Ultimate Tallinn Guide by Neighborhood

The world is so huge that there are many places you might not have even heard of yet, let alone have traveled to. So how is it possible that you can choose one destination—out of the millions of others out there—as your destination? How do you know that it's the place where you're supposed to be? Perhaps it's when you feel a desire to explore every single corner of the destination. Take Tallinn, for example, the capital city of Estonia. With its Medieval beauty and bustling energy, you'll want to see each district it has. But before that, it's better to know a little bit more about the central neighborhoods in Tallinn.

 

 

Is Tallinn a Good Place to Live?

Yes, it is. Not only is it a beautiful city, but it's also quite safe. The crime rates in Tallinn are low, which is slightly surprising considering it's a capital city. European capitals are notorious for not being the safest cities within their respective countries. Tallinn joins the elite and very small group of capital cities that are overall safe and secure. 

 

Where to Live in Tallinn

Although this neighborhood guide will tell you about the central areas of the Estonian capital, that doesn't necessarily mean they're the best places for you to live. If you're moving to Tallinn, you need to find the right neighborhood that fits your lifestyle and current situation, and that might be any of the popular districts included on this list. Both locals and tourists alike agree that Kadriorg, Uus Maailm, Kalamja, Pirita, and Nõmme are some of the most well-known neighborhoods in Tallinn. You might want to consider choosing any of them as your new hometown. 

 

Tallinn City Center

Located on the edge of the Old Town district, Tallinn's City Center is a bustling metropolis within a city. Often described as the “Manhattan of Tallinn” itself, contemporary buildings and office spaces make up this neighborhood. It's the most modern part of the city, so much so that it almost looks and feels like it's a world away from the rest of the Estonian capital. Here, you'll find the spacious Freedom Square, the popular Rotermann Quarter, and St. John's Church nearby. Just don't expect to see any skyscrapers though. Estonia has a law prohibiting tall structures! 

Source: Wikimedia Commons 

  

Tallinn's Kadriorg

Affluence defines the Kadriorg neighborhood in Tallinn. As one of the upscale districts in the city, this is where many of the wealthier residents live. The area itself is dominated by luxury apartments you can rent, high-class restaurants, designer boutiques, and the like. It's also become famous as the cultural center of the Estonian capital, home to seven museums dedicated to art, history, and culture. Among them include the Kadriorg Art Museum, the Children's Museum Miiamilla, the Mikkel Museum, and the Eduard Vilde Museum. 

 

Kadriorg Palace in Tallinn, Estonia

This neighborhood's pièce de résistance is undoubtedly Kadriorg Palace. A glorious piece of Baroque architecture at the center of the district, Russian Tsar Peter the Great established the palace over 300 years ago. Today, it's become one of Tallinn's main attractions, a must-see for locals and tourists alike. Even the palace's garden has grown into one of the most beloved parks in the city. 

Source: Wikimedia Commons 

 

Kakumäe, Tallinn

Kakumäe is perhaps the most different neighborhood in Tallinn. While the rest of the districts pulsate with vibrant energy, Kakumäe soothes the soul with its coastal serenity. The place is located on the edge of the Kakumäe Peninsula, right off Tallinn Bay. With a seaside community on offer, the neighborhood has long served as a nice escape from the rest of the Estonian capital. In summer, it even evokes the same sort of Mediterranean magic you'd expect in the French Riviera, for example, albeit less glamorous. Still, since it's a relatively peaceful area, Kakumäe is also a great place to raise a family in Tallinn. 

Source: Wikimedia Commons 

  

Kalamaja, Tallinn

From what started out as a fishing village off the Baltic Sea, Kalamaja grew to become Tallinn's industrial and creative center. You almost couldn't believe its humble beginnings since the area today boasts a bustling energy that pushed the beloved Medieval city to the future. At its core, Kalamaja is a trendy district with tons of amazing hotspots. This is where you'll find the Telliskivi Creative City, a whole host of studios, galleries, theaters, and more that house the artistic heartbeat of the city. It's where the most exciting new ideas flourish and transform into awe-inspiring works of art. 

  

What to Do in Kalamaja, Tallinn

Though there's a lot you can do in Kalamaja, Tallinn, arguably the best thing is to bear witness to the neighborhood’s vibrant creativity. Art galleries feature the most modern works, theaters put on the most daring performances, and artists even open up their studios for all the world to see. At the same time, the hip cafes and chic bistros offer up a fascinating foodie tour you won't want to miss too! 

Source: Wikimedia Commons 

  

Pirita, Tallinn

Like Kalamaja, Pirita is another coastal neighborhood that's popular among locals and tourists alike. Famous for its promenade and beach, the district is for those who want to live a seaside lifestyle. Of course, the place still has all the hustle and bustle that comes with the Estonian capital, but considering how far it is from the city center, Pirita remains a relatively peaceful neighborhood. That's also on top of the fact that the area also has some of the city's most famous tourist attractions. You'll find the Tallinn Botanic Garden here, a must-see for nature lovers, as well as the Tallinn TV Tower. 

Source: Wikimedia Commons 

  

Rocca al Mare, Tallinn

Ever wondered what life was like back in the olden days? Specifically, life in Tallinn? Well, look no further than Rocca al Mare. This neighborhood in Tallinn is famous for the Estonian Open Air Museum, an almost district-wide attraction that reconstructs 18th to 19th-century Estonia. The place presents what rural life in Estonia was like back in those days, further proving that Tallinn truly is a modern-day metropolis steeped in history and heritage. If that's not your cup of tea, don't worry! Rocca al Mare has a lot more to offer too. 

  

What to Do in Rocca al Mare, Tallinn

The most popular thing to do is to immerse yourself in the Estonian Open Air Museum. It's a unique attraction that you won't find anywhere else, after all. You can also head off to the Tallinn Zoo with your entire family. You can spend the day with all sorts of creatures, creating happy memories along the way. On the other hand, adrenaline junkies will love the FK Keskus Center. You can either go go-kart racing or engage in a paintball war here! What's not to love? 

Source: Wikimedia Commons 

  

The Old Town, Tallinn

A lot of times, a person will move to a certain city just to soak up its history and culture. To better understand the country through its most valued traditions and colorful past. So if you're interested in learning more about Estonia and its history and culture, your safest bet is to visit the Old Town district in Tallinn. Like many cities throughout Europe, this particular neighborhood upholds decades and centuries of the country's past. So much so that you'll really feel you traveled back in time the moment you step foot here. 

  

What to See in Tallinn's Old Town

This historic neighborhood is a feast for the eyes. There's the Town Hall Square, for example, lined with grand mansions and the Church of the Holy Spirit. The place looks straight out of a fairytale Disney film! The Town Hall Pharmacy is a delight too. Virtually nothing has changed since the Middle Ages here. It's a peek through history that you won't find anywhere else! 

Bars in Tallinn's Old Town

Bars and pubs await thirsty history buffs who spend an entire day in Tallinn basking in the historic appeal of the Old Town District. The area is brimming with great hotspots, including Must Puudel, a unique cafe/bar fusion, Põrgu and its collection of ciders, Paar Veini with its free-flowing beer, and Levist Väljas, a legendary bar that has stood the test of time. Any of these establishments and more like them will quench any thirst you have! 

Source: Wikimedia Commons 

  

Uus Maailm, Tallinn

Uus Maailm in English means “New World,” referring to America. Does this refer to the United States of America? The country was once regarded as the “new world” by the “old continent” (Europe), after all. It makes sense if Uus Maailm correlates with the country. Alas, this is not the case! The “America” in Uus Maailm refers to the 19th-century inn of the same name which stood in this very neighborhood. And true to its “new world” moniker, the district is known for its bohemian vibe, providing a great atmosphere for new ideas to flourish and help push Tallinn further into the future. 

Source: Wikimedia Commons 

  

If you're not all too familiar with Tallinn, this neighborhood guide can help you. It has all the central districts of the Estonian capital, giving you at least the basics of each important area that helps define this fascinating destination.