Staying in Old Town: gates, gradients and daily routes
Choose your approach to an Old Town address before arriving with luggage. Viru Gate gives access from the shopping streets to the east, while the railway station sits outside the western walls. A short distance on a map can include cobbles, steps or a climb. Ask your accommodation which entrance to use and whether a car can reach its door.
At a glance
- Best for
- A first, short visit
- At night
- Busy; loud at weekends
- Getting around
- On foot; ferry harbor 10 to 15 minutes
- Price level
- €€€
The medieval Lower Town behind its walls, with the sights at the door and the lanes loud at weekends.
Good for
- A first trip of two or three nights
- Walking to every main sight
- Seeing the lanes early or late, away from the day-trippers
Think twice if
- You sleep lightly and the room faces a bar street
- You have heavy luggage and the building has no lift
- You want to feel somewhere local
What is near Old Town (Vanalinn)
Viru Gate
Allow about 7 minutes from Town Hall Square, following Viru street toward the twin towers and the streets beyond.
Danish King's Garden
About 8 minutes from Town Hall Square, this small garden offers a useful pause before continuing uphill toward Toompea.
St Olaf's Church
Walk about 10 minutes north from Town Hall Square along Pikk, leaving time to look into the side lanes.
Eating in Old Town (Vanalinn)
Compare menus on the lanes around the square before settling down for dinner. Rataskaevu 16 and Kompressor give you named options away from the square itself, while Olde Hansa is close to the town hall. Ask ahead about a table if dinner needs to fit a fixed evening plan.
Getting around from Old Town (Vanalinn)
Viru and Vabaduse väljak are useful stops outside the walls; Balti jaam railway station serves the western side. Walk to the perimeter for tram and bus lines rather than expecting transport through the lanes. Check current line numbers and diversions before traveling.
Hotels in Old Town (Vanalinn)
Search the area on the booking sites, where the prices are. We may earn a commission, at no cost to you.
Other areas of Tallinn
Staying in Old Town: gates, gradients and daily routes
Can a taxi reach my accommodation?
Access depends on the street and the building's entrance. Ask your host for the closest vehicle drop-off point before arriving with bags.
Which gate is easiest for walking to Rotermann?
Viru Gate is a useful starting point. Continue toward Viru väljak, using the crossings to reach the streets around Rotermann.
Is an Old Town address suitable for a pushchair?
Check the exact approach and whether the building has a lift. Cobbles, narrow pavements and steps can make a short journey slow.