Nightlife in Estonia was bizarrely started when the Tartan Army, this are the football fans who faithfully followed the Scottish national side, kick-start the nightlife in the 1990s after decade of Soviet dreariness. If you want to practice your English with the locals, you can try visiting the two bars the Tartan Army set up after a football match in Tallin before in Estonia. These bars are the Nimeta, Suur-Karja4 and the Nimega, Suur-Karja13 are still up and doing business in Estonia.

If you want to enjoy the overlooking view while partying, Molly Malone’s Mundi 2, still in Estonia, is a better-than-average Irish theme pub with a sunny terrace for you to look at the overlooking to the Town Hall Square.

However, stag parties dominates all of the above in Estonia which made the local trendies to move into a chic-lounge style bars such as Kaheksa, Vana-Posti 8, Pegasus, Harju 1 and the Stereo Lounge, Harju 6 –all in Estonia baby!

If you’re looking for the wild live music, the veteran Guitar Safari, Muurivahe 22 and Saku Suurhall, Paldiski mantee 104b is a thumbs up for massive venue for gigs. Tallin Estonia’s club scene is fairly lively but tame compared to that of others. The Venus Club, Vana-Viru 14 is housed in a historic fire station on the edge of the Old Town of Estonia but is one of the most popular venues. Club Hollywood, Vana-Posti 8 on the other hand is in the Old Town of is a smaller, more trendy and exclusive dance venue in Estonia.

If you’re not into clubbing and partying, one thing more that singles in Tallin, Estonia can do is shopping! Who wouldn’t think of that? Shopping has indeed boomed its existence under capitalism in Estonia and quite a number of malls such as Kristine Keskus, Endia 45, and Ulemiste Centre which is by Estonia’s airport are now very much the apple of the eye of locals. The biggest shopping centre in Estonia is in Tallin which is Viru Keskus or Viru Centre. This is located in the city centre. It is connected with Kaubamaja Gonsiori 2, the biggest department store in Tallinn, Estonia. Other department stores in Estonia that are good to shop are De La Gardie Viru 13/15 and Stockmnn, Liivalaia 53.

Knitwear is also an interesting shopping item in Estonia. This can be found from the market by the old town wall next to Viru gate in Estonia. Fashion fans may want to check out the outlets of big international names such as Hugo Boss, Parnu 10 and Max Mara, Harju 6.

Your money will definitely feast on great finds and places in Estonia, whether you are just visiting or shopping, with a thick or empty wallet. So singles out there who are shopaholics, party junkies, prepare your money bags and passports and off you go to Estonia!

Photo credit: http://www.sxc.hu

The capital city of Estonia has been hailed as the “New Prague” being placed right up at the northern extremity of Europe on the shores of the Baltic Sea but its compactness made it easier to get around. I have visited quite a number of places in Estonia and among the best was: the Old Town. Tallinn’s old quarter is one of the loveliest places in Estonia and in Europe in general. Now there is no doubt why it is called “mini Prague”. Its compactness made it very easy to be navigated. Since most of the buildings in the Old Town have been renovated, the Old Town now takes pride in its cafes, restaurants, hotels, touristy shops. The Town Hall is another must see in Estonia. The original town hall was made in the 14th century which makes much of what we could see today dates from the 15th century. Small cafes and concerts and some other little events are often held in the Town Hall of Estonia. The space at the basement of the Town Hall of Estonia is used mostly for historical exhibitions.

The Cathedral of Alexander Nevsky is also a must see in Estonia. It is one of Estonia’s breath-taking orthodox cathedral that domainated the Toompea hillside. Local legend has it that the reason why the cathedral has been plagued by structural problems is that, although it was commissioned to commemorate a Russian hero, it actually stands on the grave of an Estonian one.

Estonia also boasts its Kumu Art Museum in Tallinn.  It was designed by Finnish architect, Pekka Vapaavuori and opened in 2006. Kumu is the stunning new main building of the Art Museum of Estonia. The Art Museum of Estonia and the Kumu Art Museum, also in Estonia serves as a national gallery and a contemporary museum fused into one. Estonian classics and more recent artworks are stored here. The Kumu is located on the limestone bank of Lasnamagi next to Kadriorg Park and near Kadriorg Palace in Estonia.

Tallin City Museum on the other hand offered a lucid and comprehensive depiction of the story of this historical city. I wonder why I have not even heard of those stories about Estonia before. This Museum in Estonia is housed in a 14th century building while it cover exhibits the German and Soviet times as well as those beyond independence pictured in some fascinating photos. Temporary art exhibitions are also staged here.

These are just a few of the places I’ve been in Estonia; it would be great if you’d get to see them too!