48 hours in Tallinn

Stay

As a tourist spot it’s not nearly as popular as other historic European capitals, but Tallinn is one of the most attractive cities on the continent. Estonia has two Unesco World Heritage sites, one of which is the historic old town in the middle of the city which is known for its wonderfully preserved medieval architecture. The Hotel Palace, Tallinn, was finished in 1937, during the pre-war high period of the Republic of Estonia. It is located on Freedom Square, the name of which gives you a flavour of the kind of political changes the country has come through in the past century. Rooms start at a bargain £123.

Food

Authentic Estonian cuisine can be found at Restaurant O, which uses only local ingredients. There’s an indulgent 11-course menu featuring fish roe and salted elk, with drinks to match. What’s better is your waiter or waitress will explain the Estonian folklore relating to your dish. Meanwhile, seafood restaurant Kalambuur uses some of the best ingredients from the Baltic Sea for some surprisingly cheap eats.

Drink

Being a medieval city, Tallinn is built on a hill which today houses not ramparts but Luscher & Matiesen, a century-old winery and distillery. The Museum of Drink Culture is located here so you can soak up a bit of culture before soaking up the vino. There’s a view from a hidden terrace over the city while you get sloshed, too.

See

A marzipan museum? Yes please. You’ll find one here at Cafe Maiasmokk, which specialises in sweets and pastries and, you’ve guessed it, marzipan. Tallinn is the home of marzipan, which was invented in the oldest pharmacy in the world, the Town Hall Pharmacy. Head to the Kultuurikatel for a wander, too. It is housed in an old Soviet factory which is now home to spaces for concerts, festivals, exhibitions and other events. Pop-up restaurants and cafes are littered throughout.