How to take a fun day trip to Tallinn, Estonia from Helsinki, Finland

Last updated on September 12th, 2024

Visiting Helsinki? Taking a day trip to Tallinn, Estonia is a must! We’re covering everything you need to know including how to get there and back and what to eat and see…all in one day! 

One of the things we love the most about Europe is how easily you can hop between countries. And during our time in Helsinki, Finland, we opted to take a day trip to Tallinn, Estonia. 

Located just across the Gulf of Finland from Helsinki, Tallinn is the capital city of Estonia. And with colorful buildings, medieval walls, cobblestone streets, and unique experiences, it is said to not only be one of Europe’s best preserved medieval cities, but also one the most underrated!

And we couldn’t agree more! As Americans, Estonia hadn’t really been on our radar. But our day trip to Tallinn from Helsinki was one of the highlights of our month-long winter trip to Germany and Finland. We had a blast exploring the city, trying some of its iconic eats, and learning some of its history.

If you’re heading to Helsinki, a day trip to Tallinn must be at the top of your list! And in this guide we’re sharing everything you need to know to visit. Including the ferry options, what to do and where to eat, plus helpful tips!

Why should you visit Tallinn, Estonia from Helsinki?

Tallinn has a rich history that dates back over 5,000 years. It was a vital trading center in medieval times due to its strategic location on the Baltic Sea. And over the years it was conquered by many different people, including the Danes, Swedes, and Russians, before Estonia gained independence for the first time in 1918, and then again in 1991 after the Soviet Union dissolved. 

Today Tallinn is known for having an extremely well-preserved medieval Old Town, which has been given the designation of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. But Tallinn isn’t all just medieval walls and ancient buildings! The city also has a modern side, with a pretty booming startup and tech scene. In fact, Tallinn has been nicknamed ​​”the Silicon Valley of Europe.”

The mix of old and new, plus Scandinavian and Russian, makes it unlike anywhere else we have been. And with a different vibe than Helsinki, visiting Tallinn allows you to experience another culture and new foods, all within an easy day trip. It’s a no brainer!

When to visit Tallinn, Estonia

Tallinn is the perfect year-round destination! Whether you have rain, shine, or snow, there is plenty to see and do in town, plus lots of shops, restaurants, and medieval walls to take shelter from weather if needed!

Summer is the most popular time to visit Tallinn, with both day trippers from Helsinki and large cruise ships. We personally visited in the winter (December 29), which had some pros and cons! The winter made the city feel a bit extra magical, with snow on the ground and roofs. We also were able to visit Tallinn’s Christmas Market, which was mega charming. That alone made the winter visit totally worth it!

However, it was VERY cold, rainy, and dreary the day we went, which was slightly less scenic and made being outside a bit tougher. We have friends who went on a sunny winter day though, so you may have better luck!

But regardless of the weather, one thing to keep in mind is that in the winter, the days are pretty short. The sunrise in late December was around 9:20 AM and the sunset was around 3:30 PM, which still gave us plenty of time to explore in the daylight, but we did have to be strategic in how we spent our day to maximize the light.

How to go on a day trip to Tallinn from Helsinki

With multiple ferries crossing the Gulf of Finland several times a day, it’s very easy to go on a day trip from Helsinki to Tallinn! Below we’re covering your different ferry options and what to expect along the ride.

Ferry options from Helsinki to Tallinn

The ferry crossing from Helsinki to Tallinn takes about 2 hours. And there are a couple different ferry operators you can take like Tallink, Viking Line, and Eckerö. We opted to cruise with Tallink because they offer the most crossings per day.

Since we had such limited daylight and only one day in the city, we opted to take the earliest option at 7:30 AM. This got us to Tallinn right around 9:30 AM, which was when the sun rose. So it helped us ensure we could maximize as much of the day as possible!

We then returned on the 7:30 PM ferry, giving us a total of 9 hours to explore, since we needed to arrive at the ferry terminal about an hour early.

How much is the ferry from Helsinki to Tallinn?

Ferry prices do vary by date and time, as well as by ferry provider. On Tallink, most fares range from 32-39 EUR per person. You also do get a discount for booking a “day ticket,” which is a roundtrip ticket within the same day.

We paid 78.00 EUR total for the both of us (round trip), which makes this a pretty affordable activity!

Checking in for the ferry 

For Tallink, you will depart from West Terminal 2, which can easily be accessed by Helsinki’s amazing public transportation. 

You will want to arrive 40-60 minutes early and the check-in process was very easy! When entering, they have a service desk if you need to talk to someone, but we just scanned our electronic tickets and made our way up to the large waiting area. 

Like much of Helsinki, the ferry terminal was beautifully designed with very high ceilings, plus lots of wood and metal. There are also food options, if you need a snack or bite to eat before the ride.

What to expect on the ferry

We’ve been on lots of ferries during our travels, but the Tallink ferry was the nicest one we’ve ever been on! It is beautifully designed and felt way more like a cruise ship than a ferry!

You’ll either sail on the MyStar or the MegaStar, which are both newer ships. On board you’ll find five restaurants, two bars and pubs, a coffee bar, shopping, an arcade area, and an outdoor garden. Plus tons of seating areas, which are all uniquely decorated!

They have a variety of “classes” to choose from, as well as sleeper cabins. But we just purchased their Star Class, which is the cheapest. And it was great! We were able to roam around so many areas of the ship and we had no issue finding a comfortable spot to hang out.

The best things to do during your Tallinn day trip

After a wonderful ferry ride you have made it to Tallinn! And now it’s time to explore!

Tallinn’s Old Town (the most popular area to visit), is less than a 30 minute walk from the ferry terminal. And it is a very enjoyable walk, even in the winter! (Tip: if you’re visiting in the winter, be sure to walk from the ferry terminal to town through this mall to retain some heat!)

Below are what we consider some of the must-visit stops on your Tallinn day trip. From iconic buildings to see, to delicious (and unique) restaurants, and fun activities.

While you may not be able to do all of these things in one day, hopefully this gives you plenty of ideas to plan your perfect day in Tallinn! We share our exact itinerary below, if you’re curious about everything we did during our winter day trip.

RØST Bakery

Start your visit to Tallinn off with a bang at RØST Bakery! This is one of the best coffee shops and bakeries we have ever been to on our travels. 

It is located in a super cool, revitalized stone and brick alley. And as soon as you open the door you’ll be engulfed in the sweet aroma of cardamom, cinnamon, and baking bread. That’s because they bake their delicious pastries right out in the open and you can watch them being made!

RØST is especially famous for their cinnamon and cardamom buns, which both had a beautiful toasted, braided design and a perfectly soft and moist interior. They are extra delicious paired with a flat white. And if you’d like to make your future self happy, grab a couple extra buns to eat on the ferry ride back!

Walk through St. Catherine’s Passage

Next up, journey through some of the popular spots in the Old Town, starting with St. Catherine’s Passage. This alleyway dates back over 700 years and is a very popular photo spot. During midday, you’ll find artists working on glass, ceramics, and other hand made items. 

Visit the Master’s Courtyard

Another neat area to see is the Master’s Courtyard. This is a small re-created courtyard in the Old Town with a cobblestone walkway and buildings oozing with character! It not only makes for a good photo spot, but there are a few shops to check out, like Pierre Chocolaterie, Keraamikakoda, and Puu- ja Putukapood.

See other popular streets in Old Town

Have a medieval lunch at Olde Hansa

One of our major highlights of our day trip to Tallinn was lunch at Olde Hansa Restaurant! This restaurant provides an unmatched medieval experience. Everything from the decor, outfits worn by the staff, and the candle lit atmosphere (they burn over 18,000 candles per year!) is created to be as authentic as possible. Plus the dishes are prepared using over 700 year old recipes!

We were admittedly a bit apprehensive to eat at a themed restaurant. It’s usually a recipe for a cheesy tourist trap! And while it is definitely catered to tourists, after experiencing the immersive atmosphere and tasting the recipes, we were thoroughly impressed!

Olde Hansa is known for their game meats, so we ordered their game meat soup, plus a  tender deer filet. The filet is served with a variety of unique sides, whose flavors were unlike anything we’ve ever had! Starting with the oven baked herb and juniper cheese is a MUST!

A+K Tip: Make sure to make a reservation in advance, as they get pretty busy!

Walk the town walls

After devouring a feast only fit for a lord and lady, check out Tallinn’s medieval walls!

The Old Town of Tallinn is surrounded by medieval walls, which were crucial for defense during medieval times. At its height in the 16th century, the wall was 2.4 kilometers (1.5 miles) long and there were a total of 46 towers. Today, only 1.85 kilometers (1.15 miles) of the wall and 26 of the towers remain.

There are a handful of sections of the wall you can walk, like the Hellemann Tower and Town Wall Walkway and Kiek in de Kök Museum and Bastion Tunnels, which has a museum, walls, and underground tunnels. We opted to visit the walls at Nunnadetagune Torn, which cost 3 EUR per person to enter.

There are multiple towers to explore here, which have some steep and narrow staircases to access. It was a ton of fun to climb up into these, as well as see the city from the walls.

While there, be sure to check out Towers’ Square which is an open green space with gardens full of flowers (if you visit outside of winter). You’ll also have wonderful views of the wall’s pointy, orange towers!

See city views at the Patkuli and Kohtuotsa Viewing Platforms

Besides the walls there are also a few free viewing platforms to get even more views of the city! The Patkuli Viewing Platform and Kohtuotsa Viewing Platform are two of the most popular. We checked out both and highly recommend you do the same. While close together, they both offer a slightly different vantage point. 

Admire the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral

One sight that should not be missed in Tallinn is the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, a Russian Orthodox Church, with onion shaped domes. It is quite possibly the most iconic building in the skyline!

The church was completed in 1900 and built during a time when Estonia was under Russian control. For many locals it symbolizes the Russian supremacy over Estonia at the time, especially considering it’s built opposite the Toompea Castle (another spot to check out if you have time, with free tours). 

You are able to view the inside of the cathedral for free when services are not happening.

Visit local museums

If you’re interested to learn more about the history of Tallinn and Estonia’s resilience as a nation, check out the Vabamu Museum of Occupations and Freedom. This museum shares about the times during German and Soviet occupations and the country’s efforts to restore freedom and independence. 

The Tallinn City Museum is a collection of seven distinct museums, which share the stories of the city’s citizens and the changing city culture. One branch is the City Life Museum, which presents the history from ancient times through the 20th century. This exhibit is housed in a history merchant house that dates back to the 14th century. 

Try more traditional Estonian foods

Besides medieval feasts and sweet cardamom buns, Tallinn is a great place to try some other traditional Estonian dishes! 

Verivorst is Estonia’s national dish! This is Estonian blood sausage made of meat, blood, barley, onions, and spices like allspice and marjoram. It is often served with a plate of potatoes, sauerkraut, and lingonberry or cranberry jam.

While blood sausage can be a bit daunting to try, we (even pickier eater Kathryn) really enjoyed this dish! It is most commonly eaten around the holidays, so if you visit during then, you’ll have no issue finding it at the Christmas market.

Pirukas are another popular Estonian food item. These are a stuffed bread or pastry with a variety of fillings, including meat and vegetables. They make for a perfect snack! A couple good spots to try these in Tallinn are Nikolay Bar-buffeé and Kalamaja Bakery. 

Another item we wanted to try in Tallinn were blini (or pancakes)! These are similar to a crepe and can have sweet or savory fillings. Pub Kompressor is a must-visit spot to give them a try! 

Explore the more modern side of town (Kalamaja)

Most tourists only stick to the Old Town when visiting, but to experience the more modern and youthful side of the city, head over to Kalamaja as well! This artsy neighborhood, with tons of wooden buildings, is said to be one of the coolest in Tallinn and is just a short walk from Old Town.

Here you can visit the bustling Balti Jaama Turg market, admire photography at Fotografiska Tallinn, and check out local shops, studios, and see street art at Telliskivi Creative City, grab ice cream at La Muu, and learn maritime history at Lennusadam. 

Since we visited in the winter, with very limited daylight, we unfortunately didn’t have enough time to visit Kalamaja. But it is at the very top of our list for our next visit!

Visit the Tallinn Christmas Market (winter)

While Germany, France, and other popular European countries get a lot of the Christmas Market hype, the Tallinn Christmas Market should not be overlooked. It runs later than most European Christmas Markets (usually until early January) and was even crowned the best Christmas Market in Europe in 2019!

Held in the Town Hall Square of Tallinn, the Christmas Market is centered around a beautiful 14 meter (46 foot) tall Christmas tree, which has some special history. Back in 1441, Tallinn first put up a Christmas tree in their Town Hall Square, making it one of the oldest Christmas tree traditions in Europe!

Besides the tree, the Christmas Market offers plenty to do for all ages, including live performances, craft workshops, and a few rides, like a merry-go-round. You can also find quite a few stands selling traditional Estonian cuisine and local handicrafts. 

To learn more about the Tallinn Christmas Market, check out our complete guide, which includes some must-try foods, hours and dates, and everything else you need to know!

See Gingerbread Mania (winter)

It isn’t Christmas time in Estonia without gingerbread. And Tallinn has an annual art exhibition during the holidays called Gingerbread Mania. There are around 100 artists that participate and the only rule is that everything must be made out of gingerbread. 

The 2024 version will take place December 3, 2024 through January 5, 2025 at the Design and Architecture Gallery. 

Our Tallinn day trip itinerary

Things to know Before visiting Tallinn from Helsinki

Book your ferry tickets in advance

While you can get tickets the day of, during popular times of the year, like the summer, or on weekends, ferry crossings can sell out. So make sure to book in advance! 

You don’t need a visa

Estonia and Finland are both part of the Schengen Area of Europe, which is a group of 27 EU countries where you can freely travel between their borders. Because of this, you do not need a visa and there is no customs or immigration to go through once you get to Tallinn. As soon as you hop off the ferry, you’re free to explore!

Just make sure to bring your passport, so you have a form of identification!

Currency

Estonia uses the Euro, so if you have Euros already from other European travels, you’re good to go. But from our experience, most places and stores take credit cards, so you likely won’t need cash.

Thank you and cheers

They speak Estonian in Tallinn. Two words that will come in handy during your day trip to Tallinn are “tänan” (tah-nahn), which means thank you and “terviseks” (tehr-vee-sehks), which means cheers!

Staying more than one night?

Save this Tallinn DAY TRIP GUIDE