This was a great place to spend a cold mid-winter weekend. I don’t think I have ever visited an historic centre that is so thoroughly preserved as Tallinn. It seems almost completely devoid of modern buildings and real tourist traps like so many cities of this calibre in Europe are. But Tallinn still had tall buildings and a modern heart, right outside the historic centre, meaning it didn't feel like a museum.

We just had great fun wandering around the snowy streets and shuffling into café’s and restaurants to warm up. The view from Toompea castle was very nice, and the Igloo bar that was selling hot chocolate was a lovely reward for the icy climb, they even gave me a discount as it was my birthday. I also enjoyed the interiors of Alexander Nevsky cathedral and the art in St Nicklaus’ church.

One quirk that was aimed at visitors, but perhaps I wouldn't describe as a tourist trap is the Olde Hansa restaurant. It serves is a medieval food, but it is exceptionally rigorous using only produce available in Tallinn's medieval heyday, likewise the decoration is very authentic , the whole place is lit entirely by candles, and you will really have to hunt hard to find something that wouldn't have been around in the 15th century. They also have a lovely tavern under the arches of the town hall. I'm not sure if I can say the food was great but it certainly was interesting (they even had Bear steaks on the menu!) and rose above standard tourist fare to give a gentle impression of what life may have been like in the cities past.

Tallinn was a great place for a winter weekend, and traipsing through the streets in snow showers was a wonder way to get aquainted with it, though next time I visit I will try and time it so I can hear some performances of the wonderful choral music that Estonia is famous for.

[Site 7: Experience 8]