Kalamaja
A former fishing district on the north side of the old town, where colourful timber workers' houses survive in large numbers, alongside cafés and small shops.
Kalamaja means "fish house". It was once one of Tallinn's oldest suburbs. It grew with the railway and port industries in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, and many two- and three-storey wooden workers' houses were built here. Their façades were painted yellow, green, blue and other colours, earning them the name "Tallinn wooden houses" (Tallinna maja). The area declined during the Soviet period. Today it is the most popular neighbourhood among young people in Tallinn, with independent cafés, bakeries, vintage clothing shops and design boutiques. You can start at Balti Jaam Market and stroll along Kotzebue, Salme and Vana-Kalamaja streets to reach Kalamaja Park, a former cemetery, and the seaside Patarei Sea Fortress prison, which is under restoration. It can be combined with a visit to Telliskivi, and it is free. The old town is about a 10-minute walk away.
Opening hours
All day
Nearby sights
- Balti Jaam Market
- Seaplane Harbour
- Telliskivi Creative City
- St. Mary's Cathedral (Toomkirik)
- Toompea
- Alexander Nevsky Cathedral
- Kohtuotsa & Patkuli Viewing Platforms
- St. Nicholas' Church (Niguliste Museum)