Weekend guide to Tallinn
Once upon a time, on a sunny weekend, I decided to take one of my best friends for a weekend of shopping in Tallinn, Estonia! We travelled to Tallinn on Eckerö Line, which only takes 2,5 hours. To ensure a perfect start to our day, we also booked the ferry lounge, so we could enjoy breakfast and some coffee on the way.
Tallinn has changed a lot in the last few years – it has managed to climb its way to one of the most exciting little European cities in the north. I find a day trip to Tallinn to be way too short, so I am all for staying for the whole weekend when I get in town! On this trip, we stayed at the fabulously cute and cozy Solo Sokos Hotel Estoria, located in the heart of the city centre.
Stay: Solo Sokos Hotel Estoria
Solo Sokos Hotel Estoria*, as noted above, is located in the city centre, close to all attractions and services. The hotel shows its bright personality the minute you walk to the check-in with its funky colors and design. Even in the room, your usual white linens and bathrobes are replaced by all the colors of the rainbow. Oh, and don't even get me started on the bed – it was so comfy, I've never had a good night sleep since.
As someone who has studied hotel management in a university, I pay close attention to customer service and details. As the name of the hotel, Estoria, already hints, the soul of the hotel is built on real Estonian stories. Each of the 93 rooms share a fascinating story from the country, but what they are remains for you to find out. Also, an unerring traveller will pay attention to the small writings and messages on the walls and windows.
The breakfast at the hotel was good, though it took a while to fit in the elevator on a busy summer morning. I've never been a fan of toast, bacons, scrambled eggs or plain yoghurt, so hotel breakfast are not always my thing. Luckily here I got to add some kiwi, chia seeds and honey to my yoghurt – which made all the difference! The breakfast room was also spacious and very calm despite being in the middle of the busiest season, so a definite plus for that!
*I was invited to Solo Sokos Hotel Estoria as a guest, but the opinions are always my own*
What to experience in Tallinn:
Wander around the Old Town
Tallinn is most known for its charming old town, and for a reason. The Old Town is best explored on foot, just by wondering around and checking out some cute shops and cafés along the way.
Admire the view from above
Patkuli viewing platform is the best place to see the post card version of Tallinn with its fairytale-like stonewalls and towers. And do note, there is an overly friendly seagull that usually hangs out here!
Pamper yourself with some beauty treatments
Lot of us Finns travel to Tallin just to get our nails and lashes done from time to time, because it tends to be cheaper but the quality is just as good. Sinine Salong is one of my favourite places!
Toasted almonds (!!!)
Drop everything – the true reason to visit Tallinn is its to-die-for-tasty toasted almonds, which you'll find sold on the streets in the Old Town. Mah god.
Shopping in Tallinn:
This shopping guide is for those interested in fashion, but still travelling on a budget. To find local design and souvenirs, find more information here.
Viru Keskus
Viru Keskus is a shopping mall, next to which the Solo Sokos Hotel Estoria is located. Viru Keskus is your usual shopping mall with a ton of fashion, food and whatever else is there. My favourite stores here are River Island, Reserved & Women's Secret.
Rotterman
Rotterman is a cool area, and developing all the time to be the coolest area of all Tallinn in the next years. It's only a short walking distance from the hotel too! There are some nice cafés and restaurants around, but also some of my secret basic bitch temptations, like Bershka, Stradivarius & Pull & Bear.
Telliskivi
Telliskivi is located in a neighbourhood called Kalamaja, which can definitely be called the hipster district of all Tallinn. It's a bit off the beaten path, which ensures an honest local feel to the area. Wander around for some cute boutiques and a second hand store!
Where to eat in Tallinn:
Foody Allen
Foody Allen is a street food inspired restaurant in the theater building of Vaba Lava, in Telliskivi.
F-hoone
F-Hoone might just be the trendiest hipster place of all Tallinn foodie spots. It's reasonably priced, delicious and just perfect for lunch, dinner, drinks or coffee!
Vegan Restoran V
Vegan Restoran V is my absolute favourite in all Tallinn. V serves delicious, but healthy vegan options in a charming atmosphere in the Old Town. For dinner in the summer, it's best to book a table in advance!
Fabrik
Fabrik serves Nordic cuisine in an all Nordic setting. Go here for some yummy cakes, good clean flavours and hand-picked drinks.
Silk Sushi
Silk Sushi is located in the heart of the Old Town, and it just happens to be my favourite sushi restaurant outside of Japan. There are a lot of funky fusion options, and also perhaps the best cocktail menu in all Tallinn!
For more tips to Tallinn, don't hesitate to ask in the comments below!