Welcome to Part Two of our “Creating the Perfect Tallinn Tour” where I will delve into some of the other essentials you need when coming to visit Tallinn, Estonia:
Souvenirs
No tour in Tallinn is complete without souvenirs. Here are some of the most popular souvenirs you can buy in Tallinn:
Look for signs that read – Eesti Kasitoo (authentic Estonian goods)
- Wool – Sweaters, scarf’s, mittens and hats which have traditional, beautiful reindeer, flower and Estonian designs.
- Linen Items – a popular fabric that the peasants used to create plain clothing as an unofficial protest against the extravagant garments of the upper class.
- Juniper Tree Items – In the Church of the Holy Spirit you can find Juniper tree crafted kitchen tools. Trivets that emit a wonderful smell when you put a hot pot on top, spoons, placemats, etc.
- Kalev chocolate and candy – can be found most cheaply in grocery stores. Kalev was the largest maker of candy in Estonia. It was purchased by a Norwegian company who kept the chocolate the same. They were the only establishment that made bubble gum in the Soviet Union.
- Masterpieces – As you stroll the city you can find small pathways and special gardens where craft masters are creating one of a kind masterpieces, such as the knitted items, pottery and hand blown glass.
- Vana Tallinn – This liquor was mixed with champagne to create a drink called “Hammer and Sickle”. It goes to your head and knocks you off your feet! Many spices are added to the liquor to make it a sweet treat that can be added to tea or coffee. Grocery or liquor stores have the best prices for this great souvenir.
- Balti Jaam Train Station Flea Market – You can find native vegetables, fruit, clothing, antiques, just about anything from the normal to extremely odd items.
Where to Stay
For those of you looking for posh comfort the 5 star Telegraaf hotel offers 86 rooms in a is situated in the heart of Old Town and fittingly the building was the main source of communications starting from 1918.
The boutique hotel Schlössle is also a highly recommended place to hang your hat and seems untouched by the test of time.
Where to Eat
Olde Hansa restaurant offers a classic medieval atmosphere with medieval cuisine and one-of-a-kind style, from staff in medieval attire to medieval music being played and traditional drinks served.
About the Author – Brian Schweitzer is the Co-Founder of Travel Guru – The smart travel community for connecting travelers and providing useful information to save time and money, with optimized travel. He has traveled to over 16 countries and counting, while living more than 14 years in St Petersburg, Russia. Brian is also a marketing and business development consultant who works with companies around the world to improve their businesses by maximizing the potential of the Internet & Information Age. He is currently traveling the world with his wife Alexandra and their son Dominick, with the goal leaving each place better than when they found it.Please comment below and enjoy these related articles
