TOP 10 museums in Tallinn!

Kumu art museum
The Kumu Art Museum won the title of the best museum in Europe in 2008. At that time it had already been open for two years. This is one of the most popular tourist destinations because it contains both ancient art as well as contemporary pieces. The rooms of permanent exhibition are filled with the early classics of Estonian art from the 18^th century until the end of the Second World War. KUMU is worth visiting even if you are not so much into art. Building itself is a piece of art. On the first floor, there is a really nice cafe, in the summer you can sit on the terrace and enjoy a coffee and a view of the park. 
Check it out at:
http://www.ekm.ee/eng/kumu.php

Address

Weizenbergi 34/ Valge 1
 

Kadriorg art Museum

Kadriorg art museum is housed in this magnificent northern baroque palace, built by Peter the Great for his wife, Catherine, in 1718. The museum and the surrounding park is well worth a visit. This is the home to the foreign art collection of the Art Museum of Estonia. The Kadriorg Art Museum displays hundreds of 16th- to 20th-century paintings by Western and Russian artists, as well as prints, sculptures and other works. Visit also the museum garden
Check it out at:
http://www.ekm.ee

Address

Weizenbergi 34/ Valge 1
 

Kiek In De Kök

This massive, medieval defence tower on the slopes of Toompea hill was oddly dubbed Kiek in de Kök (literally, “peep into the kitchen”) because from here the soldiers could peer into the kitchens of the houses below. The tower now appropriately houses a museum that traces the development of the town and its military history from the 13th to the 18th centuries. Lower floors are used for temporary photographic art exhibitions. 
Check it out at:

www.linnamuuseum.ee/kok
Aadress:
Komandandi 2

Underground tunnels
Underneath the Toompea bastions is a network of tunnels. Several hundred meters of which has been cleared for visitors and March 25 Kiek In De Kök will open renovated underground tunnels. Rumor has it that the entire old-town has a network of underground tunnels, but no-one knows for sure. The Bastion Tunnels can be only visited by guided tours. Group size is limited to 20 persons.
Check it out at:

www.linnamuuseum.ee/kok
Aadress:
Komandandi 2 

Museum of Estonian Architecture
Rotermann Salt Storage (renovated ion 1995-1996), witch is one of the most imposing buildings in the so-called Rotermann quarter in Tallinn, is housing the Museum of Estonian Architecture. The cellar of the then single-storey building what accommodated a salt storage, is now hosting the gallery room. On the ground floor thre is the permanent exhibition featuring the items from the Museum’s collection of models. The exhibition is designed to provide an overview of the 20th century Estonian architecture. On the first and second floor there are different exhibition halls and gallerys. 
Check it out at : 
http://www.arhitektuurimuuseum.ee/eam/english/index.htm
Aadress:
Ahtri 2

Estonian open Air Museum

This museum on the outskirts of Tallinn in Rocca al Mare lets you travel back in time to the rural Estonia of old. The vast, forested park is filled with thatched, 18-20th-century farm buildings, windmills, a wooden chapel and a village school, with staff demonstrating how people lived and worked in times past. Visitors can buy handicrafts and try out the traditional food served in the village tavern.
Check it out at: 
www.evm.ee
Address:
Vabaöhumuuseumi tee 12

Science Centre Energy
Science is made fun in this family-oriented, hands-on science centre located in a former power station. More than 160 interactive see-and-do displays on electricity, optics and other branches of physics fill all three floors of the vast museum. In addition, you may order gripping science and space shows.
check it out at:
www.energeetikakeskus.ee
address:
Pöhja pst 29

St. Nicholas Church
Saints, dancing skeletons and silver – not to mention the occasional organ concert – are the main attractions at this imposing, 13th-century church. It was destroyed by World War II bombs. The most precious art treasures survived merely thanks to their timely evacuation from the church. Since its restoration St. Nicholas' has functioned as a museum specializing in works of religious art, most famously Bernt Notke's beautiful but spooky painting Danse Macabre (Dance with Death). The building's acoustics also make it a prime concert venue, with organ or choir performances held there most weekends.
Check it out at: 
www.ekm.ee/nigulise.php?id=145
Address:
Niguliste 3

Tallinn Zoo

Tallinn Zoo has one of Northern Europe's best collections and  the best collections of mountain goats and sheep in the world. The list of its residents includes rhinos, vultures, camels, polar bears, pythons, lions, bison and dozens of other species. You can visit the crocodiles and chimpanzees in the Tropical House, or make your way over to the Elephant House to see a pigmy hippo, a chinchilla, various snakes and, of course, an elephant. Its real stars are its incredibly rare Amur leopards; only 30 to 35 of these animals still exist worldwide.For a sneak preview of these cats, visit the leopard-cam on the zoo's website. The best time to see the cubs romping around is just after dawn and just before sunset.
Check it out at:
www.loomaaed.ee

Address:
Paldiski mnt. 145

Shifara Gallery

Is the oldest and biggest art and antiques gallery in Estonia founded in 1990. The Gallery got its name from the founder.  The Gallery offers in large selection collectables and antique items – coins, orders, medals, stamps and other philately, paper money, signatures, maps, historical photos, postcards…The special field of activities is selling original Russian, Estonian and European art classics and antiquities: paintings, graphics, sculptures, icons, porcelain (Meissen Sevres), gold and silver items (Faberge, Ovchinnikov) and jewelry.
Check it out at: 
www.shifara-antique.ee
Address: 
Vana-Posti 7

TOP 7 unknown facts about Estonia

1. Skype - It's a software application that allows users to make voice and video calls over the Internet. Skype was written by ESTONIANS!

2. Summer Olympic games 1980 - It was an international multi-sport event held in Moscow, Soviet Union... In additional, the yachting events were held in Tallinn, the capital of Estonia. For the game, the Olympic complex was built to Pirita as well as hotel Olümpia and road to Pirita.This Olympic sign is still available to look.

 
3. The first Christmas tree - Tallinn is the city of the first Christmas Tree in the world. In 1441 the fraternity of Tallinn's unmarried merchants, called the Blackheads, put up a Christmas Tree in the Town Hall Square. They drank, sang and danced with girls around the decorated spruce. The culmination of the party was the burning of the Christmas Tree. Nova days we still have this tradition and we still have a Christmas tree in Town Hall Square at Christmas.. The only difference is that they are not burnt there anymore but in the harbor in the middle of january. 

4. Olevist church in Tallinn - Between 1549 and 1625, when the spire burnt down after a lightning strike, it was the tallest building in the world. It currently continues as an active Baptist churc. The tower's viewing platform offers panoramic views over the old town and is open to the public from April through Nov, daily 10:00 - 18:00. Admission 30kr (1.92 €).

5. Lennusadam - The most interesting historic concrete edifice is floatplane hangar which is located behind the Patarei jail house. A century ago it was the biggest ferroconcrete edifice in Europe.

6. Raeapteek - Opposite the Town Hall, at house number 11, it is one of the oldest continuously running pharmacies in Europe, having always been in business in the same exact house since the early 15th century. It is also the oldest commercial enterprise and the oldest medical establishment in Tallinn.

7. Suur Munamägi (Big Egg Mountain) - is the highest peak in Estonia (and the Baltic States), reaching only 318 metres (1,040 ft) above sea level.

TOP 9 gift ideas

1. Vana Tallinn (Old Tallinn) - Vana Tallinn is a sticky dark strong liqueur with a little rum taste. There are various ways to drink it. Brave ones drink it straight, adding just crushed ice. Others try it in coctails, with coffee or pour it over the icecream. Yammi. For those who find it too strong, Vana Tallinn also has creamy and chocolate versions. 

2. Kalevi kommid - Estonian own Kalev chocolate factory is over 200 years old. It makes really-really delicious candies as well as wide choice of chocolates. It's a must to taste some Kalev's products while being in Estonia. Kalev candies would also be a great gift idea for your loved ones back home. We just love the range of Kalev praline candies (cheesecake flavored with waffle pieces, almond, tiramisu, cashew nuts, coffee and caramelised nuts) and  "Maiuspala" praline candies (it's a gift box). The good news is that Kalev candy store is just around the corner from Nunne hostel :)

3. Etno socks - Ethnic style socks are the latest local fashion trend. Socks might not seem like the most obvious souvenir of your trip to Estonia, but these are socks with difference - they are unusual, attractive, very Estonian, and you can only find then in Estonia. Produced by Suva, the oldest hosiery manufacturer in Estonia and sold under brand name ETNO. Designs are based on traditional Estonian patterns, the same style as on folk costumes. These include everything from the brightly coloured stripes to abstract geometric patterns. The best place to find ETNO brand in Tallinn, is the Suva shop in Kaubamaja building.

4. Wooden stuff from juniper tree - In Estonia juniper is well known and highly appreciated tree. The products from juniper are very durable and have a really pleasant smell. Our ancient belief is that juniper is a magic tree with strong healing power. Cutting boards, panspades, heat resistants, butterknives, cheesknives are just some of the things to take with you back home. To get the real juniper tree, smell it before you buy!

5. Hand painted coffemugs - Unique hand painted coffemugs (by Helina Tilk), with a range to cover almost every animal you can imagine + Tallinn special muggs. Bright colours and funny. Her shop is at Rataskaevu street, almost next to Nunne hostel.

6. A book called ''My Estonia'' - This is for people who has a little more interest in Estonia and it's people. This book is written by an American guy called Justin Petrone. He fell in love with an intriguing Estonian journalist and embarks on a journey that restores his faith in himself and the world. Estonia and Estonians through his eyes.7. Woollen stuff - Another gift idea would be just to buy a woollen items of clothing such as socks or gloves. They look cute and will definitely keep you warm! Also if you would like to have something special... there's couple of places that offers tailor-made items personally for you!

8. Estonian National Dishes Cook Book - Just simply go to the nearest book store and ask for an Estonian Nationatal Dishes Cook Book. Then you can take a bit of Estonia back to home with you!

9. Black bread - This is real Estonian special. We eat black bread a lot and have it in many different versions. Our favorite is the brand  MUST LEIB (Black bread) and MUST TASKU produced by Fazer or Eesti Pagar. Try also this MUST LEIB with seeds (Fazer).