With its Unesco-protected Old Town, burgeoning foodie scene and fascinating hybrid of Russian and Scandinavian culture, Estonia's capital city Tallinn is a must-see for anyone bored of pedestrian city breaks. Easily accessible by a short direct flight from London, this charming city is the emerging star of the Baltics, aligning itself with its Scandinavian neighbours to the North rather than its former rulers in the East. Here's the lowdown on what to do if you've got 48 hours there…

Where to stay

Some of Tallinn's most famous visitors have stayed at the Swissôtel, including President Barack Obama and the English football team, so it's no surprise really that it's considered to be the best the city has to offer. The rooms, many of which overlook the Old Town, feature everything you need for a city break – a Queen-sized bed, coffee-machine and an iron – while the hotel's 30th floor restaurant Horisont is rated one of the top three in town. The famous Swiss hospitality is evident in everything the staff do; from the seemingly psychic knowledge of what kind of water you like to the 24-hour room service.

Where to eat

While haute cuisine might not be something you associate with Tallinn, there is certainly an emerging culinary culture that is immediately obvious when you're walking around the town, with numerous restaurants on every street. What is less obvious are the secret so-called "living room restaurants", where families open up their houses to serve home-cooked food. It's a phenomenon that's taken Estonia by storm, with many popping up across the country. One such eatery, Mull (translated as Bubble), is well worth a visit, if just to wonder at its bohemian decor. Owned by a national celebrity, a model-turned-painter called Beatrice, the restaurant invites guests to sample a constantly changing menu inspired by her own personal tastes, all while enjoying non-stop champagne; indeed, the presence of hundreds of popped corks and empty bottles is testament to how much the bubbles flow. If you're looking for something a little more traditional, head to Oku, a seaside restaurant located in a small fishing village. The seventh best restaurant in Tallinn, it serves a mouth-watering array of local cuisine, with our favourite dishes including the fresh white fish (we piled ours high onto Russian rye bread with sour cream, roe and chives), ox-cheek cigars dipped in soy sauce and soft-shell crab.

Where to drink

Despite its historic reputation as a popular destination for stag dos, there is a surprising lack of nightlife in Tallinn; something the locals are no doubt thankful for. One watering hole worth visiting however is Manna La Roosa, the most Instagrammed place in the entire city. Snap-happy punters don't just come here for the decadent furnishings, mismatched furniture and interesting wall art but also the extensive cocktail list, which features everything from an Old Fashioned to a Whiskey Sour.

What to see

The best way to see Tallinn is a walking tour, and considering Estonia's status as one of the most technologically advanced nations in the world, why not try the self-guided one available on the iPad? The Blue Drum app gets you to work as a team to complete a series of challenges while you explore the cobbled streets of the Old Town, ensuring that you enjoy yourself while you learn a little about the city. Find out why Old Thomas is the symbol of the town from the man himself at the top of the city walls, admire the ethereal beauty of the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral and take a panoramic shot of the picturesque pastel-coloured buildings in the main square.

What to buy

Estonians love two things: free Wi-Fi (a frequent boast you'll hear is that 98% of the country is covered by it) and marzipan. A matter of national pride, they claim theirs is the best, and not just because it's the Germans who are the other mass producers. If you've got time make sure you visit Kalev, Tallinn's biggest marzipan shop, where everything is painted painstakingly by hand – you can even join in yourself and take home the perfect souvenir.

What to do

Make like a local and head to Lahemaa National Park, located a 40-minute drive from Tallinn. There, you'll be greeted with 725 square-kilometres of pine trees, bogs and lakes, as well as views of the coast and the mountains in what is a mini-version of rural Estonia as a whole. Breathtakingly beautiful as well as utterly tranquil, it has to be seen to be believed and is well worth the pilgrimage. In the winter people come here to marvel at the icy bogs and frozen lakes, while in the summer they swim in the thawed pools and watch for bears.

Swiss Advantage Rooms at Swissôtel Tallinn start from €160 (£116) per night on a bed and breakfast basis based on double occupancy. For more information please visit www.Swissotel.com and www.VisitEstonia.com.

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