TallinnEstonia's ancient seacoast capital exudes a sense of romantic history, being one of the most completely preserved medieval cities in
Europe, a gem on the
UNESCO World Heritage List that is only beginning to be discovered by delighted visitors of all ages. A spirit of mystery still pervades the cobbled courtyards of the picturesque Old Town, the winding alleys overhung with original 12th and 13th century merchant's houses, barns, warehouses and a profusion of perfectly preserved medieval church and state buildings.
Tallinn, released just over a decade ago from the Soviet
yoke, is certainly not stuck in the Dark Ages, however. While preserving its past the city is as forward-looking and thinking as any other modern European capital. This is probably best reflected in the interactive exhibits at the
Tallinn Science and Technology Center, the city's showcase for the arts and sciences. Public transport is modern and efficient; the nightlife is pumping from cigar bars and pool halls to nightclubs; and dining out is a tasty choice from take-away pizza and Chinese to formal French and traditional Estonian.
Getting Around: A system of buses, trolleys and trams connect all parts of the city between 6am and 11pm every day. Tickets can be purchased at newsstands or from the driver at vehicle stops, which is more expensive. Visitors can purchase the Tallinn Card, which provides unlimited use of public transport along with entry to various attractions. Minivans also provide transport and metered taxis can be hailed on the street or ordered by telephone. There are plenty of parking lots in downtown Tallinn, and streetside parking is provided which must be paid for in advance on kerbside machines.
Climate: Like the rest of coastal
Estonia, Tallinn has a temperate climate, with warm summers and severe winters. Temperatures range from a summer average of 21°C (70°F) to an average in winter of -8°C (18°F). Being on the
Baltic Sea the city is subjected to sea breezes and humidity, and its northern latitude means long summer daylight hours (the longest summer day stretches to 19 hours) and dark winters when daylight lasts sometimes only six hours. The cold winter does not necessarily mean constant snow; in fact snowfalls are few and far between. When it falls it stays, however, and there tends to be a layer of snow on the ground constantly between December and March. Summertime brings unexpected rain showers, so an umbrella and light raincoat are recommended.
