Tallinn This Week › Sightseeings › A different Tallinn

A different Tallinn

The most prestigious is, undoubtedly, Kadriorg, where the President lives and which, with its respectability and greenery, is the dream district of many Tallinners. Romantic villas with totally amazing architecture can be found in Kadriorg. Incorporate your walk in Kadriorg with a meal in a pleasant restaurant, also named Kadriorg (last stop on the tram) and a visit to the Kadriorg Palace, Mikkel Museum and Peter's House. How to get there? With trams 1 and 3, or busses 1,1A, 5, 8, 34 (Poska stop). 


To get to Tallinn's oldest suburb, Kalamaja, you have to cross over the railroad and tram tracks at the Balti Station. This is the favorite neighborhood of Tallinn's artistic young people and bohemians. The atmosphere is fascinating-you are only 10 minutes from Town Hall Square, but at the same time, you feel as if you were in a small town. The condition of the buildings is uneven-the nicer houses are between Salme and Graniidi streets, but many are dilapidated. Kalamaja's better days are still to come, but already real estate prices are skyrocketing. How to get there? With trams 1 and 2 or bus 3.  


In Kassisaba (Adamsoni, Wismari, Ao and other streets), the street plan surviving from the 17th to the 19th century should be mentioned. The oldest buildings originate from the 19th and 20th century. The British Embassy (Wismari St.) is located in Kassisaba, and Mart Laar, Estonia's ex-Prime Minister, lives there (Ao Street). 


Nõmme differs from the other districts, because its is a forest town. From 1920 to 1940, Nõmme was actually a separate town. In Nõmme, vacation villas and boarding houses from the Tsarist period have survived, alongside private homes built during the period of the first Estonian Republic, which are still highly prized. Acquaint yourself with the Glehni Castle and Park; in the woods, you'll find a ski jump; and in the center of Nõmme, a market, shops and places to eat (for instance, the Bulldog Pub). How to get there? With busses 36, 5, 23 and 23A or the Pääsküla train from Balti Station. 


Coming from the port, you should note the large, massive limestone and brick buildings, which fill a whole district. In one of these, you'll find the Rotermann`s Salt Storage, where you have perhaps attended an exhibition? This is the historic Rotermann district, which should, in the future, pulse with galleries, restaurants, parks and other attractions for both city dwellers and tourists. Currently, developed is halted due to disputes and the wind whistles through the empty buildings...  


 
City excursion on the tram 

The Tallinn tram, which celebrated its 115th birthday in August, offers an opportunity to acquaint yourself with Tallinn. For instance, tram number 1 takes you from Kadriorg, through the center of town and the Balti Station to the Russian-speaking world of Kopli and back again. Tram #2 travels between the sleeping district (the name Tallinners have for the living districts built during the Soviet period) of Lasnamäe and Kopli; and #4 between Lasnamäe and Tondi. On weekdays, number 5 travels from Tondi to Kopli and #3 from Kadriorg to Kopli. 


During rush hours, the trams can be quite crowded, so it is smarter to take your small journey during the day or in the late evening. Tickets (15 EEK) can be purchased on the tram or from newspaper kiosks. 


Pirita

About 7 km from the center of town, Pirita is one of the most popular living districts and also a pleasant neighborhood for spending free time. In Pirita you will find a yacht harbor (with yacht rental), the old Pirita cloister (in ruins) and the new convent of the St. Bridgettine Sisters (you can stay there overnight!), a long and beautiful beach and beach pavilion (with the Opium nightclub, bowling, gym, sports shop, hairdresser, restaurant(s), etc.), the Pirita River with boat rental (see page 37), the historic TOP building (the Tallinn Olympic Sailing Regatta Center, built for the sailing events of the 1980 Moscow Olympics, which took place in Tallinn, including: a swimming pool, saunas, sports fields, shops, hotel, etc.). There is also a famous cross-country motor course in Pirita (where the Tallinn Rally is still held). 


Especially enjoyable is the road to Pirita, which winds along the seaside, passing many sights, such as the Kadriorg Park, Russalka Monument, Song Festival Grounds, Flower Pavilion, Maarjamäe Memorial and Maarjamäe Castle (History Museum), and a bicycling path; on the left, the sea churns and the seagulls screech. Therefore, TTW recommends that, on a late summer day, you take long walk to Pirita. Or roller skate or ride a bike, the paths are there. And don't forget to admire the famous silhouette of Tallinn (Old Town) and the always beautiful sunset across the sea.