Choosing where to stay in Tallinn can be confusing – this city is compact and seems small, but each neighborhood feels distinctly different. Some areas are best for first-time visitors who want to walk everywhere, others are better for longer stays, modern hotels, seaside views, or a more local, residential feel.
This guide is written to help you understand Tallinn neighborhoods and decide where to stay, depending on how long you are visiting, what kind of experience you want, and whether this is your first trip or a return visit.
Where to Stay in Tallinn on a Very First Visit
If this is your first time in Tallinn and you only have a few days, it’s best to stay in an area where you can walk most places, use public transport occasionally, and feel the city straight away.
Best areas among all (for any Season):
Old Town (Vanalinn)
- Ideal for close proximity to all major sights and possibility to walk everywhere
- Best for short stays and first impressions
- 🏨Great hotel examples: Boho Guesthouse (small, quiet, super clean, excellent value; even in summer costs between €50-60 per night for two), Rixwell Collection Savoy (boutique hotel right between Old Town and city center; stylish, calm, very walkable location), Nunne Boutique Hotel (historic building with modern comforts, great location in between Upper and Lower Old Town).
Kalamaja
- Very local but stylish with wooden houses or Scandinavian-style apartment buildings. Also, creative and not touristy at all.
- There are mainly apartments for rent here, not hotels, but those apartments are gorgeous
- Easy access to Old Town and seaside on foot, by bus or tram
- 🏨Great accommodation examples: Hestia Hotel Ilmarine (hidden on a quiet alley near Old Town and port with excellent breakfast), Kalamaja Garden (beautiful apartment with a terrace and private parking by the sea; best location and perfect if you plan to rent a car), Waterfront Stay (Nordic-style new flat with its own lounge, spa, sea views, private parking, and direct waterfront access), Fat Margaret’s Hostel (clean, quiet for a hostel, good value, close to both ferries and Old Town).
Maakri / City Center
- Modern hotels, spa options, very central, better than the previous two areas if the goal is to explore different neighborhoods within a short period of time.
- Good if you prefer comfort and modern design
- 🏨Great hotel examples: Hestia Hotel Kentmanni (stylish property with a spa and elegant rooms; perfect for easy access to Old Town, shops, and restaurants), Bob W City Centre (contemporary apart-hotel, perfect for longer stays or families, with modern design and all essential conveniences), Swissôtel Tallinn (high-rise luxury hotel in the business district with panoramic city views, spacious rooms, and excellent service – ideal for premium stays).
Sadama
- Modern, practical harbor-side area with newer buildings and hotels; less atmospheric than Kalamaja or Old Town, but very convenient.
- Best area to stay if you plan to include Helsinki in your itinerary – ferry terminals are within walking distance.
- Easy access to Old Town and Rotermann Quarter on foot, plus excellent public transport connections.
- 🏨Great hotel examples: City Box (affordable, clean, cheap, and minimalistic stay, great for simple comfort without extra frills near the port), Tallink Spa Hotel (modern, comfortable hotel right by the harbor with a big spa area and good facilities), Hyatt Place Tallinn (stylish and contemporary hotel with spacious rooms and reliable service, within walking distance of Sadama and Old Town).
Since the moment I settled in Tallinn (when I’m not living in Spain), I’ve spent a lot of time exploring its districts in detail. That’s how I discovered which areas actually work well for tourists, short stays, and longer-term living.
Below, I’m sharing the best neighborhoods in Tallinn to stay in or visit, with honest pros and cons for each area – from the Old Town to creative districts, seaside neighborhoods, and quieter residential areas.
Quick Overview – Best Areas to Stay in Tallinn
If you want a fast comparison, this overview shows which Tallinn areas fit different travel styles:
- First-time visitors: Old Town, Kalamaja
- Modern hotels & business stays: Maakri, Rotermann Quarter
- Creative & local vibe: Kalamaja, Telliskivi
- Seaside & scenic stays: Noblessner, Pirita
- Longer stays / budget-friendly: Uus Maailm, Kassisaba
- Quiet & nature-focused: Nõmme, Pirita
Some of the links below are affiliate links, which means I may earn a commission if you decide to make a purchase – at no extra cost to you. This helps support my site and keeps content free. Learn more here.
Best Neighborhoods to Stay in Tallinn (By Travel Style)
1. VANALINN (OLD TOWN)
Quick Overview: Tallinn’s medieval core with cobbled streets, city walls, and historic churches. Key highlights include Town Hall Square, Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, and Toompea Hill with panoramic views over the city.
Even though it is the oldest part of Tallinn, the whole area feels calmer than most other European old towns, especially in the evenings.
Who Will Love Staying Here: Good for those who want to be in the center, close to everything. Also, this is one of the best areas to stay in the heart of the city with everything within walking distance, including Christmas markets season in Tallinn.
However, keep in mind, everything is more expensive here, including small grocery stores.
Why It Is a Great Tallinn Neighborhood to Visit: This is the main part of Tallinn with medieval landmarks, restaurants, and cultural sites. It’s always a pleasure to walk here, but get a City Card to save on museums, public transport, and even some restaurants.
Tallinn Old Town is very clean and safe. It also has quite a few hotels and apartments with views, for example like Old Town Square Apartment with views of the main square or Nunne Boutique Hotel with views of rooftops.
2. TATАRI & MAAKRI
Quick Overview: Two small, adjacent areas showing the contrast between old and modern Tallinn. Tatari is quieter and residential, with historic buildings and small cafes, while Maakri is the city’s financial district with glass high-rises, newer apartments, and upscale restaurants.
Central, well-connected, and practical for getting around the city.
Who Will Love Staying Here: Business travelers, professionals, and anyone who likes business hotels with views and wants a central base close to the business district, Old Town, and restaurants.
If you prefer modern hotels, this area is a strong choice. You’ll find the Swissotel Tallinn and Radisson Collection Hotel. here. On our first visit before moving to Tallinn, we also considered Mövenpick Hotel, mainly for its spa (which we later visited separately).
Why It Is a Great Tallinn Neighborhood to Visit: You get culture, food, and city life without many tourists; in fact, here you blend with locals.
3. ROTERMANN QUARTER
Quick Overview: Not a full neighborhood, but a compact, modern quarter combining renovated industrial buildings with glass skyscrapers. It’s packed with cafes, shops, excellent brunch spots, and places like the Museum of Estonian Architecture (a surprisingly interesting museum!).
Who Will Love Staying Here: Business travelers, digital nomads, and anyone who wants a modern stay close to food, shopping, and nightlife.
This area is not ideal if you’re sensitive to noise. In summer especially, bars stay open late and some parts of the quarter stay loud.
Why It Is a Great Tallinn Neighborhood to Visit: It’s one of the best places to see modern Tallinn in a small area, with restaurants, design stores, and an energetic atmosphere. While here, you can stop by ROST Bakery for cinnamon buns (though I also like other bakeries with good cinnamon buns nearby).
4. SADAMA
Quick Overview: Transit-friendly harbor area connecting Tallinn with the sea. One of the best places to stay if you plan to combine Tallinn with Helsinki by ferry, going to Estonian islands in the early morning, hopping on a cruise to Stockholm, or just passing through quickly.
This area has hotels, and Nautica shopping center with a large grocery store. Close to the Old Town (literally a 5-min walk), ferry terminals, buses, and trams.
Who Will Love Staying Here: Ferry travelers, business visitors, and anyone who wants quick access to transport, port, and Old Town.
Why It Is a Great Tallinn Neighborhood to Visit: Even if you don’t stay here, it’s a pleasant area to walk through together with Rotermann Quarter – sea views, wide promenades, and several good cafes.
5. NÕMME
Quick Overview: Incredibly quiet, forested suburb with a small-town feel, surrounded by pine forests and fresh air. Home to the historic Nõmme Market selling local produce and handicrafts.
Personally, I like this area for its forest trails and Glehn Castle, but also for this ‘life in the middle of the forest’ feeling. There are many wooden houses here (and newer Nordic-style private properties built recently) wrapped in greenery on all sides.
Who Will Love Staying Here: Nature lovers, families with kids, retirees, and visitors who want peace and greenery with train or bus access to the city. Not suitable for first-time visitors or short stays, as it’s far from Tallinn’s main sights. But perfect for long-term living with a car and nature getaways during the day (yes, even if you are visiting Tallinn in November, during December, or March.
Why It Is a Great Tallinn Neighborhood to Visit: Large green spaces, forest walks, local market, and a few lesser-known sights (like the castle, for example, or hills for skiing in winter). I have a separate post about the Nomme neighborhood for a day or so packed with things to do and unique facts. Check it out to get a better impression.
6. KALAMAJA
Quick Overview: Central neighborhood just behind the Old Town, between Balti Jaam and the Seaplane Harbour. It is the area of renovated wooden houses, new residential buildings, and a strong local feel. Cafes, shops, gyms, and public transport are all nearby.
Everything is within walking distance – grocery stores, bakeries, cafes, and tram or bus stops. Baltic Station Market is nearby (personally, I find it overpriced, but it is near with great produce). Telliskivi Creative City and several museums are also close.
Who Will Love Staying Here: Artists, freelancers, and travelers who enjoy creative areas, coffee culture, and a local atmosphere. A good choice for both short and longer stays without paying Old Town prices.
Why It Is a Great Tallinn Neighborhood to Visit: One of the best areas to experience everyday Tallinn beyond tourist zones – pleasant streets where just to wander, some decent museums, cultural events, and a strong neighborhood vibe.
7. TELLISKIVI
Quick Overview: Tallinn’s main creative and cultural hub, filled with street art, design studios, bars, cafes, and event spaces. Home to Telliskivi Creative City, with a strong artsy and dynamic atmosphere.
Who Will Love Staying Here: Digital nomads on short stays, entrepreneurs, and travelers who enjoy creative scenes, nightlife, and frequent events.
Not ideal for families or long-term stays – accommodation options are limited and it can be noisy in warmer months.
Why It Is a Great Tallinn Neighborhood to Visit: The best area in Tallinn for indie culture, live music, alternative shopping, and casual bars and cafes.
8. VOLTA AREA
Quick Overview: Up-and-coming industrial microdistrict within Kalamaja, gradually transforming into a modern residential and commercial area. Former shipbuilding zone with loft-style apartments, creative spaces, and new cafes.
Who Will Love Staying Here: Young professionals, creatives, and everyone interested in emerging neighborhoods. Works well for short and longer stays, including families.
New apartments continue to appear here, from compact studios to larger lofts near cafes and the seaside. Examples of what you get here when staying – this cozy studio right next to one of the nicest cafes in the area or an exclusive loft near the beach.
Why It Is a Great Tallinn Neighborhood to Visit: A good place to see how Tallinn is changing – old industrial buildings mixed with new housing, cafes, and creative spaces.
9. NOBLESSNER
Quick Overview: Former submarine factory area transformed into one of Tallinn’s most fashionable seaside districts. Compact, modern, and built right by the water, with design spaces, galleries, cafes, and sea views. Close to Kalamaja and Telliskivi, but farther from the Old Town (public transport needed).
Who Will Love Staying Here: This area is best from spring to autumn in Tallinn for travelers who enjoy being by the sea, slow mornings, sunsets, and outdoor dining.
Especially appealing if you like waking up to water views, summer pop-up food trucks, and a calm, polished atmosphere. This area is new, low-rise, and very pleasant to walk around.
Why It Is a Great Tallinn Neighborhood to Visit: It doesn’t feel like the rest of Tallinn. Open sea views, modern architecture mixed with industrial remnants, terraces, and small design shops create a spacious, airy feel that’s unique in the city.
Note: Noblessner is one of Tallinn’s more upscale areas, with higher rental prices than Kalamaja. Sea-view apartments come at a premium, though more affordable options exist slightly inland. Some apartments have views of the sea (like this panoramic flat) if you feel like treating yourself to a stylish, scenic stay by the water. But here is a cheaper option, Dream Stay apartment, without direct views yet close to the sea.
10. UUS MAAILM
Quick Overview: Compact residential neighborhood close to the city center, with a mix of older Soviet-era buildings and updated housing. Well-served by supermarkets, a large hospital, a shopping mall, and local cafes and bakeries.
Who Will Love Staying Here: Long-term visitors, digital nomads, and people relocating to Tallinn who want to stay close to the center but are ready to pay less for older accommodation.
Also, a practical choice for month-long stays on a budget (I saw on Booking a few month-long options at reasonable prices). Not ideal for very short trips.
Why It Is a Nice Neighborhood to Visit: Good for casual coffee stops, local bakeries, concerts at the nearby Gothic church, and a change of scenery from tourist-heavy areas.
11. PIRITA
Quick Overview: Scenic seaside district with a long sandy beach, marina, and forest trails among coniferous trees. Home to the ruins of Pirita Convent, Tallinn Botanic Garden, and Tallinn TV Tower with panoramic views.
Who Will Love Staying Here: Since the location is a bit far from the center, it is not really a good place to stay for tourists who visit Tallinn for a few days only. Best for longer stays or relocations, especially for those who value nature, beach access, and quiet surroundings. But keep in mind, this is the pricey area, with many private houses and two-storey apartments.
Why It Is a Nice Neighborhood to Visit: Unique peaceful escape with sea views, coniferous trees right by the water, bike paths, hiking trails, and beach walks – ideal for nature breaks.
12. JAAN POSKA AREA
Quick Overview: Prestigious residential area near Kadriorg Park, known for elegant wooden villas, embassies, and tree-lined streets. New apartment buildings have been added in recent years.
This area feels upscale and formal. Personally, I don’t find it practical for daily living due to limited grocery stores and cafes within walking distance, and higher prices. But if you have a higher budget (and a car), it is a fantastic place to stay long-term.
Who Will Love Staying Here: Those who appreciate classic architecture, quiet surroundings, and a refined, high-status atmosphere. Choose accommodation away from the tram line for more peace.
Why It Is Great to Visit: Ideal for a walk through villa-lined streets, embassy quarters, and easy access to Kadriorg Park.
13. KASSISABA
Quick Overview: Small, lesser-known neighborhood near the center with preserved wooden houses and newer residential buildings. Quiet, safe, and well-connected to the Old Town and nearby districts.
Who Will Love Staying Here: Great for people who want a calm, residential feel close to the center. Better suited for repeat visitors or longer stays than for a first trip.
Why It Is a Great Tallinn Neighborhood to Visit: Useful for a quiet walk between the Old Town and Telliskivi. Limited sights, but a pleasant area to explore after covering the main highlights.
Map of Tallinn Neighborhoods
To understand which area is which, you need to zoom in on the map – then you’ll see the names of the neighborhoods appear on the highlighted blocks.
In some cases (like with the Kalamaja district), you’ll notice one large block labeled ‘Kalamaja’ and within it a smaller blue area labeled ‘Volta’ and ‘Noblessner’. This means these two neighborhoods are part of the Kalamaja district.
Thinking of traveling around Estonia Too?
Check out my other posts that are packed with lots of personalized tips and experiences:
- Most authentic things to do in Estonia – best starting point for a new or returning visitor
- Best Museums in Estonia – my personal list after visiting many museums
- Winter Getaways in Estonia – day trips or weekend escapes from Tallinn
- Estonia Travel Guide – all my posts and tips in one place
