What to do in Tallinn? Tips from young locals
Frederik, 18 – There’s always something happening in Rotermann
Frederik is a style-conscious young man whose interests range from fashion to architecture, history and music. He also loves to cook, so he knows just where to go for exciting food experiences in Tallinn.
“I could spend hours in Rotermann – actually, I’d love to live here,” says Frederik. With events taking place among its striking contemporary buildings, the neighbourhood is a great place to spend time with friends and go shopping. It is also home to his favourite café, RØST. At this bakery-café, much loved by locals, simplicity is part of the charm: quality coffee made from freshly roasted beans, served alongside buns and pastries baked on site. “The smell of RØST’s cinnamon buns has a special hold over me – it’s hard to just walk past,” he says with a grin.
When Frederik is in the mood for something a little more substantial, he heads to Sanga sandwich bar. Its imaginative menu and relaxed, unpretentious atmosphere have made it one of the neighbourhood’s most popular places to eat. “My inner foodie gets to discover exciting flavour combinations here, which I can later try out at home and recreate in my own way,” he adds.
Frederik’s top 3 in Tallinn:
- Best light bite: Sanga
- Best coffee: RØST
- Best museum: Contemporary Art Museum of Estonia (EKKM)
Getter, 25 – Great cafés and local favourites in culturally vibrant North Tallinn
For art lover Getter, the street-art-filled Telliskivi Creative City and the area around Balti Jaam Market are a source of creative inspiration. They also offer a lively urban setting for spending time with friends.
Getter shares her recipe for the perfect day: “I like to start my morning with a matcha from Haruu, which I think is one of the best in the city. I grab a fresh pastry from Karjase Sai to go with it, and that’s everything I need to get the day off to a good start.”
Karjase Sai also has another bakery – its original home at Põhjala Factory, further north from Telliskivi. Getter definitely recommends a visit, and it is a quick and easy tram ride from Telliskivi. Alongside Karjase Sai’s original café, the former factory is home to creative studios, shops, a bookshop and places to eat.
“For me, Põhjala Factory is somewhere you don’t have to rush – you can simply be, enjoy your surroundings and let the day unfold at its own pace,” says Getter.
Getter’s top 3 in Tallinn:
- Best matcha: Haruu
- Most inspiring creative hub: Põhjala Factory
- Best pastries: Karjase Sai
Sander, 24 – Historic charm and delicious flavours in the Old Town
Easy-going Sander loves history and believes Tallinn’s medieval Old Town is well worth exploring. When wandering around this UNESCO World Heritage Site leaves you feeling hungry, he knows plenty of local favourites to recommend.
Kompressor pancake pub is a true legend of the Old Town’s food scene. It serves Tallinn’s biggest filled pancakes at wonderfully wallet-friendly prices. “It’s worth getting there early – at weekends, there’s often a long queue outside before it even opens,” says Sander.
For dessert, Sander recommends stopping by Karu Talu café for its large, delicious cookies. “They’re so big that one cookie is easily enough to share with friends,” he says.
And when a day of exploring the city has left you ready to put your feet up, head to Hell Hunt pub and treat yourself to some good food and drinks.
As a history enthusiast, Sander also recommends visiting the Vabamu Museum of Occupations and Freedom. “It’s a place that helps you understand the history of the Estonian people, the value of our freedom and how the past has shaped the present,” he says.
Sander’s top 3 in Tallinn:
- Biggest pancakes: Kompressor
- Best pub: Hell Hunt
- Most engaging museum: Vabamu Museum of Occupations and Freedom
Karl, 20 – Culture, greenery and fresh air in Kadriorg and Pirita
Sporty and active, Karl loves being on the move and appreciates the greenery and open spaces of Pirita and Kadriorg. “One thing I really love about Tallinn is how easy it is to bring together city life, the sea and nature,” he says, reflecting on his hometown.
A beautiful seaside promenade connects Pirita and Kadriorg, with plenty of room for walkers, joggers, cyclists and rollerbladers. “The promenade has an amazing view of Tallinn’s Old Town – it’s one of those places I miss when I’m away from Tallinn,” says Karl.
Karl also recommends visiting Kadriorg Park and its museums. Established in the 18th century, it is Tallinn’s oldest public park, while the baroque Kadriorg Palace dates from the same period. Originally built as a summer residence for Tsar Peter the Great, the palace now houses the Kadriorg Art Museum.
When all that fresh air and culture have worked up an appetite, Karl recommends the Kalev Yacht Club restaurant, with its homely atmosphere and delicious food. “It’s somewhere I’m always happy to come with friends or family – a lovely place to spend time together and enjoy the surroundings,” he adds.
Karl’s top 3 in Tallinn:
- Best view of the city: Pirita Promenade
- Best park: Kadriorg Park
- Best museum: Estonian History Museum at Maarjamäe Palace
Carmen, 18 – Sweet treats in the Old Town and art in Kadriorg
Carmen is a young woman with wide-ranging interests, equally drawn to technology, art and nature. In Tallinn’s Old Town, she enjoys discovering places where historic surroundings meet contemporary flavours and culture.
For anyone with a sweet tooth, Carmen recommends Gelato Ladies, whose handmade Italian-style ice cream is a personal favourite. “Pistachio is my favourite flavour! And their terrace is such a lovely place to enjoy it and take a moment to slow down,” she adds.
Carmen also likes to treat herself to a refreshing bubble tea, with Bobakoda and Crazy Bubble among her favourites in Tallinn.
“It’s hard to choose just one favourite museum, because each has its own art and stories. But if I had to pick one, I’d definitely recommend Kumu Art Museum,” says Carmen.
Dedicated to Estonian art, the museum in Kadriorg offers a wide-ranging overview of the country’s artistic development, while its changing temporary exhibitions make every visit special.
Carmen’s top 3 in Tallinn:
- Best ice cream: Gelato Ladies
- Best bubble tea: Bobakoda / Crazy Bubble
- Best art experience: Kumu Art Museum
Liisa, 20 – Cafés and photography in Telliskivi
Liisa’s interests include dancing, psychology, travelling and creating visual content. It is no surprise, then, that one of her favourite neighbourhoods in Tallinn is Telliskivi, a place bursting with creative energy.
For great coffee, Liisa recommends The Brick Coffee Roastery, where the beans are roasted on site and the selection has plenty to offer even the most dedicated coffee lovers. “My favourite drink here is definitely Kohuke,” she says, recommending a coffee drink named after Estonia’s much-loved sweet curd snack. “It’s sweet and delicious, just like a real kohuke, and it looks really cool.”
For something to eat, her go-to recommendation is F-Hoone, one of Telliskivi’s best-known local favourites, where a welcoming atmosphere comes with excellent value for money.
Liisa also recommends making time for Fotografiska when visiting Tallinn. The internationally renowned photography centre is one of her favourite places, and its changing exhibitions always give her a reason to return. “As a bonus, the upper floors offer lovely views towards both North Tallinn and the Old Town,” she adds.
Liisa’s top 3 in Tallinn:
- Best coffee roastery: The Brick Coffee Roastery
- Best local restaurant: F-Hoone
- Best place for photography: Fotografiska
Leila, 25 – Urban nature and delicious baked treats
With Spanish roots and a sunny personality, Leila particularly appreciates the nature and excellent food and café culture of the city she now calls home.
Leila often starts her day at Bekker Bakery in North Tallinn. This local favourite serves delicious coffee and matcha drinks, but is especially loved for its braided kringel breads and other baked treats. “It’s such a cosy place,” says Leila. “And the pastries and cakes are genuinely delicious!”
Tallinn’s greenery and fresh air are close to Leila’s heart. For her, the Pollinator Highway (Putukaväil), a green corridor created along the route of former high-voltage power lines, is a wonderful place to walk and enjoy urban nature. You can join the route just a short walk from Bekker Bakery. The roughly 1.5-kilometre green stretch leads to Kolde puiestee, from where you can continue to the sandy shores of Stroomi Beach.
For more sea views and nature, Leila recommends heading to Pikakari Beach and the nearby Paljassaare nature trail. For a longer walk, her choice is Pääsküla Bog, where boardwalks and forest paths lead into a world that feels far removed from the bustle of the city.
On rainy days, Leila enjoys exploring Balti Jaam Market. Inside the lively market hall, you can try street food from around the world or browse the many second-hand and vintage shops. “I always find something interesting here!” she says with a smile.
Leila’s top 3 in Tallinn:
- Best hidden gem: Pollinator Highway (Putukaväil)
- Best pastries: Bekker Bakery
- Best seaside outing: Pikakari Beach and the Paljassaare nature trail