10 Amazing Things To See And Do In Kalamaja Tallinn

Just a ten minute walk from the Old Town you’ll discover Kalamaja, a vibrant meeting point for Tallinn’s creative, bohemian souls. This former ghetto has undergone a phoenix-like revival that’s got everybody talking: its old abandoned factories now contain hot new restaurants, and its beautiful wooden houses are drawing in a surge of young, hip residents. Brimming with new activity and new places to explore, this is the most happening part of Tallinn today. Check out our list for the top 10 things you don’t want to miss in this exciting neighborhood.

The Culture Kilometer

Venture off the beaten tourist track and onto this less traditional 2.5-kilometer route which shows a different side of Tallinn, telling the story of its industrial history and its growth into a modern bohemia. You’ll see abandoned structures from the Soviet era left to ruin, and remnants of railroad tracks going nowhere, but as you walk on, you’ll also see several Soviet factories transformed into bohemian cafés and other thriving community spaces. You’ll see the shells of old buildings completely covered in colorful graffiti, as well as the squeaky-clean facades of newly incorporated upscale residential buildings. Officially starting at Linnahall car park and ending at Port Noblessner, the Culture Kilometer offers visitors an insightful look at Kalamaja’s true character: an ever-evolving neighborhood where culture, art and industry merge.

Kultuurikilomeeter, Tallinn, Estonia

Linnahall Building

Linnahall was built as a sports and concerts venue for the 22nd Moscow Summer Olympic Games in 1980, and still stands right on Tallinn’s seafront like a friendly ghost from the Soviet era. Though it’s little more than a shell now, it remains a favorite under-the-radar stop for locals, especially at absurdly early hours on summer mornings. Sound a little crazy? Once you’ve watched the sunrise from the rooftop of Linnahall, you’ll understand what’s got everyone out of bed at 5am to visit a defunct stadium: a beautiful rosy panorama of the sea, the old town, the new skyscrapers and the factories, is without a doubt worth a sleepless night.
Mere puiestee 20B, Tallinn, Estonia

Patarei Sea Fortress Prison
Occupying 4 hectares of the seafront, this imperial sea fortress was introduced as a cannon battery in 1840 and since then served many different functions. From 1867 to 1919 it served as a Russian army barracks, then in 1920 it was converted into a high security prison, an identity it held through the Soviet Era; today the old building is free of prisoners, but has kept its spooky spirit intact. This unique example of military architecture and world-class engineering has remained practically untouched, giving visitors an opportunity to immerse themselves in a real Soviet-era prison environment. Don’t be surprised if the feel of the old abandoned cells, working areas, or wards send a shiver or two down your spine.
Kihnu 6-124, Tallinn, Estonia, +37 25 046 536

2. Seaplane Harbour

Museum

Seaplane Harbour

One of the most exciting museums in Europe is located in Kalamaja’s Seaplane Harbor; in fact, the harbor itself is an important part of the Estonian Maritime Museum. Here, you can gawp at massive submarines hanging from the ceiling above your head, but they’re not just for show. Visitors are also welcome to venture inside these giant ships, where you’ll get a peek at how Estonian sailors once lived hundreds of feet below sea level. Even if you don’t have a special interest in marine or naval history, the interactive exhibitions here are breathtaking, even for a casual observer. This museum is a great attraction for the whole family, and it’s a total playground for all naval nerds.
Vesilennuki tänav 6, Tallinn, Estonia, +37 26 200 550
http://instagram.com/p/BH_wsb5BS8p/?tagged=seaplaneharbour

3. Kalamaja Kalmistupark (Kalamaja Cemetery Park)

Kalamaja Kalmistupark (Kalamaja Cemetery Park)

Once the city’s oldest cemetery, Kalamaja Cemetery Park is now a beloved picnic spot and a popular playground for local kids. Though the land served as a cemetery for over 400 years and was the resting place for thousands of graves, in the mid-20th century the graveyard was completely flattened and destroyed by the Soviet authorities. A restored chapel stands as a lone memorial in the park, the only reminder of the area’s former identity. Today, this expansive park has blossomed into the perfect place to spend a relaxing afternoon strolling and having fun with your family outdoors, or to get a peaceful moment to yourself if you need a break from the city.
Kalamaja Kalmistupark, Tallinn, Estonia

4. Telliskivi Loomelinnak

Telliskivi Loomelinnak

Telliskivi Loomelinnak (or Telliskivi Creative City) is the largest creative center in Estonia. Inside this former industrial complex, you’ll find a collective of ateliers, shared studios, solo artists, NGOs, and other creative bodies offering a range of unique goodies, designer pieces, and various artisanal services. They host a big flea market every Saturday, so mark your calendar for a souvenir shopping spree! While this is a great place to pick up a little treat for yourself or a unique gift for a loved one, Telliskivi Loomelinnak is so much more than just a marketplace: they also host exciting cultural events all year long, making this Creative City a true haven for those who seek an artistic alternative to the nightlife of Tallinn’s Old Town.
Telliskivi tänav 60A, Tallinn, Estonia
http://instagram.com/p/BKqb-sgAyDf/?tagged=telliskiviloomelinnak

5. The Energy Discovery Centre

The Energy Discovery Centre

Located in Tallinn’s 102-year-old power plant, The Energy Discovery Centre is an electrifying attraction for the whole family. With 130 interactive displays, one-of-a-kind lightning demonstrations, and their own out-of-this-world virtual planetarium, the Energy Discovery Centre is a fantastic educational experience that transports its visitors to different planes, planets and realities. Especially recommended for families with little Einsteins-to-be!
Põhja pst 29, Tallinn, Estonia, +37 26 209 020
http://instagram.com/p/BI3HVlxAmih/?tagged=energydiscoverycentre

6. Balti Jaam Market

Balti Jaam Market

If you’re fascinated by the culture and styles of the Soviet Era, come to the Balti Jaam train station flea market for a total throwback. Whatever odd or obscure bits and bobs you’re looking for, your best chance of finding them is right here. From Soviet medals and authentic propaganda posters to secondhand clothes and an eclectic mix of foods, this market is buzzing with activity and is a great stop for any bargain hunter or savvy vintage shopper. Well away from the typical tourists’ trail, Balti Jaam Market gives an exciting new life to Tallinn’s past and yields different treasures to explore every day, just like the neighborhood of Kalamaja itself.
Balti Jaam Train Station

7. Port Noblessner

Port Noblessner

At the very end of the Culture Kilometer, you’ll arrive at Port Noblessner. Dating back to 1912, this port served the Russian Navy for many decades, and the area has been closed to citizens for nearly a century due to its military functions. Now you can explore the Port’s harbor and yacht club, check out a show at the Port’s new concert venue, or stop in for a coffee at one of its terrace cafes, where you relax and gaze out at the water. After walking all the way from the Art Museum and taking in everything this area has to offer, a calm, beautiful view and a gentle sea breeze make an ideal ending to your inspiring stroll through Kalamaja’s culture.
Tööstuse 48, Tallinn, Estonia
http://instagram.com/p/BJn5Zayj0n2/?tagged=portnoblessner

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.