One of the best-preserved medieval towns in northern Europe, Tallinn never fails to make a positive first impression. The cobblestone alleyways, slender steeples and barrel-shaped bastions of the Old Town – a UNESCO World Heritage site – could have jumped straight out of the pages of a medieval illustrated manuscript.

However, Tallinn is no historical theme park, but rather the commercial and political heart of a rapidly changing nation, which boasts one of the fastest-growing economies in the European Union. Brand new business parks, designer stores, stylish lounge bars and the ubiquitous Wi-fi access signs provide the backdrop to a work-hard-play-hard culture that imbues the city with a palpable, restless energy.

Orientation

The heart of Tallinn and location of most of its sights is the Old Town (Vanalinn), once enclosed by medieval walls, significant stretches of which still exist. Above it looms Toompea, hilltop stronghold of the knights and bishops who nominally controlled the city during the Middle Ages.