Where to Stay in Tallinn → 4 BEST Areas + Amazing Hotels

Planning a trip to Tallinn – Estonia’s incredible capital and economic hub? Well, you’re in the right place! In this guide, I will talk about where to stay in Tallinn, which hotels to book, and of course, what to do during your visit. 

A few years back, I visited Tallinn and had a chance to explore the city’s top sights. So, now I can share my experience with you and tell you all about the 4 best areas to stay in Tallinn. 

Old Town is the best place to stay in Tallinn, especially if you’re visiting for the first time. As you roam the streets of Old Town, you’ll come across some of the city’s most important attractions, but you’ll get to pick from the top restaurants and best Tallinn hotels. 

I also recommend some fabulous hotels for each featured area (sorted by budget), but the secret here is that you have to book them early! Tallinn is becoming increasingly popular, so all the good places will surely sell out fast! 

Ready to start?

Let’s go! 

Quick Picks for Your Stay

Don’t have time to read the whole post? Check out the list of the best hotels in Tallinn, situated in Old Town: 

Definitely check out the map below if you need a bit of help visualizing all the areas of Tallinn I’ll talk about in the post:

1. Old Town – where to stay in Tallinn for the first time

Drenched in history, gorgeous architecture, and medieval churches, Tallinn’s Old Town is surely one of the best areas in town for first-time visitors! Also known as Vanalinn (Estonian for ‘Old Town’), this part of the city has a lively atmosphere and hosts some of the best hotels and restaurants. 

The Old Town is my favorite place in Tallinn! During my visit, I went there a few times, and I discovered something new every time. And seeing as there’s so much to admire, you’re probably wondering where to start! Well, that’s where I come in! 

The ultimate place to start exploring the Old Town is the Viru Gate (map), the official entrance to Tallinn’s Old Town and one of the most well-known landmarks. Once you’re through the gates, head to Tallinn Town Hall (map), a Gothic building overlooking a large square. 

TIP: Visit Tallinn during Christmas! The city has an amazing Christmas market that takes place in Town Hall Square (map) during late November and throughout December. I was lucky enough to visit during Christmas, and it was truly magical! Just prepare to brave the cold – Estonian winters can be particularly harsh. 

The next stop on your adventure should definitely be the St. Nicholas’ Church and Museum, a fantastic art museum situated in a restored church. Then, if I were you, I’d definitely stop to rest and admire the cool statues in the Danish King’s Garden (map) and also enjoy the panoramic views of the city. 

You can’t visit Old Town and skip out on the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral (map). This is a Christian Orthodox church, but anyone can visit – and should! It boasts very impressive architecture and a stunning interior, too (it’s prohibited to take photos inside the church, so I can’t share any – so you’ll have to trust me on this one). 

And if you want to have the best view of the city, the Kohtuotsa viewing platform (map) is the ultimate place to be. If you get tired or hungry at any point of your explorations, keep in mind that Old Town hosts plenty of lovely cafes and restaurants where you can rest and reset! 

There’s a lot to discover in Tallinn Old Town, so I highly recommend you spend at least a couple of days exploring this historic area. It’s highly walkable – this was one of my favorite things about the Old Town – so take some time to stroll around, admire the buildings, and explore some of the shops. 

As I already mentioned, there’s plenty more to do, but I just wanted to share a couple more personal favorites: St Olaf’s Church (map), one of the most impressive cathedrals I’ve ever seen, and the Estonian Maritime Museum, also known as the Museum and Visitor Centre of Fat Margaret. 

Now, let’s discover the top Old Town Tallinn hotels:

Other accommodation options in the Old Town

Things to do in the Old Town

• Stop by the Tallinn Town Hall and walk around the surrounding square
• Attend the Tallinn Christmas Market and sample traditional verivorst (blood sausage)
• Admire the art at the St. Nicholas’ Church and Museum
• See the monk statues at the Danish King’s Garden
• Visit Alexander Nevsky Cathedral and St. Olaf’s Church
• Take a walk along the Hellemann Tower and Town Wall Walkway (map)
• Learn about the country’s history at the Estonian Maritime Museum
• Do some people-watching in Freedom Square (map)

2. Kalamaja – the coolest place to stay in Tallinn

Looking for one of the most interesting areas in the capital? Well, then you need to check out Kalamaja, a vibrant neighborhood that acts as the hub of Tallinn nightlife and is home to beautiful wooden houses and many cultural attractions. Best of all, it’s just a 25-min walk Northwest (or a 15-min bus ride) of Tallinn Old Town! 

Whilst the Old Town is all about history, Kalamaja is extremely contemporary and attracts a younger crowd than the rest of the city. The first thing you’ll notice when you arrive in Kalamaja is the color – there’s color everywhere! The wooden houses lining the streets are all painted in different colors, and there’s abundant street art to admire. 

If you’d like to see some of that amazing street art, you need to visit Telliskivi Creative City (map) – an absolute favorite of mine. This is a large outdoor cultural center teeming with art galleries, cool cafes, and some truly stunning graffiti. Make sure you have a few hours for your visit here – you won’t be able to get enough! 

For fans of contemporary art, I highly recommend Fotografiska Tallinn. This museum has a few cool exhibitions, but it also hosts a cafe, a restaurant, and even a rooftop bar. Fotografiska also hosts some events, so if you have a free night, be sure to check their calendar. 

You can’t go wrong with Balti Jaama Turg (map) when you feel like shopping, whether it’s for food or cool souvenirs. At this covered market, you can get delicious food from local vendors, try both new and second-hand clothes, and even get your hands on some antique and vintage items. 

Other spots in Kalamaja that are worth your time include the Linnahall – Tallinn Concert Hall (map), a Soviet-era amphitheater, and Lennusadam, a super cool maritime museum. 

Even though there are many things that make Kalamaja a great place for your visit, another perk of staying here is the fact that it’s situated close to the Tallink Ferry Terminal (map). So, if you’re planning on taking the ferry to Helsinki, Kalamaja is the ideal spot to base yourself. 

Yet another plus of a Kalamaja stay is the location of the main railway station, i.e., Tallinn Baltic Station (map). From here, you can take a train to Tartu, the country’s second-largest city and an important university hub. There are several trains every day, and the trip takes less than 3 hours, so it’s a great choice for a long day trip or an overnight stay. 

PRO TIP: You can also embark on a Baltic tour and visit all the capital cities of the Baltic countries – Tallinn, Riga, and Vilnius. You can do this tour by bus (book your tickets through Omio and find more info here), or you can rent a car and drive yourself. 

If Tallinn is just one stop on your longer journey, then Kalamaja is an excellent choice for your stay, seeing as it provides easy access to both the railway station and the ferry terminal. Plus, it boasts some great hotels – let’s check them out!

Other accommodation options in Kalamaja

Things to do in Kalamaja

• Admire the street art at Telliskivi Creative City
• Spend a few hours exploring the collections at Fotografiska Tallinn
• Enjoy a delicious dinner at One Sixty Smokehouse (map)
• Do some food and souvenir shopping at Balti Jaama Turg
• Walk around Linnahall – Tallinn Concert Hall and enjoy the views
• Spend a fun afternoon at PROTO theme park
• Visit the maritime museum Lennusadam
• Hop on a ferry and explore Helsinki for a day

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3. Kadriorg – where to stay in Tallinn for families

Planning a big family trip in this beautiful city, and you’d prefer to stay in an area that isn’t as crowded as the Old Town? Then you’ll be happy to know that there are many other areas to choose from, like Kadriorg, a tranquil neighborhood that has some green spaces where you can play with the kids! Plus, it’s just a 20-min ride (bus or car) West of Old Town! 

Kadriorg is one of the most luxurious areas in town, and back in the day, it used to be the summer residence for the Russian elite, so you may find a lot of luxury hotels here, too! What’s great about this area is that it is super peaceful, so you won’t encounter big tourist crowds, and it’s set by the water, where you can enjoy some time on Tallinn’s small beaches. 

Although the city’s major tourist attractions are in the Old Town, there are a few notable ones here as well, like the Kadriorg Park (map), which dates back to the 18th century and is home to the Kadriorg Art Museum, a former royal residence. The architecture of the now-museum is very colorful, and the gardens are wonderfully landscaped – it’s a must-visit! 

The park also hosts some other museums, such as the well-known Estonian Art Museum (KUMU) and the family-oriented Children’s Museum Miiamilla. If you’re on the hunt for history, you should also visit Maarjamäe Castle, which is also a museum boasting exhibits on Estonian history, culture, and politics. 

Kadriorg is a bit further away from the Old Town (about a 30-min walk), which can be a bit inconvenient if you’re traveling with kids. There’s always the option to rent a car, but public transportation in Tallinn is very reliable, so I suggest doing that instead. 

NOTE: There’s a common misconception that public transport is free in Tallinn – and that’s not entirely wrong. Public transport (bus, tram, and trolley bus) is free for residents only, while tourists still need to pay. A one-day ticket costs €5.50 and can be purchased directly on the bus/tram, and if you get the Tallinn Card, you can use public transport free of charge. 

While I was in Tallinn, I only used the buses, and I was very satisfied – they were always on time, and the schedule was easy to figure out. Although I didn’t use the tram, my brother (who lives there) says it’s just as reliable. 

Yet another alternative for getting around the city is Bolt, a ride-hailing service that’s super easy to use. I also used this a few times while in Tallinn, and I was very happy with the service; of course, it’s a bit pricier than public transport, but it’s definitely faster and more comfortable. 

FUN FACT: Tallinn is Bolt’s hometown! The founder of Bolt, Markus Villig, is Estonian and founded the company in Tallinn in 2013. Today, the main Bolt headquarters is situated in Tallinn, but the company has expanded to offer its services to more than 600 cities in the world. 

Other accommodation options in Kadriorg

Things to do in Kadriorg

• Spend a relaxing day in Kadriorg Park
• See the exhibitions at the Kadriorg Art Museum
• Stroll around the Japanese Garden (map)
• Visit the Estonian Art Museum (KUMU) and the museum at Maarjamäe Castle
• Take the kids to the Children’s Museum Miiamilla
• Check out the Russalka Memorial (map)

4. Pirita – best area to stay in Tallinn for relaxation

If you want to relax during this holiday, stay as far away from the tourist crowds as possible, and enjoy some time at the beach, then Pirita is for you! Located around a 20-min car drive (or a 40-min bus ride) Northeast of Old Town, this laid-back beach neighborhood is the ideal choice for a relaxing vacation.

Seeing as Pirita is very relaxed and a bit further away from the Old Town, it doesn’t host too many Tallinn attractions. But that’s not to say there’s nothing to do here! One of the first places you should add to your ‘to-visit list’ is Pirita Beach (map). It’s a beautiful sandy beach perfect for long walks and catching sunsets. You can also go swimming in summer – the locals do – but remember that the water might be a bit cold for you. 

TIP: Tallinn summers are humid and rainy, so even if you’re planning a trip in the height of summer, be sure to pack an umbrella. 

If you’re traveling with kids, you’ll want to check out the Pirita Adventure Park, where I’m sure you’ll have a fun time, too. Your next stop should be the Tallinn Botanic Garden, home to a wide variety of plants and flowers, then the Pirita Convent Ruins (map). 

Finally, I have to encourage you to go up to the observation deck of the Tallinn TV Tower! I didn’t get a chance to do this during my visit, and I’m still beating myself up about it. According to people who have actually been up the tower, there’s no better view of Tallinn! Also, the tower looks impressive from the outside, too – I can testify to that. 

If you stay in Pirita and explore the rest of the city (as I’m sure you will), my recommendation would be to rent a car. The neighborhood is too far to walk to the city center, and public transport takes quite a while. 

Pirita is not a hub of Tallinn tourism compared to the other neighborhoods featured in this article, so there aren’t too many accommodation options, or hotels for that matter. All the options recommended below are either apartments or guest houses, but they’re still incredible choices for your stay – check them out below: 

Other accommodation options in Pirita

Things to do in Pirita

• Have a relaxing day on Pirita Beach
• Take the kids to Pirita Adventure Park
• Admire the plants at the Tallinn Botanic Garden
• Enjoy lunch with a view of the sea at St. Patrick’s Pirita (map)
• Visit the Pirita Convent Ruins
• Go up the Tallinn TV Tower and enjoy the panoramic views

FAQs about where to stay in Tallinn

📍 Where to stay in Tallinn for the first time?

In Tallinn, the best place to stay on a first visit is the Old Town, with its numerous historical landmarks, museums, restaurants, and fantastic hotels like the Schlössle Hotel and Cru Hotel. 

🤔 Which is the coolest neighborhood in Tallinn?

Kalamaja is the coolest neighborhood in Tallinn, boasting hip cafes, colorful houses, and the Telliskivi Creative City, home to stunning street art and many art galleries. There are also some great hotels here, such as Iglupark and the Hektor Container Hotel. 

🧑‍🧑‍🧒‍🧒 Where to stay in Tallinn with children?

The ultimate spot for a family-friendly (kid-friendly) stay in Tallinn is Kadriorg, where you’ll find a children’s museum and plenty of green surfaces to spend time outdoors. Plus, you can stay in fantastic family hotels, like the Oru Hub Hotel Tallinn and Rija Fonnental Design Hotel. 

💰 Where to stay in Tallinn on a budget?

Both Kalamaja and Kadriog are good choices if you’re visiting Tallinn on a budget. Here, you can stay in some incredible and affordable accommodations, such as the Vabriku Guesthouse in Kalamaja and Villa Kadriorg Hostel in Kadriorg. 

💑 Where to stay in Tallinn for couples?

The Old Town is the perfect choice for a romantic getaway to Tallinn. The Schlössle Hotel is the ultimate spot for a couples’ stay, but if you’re looking for something more affordable, the Bern Boutique Hotel definitely won’t disappoint. 

✅ Is it safe to walk in Tallinn at night?

Yes, Tallinn is a very safe city and you can freely walk around at night. However, like in any other place, you need to exercise precautions, such as staying on well-lit streets and being aware of your surroundings at all times. 

❌ What areas should I avoid in Tallinn?

Some areas to avoid in Tallinn include Kopli and Lasnamäe; even though they’re not super dangerous, it’s best to stay away, especially at night and/or if you’re traveling alone. 

📅 How many days in Tallinn is enough?

I would recommend spending between 3 to 4 days in Tallinn so that you have time to explore all the distinct neighborhoods and visit all the attractions. If you want to take a day trip to Finland’s capital, Helsinki, add an extra day to your stay. 

🚶‍♀️ Is Tallinn a walkable city?

Yes! All of the featured areas are quite walkable and within walking distance of each other, except Pirita. If you’re staying in Pirita, you’ll need to find a mode of transportation – I recommend either public transport or Bolt. 

Final words on the best places to stay in Tallinn

What a fun city! I hope you enjoyed this post on where to stay in Tallinn, Estonia, and now that you’ve read it, I’m sure you’ll feel much better and start planning the trip! 

By now, you should have a better idea of the city of Tallinn and where to stay. But if you still have trouble deciding, I wanted to offer you 2 of my favorite hotels in Tallinn, both situated in Old Town:

• Schlössle Hotel – set near the Old Town Square, this amazing hotel boasts rooms with antique furniture, a spa, and a restaurant.
• Cru Hotel – housed in a 15th-century building near Tallinn Town Hall, this hotel comes with a terrace and stylish rooms.

As I mentioned earlier, it’s very important to book your hotels here in advance. Tallinn is becoming super popular with tourists, and most likely, these top luxury hotels, cheap hostels, and other accommodations will sell out in advance!

Don’t forget that I’m still available to answer any questions about Estonia and Tallinn. Just drop me a comment below, and I’ll answer super fast! 

Enjoy your trip, 

Hristina

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