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Things to do in Tallinn

Relax on the beach

Given its long mercantile history, it remains a mystery as to why Tallinn's seaside location still comes as a surprise to many. In any case, its Baltic setting means beaches; Pirita, Stroomi, Harku and Kakumäe are the main public ones and all come with vast stretches of welcoming golden sand.

See the sights from a balloon

Blue Sky Balloons (www.airventures.ee) has regular hot-air balloon flights outside Tallinn in Harjumaa or Raplamaa. Each flight is about 45-60 minutes and needless to say, the views are spectacular.

Take a Kayak on the Pirita River

Along with sandy beaches, Tallinn is also blessed with a river that cuts through the centre of town and flows to the sea. Before the Baltic, it passes through gorgeously green marshes that are easily explored by kayak or traditional wooden rowing boat. Ask 360 Kraadi (tel: +372 56 864 634; www.360.ee/en) to get you afloat.

Tuck into the local gingerbread

Though the Finns might dispute it, Estonia lays claim to being the source of many a Christmas tradition including gingerbread. As a result, the sticky brown biscuits are taken so seriously they're an art form. Every December, the Design and Architecture Gallery (www.disainigalerii.ee/en/) hosts an annual Gingerbread Mania art exhibit where everything is made out of gingerbread.

Whack your back with a birch twig

Estonia's sauna culture dates back to the 13th century and there's no shortage of places to unwind in Tallinn. Smoke saunas (heated with pungent pine logs) are the best, though more modern varieties like those at Kalma Saun (tel: +372 627 1811; www.kalmasaun.ee) are equally good. Be warned: 'whisking', or beating yourself with birch twigs, is expected.

A digital image at https://illuminoto.com

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Economy Hotel

This pleasant city-centre hotel with 40 comfortable rooms is just a short walk from the train station and the Old Town. Free Wi-Fi access and parking are also offered.

Swissotel Tallinn

Set in the city centre, many rooms in this 5-star hotel enjoy great views of the Old Town and the Gulf of Finland. The top-floor Horisont Bar is cosy while The Quarter restaurant on the 8th-floor serves up creative dishes.

Hestia Hotel Seaport

No frills but a clean and comfortable cheap Tallinn hotel right next to the D-terminal (for passengers) at the Port of Tallinn. The on-site sauna is available upon prior request.

Hestia Hotel Europa

Hestia Hotel Europa is centrally located in the historical Rotermann city block not far from the Old Town. The six-storey Tallinn hotel has 185 rooms, some of which have superb views over Tallinn Bay. There is a conference centre with a capacity of 700 as well as a fitness centre and sauna.

Hotel Telegraaf

This luxury Tallinn hotel is tucked away on Vene Street, in what is sometimes called the Tallinn Latin Quarter, in the Old Town. There are 83 stylish rooms, an excellent spa with lots of different treatments on offer, a good restaurant and conference space for up to 45 people.

Merchant's House Hotel

This slick 4-star boutique hotel lies just around the corner from Tallinn's Town Hall Square. The rooms have satellite TV and guests can enjoy free Wi-Fi and sauna access.