A Comprehensive Neighborhood Guide to Tallinn
To have the best experience in Tallinn, you must first learn all the most interesting neighborhoods and places to visit. There are plenty of different attractions for everyone from couples to nature lovers to history buffs. Here are the neighborhoods that you shouldn’t miss if you want to fully understand the culture of Tallinn and Estonia!
The Old Town
The Old Town is the most beautiful and historic part of Tallinn, so if you want to get to know Estonian culture throughout the ages, look no further. From medieval churches to the huge City Hall to traditional pubs to narrow stone streets, the Old Town can satisfy every visitor’s desires. Also, all the best restaurants are located in the Tallinn Old Town for gourmands of traditional cuisine.
Uus Maailm
Uus Maailm has no borders, and people in this neighborhood are different compared to the rest of Tallinn. Just like Užupis in Vilnius, Uus Maailm in Tallinn is considered to be the most bohemian spot in town, where people are relaxed and open to change. In September, a unique street festival takes place, so you might want to aim to visit Tallinn early in the autumn to catch it.
Kalamaja
Kalamaja is where most of the students live, so this neighborhood never sleeps. There are plenty of delightful cafés, bars, and restaurants in which to while away your evenings. During the day, you can wander around a deserted prison, an Estonian submarine from the ’30s, or a Russian flea market.
Pirita
You must visit Pirita Beach during the summer and swim in the Baltic Sea, walk on a sandy beach, and visit the old Pirita monastery to learn a little bit more about Tallinn’s history.
Rocca al Mare
Rocca al Mare is the greenest neighborhood in Tallinn, where you can experience Estonian village life without leaving the city. There are plenty of parks in the area as well as the Tallinn Zoo and Open Air Museum, one of the most extraordinary museums in Tallinn.
Kadriog
Kadriog is the most expensive neighborhood in Tallinn, where the president lives. Old wooden villas from the 19th and 20th centuries make this place extraordinary for people who want to see how luxurious the living could be a couple of centuries ago in Estonia. Russian Czar Peter I greatly influenced the creation of the Kadriog area.