The Baltic States
Posted by: matthewr on 18 January 2004
I am thinking of visiting for a week or so in late Feb / early March before they join the EU.
Has anyone been or know anything about what to see and do?
Is Feb/March just too cold and unpleasant to visit such countries?
I probably don't have time to visit all three so can anyoen comment on the relative merits of Talinn, Vilnius and Riga?
Thanks.
Matthew
Has anyone been or know anything about what to see and do?
Is Feb/March just too cold and unpleasant to visit such countries?
I probably don't have time to visit all three so can anyoen comment on the relative merits of Talinn, Vilnius and Riga?
Thanks.
Matthew
Posted on: 18 January 2004 by Willito
Good choice Matthew, the Baltics are wonderful to visit. All three of the capitals tend to be associated with the new Prague tag. I haven't been to Vilnius but in the case of the other two, it is certainly merited.
In terms of weather, March is probably better than February. I was in Tallin last March, and while it was chilly, it wasn't unpleasent. As both are coastal cities, however, the cold is damp and can seem far more biting than the thermometer would suggest.
The cities offer very different things. Tallin is arguably the prettier of the two, but is tiny. The historical center can be walked in an hour or two. Standouts are the Alexander Nevsky cathedral, Toompea hill, and the area around the town square. You can find all the tourist information that you require, including where to stay and what to do, at www.inyourpocket.com. IMHO, they are the best guides for Eastern Europe, and as they are updated quarterly, are always current.
Be warned that Tallin is a growin stag destination, and the preferred choice for a duty free weekend of boozing by the Fins. This coalesces in the Hotel Viru, whose nightclub is an interesting sociological experience. There is definitely a whiff of sex tourism in the air.
I have been to Tallin on a combination of both holidays and business, and have always felt safe. Its reputation for being a great night out is well deserved, with most people proving to be very friendly. Inyourpocket will fill you in on all the clubs. Personally, I've always had a good time at Hollywood. The last time I was there it was an 80s night with a twist as it celebrated the the 1980 Moscow Olympics.
Riga is much larger, and architecturally, newer than Tallin. There are some stand-out buildings in the center (The Black-Head's House) that have been re-built to their medieval specifications. The Museum of the Occupation, which details Latvia's history during the Soviet Union, is absolutely fascinating! (Be forewarned the relations with Russia and the large Russian populations within both cities can be frictive.) Again, Inyourpocket.com will fill you in on all the details.
Personally, I enjoy Riga more as there is more to do. If you are interested in purchasing art, there seems to be a gallery on every corner. There are exceptional works available from contemporary local artists for very reasonable money. Tallin has a fairy tale feel about it, and I stress again, a hell of a night out, but can prove difficult to fill your days. Riga I've found to be better for live music, and there is a great punk club right in the center of town. Don't know if you will hear the Exploding Hearts though. ;-)
As for Vilnius, I've heard very good things, but have never been. There is a monument to Frank Zappa there, which bodes good things.
One funny thing is that travel in the region is surprisingly difficult. There is no direct train between Tallin and Riga. Your options are to take a bus, or hire a car and driver. It's about five hour driver from what I recall.
BTW, both cities are very safe!
I'm sorry I've rambled, but I really am a big fan of both cities! Please let me know if you have any other questions.
Hope you have a good trip,
Will
In terms of weather, March is probably better than February. I was in Tallin last March, and while it was chilly, it wasn't unpleasent. As both are coastal cities, however, the cold is damp and can seem far more biting than the thermometer would suggest.
The cities offer very different things. Tallin is arguably the prettier of the two, but is tiny. The historical center can be walked in an hour or two. Standouts are the Alexander Nevsky cathedral, Toompea hill, and the area around the town square. You can find all the tourist information that you require, including where to stay and what to do, at www.inyourpocket.com. IMHO, they are the best guides for Eastern Europe, and as they are updated quarterly, are always current.
Be warned that Tallin is a growin stag destination, and the preferred choice for a duty free weekend of boozing by the Fins. This coalesces in the Hotel Viru, whose nightclub is an interesting sociological experience. There is definitely a whiff of sex tourism in the air.
I have been to Tallin on a combination of both holidays and business, and have always felt safe. Its reputation for being a great night out is well deserved, with most people proving to be very friendly. Inyourpocket will fill you in on all the clubs. Personally, I've always had a good time at Hollywood. The last time I was there it was an 80s night with a twist as it celebrated the the 1980 Moscow Olympics.
Riga is much larger, and architecturally, newer than Tallin. There are some stand-out buildings in the center (The Black-Head's House) that have been re-built to their medieval specifications. The Museum of the Occupation, which details Latvia's history during the Soviet Union, is absolutely fascinating! (Be forewarned the relations with Russia and the large Russian populations within both cities can be frictive.) Again, Inyourpocket.com will fill you in on all the details.
Personally, I enjoy Riga more as there is more to do. If you are interested in purchasing art, there seems to be a gallery on every corner. There are exceptional works available from contemporary local artists for very reasonable money. Tallin has a fairy tale feel about it, and I stress again, a hell of a night out, but can prove difficult to fill your days. Riga I've found to be better for live music, and there is a great punk club right in the center of town. Don't know if you will hear the Exploding Hearts though. ;-)
As for Vilnius, I've heard very good things, but have never been. There is a monument to Frank Zappa there, which bodes good things.
One funny thing is that travel in the region is surprisingly difficult. There is no direct train between Tallin and Riga. Your options are to take a bus, or hire a car and driver. It's about five hour driver from what I recall.
BTW, both cities are very safe!
I'm sorry I've rambled, but I really am a big fan of both cities! Please let me know if you have any other questions.
Hope you have a good trip,
Will
Posted on: 19 January 2004 by matthewr
Will,
Many thanks for you answer -- very interesting and a huge help.
I shall trawl through a few sites and guide books and may be back with more questions.
Matthew
Many thanks for you answer -- very interesting and a huge help.
I shall trawl through a few sites and guide books and may be back with more questions.
Matthew
Posted on: 19 January 2004 by Markus S
quote:
Originally posted by Willito:
Be warned that Tallin is a growin stag destination, and the preferred choice for a duty free weekend of boozing by the Fins. This coalesces in the Hotel Viru, whose nightclub is an interesting sociological experience. There is definitely a whiff of sex tourism in the air.
Anybody willing to take bets that Matthew will visit Tallinn?
Posted on: 19 January 2004 by Brian OReilly
quote:
Originally posted by Markus Sauer:quote:
Originally posted by Willito:
Be warned that Tallin is a growin stag destination, and the preferred choice for a duty free weekend of boozing by the Fins. This coalesces in the Hotel Viru, whose nightclub is an interesting sociological experience. There is definitely a whiff of sex tourism in the air.
Anybody willing to take bets that Matthew will visit Tallinn?
Hmmmmm.... It could pay for his holiday....
Brian OReilly
Posted on: 19 January 2004 by matthewr
Actually I was most looking forward to seeing St Olaf's which is the largest Medieval church in Europe I believe.
Matthew
Matthew
Posted on: 19 January 2004 by glenda
Hi Matthew - I went to Tallin a couple of years ago and found it surprisingly cosmopolitan . I can recommend "The bar with no name" which rumour has it is owned by a Scottish football fan who fell in love with the city afetr the Scotland / Estonia "There's only one team in Tallin " fiasco a few years ago.
The language is bloody difficult and I made the big mistake of trying to learn a few words of Russian . I found out later that they hate the bloody Russians , with good cause , and they are treated as second class citizens.
I did the city tour as well - very informative .
Hope this helps
Glenda.
The language is bloody difficult and I made the big mistake of trying to learn a few words of Russian . I found out later that they hate the bloody Russians , with good cause , and they are treated as second class citizens.
I did the city tour as well - very informative .
Hope this helps
Glenda.