How to plan your day trip to Tallinn from Helsinki

Helsinki is a beautiful city filled with several attractions such as churches, museums, and parks. But if you’re looking for something different and want to explore beyond Helsinki, consider taking a day trip to Tallinn. Tallinn, Estonia’s capital, is just a 2-hour ferry ride away from Helsinki. This UNESCO-listed Old Town has its own charm, with medieval architecture from the 16th century and rich cultural heritage. In this blog post, we will provide you with a comprehensive guide on how to plan your day trip to Tallinn from Helsinki.

Experience

This tour is organized by GetYourGuide, an online platform that offers a wide range of tours, tickets and other travel experiences. With this tour, you will get to experience the following:

• A comfortable 2-hour ferry crossing
• Up to 10 hours to explore Tallinn independently
• Entry on board the ferry and seating
• A chance to explore the UNESCO-listed Old Town, with its museums, shops and restaurants

Highlights

The highlights of this tour are:

• A day trip to Tallinn from Helsinki by ferry
• Explore the UNESCO-listed Old Town independently
• An upgrade option to Business Class, which includes food and drinks
• Travel on eco-friendly ships awarded the Sustainable Travel Finland label
• Book ahead to secure your place on comfortable crossing times

Procedure

Here is how to plan your day trip to Tallinn from Helsinki:

Step 1: Book your ticket

Before you start planning your day trip to Tallinn, you should book your ferry tickets. You can book your tickets online through the GetYourGuide website. Book ahead to secure a place on comfortable crossing times. Book the tour here

Step 2: Choose your ferry crossing time

Choose a ferry crossing time that works for you. The ferries run regularly and the journey takes approximately 2 hours.

Step 3: Look into upgrading to Business Class

If you want to upgrade your comfort, consider upgrading to Business Class. This upgrade includes food and drinks during the crossing.

Step 4: Explore Tallinn independently

Once you arrive in Tallinn, you will have up to 10 hours to explore the city independently. You can explore the UNESCO-listed Old Town, with its museums, shops and restaurants. There are several must-see places in Tallinn, such as St. Olaf’s Church, Tallinn Town Hall, the Kiek in de Kök tower, and the Toompea Castle.

Step 5: Return to Helsinki

After a day of exploring Tallinn, it’s time to head back to Helsinki. Choose a ferry crossing time that works for you and return to Helsinki on the comfortable eco-friendly ships awarded the Sustainable Travel Finland label.

Book Your Tour Now

A day trip to Tallinn from Helsinki is a great opportunity to explore beyond Helsinki and experience the UNESCO-listed Old Town of Tallinn. With this tour, you can travel comfortably on eco-friendly ships and explore Tallinn independently for up to 10 hours. Remember to book ahead to secure a place on comfortable crossing times and consider upgrading to Business Class for extra comfort and convenience. Make sure to explore Tallinn’s beautiful landmarks and cultural heritage while you’re there.

Frequently Asked Questions About Helsinki

Helsinki is the beautiful and capital city of Finland. It’s a city of culture and design that is worth visiting. Helsinki has many things to offer history enthusiasts, foodies, nature lovers, and more. If you are planning a trip to Helsinki or just curious about the Finnish city, this FAQ will cover most of the questions you may have.

1.Where is Helsinki located?

Helsinki is located in southern Finland, on the shore of the Gulf of Finland, which is part of the Baltic Sea. The city is located at the same latitude as Anchorage, Alaska and Oslo, Norway.

2.What is the best time to visit Helsinki?

The best time to visit Helsinki is during the summer months, from June to August. The weather is mild, and there are long daylight hours, which is great for sightseeing. In the winter months, Helsinki is cold, dark and snowy, with very short days. However, if you are interested in winter activities such as skiing or snowboarding, this might be the perfect time to visit.

3.What are the must-see tourist attractions in Helsinki?

• The Helsinki Cathedral: A beautiful white building that dates back to the 19th century and is located in Senate Square
• The Suomenlinna Sea Fortress: It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site, located on a group of islands accessible by a short ferry ride. It was built during the Swedish era of Finland and played a significant role in Finnish military history
• The Market Square: Located right next to the sea, the Market Square is a great place to relax, eat and shop. Vendors sell Finnish delicacies and souvenirs.
• The Temppeliaukio Church: A modern Lutheran church carved into the bedrock with a copper dome roof. It’s a unique architectural marvel that is worth visiting.
• The Sibelius Monument: This monument is dedicated to Jean Sibelius, Finland’s most famous composer, and is located in Sibelius Park.

4.What are the best places to eat in Helsinki?

Helsinki is a foodie’s paradise, with many trendy restaurants, cafes, and bars. Here are some of the best places to eat when in Helsinki:

• Ravintola Nokka: It is a fish and seafood restaurant that sources the ingredients locally. They offer a Finnish menu with a modern twist.
• Ravintola Olo: It serves Nordic cuisine with an emphasis on local and seasonal ingredients. Their tasting menu is famous.
• Torni Ravintola: Located on the 14th floor of the Torni Hotel, this restaurant offers some of the best views of the city. They serve classic Finnish dishes with a twist.
• Café Regatta: It’s a cosy little café located right by the sea. They serve Finnish pastries and coffee in a traditional Finnish setting.

5.What is the best way to get around Helsinki?

The best way to get around Helsinki is by public transport. The city has an excellent public transport system that includes trams, buses, and metros. The public transport network is comprehensive and efficient, with frequent services available.

6.What are the best day trips to take from Helsinki?

Here are some of the best day trips to take from Helsinki:

• Porvoo: Porvoo is a charming little town located about 30 miles (50 km) east of Helsinki. It’s known for its old town with colourful wooden houses and cobbled streets.
• Nuuksio National Park: Nuuksio is located about 22 miles (35 km) from Helsinki, and it is a great place to go hiking, camping, and birdwatching.
• Tallinn: Located across the Gulf of Finland, Tallinn is the capital city of Estonia. It’s a beautiful medieval city with many historical sites and excellent restaurants.

7.What is the currency used in Helsinki?

The currency used in Helsinki and the rest of Finland is the Euro (EUR).

8.What is the main language spoken in Helsinki?

The official language of Finland is Finnish, but most people in Helsinki speak English fluently, and it’s easy to get by in English.

9.What are some of the best hotels to stay in Helsinki?

Helsinki has many hotels to choose from. Here are some of the best hotels:

• Hotel Kamp: A luxurious hotel located in the city centre. It’s a historic hotel that dates back to 1887.
• Hotel Haven: A boutique hotel located near the Market Square. It’s a stylish hotel that offers excellent service.
• Glo Hotel Kluuvi: A trendy hotel located in the heart of Helsinki. They offer stylish rooms and have an excellent restaurant.

10.What are the most popular events in Helsinki?

Helsinki has many events throughout the year. Here are some of the most popular events:

• Helsinki Festival: A month-long festival that takes place in August. It’s an art and cultural festival that features music, dance, theatre, and more.
• Vappu: Vappu is the Finnish celebration of spring, and it takes place on May 1st. It’s a fun-filled day of picnics, food, and drinks.
• Christmas Markets: During the Christmas season, Helsinki has many Christmas markets that sell traditional Finnish foods, crafts, and gifts.

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Helsinki is a vibrant city that offers something for everyone. From the city’s beautiful architecture to its delicious food, Helsinki is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in culture, history or nature. We hope this FAQ has helped you plan your trip to Helsinki or even sparked your interest in visiting the Finnish capital.

How to Spend Your Time As a Tourist In Helsinki

Helsinki is a vibrant and exciting city that is full of history, culture, and natural beauty. As a tourist, it might be overwhelming to decide where to start and what to do in the city. But worry not as we have prepared a comprehensive guide to help you make the most out of your time in Helsinki.

1. Visit Helsinki Cathedral

Helsinki Cathedral, also known as the ‘White Cathedral,’ is a must-visit in Helsinki. This stunning building located in Senate Square is considered one of the most iconic landmarks in the city. The cathedral’s neoclassical design and towering white pillars make it stand out among the surrounding buildings. Visitors can take a guided tour inside the cathedral and witness the statue of Emperor Alexander II, located in front of the cathedral.

2. Explore the Helsinki Market Square

Helsinki Market Square is a lively place where tourists can enjoy local Finnish cuisine and experience the city’s culture. The market square is situated right by the harbor, and visitors can easily access the sea by hopping on a ferry or a sightseeing boat. Here, you will find a variety of food stalls and vendors selling traditional Finnish handcrafts, such as woolen socks, mittens, and scarves.

3. Visit Suomenlinna Island

Suomenlinna Island is a UNESCO World Heritage site that is located just a 15-minute ferry ride away from the Helsinki market square. The island is home to a 19th-century sea fortress that was built to protect the city from invasions. Visitors can tour the fortifications, walk around the island, and witness the stunning views of Helsinki and its surroundings.

4. Enjoy the Art at Ateneum Art Museum

Ateneum Art Museum is the country’s premier museum of art, which houses an extensive collection of Finnish and international art. The museum displays works of all genres from classic to contemporary. The permanent collection includes works by Finnish artists such as Akseli Gallen-Kallela and Albert Edelfelt. The museum is located in the city center and is easily accessible via public transportation.

5. Discover the Sibelius Monument

The Sibelius Monument is a tribute to the renowned composer Jean Sibelius, who is widely regarded as Finland’s greatest composer. This unique sculpture located in Sibelius Park consists of over 600 steel pipes, which produce an ambient, melodic sound when the wind blows through them. Visitors can bask in the beauty of the sculpture while enjoying a picnic at the park.

6. Take a Walk in Esplanade Park

Esplanade Park is a beautiful park located in the heart of Helsinki’s city center. The park is perfect for a stroll, and visitors can watch street performers or sit and relax on one of the park’s benches. The park is full of lush greenery, and visitors can witness beautiful flowers in bloom during the summertime.

7. Learn at The National Museum of Finland

The National Museum of Finland chronicles the country’s history from prehistoric times to the contemporary era. Visitors can witness exhibits such as the Finnish Bible, a model of an Iron-Age farm, and ancient coins minted during Finland’s colonial period. The museum also features interactive exhibits that allow visitors to engage with Finnish history in a unique way.

8. Experience Finnish Sauna Culture

Finnish sauna culture is deeply ingrained in the country’s history, and tourists can experience the traditional Finnish sauna at many locations throughout Helsinki. Löyly Sauna and Kotiharjun Sauna are two of the most popular places to experience a Finnish sauna. Visitors can relax and rejuvenate in the heat and then cool off by jumping into the cold Baltic Sea.

9. Visit the Helsinki Zoo

Helsinki Zoo is one of the oldest and largest zoos in the country, home to over 150 animal species. The zoo is divided into different areas where visitors can witness animals living in habitats similar to their natural environments. The zoo also features a children’s zoo, a domestic animal zoo, and an aquarium.

10. Wander Around the Kallio Neighborhood

The Kallio neighborhood is a vibrant, bohemian area of the city that offers visitors a unique glimpse into Helsinki’s history and culture. The neighborhood is home to historic buildings, trendy cafes, and nightclubs. Visitors can spend an evening experiencing the authentic Finnish nightlife by hopping from one bar to another and mingling with the locals.

Book Your Tour Now

Helsinki is a beautiful city that offers visitors a variety of experiences to enjoy. From exploring the city’s history and culture to experiencing the beautiful natural surroundings, Helsinki has something to offer for everyone. So, what are you waiting for? Plan your trip to Helsinki and experience the beauty of this Nordic gem!