Tallinn Hotels

Impossibly pretty, energetic and proud, one of Europe's smallest capital cities is an engaging mixture of old red rooftops and new designer malls. Here gothic architecture and traditional customs mingle with pop culture, sleek skyscrapers and e-commerce.

Amble through Tallinn's Old Town where monasteries, churches, merchant houses and the landmark Town Hall vie for attention. Look down on the lower town from Toompea, the hill dominated by the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, and travel back to the days of Soviet rule at the Occupation Museum. Travel east to the regal Kadriorg Palace, or snap great photographs from the TV Tower.

Find traditional handicrafts, the alcoholic brew Vana Tallinn, delicate ceramics and amber imported from Lithuania in the Old Town boutiques and markets. Splurge on the latest fashions at the Old and New Town shopping centres and designer outlets, including Hugo Boss on Parnu and Maxmara on Harju.

When the sun shines, unwind with a drink in the Old Town Square cafés, catch a breeze on Toompea Hill, or relax in the city's parks. The biggest and best is Kadriorg Park, with its opulent palace, sculptures, museums and lake.

Throughout the year venues around Tallinn come alive with everything from intimate classical concerts to grand opera performances. Listen to the soaring voices of the sopranos at the Estonian National Opera, or attend a recital in the atmospheric Old Town Hall or at the Linnahall near the harbour.

For such a small city, Tallinn harbours a huge range of dining options, offering everything from Hawaiian to Thai cuisine. You can reserve a coveted outdoor table on Town Hall Square, or receive the royal treatment at the city's best restaurant, Stenhus, at the Schlossle Hotel on Puhavaimu. Wolf down enormous portions of traditional Estonian game at Old Hansa on Vana turg.

Visit the Museum of Estonian Architecture, where the striking museum building – a former salt warehouse – is an attraction in its own right.