Shopping

One of the most exciting cities for shopping in the Baltics, Tallinn will appeal to all shopaholics' senses. With a wonderful variety of shops, boutiques and specialty stores hidden away in pokey side streets, there's plenty of time and money to spend in this historic city.

The main shopping streets in the Old Town are Viru, Müürivahe, Suur-Karja, Väike-Karja and Kullassepa. For those who prefer to confine themselves to a shopping centre, head to the Viru Centre is the place to find a selection of fashion, homeware and music stores.

The Old Town is the place to head for souvenir and antique shopping, while the Katariina Passage is a magical place to observe where medieval-style workshops create glasswork, ceramics, leather goods and quilts right before your very eyes. The Central market is worth strolling around, even if only to mingle with the locals.

The most popular souvenirs from Tallinn are amber jewellery and accessories, Vana Tallinn liqueur, handicraft items like carved wooden beer mugs, felt hats, ceramics and glassware. Kalev-brand bittersweet Estonian chocolate, and hand-painted marzipan are also popular souvenirs.

Most shops are open Monday to Friday from 10am to 6pm and from 10am to 5pm on Saturdays. The sales tax, which is levied on most good and services on Estonia is 18% and non-European travellers can apply for a tax refund on good bought at a minimum of EEK 2,500. A form needs to be filled out at the point of purchase in order to claim tax back and these forms can be obtained from most retailers and Customs Offices.