Everything You Need To Know About Shopping In Tallinn
Home to a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Europe’s best-preserved medieval towns, Tallinn is a cozy coastal city with rich urban nature and historical and cultural treasures. It is nestled in north-western Estonia opposite Helsinki city over the Gulf of Finland.
A compact city, Tallinn’s fascinating attractions and activities are a stone’s throw from each other, including luxury hotels, museums, modern towers, and large shopping centers. It’s a magnificent mix of the old and new. For instance, the historic Old Town, featuring Gothic architecture, cobbled streets, medieval markets, and iron street lamps, enjoys a vibrant club scene and wireless internet zones. You’ll also discover eclectic shops, major fashion chains, and designer and boutique stores, adding to its fun, cosmopolitan atmosphere.
When shopping in Tallinn, don’t forget to take a piece of the city with you by buying handicrafts and souvenirs, whether a carved wooden mug, rustic jewelry, or hand-knitted woolen socks. Organic jams, Estonian designs, and scented candles also make the best gifts for loved ones. If you have somewhere else to go after a shopping spree, leave your bags at Bounce luggage storage in Tallinn and continue your adventure without burden.
Best Shopping Centers and Department Stores
T1 Mall of Tallinn
Opened in 2018, the T1 Mall of Tallinn is one of the newest shopping centers in the heart of the capital. It is strategically located near the airport, providing visitors a convenient and easy access to everything they need for a comfortable stay. It is easy to reach by public transport, including buses and trains that will take you to other parts of the city and Estonia.
T1 Mall offers culinary delights, entertainment, and shopping in one place. It boasts over 200 stores in a 55,000-square-meter shopping area and 15,000 square meters of entertainment space. It has everything from sports, home, and electronics to health, beauty, and fashion. Some notable stores you can find here include Calzedonia, Ara Footwear, Golden Antelope, Swiss, Green Beauty, and Yves Rocher.
One of its entertainment highlights is the Skywheel on the roof, rising about 120 meters above sea level. It’s the first kind in Europe, and only five similar structures exist in the world. On the fourth floor of the shopping mall, beneath the Ferris wheel, is an entertainment center featuring music, science, and play areas for kids.
Location: Peterburi tee 2, 11415 Tallinn, Estonia
Solaris Centre
Solaris Centre is one of the city’s most popular shopping malls and a one-stop entertainment destination, especially among movie enthusiasts. It houses Apollo and Artis Cinemas, offering an array of art films. Adjacent to Solaris is the Nordea Concert Hall, a grand concert venue that can accommodate over 1,800 spectators.
The shopping center is located in a historical building constructed in 1985. Its modern interior design was completed in 2018, providing a stylish setting for numerous shops, cafes, restaurants, offices, and entertainment facilities. There's also a huge store selling handmade products and locally made natural cosmetics that make excellent gifts. Whether you need more books to add to your library, designer items from Estonian artists, a new pair of glasses, or cooking ingredients, Solaris offers them and many more.
If you get hungry while shopping, the many wonderful food outlets here will take you on a fascinating culinary journey. From quick bites and finger foods to homemade bread or pasta, your cravings will be satisfied at Solaris.
Location: Estonia pst 9, 11314 Tallinn, Estonia
Ulemiste Centre
On the first of April 2004, Ulemiste Shopping Centre, officially opened. For years, it has become the most popular and largest shopping mall not just in Tallinn but in the whole of Estonia. The shopping center offers a pleasant environment where visitors can enjoy a broad selection of well-known and quality products.
Ulemiste Centre has over 210 shops and services, ranging from fashion and beauty to lifestyle and entertainment. One notable feature of the center is its large children's playroom, which makes it easier for visitors with children to decide what to do for the day. Ulemiste Centre is also conveniently located adjacent to the Tallinn Airport, attracting more visitors.
Location: Suur-Sõjamäe 4, 11415 Tallinn, Estonia
Kristiine Shopping Centre
Kristiine is one of Tallinn’s largest shopping locales, with around 125 shops in a 43,700-square-meter space. It includes 110 fashion stores and fifteen food outlets, welcoming about 20,000 customers each day. It also has indoor, outdoor, and roof parking spaces to accommodate a large crowd.
Kristiine Shopping Centre opened its doors in 1999. It has since undergone some expansion and construction work to cater to the customers’ growing needs. Today, this modern complex houses numerous local stores and international brands, including H&M, Ecco, Fashion del Mar Tallinn, Skechers, and Tom Tailor, as well as specialty stores like Q-Store, Sky Mobile, and PetCity.
Location: Endla tänav 45, Kristiine linnaosa, Tallinn
Viru Keskus
Visiting Tallinn would only be complete with a shopping experience at Viru Keskus. This hip shopping center opened in 2004, and visitors have only increased since. Moreover, Viru Keskus is not just a shopping mall but is also considered the Mecca of fashion in Estonia. It’s located at the heart of the capital and is one of the busiest and most prominent shopping malls in the downtown area.
You can enjoy Viru Keskus any time of the day. Fashion, entertainment, food, wellness, and so much more, Viru Keskus has everything you’d need. You can find numerous retail outlets, cafes, restaurants, and the famous Viru food hall. Aside from food and fashion, Viru Keskus is known as a venue for fashion shows, concerts, and cultural events.
Location: Viru väljak 4-6, 10111 Tallinn, Estonia
Talinna Kaubamaja
Tallinna Kaubamaja is one of the oldest shopping destinations in Tallinn, with a history that started in 1960. It is also one of the country’s largest and most well-established department stores occupying six floors of its downtown building and extending to the Viru Centre.
Everything from footwear, beauty, and homeware to food, toys, and accessories, is available at the department store. You’ll also find a gift shop where you can pick locally handcrafted clothes like knitted hats and cardigans or a gourmet bucket. For those shopping in Tallinn for excellent delis, cheese, and wine, Talinna Kaubamaja has something to offer.
Location: Gonsiori 2, 10143 Tallinn, Estonia
Arsenal Centre
Some tourists and residents prefer modest and local shopping over grand and luxurious ones. In Tallinn, one of the must-visit malls is the Arsenal Centre. Its unique architecture dates back to 1917. However, it was repurposed and restored, making it one of the city’s newest and most modern shopping malls.
Arsenal Centre houses over 30 stops and various cafes and restaurants. One of the famous shops in the center is the second-hand shop, Uuskasutuskeskus. There, you can find unique and antique items, especially cooking ware and houseware. You can also browse through clothing brands and shoe and accessory stores. If you get tired of shopping, you can also stop by the local restaurants in the building.
Location: Erika 14, 10416 Tallinn, Estonia
Sadamarket
Sadamarket is a small, unassuming shopping center near the Port of Tallinn. It offers a nice selection of everyday goods, bakery products, handicrafts, fishing gear, and other recreational items. You can also find restaurants, bars, a liquor store, and food shops. Don’t come here looking for exclusive products or high-end fashion, or you’ll be disappointed. The vibe is laid-back and feels like a bazaar.
Location: Kai 5, Sadama 6, 10111 Tallinn, Estonia
Foorum Centre
You'll never get tired of shopping in this modern downtown center. The Foorum Centre has seven floors, but only the ground and first floors are used for commercial services. The rest of the areas are used as office spaces. Although considered small for a mall, Foorum Centre has many stores and products to offer.
At Foorum Centre, you can find famous brand names for stylish clothes, shoes, and accessories. There are shops for beauty and wellness, luxurious spas, and other commercial services like banks. The shopping center also houses the famous Cuban Cubanita Restaurant.
Location: Narva mnt 5, 10151 Tallinn, Estonia
Rocca al Mare Shopping Centre
With a property area of over 57,000 square meters, there is no doubt that the Rocca al Mare Shopping Centre is one of Estonia’s largest shopping centers. This extensive mall opened in 1998 and was the first one of its kind in the country. For years, it has become a favorite place for not just the locals but also tourists.
Rocca al Mare has 148 tenants, including 134 stores and fourteen restaurants. Here, you can find all sorts of products, from branded clothes to popular beauty items. One notable feature of the shopping center is its layout. The stores are arranged with color codes based on specialty, making the shoppers' experience more convenient. It is also accessible as there is a free cloakroom service and a large parking area that caters to 1,250 spaces.
Location: Paldiski mnt 102, 13522 Tallinn, Estonia
Mustikas Shopping Centre
Located in the heart of Mustamäe, one of Tallinn’s administrative districts is Mustikas Shopping Centre. It’s a short drive from the city center, featuring around 60 shops in a 27,000-square-meter floor space. You can get pretty much everything you need without going to central Tallinn, including groceries, footwear, clothing, accessories, and craft goods.
Estonia’s oldest cosmetic chain store, Rosalind, is also stationed here, offering an excellent selection of natural products, perfumes, and cosmetics. For those shopping with their little ones, stop by the Blueberry Playground. It has a cozy playroom for kids aged one to six.
Location: Karjavälja street 4, Tallinn 12918
Must-visit Tallinn Markets
Baltic Station Market
Baltic Station Market or Balti Jaama Turg is an interesting local market near the historic Old Town (Tallinn Train Station is nearby). It boasts nearly 300 merchants and stalls on three floors, including a gym and a supermarket on the underground level. On the first floor, you’ll find a large meat and fish hall and an expansive street food area with nearly twenty eateries. If you head to the second level, you’ll discover quality Estonian handicrafts and designs, antiques, and household goods.
Besides fresh food and seasonal produce, the market is perfect for those looking for some cool stuff, vintage products, second-hand items, and souvenirs. You can also meet local designers, producers, and artisans selling one-of-a-kind gifts.
Location: Kopli tänav 1, Põhja-Tallinna linnaosa, Tallinn
Nõmme Market
One of the colorful markets you shouldn’t miss when shopping in Tallinn is Nõmme Market (Nõmme Turg). It is bustling with shoppers, including locals and tourists, looking for Estonian products, such as dairy, honey, canned food, sausages, meat, and fresh fish. Most food items here come from local producers in the country.
The market also sells a wide array of seasonal vegetables and fruits like berries and apples. If you come in spring or summer, you’ll find different potted plants and flowers. Check out one of the cafés selling hot coffee, refreshing drinks, and pastries made on the spot.
Location: Turu plats 8, Nõmme linnaosa, Tallinn
Telliskivi Flea Market
Every Saturday, the lively Telliskivi Creative City comes alive with the chatters of shoppers and vendors at Telliskivi Flea Market. It opens from 10 AM to 3 PM to offer organic cosmetics and used and handmade products, such as books, clothes, trinkets, jewelry, and records. It is held indoors during the cold season and remains an open-air market in summer, extending to the Creative City’s yard.
Location: Telliskivi tn 60a, Tallinn Kalamaja & Pelgulinn
Shop and Discover Tallinn’s Great Treasures!
Anyone who’s searching for not just great shopping in the country but also looking to embrace Estonia’s local spirit and culture should take a trip to its capital. Medieval spots, Nordic fusion cuisine, and scenic nature are just minutes apart in this compact coastal city. There are also plenty of free things to do in Tallinn for those on a budget.
So as you stroll through the shopping areas and browse the shops, take your time sampling the local delicacies, admiring the architecture, and soaking in the beautiful nature in Tallinn you won’t find anywhere else.