Tallinn Old Town

0.3 miles from downtown

Time stood still in “Old Town”. The Hanseatic houses are a painter’s palette of clovers and dusky pinks, inhabited by wealthy families. Stroll the streets, then check out the Health Museum on Lai Street. Stop by the Olde Hansa bar on Vana Turg 1, which is as medieval as you can get – beers in terracotta flagons and waiters with curly-toed shoes!

Places to stay from $8 a night

Pirita

4.1 miles from downtown

Relax in nature. Pirita is a wealthy residential area comprised of elegant villas and large houses. It's flanked by natural forest reserves, great for hikes through the pine trees and glades. You'll also find the substantial 15th-century ruins of St. Bridget's Convent, half-destroyed during the reign of Ivan the Terrible.

Places to stay from $14 a night

Haabersti

4.3 miles from downtown

Hurrah! Haabersti is an upmarket residential district that's lovely for leisure-seekers. It's the location of the peaceful Kakumäe Area. Visit the beach to fish or swim, then dine at Restaurant Lucca or Kapten Flint, a gastronomy pub surrounded by nature. It's also in close proximity to the Rocco al Mare Mall on Paldiski Road 102.

Places to stay from $30 a night

Põhja-Tallinn

1.2 miles from downtown

Põhja-Tallinn is a quiet suburban enclave. There's a mix of Soviet-era buildings and new-builds, inhabited primarily by young families. It's in close proximity to Stroomi and Pikakari Beach, both perfect for picnics. Pick up supplies at the large Stroomi Keskus Mall, or a quick snack at Ristikheina Kohvik, a great little cafe.

Places to stay from $7 a night

Kristiine

1.9 miles from downtown

Kristiine is a quiet suburban area. Its quaint side streets are lined with wooden apartment blocks. It holds at least one big surprise in the form of Kristiine Keskus OÜ, which is Tallinn’s largest shopping centre. Shop at its plethora of fashion-related shops, or try the Antalya Tavern on Nomme Tee 7 for top Azerbaijani and Turkish food.

Places to stay from $27 a night

Mustamae

3.5 miles from downtown

If you are interested in late Soviet architecture, this is the place to be. The quiet streets of Mustamäe are lined with block-style houses, apartments and local restaurants – try Pirosmani on Uliopilaste Tee 1 for amazing Georgian cuisine. It’s also home to the delightful Männi Park, which has a children’s play area and scenic walks.

Places to stay from $34 a night

Nomme

4.8 miles from downtown

Residential, relaxed and in close proximity to nature. Other than people buying foodstuffs at Nõmme Market on Turu 6, this quiet residential neighbourhood is seldom busy. However, there are some great sports bars and restaurants in the area, like Diner on Vabaduse Street that’s known for its hearty burgers.

Places to stay from $13 a night

Rocca al Mare

4.3 miles from downtown

Charmingly quaint. This residential area is home to many wealthy young professionals. It’s filled with places to cycle, shop and work out. Most visitors are drawn to the Rocca al Mare Open Air Museum, a historic village that replicates the felling of "Old Estonia". It also has its fair share of fabulous taverns, like the Rocca Al Mare Grill.

Places to stay from $51 a night

Tallinn City Center

In downtown

As "big city" as this little city gets! This is the main commercial centre of Tallinn, filled with places to eat, shop and party. People flock to the Viru Centre for midmarket brands like Sephora and Armani Jeans, or drain into the Coca-Cola Plaza Cinema. Check out Klaus Cafe near the seafront for a true-blue English breakfast.

Places to stay from $8 a night

Kalamaja

0.7 miles from downtown

Kalamaja is slowly gentrifying. Its undesirable denizens have been replaced with happy hipsters and fancy urbanites. However, some things remain the same – dodge the bell-jingling cyclists en route to Boheem for top-notch morning nosh, walk around Kalamaja Park, or pop into the Gustav Cake Shop on Estonia Pst. 9 for divine pastries.

Places to stay from $17 a night