Pärnu In Your Pocket 2022

Welcome to Pärnu

The town’s credentials as destination for hardcore relaxation were established way back in 1838 when the first seaside resort made its appearance. Today, the tradition continues in the form of state-of-theart spas where you’ll find countless ways to unwind and spoil yourself. Some of these mega-institutions even come with elaborate water and sauna centres where the whole family can swim, splash and steam to their hearts’content.

Back on dry land, the cosy streets of Old Town are waiting to be explored and there are plentiful of activities for every age, interest and skill level. Be sure to check out the Restaurants & Cafés section of this guide to find out what’s cooking and visit the museums or just walk along the streets and admire the achitecture of the old town. It’s here that Pärnu’s dining and nightlife scene is also concentrated, including several cool, new additions every year.

ESSENTIAL INFORMATION

Tourist information is provided in the Red Tower. You can find info materials also from Pärnu Museum

We truly hope you have a safe stay in Pärnu, but in case you should have any sort of emergency then here’s what you need to know:

For the ambulance, police and rescue services dial 112.

Emergencymedicalservices areofferedbyPärnu Hospital, Ristiku 1, tel. +372 447 3301, www.ph.ee.

Other type of, ehem, emergencies may be resolved by the use of public toilets, which you can find at the beach at the end of Side street (there are showers as well), Kalda street, near the central bridge as well as the shopping centres and the central library.

A stretch of soft, sandy beach, stylish villas dating from the early 20th Century, outdoor café tables filled with tanned visitors from far and wide - this could only be Pärnu, Estonia’s official ‘summer capital’ and its number one party spot when the weather turns warm.

Pärnu from air. Photo by Priidu Saart, Visit Pärnu.

Getting Around

The beauty of Pärnu is that most of it - the town centre, beach area and the parks in between - is small enough to allow visitors to get around on foot. But if you need to get around faster or futher or would like to rent a bike then here is all the info you need.

PUBLIC TRANSPORT

Buy a 1-hour ticket from the bus driver for €3, or, if you’regoingtoberidingfrequently,gotoakioskand pay €2 for an electronic pass card, which you then load with credit. You can also use the handy mobile app pilet.ee. Be sure to validate your pass once on board or risk a hefty fine if an inspector catches you. The cards automatically give you the cheapest rate, beita1-hourticket(€2),a1-dayticket(€5)ora5-day ticket (€15). Qwww.parnu.pilet.ee/buy.

TAXIS

Taxi fares are basically made up of a starting fee and then a per-kilometre charge. Another option is to use one of the numerous taxi ordering apps like Bolt,Taxigo,Yandex or Uber.

Elektritakso: €2.00 + €0.60/km.Qtel. +372 58 85 88 00/1918

E-Takso: Price €2.90 + €0.96/km.Qtel. +372 443 11 11/1300

Pärnu Takso: Price €2.80 + €0.90/km. Upon ordering via Taxigo app €2.00 + €0.80/km.Qtel. +372 443 92 22/1222

PARKING

Getting to Pärnu is a breeze, but finding a convenient place to park your car can be a challenge in summer. In the downtown area, free parking is available in the lot on Kalda street near the bridge and on all ofTammsaare pst. Most other streets in the downtown area are marked with blue ‘P’signs informing you that they are paid parking zones Mon - Fri 08:00-18:00. Here parking is free for those staying 1 hour (near the beach 30 minutes). Others must pay €1/hr or €5/day. Tickets are sold by vending machines on the street (coins required), and at R-Kiosks like the ones in the bus terminal and at Rüütli 32. Whether or not you’re paying, you must leave a time marker or a note on your dashboard indicating the time you parked.

From June through August 10:00-18:00, parking on streets near the beach also requires payment. Here a 1-hour ticket is €4 and a day ticket is €12. For more info see https://visitparnu.com/en/ parking-in-parnu/

BUS STATION

Pärnu’s bus station might be small but it is very centrally located. Inside you’ll find an R-kiosk and Pagaripoisid café. It’s best to buy your tickets from the booths or machines inside the station, but you can usually also purchase tickets directly from the driver if space is available. One or two buses depart for Tallinn each hour to Riga several times per day. QC-3, Pikk 13, tel. +372 680 09 00, www.tpilet.ee Open 06:30-21:00.

BIKE AND ELECTRIC SCOOTER RENTAL

Biking is very popular in Pärnu and for making the best use of over 70km of light traffic roads in the city, there are plenty of options for bicycle rentals of all shapes and sizes, by pedal power or with electric engines. Tõrukese, Baltreisen and Stat bicycle rental all offer a wide variety of bikes and even bike tours.

For a simple and fast way to get around town you can opt to rent a Bolt electric scooter using the Bolt app.

Stat bicycle rental really serves all the family members.

Sightseeing & attractions

MAIN WALKING STREETS

ESSENTIAL PÄRNU

Pärnu isn’t exactly a large city so it doesn’t take a huge amount of time to take it all in, but there are plenty of interesting sites and curiosities to behold if you just take the time to take it all in. And we suggest you do just that - the town is filled with historical sites, plenty of stories and some truly beautiful architecture.

With a 200-year history as a resort town it was a playground for the rich, artists, writers and even aristocrats as well as royalty. It was a place to get away from the faster pace of larger, more metropolitan cities, such as St. Petersburg and Berlin. Rüütli Street was Pärnu’s traditional main street during the town’s boom days, reaching its height during Estonia’s 1st Republic period from 1920-1939 - which was a very prosperous and cosmopolitan time for both Estonia and Pärnu. This is truly evident in the architecture and Pärnu’s cultural scene, which was just as vibrant as that of Vienna or Paris’albeit on a slightly smaller scale.

Historic downtown Pärnu is defined by its main pedestrian thoroughfare, Rüütli street (‘knight sreet’). A new square called Rüütli plats is at the Pärnu Hotell end of the street. The 400-metre stretch of the street between Ringi and Vee, and a few streets that branch off from here, are home to a hodge-podge of intriguing buildings dating from the 17th to the 20th centuries. Peek into the courtyard of Rüütli 21, where you will find one of Pärnu’s oldest buildings, the Mohr Granary. At the other end of the street, you will see the Tallinn Gate.

Kuninga street, just parallel to Rüütli has plenty of eateries and terraces during the warmer months.

Over the past few years, Supeluse Street, which runs from the centre all the way to the beach, has seen a surge in popularity and some of the most hip and happening eateries and nightspots have set-up shop here. It’s a very popular spot for strolling and visiting various locales and it’s also been turned into a pedestrian street for the summer.

The beach itself has a nice long boardwalk which runs for kilometres and is speckled with sights and various locales, great for a romantic walk and people watching galore.

Most visitors will see plenty of Pärnu’s downtown area and beach, but there are also loads of interesting parks and villas around town that are worth exploring. All it takes is a few minutes of leisurely strolling and a bit of curiosity.

Supeluse street

Kuninga street

Mohr Granary

Sightseeing & Attractions

ARCHITECTURE

Much of Pärnu is made up of colourful wooden houses, with picturesque gardens and ornate details. It seems that around just about every corner in Pärnu there’s another building that can inspire sincere‘oohs’and‘aahs.’

HISTORIC SIGHTS

Pärnu has a long history and although many of the oldest relics in the town were lost to the ages, WW2 and the Soviet-era’s use and abuse, luckily there are a few older structures still around and some can still be enjoyed.

STONE JETTIES

For a lot of summer tourists, Pärnu begins and ends with its white sand beach. Aside from the bronzing bodies and volleyball games you can find on any beach, there are other sights here as well. One is the functionalist-style Rannahoone (beach house) dating to 1939. Find this building, with its distinctive, mushroom-shaped balcony, right on the beach. Nearby is the Kuursaal, an intricate, wooden beach salon dating to 1893.

In 1764, merchants persuaded Catherine II of the necessity to build a stone jetty and to deepen the estuary. The summer sun and glistening water make a 2-km walk down to the tip of the jetty nearly irresistible. Today, a new, illuminated boardwalk has been built, which starts at Rannapark, follows the Pärnu River for half a kilometre and ends near the jetty.Q Located where the beach meets the river.

In addition to the above mentioned Rannahoone, the Rannahotell (beach hotel) at Ranna pst. 5 stands out as another wonderful example of functionalism. Completed in 1937, it was designed by the same architect, Olav Siinmaa, who also had a hand in creating one of the most recognised symbols of the town - the neoclassicist Pärnu Mud Bath building which dates from 1926-27. Not far from here, at Mere pst. 7, is the early Jugendstil Ammende Villa, which was built in 1905 for a wealthy merchant. It’s now a hotel and restaurant, so you can easily sneak a peak at its fantastically restored interior or stroll around its well-tended garden.

TALLINN GATE

When the gatehouse was built in the 17th century, it really was the passage to Tallinn, leading south and west across the moat. A true highway connection between Tallinn and Pärnu was not ensured until 1938, when the bridge you see today was built across Pärnu River. The Vallikäär area starts behind the gate.Q Kuninga 1.

VALLIKÄÄR

Theremainsoftherampartwhichoncesurrounded the town around Õhtu Street are now a nicely fixed-up park. Walking along the rampart wall toward the river will give you great views of the moat and marina. You’ll also find an old, wooden lighthouse and a cannon which was once one of two guarding the approach to the city. Concerts are often held in the amphitheatre. Vallikäär is a great place for a picnic and also has several play areas for kids.Q Located along the old moat.

RED TOWER

The oldest building in Pärnu (dating to the 15th century), this squat, round structure once stood guard on the edge of town. It is now smack in the centre and, as you can see, white. It stands adjacent the only remaining bit of the Old Town wall. The tower is a visitor center with a panoramic cinema introducing the history of Pärnu.Q Hommiku 11.

Tallinn Gate and Vallikäär

Rannahoone. Photo Elen Juurma, visitparnu.com

Rannahotell

Stone jetties. Photo Andres Putting, visitparnu.com

Sightseeing & Attractions

CULTURAL VENUES, ART GALLERIES AND MUSEUMS

It’s not all about the beach or spas in Pärnu. The city certainly has a lot to offer in the sightseeing and cultural space.

CULTURAL VENUES

In terms of cultural venues for concerts, plays, as well as operas and the like, the main ones to keep your eyes, and ears on, are the Pärnu Endla Theatre, and the Pärnu Concert Hall. A lot of concerts and events also take place outdoors at the historic Ammende Villa, as well as in the Pärnu Kuursaal right on the beach.

If the cinema grabs your attention more so than ballet or live theatre, Hollywood beckons from the Apollo cinema. Here you can catch all the latest that the mainstream film industry has to offer, as well as local and even some art films. Please note that most films will be in English with Estonian subtitles, the main exception to the rule are films geared towards the younger audience, which are usually dubbed into Estonian, or Russian in some cases.

ART GALLERIES

Galleries also abound in the city, and the one which gets the most attention is the Museum of New Art or UKT, now in a new location at the end of Rüütli Street by the square. The Pärnu City Gallery and the Pärnu Artists House Gallery, both run by the city, and the private Vuhti House Gallery are great places to get your art on - there are various types of media on display at all of these galleries from paintings, and photography, to sculptures, silkscreens and mixed media installations as well.

MUSEUMS

In terms of official museums, there are a few that are definitely worth checking out - the Koidula Museum, which gives some great insight into the life of one of Estonia’s most loved poets, writers and voices of the first independence movement. The Pärnu Museum, like its name suggests, has a great selection of artefacts, displays and exhibits regarding Pärnu’s colourful past. The Red Tower museum and panoramic cinema takes a great look at the city’s medieval period, and both the building itself as well as the displays, are fascinating for history buffs and those looking for a good way to pass the time. The tower also plays host to the Panoramic Cinema, and is truly something not to be missed as it brings a whole new dimension to the city’s history.

Kuursaal

Red Tower

Pärnu Concert House

Ammende Villa

Sightseeing & Attractions

KOIDULAMUSEUM

Dedicated to the life of the matriarch of Estonian poetry,thisbranchofthePärnuMuseumishoused the 1850s-era parish school where Koidula grew up and does a great job of preserving the feel of the era. Displays also pay tribute to her father, J. V. Jannsen, an equally important figure in the rise of Estonian national awareness. He founded the first Estonian newspaper, Perno Postimees, and edited it from here. In the backyard of the museum is an open-air pavilion with the atmosphere of Pärnu’s first song festivals, and art and history exhibitions are held in the galleries of the beloved concert venue throughout the year. The younger members of the family will be taken on a discovery tour of the garden by 10-year-old Lydia - Lolla. QJannseni 37, tel. +372 443 33 13, www.parnumuuseum.ee/koidulamuuseum

Admission €6, reduced €3, family ticket €12. A combined ticket (Pärnu Museum, Red Tower, Koidula Museum) is €16 reduced €10, family €32.

RED TOWER AND THE PANORAMIC CINEMA

The oldest building in Pärnu (dating to the 15th century), this plump, round structure once stood guard on the edge of town. It is now smack in the centre and, as you can see, white. It stands adjacent to the only remaining bit of the Old Town wall. The tower  houses a museum where you can get acquainted with the architecture of this ancient tower and the medieval town of New-Pärnu. In the Red Tower’s panorama cinema you can watch the animated film ‘Merciless and Merciful History. In the Red Tower through 15,000 years’, which introduces Pärnu’s history, allowing youto experienceaseriesofsymbolicandexciting historical events and see how the surroundings of the city have changed and developed since the Ice Age. In summer 2022 (June 16 - August) the tower also acts as a pop-up tourism information centre.  QC-3, Hommiku 11, tel. +372 443 34 88, www.parnumuuseum.ee/tower. Admission €6, reduced €3, family €12. A combined ticket (Pärnu Museum, Red Tower, Koidula Museum) is €16 reduced €10, family €32.

PÄRNUMUSEUM

A must for history buffs, this modern museum presents 11,000 years of Pärnu history on two floors, with additional space for temporary exhibitions. The main exhibit shows local developments from Neolithic times right up to the late 1980s, and includes a mini-cinema showing archival films. The institution’s pride and joy is the so-called ‘Stone Age Madonna’. At around 8,000 years old, it is the oldest known human-shaped sculpture in the Baltic Sea area. Other star attractions include a fragment of a 14th-century merchant ship and a glass floor that lets you look down onto archaeological remnants of one of the town’s historic gates. This summer’s major exhibition is “FOR SALE/ NOT FOR SALE” (June 20 - September 30, 2022), introducing visitors to the history of jewellery making and wearing from ancient times to the present day. The focus is on the adornments made of coins thatarecharacteristictoPärnuCountyandunique elsewhere in the world. Q Aida 3, tel. +372 443 32 31, www.parnumuuseum.ee. Admission €10, reduced €5, family €20. A combined ticket (Pärnu Museum, Red Tower, Koidula Museum) is €16 reduced €10, family €32.

Koidula Museum

Fun exploring at Pärnu Museun

Red Tower and the panoramic cinema. Photo by Marie Rosalie Hanni

Although the ‘Official Summer Capital’ of Estonia is the perfect place to simply do nothing at all, lounging in the sun, people watching, enjoying some good food and drink - there are plenty of things to do and experience in Pärnu.

SPAS

The city has had a long history of being a spa destination, even as far back as the late 1800’sand today it remains one of the most spa-centric locations in Estonia. And there are spas for every occasion.

A smaller spa with a good variety of saunas suitable for both couples and families is Viiking Saaga. For an extra romantic experience, Hedon Spa certainly tickles one’s fancy and the sparkling Wasa Resort also creates the perfect mood for ‘two’. If you’ve got something more therapeutic in mind, the long list of treatments at Estonia Medical Spa is just what the doctor ordered. If the kids happentobetaggingalong,themostfun-filledspa canbefoundatTerviseParadiis.Thesearejustafew of the many spa offerings in Pärnu, we’re sure you’ll find one or more that suits your needs.

VIIKING SAAGA

Calmer and cosier than the Tervise Paradiis, this high-quality offering from the Viiking Spa Hotel is more about grown-up relaxation than frenetic play. That said, kids will certainly feel welcome, especially given the theatrical design that makes the whole place seem like Vikings carved it out of a Norwegian fjord. You can sit under waterfalls and make your way down the ‘river’ in the main pool, or lounge in a hot tub with a drink from the bar. But the most fun we had was finding (and trying) the many exotic saunas and massage showers hidden around the pool area. Don’t miss the ‘igloo’sauna on the roof. A 3-hour visit costs €1018.QSadama 15 (entrance from Ringi), tel. +372 449 05 14, www.viiking.ee/en/parnu-spa-viikingsaaga. Open 12:00-22:00; Sun, Sat 10:00-22:00.

PORSCHE RING

Porsche Ring is the ultimate driving experience for any car lover. It’s the only permanent racing circuit in Estonia for cars and motorcycles, and the only track that has a FIA Grade 4 license in the Baltics. The complex includes a rallycross track, off-road track, and more. You can rent all sorts of cars to drive, try a Formula 1 driving experience or bring your own car to the track. If you’re more of a spectator, be sure to check their website for upcoming international events.QPapsaare village, Pärnu, tel. +372 58 66 66 36, www.porschering.ee. Open 10:00-20:00; Sun 10:00-18:00; closed Mon, Tue.

Open from May through September.

FUN ON WHEELS

Want to speed things up? In Pärnu, there are plenty of bicycle rentals and the electric scooters are widely popular as well. Bicycles and scooters not fast enough for you? You may want to check out the fast and furious go-karting track at City Kart

If that still isn’t fast enough for you there’s an actual race track at Porche Ring where you can get yourself strapped into a race car and get some serious speed on. Needless to say, it doesn’t get much better than that.

Sitting around on the sand is all well and good for some folks, but there are plenty of other activities available in Pärnu, active or otherwise.

Porche Ring

Viiking Saaga

CRUISES ON THE WATER

Pärnu is on the Baltic Sea afterall, naturally it plays an important role for both visitors and tourists alike and naturally no trip to the seaside would be complete without some boating fun. Pärnu YachtClub offers info on boat and yacht rentals, various sailing lessons, boat tours and pretty much any other nautical delight you can dream of - except for submarine rides.

Sinised Lained (Blue Waves) offers some great cruises on Pärnu Bay as well as yacht rentals with or without a hired captain (naturally only if you have a boating licence).

Likewise, a lovely river winds its way through Pärnu to the sea, and PärnuCruises offers some great river tours which allows for a slower-paced and relaxing sightseeing experience, from an entirely different perspective. For those that truly yearn for a seachange, they also offer cruises on Pärnu Bay, including the popular 2-hour sunset cruise.

SURF CENTRES

One of Pärnu’s biggest attractions is the long, natural sand beach and offers up numerous eateries, bars and even two surf centres. And while Estonia may not be the first country that comes to mind when thinking of surfing, you’ll be able to enjoy kite surfing, paddle boarding and the like here. The Pärnu Surf Centre both rents out equipment and offers lessons - no matter the weather. Likewise, the Aloha surf centre also has a lot of various equipment such as kayaks and skimboards, as well as lessons for those who happen to be‘surf curious’.

PÄRNUCRUISES

Sit back and relax on a day or evening sunset cruise on one of the three ships operated by Pärnu Cruises, departing from Lai 2, next to the bridge in the town centre. Enjoy a 1-hour cruise to Reiu Bridge and back on MS Pärnu or hop on board MS Katamaraan that takes you to a cruise on Pärnu Bay. In the evenings, watch the sunset during the 2-hour sunset cruise. Admission €12, kids €7, family (2 adults + 2 kids) €28. Both ships have a small café onboard offering snacks and drinks. Check the website for departure schedules. Starting from June 2022, a third ships will take passengers to the Fishing Village on Sauga river where you can hop off to spend more time there - eat and partake in the locally offered activities, and take a later cruise back to the centre. Q Lai 2, tel. +372 56 37 31 53/+372 53 58 33 01, www. parnucruises.ee.

Pärnu Cruises

Heading for the sunset cruise with Pärnu Cruises.

KEEP THE BALLS ROLLING

For those fascinated by round and rolling objects, the bowling and ‘GlowGolf’ minigolf at Pärnu’s newest entertainment venue OKOK may just be a perfect choice for your whole gang, both for the young and the more experienced of ballers. Specifically for the most experienced - have a world-class day out at the links at the Pärnu Bay Golf Links, or, if racket sports are more your thing, head over to whack some balls at the Pärnu Kalev Tennis club.

OKOK. ENTERTAINMENT CENTER

Pärnu’s newest entertainment venue will raise the bar in terms of fun and giggles for both young and the young-at-heart - and the experience is certainly more than OK. You can test your skills at a good old-fashioned game of darts or spacious bowling alley, featuring 10 lanes that all can be adjusted with bumper rails for the little ones as well. Or, why not challenge yourself with the modern, interactive and special effects-filled ‘GlowGolf’ minigolf, inspired by the Estonian nature, sightseeing objects and all four seasons - and finally, the futuristic adventures of the VR Room where you can go on a space adventure, one in the rugged outdoors, visit an under-sea world, ski down a snowy mountain slope or take part in a lifelike archery battle (we promise the arrows are virtual as well). The on-site snack and drinks bar offers up some great pub-grub and finger foods for a quick pick-me-up as your action and adventures will certainly leave you hungry and thristy for more.QLai 18, Pärnu, tel. +372 59 06 99 79, www.okok.ee/. Open 12:0023:00; Fri 12:00-00:00; Sat 10:00-00:00; Sun 10:0022:00. Prices starting from: bowling 19€/h, GlowGolf 5€/per person, darts 5€/h,VR set 0.30€/min.

ACTIVITIES WITH SMALL KIDS

OUTDOOR PLAYGROUNDS & PARKS

IfyouhappentobeinPärnuwiththewholefamily, and want a chance to enjoy some non-beach related action, there are loads of great activities the kids will also enjoy. For fun that won’t break the bank, playgrounds are always a good bet - one of the largest just so happens to be at the beach and can be found off Ranna pst. Others can be discovered at Vallikääru or Munamäe park, the latter also has a skateboarding/scooter ramp for kids that seek that sort of thrill.

And last but not least - just 6 km outside of Pärnu you’ll find Lotte Village theme park, the largest theme park in the Baltics with more than a hundred attractions.

INDOOR PLAYGROUNDS AND FUN

A great spot for those that like to live life in the fast lane, Traffic City offers up loads of electric mini-vehicles and tracks. They don’t really travel at breakneck speeds though, so your kids would come out of the ‘heavy’ traffic here without a scratch.

For a less coordinated and extremely bouncy experience, head to the aptly named trampoline centre UP.

PÄRNU

TRAFFIC CITY

What can be better than educational fun! Here childrencanplayfullylearnhowtobesafeintraffic.They can have fun and drive in electric cars and ATVs, and follow the same rules that apply in real traffic while doingso–thereareintersections,trafficsigns,traffic lights, pedestrian crossings, a petrol station, etc. QLina 24, tel. +372 527 80 11/+372 56 46 11 00, www.liikluslinnak.ee/. Open 11:00-20:00. The price is €0.25 per one minute of driving.

OKOK

Pärnu Bay Golf Links

Pärnu Traffic City

Restaurants & Cafés

With a large selection of restaurants available and a trend toward sophistication, Pärnu’s dining scene is surprisingly advanced for a town its size. If you’re out for a simple, quick meal, you’ll have no problem scrounging up a bite at one of the beachside lounge bars, street food locations as well as pubs and casual dining cafes - no matter your dining needs, you certainly won’t go hungry in Pärnu.

ROMANTIC

Fora romantic dinner justfortwo,ormore-there are several lovely restaurants to choose from. The Art Nouveau Ammende Villa has a rich history and has long been a dining favourite due to its elegance and delightful cuisine. Villa Wesset is likewise a bit of a trip back in time to the turn of the century, yet the food is decidedly New Nordic.

CASUAL

If you’re looking for something a little more casual, or a place to eat out with a small group of friends there are several great choices including Vehverments bar & tostadas that serves up creative dishes in a funky, colourful old wooden house. Gastronoom is a popular choice with their international menu, cocktail list and breakfast options. Postipoiss is a place to enjoy slavic cuisine in a historic tavern with a large summer terrace. Another casual eatery is the American-style Bison. They have come pretty close to the ‘real deal’ here and the steaks, jalapeno poppers, and beer-battered onion rings are mouth-wateringly good.

VILLA WESSET

A popular restaurant with an elegant, indoor/outdoor terrace, which is the big attraction in summer. The menu is composed mainly of Wesset’s creative take on popular European classics, none of which will disappoint. They also offer breakfast buffet Mon - Fri 7.00 - 10:00 and Sat, Sun 8:0011:00.The classic breakfast buffet selection of egg dishes, pancakes, salmon etc costs 15€ for adults, 8€ for kids ages 7 - 14 and is free for kids 6 years old and under. QSupeluse 26, tel. +372 56 46 05 00, www.wesset.ee. Open 12:00-23:00; Fri, Sat 12:00-02:00. Off-season open 12:00-23:00, Fri, Sat 12:00-24:00.

Villa Wesset restaurant

Villa Wesset restaurant

STREET FOOD & PIZZA

Simple grab’n’go food is always quite popular, and in recent years‘street food’has become a goto when you’re hungry and just want some great grub,withouttheneedforanythingfancy.Someof the more proven choices are Victor Tänavatoit, where you can find a huge selection of burgers, finger foods, wraps and more. Likewise, PoisiEine has a similar variety on offer, albeit many of the portions are rather large. Add to that a cool retro vibe, indoor and outside seating areas with great prices and you’ve got a hunger beater. Pizza Mizza! Easily one of the most popular foods in the world, pizza comes in many different shapes, sizes, flavours and styles based on where in the world it’s made. Estonia is no different, however, Italian-style wood oven pizzas have become increasingly available in the country - and this is a good thing to be sure. A good selection of wood-oven pizzas can be found at

Leivakas, a new bakery by the Pärnu river. For a more American, chain-style (think Dominos), Dodo Pizza is in fact based on several American chain models and provides a consistently good pie alongside great wings and a whole bunch of other tasty snacks. They also deliver, and if you don’t get your pizza in an hour they’ll give you a gift card for a free pizza on your next order. Finally we get to Steffani Pizza, which is hands down the most popular pizza place in Pärnu. Steffani’s is a perfect place for kids as well, and they open up a beach-side location during the summer months.

POSTIPOISS

Portraits of Czarist royals preside over the wooden-decked halls in this lively, Slavic-themed restaurant. The 19th-century building at one time served as part of the Russian empire’s postal infrastructure, so perhaps it’s appropriate that authentically Slavic dishes like bliny and pelmeni make up the menu. Diners can wash them down with a pint of the house beer and enjoy it all on their large summer terraces that can fit up to 200 people. Drop by any weekend evening when Postipoiss turns into a party spot. Q Vee 12, tel.

+372 446 48 64, www.trahterpostipoiss.ee. Open 12:00-23:00; Fri, Sat 12:00-02:00; Sun 12:00-23:00.

BISON HOUSE

Following in the hoofsteps of other eateries named after XXL-sized animals, Bison House is a smart-casual affair that specialises in steaks, ribs and other high-protein consumables. All the American favourites are on the menu from onion rings and chicken wings to steaks and burgers. All-day breakfast dish is available for anyone who likes to sleep in or just can’t resist eggs and bacon at any time of the day. QRüütli 14, tel. +372 53 82 00 80, www.bisonhouse.ee. Open 11:00-21:00; Wed, Thu 11:00-23:00; Fri, Sat 11:00-01:00.

Bison House

Bison House

Postipoiss

Postipoiss

WITH KIDS

Eating out with kids can sometimes be a bit of a chore, especially trying to find a spot that has a menu that pleases the whole gang. Pärnu is quite child-friendly, so there’s no need for anyone to go hungry, or have a tantrum because someone didn’t want to be force-fed blue, goat milk camembert grilled cheese sandwiches on quinoa bread with a side of fermented black olives, caramelised with buckwheat honey and home fried Jerusalem artichoke wedges. In fact most eateries have menus for kids, even if they are rather unexciting, the two below however give the younger ones something interesting to do while waiting for the food.

One particular family friendly spot, located right at the beach, is Estonia’s answer to an American diner/smokehouse, Mack Bar-B-Que (only during summer). Here you can find burgers, ribs, fries, deep fried items, a pizza and pretty much every other stereotypical, conceived in the US, food item.

The popular Pärnu Yacht Club restaurant by the river is the perfect family place to dine, there’s a small pirate ship parked at the front, keeping your kids busy playing pirate games while you wait in peace for the food. Win-win.

In the centre, Oliver’s Garden Café with a great garden terrace and a sizable playground might be just what you ordered. The menu has burgers, shish kebab, plenty of finger foods and some refreshing cocktails as well as mocktails.

BREAKFAST

While travelling, breakfast is always on everyone’s mind. And if you aren’t staying in a hotel with an included breakfast, there are numerous spots around town that offer up greatvalueformoneyinthebreakfastcategory. We particularly like Pastoraat which serves breakfast from 7:30am, VillaWesset welcomes everyone to their hotel’s buffet breakfast, Bison has an all day breakfast starting daily from 11am.

Set in an old wooden house and sporting a spacious terrace under the apple trees and a kids playground, make it a great choice for families. The menu consist of burgers, salads, shish kebab and other easy to please meal items, plenty of finger foods and some refreshing cocktails as well as mocktails. Please check their Facebook site for the occasional events. Q Supeluse 1, tel. +372 5349 77 94, http://villaoliver.ee. Open: 12:00 - 22:00.

Pärnu Yacht Club restaurant

OLIVER'S GARDEN CAFÉ

Oliver’s Garden Café

Breakfast at Bison

Restaurants & Cafés

SONNE CAFÉ AND DESIGN SHOP

SONNE is a place where home, art, food and coffee meet. The wide variety of hot and cold drinks are complemented by the ever-so-popular mini pancakes and smoothie bowls. For home they offer furnishings, design and a creative approach from various up-and-coming artists, for the greenthumbs out there, they even have houseplants. Special emphasis is placed on the reuse and sustainable consumption of furniture, vintage and retro items.QKuninga 34, tel. +372 56 24 06 69. Open 10:00-18:30; Fri, Sat, Sun 11:0020:00.

CAFÉS & BAKERIES

We already list several cafés under previous sections as the line between the two is often a little blurred given that many cafés also have full à la carte menu. There are some spots, however, that offer something different, such as SONNE where you can have some excellent coffee alongside mini pancakes, smoothie bowls and home design items. The stylish Pastoraat offers great, nicely roasted coffee and freshly baked pastries alongside a short restaurant menu and breakfast options.

If you crave more than a coffee, Lehe offers a full food menu with a friendly homely atmosphere. Keeping it simple, while making bellies happy. Sõõriku baar offers their irresistible signature donuts, done the traditional way. And if it’s cakes, pastries and other baked goods you’re after - we suggest you check out Pagaripoisid, one of the larger bakery chains in Estonia that has a huge selection of both salty and sweet delights.

Popular with the locals for their hearty meals and reasonable prices - Lehe has been welcoming guests for many long years and welcomes with a home-feel and friendly service.  Q Lehe 5, tel. +372 442 57 88, www.lehe.ee. Open 10:00-20:00.

ICE CREAM

I scream, we scream, we all scream for ice cream! No trip to the beach or a summer wonderland would be complete without at least one frozen dairy-based dessert per day. Ice cream is available all over the city at any conveniencestore,popupicecreamhuts,most cafés, and even kids selling some variety from coolers at the beach. However, some of the best spots are Väike Sidrun (Little Lemon), located just in front of the Sunset Club at the beach, where they sell a good assortment of iced delights and also some great, cold smoothies to help cool you down. Jakobsoni park plays host to another ice cream café - so all in all, Pärnu certainly can fill your every ice cream fuelled desire - or, at the very least, your ice cream cone.

Coffee art at SONNE

Mini pancakes at SONNE

LEHE

Lehe

Nightlife Nightlife

Pärnu has an amazing amount of nightlife for a town of its size. There are plenty of pubs, lounges, and several quite decent clubs to visit.

In summer, when the weather is good to go, an outdoor terrace or beach bar is where it’s really happening.

BEACH BARS

These have been growing well in number over the lastyears-andforgoodreason-whatbetterplaceto hang out than a spot at the beach, sipping cocktails, listening to lively tunes and enjoying the beautiful views. A plethora of beach bars and eateries stretches all the way from the Rannahotell to the end of the promenade.

PUBS AND BARS

The liveliest nightlife streets in Pärnu are centred aroind Supeluse Street, which in summer is closed for car traffic and open for a multitude of outdoor terraces and happy beats, and refreshing beverages. The biggest crowd pleasers here are Oliver’s Garden Café withalongfoodmenuand lots of seating, alongside the Karusselli Buffet, which can be spotted from afar with the vintage Lafayette carousel in front and DJs spinning seriously danceable vinyl on the weekends. Other local favourites include Sweet Rosie, a beer bar Aleksander across the river, Pärnu Kuursaal

near the beach where they hold regular live music events, wineandginbar Vino and Gino attheend of Rüütli and BumBum - like the beat of a drum.

CLUBS

A few notable clubs, with some great local, and eventheoccasionalinternationalDJworthchecking intoare Kassa, Sugar, Aptek,andtheseasonalonly SunSet - which happens to be right at the edge of thebeach.Allarefairlycentrallylocated,sorequiring a taxi shouldn’t be required, unless you happen to be staying at one of the dodgy ends of town, to be notedhowever-eventhedodgypartsoftownreally aren’t that dodgy.

Karusselli Buffet, Photo by Riti Voll

Põks beach bar

Pärnu County

Miles and miles of untouched nature in Matsalu and Soomaa National Park, long coastline with sandy beaches and small villages and harbours, various museums and the living museum of Kihnu Island offer something for the whole family in Pärnu County.

Heading south from Pärnu, the quiet seaside villages of Kabli,Treimani and Häädemeeste are fun to explore. Stunning sandy beaches run all the way down the coast from Pärnu to Latvia. And on a sunny day, Tolkuse Watchtower offers stunning views over the Gulf of Riga.

The RMK Rannametsa-Tolkuse Nature and Study Trail has always been popular among hikers. The circular trail, which runs partly on a boardwalk takes you through pine forests on the dunes and the Tolkuse bog.

Birdwatchers will be thrilled with the over 250 species recorded at Matsalu National Park, one of Europe’s best birdwatching destinations. Soomaa National Park straddles Pärnu and Viljandi Counties and is best known for its great flood or “fifth season”, when the water from melted snow and heavy rains floods the forest,

swamps, rivers, and surrounding fields.

A mysterious cave on the steep riverbank known as Tori Hell Cave can no longer be explored, but this beautiful natural formation of the 32-metre deep “passage to hell” can be admired from the outside. The tiny village of Tori is also home to an interesting museum / horse breeding farm and the Tori Church, which serves as a memorial to all victims of World War II. And while you’re in Tori parish, you could visit the Alpaca Farm in Are where in addition to the soft wool coated alpacas, you can also see pygmy goats, miniature sheep, angora rabbits, and chickens.

Kihnu, Estonia’s seventh largest island, was included on UNESCO’s list of Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity in 2003. Take a 1-hour ferry ride from Munalaiu harbour (1-hour bus ride from Pärnu) to explore this tiny island’s rich cultural heritage.

DiveintothefascinatinglifeandworkofCarlRobert Jakobsonatthe FarmMuseumofC.R.Jakobson at Kurgja. Car fanatics will love the Car Museum in Loomse Village, located 25 kilometres north from Pärnu towards Tallinn. Railway enthusiasts will enjoy Estonian Museum Railway. The narrow gauge railway museum displays a whole host of locomotives from Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania as wellasequipmentandothertrain-relatedartefacts.

Matsalu National Park. Photo by Nele Sõber, visitparnu.com

Tolkuse bog. Photo by Priidu Saart, visitparnu.com

Pärnu County

museum also organises guided tours and special events for holidays like Shrove Tuesday, Easter, St. Martin’s and St. Catherine’s Day, etc. QKurgja village, Põhja-Pärnumaa parish, tel. +372 58 60 00 25, www.maaelumuuseumid.ee/en/c-rjakobsoni-talumuuseum. From May through September open Wed, Sat 12:00-20:00, Thu, Fri, Sun 10:00-17:00, closed Mon, Tue.. From October through April open 10:00-17:00, closed Mon. Admission €5, reduced €3, family €10.

ESTONIAN MUSEUM RAILWAY

As the third-largest museum of its kind in Europe, Estonia’s narrow gauge railway museum displays a whole host of locomotives from Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania as well as equipment and other train-related artefacts. Best of all, on Saturdays and Sundays visitors can ride the museum’s own train, which runs from Lavassaare (see website for schedule). The museum is only open between June and September, but anyone dropping by the rest of the year will still get a look at the dozen or so engines in the yard.   QLavassaare, 24km from Pärnu on the road to Haapsalu, tel. +372 527 25 84, www.museumrailway.ee. Open 11:00-18:00; Sun 11:00-17:00. In September open only Sat 11:0018:00 and Sun 11:00-17:00. Closed from October till May. Admission €7. Reduced €4 - 5.

TORI STUD FARM

Tori Stud Farm has been in operation since 1856 and is the oldest of its kind in Estonia. The farm breeds Estonian and Tori horses. Today, the historical farm complex is home to more than 50 Tori and Estonian breed horses, with more on the way. Farm offers various tours by foot, horse or carriage. You can also go horseback riding on the property and surrounds, with the option of a picnic, if you choose. Are you a beginner? Tori Stud Farm also offers private and group lessons. An exhibition on Tori and the horses will open in the renovated buildings from August 27, 2021. QPärnu mnt. 10, Tori village, Tori parish, tel. +372 53 22 97 86, www.maaelumuuseumid.ee/en/ tori-stud-farm. Open 08:00-17:00. Admission €5, reduced €3, family €10.

FARM MUSEUM OF C. R. JAKOBSON

Carl Robert Jakobson was one of Estonia’s most celebrated leaders in the Age of the Awakening. He was a farmer, politician, and journalist, and became a farm owner in 1874. The museum was established in 1948 by his oldest daughter Linda. All of the buildings have been fully restored according to C. R. Jakobson’s plans, making this a truly fascinating place to visit. Learn about the life of C. R. Jakobson in the main house. What makes this museum/farm truly special is that it still functions as an active farm with cattle breeding and land cultivation. You’ll see cows, sheep, and horses, many of which are Estonian breeds, as well as rabbits, roosters, hens, and turkeys. The

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Kihnu Women. Photo by Dream Beach Media

Estonian Museum Railway

Farm Museum of C.R.Jakobson

Tori Stud Farm