Shopping in Parnu

To make sure your shopping experience is an enjoyable one, we have provided you with some tips and hints which will allow you to have an awesome time while shopping in Pärnu. Our Pärnu Shopping Guide below will help you with some ideas when looking for that special keepsake to take home. When planning your shopping expedition, it is important to put some time aside to taste those delectable dishes Pärnu has to offer in one of the Parnu Restaurants.

Pärnu Shopping Guide

Shopping hours

Most of the shops in Estonia remain open from 9 am to 7 pm on weekdays, and for limited hours on the weekends, while shopping centres and supermarkets are open seven days a week from 9 am to 9 pm, and some even until 11 pm. As for souvenir shops and other tourist attractions in Pärnu, you will find them open from 10 am to 6 pm, all seven days.

Language is not likely to be a barrier here as most service personnel speak English, Finnish and Russian.

Carrying some extra cash along while shopping in Pärnu is a good idea because there is so much you can buy here. You can choose from a wide range of arts and crafts, and the good news is that generally the quality is good, and prices affordable. You will find everything from electronic goods to shoes in the huge shopping centres and department stores of Tallinn, and these will probably be cheaper than those back home. If you are after the small necessities of life such as chewing gum, drinks, cigarettes, magazines, chocolates, phone credit, bus tickets, etc., head to the tabacs. You will find these little shops everywhere in and around Estonia. They close by 9 pm, but are a boon to those who dislike queuing up in the regular shops.

Souvenirs from Pärnu

If you are looking for the colourful national costumes of Estonia, or classic snowflake design sweaters, the sidewalk is a good place to shop as many craftsmen gather here to sell their wares. You will also find many other items that Estonian artisans excel in making, such as leather, wool, and wrought iron goods, ceramics and jewellery. And of course, these goods (although dusty) will be much cheaper than in the stores.

Music

You can buy some great music in Estonia: CDs of symphonic or choral music by Estonian composers like Rudolf Tobias, Arvo Pärt, Eduard Tubin or Heino Eller. A must have is the ‘Forgotten Peoples' album by the choral composer, Veljo Tormis. If you are looking for good rock and pop, names to look for are Tõnis Mägi, Ultima Thule, Jäääär (Jääboiler), Compromise Blue, Maarja or Hedvig Hanson. If you have an ear for Estonian techno, try '2 Quick Start'. To avoid at all costs are ' Estonian Summer' and 'Auto Hits'.

Ceramics

Tourists love the little ceramic models of the old buildings of Pärnu, which often double up as candleholders. But think twice before you buy one, as these items are fragile.

Graphics

If you are an art lover, you can pick up a cheap painting from amateur artists from the streets of the old city. However, if you want originals and prints by famous Estonian artists, there are always the galleries.

Jewellery

Estonian jewellery is pretty minimalist in design, and although it has a distinctly native look, it reminds one of the Nordic style, with its clean lines and contempt for excess.

Traditional costumes

You can track down the colourful national costume and clothing of Estonia in the specialist stores and at festivals. The clothing is very colourful (reds, blues and yellows predominate) and richly patterned. If you are looking for gifts, these Estonian cloaks, ponchos and even complete national costumes are ideal.

Liquor

Tallinn is known for its Vana Tallinn, a liqueur, and Gremi, a Georgian brandy bottled in Tallinn. You could also try the Estonian Saku or Tartu beer.

Wood carvings

Estonian craftsmen make all sorts of things from wood. There are toy cars and dolls, even toilet seats. Wooden flowers are a favourite buy, and you can also find trays and spoons made out of fragrant juniper.

Chocolate

You could get yourself a box of chocolates made by Kalev, an Estonian candy maker. Some of these boxes sport scenes of Tallinn.

Stone

There are many items crafted from stone, such as candle holders and ashtrays. Most often the stone used is dolomite, which comes from the quarries on Saaremaa, an Estonian island.

Hats

Another buy popular with tourists are the fur hats made in Russia. You can find these hats in the outdoor markets.

Knitted wear

If you go to the outdoor market along the old city wall, you will find an Estonian speciality - hand-knitted sweaters and gloves. The knitted socks here are probably the warmest you'll find anywhere.

Linen and glassware

These items are worth buying. Estonia does a healthy trade in glassware. Unusual tilted glasses make great souvenirs.