Tallinn
Flight time from UK: approx. 2hrs

Rising from the ashes of its turbulent past, compelling Tallinn has emerged as a 21st Century capital of cool, rivalling many of its European counterparts. While Tallinn remains a living museum, it has also been continuously modernised. This is especially evident in the city centre where new buildings are emerging, and old ones are being refurbished almost daily. The Old Town is a maze of cobblestone streets, historical buildings and fantastic views. Its combination of history, nightlife and beaches give the country an alluring charm.

Must See
Tallinn is awash with stunning period design - medieval walls, pewter steeples, red roofs and winding, cobbled hills are a marked illustration that the city has successfully preserved its captivating heredity. Visit Raekoda, northern Europe's only remaining Gothic Tower, and Rocca al Mare, an open-air museum of historical dwellings with views over Kopli Bay.For an insight into Tallinn tradition stop off at the Applied Art Museum, moving on to explore the alleyways of the city, in particular Katariina käik with its wrought iron lamps, low vaulting and oddly positioned gravestone.

There are four main districts here. Nomme hails back to 1930's Estonia, when the country was becoming independent and developing fast. The Kadriog district, lined with trees and lush green parks, and the vast, apartment-filled district of Lasnamae captures a suburban paradise. The city centre is developing fast. New buildings contrast with the old, a mix that is proving to be extremely prosperous for Estonia. Tallinn boasts three beaches and dozens of parks and promenades.

Shopping
Tallinn offers an excellent range of shopping opportunities. Head for the Katarina passage to experience the quaint area of tasteful craft shops selling leather and glass goods. For those who like to haggle, the outdoor markets are definitely worth visiting to dig out a bargain. Lühike jalg has a range of tasteful craft stores featuring the work of Estonian artists.

After Dark
Nightlife in Tallinn is booming and there is a great mix of modern and traditional bars throughout the capital. There's something to suit every taste, from the quiet sophistication of a cigar lounge to the raucous mania of a packed nightclub. Most nightlife is concentrated in the area in and around Tallinn's compact Old Town, perfect for bar-hopping!

For gastronomical delights there is certainly no lack of venues, with all types of restaurants on offer from American, French, Italian and Indian to International cuisine.Visitors are often surprised that a city as small as Tallinn has such a variety of after-hours entertainment to offer.