Tallinn

Once a Hanseatic trading power, Tallinn's well-preserved medieval Old Town still buzzes, but just beyond its walls lies a quietly tech-forward city where ancient lanes lead to sleek startup campuses.

Estonia is a pioneer of digital governance, with its citizens voting and filing taxes online, making it one of the most digitally advanced nations on Earth.

Fly into:

• Tallinn Airport TLL
• Helsinki-Vantaa Airport HEL

Tallinn's Old Town is easily walkable. Beyond it, modern trams and buses connect areas like Telliskivi and Kadriorg for a few euros. Regular 2-hour ferry services run between Tallinn and Helsinki, making day trips easy.

Embrace the local sauna culture by visiting a public or private sauna. Many Estonians still enjoy a traditional 'viht' or 'whisking' with birch branches, which is considered both invigorating and therapeutic. Look for local craft beer breweries in Telliskivi.

Best in Spring

Spring: mild days around 10-18C, longer daylight hours, and the city awakens with outdoor cafes and blossoming parks, though occasional rain is possible.

• comfortable walking shoes for cobblestones
• layers for varied spring temperatures
• a light waterproof jacket or umbrella
• swimsuit for sauna experiences
• a portable power bank