Beyond the Old Town: Kalamaja, Telliskivi and Kadriorg on a Tour
4 min read
Tallinn’s best-known districts outside the walls are Kalamaja and Telliskivi to the north-west and Kadriorg to the east. Visit Estonia describes Telliskivi Creative City as a cultural and business centre in a former industrial complex, with galleries, studios, cafés and restaurants. Several GetYourGuide tours combine these districts in different ways.
By tram
The tram tour to Kopli, Telliskivi and Kadriorg costs €39.20 and lasts two hours. It meets at Town Hall Square, walks to Balti Jaam market and Telliskivi, rides a public tram through Kalamaja to Kopli, then another to Kadriorg, where it ends. It does not return to Town Hall Square. Groups are limited to 12, with a personal audio receiver. The page marks it wheelchair accessible, but only with a companion who helps on steps and uneven walking sections, and asks you to tell the operator in advance.
The Bohemian Tallinn tram and walking tour costs €104, lasts 3.5 hours and takes up to 10. It covers the Rotermann Quarter, the roof of Linnahall, Kalamaja and Telliskivi Creative City. Tram tickets are included and a coffee or tea at a café is listed as optional. Meeting point is the Nordic Hotel Forum, Viru väljak 3.
On foot
The Old Town and Telliskivi walking tour costs €35 and takes two hours, starting at the Tourist Information Centre. Only part of it is outside the walls: the page describes the Old Town first and then Telliskivi’s street art. Wheelchair users are listed as not suitable, and it operates in all weather.
By bike
The 2-hour bike tour costs €31 and starts at City Bike, Vene 33. Groups are up to 12. Its page mentions Kadriorg Park and palace, the seaside promenade and the Olympic Center, and lists bikes, helmets and a safety vest as included. Children’s bikes, seats and trailers are available on request, and in winter the bikes get special spikes.
| Tour | Length | How | Main areas |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tram to Kopli, Telliskivi, Kadriorg | 2 hours | Tram and walk | Telliskivi, Kopli, Kadriorg |
| Bohemian Tallinn | 3.5 hours | Tram and walk | Rotermann, Linnahall, Kalamaja, Telliskivi |
| Old Town and Telliskivi | 2 hours | Walk | Old Town, Telliskivi |
| Bike tour | 2 hours | Bike | Kadriorg, promenade, Olympic Center |
Opening hours
Visit Estonia lists Telliskivi Creative City as open all year round but gives no single opening hours for it; the galleries, shops, cafés and restaurants keep their own, so check the place you want to visit.
Our recommendation
For most visitors the tram tour is the clearest introduction in two hours, and it ends at Kadriorg, so you can stay and walk the park. If you want more time on foot and the city’s street art, take the 3.5-hour tram and walking tour. Cyclists should pick the bike tour. Pair any of them with our Old Town guide and things to do in Tallinn.
