Why now?

Affordable five-star at Hotel Telegraaf (telegraafhotel.com) is due to open May 1 in a 19th-century former telegraph exchange. Cheap beer draws the stag parties in summer so go soon to enjoy the medieval old town in peace. Take a day trip to Aegna or Naissaar islands with long stretches of deserted beach (boats leave from the Linnahall terminal).

Getting there

Three nights' B&B at the Telegraaf costs £390pp, including flights from Gatwick, with Regent Holidays (regent-holidays.co.uk, 0870 4990911).

Where to eat

Lounge Kaheksa (Vana-Posti 8, lounge8.ee) is unusual in that it doesn't look like your grandma's front room. Beers, smoothies and cocktails as well as snacks. For more ideas, go to tallinn-life.com.