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Food & Drink
Hors d’oeuvres are very good and often the best part of the meal. Local specialities include slt (jellied veal), tidetud vasikarind (roast stuffed shoulder of veal) and rosolje (vinaigrette with herring and beets). Braised goose stuffed with apples and plums is also a Baltic speciality. The legal drinking age is 21.

Nightlife
Tallinn is used to entertaining daytrippers from Finland and has a wide range of restaurants, cafes and bars. There is also an opera and ballet theatre.

Shopping
Amber and local folk-art are good buys. Shopping hours: Mon-Fri 0900-2100. Many shops are also open at the weekend.

Special Events
For detailed information on major events and festivals occurring in Estonia, contact the Estonian Embassy or the tourist office (see Contact Addresses section). The following is a selection of special events occurring in 2005:
Jan 8-9 World Cup in Cross-Country Skiing. Feb 13 Tartu Marathon, Tehvandi Ski Stadium. Apr 9-10 11th International Prnu Film and Video Festival. Apr 25-May 1 The University Spring Festivities. May 5-7 Nordic Poetry Festival. Jun 3-Aug 26 3rd Prnu Organ Festival. Jun 30-Jul 3 25th International Hanseatic Days. Jul 2-Aug 4 David Oistrakh Festival. Jul 14-17 15th International Folklore Festival Prnumaa Pirand. Jul 16-Aug 3 Glasperlenspiel Music Festival. Aug 12-13 Saku Suverull.

Social Conventions
Handshaking is customary. Normal courtesies should be observed. The Estonians are proud of their culture and their national heritage, and visitors should take care to respect this sense of national identity. Tipping: Taxi fares and restaurant bills include a tip.