1. A mouse robbed a bank

Imagine popping to the cash machine to get some money out and finding a half-eaten bank note sliding out of the hole. You’d think something funny was going on wouldn’t you? But would you immediately think that it was the work of a little mouse who had found his way into the ATM in Tallinn and chewed his way through hundreds of Estonian Kroons? The mouse had made a nice bed out of the notes and had munched a few over the course of the weekend.

2. Where Skype comes from

No offense but would any one guess that the world communication phenomenon Skype came from Estonia, and more strangely was developed by a group of men including an Estonia man called Jaan Tallinn? It’s true. The company were also responsible for the file-sharing site Kazaa. Skype currently has offices all over Europe and some in America, with one of the largest ones in Tallinn.

3. The last Gothic town hall

This might surprise some people but Tallinn can proudly play host to the only surviving town hall to have been built in its original Gothic style. The hall dates back to the 13th Century and is a fine example of the period’s architecture. The most famous and appealing part about it is the weather vane high up on the top of the building. It’s a figure of Old Thomas, who is said to guard the city. He was a young boy who was an expert archer and could knock wooden parrots off the top of the spire using his crossbow. The original vane now lives inside the Town Hall, as it was knocked off during WW2.

Hotels near Tallinn Town Hall

• Hotel St. Petersburg – 4 star hotel – double room from €95
• Merchant’s House Hotel – 4-star hotel – double room from €89
• Hostel Vana Tom – Double room from €35

View of Tallinn Town Hall, Estonia, by I3aac

Like Prague it has become infamous with throngs of beer-guzzling stag parties all intent on sampling the cut-price beer and treating the place as their own. But please don’t be dismayed by this because Tallinn really does have a great deal to offer everyone and is a magical and largely undiscovered city in Eastern Europe .

Tallinn, a wonderful and intriguing blend of old and new

The medieval parts are as extreme as you can get. The Dome Church, or Toomkirick, is the oldest church in Tallinn, dating back to the 13th Century and being at the top of a hill it’s not only very hard to miss but also the best place to look down from and take it the whole panorama of Tallinn.

Tallinn Museums and Palaces

If churches aren’t your thing particularly then don’t worry cause there’s something not too far away for the art lovers out there. The Foreign Art Museum near Kadriorg Park in Kadriorg Palace is guaranteed to take your breath away when you see it. Even before you see some of the beautiful art pieces in the collection, the actual palace itself is a stunningly colourful building that looks like something you’d find in a dolls house. The gardens around it are immaculate also and gorgeous at sunset.

Estonian Food and Tallinn Restaurants

If you are less interested in the more cultural and grown-up things and just fancy getting down to some serious eating then you won’t be disappointed with the dozens of restaurants in Tallinn. Being on the chilly side a lot of the time, the Estonians favour their hearty meals. The traditional Estonian dishes aren’t for the faint-hearted, or vegetarians either come to think of it. Blood sausage is a huge favourite but then fans of black pudding might be finding this a bit too everyday. Try Jellied Pork Tongue then or even Marinated Eel, which for some reason comes out to you served cold. One of the best restaurants to try would be Eesti Maja on Lauteri tänav 1, where you’ll find more familiar and less adventurous dishes too in case you’re worried.

Tallinn Night Spots

For those of you who want to join in with the drinking and the partying but don’t want to end up being swamped in lads shouting football songs, a great bar is Gloria Veinikelder Müürivahe 2, Lower Town. It’s a quiet and romantic little cellar bar with candlelights and a superb range of wines and beers. You can really lose yourself in the secret booths and arches and it’s a perfect place to end a day in the city and feel like you’re really part of the local action.

Where to stay in Tallinn

• Hotel Viru
• Hotel Tähetorni
• Hotel Metropol

Picture of Tallinn, Estonia, at sunset by Jurvestonp>

• Hotels.com US recommends reading Elliott Blog to know how to find great summer travel deals.

• LDN shares a link to a Time Out article on lidos, ponds and outdoor swimming pools in London, UK.

• TallinnCity invites you to attend the ongoing  “To Breathe as One” song and dance festival in Tallinn, Estonia.

• Visit Holland likes the evening light display at Madurodam miniature city, The  Hague, Netherlands.

• James Dunford Wood shares great holiday ideas including a trip along Japan’s Golden Route from Tokyo to Kyoto.

Photo of Madudrodam miniature park in La Hague by Daveness 98

1. Merchant’s House Hotel – Tallinn Old Town

Housed in two historic buildings dating back to the 14th and 16th Centuries, this luxury hotel is ideally located in Tallinn Old Town. The Merchant’s House boasts a medieval facade, as well as beautiful interiors with hand painted fresco molds, wooden beamed ceilings and fully restored fireplaces. Featuring a ‘Relax Room’ and a sauna, this Tallinn spa hotel is the perfect spot for a relaxing stay in the capital city of Estonia. The Merchant’s House Hotel also features meeting facilities, a bar and an Internet Point.

2. Hotel Schloessle – Tallinn Old Town

Boasting an intimate atmosphere, this Tallinn romantic hotel is the perfect place for a gateway in the very heart of the medieval old town. Featuring sophisticated, elegant interiors with antique furnishings, wooden beams and soft colors décor, the Tallinn Hotel Schloessle offers guests an array of luxury services including conference and banquet facilities, limousine service and cocktail parties in Baronial Manor House style.

3. Meriton Old Town Hotel – Tallinn Old Town

Located the historic center, only a few steps from the Horse Mill and a short walk from Tallinn harbor, the Meriton Old Town Hotel is housed in a Tallinn landmark building dating back to the 14th Century. Offering fantastic views over Oleviste Church, this cosy Tallinn boutique hotel boasts a pseudo-gothic styled façade with natural stone and wrought iron. The Meriton Old town also features modern hotel facilities such as wireless Internet access and a 24-hour bar.

4. St. Petersbourg Hotel – Tallinn Old Town

St. Petersbourg Hotel offers comfortable accommodations in Tallinn historic center, a stone’s throw away from the city’s main square and night spots. Boasting luxurious fabrics and Art Deco furnishings, each room or suite of this Tallinn family-friendly hotel features top-quality amenities. With several conference rooms and modern facilities, St. Petersbourg Hotel is also the ideal place for you business stay in Tallinn, Estonia.

5. Hotel Old Town Maestro’s – Tallinn Old Town

Fully restored in 2002, The Tallinn Hotel Old Town Maestro’s is housed in a 15th Century building. Offering 1 suite and 22 spacious guest rooms in Tallinn Old Town, the hotel boasts spa and wellness facilities including sauna and Jacuzzi. The Tallinn Hotel Maestro’s also boasts two meeting rooms and a lobby bar and a lobby bar.