Where to go shopping in Tallinn

The Estonian capital has turned into an unlikely hotspot for in-the-know travelers looking to expand their search for culture and history outside of their typical travel destinations. This port city, with its well-preserved Medieval Old Town, packs in the maximum amount of historical appeal while also providing travelers with modern amenities and sleek aesthetics through its local design scene. 

There’s a long cosmopolitan streak to the Estonian capital. Tallinn’s heritage for trade and commerce dates back centuries to its days in the Hanseatic League, which saw the Estonian capital ally itself with other coastal cities like Amsterdam, Copenhagen, and Hamburg. The vibe certainly takes cues from neighbors like the Scandinavian countries and Germany, so expect cutting-edge aesthetics in the Telliskivi and Kalamaja neighborhoods alongside its more traditional cultural offerings like the antique shops in Kuressaare. 

You’ll have plenty of shopping options to choose from in Tallinn, and it’s easy to pepper some retail therapy into sightseeing days or even travel days. If you’re looking to explore boutiques or Old Town right when you arrive at Tallinn Train Station or at the airport, you can stash your luggage with Bounce to lighten the load!  

All you need to know when shopping in Tallinn 

There are two vibes you can seek out in Tallinn. Old Town, although there are a few indie boutiques for younger tastes, is largely where you’ll complement your sightseeing with shopping for Estonian handicrafts and souvenirs. Baltic Station Market is a great place to start for traditional shopping like this. The most popular handmade items are the traditional Haapsalu shawls featuring beautiful lace patterns. There are also wonderful antique and vintage stores for interiors and intricately carved decor. 

The Kesklinn and Kalamaja districts are great places to start if you’re looking for modern and hip fashion brands, especially locally designed clothing and decor. Some of the top Estonian brands include Baltman, Bastion, Monton, Mosaic, and Ivo Nikkolo. These can be found in the trendy boutiques of neighborhoods like Baltika.

While there may be a few smaller antique stores and market vendors clinging to the more informal way of selling their goods (i.e. cash only and negotiable prices), shopping in Estonia is largely approachable and easy to navigate for first-time visitors. Many shops have clerks who know some English or other European languages, and you’ll be able to depend on fairly standard shopping hours of 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on most days except Sunday. 

Unique shops to visit in Tallinn

Native Estonian culture is not one that most international travelers will be overly familiar with, but there are a number of Tallinn producers offering artwork and traditional garb. The local Estonian Folk Art and Craft Union acts like a guild in keeping these centuries-old crafts alive. There are also plenty of tiny boutiques showcasing local designers throughout the city center where you can find a statement piece.

Kaarmanni Käsitöö 

One of the largest craft stores in Tallinn, Kaarmanni Käsitöö is just one of many reasons to head to Old Town. You’ll find handcrafted wool socks and sweaters, along with intricately carved wooden utensils, homeware, and toys. More interestingly, the store operates a workshop program that provides classes and presentations to preserve these cultural traditions. If you're part of the Estonian diaspora looking to reconnect to your roots, taking an afternoon course here is a lovely idea. 

• Pro tip: If you’re doing your trip right at all, you'll be spending time in Old Town. So if you need to stash your shopping bags full of sweaters and gifts, you could head to a local Bounce storage spot before you head out to explore the waterfront. 
• Address: Vanaturu kael 8

The Estonian Handicraft House 

Another top spot for authentic Estonian folk items, this boutique and workshop provides Tallinn’s best selection of textiles and knitwear along with handmade cookware and decor produced with locally sourced ceramics. The store runs the Folk Art Gallery for educational programs about these ancient production methods. If you're traveling with the kids, don't skip the Doll Room exhibit showcasing traditional toys expertly made with loom-woven textiles. 

• Address: Pikk tn 22, Kesklinna linnaosa, Tallinn, Harju maakond

Krunnipea Design Store

For something a little more contemporary, head to the Krunnipea Design Shop for expertly curated items from strictly Baltic designers. Across 100 brands and item categories, you'll choose from the best of the best of Estonia’s fashion designers, and interiors. There's also a strong emphasis on locally-made jewelry. There’s a trendy angle to the aesthetics, and the youthful staff are more than willing to walk you through what the Baltic kids are wearing these days. Even better, the prices are generally quite affordable, given the excellent quality.

• Address: Estonia pst 9

Shopping in Tallinn beyond clothing 

Across Tallinn, you'll find more than just wool sweaters and Euro-chic streetwear. These Tallinn artisans take their crafts quite seriously, so you can expect high-quality ceramic cookware, minimalist decor, and unique interiors throughout the always-interesting retail spaces of Tallinn. Being a port city, you can also expect traditional fish markets all over the place. 

DEPOO

Taking cues from Tallinn’s past, this trendy market has quickly become the top spot for street food in the city. While it’s situated on Telliskivi Street in the trendy Põhja-Tallinn, DEPOO feels like an ancient fish market that’s merely received a minimalist update. You'll find an eclectic array of options showcasing Baltic seafood and flavors imported from as far as Southeast Asia. Even better, local breweries have set up a bar to pour their craft beers. 

• Address: Telliskivi tn 62

Balti Jaam Market

If you're catching some less-than-ideal Baltic weather but want to get some steps in, this huge indoor space recreates the feel of a sprawling farmers' market. With over 300 vendors selling everything from artisanal foodstuffs to locally made craft products, Balti Jaam is well worth a 20-minute walk from the city center. 

• Pro tip: If you don't want to drag your luggage out to the market, you can leave it with one of Bounce’s centrally located luggage storage locations. 
• Address: Kopli tn 1

Katariina Guild

This fascinating gallery in Old Town is tucked away in an alleyway and provides the maximum amount of novelty for American travelers. It’s a guild in the literal sense as its sleek and unexpected gallery showcases unique items from a collective of local artists. From one-of-one jewelry items to avant-garde artwork and plenty of handcrafted decor, you never know what you’ll find. 

• Pro tip: Visiting Old Town is an absolute must, and if you find yourself with an unwieldy item bought at Katariina Guild, you can drop it off at a Bounce location that can accommodate any size item. 
• Address: Vene 12/Katariina käik  

Traditional shopping options in Tallinn

The Baltic weather can be a challenge, so if you didn't pack a sufficiently warm jacket or forgot something, there are plenty of straightforward shopping centers in Tallinn. 

Solaris Centre

There are only so many uses for hand-spun wool products and carved wooden items, regardless of how enchanted you are by these shops. At some point, you might need something practical. That’s where this huge shopping center can help. The sleek modern interior of Solaris Centre is hidden by the equally photogenic exterior of the historic building it’s located in, making it a nice stop regardless of whether or not you buy anything. You’ll find a few dozen upscale design stores and luxury boutiques across its multiple levels. There are also restaurants and an outdoor terrace for an enjoyable snack to make shopping in Tallinn a pleasant experience.

• Address: Estonia pst 9

Foorum Shopping Centre 

Situated in the heart of Tallinn, Foorum should be your first stop for upscale international fashion brands. You'll find retailers and designer outlets for just about everything you'll need along with a full suite of services like spas and a haberdashery. While there are more authentic local options in the city center, Foorum’s cafés and restaurants are certainly above average.  

• Pro tip: The lockers serving the area are difficult to use, which makes Bounce’s intuitive booking process and effortless check-in all the more beneficial. 
• Address: Narva mnt 5, Kesklinna linnaosa

Ulemiste Centre

With a sleek minimalist interior, this unassuming mall has no business being this stylish. Expect all your standard fashion offerings alongside electronics and other shops. It's situated in the suburb of Ulemiste near the airport, but there's a wide enough selection of merchandise on offer at its 200+ stores to justify the quick 15-minute trip from Old Town. 

• Pro tip: Layovers at Tallinn Airport are rare but not unheard of. If you have a few hours between flights but don't have enough time to head into the city center. You can store your bags with Bounce and kill some time at the mall! 
• Address: Suur-Sõjamäe tn 4

If you’re planning a Baltic adventure, a visit to Tallinn is an absolute must. Not only will you get to tour the historic waterfront and harbor, but the city’s underrated cultural scene and events provide ample room for shopping and dining. Don’t let your luggage get in the way of an epic shopping spree through Old Town’s craft stores or sleek boutiques. Download the Bounce mobile app to arrange secure, convenient luggage storage for your trip!