The old city in Tallinn is a delight for shoppers looking for Estonian arts and crafts. You will find a treasure house of high quality and handmade souvenirs in the shops and craft studios lining the medieval buildings in this area. Articles from leather and quilts to hats and glass are made on the spot in these studios. Try the shopping area in the Katariina passage, off Vene Street for quaint arts and craft items. If you enjoy haggling, then the outdoor open market is just the place for you!
Shopping in Estonia will give you many reasons to stop and enjoy the local fare. Get the best deals, learn about the best places to shop in Estonia, stop for some finger food, or relax in one of Estonia Restaurants.
Shopping in Estonia
Shopping Hours
Shops generally remain open between 10:00 and 19:00. Supermarkets stay open till 23.00. You may also find some shops open for 24 hours.
Most shops close early on Saturdays and remain closed on Sundays, except the really big malls and general grocery stores.
Interesting Souvenirs to take home
Ceramic Souvenirs: Old city buildings' ceramic replicas, sometimes fitted with candle holders inside, are extremely popular here.
Graphics: Old city streets are lined with paintings by amateur artists of all grades! You can visit a few galleries for prints and originals by Estonian artists. The Diele Gallery (I-2), by Vanaturu Kael 3, is worth a visit.
Music: You can try choral or symphonic music by composers Arvo Pärt, Eduard Tubin, Rudolf Tobias or Heino Eller. The Choral music album, Forgotten Peoples by Velio Thomas is a classic. Ultima Thule, Compromise Blue, Tonis Mägi, Hedvig Hanson, Jäääär (Jääboiler), or Maarja are the rock and pop stars in Estonia. But if techno is what you are really looking for, check out 2 Quick Start.
Jewellery: Much like Nordic style, Estonian jewellery shows clean lines, without being overly garish. There's this distinctly Estonian feel to the jewellery made here.
Liquor: Vana Tallinn is recommended Estonian-made liquor. Beer lovers must try the Tartu or Saku beer. Another heady drink is the Gremi, a brandy born in Georgia and bottled in Tallinn.
Wood Carvings: Estonian craftsmen carve virtually everything from wood - dolls to toy cars and even toilet seats! They use the fragrant juniper to make trays and spoons, and the wooden flowers they carve are much admired here.
Candy and Chocolate: How about taking back a box of chocolates imprinted with scenes from everyday Tallinn. Chocolates by Kalev, an Estonian candy maker, are well-known.
Carved Stone Items: Elegantly finished everyday items like candle holders, ashtrays, etc that are carved out of dolomite stone. This stone is generally quarried from the island of Saaremaa.
Russian Fur Hats: Hats of '30s and '40s style, and wackier hats - the kinds worn by court jesters or nobility of yore, are all the rage among the tourists. There is a good store at Vene street (I-3) selling a wide variety of hats. Otherwise, outdoor markets offer a good choice as well.
Knitted Woollens: Estonian hand-knitted sweaters, gloves or even socks are the cosiest things once could be in. A good place where you can find these woollens is at Müürivahe Street (I-3), along the outdoor market that runs by the old city wall.
Glass and Linen: Molen store, Viru 19 (I-3), offers a good collection and they make for excellent souvenirs. Cleverly-designed tinted glasses are exquisitely beautiful.
The City Paper: And finally, how about taking the city daily back home to get a real glimpse of everyday life in Estonia?
