NõmmeNõmme feels like a small town inside Tallinn: tree-lined streets, wooden villas and a compact central square with cafés and shops. The neighbourhood grew as a 19th-century garden suburb and still has that low-rise, domestic character rather than big apartment blocks.
Days here are about parks and cafés, head to Nõmme Central Square, pop into the Nõmme Museum and wander the paths through Nõmme Park and the surrounding pine forest. Evenings are relaxed: a couple of local pubs and cosy restaurants rather than loud nightlife, making it a good base for families or anyone wanting calm after sightseeing.
Nõmme at a Glance
Wooded suburb with a small-town centre and easy rail links to central Tallinn.
- Best for: Restful stays, walking and families
- Vibe: Leafy, low-rise and village-like
- Nearest station: Nõmme station (Elron commuter trains)
- Price level: Mostly $-$$ (budget to mid-range)
- To the main sights: About 20-30 minutes to Tallinn Old Town by train
- Safety: Very safe and family-friendly
Who's Nõmme For?
Great for:
- Nature walks and picnics
- Quiet, restful stays
- Families and older travellers
- People who want local cafés and markets
Maybe skip it if:
- You want busy nightlife
- You want luxury hotels in the city centre
- You prefer being within walking distance of Old Town sights
Getting Your Bearings in Nõmme
About 8 km south-west of Tallinn Old Town, centred on Nõmme Central Square and the train station.
Plan Your Visit to Nõmme
- Best time to visit: Late spring to early autumn for the nicest walks in the pine forests.
- How to pay: Cards are widely accepted, but small market stalls may prefer cash.
- Wear sensible shoes: Many paths are natural trails rather than paved promenades.
- Train is handy: Using the Elron commuter train is the quickest way to central Tallinn.
Things to Do in Nõmme
- Nõmme Central Square: A small town square with cafés, bakeries and a slow, village atmosphere, the local hub for coffee and people-watching.
- Nõmme Museum: Local history in a historic building; good for a brief look at the suburb’s garden-city past.
- Nõmme Park and Forest Trails: Extensive pine-forest paths perfect for walking, jogging or picnics; clearly signed trails and lots of shade.
How to Get to Nõmme
- Lennart Meri Tallinn Airport (TLL): Public transport - Take the airport bus into the city centre, then transfer at Balti jaam to an Elron commuter train to Nõmme; overall journey 35-50 minutes, fares around €2-€4. Taxi/ride-hail - Direct taxi is simplest and takes roughly 20-30 minutes depending on traffic, with a rough fare of €15-€25.
- From the main sights: Public transport - From Tallinn Old Town walk or tram to Balti jaam and catch an Elron commuter train to Nõmme (about 20-30 minutes). Taxi/ride-hail - Door-to-door takes roughly 15-25 minutes, depending on traffic, costing roughly €10-€20.
Getting Around Nõmme
- By train: Elron commuter trains link Nõmme with Balti jaam in central Tallinn; trains are frequent and the station sits by the square.
- By bus and tram: Local buses and trams connect Nõmme to surrounding districts; use them for short hops or to reach other parts of the city.
- On foot and by bike: The district is compact and pleasant to explore on foot, with quiet streets and cycle routes that suit relaxed riding.
Where to Stay in Nõmme
Accommodation in Nõmme is mostly guesthouses, small hotels and family-run B&Bs clustered near the station and the central square. Options skew budget to mid-range; luxury hotels are scarce. Staying here suits visitors who don’t mind a 20-30 minute train into central Tallinn.
Budget
- Freedom 65: A guesthouse close to the square and station; simple, homely rooms and a good choice for budget travellers looking to explore the area on foot.
Where to Eat in Nõmme
Nõmme’s eating scene is café-led: cosy bakeries, casual restaurants and a few places serving regional or international dishes around the central square and the station. Expect mostly $-$$ prices and daytime opening hours; evening dining options are limited but pleasant. Head to the square and Hiiu street for the main cluster of places.
- Köök ja Kook: Café; $.
- Sõõrikukohvik: Café (donut); $.
- Bagus Bali: Café (Indonesian); $-$$.
- Nõmme Jaamarestoran Elsa: Restaurant (regional); $$.
- Pappa Pizza: Café (pizza); $.
- Turg Resto: Café (Thai; burger); $$.
- Voldemar teatriresto: Restaurant; $$.
- Paju Villa: Restaurant; $$.
Nightlife in Nõmme
Nightlife in Nõmme is low-key: two main pubs and a handful of late-opening cafés rather than clubs. Most places close earlier than in the city centre, so plan for a quiet, local evening. Head to Hiiu and the area around the square for the few bars that do exist.
- Hiiu Pubi: Neighbourhood pub offering a casual atmosphere and beer; a short walk from the square.
- Hiiu Õlletuba: Small local pub with a selection of beers; relaxed and popular with residents.
Shopping in Nõmme
Shopping is local and practical: markets, independent shops and a few boutiques clustered around the square. Markets are best in mornings when stalls sell produce and household goods. For bigger malls you’ll need to go back into central Tallinn.
- Nõmme turuhoone: Market hall with vendors and occasional stalls; good for local produce and everyday items.
- Nõmme Market: Outdoor market area near the square; morning browsing is best.