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Tallinn - an Overview
"Estonia? Why?" was the response from most people when I said that I would be reviewing its capital city, Tallinn, for honeymooners.
The answer is simple. This undiscovered gem just south of Finland is the epitome of old fashioned romance and charm; where else in the world does the in-room guide to useful local phrases offer the words for "yes", "no", "please", "thank you" and "will you marry me?".
Flight times from London are around 2 hours 30 minutes, with regular services from Easyjet, Ryanair and British Airways to Tallinn's airport just 4km from the city centre.
The answer is simple. This undiscovered gem just south of Finland is the epitome of old fashioned romance and charm; where else in the world does the in-room guide to useful local phrases offer the words for "yes", "no", "please", "thank you" and "will you marry me?".
Flight times from London are around 2 hours 30 minutes, with regular services from Easyjet, Ryanair and British Airways to Tallinn's airport just 4km from the city centre.
Where to Stay?
Although the Marina are is ready for regeneration and has a few big chain hotels nearby, the obvious place to stay is either in the old town, a small cobbled area with narrow lanes and almost no cars, or below the city walls and moats in the larger hotels, all of them just 5-10 minutes walk from the old town.
For us the choice was simple; The Telegraaf Hotel is just metres from the main market square, boasts an award winning restaurant and is the only hotel within the old town with a spa. The other obvious choices for a romantic stay, The Schlossle and The Swissotel are both nearby and you would not be disappointed, but I couldn't fault The Telegraaf in facilities, comfort or service and it deserves every one of its 5 stars.
For us the choice was simple; The Telegraaf Hotel is just metres from the main market square, boasts an award winning restaurant and is the only hotel within the old town with a spa. The other obvious choices for a romantic stay, The Schlossle and The Swissotel are both nearby and you would not be disappointed, but I couldn't fault The Telegraaf in facilities, comfort or service and it deserves every one of its 5 stars.
When to Visit?
Although the high season is April to September - in mid summer the temperature reaches 32 degrees and the sea a balmy 28 degrees - we visited during a particularly cold snap in February, when temperatures hovered between minus 15 and minus 25.
It sounds cold, and in fairness it is, but with no wind, beautifully clear blue sunny skies, a good coat and hat you can enjoy seeing the beauty of this snow covered Baltic State, look at ice carvings and take a romantic walk out to sea as the Baltic is frozen as far as the eye can see.
The summer brings yet more clear blue skies, long days and warm weather without the oppressive heat of Mediterranean countries in mid summer. Perfect for lingering over coffee in pavement cafes or the main square which becomes alive with a big market.
It sounds cold, and in fairness it is, but with no wind, beautifully clear blue sunny skies, a good coat and hat you can enjoy seeing the beauty of this snow covered Baltic State, look at ice carvings and take a romantic walk out to sea as the Baltic is frozen as far as the eye can see.
The summer brings yet more clear blue skies, long days and warm weather without the oppressive heat of Mediterranean countries in mid summer. Perfect for lingering over coffee in pavement cafes or the main square which becomes alive with a big market.
What to do?
Although there are an interesting array of museums, including one where you can experience blindness, we preferred to spend our time exploring on foot and there was plenty to keep you occupied.
Don't miss a visit to Josephine, a delightful chocolate house 20 yards from the Hotel Telegraaf where you can buy the most divine hand made truffles and cakes, and where couples linger for hours over hot chocolate made with melted chocolate and hot frothy milk.
For those who have had too much romance for one weekend, in the main square you will find The Garlic Restaurant, where every dish features garlic, including the intriguing garlic icecream.
Don't miss a visit to Josephine, a delightful chocolate house 20 yards from the Hotel Telegraaf where you can buy the most divine hand made truffles and cakes, and where couples linger for hours over hot chocolate made with melted chocolate and hot frothy milk.
For those who have had too much romance for one weekend, in the main square you will find The Garlic Restaurant, where every dish features garlic, including the intriguing garlic icecream.
Where to Eat?
Food lovers beware; Tallinn competes with France when it comes to culinary excellence and we discovered one excellent restaurant after another.
The choice is diverse, from the Asian "Chedi" restaurant, the Italian "Bocca" to a traditional Medieval Estonian restaurant serving delights such a meat soup washed down with mead or dark herb infused beers. However there is a strong Russian influence to the local cuisine and we would particularly recommend The Tchaikovsky for its Russian/French dishes which included the most delectable blini with caviar, and Restaurant O where traditional Estonian dishes such as venison, beef tartare and rabbit-pear strudel are prepared in a modern way and in a very modern setting.
The choice is diverse, from the Asian "Chedi" restaurant, the Italian "Bocca" to a traditional Medieval Estonian restaurant serving delights such a meat soup washed down with mead or dark herb infused beers. However there is a strong Russian influence to the local cuisine and we would particularly recommend The Tchaikovsky for its Russian/French dishes which included the most delectable blini with caviar, and Restaurant O where traditional Estonian dishes such as venison, beef tartare and rabbit-pear strudel are prepared in a modern way and in a very modern setting.
