WHERE TO STAYScandic Palace: Well-located Soviet-era hotel on the edge of the old city. Double rooms start at about $75 (www.scandichotels.ee).
Radisson Blu Hotel Olumpia: Top of the line, built for the 1980 Olympics (sailing events were held in Tallinn). Double rooms from about $120 (www.radissonblu.com/olumpiahotel-tallinn).
Meriton Old Town Garden Hotel: Small and delightful three-year-old hotel in the heart of the Old Town. Double rooms from about $105 (www.meritonhotels.com).
WHAT TO DO
Estonian History Museum: Excellent exhibits on the history of the country and the Guild Hall itself (www.ajaloomuuseum.ee; click the "English" link at the upper right).
Kumu: Stunning modern art museum, named European Museum of the Year for 2008 (www.ekm.ee).
The Song Festival Grounds: The grounds are a public park and open free 24 hours a day. A tower with spectacular views is open 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays. Check the website for the concert schedule. Some are free, but others require admission (www.lauluvaljak.ee/eng). There are also free concerts at the Dome Church and many other venues all summer. The Birgitta Festival (www.birgitta.ee) at the Pirita convent holds a variety of events in August.
Livonia: One of several Livonia shops in the city selling local specialties such as linen tablecloths, wool shawls, sweaters and hats, and amber jewelry (www.horveit.ee).
Estonian Maritime Museum: Earlier this month, the museum opened its new Seaplane Harbor Museum in a hangar used by Charles Lindbergh, where visitors can climb into a submarine (www.meremuuseum.ee).
