By Jessie Hewitson
Tallinn, the capital of the smallest of the Baltic States, sits on the north coast of Estonia. It's a very walkable city, which is handy for cruise-ship tourists and the large number of day-trippers who catch the ferry from Helsinki.
The highlight of Tallinn is the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Town, conveniently located right by the port. It is a magnificently well-preserved network of cobbled streets, pastel-coloured medieval houses and narrow alleyways dating back to the 14th century.
The city is also an exciting mix of old and new. There's an evident respect for history, and it's one of Europe's best-preserved medieval cities - yet Estonia is one of the most internet-savvy countries in Europe, with Tallinn one of the best-connected Wi-Fi cities, and home to Skype, the free internet telephone service.
When low-cost airlines discovered Tallinn, in 2004, so did the stag and hen parties - much to the bewilderment of older Estonians. The New York Times recently dubbed it the Las Vegas of the Baltics – though as soon you arrive you'll see that the culture and history of the Baltic city easily sets the two places apart.
Anyway, it isn't too hard to lose the drunk, rowdy – and, quite possibly, costumed –revelers by avoiding the bars and restaurants in the obvious tourist spots. And only the most civilised stag or hen would be found in one of the city's many churches or numerous museums.
Arriving
The Port of Tallinn – where cruise ships dock – is only a 10-minute walk from the Old Town.
There's tourist information at the port's Terminal A, open from 8am until 4.30pm, plus currency exchange offices, luggage rooms and an ATM. Taxis and buses are available from the port to town.
Essentials
Time difference : GMT +2.
Currency : Estonian kroon (EEK). There are roughly 20 EEK to the pound sterling.
Local language : Estonian.
Tourist office : the main one is at Kullassepa 4/Niguliste 2 (00 372 645 7777; www.tourism.tallinn.ee).
Getting around : The Old City can only be navigated on foot. A network of buses, trams and trolleybuses cover the rest of the city, and taxis are (relatively) cheap. You can buy tickets from newsstands or from drivers. A one-day ticket costs 40 EEK, around £2.
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