what was Tallinn like ?

[JamesWales]

Re: what was Tallinn like ?

Anyone recommend a cheaper place to head out to that's actually alright?

Secondary cities would be more so, or perhaps places like Bucharest, Belgrade, Kiev?

Brussels is surprisingly affordable and attractive. I love German cities too.

I think it's just a tourist trap thing, but whereas for us it may put 10-50% on a pint for the city centre, in some cities in Europe it adds 200-300%. I would hate that, for your own city centre to be off limits

[Taunton Blue Genie]

Re: what was Tallinn like ?

My last Eastern European trip took in Moldova, Transnistria, Odessa and Kiev (both The Ukraine), Belarus and Lithuania. Odessa had a Parisian feel about it and Minsk was surprisingly very sophisticated. The prize goes to Transnistria (aka Pridnestrovian Moldavian Republic) though. It's a rogue beakaway state state(from Moldova) run by the Russians and gangs and which doesn't cuturally dovetail into countries to the west. Cards don't work in their ATM systems, using foreign currency in shops wasn't allowed and currency could only be exchanged officially in banks that open during office hours. Oh, and I believe that the flag is the only one still around that includes a hammer and sickle. It's not an attractive place for tourists (and you can't fly in there direct) but it's wonderfully spooky and off the beaten track.

[Des Parrot]

Re: what was Tallinn like ?

My last Eastern European trip took in Moldova, Transnistria, Odessa and Kiev (both The Ukraine), Belarus and Lithuania. Odessa had a Parisian feel about it and Minsk was surprisingly very sophisticated. The prize goes to Transnistria (aka Pridnestrovian Moldavian Republic) though. It's a rogue beakaway state state(from Moldova) run by the Russians and gangs and which doesn't cuturally dovetail into countries to the west. Cards don't work in their ATM systems, using foreign currency in shops wasn't allowed and currency could only be exchanged officially in banks that open during office hours. Oh, and I believe that the flag is the only one still around that includes a hammer and sickle. It's not an attractive place for tourists (and you can't fly in there direct) but it's wonderfully spooky and off the beaten track.

& no phone connections

[Des Parrot]

Re: what was Tallinn like ?

Kiev. Fantastic place, beautiful, and also very cheap. I was there in the summer in 2019 and the river also has loads of beach bars which was an unexpected bonus. Can't wait to go back.

My Polish friends strongly recommend Lviv as the pick of Ukrainian cities.