Viru Keskus is the most centrally located shopping center in Tallinn, located just a block from the entrance to the old town and overlooking the central park. All other bigger shopping centers are located on the outskirts of the city.

The stores in Viru Keskus are a bit more upscalish, too. There is Kaubamaja department store, Hugo Boss, Zara, Diesel and Marc O’Polo stores, to name a few. A grocery store is on the Kaubamaja basement.

Several cafés and restaurants help you to keep on going from shop to shop. The prices are decent, as everywhere in Tallinn.

www.virukeskus.com, Viru väljak 4, Tallinn, Estonia, +372 610 1444
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Ikea has been in Finland for ten years and they celebrated the event with a -10% sale of everything. I’ve been in need of a few items, so we decided to the bite the bullet and go there despite the huge crowds wandering around the store.

They opened at 7.00 in the morning, but we decided to go after we have woken up without any alarm clocks — you get enough of their chirping during weekdays. Having an energetic one year old in the household usually dictates the wake up time anyhow, and we were in Ikea parking lot at 9 o’clock.

I was both relieved and disappointed, as it looked like any other Saturday in Ikea. No huge crowds, no such carneval spirit usually associated with these happenings — just people carrying a lot more stuff than usual out of the doors.

The shopping experience was surprisingly swift, but I ended up buying a lot more than planned… Probably this is the way how Ikea makes its profits — but at the end of the day probably I and Ikea are both satisfied with the deal.

The items need to be assembled, so soon I’ll roll my sleeves and start cursing.

Tallinn’s Diesel store is located on the second floor in Viru Keskus. The store is not the biggest — as you can see from the picture — but it still able to contain all required garments and paraphernelia. The store is relatively airy and luxurious, more poshy than most Diesel outlets.

Sadly, there is no price difference between Estonia and the rest of Europe… Fashion conscious Estonians fortunately keep the shops well packed and you may make real finds here. If you are keen on young fashion, don’t miss this shop.

www.diesel.com, Viru Valjak 4/6 (in Viru Keskus), Tallinn, Estonia

NS King is an ordinary shoe store in Viru Keskus with good selections. If you are not looking for anything extra fancy or a pair out-of-the-ordinary boots, this store is a good choice for buying shoes.

They have a full range of shoes and boots for ladies, gents and children. The shoes are inexpensive, at least when compared to my native Finland shoe stores. The styles, colours and models are fashionable enough for everyday use.

Note that there are other good shoe stores in Viru Keskus, too. Don’t be satisfied with the first one, but shop around.

NS King, Viru Square 4 (in Viru Keskus), Tallinn, Estonia, +372 610 1444