A Day Trip From Helsinki to Tallinn, Estonia

I’ve visited Helsinki six times for both general holidays and due to having a Finnish partner, and every time I’m there, the temptation to visit nearby Estonia is strong. Most of the time, I cannot resist doing so. I have been to Tallinn four times, and it’s the perfect day trip from the Finnish capital. 

Tallinn is just two hours from Helsinki, and traveling between both cities is seamless. Thanks to its compact nature, you can easily see most of Estonia’s capital in a day. Whether you love museums, photography, or food, this is a city that you cannot miss. 

Since planning is sometimes daunting, I’m putting together my experience from multiple day trips in this digestible guide. You’ll learn how to book ferry tickets, what to do when you’re in Tallinn, and other practical tips. 

Getting From Helsinki to Tallinn 

The easiest way to travel between Helsinki and Tallinn, by far, is to take the ferry. I’ve traveled with Eckerö Line, Viking Line, and Tallink Silja, and I have much preferred my experiences with the latter. 

From personal experience, Tallink’s ferries feel more comfortable. They also have a much nicer ferry terminal in Tallinn (Terminal D); it’s recently been renovated and feels like waiting in a nice airport. The other two depart from Terminal A in Tallinn, which—in my opinion—needs a facelift. 

Another thing worth noting is that the journey time will differ depending on which ferry you choose: 

• Tallink: 2 hours
• Eckerö Line: 2 hours and 15 minutes
• Viking Line: 2 hours and 30 minutes 

While Tallink’s ferries are generally more expensive, I do think that the better experience is worth paying more for. Still, the journey isn’t very long; if you’re more bothered about keeping costs low, the other two operators are fine. 

You can compare prices between the three here. It’s possible to book via Omio or directly on each operator’s website. 

The Ferry You Choose Determines Which Helsinki Terminal You Use 

Tallink Silja and Eckerö Line both depart from Helsinki West Terminal 2 (Länsiterminaali 2). This is a pretty nice ferry terminal, and I’ve never had any problems using it. 

You can reach the terminal by tram. Several lines operate here, depending on which part of Helsinki you’re traveling from. Get your tram tickets using the HSL app (iOS and Android). 

If you travel with Viking Line, you’ll need to use the Katajanokka ferry terminal instead. This is much closer to the city center; it’s accessible by tram and foot. 

How Far Is the Port in Tallinn From the City Center?

Tallinn’s port is around 15 minutes from the Old Town by foot. You’ll see one of the city’s older churches as your ferry pulls into the city; once you’ve disembarked, walk in that direction. 

Do I Need to Bring My Passport?

While Finland and Estonia are both in the EU and Schengen Zone, you should still bring your passport. Border checks sometimes take place, so it’s worth having just in case. If you’re from a country that requires a Schengen visa, bring this documentation too. You can find the visa info you need for entering Estonia on this page.

Things to Do in Tallinn on a Day Trip From Helsinki 

Once you’ve arrived in Tallinn, you have one of Europe’s most beautiful cities begging to be explored. I recommend spending most of your time in the Old Town, but you can venture further afield if you have some extra time. 

1. Enjoy Some Great Views of Tallinn

I mainly visit Tallinn these days for photography, and the city is blessed with many fantastic (and free) views. My two favorites are Kohtuotsa and Patkuli. 

Kohtuotsa

The Kohtuotsa viewing platform is the most popular one, and it gets incredibly busy. While I think you’re better off staying overnight and visiting first thing in the morning, this platform still has a nice view if you’re patient. 

This spot is popular for its Tallinn wall art, which used to be called “The Times We Had”. Since then, it has changed to Tallinn with a heart. You might even see a popular resident seagull who is known to pose here; he was the center of attention when I visited in December 2024 😆. 

Patkuli

My favorite viewpoint in Tallinn is the Patkuli viewing platform. In my opinion, this offers a much better view than Kohtuotsa. While still busy, it’s not as crowded as the previously-mentioned area. 

Besides getting a great view of Tallinn’s Old Town, you’ll also get to enjoy its surrounding areas and the Baltic Sea. Like Kohtuotsa, this viewing platform is completely free. 

2. Get Lost in the Streets of the Old Town 

Once you’ve marveled at Tallinn’s Old Town from above, it’s time to wander around. These wonderful cobblestone streets are lined with some of Europe’s prettiest architecture; if I was being really cliché, I’d say that it looks like “something from a fairytale”. 

Oddly enough, considering that it’s quite small, getting lost in Tallinn’s Old Town is very easy. Nonetheless, I suggest putting the map away and letting curiosity guide you instead. You’ll eventually end up in Raekoja Plats, which is the main square and where you can see Tallinn’s City Hall. 

3. Visit the Maiden’s Tower 

Tallinn has many excellent museums, and I really recommend visiting the Maiden’s Tower. Known locally as Neitsitorn, this former defense tower dates back to the 14th century. Besides having a cool view, you’ll learn about Tallinn’s medieval past. There were a few other interesting exhibitions when I visited, too. 

You will also find a café here offering fantastic views. The coffee here is also good. I had a pastry, which was okay—but that wasn’t the main reason I visited. 

You can buy tickets for the museum, and Bastion Passes at the reception.

Address: Lossi plats 11, 10130 Tallinn

Website: https://linnamuuseum.ee/en/kiek-in-de-kok/neitsiorn/

Map: 

4. Check Out Telliskivi (if You Have Time)

I wouldn’t classify Telliskivi as a “must-see” if you’re in Tallinn on a day trip and it’s your first time in the city, but this area is quite nice—especially in the summer. Formerly an industrial area, it has now turned into a hub of cafés, shops, museums, and more. Tallinn’s Fotografiska is located here.

Telliskivi is 25 minutes from the Old Town by foot and around 15 minutes by tram. It’s then roughly a 35-minute walk from the port or 20 minutes by tram. If you run out of time, you can always stay overnight and visit Telliskivi another time. 

Places to Eat on Your Tallinn Day Trip 

Restoran Olde Hansa

Olde Hansa has great food and a cozy interior. This medieval-themed restaurant has generous portions for a reasonable price, and its menu is pretty comprehensive. You’ll find all kinds of meat and fish dishes, along with some vegetarian and vegan options. 

I recommend booking a table in advance, which you can do on the website. 

Address: Vana Turg 1, 10140 Tallinn

Website: https://www.oldehansa.ee/

Map: 

The Brick Coffee Roastery 

This roastery is in Telliskivi and features some fantastic coffee, making it ideal on a cold winter’s day. It feels very artsy inside, which personally I think is a nice bonus when visiting any café. 

Besides coffee, you can get various sweet treats. 

Address: Telliskivi tn 60M, 10412 Tallinn

Website: https://www.thebrickcoffee.ee/

Map: 

If You Visit in the Winter: Be Sure to Check Out Tallinn’s Christmas Market

I had wanted to visit Tallinn’s Christmas market for years before doing so in December 2024, and it was well worth the wait. You’ll find countless eating options here, many of which have very generous portions. 

Of course, as is the case with many Christmas markets, you can also get all kinds of mulled wine (hõõgvein in Estonian). The market is in the main square, making for picturesque surroundings. 

How Long Should You Spend in Tallinn on a Day Trip?

I think that 6-7 hours is a good amount of time to spend in Tallinn on a day trip from Helsinki. Normally, I get the 07:30 Tallink Silja ferry—which arrives in Tallinn at 09:30. This is fantastic in the winter because you get to Tallinn just after sunrise. 

I then get the 16:30 ferry back to Helsinki, which arrives at 18:30. You can, however, stay for a bit longer if you wish. Note that Eckerö and Viking Line have different schedules. 

While Tallinn is nice to visit on a day trip, I have stayed overnight and recommend that you do the same if you have the time. You’ll get to explore the city at a slower pace while also visiting some of the areas that most people never get to see. 

Does It Matter When I Visit Tallinn?

I’ve visited Tallinn throughout the year, and I don’t think it matters too much when you visit. Estonia’s capital is a nice year-round destination; December is pleasant because of the Christmas markets and my favorite time to visit. 

If you don’t like bitterly cold weather, avoid visiting during the winter. Besides being chilly, Tallinn often feels colder because it’s also windy. Summer, on the other hand, is warmer without feeling too overwhelming—but it’s also the peak tourist season.

When visiting in the winter, note that the daylight hours are very short. On the shortest day of the year, the sun rises at 09:18 and sets at 15:21. On the flip side, you have over 18 hours of daylight in June. 

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