Tallinn: Old Town in Depth - Part 32

TOP attractions for families in Kalamaja

Energy Discovery Centre

There’s lightning in the air at the 100-year-old power plant and modern science centre in the heart of Tallinn. Energy Discovery Centre features daily lightning shows unique in Northern Europe, static electricity demonstrations, over 100 hands-on exhibits, and Planetarium screenings. You learn about electricity, light and sound while having fun with different physical phenomena. All instructions to the exhibits are in English, Finnish and Russian as well as Estonian. The Planetarium features films narrated in all four languages. The daily lightning and static electricity demonstrations are performed in Estonian, Russian and English.

The Centre is a 5-minute walk from Tallinn Old Town and about 10-minute walk from the Old City Harbour. Just look for the big yellow building, entrance is free of charge with the Tallinn Card.

Kalamaja Children' s Museum Miiamilla

This little museum is home to all sorts of dolls, teddy bears and other toys, from folk dolls to Teletubbies.

Recently the area has taken on a bohemian atmosphere, becoming the residence of choice for young, creative types. Clever use of space and dedicated use of local produce makes the local restaurant and cafés an integral part of the Kalamaja atmosphere. It’s the part of town where you will get the best feel of the locals’ lifestyle.

A good way to experience this bohemian phenomenon is to visit the Telliskivi Creative City, Telliskivi 60, a collection of factory buildings that has been slowly transformed into a popular hangout for those who enjoy offbeat restaurants, art expos, creations of young Estonian designers, craft beer, antiques shopping, flea markets, alternative theatre and clubbing. Telliskivi is also home to one of the most popular concert venues in Tallinn, called Vabalava, which is at its busiest during the music festivals that are held in the city. But if you’re looking for a definite reason to head to Kalamaja, plan your visit during Estonia's biggest community-based festival, the Kalamaja Days, or the extremely popular Telliskivi Street Food Festival.

In Telliskivi, you can taste the good street food all year round, especially in the Depoo street food zone. You’ll find one of Tallinn’s best-kept secrets there: Renard Coffee Shop, which is a magnet for true coffee lovers from all over the world. While you’re there, stop in at Peatus, an original Moscow to Tallinn passenger train carriage and restaurant car that’s been turned into a café and nightclub.

In addition to its street food zone, Telliskivi is just a short walk away from the brand new Balti Jaam, Baltic Railway Station market. The most modern market of its kind in Estonia, it brings an extraordinary range of items together under one roof, with everything from farm fresh produce to tasty street food. The new market is something of a community centre too, drawing in locals to do their everyday shopping, but its unique atmosphere, a fascinating selection of antiques, and brewery also make it a great place for tourists to explore.

Continued in part 33