The origins of Tallinn date back to the 13th century, when a castle was built there by the crusading knights of the Teutonic Order. It developed as a major center of the Hanseatic League, and its wealth is demonstrated by the opulence of the public buildings (the churches in particular) and the domestic architecture of the merchants’ houses, which have survived to a remarkable degree despite the ravages of fire and war in the intervening centuries.

The Historic Centre (Old Town) of Tallinn is an exceptionally complete and well-preserved medieval northern European trading city on the coast of the Baltic Sea. The city developed as a significant centre of the Hanseatic League during the major period of activity of this great trading organization in the 13th-16th centuries.

The combination of the upper town on the high limestone hill and the lower town at its foot with many church spires forms an expressive skyline that is visible from a great distance both from land and sea.

Cuisine:

Traditional Estonian cuisine has substantially been based on meat and potatoes, and on fish in coastal and lakeside areas, but now bears influence from many other cuisines.

Good Buys:

Estonia is an inexpensive source of amber
Soviet & Pre Soviet memorabilia
Estonian & Russian Vodka
Estonian Pottery, Linen, & Knitwear

Money:

Currency (Euro) most places take credit cards. Estonia charges 20% VAT, with the exception of rooms & medicine.
Tipping General Rule is 10%.

Taxi:

There is no need to tip taxi drivers. Taxi rates must be shown on their window.

Airport:

2.5miles to the old town of Tallinn, just around 10/15 minutes taxi ride.