Tallinn nightlife: where to go and where to skip
The good stuff is in Telliskivi and Noblessner, not on Suur-Karja. Here's the honest map — cocktail bars, breweries, techno, and the tourist traps to walk past.
Neon-lit bar in a converted industrial building at Telliskivi
Where to actually go
Telliskivi and Kalamaja are the honest nightlife heart. Sveta Baar for indie/alternative crowds and DJs. F-hoone for cocktails and food until midnight. Põrgu on Rüütli in the Old Town for craft beer with a serious tap list ($6-8 a pint). Whisper Sister on Vana-Posti for cocktails from a proper bartender ($12-14). Butterfly Lounge for late-night jazz. Põhjala Tap Room in Noblessner is a taxi but worth it — Estonia's best brewery with 20 taps.
Clubs (there aren’t many)
Tallinn is not Berlin. HALL on Põhja puiestee is the one serious techno club with international DJs, Friday and Saturday only, $12-20 door. Club Studio on Sauna street is more mainstream. Von Krahli Baar hosts live gigs and indie DJs. Most everything closes at 04:00. Dress smart-casual; door policy is relaxed but sportswear gets refused.
What to skip
Suur-Karja street — this is the stag-do strip with hostess bars, drink-scam venues and street promoters. Some places charge $50 for a bottle of house wine or run 'meet local girls' scams. If a street promoter is trying hard to pull you in, don’t go in. 'Nightclubs' that advertise on the pavement with photos of women outside are not what they look like. Anywhere within 200 metres of Viru Gate that has flyers is priced for people who won’t come back.
Frequently asked questions
What people ask before they set off on this one.
For bars, breweries and one great techno club, yes. For a huge clubbing scene, no — go to Helsinki or Berlin.
Bars 02:00 weekdays, 04:00 weekends. Clubs 05:00. Last trams around midnight; Bolt runs all night.
Yes, and it's excellent. Põhjala is the flagship, but also try Lehe, Sori, Pühaste. Põrgu, Uba ja Humal, and Põhjala Tap Room are the three bars to visit.
In Old Town, Telliskivi and Kalamaja, yes. Well-lit, plenty of people. Use Bolt for anywhere beyond a 15-minute walk.
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