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.
Best buys in Tallinn are amber jewellery and accessories, Vana
Tallinn liqueur
, handicraft items like carved
wooden beer mugs, felt hats, ceramics and glassware.,Kalev-brand
dark, 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 2500. 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.