Are you thinking about a short weekend trip? A one-day cruise to Tallinn may be the perfect idea! The capital of Estonia, located just a few hours from Helsinki, offers a mix of medieval architecture, modern attractions and Baltic character. And this is our guide, how to plan our trip and what to see 🙂
Selecting a voyage and planning
Tallinn flights are operated by several companies, the most popular of which are Tallink Silja Line, Viking Line and Eckerö Line. Ferries depart from the port of Helsinki several times a day, offering different cruise times.
The cruise time is about 2-3 hours in one direction. It is best to book your tickets in advance via the carriers’ websites.
It is worth knowing that the ferry itself offers its passengers restaurants, duty-free shops, bars, and sometimes even live performances. For many Finns, the cruise itself is as important an element of the trip as the sightseeing.
What to see in Tallinn
Even when you are only a few hours old, you can see the most important attractions of the Estonian capital. The ferry terminal is only 15-20 minutes walk from the Old Town, but you can also use the tram (line 2 or 4).
Medieval Old Town
Tallinn Old Town, registered on the UNESCO list, is an absolute must-see. Surrounded by partially preserved defensive walls, it is one of the best preserved medieval buildings in Europe. The main points to visit are the Town Hall Square (Raekoja plats) – the heart of the Old Town with the Gothic Town Hall from the 13th century, and Toompea Hill. The next places are the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, the Orthodox Church and the Church of St. Anthony. Olaf, once the tallest building in the world, offers stunning views from the tower. If you have more time, it is also worth visiting Kadriorg – a palace with a park founded by Tsar Peter the Great, the perfect place for a quiet walk or to a modern maritime museum with a submarine from the Soviet period Lennusadam Seaplane Harbor.
Shopping and souvenirs
Tallinn offers its tourists several places for shopping, where you will find both modern products and traditional souvenirs. The main trade route is Viru Street, where we have various shops and boutiques. Contemporary design lovers should visit Estonian Design House and chocolate lovers the oldest Estonian chocolate manufactory:)
Practical tips
In Estonia, the official currency is the euro. Visiting the Old Town is most conveniently done on foot, while further locations can be reached using a well-developed public transport network – trams and buses, taxis or electric scooter rentals, which are popular in the city. It is also worth noting that Estonia is famous for its advanced digital infrastructure, and free Wi-Fi is available in the center of Tallinn, which allows you to freely use the Internet while visiting the city.
Why is it worth going to Tallinn?
A trip to Tallinn is a great option for a weekend trip. In one day we can see the main attractions and monuments and get to know the new culture. This is a popular form of rest among Finns.
Therefore, if you do not have any plans for the weekend, book your tickets quickly for the best cruise:) Have a great trip!
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