Where to stay in Tallinn?
Tallinn offers a mix of history, culture, and modern convenience. Whether you’re here for a romantic getaway, a cultural trip, or a workation, there’s a neighborhood that fits your needs. Here’s a breakdown of Tallinn’s key areas to help you choose the best place to stay.
Table of Contents
Here I made a little map where to stay in Tallinn (apologies for my designer skills):
1. Old Town (Vanalinn)
Best for: First-time visitors, history lovers, couples
Tallinn’s medieval heart is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Cobblestone streets, fairy-tale towers, and charming cafes make it ideal for romantic stays and sightseeing. Many boutique hotels and guesthouses are tucked behind centuries-old walls. While most of the nightlife moved out from Old Town to Telliskivi and other areas, in some areas it can be noisy at night (especially near Suur-Karja street).
Pros: Walkable, picturesque, full of landmarks
Cons: Can be noisy and touristy during peak season
2. Kalamaja
Best for: Hipsters, creatives, and foodies
Once a fisherman’s district, Kalamaja has transformed into Tallinn’s trendiest neighborhood. Expect wooden houses, cool cafes, design shops, and a laid-back vibe.
Highlights: Telliskivi Creative City, Balti Jaam Market
Pros: Artsy, close to Old Town, authentic local vibe
Cons: Limited hotel options (but great Airbnbs)
3. Telliskivi
Best for: Digital nomads, entrepreneurs, and urban explorers
Technically part of Kalamaja but worth mentioning separately, Telliskivi is the creative and tech hub of the city. It’s home to startups, art galleries, street murals, and co-working spaces.
Pros: Trendy, youthful energy, excellent food scene
Cons: Slightly industrial feel
4. Rotermanni Quarter
Best for: Modern design lovers, luxury travelers
An architectural gem between Old Town and the port, Rotermanni mixes glassy high-rises with restored factory buildings. Perfect for upscale stays with easy access to shopping and nightlife.
Pros: Stylish, central, good restaurants
Cons: Lacks green space, more commercial
5. Noblessner
Best for: Seaside lovers, art fans, and foodies
A revitalized harbor area known for modern waterfront apartments, art galleries, and gourmet restaurants. Great for those looking for a peaceful stay near the sea but still within walking distance of Old Town. Another great answer to question of where to stay in Tallinn.
Highlights: Seaplane Harbour, PROTO discovery factory
Pros: Scenic views, relaxed vibe, maritime charm
Cons: Less central, fewer budget options
6. Kadriorg
Best for: Families, park lovers, and culture seekers
Home to Kadriorg Palace and its surrounding park, this area is green, elegant, and quiet. Ideal for travelers who want a slower pace while still being close to the action.
Pros: Museums, spacious parks, peaceful atmosphere
Cons: Slightly farther from nightlife and Old Town
7. Pirita
Best for: Beachgoers, nature lovers, summer travelers
This district is famous for its sandy beach, marina, and pine forests. In summer, it’s a relaxing escape from the city buzz, yet still reachable by public transport.
Pros: Nature, beach, sports facilities
Cons: Not walkable to city center, quieter in winter
8. Maakri
Best for: Business travelers, luxury seekers
Tallinn’s financial district, filled with high-rise hotels and modern office buildings. It’s clean, efficient, and convenient for business trips. Some of the best hotels in town, like Radisson Collection and Swissotel are situted in this area.
Pros: Centrally located, modern accommodations
Cons: Less cultural character
9. Ülemiste
Best for: Early/late flights, business travelers
Near the airport (you can literally wakk by foor to the airport from here) and Ülemiste City (Tallinn’s tech park), this area is practical for short stays or conferences. There’s also a huge and one of the most poplar shopping malls in Estonia – Ülemiste Shopping Mall.
Pros: Close to airport and train station
Cons: Not touristy, lacks charm
10. Kristiine
Best for: Budget travelers, longer stays
A residential area with a local feel, Kristiine is quieter and more affordable. It’s a good choice for travelers who prefer a more local experience and don’t mind a short tram ride to town.
Pros: Local vibe, affordable, shopping mall
Cons: Limited nightlife, not very walkable to center
11. Lasnamäe
Best for: Budget-conscious travelers, Soviet-era architecture fans
Tallinn’s largest and most populous district. While it lacks Old Town charm, it offers a glimpse into everyday Estonian life and cheaper accommodation options.
Pros: Budget-friendly, authentic
Cons: Far from center, mostly residential
12. Õismäe & Mustamäe
Best for: Long-term stays, budget trips
These suburban districts are built around Soviet-era apartment blocks and green zones. Great for budget travelers or students, but not ideal for short visits.
Pros: Inexpensive, quiet
Cons: Far from tourist attractions, limited hotel choices
Safety
As for safety, of course, like everywhere else, you have to be conscious of your surrounfings, but all of the mentioned areas are very safe and you can walk in any area even at night.
So, where to stay in Tallinn?
Tallinn offers a wide variety of neighborhoods to suit every type of traveler. The Old Town is perfect for first-timers and history lovers, while areas like Kalamaja, Telliskivi, and Noblessner attract creatives and foodies with their trendy vibes. For a peaceful, green experience, Kadriorg and Pirita are ideal, while Rotermanni and Maakri offer modern comforts. Suburban areas like Viimsi, Tiskre, and Peetri are great for longer stays and families.
