Experience in Tallinn, Estonia by Karolina

What is it like to live in Tallinn? Would you recommend it? What is the city like?

I have lived near Tallinn almost my whole life, so hard to compare with some other cities. But yes, I would reccomend as it is not a very big city, so moving in the city from one place to another is easy and does not take so long. Also everything is within hand reach. City is mostly quiet, filled with working people and school/university students, but on the weekends, Old Town gets filled with party people.

What is the student lifestyle like in Tallinn?

Its pretty cheap and fun. Many international students are in Tallinn and in TalTech university.

How much does it cost to live in Tallinn?

You can find student dorms with maximum 250 euros, average is 150 euros (you can get a place in two people bedroom with 100 euros only). Renting an apartment with someone else is also good idea. Food and other expenses depend on your lifestyle and activities, but eating out can be very cheap and affordable.

Is it difficult to find accommodation in Tallinn? Is there any advice you can give?

Student dormorities are easy to find ang get, but about the apartments, I do not know.

What is the food like? What are your favourite dishes?

Food is stuffy and good and Estonian cuisine has both very good dishes and some that I do not like at all, I suggest people to try kama, kohuke and mulgipuder. But Tallinn has many chinese and thai food resturants, suhsi resturants, italian and so on.

What places would you recommend visiting in Tallinn?

Definately Old Town, which is also in UNESCO World Heritage List and the Christmas market there has been chosen as one of the finest in Europe.
Also suggest to visit Pirita beach in the summer and Kalamaja and Tellsikivi loomelinnak districts. And definately cannot miss Song Festival Grounds, where are held Estonian Song Festivals.

Is it good to eat out in Tallinn? Can you tell us your favourite spots?

My favourite spots would be Gru in Old Town and many places in Telliskivi loomelinnak area like F-Hoone, Lendav Taldrik, Kivi Paber Käärid and so on.

Is the nightlife good in Tallinn? Where is good to go?

It is pretty good, most clubs are situated in the Old Town or near them, so if some club is boring or etc, then You can just hop to the next one.

What advice would you give future students heading to Tallinn?

Take part of the student activities in the University and try to go outside Tallinn for example to Otepää, Tart and islands like Saaremaa or Muhu. Have fun and enjoy!