Explore Tallinn’s Telliskivi neighborhood
Been to Tallinn’s medieval Old Town? Then you would be forgiven for thinking Estonia’s capital has been frozen in time. Outside the stone walls, though, you can see change happening at a pace that’s anything but glacial.
The abandoned Baltic Railway factory alongside Tallinn’s central train station was reborn as Telliskivi in 2007. Then the Balti Jaam market was renovated in 2017, and this area on the “wrong side of the tracks” has been a lively neighborhood hub and must-see for visitors to Tallinn ever since. The name harks back to the city’s industrial past — telliskivi means “brick” in Estonian — though current tenants are makers and creators of a much more vibrant sort.
Walking from the market to Telliskivi Creative City, you will find shops dedicated to local designers, different culinary experiences like: an international food street, artisanal gin distilleries, restaurants, art galleries, ice cream, co-working spaces, and more!
Where to eat
One of the newest tenants in Telliskivi is arguably its most famous — Fotografiska. The world-renowned photography museum opened its doors in 2019 and quickly became a local favorite. Its zero-waste, rooftop restaurant earned a MICHELIN Green Star in 2022.
For a taste of Tellsikivi that goes back to the area’s beginnings, stop by F-Hoone. The reasonable prices and local ingredients make this hot spot a neighborhood favorite. The outdoor terrace is the perfect place to soak in the vibes during the summer season.
What to buy
Sustainability is the main attraction for several designers with shops in Telliskivi. Kelpman Textiles makes wool scarves following a zero-waste ethos; Reet Aus is known for clothing made from pre-production leftover fabrics; and the gorgeous leather goods at Stella Soomlais are made with as little waste as possible. Telliskivi is also home to Tallinn’s first zero-waste store, Ilma Pood. New shops open up all the time, so grab a coffee and explore!
When to go
Telliskivi is a multi-functional event space, so keep an eye on the calendar. Concerts are a draw, especially during Tallinn Music Week and Jazzkaar. Regular live music can be found at Sveta Bar and Fotografiska, and in June, Telliskivi plays host to the interactive art festival Ma ei saa aru (“I don’t understand”).
What else is nearby?
Telliskivi is a short stroll from Old Town, so you can pop across the train tracks for a visit and then head back to the cobblestone streets before the day is done. However, we suggest you continue on from Tellskivi and take a look at the wooden houses of Kalamaja before heading up the tramline towards Kopli. The end of the line is where you’ll find Tallinn’s next up-and-coming, industrial-turned-arts district: Pohjala Tehas!
