What to see in Tallinn

My favourite places to visit beyond the Old Town of Tallinn. The selection includes the Telliskivi Creative City, Fotografiska Tallinn, Kalamaja wooden houses, the Noblessner seafront quarter and the industrial Rotermann city.

 
 

tallinn beyond the old town

© Visit Estonia

© Visit Estonia

 

A comprehensive list of places to visit in the city of Tallinn beyond its historical Old Town.

The selection includes places of national interest, art museums and city districts recommended to see in order to get a more complete experience of the Estonian capital.

 
 
 
 
© Telliskivi.cc

© Telliskivi.cc

Telliskivi Creative City

These old factory buildings transformed into an art-friendly hub of modern restaurants, event venues and vintage shops decorated with amazing graffitis has become the trendiest place in nowadays Tallinn.

Because of that, Telliskivi Creative City is a favourite hangout among locals and visitors. A buzzling area in the Kalamaja district where every hipster, and all the rest, have a place.

Best way to get there:

From Towers’s Square, reach Suurtuki street and follow it until the EKA Galerii. Then turn left to Kopli and follow it along until you get to Telliskivi street.

Check the location here.

 

 
 
© Robe Trotting

© Robe Trotting

Wooden Kalamaja

The colourful wooden houses of Kalamaja district have a distinctive bohemian charm that sends you back in time.

Maybe that is the reason why this once fishing village developed into an industrial area has become the coolest living area in central Tallinn. Start at picturesque Valgevase Street and continue to Kalju, Kungla, Vana-Kalamaja, and Niine for the best examples in the area.

Best way to get there:

From Telliskivi Creative City, look for Valgevase street and follow it until Vana-Kalamaja, from where you will be able to get to the secondary ones.

Check the location here.

 

 
 
© Visit Estonia

© Visit Estonia

Rotermann Quarter

From bohemian Kalamaja to classy Rotermann, this is a great example of architectonical renovation that shows the best of nowadays modern Tallinn.

Dating back from the XIX century, this former area of Soviet factory buildings has become the futuristic, avant-garde district it is today. Besides, the so called “Tallinn's Manhattan” is not only a bustling cultural district, but the official centre-point of the Estonian capital.

Best way to get there:

From the Viru Gate, take the Vana-Viru street until Viru-Valijak. The district starts at the other side of the roundabout.

Check the location here.

 

 
 
© Fotografiska Tallinn

© Fotografiska Tallinn

Fotografiska Tallinn

A meeting place for world-class artists and photography lovers, this renowned photography museum is one of the top attractions in Telliskivi Creative City.

Hosting many events, masterclasses, and conferences, Fotografiska is not only an outstanding photography museum, but a complete exhibition space to discover the work of many rising talents.

Best way to get there:

From Tallinn train station near the Old Town, follow the Reisijate street to the west until you reach Telliskivi street. Then look for the Loomelinnaku Väligalerii, your destination will be right behind.

Check the location here.

 

 
 
© Noblessner.ee

© Noblessner.ee

Noblessner Seafront Quarter

Located in the heart of Tallinn’s seaside, this once major submarine shipyard has been transformed into a modern seafront area, becoming the first district in Tallinn open to the sea.

Neighbouring Kalamaja park and Seaplane Harbour, the Noblessner quarter has a unique mix of new and old fashion architecture that gives a very distinctive vibe. An ideal place to relax after a long day in busy Old Town.

Best way to get there:

Take bus 73 in the city centre and hop off at ‘Noblessneri’. You can also walk along the seaside from Seaplane Harbour for unique scenic views along the promenade.

Check the location here.