Where to stay in Tallinn – A guide to the capital of Estonia
Tallinn is the capital of the Republic of Estonia and one of the most beautiful cities in Europe.
Tallinn is also the capital of Harju County and is located on the northern coast of Estonia, on the shores of the Gulf of Finland.
This beautiful city with medieval features has a warm continental climate thanks to its coastal location. However, the best time to visit it is at the end of spring and in the summer, when you can enjoy outdoor activities.
In addition, the hospitality and joy of the people of Tallinn are present in the festivals and outdoor events, as well as in its bars.
The city is one of the most coveted tourist destinations for its history, its views, its cobblestone streets and the medieval markets.
To reach the city by air, there is the Tallinn Airport, located 4 km southeast of the city. In addition, Tallinn has the Linnahall Heliport, a train station, buses and ferries that connect it to other cities.
Similarly, buses, trams and trolleybuses make it possible to move through the city.
As for the best areas to stay in Tallinn, the city centre (Kesklinn & Vanalinn) stands out for its diversity in accommodation and good public transport connections. See accommodation in Tallinn City Centre
Here’s a guide with the best areas to stay in Tallinn, Estonia.
The best areas to stay in Tallinn, Estonia
1. Our favourite area: Kesklinn & Vanalinn (Tallinn City Centre)
Kesklinn & Vanalinn are considered Tallin’s Old Town, a World Heritage Site by UNESCO with a vibrant nightlife.
Vanalinn is the gateway for places of interest such as The Town Hall Square, home of some festivals and a good leisure option.
For lovers of art, on Vene Street is the emblematic San Nicolás Church, a medieval building that was partially demolished during the Second World War and now functions as a museum and concert hall.
In the Kesklinn district, you will find one of the most beautiful places in Tallinn: The Kadriorg Palace, home to the foreign art museum and Kadriorg Park.
At night, casinos, clubs and bars fill the area with live shows, music and dance, accompanied by a variety of drinks.
Tallinn City Centre connects with the rest of the city by light rail, but its streets can also be covered on foot or by bike.
Kesklinn & Vanalinn are among the best areas to stay in Tallinn for its varied hotel offer and for its many leisure options for all types of travellers.
Why is this a recommended area to stay in Tallinn:
- Best area for business travellers
- Best area for sightseeing
- Great transport connections
Accommodation in this area
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Top Choice
Centennial Hotel Tallinn
Centennial Hotel Tallinn is located in Tallinn, 800 metres from Toompea Castle. It offers air-conditioned accommodation and a bar. It also has a restaurant, 24-hour reception, room service and free Wi-Fi.
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Budget
Hotel St. Barbara
Hotel St. Barbara is located behind historic limestone walls, just a 5-minute walk from the historic centreof Tallinn. The property has free WiFi, a German restaurant and secure parking.
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Luxury
Radisson Blu Sky Hotel
The Radisson Blu Sky Hotel is located in the financial centre of Tallinn, a 10-minute walk from the historic centre. It features newly refurbished elegant rooms with free Wi-Fi and LCD TV.
2. Kalamaja
Kalamaja is located northwest of Tallinn. It is considered the hipster area of Tallinn par excellence, which is why the district is always full of young people, art and culture.
Kalamaja is the best area to stay in Tallinn for its beautiful wooden houses and its curious, eye-catching entertainment sites.
Among its attractions, the old kilometre of the culture of Kalamaja stands out, where you’ll find old factories that were transformed into bohemian cafes, bars, galleries and luxury residential areas. The Museum of Estonian Contemporary Art, for example, is in a former power plant.
This area is home to the Maritime Museum and Linnahall Street, where the Estonian Design House is located.
Definitely, Kalamaja is associated with innovation for places such as the Creative City of Telliskivi, an old industrial complex that houses auditoriums, studios and creative workshops.
In the Creative City of Telliskivi visitors can enjoy the hustle and bustle of the markets as well as street food or an appetizer, making this one of the best areas to stay in Tallinn for foodies.
Why is this a recommended area to stay in Tallinn, Estonia:
- Central location
- Hipster area
- Contemporary Art Museum
3. Kristiine
Kristiine is one of the best areas to stay in Tallinn for its green spaces and leisure areas for summer vacations.
Kristiine is located southwest of Tallinn City Centre. It houses many shops, offices, hotels, cafes and restaurants for business travellers.
Among the most popular places in the area are the Park Löwenruh and the Park Tondimõisa, with spaces for hiking, recreation and relaxation.
On the other hand, for those who love shopping, the Kristiine Shopping Centre, the most popular in Tallinn, has a wide variety of shops, restaurants and cafés.
For sports lovers, in the area, there are different sports fields, gyms and sports centres.
Moving around Kristiine or to other areas of Tallinn is not a complicated task, as it has countless bus stops and a train station near the Kristiine Shopping Centre.
Why is this a recommended area to stay in Tallinn, Estonia:
- Cheap area to stay in Tallinn
- Relatively central
- Connected by public transport
4. Lasnamäe
Lasnamäe is located on a limestone plateau northwest of Tallinn, about 5 km from the City Centre.
It is one of the most visited areas by tourists and has light rail and bus connections. In addition, it houses the Tallinn Airport.
When it comes to great fun, Lasnamäe has the Super Skypark centre, with climbing areas, slides, trampolines and all kinds of games for children, ideal for family trips.
Another attraction that deserves a visit for those who like hiking is the Suuripi Superior Lighthouse, with a viewpoint that offers the best views of the Tallinn Bay.
There are several attractions that Lasnamäe has to offer, such as the ice skating rink Tondiraba Ice Hall, where hockey, curling and concerts are held.
Lasnamäe is among the best areas to stay in Tallinn for its varied leisure offers and its hotels with pocket-friendly prices.
Why is this a recommended area to stay in Tallinn, Estonia:
- Near the airport
- Great views of the Bay
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