Good morning, gorgeous piles of produce! Hello melty gorgonzola cheese! Why, mini cheesecakes, you’re looking fabulous today!
The best farmers market in Tallinn, Estonia – Balti Jaama Turg – is housed in a gorgeous brick building next to the train station. On the top floor, you’ll find clothes, antiques, toiletries, and other non-food goodies. In the basement, a giant grocery store. And on the main floor, it’s food food food – with an organic grocery store, a cafeteria (may I recommend the chickpea veggie burger?), and dozens of vendors selling everything from imported Italian meats to local whole chickens to melons you can barely fit your arms around.
Planning a visit? Here are the deets:
How to get to Balti Jaama Turg
The market is in a huge building beside the train station. It’s hard to miss, but if you have trouble, just ask a local at the train station to point the way.
When to go
The market is open daily until about six or seven p.m. (Closing times seem to vary a bit by vendor.)
What to expect
Fresh produce (organic and standard), specialty butchers, cheeses, smoked sausage, brown bread, hot meals, honey, oils, mini cheesecakes (check out the Italian importer), two attached grocery stores (organic and standard), and a large flea market (upstairs).
Language
Estonian is the official language (obviously). But this market is in the hip, young part of town and you’ll find tons of English speakers. We also heard Italian and (I believe) Russian in the mix.
What (else) to do in Tallinn
The hip part of town, complete with graffiti and cool co-working spaces is just behind the market. The best restaurant in town, by far, is the fabulous Noa Chef’s Hall. Book yourself an 11-course experience overlooking the sea for something really special. And nature-lovers should plan a day trip to Viru Bog.