Tallinn, Estonia
Museums
A great museum to visit in Tallinn is the Kumu Art Museum, which has a comprehensive collection of Estonian art. Other museums in Tallinn that you may be interested in checking out include the Estonian History Museum, the Seaplane Harbour Museum, and the Estonian Maritime Museum. If you're looking to explore more museums, you may also want to consider visiting Helsinki (Finland), which is just a short ferry ride away from Tallinn. The Finnish National Museum and the Ateneum Art Museum are both highly recommended.
Food
Some of the most recommended and popular dishes to try in Tallinn, Estonia include:
1. Black Bread - a traditional, dark rye bread that is often served with butter or cheese.
2. Pea Soup - a thick soup made with dried peas, vegetables, and usually some sort of smoked meat.
3. Blood Sausage - a type of sausage made with pork blood, barley, and other ingredients.
4. Smoked Fish - Baltic herring and salmon are popular types of fish that are often smoked and served with potatoes.
5. Elk Steak - a hearty dish made with tender elk meat that is usually served with a side of lingonberry sauce.
6. Kama - a traditional Estonian dessert made from roasted grains (usually barley, rye, and oats) that are ground into a fine flour and mixed with buttermilk and sugar.
7. Mulgipuder - a dish made from mashed potatoes and barley that is often served with a slice of bacon and sour cream on top.
8. Vana Tallinn - a sweet liqueur that is often enjoyed as an after-dinner drink. It has a unique flavor that combines rum, citrus, and spices.
Activities
Some fun activities that local people enjoy in Tallinn include:
1. Exploring the medieval Old Town: Locals love to wander around the narrow cobbled streets of Tallinn's old town, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
2. Visiting Kadriorg Park: This beautiful park is a favourite spot for locals to relax, have picnics, and enjoy the greenery. It also features several museums and an impressive Baroque palace.
3. Taking a sauna: Saunas are an important part of Estonian culture, and many locals enjoy visiting traditional wood-fired saunas or modern spa complexes.
4. Sampling local food and drink: Estonian cuisine features hearty dishes like black bread, smoked fish, and elk stew, and there are plenty of restaurants and bars in Tallinn where you can try them.
5. Attending cultural events: Tallinn hosts many cultural events throughout the year, including music festivals, theatre performances, and art exhibitions. Locals often attend these events to connect with their community and enjoy the arts.
