ohTallinn - your Tallinn local expert: 2010

My first introduction to Estonian cuisine was through its drinks - alcoholic drinks! At most of the bars you will find the local beer brands - A. Le Coq and Saku. Both these beers range from light blonde to a stronger and darker brew. I suggest you try the premium ale by A. Le Coq, preferably on draught. If you are in the vodka's then why not try Estonia's own Viru Valge. I love it mixed with Vanaa Tallinn (Old Tallinn) - a local liquer that resembles the Italian amaro.

Bread is that Estonian food I love taking back home with me whenever I visit Tallinn. At any supermarket in Tallinn you will find the black bread that is so healthy and nutritious.

Estonians are very proud of their bread, as much as they are of their meat and potatoe dishes. They come in many varieties, and all are delicious in their simplicity. I suggest you tackle these only after a bowl of soup. Thanks to the Russian heritage, Estonian cuisine offers an inviting selection of vegetable-based soups that might look curious but I promise you that you will love every spoonful.

If you are visitng during Christmas time, then you cannot miss the blood sausage. These are small, dark sausages that find themselves on every table during this festive period.

For more info check out ohTallinn dining

Why do I book a flight to Tallinn every year ?

Tallinn was a total surprise for me. I arrived with some friends early in the morning, exhausted and somewhat sleepy. All my mind could register is the Medieval aura that was all around me. That was December 2004 and since then I visited Estonia at least once a year.

Tallinn Old Town is amazingly well-kept and thanks to the friendly, English-speaking population, it is very easy to discover the details that make this city such a jewel in the Baltics. I love going through the narrow alleys, with those walls which have witnessed hundreds of years of Estonian history. Strolling across Town Square to settle down in a cosy cafe off the beaten track.

One of my favourite places is Scotland Yard. This is a English-pub style venue that proves how innovative Estonians are. Welcomed by a bobby, inside looks like a movie set with authentic books, furniture and fittings. I will only recommend one thing: do pay a visit to the bathroom!

The Old Town is also rich in architecture. From Medieval to Russian Orthodox, the mixture blends amazingly with the heartbeat of the city. Do not miss climbing up St' Olaf Church as the view from there is breathtaking. Visit also the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, a 19th century Russian Orthodox cathedral featuring those amazing onion-shaped domes.

Eating out is also another thing I look out for in Tallinn. Apart from the expected local cuisine, one can find anything from American bistros to African restaurants, from authentic Italian Pizza to a spicier Indian palate. If you love discovering the joys of food, then Tallinn will not disappoint you.

At night the city transforms into a vivid place with bars and pubs catering for all tastes. Clubs offer world-standard DJs and the venues are usually full of friendly locals. Off Town Square there is a place called Class. If you are in for some jazz, then do check it out as quite often they have some truly talented artists. Last time I was at Class there was this 14 year old boy on the piano who astounded all of us as his fingers improvised a melody on the ivory keys.

Transport in and around Tallinn is of high quality and very punctual. There is a choice of buses, trams and trolleys, but no underground. Taxis, on the other hand, are not abusively expensive.

Some useful links

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Thursday, July 22, 2010

Tallinn hotels

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Thursday, March 25, 2010

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The blogs we like to visit!

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

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Estonian food and drinks !

Why do I book a flight to Tallinn every year ?

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