A day trip to Tallinn: What to do and see!

by Chloe Bolton, University of Helsinki, Finland

Here’s a fun fact: the closest capital to Helsinki is Tallinn (Estonia). The two are closely linked via the many ferries that go from Finland to Estonia daily. Most of Helsinki’s ports will have a couple ferries going to Tallinn which means you’ve got plenty of choice when it comes to times and prices! 

To get the best prices I would recommend checking Eckero Line’s website right away instead of going to look at Ferryscanner. For some reason it doesn’t always give you the best prices and in my experience Eckero Line has always been the cheapest. 

It’s best to book a couple weeks before, so that it’ll only cost about 20€ per person, however if you leave it until the day before prices can go up to about 50-60€ per person. 

I think it makes the perfect day trip from Helsinki, if you’re willing to wake up early and catch the 9 am ferry because you’d have to be there just before 8 am to board! 

The first time I went I took the 7 pm ferry beach, meaning I got back to Helsinki around 9 pm. For a day trip this was plenty of time, I even think that the 5pm return ferry is enough! 

The journey only takes about 2 hours. 

What I found to be great about Tallinn is that there are lots of free places to explore, and the city is very walkable! It is a beautifully well preserved mediaeval city, and beyond that has a very interesting history.

One of my favourite spots was the Kohtuotsa viewing platform, it offers a stunning view no matter what time of year you go! You can see a great panoramic view of the red roofs and the rest of the city. 

Another viewing platform not too far from Kohtuotsa is Patkuli, which is located in one of the most ancient parts of the Old Town!

I would definitely recommend walking to Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, I thought the architecture was stunning and very different to anything that I am used to. There is a stark contrast between the inside and outside of the Cathedral. 

Something you shouldn’t miss is the Town Hall Square, where you can take beautiful pictures of the colourful buildings. What’s good to know is that in December/January there is a Christmas Market in this square. 

I love a good coffee shop, despite having only been to Tallinn a couple of times, I can recommend OA Coffee Shop, Surf Cafe and the Brick Coffee Roastery. They all have some nice sweet treats as well!

One final thing: the Baltics are famous for Amber! So if you do pay a visit to Tallinn, I would definitely recommend some amber jewellery as a souvenir.

You’ll love Tallinn as a quick escape from Helsinki. But do remember your Finnish won’t be of any use here unfortunately, Finnish and Estonian are two completely different languages!

Whenever you decide to go, winter or summer, both will promise beautiful scenery.