Ultimate Tallinn Guide by Neighborhood

The world is so huge that there are many places you might not have even heard of yet, let alone have been to. So how is it possible that you can choose one destination—out of the millions of others out there—as your home? And how are you even sure that where you're living right now is the best place to call your home? When you explore and travel the world, you may realize that there are other places you can also call home. Or, in fact, relatively unknown regions, cities, or towns that may better fit your description of your home. One, in particular, that you might rarely hear of is the Estonian capital of Tallinn.

 

City Centre

Among Tallinn's many neighborhoods, it pays to start at its City Centre. If you're staying in the capital of Estonia for business reasons, this is probably where you'll settle. This area is, after all, not just the center of the city, but of all business in Estonia too. You can expect a lot of offices buildings, major banks, and shopping centers in this district. But don't expect it to look like New York or London. Despite its big business nature, there's only a handful of skyscrapers in this area. And that's because there's a law prohibiting tall structures! 

Source: Wikimedia Commons

 

Kadriorg

It's no surprise that many people want to live in European cities because they want to experience—or at least see—the charms of past eras. To live a life aesthetically-congruent to bygone eras, a period in time considered to be more romantic and beautiful than today. And her in Tallinn, such an area is Kadriorg. Far from its rather rugged name, this town is famous for its preserved 19th-century villas, many of which people can still live in today. Every day, you'll feel as if you've stepped out of a time machine and into the beautiful past of Estonia while you're here. 

Source: Wikimedia Commons

 

Kakumäe

It's fair to compare Tallinn's Kakumäe neighborhood to those in Santorini, Cannes, and Monaco. Why? Because this is an upscale area dominated by luxurious villas and private estates. Even just walking past it, you'll feel the wealth surrounding the air. But in all seriousness, if you want to live the luxury life here in Tallinn, this is one of the best places to settle in. Not only will your neighbors be possibly part of Estonian high society, but its seaside location makes it quite the paradise to call home. And every now and again, go outside and have a good afternoon stroll. The views here are amazing! 

Source: Wikimedia Commons

 

Kalamaja

If your first trip to Estonia was to be part of an exchange student program, chances are you stayed at the Kalamaja neighborhood. And if you're young and single and you want to stay in the country's capital, this same area is your best bet to call home.  The vibe here is all about youthful energy, lined with artisanal coffee shops and edgy bars for an afternoon and nightlife scene that's truly top-notch. And yet, even with all this excitement, the district remains one of the quieter ones in the city. Possibly because, since students mostly dominate this area, they're all busy studying. 

Source: Wikimedia Commons

 

Pirita

You wouldn't think that Estonians embrace the coastal lifestyle, wouldn't you? The Greeks and Italians are more stereotypically of those kinds of people. but make no mistake, the people in this beautiful country enjoy living and building a lifestyle beside the sea. So much so that they have a good number of coastal towns to stay in. The quaint neighborhood of Pirita is a good example. With its own beach that lets you swim into the Baltic sea, this is one of the best districts to settle in if you consider yourself a water person. Even if not, you can still enjoyy the magnificent sunset here too. 

Source: Wikimedia Commons

 

Rocca al Mare

Are you a nature nerd? Do you often spend time outside just to be one with Mother Nature? Are you one to appreciate a nice fresh breeze and open spaces? If all of your answers to these questions are yes, then a great place for you to stay in is at the Rocca al Morae neighborhood in Tallinn. A series of parks, walkways, and other open areas make this place perfect for a nature-loving active person. It even houses the Tallinn Zoo, offering up a stunning peek into Mother Earth's most divine creatures. 

Source: Wikimedia Commons

 

The Old Town

A lot of times, a person will move to a certain city just to soak up its history and culture. To better understand the country through its most valued traditions and colorful past. And if you're interested in learning more about Estonia and its history and culture, your safest bet for a home is at the Old Town in the capital city of Tallinn. Like many areas throughout Europe, this particular neighborhood upholds decades and centuries of the country's past. So much so that you'll really feel you traveled back in time the moment you step foot here. 

Source: Wikimedia Commons

 

Uus Maailm

What about if you're on the other side of the spectrum? What if you're not that interested in the country's culture, but rather, what the country can offer in terms of progress and innovation? Weirdly enough, Tallinn also has a neighborhood that's perfect for this mindset. At its beautiful Uus Maailm neighborhood, you'll find that this area is a congregation of creatives and free thinkers expressing and sharing their own ideas to those interested. It's no surprise that this part of town is often referred to as the "hippie district" of the city. It's as bohemian as the likes of Montmartre, Brooklyn, SoHo, and more! 

Source: Wikimedia Commons

 

If you suddenly find yourself needing or even wanting to stay at Tallinn, the capital of Estonia, it pays to know its different neighborhoods. You might not know it yet, but the differences between each one are vast and distinct. And you'll better find the place most suited for you too!