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

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View of a historic cityscape with red-roofed buildings and a tall church spire surrounded by trees under a clear blue sky.

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:

budget hotel

Cru Hotel

Best affordable accommodation in the center

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

Aerial view of a European square surrounded by colorful historic buildings. People are walking and sitting, and there are canopies and small vehicles parked on the cobblestone ground.

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.

Bronze statue of a hooded figure with hands in prayer, set against a backdrop of a stone tower and rooftops under a cloudy sky.

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).

Facade of a historic building with ornate architecture, featuring religious artwork above the entrance and bare tree branches in the foreground.

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:

Luxury hotel

Schlössle Hotel

Recently renovated, this stunning hotel is set in a 14th-century historic building and is just a short walk from the Town Hall Square! It has a modern décor and facilities for business travelers! Start your morning with a free breakfast, then head to the spa for a relaxing massage!

Other accommodation options in the Old Town

mid-range

Cru Hotel

You’ll love the double room at this hotel that has modern amenities as well as a restaurant and terrace

budget

Bern Boutique Hotel

Ideally located near the city’s top attractions, this hotel offers spacious rooms and a free breakfast

airbnb

Private Courtyard House

Perfect for history lovers, this charming house is decorated with antique furnishings and has a private backyard

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

Modern glass building with an arched roof, trees on each side, and a banner on the right displaying text. Two people walk towards the entrance. Clear blue sky in the background.

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.

Mural of buildings depicted as rockets launching into a cloudy, blue sky with fiery trails.

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.

Front view of Kohvik VEGB12 café with a colorful exterior, small outdoor seating, and a chalkboard menu.

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.

Stone sculpture of a partial figure emerging from the grass, depicting a head, arms, and feet, set in a park with trees in the background.

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!

Luxury hotel

Iglupark

You’re going to fall in love with this waterfront accommodation that offers the most luxurious units with incredible views and all the amenities you need. The hotel offers spa facilities, rooms with modern features, and a lovely terrace.

Other accommodation options in Kalamaja

mid-range

Hektor Container Hotel

A cool hotel with a modern style, a bar, and rooms with a seating area and free Wi-Fi

budget

Vabriku Guesthouse

All rooms at the guesthouse feature en-suite bathrooms and a fridge, while guests also get access to free parking

airbnb

Cool Apartment

This cozy apartment is perfect for 4 people and has a kitchen, a private balcony, and free Wi-Fi

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

3. Kadriorg – where to stay in Tallinn for families

A large, ornate red and yellow baroque-style building with white trim. People walk nearby. The sky is overcast, and there's a tree on the left.

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!

Colorful ceramic model houses are displayed on wooden shelves, each with price tags.

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.

Luxury hotel

Oru Hub Hotel Tallinn

A super modern hotel that comes with all the facilities you need for your stay! The rooms are super cozy and have a private bathroom, a seating area, and a flat-screen TV. You’ll also find a restaurant and an in-house bar at the hotel.

Other accommodation options in Kadriorg

mid-range

Rija Fonnental Design Hotel

A small hotel that offers family rooms with lots of space, a free breakfast, and great city views

budget

Villa Kadriorg Hostel

Offering single rooms and beds in shared rooms, this top-rated hostel is the perfect choice for budget travelers

airbnb

Central Apartment

A 3-bedroom apartment perfect for families. It has a kitchen, a balcony, and a private sauna

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

A sandy beach with people sunbathing and swimming, bordered by a forested area on the left and calm ocean waves on the right, under a clear blue sky.

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).

Tall communication tower stands amidst a forested landscape under a cloudy sky at sunset.

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:

Luxury hotel

Pirita Beach View Suites

This is the best hotel in Pirita! Set right on the beach, the fabulous accommodation offers incredible views, rooms with a balcony, and an outdoor swimming pool. Start your morning with a yummy breakfast, and then get ready for a day at the beach!