Medieval fascination in the Baltics

Digitally-oriented and modern

If you step outside the walls (and especially if you head to the port), you will find a completely different world. Modern architecture and an eye into the future are the features of a city and a country that might be small, but it is willing to become great. There is an old military fort on the coast in Tallinn, not far from the center, that today hosts a few improvised pubs on the ground floor. By 2026, the city wants to turn it into a modernized structure where the citizens can meet and hang out. Let's see if they can keep the deadline.



The digital infrastructure is one of the best you can find in eastern Europe, with fast internet and a good mobile internet coverage. There are as many co-working spaces as you can wish for, and being that the city is relatively small, you can reach them easily with one of the many available scooters and bikes or through a very well-kept public transport infrastructure. Besides, Estonians seem to have abandoned paper in any possible form. Most communication with public institutions can be done completely digitally, saving you a lot of time.

Sit down and chill

Estonians might seem a bit proud and stubborn, but they certainly know how to enjoy life. On a summer evening, you can see them playing volleyball at the port until late at night or having a beer with friends on improvised tables in courtyards. They might not be that smiley, but they are polite and take their work seriously. Besides, if something German has stayed in their culture, all you have to do is to be patient and sooner or later you will find a way to get through their hard shell.

In terms of weather, Winter is not what it used to be. If, in the 15th century, the people of Tallinn went out to celebrate Christmas on the main square with -20° C, it was only because the local guild was offering free beer. Those temperatures (together with the free beer), though, are long gone.

You will need a good coat if you want to wander through the Christmas market Tallinn is famously known for. Temperatures are usually quite similar to what you might experience in Western and Central Europe. And just like in most northern countries, summers are getting longer and longer due to climate change. In other words, you do not necessarily need to visit in full summer, when prices are higher, to enjoy the city.

Feel at ease as an expat

Although we did not speak with many older people, everyone seems to speak English quite well. Therefore, it will be child's play to find an apartment, communicate with institutions, and get help in any way you may need. Be aware that the situation may be slightly different outside of Tallinn in the countryside of Estonia.

Great place for startups

Nine years ago, a very famous (and convenient!) startup was born here in Tallinn: Bolt.
In the beginning the company wanted to have a common space where to book the taxis in Tallinn and Riga, but they soon had such a great success that they are now present in 45 countries around the world and offer bike, scooter and car sharing, and even food delivery.



Inspired by this and other successes Estonia decided to promote a small-but-exquisite image of itself: founding companies and startups is uncomplicated and done completely digitally, the costs of both living and renting offices and spaces is moderate and the support in general you receive is much better than in other countries.