Old Town (Vanalinn)

Old Town is the medieval center with historic architecture and lots of cafes. Safe overall but watch for pickpockets in tourist areas. Eating alone is common and evening walks feel safe.

Old Town is the medieval center with cobblestone streets and 14th-century architecture. It's a UNESCO World Heritage site and gets packed with tourists during the day - you'll see constant walking tours and cruise ship groups. Locals still use it too, grabbing coffee at places like Maiasmokk, a cafe that's been around since 1910. Town Hall Square has restaurants and bars that stay busy into the evening. Eating alone is normal and you'll see people doing it. Staff speak English since they deal with tourists constantly. Pickpocketing happens around Viru Street and Town Hall Square when it's crowded, so watch your bag and don't leave your phone visible. Streets are well-lit and police patrol regularly, so it's generally safe to walk at night. The cobblestones are uneven - heels are a bad idea. After midnight things quiet down when cruise ship passengers leave, but central areas stay well-lit.