Tallinn’s old city’s is great for crafts and shops. One especially quaint shopping zone is along the Katariina passage (Katariina käik), off Vene street (I-3). A string of tastefully done craft studios/shops in medieval buildings sell handmade wares that are made on the spot, from leather and hats to glass and quilts. This place is a must for tourists on the prowl for high-quality souvenirs. Lühike jalg has a range of tasteful craft stores featuring the work of Estonian artists. Committed hagglers should hit the outdoor markets.

Opening hours are generally from 10:00-19:00. Many shops close early Saturday, with the exception of the big malls and grocery stores, most Tallinn stores are closed Sundays.

Tallinn Handicrafts Market
Located at Mere Puiestee this Tallinn market offers a lot of souvenirs, many of them from Russian origin. You will see everything from carvings, amber, matyroshka dolls to hand-knitted jackets.

Some craftsmen sell their wares along the street, like on Müürivahe in the old city. Prices are cheaper than in stores and Estonian artisans excel in leather goods, ceramics, wool, jewelry and wrought iron. Woven snowflake-design sweaters are also classics. Look for colorful national costumes.

Tallinn Knitting Market
Held in front of the medieval city wall, the knitting market is a daily non-food market mostly selling warm clothes with typical Estonian patterns. You’ll find jackets, wool, socks and hats, mostly sold buy women who are already working on the next item to put on their tables. This is the best place to buy a typical Estonian souvenir.

Tallinn Flower Market
Even if you are just browsing, the Tallinn flower market is a great place spend some time looking around. It is located in the new part of town, just outside the gates of the main entrance to the old town. You can see flowers of every type and it really adds some colour to this part of Tallinn!

Tallinn Wool Market
A quaint and pretty market where you can buy all kinds of hand knitted items. The emphasis is on Finnish or Nordic types of knit, many with tiny reindeer prancing around on hats and jumpers and cardigans. The stalls are wooden huts decorated with white fairy lights. Many stock similar items, but it’s worth wandering from one to another and doing a little bargaining. Prices are very reasonable.

Tallinn’s Market Square
In front of the City Hall is the oldest market in town. It has always been a location for markets and fairs. Around the square there are outdoor cafes, restaurants and small shops. Also, since 1441 the annual Christmas Market has taken place here…

Tallinn Christmas Market
November 26 – January 8, 2013

For the third year Rotermann Square, is the home for the main market and is the perfect setting for the little huts and the Christmas tree that people are already familiar with. There’s no better time to be in Tallinn than during the holiday season. Estonia’s medieval capital is inherently festive, particularly under the quilt of snow that the city’s latitude dumps each December. And though temperatures do dip quite drastically this time of year, the city’s celebratory atmosphere does well to dispel the cold.

Though Tallinn’s Christmas market only became a yearly tradition in 2001, it has already established itself as amongst the most well-loved and happily-visited Christmas markets in Europe. Certainly what it lacks in tradition it makes up for in atmosphere and ambiance, dispelling December’s darkness with colourful lights, music and activity.

Surrounding an enormous Christmas tree hung with lights and decorations, artisans sell a variety of original products including felted wool hats and slippers, buckwheat pillows, wooden bowls, wickerwork, elaborate quilts, ceramic and glassware, little sea-grass animals (so Estonian), homemade candles, wreaths and other decorations.

Holiday shows are common on the cobbled square and traditional Estonian holiday food is also served: pork, sauerkraut and blood sausages, hot soups, stir-fries. Other traditional treats include gingerbread, marzipan, various local honeys, cookies, nuts and sweets. Hot mulled wine poured from large wooden barrels keeps the crowds warm.

Tallinn Shops
Tallinn is very ‘modern shopper’ friendly and has more to offer than just the traditional handcrafts. The best places to find quality fashion, shoes, perfume and the like are the elegant boutiques along Old Town’s Viru and Müürivahe streets, and the large, full-service department stores and malls that have recently been appearing all over Tallinn.

Happy Shopping!