A hidden gem for event planners
If you’re seeking a destination that offers not only an incredible experience but also excellent value for your event, Estonia should be at the top of your list. For the year 2023, Tallinn, Estonia’s capital, holds the prestigious title of being the Green Capital of Europe. Next year, Tartu, Estonia’s second-largest city, will proudly take on the role of being the Cultural Capital of Europe. Visit Estonia and Estonian Convention Bureau have compiled an irresistible list of reasons why Estonia awaits discovery as a hidden gem for event planners.
Excellent value for money
Whether you’re organising a corporate seminar, a gala dinner, or a team-building retreat, Estonia offers a winning combination of affordability and quality that’s hard to match. From world-class hotels to skilled event organisers and a competitive pricing landscape, your budget can stretch further without compromising on the quality of your event.
Easy to reach
What makes Estonia even more enticing is its accessibility – just a short-haul flight away from Scandinavia as it shares a geographical latitude nearly identical to Stockholm. With a flight that’s only a stone’s throw away, your guests can experience the magic of Tallinn without the hassle of long journeys or jet lags.
Walkable cities
Estonia, with its population of just 1.3 million, offers a conveniently compact and hassle-free experience for guests. Most historical sights, main attractions, and restaurants are conveniently situated within a short stroll from hotels. Tallinn, home to about 450,000 people, has everything you need, but thanks to its size, it is still easy to go around with. In fact, the airport in Tallinn is a mere 4 km from downtown, making travel logistics a breeze.
Amazing, historic atmosphere
Estonia’s capital, Tallinn, is famous for its picture-perfect Old Town, which is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site for being one of the best-preserved medieval city centres in Europe. Away from Old Town’s cobblestone streets, the city has a modern feel, with off-beat architecture and redesigned factory zones trending now as cultural hotspots where startups, design galleries, restaurants and pubs occupy spaces that were until recently derelict warehouses. Estonia’s second-largest city, Tartu is the nation’s main university town. Tartu is loved for its off-beat student culture and also has its fair share of historical charm, including its own Old Town. The seaside resort town of Pärnu, meanwhile, is a popular choice for holding events outside the bigger cities.
Outstanding business hotels
Gone are the days of dull, corporate hotels with drab interiors, little or no atmosphere, and limited amenities. As Tallinn is Estonia’s major business hub, it is no surprise that it has a fantastic selection of modern business hotels on offer. In total, there are more than 7,600 hotel rooms in Tallinn. The bulk of the city’s accommodation is made up of a mix of large, world-class business hotels clustered just outside Old Town and charming boutique hotels built in the 14th and 15th-century merchant houses of Old Town itself. Many of the hotels come with spa facilities included in the room price, which can be a special treat for business travellers. Find the best business hotels for meetings here.
Spectacular event venues in Tallinn
Need a mind-blowing venue for a corporate conference or offsite reception? From the medieval heritage of Tallinn’s Old Town to its ultramodern architecture, Estonia’s capital offers a wide range of unique event venues with which to wow. Tallinn Creative Hub is a historic power station plant building that offers a fantastic early-20th-century industrial architecture setting for conferences, receptions and other events. In Seaplane Harbour guests can wine and dine next to a hundred-year-old submarine while admiring the impressive architecture of the building. Kadriorg Palace – a fabulous baroque-style palace that was built as a summer residence by Tsar Peter the Great for his empress, Catherine houses the foreign art collection of the Estonian Art Museum and serves as a festive reception venue. Tallinn Cruise Terminal and its surroundings can be used to organise various events, conferences, receptions, exhibitions, concerts and more. Proto Invention Factory offers event space that is perfect for groups looking for a memorable backdrop. Located in the trendy Hipster district of Telliskivi Creative Centre, Tallinn, lies Fotografiska Tallinn, a satellite gallery of Stockholm’s renowned Fotografiska Photography Museum.
The first Baltic country featured in the Michelin Guide
The charm of Estonian cuisine lies in its fusion of traditional flavours with modern twists, offering a unique gastronomic adventure for your event attendees. From cosy local bistros to upscale fine dining establishments, Estonia boasts a plethora of excellent restaurants that cater to diverse tastes and preferences. In 2022, Estonia became the first Baltic country to be featured in the Michelin Guide.
Learn more about Estonia’s capital, Tallinn, here.
