Telliskivi Creative City

Telliskivi Creative City at Telliskivi 60a, on the border of Kalamaja and Põhja-Tallinn, is a former Soviet industrial complex that has become the best-known creative quarter in Tallinn, Estonia. The red-brick factory buildings and courtyards, once used for industry, now hold galleries, design studios, independent clothing and gift shops, bars, cafes and restaurants, including the F-hoone restaurant, along with theatres and event spaces. Street art covers many walls and gives the area a distinctive character; wandering the courtyards to find murals is much of the appeal. On Saturdays a flea market operates, drawing locals looking for vintage clothing, books and household items, and seasonal events, pop-up markets and open-air gatherings take place throughout the year. There is no admission, and the courtyards are accessible at all hours, while shops and venues generally open from about 10:00 until late. A visit takes one to two hours, and longer for those stopping for a meal or drink. The main street, Telliskivi, is easy to follow, and the neighbouring Kalamaja wooden-house streets and the Balti jaam market are within walking distance, so the area combines well with a longer exploration of the district. Photographers will find the best material in the side courtyards and along the railway edge, where the old industrial architecture meets the murals. The quarter is busiest on Saturday afternoons and on summer evenings, when terraces fill; weekday mornings are calm but several shops open later. The area is reached by tram 1 or 2 to the Telliskivi or Balti jaam stop, or a 15-minute walk from the Old Town.