestoran 31
St.Nicholas' Orthodox Church 69
St. Patrick's 56
St. Peter andP. R. CatholicChurch 69
St. Petersbourg 22
St Charles' Church 69
Sushi Cat 41
Sushihouse 41
Swisstel 24
Syrtaki Taverna 35
Taanilinna Hotell 26
Taco Express 45, 62
Tallink City Hotel 26
Tallink Express 26
Tallinn Backpackers 28
Tallinn Botanical Garden 72
Tallinn City Museum 70
Tallinn Zoo 72
Tapas Bar & Restaurant 45
Tapper 63
Tchaikovsky 45
Teater 63
Telegraaf 24
Texas Honky Tonk 29, 57
Theatre & Music Museum 73
The Dubliner 56
The Marzipan Museum 73
The Museum of Occupation and
of the Fight for Freedom 70
The Shamrock Pub 56
Three Sisters Hotel 24
Toompea Castle 66
Town Hall 67
Town Hall Pharmacy 67
Troika 45
Turg 31, 46
Vanaema Juures 33
Vapiano 39
Viru Gates 73
Von Krahli Aed 37
X Club 64

Tallinn: February - March 2012

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