I don’t think I’ve been to a prettier city than Tallinn. Walking through the snowy old town in December, amidst the medieval turrets, felt like something you’d only see on a postcard.
But no, it was my reality. Tallinn in December is a magical experience, even if it is ridiculously chilly as cold temperatures combine with strong winds from the Baltic Sea.
Tallinn, Estonia’s capital, is the country’s cultural and economic hub. You can explore a historic and medieval city with a bustling square – one of the prettiest capital cities on the continent – without the price tag of Western (or even Central) Europe.
While all of the crowds head to medieval cities like Prague, pay a visit to Tallinn instead! It is the best-preserved medieval Old Town in Northern Europe and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
With its tantalising red clay rooftops, preserved cobblestoned Old Town and magnificent towers and churches – you won’t be disappointed. As I say, I particularly love visiting around Christmas time, when the picturesque turrets are often covered in snow, which makes it feel like a festive movie setting.
Each area in Tallinn is completely unique from the last. It’s a cool experience to explore a few of the different districts and get a taste of what each offers. However, you’ll want to base yourself in the area of the city that is best suited to YOU and your travel needs.
Luckily, you have me! Otherwise, this can often seem like a daunting task – especially if you’ve never visited the city before.
I’ve written this guide on where to stay in Tallinn to help you navigate the winding streets and find the perfect base for your travel style and interests. You’ll be an expert in the areas of the city in no time!
So, let’s get into the good stuff and find which location is best for you.
Old Town
Old Town is the crown jewel of the Estonia capital city. It is one of the most beautiful and charming neighbourhoods in the city and is where you’ll find history on every corner.
City Centre
The City Centre is the commercial and economic hub of Tallinn. Located to the southeast of Old Town, this neighbourhood is where you’ll find a good number of skyscrapers, restaurants, shopping malls, and supermarkets.
Kalamaja
Kalamaja is a neighbourhood known for its wooden houses, Tsarist architecture and laid-back cafes. Home to Tallinn’s student population, Kalamaja is a cool and hip district and one of the fastest growing neighbourhoods in the city.
Kadriorg
East of the city centre, Kadriorg is one of the most luxurious neighbourhoods in Tallinn. Home to the Estonia president, this neighbourhood is made up of tree-lined streets and stately homes.
4 Best Neighborhoods to Stay in Tallinn
Tallinn has a decent public transit network that consists of buses and trams. No matter where you stay in the city you’ll be able to reach other neighborhoods with relative ease.
Depending on the nature of your trip, there will be somewhere that’s best suited for you. Do you want to immerse yourself in the rich history of this place? Maybe you want to party the night away at Tallinn’s hottest clubs? Perhaps travel on a budget?
Or, possibly you want to indulge in the finest Estonia cuisine on offer? All of these things can be done if you stay in the right place.
Below are the top four neighborhoods in Tallinn broken down by interest. For each neighborhood, we’ll also be breaking down the best places to stay so you know just where to book!
1. Old Town – Where to Stay for First-Time Visitors
Old Town is the crown jewel of the Estonia capital city. It is one of the most beautiful and charming neighborhoods in the city and is where you’ll find history on every corner.
This area of the city is where you’ll find the majority of the historic attractions here. From medieval churches and towering stonewalls to heritage pubs and old wooden houses, this neighborhood is packed with great sights to see.
Without a doubt, this is one of the best places to stay for first-time visitors, and it is also home to some of Tallinn’s top hostels.
- Best For: Anyone looking to spend their holiday in a picturesque environment, close to the main attractions.
- The Vibe: It’s pretty quiet and calm here. It feels very safe, even in the dark allies surrounding the main town at night.
- Proximity to Airport: It’s a 20-minute Uber ride away, or 30 minutes by bus (many buses come here).
- Transport Level: It’s really easy to get around with buses, trams, Uber and walking, You may hear about free public transport, this is NOT true for tourists who must pay €2 for up to an hour’s journey.
- Budget: By Tallinn standards, it’s pretty affordable. You have lots of hostels as well as hotels here.
- Crowds: It’s one of the busier parts of the city, but Tallinn doesn’t draw massive crowds.
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Top Things to Do in Old Town
- Marvel at the opulence at Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, a 19th century Russian Orthodox Church.
- Wander cobblestone streets that snake throughout the Medieval Old Town, which dates back to the 15th century and is full of wonderful historic surprises.
- Stare over the rooftops of Tallinn and into the horizon from one of the many viewpoints on Toompea Hill.
- Take a peek at Riigikogu, Estonia’s Parliament, which is painted a vibrant and cheerful pink.
- Visit St Mary’s Cathedral, the oldest church in Tallinn, which was built in 1229.
- Visit the former headquarters of the infamous Russian KGB, where you can explore the old prison cells and see where Soviet-era interrogations took place.
- Join a free walking tour and learn all about the city’s diverse history and top attractions from a knowledgeable and funny local.
- Navigate the streets and alleys and make your way to Kohtuotsa and Patkuli Viewing Platforms. There’s no better place to snap pics for the ‘gram.
Best Airbnb: Medieval Studio on Artery of Old Town
This cozy, lovely apartment is situated in the heart of Old Town of Tallinn. Its medieval character mixes seamlessy with modern style of a city studio apartment. It has one bedroom with a double bed, fully equipped kitchen, a bathroom with jacuzzi bath, working fireplace, WIFI and washing machine. Rataskaevu Street has 3 of the best restaurants in Tallinn, according to Tripadvisor, and there are 2 supermarkets within 200m, one of them is 24hrs. It is a 2-minute walk to the Old Town Square, the main attraction.
Best Hostel: 16eur – Old Town Munkenhof
Whichever room you land in, you’re guaranteed a comfy stay—clean, well-kept, with decent mattresses and crisp linens. The bathrooms are newly renovated and spotless, which is always a win. The woman on reception is genuinely warm and full of great local tips. Location-wise, it ticks all the boxes. You’re smack bang in the Old Town for easy wandering, but tucked away on a peaceful street so you’re not kept up by the usual late-night chaos. Bonus: you’ll wake up to a church view for that quintessentially Tallinn experience.
Best Hotel: City Hotel Tallinn by Unique Hotels
This modern and eclectic hotel is located in the centre of Tallinn. It has 17 recently refurbished rooms each outfitted with contemporary amenities.
You’ll find a restaurant and day spa on-site. This hostel is walking distance to all of the city’s top attractions, ideal for singles, couples and small groups.
2. City Centre – Where to Stay for the Best Nightlife
The City Centre is the commercial and economic hub of Tallinn. Located to the southeast of Old Town, this neighborhood is where you’ll find a good number of skyscrapers, restaurants, shopping malls, and supermarkets.
Here you’ll also find the hottest bars and best clubs in Tallinn. There’s something for every taste and style in this area. Whether you want to enjoy a night of smooth jazz, sample local craft brews, or dance until dawn, there’s a bar or club for you!
- Best For: Access to bars, restaurants and amenities.
- The Vibe: It’s pretty similar to the Old Town, perhaps a little less picturesque, but pretty calm and quiet.
- Proximity to Airport: It’s 15 minutes away by Uber, or a 25-minute journey on public transport. The number 2 tram runs regularly along this route.
- Transport Level: There are lots of trams, trains and buses here. But it’s also a very walkable area, and Uber exists if you really need a car (it’s more expensive though).
- Budget: Pretty standard for Tallinn. This is neither an expensive nor cheap part of the city.
- Crowds: It’s busy by Tallinn standards, but that’s pretty quiet compared to London or Paris for example.
Top Things to Do in the City Centre
- One of the only clubs of its kind in the city, Philly Joe’s Jazz Club offers great American jazz five nights a week.
- Tucked away in a historic building, Kochi Aidad Tavern offers guests a great selection of local and international beers.
- Enjoy a chill and relaxing evening at MyShisha Estonia, where they serve good food, great drinks, and have a friendly atmosphere.
- Check out a number of great bars and pubs by taking a guided bar crawl through the city.
- Enjoy great music, good dancing, and a wild light show at Cellar Night Club.
Best Hotel: Tallink City Hotel
This stylish and modern hotel is located at the heart of the City Centre. It is within walking distance of Tallinn’s tourist attractions, as well as bars, clubs, restaurants and shops.
Boasting an on-site gym, sauna and restaurant, this hotel is equipped to provide guests with a comfortable stay.
Best Hostel: Viru Backpackers Hostel
Bang in the heart of Tallinn’s city center is this cozy hostel with clean rooms. Now one of the few downsides here is that it’s a little noisy. But I found they gave us free earplugs which makes it tolerable. I felt very safe here, but I guess that’s a given in Tallinn. They even threw in free tea and coffee which gave me much-needed energy to explore.
Best Airbnb: Old Town Studio Apartment Aia 5a
The apartment’s fantastic, and the location’s spot on. It’s a genuinely lovely stay, with everything set up for maximum comfort. Sigrit’s great at communicating and super flexible with any check-in/check-out times. The bed’s brilliant, and it’s nice and quiet for a solid night’s sleep, since it faces the courtyard. Ideal for getting out and exploring the city, it has everything you need – clean, tidy, and cosy.
3. Kalamaja Neighborhood – Coolest Place to Stay in Tallinn
Kalamaja is a neighborhood known for its wooden houses, Tsarist architecture and laid-back cafes. Home to Tallinn’s student population, Kalamaja is a cool and hip district and one of the fastest growing neighborhoods in the city.
Well connected to Old Town and the City Centre, Kalamaja is centrally locations. This trendy and vibrant neighborhood is where you’ll find a great variety of hip restaurants, cultural attractions, and bohemian hangouts. Kalamaja is a great spot for digital nomads in Tallinn!
Enjoy one of the hippest neighborhoods in Tallinn, and in Europe, by staying in Kalamaja.
- Best For: Anyone looking to stay a little outside the centre and get stuck into more hipster-friendly spots.
- The Vibe: It’s pretty lively due to the young student crowd here.
- Proximity to Airport: You’re again looking at 15 minutes by Uber, whilst it takes 35-45 minutes by public transport.
- Transport Level: Trams and buses run through here regularly. But Uber and walking are also viable options.
- Budget: It’s a little cheaper than the central areas here.
- Crowds: Moderate. There are fewer tourists, but you will still find a significant student population.
Top Things to Do in Kalamaja
- Peep at the colourful street art as you walk the Culture Kilometer.
- See works of art by alternative artists at the Contemporary Art Museum of Estonia. Housed in a former office building on the deck of an old boiler house, the site alone is worth a visit.
- Relax on a hot day and enjoy the peace and quiet of Kalamaja Kalmistupark (Kalamaja Cemetery Park), the city’s oldest existing cemetery that is now a public park.
- Enjoy a delicious and cosy meal any time of day at the charming Kohvik Sessoon.
- Sip and sample your way through Balti Jaam Market where you can find everything from fruits and vegetables to clothes and treats.
- Wander the winding lanes and alleyways, and see the colourful wooden houses.
- Sit back, relax, and enjoy a steam at Kalma Saun, the oldest public sauna in the city.
- Explore Tallinn’s maritime history at the Estonian Maritime Museum.
- Start your day with a cup of coffee and wonderful food at the hip and rustic Kalamaja Pagarikoda Bakery.
Best Airbnb: Outstanding Apartment With Free Parking
You’re just 5 minutes from the train station here, whilst the bus station and harbour aren’t much further away. I found the host to be very responsive here, which is always a plus point. I’ve had hosts in the past who left me stranded outside for an eternity (looking at you here Raul from Atacama, Chile). It’s also very clean, and close to a decent supermarket. Was a big fan of this spot overall.
Best Hostel: 16eur – Fat Margaret’s
The hostel’s in a cracking spot, right opposite one of the main gates to Old Town. It’s just a 15-minute walk to the Old Town square, Telliskivi, and Noblesser Harbour/Kalamaja. The room has a solid view, and the kitchen and dining area are spacious. You’ve got a free sauna and cold plunge pool in the mornings, plus batter for waffles – not a bad way to kick off your day, eh?!
Best Hotel: GoHotel Shnelli
This three-star hotel is located on the border of the Kalamaja district. It is surrounded by bars and clubs and close to the railway station and public transit.
This hotel has an in-house spa, and an on-site coffee bar and restaurant. Enjoy a range of modern features at this charming Tallinn hotel.
4. Kadriorg Neighborhood – Where to Stay for Families
East of the city centre, Kadriorg is one of the most luxurious neighborhoods in Tallinn. Home to the Estonia president, this neighborhood is made up of tree-lined streets and stately homes.
With its seaside location and lush parks, this district of Tallinn was once a summertime retreat for wealthy Russian elites.
Kadriorg is now one of the best neighborhoods for families visiting Tallinn, and it features a number of fun things to do that are interesting for the whole family.
Whether you want to play on the beach or explore a palace, there’s something for everyone in Kadriorg.
- Best For: Anyone looking to stay closer to the sea.
- The Vibe: It’s a posh part of Tallinn that feels very well looked after.
- Proximity to Airport: It’s a 13-minute drive away, 30-35 minutes by public transport, or even a 45-minute walk from the airport.
- Transport Level: As with the rest of Tallinn, trams, buses and Uber all operate frequently. It’s also a very walkable area.
- Budget: This is one of the city’s more expensive areas.
- Crowds: It’s more residential than touristic. So expect fewer crowds here.
Top Things to Do in Kadriorg
- Covering more than 250 acres, Kadriorg Park is a lush and scenic green space perfect for an afternoon of picnics and play.
- Explore Kadriorg Palace, an 18th-century grand palace built by Tsar Peter the Great for Catherine I of Russia.
- See works of art by foreign artists at Kadriorg Art Museum, which is housed within the Palace.
- Dig your toes in the sand and swim in the Baltic Sea by enjoying a day at the beach.
- See the historic wooden houses, which were used as summer resorts by Russian elites.
- Wander by the Presidential Palace to see the home of the Estonian president.
- Hop on a bike and cycle along the paved seashore path exploring Kadriord and neighboring Pirita.
- Visit the National Art Museum of Estonia (KUMU) and see Estonia’s largest and most cutting-edge art museum.
- Visit the Maarjamae Memorial in nearby Pirita and visit the Soviet Statue Graveyard.
Best Hotel: Oru Hotel
This three-star hotel is located in Kadriorg. It features a rooftop terrace and a comfortable lounge bar. Each room features modern décor and is outfitted with flat-screen TVs and comfortable beds.
Close to the seashore and beach, this hotel is well-connected to areas throughout Tallinn via public transit.
Best Airbnb: Spacious apartment with private parking, Kadriorg
This apartment is super comfortable, with all the gear you’ll need to whip up a simple meal. The underground garage’s a real bonus for anyone driving. The location’s ideal – just a stone’s throw from the historic centre, the trendy Rotermann district, and the D-terminal for cruise travellers. There’s a bus stop and supermarket practically right outside, plus Kadriorg Park just across the street. For groups of 3, it’s pretty affordable too.
Best Apartment: Bright Lofts near City Center Harbour
This holiday home has a calm, cosy feel – clean, quiet, and thoughtfully put together. The room’s got everything you might need, with small touches like dental kits and body balms that show real care. Staff are quick to respond and easy to communicate with. The location’s convenient too: shops, transport, the Old Town, and the harbour are all within a 15-minute walk, so even a late ferry’s no hassle.
FAQ about Finding a Place to Stay in Tallinn
Here’s what people usually ask us about the areas of Tallinn and where to stay.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance for Tallinn
Tallinn is super safe when it comes to crime, much more so than any Western European city. But in the winter, it can get colder than your ex’s heart, and end up turning into the world’s most beautiful ice rink. Accidents do happen, so be sure to get good insurance to cover you just in case.
ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.
They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.
SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!
Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.
Which Part of Tallinn Should you Choose to Stay in?
In this guide, we cover the 5 best neighborhoods in Tallinn, Estonia for every travel style and budget. Even if you only have 36 hours in the city, you can get a lot done if you base yourself in the right area for your needs.
If you’re still not sure what to do here, consider the small hostel, 16eur – Old Town Munkenhof. It’s perfectly located in the Old Town, and features a balcony, common area, and fully equipped kitchen. You’ll feel right at home at this cozy hostel, and save a fair bit of cash.
Our pick for the best hotel in Tallinn is Hestia Hotel Ilmarine because it’s located in a trendy area and even features an on-site restaurant and bar.
Have we missed your favourite place to stay? Let us know in the comments so that we can add it to the list! Enjoy your trip!
- Figured out where you wanna stay? Now it’s time to pick the perfect hostel in Tallinn.
- Save yourself hassle and money and get an international sim card for Europe.
- Swing by our super epic backpacking packing list to prep for your trip.
- Our in-depth Europe backpacking guide will help you plan the rest of your adventure.
