Tallinn International Airport has recently been expanded to meet the demands of increases in air traffic. There are now 14 new gates and special waiting areas for Schengen and non-Schengen travelers. The expansion also brought new check-in counters and more services for passengers. With the new renovation, The Tallinn Airport can support 2 times more traffic than before. The increase in passengers leads to an increase in rental car companies. With more options than ever, the prices will become more competitive in the favor of the consumers. Tallinn was the 3^rd busiest Baltic airport in 2008 behind Riga and Vilnius but its passenger base is on the rise. About 1.8 million people came through the Tallinn Airport in 2008 and many more are expected for 2009.

Arrivals

If you are arriving from a Schengen country, you will not need to present your passport in the Tallinn Airport. The Schengen Agreement has made traveling between participating countries a much more enjoyable experience. Quickly move from the plane to the baggage claim and to the rental car area. You can save yourself precious time by reserving your car before you arrive in Tallinn. With a rental car in Tallinn you will be able to move freely around the city without worrying about public transportation schedules. It will also be in your best interest to book your hotel in advance. More lodging information can be found in the tab on the side of this page

Departures

Sadly, your Estonian vacation will ultimately come to an end and you will need to head for home. For your convenience, the expanded terminal allows for faster access to the security checkpoint and lounge area. Once you are past security, there are ample opportunities to get a bite to each or buy some last minute souvenirs. There are comfortable public waiting areas and business class lounges. To gain entrance to the business class area you must have the proper credentials. Business class passengers are automatically admitted to the lounge and economy passengers may purchase a onetime ticket for these exclusive areas.

Rental Car Tips

Be sure you return your vehicle to the proper parking area and with a full tank of gas. You will be charged extra fees if you do not comply with these guidelines. You can avoid any other small charge obeying the rules of the rental agreement. Ignorance is not bliss; make sure you understand what you can and cannot do with your rental car.

When you rent a car in Tallinn, Estonia, you will be able to explore the country on your own schedule. If you go on vacation without a rental car you will lose your ability to be mobile. With a car hire in Tallinn, you will get transportation freedom and be on your way to a great holiday. Don’t waste your time with public tours geared to please the entire group. They spend the wrong amount of time at each destination. Easily solve this problem with a rental car in Tallinn and be the guide of your own excursion. This website can help you determine the best places to go and the most interesting attractions to see.

The Best Places to Drive

Tallinn is the capital of Estonia and home to a unique culture where old mixes with new. Take your car hire from the airport, drop your bags at the hotel and head straight for the Old Town. You will soon discover one of the best maintained medieval towns in the entire world. The area inside the city walls has evolved from a high security fortress to a fantastic tourist destination. There is architecture, shops, street vendors, and restaurants that reenact the past life in Tallinn.

The new part of the city boasts some amazing shopping centers, first class entertainment, sandy beaches and contemporary architecture. The difference from Old Town is quite refreshing when you enter the modern life of the Estonian people. You will be exposed to a distinctive atmosphere that relies on technology to drive the economy and the everyday life of the citizens.

Outside Tallinn

When you leave the capital city, you will discover that the rest of Estonia lives much simpler than in Tallinn. Many small towns are dotted throughout the beautiful natural landscape offering tourists a great view into small city culture. You can travel along the coastal roads to learn about the fishing communities or head to the many parks and natural preservation areas of the inland.

There are tons of opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts to explore the landscape and take advantage of the beautiful natural environment. The sparsely populated country is perfecting for enjoying nature and discovering how beautiful untouched scenery is.

Old Town

Pass through the two towers of the 14th century Viru Gates to enter the famous Old Town. You will want to pick up a free map to help navigate around the winding cobblestone streets for directions to the best attractions. The most important part of the Old Town Tallinn is the Town Hall Square. You will find the stunning Town Hall Building, one of the longest running pharmacies in the world as well as the best places to eat. Monumental religious sites scattered in Old Town include St. Olav’s Church, Cathedral of St. Mary and St. Nicholas’ Church. Their spires poke high into the sky and are visible from many places throughout the city. Walk to the top of upper Old Town to see the Toompea Castle. It is now the home of Estonia’s Parliament and features the 50 meter high Hermann’s Tower. From the top of the hill, you can get an unbeatable view of the lower Old Town and the modern business district of Tallinn. There are countless other ways to enjoy the interior of the city walls including climbing the iconic lookout towers, watching historical reenactments, purchasing unique souvenirs or just strolling the quaint medieval streets.

New Town

As impressive as the Old Town is, modern Tallinn is on the brink of being a major player in the world economy. There are skyscraping buildings and high tech shopping centers all over. Tallinn is known throughout the world as being a huge contributor in telecommunications with the invention of Skype Internet Phone and a society that is almost totally integrated by cellular communications. Their advancement in mobile phone and internet technology has earned the country the nickname of E-stonia.

Head for the center of the business district and enjoy a meal at a new age restaurant before or after you go shopping in the multi-functional retail centers. Gaze at the impressive high-rise buildings and ponder the difference between the new and the old parts of Tallinn.

The Tallinn Zoo is located on the outskirts of the city occupying a huge area and housing tons of animals. The price of admission is very reasonable, especially considering the immense population and diversity of animals. If you want to be better informed about the Estonian culture, you should stop into the Kumu Art Museum. It has recently moved into a new building and boasts a large collection of historical and contemporary artwork. In 2008, the Kumu Art Museum was selected as the European Museum of the Year.

The average temperature in Tallinn ranges from 21°C in the summer to -8°C in the winter. This may not seem very warm, but be aware that the summer heat can possibly breach the 30°C mark for perfect days at the beach. In the winter, it can get really cold when the arctic winds blow into the city. The warmest months of the year are June, July and August while the coldest months are December, January and February.

Tallinn is located on the coast of the Baltic Sea in northern Estonia. Its latitude of almost 60°North means there are clear cut separations of the four seasons. Due to the northern latitude and the natural tilt of the earth, the amount of daylight ranges from 6 hours in the winter to 19 hours in the summer. It is a double edged sword for Tallinn because the days seemingly never end in the summer but the winter relentlessly takes them away. Tallinn is within the boundaries of the temperate climate zone meaning they do not have extreme temperature changes from summer and winter. Furthermore, its maritime location keeps the temperature consistent and hinders tremendous heat or cold. Tallinn has a unique climate because it is relatively warm for how far north it is. The autumn and spring are most interesting near the west coast. Thousands of migratory birds use the seashore as a navigation reference for their flight patterns. Estonia is a major resting place for huge flocks flying across the Baltic Sea.

The most precipitation comes in the summer with humid cloud masses building in the Baltic Sea and dumping rain on the land. The autumn is also a very rainy season with about the same rainfall as summer. The only difference is that the autumn rains are slower and can last an entire day. In the summer, the rain comes in spurts and rarely last more than an hour or two. In the winter, the precipitation comes in the form of snow and generally sticks to the ground until the warmth of spring melts it away.

Traveling East

Narva is the third largest city in Estonia and shares a border with Russia on the extreme eastern side of the country. It is about 200 km from Tallinn and is actually closer to St. Petersburg than the Estonian capital. Narva has a much different vibe than any other city in Estonia because of its proximity to Russia. 90% of the people are of Russian lineage and they mainly speak Russian language. Uniquely situated on their respective banks of the Narva River are Narva and Ivangorod castles. Although you may not be able to get to the Russian side of the river, you can have a great view of the rival castle at the top of Narva’s lookout tower.

To the South

Tartu is the 2^nd largest city in Estonia and is the educational center of the country. Located in the south on the Emajogi River, Tartu has a population of over 100,000 people and boasts the country’s oldest university. The most famous aspects of Tartu are its bridges. There are some impressive modern structures that span the Emajogi River as well as some historical landmarks that are hidden across ravines and streets. For a true Estonian meal, try the Eesti Restoran or the old gunpowder cellar at Pussirohukelder.

Parnu is tucked into a small inlet of the Riga Bay on the west coast of Estonia. In the summer, this place resembles a charming Mediterranean paradise. The beaches are beautiful and the culture is rich. There has been a recent resurgence of the city with new hotels and attractions springing up everywhere. After you have had some fun in Parnu, take your rental car along the coast until you reach the Latvian border. There are small beach towns that are perfect for enjoying the simple life in Estonia. Have an authentic meal at a local restaurant and enjoy a relaxing afternoon on a secluded beach. The water is warm and the seafood is fresh in these quaint seaside villages.

Heading West

Take your rental car west on the number 9 highway until you get to the coast city of Haapsula. Then you can board the ferry with or without your car and head for the Hiiumaa Island. Spend some time exploring and return to the mainland or travel south to the Saaremaa Island. Saaremaa is the biggest of the Estonian islands and it is home to jagged cliffs, meteor creators, medieval castles and WWII memorials. There are tons of places to explore that are both natural and manmade. In the summer, Saaremaa is a fun place to hang out at the beach or hike around the landscape.

When you go out and enjoy the nightlife in Tallinn you can expect friendly service, good drinks and good people. There are tons of different establishments to indulge your wild side or calm your senses. You will come to Tallinn for the incredible sightseeing, but you will come back for the amazing nightlife.

Party Time

Many young people are flocking to Tallinn for the promise of a great weekend. Modern dancing clubs are popping up all around the city. There are some clubs in Old Town, but if you want to have a more authentic atmosphere, you need to leave the city walls. In the new downtown you will find clubs such as Bonnie and Clyde, Panorama, Seduction Disco, and the Terrarium. Hollywood and club 360° in the heart of Old Town, but you are more likely to encounter tourists rather than natives.

Pubs and Bars

It is generally a rule in Tallinn that the bars in Old Town are frequented by tourists from the UK, Finland, and other European countries. It is not a great place to drink with the locals. Nonetheless, you will have some great times when you come to O’Malley’s Pub for a pint or the Ice Bar for a shot of vodka in a glass made of ice. There are many great places outside the city and the best way to discover your favorite is by sampling all of them.

Relaxing Atmospheres

If you want to have a great night out and still be able to wake up the next day, try some of the more subtle lounges and music clubs. You can still have a good night on the town without drinking an entire bottle of booze. There are tons of sophisticated venues for the tame drinkers. Sigari Maja is a great place to enjoy some tasty brandy and a Caribbean cigar. First Lounge is a calm place to sip on a perfectly mixed drink while you unwind in the quiet settings. For a glass of wine, the best place to be is at Musi for a nice evening of conversation and delicious flavors.

National Parks

These places are set up for the preservation and protection of special natural sites. There are 5 national parks in Estonia that offer a variety of different experiences for the visitors. The most frequented park is the Lahemaa National Park on the north coast. The park was created in 1971 and claims the honor of being the first National Park of the Soviet Union. Lahemaa (land of bays) is just a 70 km east of Tallinn. It got its name from the 4 peninsulas that jut into the Gulf of Finland creating 4 bays. The park is huge and its proximity to Tallinn gives it even more appeal as a fun day trip.

If you want to go on a longer journey with your rental car, drive west to the Matsalu National Park on the coast of the Matsalu Bay. It is best to visit the park during the autumn migration of approximately 2 million birds. The park has long been the place for major research projects of the migratory habits of European flocks.

The other national parks in Estonia include Karula, Soomaa, and Vilsandi. Every park has its own unique identity and they are all great places to visit anytime of the year. Hike and swim in the summer or ski and snowshoe in the winter.

Nature Reserves

Protected zones for the preservation of plants, animals and fungus for the purpose of longevity and scientific research are the requirements for a nature reserve. These areas tend to be much larger in size than the parks and they are set up to keep the natural environment in pristine condition. Very close to Tallinn you will find the Pohja-Korvemaa Nature Reserve. It has an area of over 130 sq km and is rich with wildlife and hiking trails. The reserve was made to protect the endangered species in the area and give people a huge area for recreation. One of the favorite local pastimes is collecting berries and mushrooms in the autumn. The other Nature Reserves in Estonia are Alam-Pedja and Nigula. The two reserves are protecting the plants and animals that live in the wetland areas.

Landscape Reserves

In Estonia, a landscape reserve is used to conserve an area for recreational or cultural activities. The main way they preserve the landscape is by preventing the building of certain structures and by offering unabated vistas of their surroundings.

There are hundreds of lodging venues in convenient locations all over Tallinn. It doesn’t matter how deep your pockets are or how deep you want to dig, you can find a nice place to set up your home base. Accommodations in Tallinn range from 5 star luxury hotels and apartments to cheap hostels. If you are typical traveler, you will want something in the middle of these two extremes. No worries, Tallinn has a great selection of quality hotels for inexpensive prices. You need to pay attention to the location of your hotel when you are making reservations. It is more costly to stay in or near the Old Town and parking is limited. The hotels on the edge of town will offer more privacy, lower prices and ample parking for your rental car.

Central Locations

Hotels and apartments strewn around the Old Town will be the most expensive. You have to pay extra for the great location and luxurious amenities. Most of the lodging inside the Old Town walls will be elegant hotels, bed and breakfasts or hostels. The hotels and B&B will be the most expensive venues in the whole city because of the excellent service and premium locale. One of the best places to stay is the Merchant’s House Hotel. It is very close to the center square of Old Town and has pleasant rooms.

Hostels in Old Town have cheap to moderate prices. The Old Town Backpackers Hostel is a good place to stay if you are with a large group of people. There are nice common areas including a lounge and kitchen, but it can get noisy at night. If you want a single room at the Backpackers Hostel, you will need to pay about double the price of a normal dweller.

Just outside of Old Town, you will discover the modern hotels in Tallinn. One of the most impressive is the Reval Central Hotel. It is just a 5 minute walk from Old Town and has a lot of space for parking. The Grand Hotel is also a short walk from Old Town and other tourist destinations. The hotel’s surrounding gardens are a nice place to relax after a long day of sightseeing.

On the Edge of Tallinn

If you do not want to stay in the center of the city there are plenty of options on the periphery. Hotel Hermes is about 5 km from the city center and serves as a nice place if you are on a fixed budget. The rooms are cozy and the beds are nice. There is a free breakfast and sauna in the morning to get you off to a great start. There are plenty of places to park your rental car and good routes leading to the city. For a more luxurious setting, try the Pirita Top Spa Hotel. It is located near the Baltic Sea with a great swimming pool and sauna to go along with clean rooms and tasty breakfast food.

Book Early

The best way to get a good price on any hotel is to reserve as early as possible. You will be given lower rates because the hotels want to be sure they are booked. It will be more expensive if you wait till the last minute and you may not find accommodations you desire.

Kumu Art Museum

In 2008 Kumu received the prestigious honor of being the European Museum of the Year. It was a great reward for the art institution that recently moved into a new building. Kumu Art Museum has shifted venues many times during its existence. The current building was finished in 2006 and is the result of a design contest won by a Finnish architect. The museum holds an extensive collection of Estonia artwork from the early 1700s up to the end of WWII. The multi-functional building serves as the pride of the Estonia artistic culture.

Estonian Open-Air Museum

Just a short 20 minute drive from the city center is the Estonian Open-Air Museum. It is located on a plot of land that is 80 hectares and home to 72 different structures. This is a great place to spend the day and learn about Estonian culture from the past. The museum was created to give visitors the feeling of being in an 18^th century fishing village. There are schools, churches, shops, mills, skilled laborers and small houses for visitors to enjoy.

Museum of Occupations

Just like the other Baltic countries of Latvia and Lithuania, Estonia has a museum dedicated to the hard times and eventual triumphs associated with the occupations of the Soviet Union and Nazi Germany. Inside the building, you will find a historical journey of the Estonian people through the painful years of dictated rule. Learn about life during Soviet times and the stronghold of the Nazis. The final exhibition is a tribute to the revolution efforts of the Estonians. They successfully broke free of the Soviet Union in 1991 and now they strive to make a new identity for their country. The museum is a reminder of the past and a great way to appreciate the current situation.

Museum of Estonian Architecture

A former salt storage facility is now the home to architectural drawings from the past and present. The building has been remolded on the inside and has three levels of open exhibits to please its visitors. The Estonian Art Society also uses the space for contemporary art exhibitions during the year.

Maritime Museum

This building is appropriately located very close to the sea and displays the history of Estonian sailors and fishermen. There is a rich history of maps and artifacts from the earliest explorers of the surrounding waters. Some of the most impressive items in the museum are the 2000 year old fishing supplies made from animal bones and horns.

The Applied Art Museum

Located very close to the city center, this museum is great for browsing countless artistic pieces that are both practical and beautiful. The museum also holds many decorative pieces from the 18^th century through the present day.