Sitting at the western edge of the city is the coastal Rocca al Mare district. The area’s name, meaning ‘Rock by the Sea’ in Italian, comes from a summer manor established here in 1863 by local baron Arthur Girard de Soucanton.

That estate is now the site of the sprawling Estonian Open Air Museum, a forested park where traditional Estonian village life is recreated.

The museum is home to 80 buildings from the past two centuries, including farms, mills, net sheds, a village school, a chapel, a firehouse, and more.

Museum workers in period costumes show the crafts of old and give a glimpse into the lifestyles of bygone days. All the most important public holidays are celebrated in the Estonian Open Air Museum.

For example, if you happen to be in Tallinn on Shrove Tuesday, Easter, or Midsummer’s Eve, be sure to visit the museum and celebrate the holidays with locals.

Address and Useful information about the Estonian Open Air Museum Rocca al Mare

Address: Vabaõhumuuseumi tee 12 Rocca al Mare

Another interesting attraction in the area is Tallinn Zoo with its Children’s Zoo and Adventure Park. Tallinn Zoo lays claim to having one of the best collections of mountain goats and sheep in the world.

Address: Paldiski mnt 145/Ehitajate tee 150

If you are looking for something more adventurous, then head over to the FK Centre. This is the place where adrenaline-seekers can try their hand at motorized carting and paintball. Rocca al Mare has also a popular shopping center, located over the road from the Zoo.

It’s a family-friendly shopping center, where besides the hundreds of top brand names, there are many restaurants and cafes, great shops for children’s wear and toys, as well as a children’s playground.

Address: Paldiski mnt 102