Don't discount Estonia's capital because you don't have any friends who can make personal recommendations about the best places to stay in Tallinn. Our gurus are here to help you find the perfect base from which to explore this most modern city set on top of a medieval one.

Behind the Iron Curtain until 1991, Tallinn has been playing clever catch up since and today's city embraces technology, multicultural five star luxury and clean, but colourful, Scandi lines.

But the forward fashions, bright bistros and hipster nightlife rests on top of the magical, World Heritage-listed Old Town. (This also means there's plenty of variety in our guru's list of the best hotels in Tallinn.)

Opt for choral concerts in wonderful onion domed churches or a rock gig. Spend days perusing galleries or sampling the restaurants, bars and cafes in Kalamaja, Tallinn's trendiest neighbourhood. Visit Peter the Great's Kadriorg Palace or the beach....the choice is endless!

As with many of the old Soviet and Eastern Bloc countries, Estonia is becoming increasingly popular and there are now a raft of low cost airlines who can take you there. So if you want to book one of the best places to stay in Tallinn, we'd suggest you get organised and don't leave it till the last minute!

The Best places to stay in Tallinn

For the city centre

• Where could be more central than the telegraph exchange station? Luxuriously converted, the Telegraaf Hotel has retained its grand marble floors and spacious design. Classical furniture (including numerous four-poster beds) and weighty fabrics make a grand option. And it's the place to stay if you want to be within walking distance of the main sights.
• For inexpensive atmosphere, the Merchant's House Hotel, in the heart of the Old Town, is the property to book. No two of the 37 rooms in this 14th century building are alike, and the charming differences include hand-painted frescoes, original fireplaces and beamed ceilings.

For Romance

• With just 15 uniquely designed rooms and a lovely courtyard restaurant the Hotel Cru is ideal for couples. The beds are high and large, and the atmosphere is homely and cosy.
• Of the top luxury hotels in Tallinn, the Schlossle Hotel is probably the best one for romance. Converted from three adjoining medieval houses, it's renowned for its welcoming homely atmosphere. Which might be why it's the choice hotel for many politicians, pop stars and even Prince Charles.

For those on a budget

• With 85 rooms priced from around £50 a night the Kreutswald Hotel Tallinn certainly deserves to be on a list of the best hotels for travellers on a budget. That it's a comfy modern offering in an historic old building adds even more value.

For a boutique stay

• Marrying old world charm and modern style Three Sisters Hotel is a luxury boutique choice in the heart of Tallinn.
• Another good choice in this category is the Von Stackelburg Hotel. Here you'll find a lovely combination of period and modern features with exposed stone walls amd pine floors. Plus a charming courtyard, zen spa and atmospheric restaurant.

For foodies

• The Hotel St Petersbourg has a charming restaurant serving excellent local cuisine and an array of vodkas
• The L‘Arancia restaurant housed in the Savoy Boutique Hotel serves up exemplary mediterranean cuisine

For an apartment

• If you've decided that a self catering property would be more suitable for your holiday, then we recommend you visit our online booking partner, booking.com where they have a wide selection for all tastes and budgets.

Travel Information

• Want to fly to Tallinn?

• Fly to Tallinn Airport, a convenient 4km from the city centre.
• Balti jaam is the main train station with good connections across Estonia as well as internationally.
• Best time to visit - mid June to the end of August brings the warmest weather, Autumn offers bursts of colour and winter can reach temperatures well below freezing (minus 15–20°C) but the iced lakes and snowy surrounds are undeniably beautiful.
• If you plan to hire a car, we recommend you visit our online partner Rentalcars for the best prices.

Still not sure?

• Browse through our list of all the best places to stay in Tallinn.
• Expand your search to include all our recommendations in neighbouring Latvia's capital Riga.
• Or feel free to contact one of our friendly gurus for advice.

Weather

Monthly Weather in Tallinn