The markets of Tallinn
Text Susanna Poikela Photos Andrei Chertkov
Natalia is happy to help with the selection of fish delicacies in Balti jaama turg’s fish hall.
Opened in 1947, the central market (Keskturg), located in the centre of Tallinn, is a market favoured by many Tallinners. You should definitely visit this old market that has the spirit of a bygone era, as a brand new market area will be built in the near future.
In the vegetable area, the stalls placed next to each other form attractive food alleys. The people of Tallinn go to buy seasonal products at the central market, because the prices are cheap and the quality is good. In early summer, you can find seedlings for the garden at the market, and in late summer, domestic berries and mushrooms. In addition to foodstuffs, clothing and household items are also sold at the market.
At Balti Jaama Turg you will find culinary delights
In Kalamaja, next to the Balti Jaam railway station, is Balti Jaama Turg. The 3-storey market building underwent a complete renovation five years ago, creating a trendy shopping area, which is also reflected in the prices. Balti Jaama Turg is clearly more expensive than Keskturg.
On the basement floor, there is a grocery store, a gym, a hair salon, a laundry, a health food store, and a pet store. The ground floor has a fruit and vegetable street, a large meat hall and several street food restaurants. There are more vegetable stalls, street restaurants and a fish hall in the outdoor spaces in front of the market. On the upper floor, there is an antique area, clothing, textile and home accessories stores, as well as the brewery restaurant Humalakoda.
The fish hall on the ground floor is spacious and very versatile. In addition to fresh fish, delicious preserves and pates are also available. At the counter of Kalamajakas you can taste Irish and French oysters with sparkling wine. “Here, we guide you on how to eat these,” says Natalia Sutormina, showing how to open an oyster and how to eat it.
The Kalamaja area has traditionally been the area of fishermen and seafarers. Every Saturday, behind Linnahall, a small but versatile fish market opens on the seashore. In the outdoor market, fishermen and merchants sell their catch. In addition, the selection includes salted fish, smoked fish and various canned fish.
The districts of Tallinn have their own markets
Southern Tallinn’s own market can be found in the green residential area of Nõmme. The market can be reached by train from the centre of Tallinn in just 12 minutes. Nõmme turg was opened all the way back in 1908. The market’s vegetable and flower stalls spread out in front of a beautiful wooden market hall. Tasty local meat can be bought at the end of the market hall.
The outdoor market also has smaller stalls of many Estonian meat and dairy farms, a cheese shop and a Kalev chocolate shop, as well as cafes and a few street restaurants. In the middle of the market, in front of the fountain, there is an atmospheric square where daytime concerts are organised during the summer.
You can get to Mustamäe market by bus, getting off at the Lehola bus stop. Fresh vegetables, fruits, meat, fish and household items can be found at the stalls of the outdoor market. Concerts and seasonal markets are sometimes organised on the square.
Open every day from 8 am to 4:30 pm.
Open Mon-Sat 9 am–7 pm, Sun 9 am–5 pm.
Kalaturg,
Sat from 9 am-3 pm.
Nõmme turg,
Open Mon–Sat 9 am–6 pm, Sun 9 am–5 pm.
Mustamäe turg,
Open Mon–Sat 9 am–6 pm, Sun 9 am–5 pm.
To learn more about this and similar topics
Balti Jaama Turg
Kalaturg
Keskturg
Market Tallinn
Mustamäe turg
Nõmme turg
Tallinn Markets
