Yes, English is widely spoken in Tallinn, especially by younger people and those in the tourism industry, making it easy for visitors to communicate; while older generations might be more fluent in Russian, English proficiency is very high, with most younger Estonians having excellent command of it due to education and media exposure.
Can I use English in Tallinn? English is the most widely known foreign language in Tallinn, although older people are more likely to speak German. In most establishments in the tourist industry it is possible to use English, Finnish, Russian and German.
Are Estonians friendly to tourists? People in Estonia tend to present themselves formally before revealing their friendly personalities to others. Visitors can easily interact with locals throughout cities and tourist areas because English is commonly spoken.
Although there's no recent history of terrorism in Estonia, attacks cannot be ruled out. Attacks could be indiscriminate including in places visited by foreign nationals. Stay aware of your surroundings, keep up to date with local media reports and follow the advice of local authorities.
How many languages do you speak? - Tallinn, Estonia
Can I drink tap water in Estonia?
Tap water quality in the capital city has been comparable to that of any country in Western Europe for several years now, and therefore we keep encouraging people to drink tap water.
Verivorst. Verivorst, or blood sausage, is a dark sausage that originated in Sweden and Latvia in the 19th century. It's a Christmas and winter treat, but if you visit a traditional Estonian restaurant, it might be on the menu in summer. It's considered Estonia's national dish.
The private limited company (or OÜ, "osaühing" in Estonian) is the most common business entity among both Estonian residents and e-residents. View a comparison of all business entities.
Bag snatching, pickpocketing, mugging and petty theft occur. Pickpockets target people at airports, train stations, parks, routes to major hotels, and the Old Town in Tallinn. They often work in small groups. Keep an eye on your belongings.
Estonia began moving away from Russian influence, rejecting Russia's economic model in favour of an open market and joining the European Union and NATO in 2004. Relations remained cold, deteriorating further following the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Tipping. Tipping is not required in Estonia, and a tip will not be included in the bill at most restaurants, but if you're happy with your waiter's service, a 10% tip is polite. When paying by card, do keep in mind that it's not usually possible to add a tip electronically, so a bit of cash comes in handy.
Generally, Estonians are polite and respectful. Typically, they prefer to respond only when you make the first move, and it may take time for them to build trust, which can make them appear a bit suspicious.
Tallinn ranks 93rd city in Europe when it comes to cost of living, but is the most expensive city in Estonia. For a family of four, the estimated monthly expenses are around €3,031, plus rent of about €1,194, bringing the total to approximately €4,225.
Breakfast in Estonia is usually composed of bread, cold meat, and cheese, often eaten together as a sandwich. Some Estonians also eat porridge made from groats and potatoes.
Vana Tallinn (Old Tallinn), a robust, rum-based liqueur, is Estonia's best-known alcoholic beverage and a local favorite. Famous for its dark brown color and distinctive, velvety taste, Vana Tallinn is flavored by hints of citrus, cinnamon, and vanilla.
Table Etiquette. Estonians eat their food with utensils, usually holding the fork in the left hand in the knife in the right hand in the Continental style. It is considered impolite in Estonia to rest one's elbows on the table, and it is good manners to finish everything on one's plate.
The International Social Survey Programme 2015 found that 57.0% of the Estonian population declared to belong to a Christian denomination, divided between a 27.6% who were Eastern Orthodox, 26.0% Lutheran and 3.3% who belonged to smaller Christian denominations.
In Tallinn, avoid leaving drinks/belongings unattended, accepting drinks from strangers, using unmarked taxis, and walking in poorly lit areas or rough neighborhoods like parts of Kopli late at night, while also being cautious of pickpockets in crowded tourist spots and being aware of strict drug laws.
The 1-2-3 drinking rule is a moderation guideline: no more than 1 drink per hour, 2 drinks per occasion, and 3 alcohol-free days per week, helping to pace consumption and reduce risk, though it's important to know that no level of alcohol is completely risk-free, and other guidelines (like the 0-1-2-3 rule or official dietary recommendations) also exist. A "standard drink" is key: 12 oz regular beer, 5 oz wine, or 1.5 oz spirits, and it's crucial to avoid mixing alcohol with medications or while driving.
The capital of Estonia, Tallinn, boasts several public swimming beaches perfect for fun under the sun. Fresh sea breeze, soft golden sands, and the sounds of passing seagulls form an ideal combination for hot summer days in the city.
