Tallinn is famous for its Old Town and the most popular attractions in Tallinn are there. With its medieval streets and old buildings, it’s like stepping into a fairy tale. But there’s much more to see and do in Tallinn beyond the walls of Old Town.
In this guide, I’ll show you some of the less well-known but equally exciting parts of the city. We’ll visit a cool neighborhood full of old wooden houses that’s now a hotspot for artists. We’ll also explore a trendy area full of shops and restaurants in buildings that mix the old and new. Plus, we’ll take you to a tall TV tower with a great view, and to the beach for some fun in the sun.
So, if you’re ready to see a different side of Tallinn, keep reading. There’s a lot to discover in this charming city besides the Old Town.
My Top Attractions in Tallinn besides Old Town
Table of Contents
Kalamaja & Telliskivi
Number 1 in my list of attractions in Tallinn outside Old Town is for sure Kalamaja and Telliskivi. Kalamaja is a popular neighborhood in Tallinn known for its historic wooden houses from the 1920s and 1930s. Now it’s a trendy area with many bars, cafes, shops, and galleries.
Telliskivi Creative City is in Kalamaja. It used to be a group of old, rundown buildings. Now, it’s been fixed up and turned into a place for art, shopping, food, and fun. There are also lots of events like markets and concerts.
If you’re looking for a fun, artsy place to visit in Tallinn, Kalamaja and Telliskivi are perfect for you.
Nearby, you can also find the renovated Balti Jaam Market (Balti Jaama Turg). In addition to a variety of shops and fresh groceries, it boasts numerous cafes, takeaways, bars, and even antique shops.
Noblessner and Seaplane Harbour (Lennusadam)
Next to Kalamaja you can find Noblessner area. This district, once an old submarine factory, has been transformed into a vibrant hub of activity, blending urban life with captivating sea views.
Near Noblessner, you’ll find the remarkable Seaplane Harbour Museum, which is operated by the Estonian Maritime Museum. This fascinating venue is housed in an old seaplane hangar, which in itself is an architectural marvel. Its displays include a range of nautical vessels and artifacts, including a submarine named Lembit that served in World War II.
Kadriorg
Kadriorg firmly holds a spot on my list of top attractions in Tallinn. It is an elegant district located east of Tallinn’s city center. It is renowned for its beautiful palace and park. Peter the Great initially built the palace for Catherine the First, making it a site steeped in history.
The district is filled with grand wooden villas that date back to the 19th and 20th centuries, creating a unique atmosphere. It’s a great place to take a leisurely walk, soaking in the scenery.
If you’re an art enthusiast, don’t miss out on the Kumu Art Museum and the Kadriorg Art Museum. The Kumu Art Museum is the main branch of the Art Museum of Estonia. It features Estonian art from the 18th century onwards, including works during the Soviet occupation. The museum’s contemporary architecture contrasts with the nearby Kadriorg Palace which houses the Kadriorg Art Museum, showcasing foreign art from the 16th to 20th centuries. The palace itself is a work of art, with ornate rooms and beautiful gardens.
Kadriorg is a home to the Residence of the Estonian President, where you can also see honour guards.
Rotermann Quarter (Rotermanni kvartal)
Rotermann Quarter is a unique part of Tallinn where history meets modernity. Once an industrial area, it’s now a lively district filled with stylish shops, restaurants, and cafes. It’s a great spot to relax, shop, and eat, away from the busy Old Town.
TV Tower (Tallinna Teletorn)
One of the most notable landmarks in Tallinn, outside of the Old Town, is the Tallinn TV Tower. This is the tallest structure in the city, reaching a staggering 313 meters (1030.2 feet) into the sky. The tower was initially built to provide telecommunication services for the 1980 Moscow Summer Olympics regatta event and is located near the suburb of Pirita, six kilometers northeast of the city center.
The main attraction of the TV Tower is its observation deck, which is situated at a height of 170 meters. From this vantage point, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of Tallinn and its surrounding areas. Additionally, the location features a café and an extreme attraction for adventure seekers – the opportunity to walk on the roof of the tower’s viewing platform.
Also next to the TV Tower there is Tallinn Botanic Garden.
Estonian Open Air Museum in Rocca al Mare (Eesti Vabaõhumuuseum)
If you’re interested in history and want to get a feel for what life was like in Estonia in past centuries, make sure to pay a visit to the Rocca al Mare Open Air Museum. The museum spans 12 hectares and is designed to resemble a rural village, complete with 74 historical buildings that have been relocated from all around Estonia for preservation.
You’ll find a diverse range of structures, including farms, a school house, a church, mills, a fire station, and even 20th-century buildings. As you walk through the museum, you’ll get a glimpse of the country’s rural architecture and way of life. There’s also two restaurants, a gift shop, and a cafe on the premises, so you can easily spend a whole day exploring.
Pirita Beach (Pirita Rand)
For those visiting Tallinn during the summer months, a trip to Pirita Beach is a must in the list of attractions in Tallinn. Located along Tallinn’s coastline, Pirita is the city’s biggest and most popular beach. It offers a large sandy area perfect for sunbathing, playing beach games, or simply enjoying the beautiful view of the Baltic Sea. The beach is well-equipped with changing rooms, lockers, and a number of cafes and restaurants close by. It’s an ideal spot to relax, take a swim, or enjoy a picnic while soaking up the Estonian sun.
Conclusion
To sum up, Tallinn offers a lot more than its famous Old Town. Top attractions in Tallinn are Kalamaja, Kadriorg, the Noblessner area, Rotermann Quarter, and the TV Tower. Don’t forget about the Rocca al Mare Open Air Museum and Pirita Beach, especially if you’re visiting in the summer. Each of these places adds a unique flavour to Tallinn’s vibrant character, ensuring your visit to this city will be a memorable one.