Kalamaja – a colorful and creative district in Tallinn

Writer: Helena Bergström

Updated: August 2026 | Kalamaja is one of Tallinn's most exciting neighborhoods, with colorful wooden houses, old industrial environments and a creative atmosphere. It is also home to popular areas and attractions such as Telliskivi, Balti Jaam and Noblessner. We have visited this part of Tallinn several times – and seen how the area has changed over the years.

Kalamaja in Tallinn

It's easy to get caught up in Tallinn's beautiful Old Town, but it's definitely worth exploring the neighborhoods on the other side of the railway. Here, a completely different side of the Estonian capital awaits, with wooden houses, old factories, street art, markets, designer shops, restaurants and modern seaside environments.

Kalamaja is located just outside the Old Town and is easily accessible on foot. The area has become one of Tallinn's most popular neighborhoods, both among locals and visitors.

The first time we discovered Kalamaja we did it with a guide. Since then we have returned several times and visited Balti Jaam, Telliskivi and Noblessner, among others.

READ MORE: Things to do in Tallinn – attractions and experiences

From fishermen and factory workers to popular neighborhood

The name Kalamaja roughly means ”fish house”, and many fishermen and fishmongers lived in the area from the 14th century onwards. The big change came in the 19th century, especially when the railway between Tallinn and St. Petersburg opened in 1870. Factories were established and housing needed to be built for all the workers who moved here.

It's a history that's still clearly visible in the cityscape. There are both old industrial buildings and lots of wooden houses that were once built as housing for workers.

Today, many of the factories are filled with completely different businesses and Kalamaja has become known for restaurants, cafés, culture, design and creative companies.

Stroll among colorful wooden houses in Kalamaja

One of the most charming things about Kalamaja is all the wooden houses. Many were built in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, and along the quieter streets you will come across houses in all sorts of colors.

A special type of house is the so-called Tallinn houses, which were built mainly in the 1920s and 1930s. They are recognizable by their wooden facades combined with a central stone staircase. Around 500 such houses still exist in Tallinn.

When we first came here with a guide, it was the wooden house neighborhoods that we spent the most time in. Our guide lived in Kalamaja himself and could tell us about life in the area and how it has changed.

She also spoke perfect Swedish. The reason was a bit unexpected – as a child she had become fascinated with We at Saltkråkan and Ronja the Robber's Daughter and decided to learn the language!

Balti Jaam – market at the railway station

Right next to Tallinn Central Station is Balti Jaama Turg, a market that is well worth a visit. Here, fresh produce and food coexist with street food, clothes, antiques and miscellaneous gadgets.

The first time we were here, the market had a much rougher feel. We remember older vendors selling everything from old toys to military paraphernalia, and an environment that felt far removed from the more touristy neighborhoods of the Old Town.

Since then, the area has changed considerably and the market is now much more modern, while still retaining some of the old market feel. Balti Jaam and the area around the railway have historically had a major impact on the development of Kalamaja and the surrounding industrial districts.

Telliskivi Creative City – old industry meets creativity

Right next to Balti Jaam is Telliskivi Creative City, or Telliskivi Loomelinnak. Here, an old industrial area has been transformed into a creative center filled with restaurants, cafes, shops, art and various events.

The development of the area took off in the 2000s and the first permanent tenant moved in in 2009. Since then, more businesses have been added and today Telliskivi is one of Tallinn's most well-known creative meeting places.

We especially like the contrast between the raw industrial buildings and all the new things that have moved in. Here you can stroll around among street art and design shops, sit down at a café or eat at one of the restaurants.

Photographic Tallinn

In Telliskivi there is also Photographic Tallinn, sister museum to Fotografiska in Stockholm. The museum opened in 2019 and shows various photography exhibitions in an old industrial building.

Even if you don't go into the museum, Telliskivi is a fun area to walk around. There are plenty of large murals and other street art among the industrial buildings.

Noblessner – from submarine shipyard to modern port area

Continuing through Kalamaja towards the sea, you will eventually come to Noblesse oblige, an area that has changed enormously in recent years.

A large submarine factory was started here in 1912, founded by businessmen Emanuel Nobel and Arthur Lessner. Emanuel Nobel was the nephew of Alfred Nobel, and it is from the surnames of both founders that the area was named Noblessner. Before the First World War, twelve submarines were built here for the Russian Empire.

The shipyard business continued in various forms throughout much of the 20th century. Today, the old industrial environments have been given a whole new lease of life.

Restaurants, art and sea views in Noblessner

Noblessner is today a modern area with a wonderful mix of old and new. Historic factory premises stand side by side with modern architecture, and along the water there is a marina and promenade.

Here you will find restaurants, cafés, shops, art and various experiences. Among other things, there is PROTO Invention Factory and Kai Art Center in the area. Also nearby is the popular maritime museum Lennusadam, Seaplane Harbour.

We think Noblessner is especially nice for a walk along the water. It's hard to imagine that this was once an industrial area where ordinary Tallinners had no business.

Kalamaja then and now

Perhaps it is the change that makes Kalamaja and the surrounding neighborhoods particularly interesting to us. When we first came here, we encountered wooden houses, a rather rough market and old industrial environments. On later visits, we have seen how new restaurants, cultural activities and modern housing have moved in.

Some of the old part still remains, but the area has also become much more popular and polished. This is for better or worse – but above all, the mix of old and new makes the area very different from the Old Town.

A walk through Kalamaja, Telliskivi and Noblessner

If you have a few hours to spare in Tallinn, it's easy to combine the different areas into a walk. Start at Balti Jaam and continue to Telliskivi before continuing through the wooden house district of Kalamaja towards Noblessner and the sea.

It is a nice contrast to the medieval surroundings of the Old Town and shows a completely different side of Tallinn. Those who wish can also continue to Lennusadam and take an even longer excursion.

Is Kalamaja worth a visit?

Yes, we absolutely think so. Above all, we recommend Kalamaja to those of you who have already seen the classic sights of Tallinn and want to discover a little more of the city.

Here, it's not a single attraction that's the point. Rather, it's the mix that makes the area interesting – the wooden houses, the industrial history, the market, the food, the art and all the new businesses that have sprung up in old factory premises.

And since Kalamaja is so close to the Old Town, you don't need to set aside a whole day. A few hours is enough to get a completely different picture of Tallinn.

In Tallinn, it is of course most common to take a guided tour inside the Old Town, but we actually went with a guide to a completely different neighbourhood. We start by showing pictures from the Old Town. Then you can also go to the Kalamaja neighbourhood.

More to see and experience in Tallinn

There is of course much more to see and do when you visit Tallinn – and around Estonia. Here you will find tips and reports.

• Things to do in Tallinn
• Restaurants in Tallinn
• Spas in Tallinn
• Things to do in Estonia