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The best thing about travelling in Europe is how easily you can go from city to city and cover your country count. Helsinki, the capital of Finland, is just a 2-hour ferry ride away across the Baltic Sea, from Tallinn, the capital of Estonia. Both deserve two full days to enjoy but can also be done quickly and easily.
How?
Read on to learn how to visit two countries in a long weekend. This efficient Helsinki-Tallinn itinerary lets you land in Helsinki, take a walking tour, and then catch the evening ferry to Tallinn. The next morning, do a walking tour in Tallinn and return to Helsinki that evening, or fly out from Tallinn. Yes! It can be done.
About Helsinki
Helsinki, the capital of Finland, was founded by King Gustav I of Sweden in 1550. It was established to rival the city of Tallinn across the Gulf of Finland. In 1809, Finland was ceded to Russia, and Helsinki’s status changed. In 1812, the Russians made Helsinki the capital of the Grand Duchy of Finland, replacing Turku. This led to rapid growth and modernization as Helsinki was built as a twin of St Peterburg. Helsinki played a key role in Finland’s path to independence, which was declared in 1917.
Around 6 million people live in Helsinki; the majority are Lutheran Christians.
Finland has topped the World Happiness Report for several consecutive years and is considered the home of happy people. Overall, Helsinki is an easy, laid-back city. No one will talk to you unless you want them to, and their noses are buried in either a book or a phone. It’s an introvert’s dream city. People keep a respectful distance; polite and quiet; but will help when needed. You can escape to a sauna or a library if the world outside gets too busy and noisy. Everyone, and indeed the city itself, is quiet, calm, and sedate. It’s also super safe, any time of the day.
About Tallinn
Tallinn is the capital and largest city of Estonia. It is located on the northern coast of the country, on the shore of the Gulf of Finland, directly across from Helsinki. About 450,000 people live in Tallinn. Tallinn’s Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its well-preserved medieval architecture. Cobblestone streets wind through a labyrinth of charming, red-roofed buildings while towering church spires dominate the skyline. It’s impossible not to deeply feel the stories this city might have lived during the 13th and 15th centuries as one walks through it.
The Old Town was created by the Danish crusaders led by King Valdemar II around 1219 when it was named Reval. It changed several hands until in 1710, during the Great Northern War, it was taken by the Russian Empire. The city, known as “Tallinn” since the 20th century, remained under Russian rule until Estonia declared independence in 1918. Soviet forces occupied Tallinn in 1940, followed by Nazi Germany in 1941, and then the Soviets again in 1944. Estonia regained independence in 1991, and Tallinn became its capital. Tallinn is very Russian in its look and feel and starkly different from Helsinki.
You would think a Baltic city like Tallinn would be cheaper than a Nordic city like Helsinki, but no joy. Things are as expensive. The only respite was cheap booze, although I can assure you I was merely an observer, not a partaker.
How to Travel Between Helsinki and Tallinn
I used Directferries to discover the best connections between Helsinki and Tallinn, and then purchased from the operator’s website. I travelled on Tallink’s MyStar and Megastar between Helsinki to Tallinn, and was blown away, especially by MyStar. It seemed like a five-star hotel slash casino slash glitzy pub-cafe-mall on a ship. So much luxury for a mere two hours? Worth every cent of the €35 I paid.
The Tallink Ferries leave from West Terminal 2 in Helsinki. Tallinn has only one port; so easy, peasy.
Boarding opens 40 minutes before departure and closes 20 minutes prior. Boarding times are strictly enforced. You can scan the barcode on your phone to board. Passports are not checked. Overall, the process is efficient and simple.
Where to Stay in Helsinki
Public transport is decent in Helsinki, and it’s also quite safe to travel around late in the night. You can stay anywhere in the AB zone and reach the city centre in under an hour. I recommend Eurohostel for its affordability, good location, and suitability for solo travellers. It’s also close to the Katajanokka Sea Terminal, convenient for ferry trips to Tallinn. Note that the Katajanokka terminal is 30 minutes from West Terminal 2, the terminal Tallink uses, and the one I used.
Another excellent accommodation option is the Yard Hostel.
Where to Stay in Tallinn
Tallinn is a compact city. It’s easy and safe to travel around even later at night (despite the drunken revelry on the streets which can be disconcerting at first). You could stay anywhere and arrive at the city centre within an hour.
However, I would recommend Citybox Tallinn for accommodation, as it’s cheap, excellently located, and makes for a good bet for a solo traveller. Another excellent option is the Hestia Hostel Europa right next to the Ferry Terminal or The Monk’s Bunk in the City Centre.
The Best Walks in The Cities
What to do in Helsinki in a day
A more detailed Helsinki itinerary is here.
Public transit in Helsinki is combined into a single ticket program that covers buses, trains, trams, metro, and the Suomenlinna ferry. Download the HSL app to buy day passes or single journey tickets and get around in the city easily.
A City Walking Tour
Helsinki has some excellent walking tours. The meeting point is usually at the Alexander II Statue in Senate Square. Tours run at different times, starting at 9:45 AM until about 4:30 PM or so, depending on the time of the year.
I took the Finntastic walking tour which covered
- Senate Square: Located in Helsinki’s City Centre, the Square features the iconic Helsinki Cathedral, known as the “White Church.” When I visited, entry to Helsinki Cathedral cost €8, but it was free from 6 to 9 PM. Alexander II, whose statue adorns the centre of the Square is considered the “good Russian king” who granted Finland autonomy, although the noisy seagulls perched on his head couldn’t care less. Other landmarks and famous buildings surrounding the Square are the Government Palace, the main building of the University of Helsinki, and the Sederholm House, the oldest building in central Helsinki dating from 1757.
- Helsinki City Museum: The city museum is a great place to understand the city’s history and culture through a variety of exhibits and interactive displays. Major exhibits include “Helsinki 24/7,” which presents the city’s everyday life, and “The City of Dreams,” focusing on Helsinki’s architectural evolution. The museum also features the “Helsinki City Museum Collection,” which includes artefacts and photographs from different eras. It is open Tuesday to Sunday, from 10 AM to 6 PM, and is closed on Mondays. Admission is free.
- Allas Sea Pool: This is a marine spa that features three pools: a children’s pool, a warm pool, and a seawater pool. There’s also a sauna and a café. The main building was finished in spring 2017 and includes a roof terrace that spans the entire roof. With 1,500 seats, this terrace is the largest in Helsinki with killer views of the coast. It’s open all year round.
- Market Square (Kauppatori): A great spot to experience local Finnish culture, cuisine, and maritime life. It has several stalls selling fresh produce, local delicacies, handicrafts, and souvenirs. The square also hosts seasonal events and festivals. Key nearby attractions include the historic Old Market Hall and the nearby Uspenski Cathedral.
- Uspenski Cathedral: A Greek Orthodox or Eastern Orthodox cathedral in Helsinki, and the main Cathedral of the Orthodox Church of Finland. It is the largest Orthodox cathedral in Western Europe.
- Esplanadi: Locally known as Helsinki’s Champs de Elysee, this park is home to Kappeli restaurant and Espa music stage. In the middle, stands Runeberg’s statue, the national poet of Finland. A rock concert was going on when I visited.
- Oodi Library – Helsinki’s beloved central library.
The stunning Central Library – Oodi in Helsinki
Opened to the public in 2018, Oodi serves as a community hub, hosting events, workshops, and exhibitions. It is one of 38 branches of Helsinki City Library. I told ya, the Finns love to read! The library is situated in the Kluuvi district, close to Helsinki Central Station and next to the Helsinki Music Centre and Kiasma Museum of Contemporary Art. Oodi is a great place to end the day, chilling with a book and a coffee.
Two additional places to visit, besides those covered in the city centre walking tour, are the Rock Church and Sibelius Monument. These sites are next to each other and can be reached on foot or by bus.
Off City Centre
The Rock Church (Temppeliaukio Church) is a striking modern church that opened in 1969. Carved directly into solid granite, its unique design features a circular sanctuary with a copper dome that creates exceptional acoustics. Popular for its architectural innovation and excellent acoustics, the Rock Church hosts concerts and services, making it a notable attraction for visitors and a cherished place for locals. It’s worth going to admire the architectural marvel of it. Entry is €8 and it takes less than an hour to see. The church is about 25 minutes on foot from Senate Square.
25 more minutes on foot away is the Sibelius Monument. Created by Eila Hiltunen, the monument is dedicated to the Finnish composer Jean Sibelius. It visually expresses how Sibelius’ music depicts nature and has become one of Helsinki’s most popular tourist attractions. It’s quite a walk away from the city centre (45 minutes), so you may choose to skip it while in Helsinki, but it’s close to the Baltic Seashore, fairly untouched by crowds, and the popular Cafe Regatta is close by.
Indulge in a Sauna
The word “sauna” is Finnish, and boy, do they love it. There are more saunas here than cars! I can get on board with that. Traditionally, Saturday was sauna day because Sunday was for being clean and purified. But now, there’s no strict rule. Some people hit the sauna almost every day, usually in the evening, to unwind before bed. It’s a great way to chill with friends and family. This is one of the places, like the library, where the introverted locals connect and engage.
Saunas are common in Finland and found in homes, hotels, apartment buildings, and even offices. In ancient times, saunas were used to stay warm in winter inside heated caves or pits. Finland is also home to the world’s deepest sauna, in the Pyhäsalmi Mine, 1,410 meters below the surface.
Saunas can be wood-fired, smoke-based, or electric. They usually cost about €15-25 for two hours. Some popular ones are the Löyly public sauna, Sauna Hermanni, Sompasauna (Helsinki’s public sauna and free to use), and Allas Sea Pool.
What to do in Tallinn in a day
A more detailed Tallinn itinerary is here. It is easy to walk to any place in Tallinn. No public transport is needed.
Consider buying the Tallinn card if you want to maximize your stay. It also covers public transport. Although, for a day’s trip, it may be excessive. I would recommend just paying and going into St Nicholas Church for the church and its views.
A Medieval Walking Tour
If you have only one day in Tallinn, take a medieval walking tour to experience the essence of the city. Tallinn is best seen via walking tours. The city is divided into the Upper Town and Lower Town. The Upper Town has a castle, city walls, and fortifications, as well as political buildings and embassies. The Lower Town has residences, bars, and shops. Tallinn’s old town is one of the best preserved in Europe and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Centre since 1997. Think tons of red roofs and tall spires
The Tales of Reval Tour (Reval was the medieval name for Tallinn) was a fascinating hour-long guided walk through the Old Town. It featured dramatic stories, interactive role-play with the audience, and a guide in a cool medieval outfit. As part of this tour, we passed through
- (Tour starts) From the Tallinn Tourist Information Centre (Tour timings: Mon-Thu 13:00 | Fri – Sun 10:30 and 13:00)
- St. Nicholas’ Church, Museum, and Viewing Platform: This, later, turned out to be my favourite plane in Tallinn. St. Nicholas Church was one of the two parish churches in medieval Tallinn and one of the wealthiest churches in the town. Consecrated to the patron saint of merchants and seafarers—St. Nicholas—it is believed to have been founded in the middle of the 13th century. The church is also home to the Niguliste Museum, one of the few museums in the world in a former church building. The museum’s most famous exhibit is the “Dance of Death,” displayed alongside other late-medieval altarpieces and wooden sculptures. A highlight of the collection is the silverware from churches, guilds, and the Brotherhood of Blackheads showcased in the Silver Chamber. The church’s viewing platform offers unique views of the Old Town from a historic tower and features a glass lift and sky deck. Entry to the Niguliste Museum and Viewing Platform is €14, but free with the Tallinn Card. Visitors can also enjoy an organ recital at St. Nicholas Church every Saturday and Sunday from 4:00 to 4:30 PM.
The stunning views from the top of St Nicholas Church in Tallinn - The House of the Blackheads: A historic building originally used by a medieval guild, now a museum showcasing the history and artefacts of the Brotherhood of Blackheads. There is one of the same name in Riga (Latvia’s capital).
- Estonian History Museum – Great Guild Hall: Housed in a 14th-century building, this museum delves into Estonian history from the Stone Age to the 20th century.
- St. Olaf’s Church: Once the tallest building in the world, this 12th-century church offers panoramic views of Tallinn from its spire (the highest church tower in Estonia). The church used to be a beacon of hope for approaching sailors but also used to attract lightning bolts! It has burnt down thrice in its existence. It is 129 meters tall, with 258 steps to climb to the top. The entry for the church is free but it takes €5 to climb to the top.
- St Catherine’s Passage and old town walls: A 700-year-old passage, earlier known as Monk’s Alley, connecting a Dominican monastery to St Catherine’s Church, with various handicrafts stores and restaurants now.
- Town Hall Square (Rataskaevu): (Tour ends) The central square with the historic Town Hall is the oldest surviving town hall in Northern Europe. Today the Town Hall functions as the ceremonial building of the city government. From 25 June to 31 August, the Town Hall is open for visits. Timings are Mon – Thu 11.00-18.00 | Fri – Sun 11.00-16.00. Entry fee is €7.
Off City Centre
If you have the time and energy, a 15-20 minute walk from the city centre can take you to more interesting places, such as these:
Telleskivi
Established in 2009, Telliskivi Creative City was the outcome of the transformation of an old industrial complex and is now home to over 200 businesses, including startups, creative companies, and NGOs. Notable companies here include the tech firm Pipedrive, design agency Velvet, and various media and arts organizations. The area is also known for its coworking spaces, like Lift99. Also, the Fotografiska Tallinn, a branch of the famous Stockholm Photography Museum, is located here.
Telliskivi is open to the public daily, with most shops and restaurants operating from 10 AM to 8 PM. A walk through Telliskivi feels like strolling through a public gallery of street art and installations. The area is also known for its weekend flea markets, nightlife, and concerts. Telliskivi offers a striking contrast to the old part of town, making it a worthwhile visit on day two in Tallinn.
Have a drink or dinner here.
Balti Jaam Market
The Balti Jaam railway station, built in 1870, initially connected Tallinn to Saint Petersburg. It is now the main railway station in Tallinn and the largest in Estonia. Adjacent to it, the Balti Jaam Market offers diverse products, including fresh produce, meats, antiques, and local crafts. The market also features a food court with various cuisines. Its top-floor antique market is especially well-known. The market is housed in a renovated building that preserves historical elements, blending old and new.
Have a drink or dinner here. Or shop till you drop.
- First, I go to TripAdvisor and check out top things to do, top places, and experiences. I use this to make a rough itinerary.
- From TripAdvisor I often go to Viator to book day tours. I love their user friendly platform and flexible cancellation policies. Compare their offers with GetYourGuide, which is great too.
- I book my accommodations in Booking because of their flexibility and that the bookings are easily cancellable. The mobile app is great and the genius discounts are on point.
- I recommend getting the Priority Pass. It gives you access to airport lounges and has helped me through many long waits. It’s definitely well worth the money.
- And I am literally always on Skyscanner. I get to see the best airfares, and the airline / third party providers offering them. Try the “From: origin city” to “To: Everywhere” option to ignite your imagination on where to travel to next.