Whether you’re taking your significant other out on Valentine’s Day or you’ve got a hot date you’d like to impress, Telliskivi is understatedly romantic.
Nestled in a former factory complex between the central railway station and residential streets, Telliskivi is Tallinn’s most creative and quirky district. Kadriorg may have its baroque palace park, and the Old Town may have its medieval towers, but Telliskivi is for all the romantics out there who prefer chocolate martinis to chocolate hearts.
1. Stroll and look at street art
Telliskivi wouldn’t be a self-respecting repurposed industrial hipster mecca without murals. A short walk around the area will reveal several big ones like the famous naked cat, 3D squirrel, and rainbow beetles, but the more circles you walk in, the more pieces you’ll discover.
Besides these well-known and long-standing murals, dozens of other smaller artworks come and go, either as part of graffiti festivals or for events, so you never quite know what you’ll find. Who knows, maybe you’ll even get lucky and spot the work of Edward von Lõngus (aka the Estonian Banksy) which has been known to pop up from time to time.
2. Give a handmade, customised gift
Telliskivi’s Creative City is a collection of indie art studios, workshops and stores where you can buy the best of Estonia’s design. So, it should come as no surprise that this is the place to buy a customised gift for that special someone in your life.
Diamonds may last forever, but Stella Soomlais’ sustainably crafted leather bags and accessories are built to last a lifetime. You can have a name, initials or a special message stamped into their pieces, or you can book an accessory-making workshop for two. Mokoko’s small leather goods, also available in Telliskivi, have a similar personalisation option as well. More permanent than a card, but less commitment than matching tattoos…
3. Photography and rooftop dining at Fotografiska
It seems like we rave about the Fotografiska photographic art centre and its restaurant all the time, but it’s for good reason – we promise. The photography exhibits spread across multiple floors have a dimly-lit and intimate feeling to them, spotlighting the work of internationally renowned artists.
Once you’ve admired the pics, you can head straight to the rooftop restaurant and bar for a romantic dinner or cocktail. The restaurant exudes the same luxurious, Scandinavian vibe as the rest of the place, and the panoramic views of the city are the cherry on top.
4. Watch the sun set at Patkuli viewing platform
This one isn’t technically in Telliskivi, but it’s just 500 metres across the street and gives you awesome views over Telliskivi, Kalamaja, the Old Town, the harbour and beyond. Climb up the long set of zigzagging stairs to the Patkuli viewing platform.
It’s located on the edge of the Old Town’s Toompea Hill, next to the governmental Stenbock House – where the Prime Minister works daily. It’s arguably one of the best places in town to watch a sunset over the Bay of Tallinn.
5. Spend the night
Spend a night (or a few) at a home away from home in Telliskivi, right in the heart of the action, but set just far back enough off the main street so you get some peace and quiet. At Bob W’s Telliskivi apartments, you have everything you need for a memorable stay.
Challenge each other to a Mario Kart race on the vintage Nintendo and take some offline photos together with an instant camera to remember the occasion by. Chill some bubbly in the fridge, order a meal kit to cook a new recipe together in the fully-equipped kitchen, then let the dishwasher do the washing up.
Ready to plan your romantic getaway in Telliskivi? Book one of Bob’s apartments directly for the best rates and perks. Enjoy 😉