Hotel in Tallinn, Estonia
Old House Hostel
A charming hostel within a genuine Old Town building offering the rare combination of a medieval location at budget prices. Dormitory beds and private rooms available. The building's historic character, Old Town location, and welcoming staff make it a popular choice for solo travelers.
Old House Hostel occupies a genuine medieval building on Uus 22 in the heart of Tallinn's UNESCO World Heritage Old Town, Estonia — one of the very few budget accommodation options actually situated within the walled city. Uus street, despite its name meaning 'New Street' in Estonian, is among the older lanes in the northern part of the Old Town; it runs parallel to Pikk tänav, the historic main merchants' street, and is a short walk from the medieval Oleviste Church tower. Tallinn's most-visited sites, including the Town Hall Square, the Danish King's Garden, and the Toompea Castle area, are all within a 10–15 minute walk.
The hostel occupies several floors of a historic building that retains much of its original architectural character: thick stone walls, wooden beamed ceilings, and the irregular floor plans characteristic of genuine medieval construction. Accommodation ranges from mixed dormitories to private rooms. Shared bathrooms, a communal kitchen, and a common lounge area support the hostel's community atmosphere and make it a gathering point for budget travellers exploring the Old Town.
Staying within the walls of Tallinn's Old Town is a genuinely unusual experience at hostel prices. Guests walk out of the front door directly onto cobblestone lanes lined with medieval towers, church spires, and preserved merchant houses — an atmosphere that no hotel outside the walls can fully replicate.
The hostel is well-suited to solo travellers and small groups on a budget who prioritise location over amenities. The limited bed count means it books out quickly in summer; advance reservations are essential for stays in June, July, and August. Staff are knowledgeable about the Old Town's history and practical matters including Tallinn's tram network and nearby restaurant options at various price points.
Amenities
- shared kitchen
- free WiFi
- lockers
- common room
- Old Town location
Visit / Book / Contact
- Phone: +372 641 1464
Location
Uus 22, 10111 Tallinn
59.4393, 24.7528 — View on map
Highlights
- Genuine medieval building inside Tallinn's walled Old Town — one of the few budget stays within the UNESCO heritage site
- Stone walls, beamed ceilings, and irregular medieval floor plan for an authentic historic atmosphere
- Steps from Oleviste Church, Pikk street merchants' district, and the main Old Town sights
- Mix of dormitory beds and private rooms at prices far below any nearby hotel
- Knowledgeable staff experienced in guiding budget travellers through Tallinn's history and logistics
Tips
- Book as early as possible for summer stays — the limited bed count fills quickly, especially in June and July.
- The Old Town location means no direct vehicle access; arrive on foot via the Old Town gates, or take a taxi to the nearest gate and walk the remaining few hundred metres on cobblestones.
- Pack light — cobblestone streets and original medieval staircases inside the building make large suitcases and wheeled luggage very impractical.
- The location means there is no on-site parking; guests with vehicles should use the public parking garages outside the Old Town walls on Mere puiestee.
- Evening noise from bars and restaurants on nearby Pikk and Vana-Posti streets can carry into the Old Town lanes on summer weekends; lighter sleepers may want earplugs.
FAQ
Is Old House Hostel inside the Old Town walls?
Yes, the hostel is at Uus 22 within the medieval walled city, giving guests direct access to the cobblestone lanes and historic landmarks of Tallinn's Old Town from the front door.
Are private rooms available?
The hostel offers private rooms in addition to dormitory beds. Given the small scale of the property, private rooms are limited and should be booked as early as possible, especially in summer.
Can I drive to the hostel?
Vehicles cannot enter the Old Town pedestrian area for most of the day. Guests should plan to arrive on foot, by taxi dropping off at the nearest gate, or by public transport and walk the short distance to Uus 22 within the Old Town.
Is the hostel wheelchair accessible?
The historic medieval building has uneven cobblestone approaches, original staircases, and no lift, making it largely inaccessible for wheelchair users or guests with significant mobility impairments.
What is nearby?
Oleviste Church is one block north, Pikk tänav (the main Old Town merchants' street) runs parallel, and Town Hall Square is a five to seven minute walk south. Dozens of restaurants and bars at various price points are within a two-minute walk.
Accessibility
Old House Hostel is housed in a medieval building with original stone staircases, uneven cobblestone approaches, and no lift. It is not suitable for guests in wheelchairs or those with significant mobility impairments. The surrounding Old Town streets are also predominantly cobblestone.
When to visit
Late spring through early autumn (May to September) is the most popular period, with long summer days making the Old Town lanes particularly atmospheric. The Christmas market in December creates a magical setting but the hostel fills extremely quickly — early booking is essential.