A Day Trip to Tallinn, Estonia from Helsinki, Finland

If you’re spending time in Helsinki and want to add another country to your itinerary, a day trip to Tallinn, Estonia is one of the easiest and most fun ways to do it. It’s just a two-hour ferry ride across the Baltic Sea, and it takes you straight from modern, minimalist Finland to a medieval fairytale of a city.

Here’s what my day trip looked like and why I recommend it to anyone visiting the region.

Getting There: Taking the Ferry

I took the Eckerö Line ferry from Helsinki’s West Harbor to Tallinn’s Old City Harbor. Booking tickets online was super easy, and round-trip options are very budget-friendly, especially if you book a morning departure and an evening return.

Boarding was smooth, and the ferry itself is huge with plenty of seating, free Wi-Fi, restaurants, and even duty-free shopping. It felt more like a mini cruise than just transportation. You can grab coffee, breakfast, or even a drink with a view of the sea.

Arriving in Tallinn

Once the ferry docks, it’s just a short 10 to 15 minute walk to Tallinn’s Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. And wow, it’s stunning.

Cobblestone streets, pastel buildings, medieval towers, and red rooftops make you feel like you’ve stepped into a different century. I wandered the streets with no real plan and loved every second of it.

What to Do on a Day Trip

Here’s how I spent my time in Tallinn:

Explore the Old Town

Walk the Town Hall Square, climb up to the Kohtuotsa Viewpoint for incredible views, and peek into little shops and cafes tucked into stone alleyways.

Visit St. Olaf’s Church

It used to be the tallest building in the world. You can climb to the top for another amazing view of the city and the sea.

Grab Lunch at a Local Spot

I ate at a cozy Estonian restaurant and tried traditional dishes like elk soup and black bread. Surprisingly good and super affordable.

Walk the City Walls

You can climb parts of the old medieval wall and walk between towers. It’s a fun way to take in the history and get some great photos.

Timing Your Trip

My ferry left Helsinki around 9:00 AM and returned from Tallinn at 6:30 PM, which gave me more than enough time to explore without feeling rushed.

You could easily spend a whole weekend in Tallinn, but even with just one day, you can hit the highlights and soak up the atmosphere.

Final Thoughts

Taking the ferry from Helsinki to Tallinn was one of the easiest and most enjoyable day trips I’ve ever done. It’s the perfect mix of history, charm, and convenience and a fun way to visit two countries in one trip.

If you’re in Helsinki and have a day to spare, go to Tallinn!