A Hedonist's guide to… is an exciting new series of guides that explore the finest restaurants, the most stylish hotels and the chicest bars in each of our six cities. Designed to be the quintessential 'little black book' A Hedonist's guide to… has all the best addresses in town. This is the ultimate weekend break guide helping you optimise your weekend away; all the restaurants, hotels, bars, cafés and clubs are photographed so you know what to expect before you go.
A Hedonist's Guide to Tallinn
Estonia’s capital is a wonderful city steeped in tradition and history. Having been part of Soviet Russia until the early 1990s, today it is a fascinating mix of communities and attitudes. Like most post-Communist countries they have embraced technology and style and have grown rapidly, creating a new elite.
What's the buzz on Tallinn?
Situated on the edge of the Baltic Sea, Tallinn has become a byword for the meeting of ages. Scandinavian modernism mixes with stark Soviet architecture, Hanseatic style and medieval splendour. The disparity between Old Town and New is as obvious as the divide between Russian and Estonian.Today, when not under e-attack from less than satisfied neighbours in the East, Tallinn has become known as the party capital of the Baltics. At weekends the city is packed with a young crowd of Finns and Brits wooed by cheap alcohol and beautiful women.
How long do I stay?
A fairly short stay in Tallinn itself should be sufficient, although there is so much to do outside the city you could easily stay a week and take day trips out most days. Once you tear yourself away from the Old Town, head for Kadriorg Park with the summertime’s hidden jewels: a beautiful park, gorgeous museums and a forest right next to the sea. Further along the coast and you’re in Pirita, Tallinn’s marina and beach. Alternatively, after a few days in town, hire a car and explore the stunning coastline or visit the student town of Tartu with its exceptional nightlife.
When should I go?
For those of you not entirely sure where Estonia is, look between Russia and Latvia and across the sea from Finland. Ok, so it's really quite far North, which means the winter's are going to be very cold, so make sure if you arrive between October and March you've packed some thermals, it's going to be pretty darn cold and the light begins to fade just after lunch. Summers can be idyllic, the temperature hits about 30ºC if the weather's good, but most of the time a sensible 20ºs is perfect for the T-shirt and shorts brigade.
Where should I stay?
For many, Tallinn is the Old Town; despite the restaurants, shops, cafes and bars, the medieval architecture of old Tallinn is perfectly preserved. This area provides all the culture you could possibly ask for, as well as a vibrant nightlife. Try St Petersbourg for pedigree class and style in a prime location, or alternatively join the business folk in Tallinn's corporate hotels, such as the Reval Olumpia and Radisson SAS Hotel. Villa Stahl, on the other hand, is a boutique-style guesthouse only moments from the beach in Pirita. Alternatively, if you're in a large group, hire Villa Mary, which sleeps 12 people with its stunning views over the ocean. How do I book? Just click here.
What do I need to take?
* Swimming kit - the coast is only moments away as well as excellent spa-hotels
* Paracetamol - with delicious food and temptingly cheap beer and wine available, the likelihood is you'll be crawling into bed much later than you anticipated
* Camera - the fascinating contrast between the Disney-style medieval spires in the Old Town, and the chic sophisticated nightlife, is unique in Tallinn.
* Don't forget your very own copy of Hg2 Tallinn!
We must have tempted you to head north now, please send the city our love!
What's the buzz on Tallinn?
Situated on the edge of the Baltic Sea, Tallinn has become a byword for the meeting of ages. Scandinavian modernism mixes with stark Soviet architecture, Hanseatic style and medieval splendour. The disparity between Old Town and New is as obvious as the divide between Russian and Estonian.Today, when not under e-attack from less than satisfied neighbours in the East, Tallinn has become known as the party capital of the Baltics. At weekends the city is packed with a young crowd of Finns and Brits wooed by cheap alcohol and beautiful women.
How long do I stay?
A fairly short stay in Tallinn itself should be sufficient, although there is so much to do outside the city you could easily stay a week and take day trips out most days. Once you tear yourself away from the Old Town, head for Kadriorg Park with the summertime’s hidden jewels: a beautiful park, gorgeous museums and a forest right next to the sea. Further along the coast and you’re in Pirita, Tallinn’s marina and beach. Alternatively, after a few days in town, hire a car and explore the stunning coastline or visit the student town of Tartu with its exceptional nightlife.
When should I go?
For those of you not entirely sure where Estonia is, look between Russia and Latvia and across the sea from Finland. Ok, so it's really quite far North, which means the winter's are going to be very cold, so make sure if you arrive between October and March you've packed some thermals, it's going to be pretty darn cold and the light begins to fade just after lunch. Summers can be idyllic, the temperature hits about 30ºC if the weather's good, but most of the time a sensible 20ºs is perfect for the T-shirt and shorts brigade.
Where should I stay?
For many, Tallinn is the Old Town; despite the restaurants, shops, cafes and bars, the medieval architecture of old Tallinn is perfectly preserved. This area provides all the culture you could possibly ask for, as well as a vibrant nightlife. Try St Petersbourg for pedigree class and style in a prime location, or alternatively join the business folk in Tallinn's corporate hotels, such as the Reval Olumpia and Radisson SAS Hotel. Villa Stahl, on the other hand, is a boutique-style guesthouse only moments from the beach in Pirita. Alternatively, if you're in a large group, hire Villa Mary, which sleeps 12 people with its stunning views over the ocean. How do I book? Just click here.
What do I need to take?
* Swimming kit - the coast is only moments away as well as excellent spa-hotels
* Paracetamol - with delicious food and temptingly cheap beer and wine available, the likelihood is you'll be crawling into bed much later than you anticipated
* Camera - the fascinating contrast between the Disney-style medieval spires in the Old Town, and the chic sophisticated nightlife, is unique in Tallinn.
* Don't forget your very own copy of Hg2 Tallinn!
We must have tempted you to head north now, please send the city our love!
