The first time I visited Tallinn was approximately 10 years after Estonia regained its independence in 1991. My impressions were that although it had excellent Slavic cheekbones it was still on the verge of becoming a major tourist destination. After last month’s visit, I’m here to report it has finally “verged” with flying colors. Below are a double handful of good reasons to pack your bags and head to Tallinn ASAP!
Overview:
1. Nicknamed “E-Estonia” or the “European Silicon Valley” Estonia (where Skype was created) this baby Baltic country is now a world leader in high-tech industries. It was the first country to allow online voting and 98% of its 1.3m citizens bank online. It exudes young entrepreneurial spirit and holds the world record in start-ups per person. You'll notice this same exuberance as you wander around Tallinn (Europe’s oldest capital) exploring their rich cultural offerings, an array of designer and artisan boutiques, the local food scene with a hearty nod to New Nordic Cuisine, and unique accommodations ranging from historic elegant country manors to Medieval mansions that have been luxed-up and transformed into boutique hotels scattered throughout their UNESCO World Heritage Old Town.
Oldest and best:
2. Check into St. Petersburg Hotel, where hipness and history join forces. St Petersburg dates back to the 14th century and is the oldest hotel in Estonia, but without a hint of stodginess. After a recent sprucing up by renowned British interior design agency Andrew Martin, it’s like staying at a wealthy aristocrat’s home who surrounds himself with erotic works of art, sumptuous fabrics, crystal chandeliers and believes in kick-starting the day with a scrumptious Estonian buffet breakfast.
Copyright © 2014 by A Luxury Travel Blog. This article was written by Janice Nieder and originally published on aluxurytravelblog.com
*Image of Tallinn, Estonia via Shutterstock
Friends Read Free