Visiting Tallinn, Estonia: An Enchanting Day Trip from Helsinki, Finland

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While we were in Finland, Sam and I couldn’t resist the urge to take a trip to yet another new European country. Just a two hour ferry ride across the Baltic Sea, we could hear a medieval city calling our name, and so we took a little day trip over to…Tallinn, Estonia!

It was love at first sight.

Here are just a few of the things I enjoyed about this place:

Tallinn Day Trip Guide: Top Things to Do, See, Eat, Drink & Experience in Tallinn, Estonia

That Backpacker Audrey Bergner smiling in front of a colorful historic doorway in Tallinn, Estonia on a day trip from Helsinki

A quirky mix of architecture

Tallinn’s architecture will keep your head turning. The Old Town’s fortifications are decidedly medieval, the churches are Gothic in style, there are trails of Baroque and Rococo, and splashes of Art Nouveau that leap out at you from the building’s facades.

Nomadic Samuel posing playfully under a medieval stone archway in Tallinn, Estonia during a day trip from Helsinki, Finland

Street art stencil with the word ‘Fools’ painted in orange on a green wall in Tallinn, Estonia, highlighting the city’s urban graffiti culture

 

On one side of the street you get a taste of history by looking at the crumbling stone walls and buildings that have been boarded up since they are no longer structurally sound, and on the other side you have graffiti and stencils which catapult the city to modern times. It’s a really interesting mix and it’s the kind of place where you can spend hours just walking around and admiring it all.

That Backpacker Audrey Bergner standing in front of crumbling stone walls and boarded-up wooden doors covered in graffiti in Tallinn, Estonia during a day trip from Helsinki

Weathered red wooden doors covered in graffiti tags and peeling paint in Tallinn, Estonia, showcasing the city’s urban street art scene

A medieval dining experience

Our first order of business after docking in the city was to find some lunch. While flipping through a brochure, a medieval inspired restaurant caught my attention, and so fuelled by our appetite we set off to find Olde Hansa in the maze that is Tallinn.

Medieval-style illustrated menu at Olde Hansa restaurant in Tallinn, Estonia, featuring ornate calligraphy and traditional food offerings

I knew I was going to like this place from the minute I spotted it in the distance – servers dressed in medieval clothes, ceramic mugs bigger than your face, musical performances using instruments from times long gone, and then the food!

The meals were hearty and came in generous portions. I ordered Neptune’s Feast (pictured below) and it was ah-mazing! My giant platter had fresh bread from the oven, quail eggs, hummus with caviar, and a variety of fish to sample. I liked it so much that I came back for dinner. (I’m quick to form habits.)

Neptune’s Feast platter at Olde Hansa medieval restaurant in Tallinn, Estonia, featuring smoked fish, salmon, bread, quail eggs, pickles, and caviar-topped spread

Cakes and chocolate shops galore

It would be fair to say that aside from doing a little bit of sightseeing, Sam and I spent the whole afternoon in Tallinn cafe hopping…but I mean, can you blame me when they serve hot chocolates that look like this? Plus it’s really difficult to resist several rounds of dessert when the window displays have cheesecakes and hand-crafted chocolate bonbons trying to lure you in.

Cute bear latte art foam design in a hot chocolate at a cozy café in Tallinn, Estonia

Traveler Audrey Bergner That Backpacker enjoying a cup of rich hot chocolate at a cozy café in Tallinn, Estonia during a day trip

Pink flower arrangement in a café in Tallinn, Estonia adding charm and detail to a day trip experience

Warm blankets to wrap yourself in

Tallinn was warm and sunny during the day, but since it’s located in Northern Europe, the evenings can be a bit cooler. What I liked about many of the cafes and restaurants in Tallinn is that they offer wool blankets that you can wrap around your shoulders. It was nice being able to enjoy the patios a bit longer even after the sun had started to set. Add a frothy latte or a nice liquor to warm your insides, and you are set.

Outdoor café in Tallinn, Estonia providing warm blankets to guests like That Backpacker Audrey Bergner on a cool day during a Helsinki day trip

The buzz of the place

Oh, Tallinn is lively!

Young people dancing to live medieval folk music during a street festival in Tallinn, Estonia on our Helsinki day trip

There were outdoor performances, young people starting their own impromptu dance parties in the middle of the cobbled streets, brides-to-be in nautical getups enjoying their girls getaway by getting men to hand over their phone number. There was loud laughter and random singing, merry men walking down the street and friends drinking beers on rooftops.

Young men enjoying beer while sitting on a rooftop overlooking a busy street in Tallinn, Estonia during a summer day trip from Helsinki

And of course, there was a trail of empty champagne bottles from the previous night’s festivities. What can I say, Tallinn is young, fresh, and looking to have some fun.

Empty champagne bottles lined against a crumbling old wall in Tallinn, Estonia, capturing the city’s street culture and contrasts on a day trip from Helsinki

How to get there:

If you are in Helsinki, planning a day trip to Tallinn (or perhaps a longer visit!) is very easy, plus the 2 hour journey from port to port goes by very quickly.

We travelled with Tallink Silja Line which has a very flexible and convenient schedule. The ferry line offers 7 daily departures from each port (or 14 total), which means you can get into the city really early in the day and then take the ferry back late in the evening.

Estonian flag waving on the ferry crossing the Baltic Sea from Helsinki to Tallinn, a popular day trip between Finland and Estonia

There is no assigned seating in the Star Class which means you can sit on the deck if it’s a sunny day, hang out at one of the many bars and restaurants, do a little shopping, or even play the slot machines (which appeared to be a very popular pass time). There is even the option of booking a private cabin if you really need some rest.

Comfort Class lounge aboard the Tallink Silja Line ferry from Tallinn to Helsinki with zebra-print seating and panoramic Baltic Sea views

We travelled in the Star Class on the way over, and then returned late in the evening in the Comfort Class (pictured above). The nice thing about the Comfort Class is that you can go into a separate lounge, watch some television, and munch on some snacks which are included in the ticket price.

Snack selection in the Comfort Class lounge aboard the Tallink Silja Line ferry from Helsinki to Tallinn, Estonia

There was a lot of seating space so it was nice to stretch out on the long couches and take a little nap after a long day of walking around the city. If you are going to be returning late in the day, it’s worth the small splurge to travel in Comfort Class.

The journey is quite affordable with one way prices starting at 19 Euros (if you book in advance) – not bad for a visit to a different country!

Day trip to Tallinn Estonia From Helsinki, Finland
Day trip to Tallinn Estonia From Helsinki, Finland

The Ultimate Tallinn Day-Trip Plan: Routes, Eats, Views & Handy Tips

That Backpacker Audrey Bergner posing playfully beside a colorful street art car in Tallinn, Estonia during a day trip from Helsinki

How to Plan a Perfect Day (Helsinki → Tallinn → Helsinki)

A pre-departure checklist (15 minutes, tops):

  • Pick your vibe: Classic Old Town? Creative hipster nooks? Museum hop? (Choose an itinerary below and stick to it—Tallinn is photogenic and distracting.)
  • Book ferries: Aim for a morning sailing out and an evening return. Keep return flexible if possible; Tallinn tempts you to linger.
  • Add a lounge on the way back: Comfort/quiet space + snacks = a happier evening crossing.
  • Download offline maps: Save Tallinn Old Town, Telliskivi Creative City, Balti Jaama Turg, Lennusadam (Seaplane Harbour), Kadriorg Palace.
  • Cards over cash: Estonia is wonderfully cashless; your contactless card works almost everywhere.
  • Layers & comfy shoes: Cobblestones + Baltic breezes = dress like an onion (many layers).
  • Leave space for sweets: You’re coming back with marzipan or truffles. Don’t fight it.
Colorful medieval buildings in Tallinn Old Town Square, Estonia, a UNESCO World Heritage architectural landmark

Classic Old Town Stroll (Relaxed & Pretty)

09:45 – Viru Gate & Lower Town warm-up

Enter through the flower-framed twin towers of Viru Gate, wander Viru Street, and pop into Raeapteek (Europe’s oldest continuously operating pharmacy) on Raekoja plats (Town Hall Square).

10:30 – St. Catherine’s Passage

Follow the cobbled lane for artisan workshops: glass, leather, ceramics. Stocking-stuffer heaven.

11:00 – Town Wall Walkway

Climb a tower and tiptoe along the Town Wall for red-roof views. Great photo stop, short and sweet.

12:00 – Lunch, medieval or modern

  • Olde Hansa / III Draakon (medieval atmosphere, hearty fare).
  • Or Rataskaevu 16 (cosy Estonian bistro—reserve if you can).

13:30 – Up to Toompea (Upper Town)

Stroll to Alexander Nevsky Cathedral (those onion domes!), peek at Toompea Castle, then hit the Kohtuotsa and Patkuli viewing platforms for that postcard skyline of spires and terracotta.

15:00 – Coffee & cake

  • Maiasmokk (oldest café in Tallinn) for marzipan magic.
  • Or Rukis for gorgeous cakes and strong coffee.

16:00 – Last wanders & quick buys

Browse Vene, Suur-Karja and Müürivahe streets; pick up a woollen scarf or juniper cutting board.

17:00 – Amble back to port

Blanket-wrapped patio drink if it’s chilly, then head for your sailing.

Colorful medieval alleyway with red and yellow buildings in Tallinn Old Town, Estonia, a UNESCO World Heritage architectural landmark

Old Town + Telliskivi/Kalamaja (Colourful & Creative)

09:45 – Viru Gate hello

Quick taste of Town Hall Square, then keep it moving.

10:45 – Balti Jaama Turg (Market)

Walk ~15 minutes to this sleek food/flea market. Grab a light bite (dumplings, Georgian khachapuri, sushi, vegan bowls—everyone wins).

11:30 – Telliskivi Creative City

Murals, upcycled studios, indie boutiques. Coffee at Fika or Reval, browse local design, and hunt down the most photogenic street art.

12:45 – Kalamaja lunch

  • F-Hoone (legendary industrial-chic spot; pork, curries, salads, cakes).
  • Or Põhjala Brewery & Tap Room (wood-fired pizzas, Estonian craft beer, harbour views).

14:15 – Back to Old Town

Loop through St. Olaf’s Church (tower climb in season), then up to Kohtuotsa for the money shot.

15:30 – Chocolate & pause

Kalev shop for sweets, or Chocolaterie Pierre (French-Estonian charm) for hot chocolate.

16:30 – Golden hour photos

Patkuli platform or the Town Wall if you skipped it earlier. Stroll Danish King’s Garden on the way down.

Family-Friendly: Museums & Wow-Moments

09:45 – Old Town peek

Quick whirl around Viru Gate + Town Hall Square to set the scene.

10:30 – Lennusadam (Seaplane Harbour)

Short taxi/bus ride to this fantastic maritime museum: submarine to clamber on, seaplane hangar, interactive exhibits. Easy 2 hours.

12:45 – Harbour lunch

Café on site, or taxi to Põhjala Tap Room for pizzas and fries.

14:00 – Kadriorg Palace & Park

Baroque palace, art museum, swan pond strolls. Plenty of space for kid-energy.

16:00 – Return to Old Town for treats

Kompressor for giant savoury/sweet pancakes. Everyone leaves happy.

Tallinn Town Hall in the medieval Old Town of Estonia, a Gothic architectural landmark and UNESCO World Heritage site

Where to Wander: Neighbourhood Cheat Sheet

Old Town – Lower & Upper

  • Lower Town: Viru Gate, Town Hall Square, Raeapteek, St. Catherine’s Passage, Town Wall.
  • Upper Town (Toompea): Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, Kohtuotsa & Patkuli lookouts, Toomkirik (St. Mary’s).

Kalamaja & Telliskivi

  • Telliskivi Creative City: Murals, indie shops, foodie stops (F-Hoone, Pudel bar).
  • Kalamaja’s wooden houses: Pastel timber homes + neighbourhood cafés.

Rotermann Quarter

  • Contemporary architecture between port and Old Town. Great for photos, quick bites, and a modern contrast to medieval lanes.

Kadriorg

  • Baroque palace + park, KUMU (art museum), calm strolls.

Seaplane Harbour (Lennusadam)

  • Hands-on maritime museum in a stunning hangar. Big hit with families and nautical nerds.
Nomadic Samuel enjoying a hot drink at a café in Tallinn, Estonia during a day trip from Helsinki

Eat & Drink: Classic Bites + Modern Plates

Traditional tastes to try

  • Black bread with butter (and often herbs—don’t skip it).
  • Herring & sprats: Salty, tangy, delicious with rye.
  • Pork, potatoes & mushrooms: Estonia’s comfort trio.
  • Cabbage rolls & soups: Hearty, especially in shoulder seasons.
  • Cakes & marzipan: Tallinn takes dessert seriously.

Where to sit down (and love it)

  • Olde Hansa / III Draakon: Medieval fun, roaring hearths, tankards.
  • Rataskaevu 16 / Väike Rataskaevu 16: Warm service and seasonal plates (reserve).
  • F-Hoone: Industrial-chic, broad menu, reliable crowd-pleaser.
  • Kompressor: Crepe-style pancakes the size of your face.

Coffee, cocoa & sweet things

  • Maiasmokk Café: Estonian café heritage, marzipan corner.
  • Rukis Café & Bakery: Pastries that win on looks and flavour.
  • Chocolaterie Pierre: Cosy nook for a proper hot chocolate.

Craft beer & casual

  • Põhjala Brewery & Tap Room: Local brews + pizza by the water.
  • Pudel / Uba ja Humal: Rotating taps, friendly staff, good chat.
Women in nautical striped outfits at a cultural street festival in Tallinn, Estonia during a summer day trip from Helsinki

Quick Comparison Tables

Ferry Classes (General Guide)

ClassBest ForWhat You GetWhy It’s Nice on a Day Trip
Standard/StarBudget travellersOpen seating around cafés/barsFlexibility—roam, snack, people-watch.
Comfort/LoungeQuiet seekersSeparate lounge + snacks/drinksRecharge before/after walking all day.
Business/ExecutiveWork + restQuieter cabin, workspace, better cateringIf you need Wi-Fi and elbow room.

Old Town vs. Telliskivi/Kalamaja (Which suits you?)

AreaVibeBest ForDon’t Miss
Old TownStorybook medievalFirst-time visitors, architecture loversTown Hall Square, Town Wall, Toompea lookouts.
Telliskivi/KalamajaCreative & indieStreet art, cafés, local designF-Hoone lunch, mural hunting, Balti Jaama Turg.

Is the Tallinn Card Worth It?

If you plan multiple paid attractions (Town Wall + a museum or two), consider the Tallinn Card (includes many sights + public transport for 24/48/72 hours).

A quick way to decide:

  • Doing Seaplane Harbour, Town Wall, Kiek in de Kök/Bastion Passages and riding a tram? The card likely saves money and time.
  • Sticking to free wanders + one paid climb? Skip it.

Seasonal Notes (So You Pack the Right Coat)

  • Summer (Jun–Aug): Long days, patios, festivals; Old Town is buzzy. Lightweight layers + sun protection.
  • Shoulder (Apr–May, Sep–Oct): Cooler breezes, fewer crowds, beautiful light. A warm layer, scarf, and a pocket umbrella help.
  • Winter (Nov–Mar): Short days, magical Christmas Market on Town Hall Square, charming snowfall (sometimes). Thermal base layer, hat, gloves, and boots with grip make life better.

Practicalities That Smooth the Day

  • Payments: Contactless cards everywhere; ATMs exist but you’ll likely not need cash.
  • Language: Estonian is the local language; English is widely spoken in visitor areas.
  • Tipping: Not obligatory; rounding up or ~10% for lovely service is appreciated.
  • Water: Tap water is safe; refill bottles in cafés and at museums.
  • Restrooms: In cafés/museums; carry a coin or small note just in case for public facilities.
  • Power: Type F sockets (the “Schuko” two-pin). Bring a Europlug adapter.
  • Harbour → Old Town: 15–25 minutes on foot depending on terminal; well-signed trams/buses if you prefer wheels.
Young man enjoying a lively medieval street festival in Tallinn, Estonia during a day trip from Helsinki

Souvenirs Worth the Backpack Space

  • Kalev chocolates & marzipan: Classic, giftable, delicious.
  • Juniper wood goods: Cutting boards and utensils with a lovely scent.
  • Woollens: Hats, mitts, scarves—cosy and practical.
  • Ceramics & leather from St. Catherine’s Passage: One-of-a-kind pieces.
  • Black bread mix or spice blends: Tastes like your trip when you’re back home.
Performer in elaborate red devil mask during medieval street performance in Tallinn, Estonia on a day trip from Helsinki

Daypack Checklist

  • Phone with offline maps + ferry tickets
  • Light rain shell / warm layer
  • Small water bottle
  • Portable charger
  • Hand wipes (chocolate is messy in the best way)
  • Space for treats (marzipan has a way of following you)
Nomadic Samuel enjoying medieval drinks at Olde Hansa restaurant in Tallinn, Estonia during a day trip from Helsinki

Budget Snapshot (Approximate, to Help You Plan)

  • Ferry one-way: often from ~€19 in advance (more for peak hours & lounges)
  • Coffee + pastry: €5–€8
  • Sit-down lunch: €12–€20
  • Dessert pause: €4–€7
  • Town Wall/Climb: a few euros
  • Museum (e.g., Seaplane Harbour): €15–€25 (adult)

Tallinn can be wonderfully affordable if you mix cafés, market bites, and one or two paid sights.

Nomadic Samuel posing in a colorful cobblestone alley of Tallinn’s Old Town, Estonia during a day trip from Helsinki

FAQ — Tallinn Day Trip Essentials

How much time do I really need in Tallinn?

A full day (morning ferry in, evening ferry out) is perfect for Old Town + one extra area (Telliskivi, Seaplane Harbour, or Kadriorg). If you’re a museum person or café lingerer, you’ll happily fill two days.

Is it easy to walk from the ferry to the Old Town?

Yes. Expect ~15–25 minutes on foot depending on your terminal and route. If you’re tired/carrying sweets for the whole family, trams and buses are straightforward.

What should I wear for a summer visit?

Layers. Even in July, sea breezes and shaded lanes can be cool. Comfortable shoes for cobbles, a light jacket or cardigan, and something you can throw over your shoulders at dinner outdoors.

Do I need cash?

Cards rule in Tallinn. Keep a small amount of cash only if you like, but you’ll likely tap everywhere from cafés to market stalls.

Can I see the Old Town and Telliskivi in one day?

Absolutely. Do a brisk Old Town loop in the morning, lunch + mural wander in Telliskivi/Kalamaja, and return for golden-hour rooftops.

Is the Seaplane Harbour worth the detour?

Yes—especially for families or maritime/history fans. It’s interactive, photogenic, and easy to combine with lunch around the harbour.

Where’s the best hot chocolate/cake stop?

Maiasmokk for history and marzipan, Rukis for towering cakes, Chocolaterie Pierre for cosiness and cocoa.

Can I climb church towers for views?

Seasonally, yes—St. Olaf’s opens for climbs in warmer months. Otherwise, stick to Kohtuotsa and Patkuli platforms for year-round panoramas.

What’s a good “modern” lunch outside the Old Town?

F-Hoone (Telliskivi) or Põhjala Tap Room (harbour) for easy ordering, friendly pricing, and heaps of atmosphere.

Are blankets really a thing on patios?

They are! Tallinn cafés stock wool throws so you can linger outdoors even when it’s brisk. Order something warm and lean into the vibe.

Is the Tallinn Card a good buy for a day trip?

If you plan 2–3 paid sights + public transport, likely. If you’re mostly strolling and snacking, individual tickets will be cheaper.

Any quick photo tips?

Go early to Town Hall Square, save Kohtuotsa for late afternoon light, and duck into side lanes off Viru to avoid crowds. If it’s overcast—lucky you—stone and colour pop beautifully.

Join the Conversation

55 Comments

  1. says: Federico

    I liked Tallin a lot too. Easily walkable and very charming as you describe it in the post. I took a ferry to Helsinki from there…was surprised to see so many drunk people on board by the time we reached Finland!

    1. says: Audrey

      Haha, yeah, some of the passengers were very merry by the time we reached our destination. 😉

    2. says: Jessica

      haha yes we also noticed that last year, when we took the same ferry! :p

  2. It doesn’t take much convincing for me to visit a medieval village. Tallinn sounds absolutely wonderful! Now I’m craving some hot chocolate even though it’s 80 degrees outside!

    Happy travels 🙂

    1. says: Audrey

      Haha, yup, it has a fun party feel. I really wish I’d had more time there!

  3. This sounds like such a great place… while lately I am feeling drawn to experience more of Asia, I will have to explore more of the eastern parts of Europe in the future. Love the photo of you in the blanky!

    1. says: Audrey

      I’m craving the opposite. I feel like I’ve been in Asia long enough – now I’m starting to daydream about Eastern Europe… 🙂

  4. says: Heather

    I cannot wait to explore this city! Luckily, it will be just a short train ride from Latvia, where we’ll be living next year!!

    1. says: Audrey

      Yay! You’re going to have so much fun in Latvia. Think of all the side trips you can take! 😉

  5. Have got a friend as well who lived in Tallinn for half a year and she’s been raving on about how beautiful the place is. Definitely would love to visit!

    1. says: Audrey

      The city looks like it would be a fun place to live. I wish I could have spent more than just a day there.

  6. says: kami

    I’ve been to Tallinn only once, also as a day trip from Finland (it was back in the time when I studied there) and it was love at first sight too! This city is just the prettiest and the most charming, such a cool mix of Scandinavian, Russian and Baltic influence! I was thinking of returning to Estonia ever since and I’m finally going back, for 5 days in October. This post just confirmed it was a good decision to book the flights there! 😀

    1. says: Audrey

      Yaaay! I’m glad to hear you’ll get to revisit the city. I’m sure you’ll notice lots of changes. 🙂 Ooo, you should try to eat at Olde Hansa if you get a chance. I loved that restaurant! A bit touristy, but it was fun getting to feast on a ‘medieval meal’ with servers dressed in clothes from the period.

  7. says: Polly

    I’ve been dreaming of Tallinn for so long! These pictures are just making me more and more excited!

    1. says: Audrey

      I highly recommend visiting. It’s one of my favourite European cities thus far!

  8. says: Franca

    What a lovely place! I like the idea of wrapping myself into a blanket when it’s cold out there. After spending a lot of time in SEA where as you know the heat can be unbearable, I almost miss being cold, call me crazy!

    1. says: Audrey

      Haha, I have to admit, it was nice enjoying a cooler summer after spending so much time in SE Asia. I was able to wear long pants and sweaters again! 😉

  9. Your description sounds so lovely! I love the cafes and blankets- sounds absolutely perfect 🙂 I can’t think of a better way to spend an afternoon right now!

    1. says: Audrey

      It was nice and cosy. I think more cafes need to adopt the blanket idea. 🙂

  10. says: Rebecca

    I have heard a lot of good things about Estonia. A girl I met traveling had said it was one of her favourite countries as it was small, not over priced, authentic and medevil. She had said the amount of history you could see from walking around the streets could keep you there for days… personally I never got a chance to go there but its good to read about it – I shall keep this place on my bucket list.

    1. says: Audrey

      It’s such a great place. If you get a chance to visit, go! And I agree with your friend, the city was very affordable (especially coming from Finland where the prices can be astronomical).

  11. says: Davide

    I also travelled from Helsinki to Tallinn on the ferry. I loved the city, it reminded me of Prague, the narrow cobbled streets and the architecture. Definitely a place I would like to go back to, thanks for sharing!

    1. says: Audrey

      I haven’t been to Prague yet but I have a feeling I would love it! Medieval cities have so much charm and character. 🙂

  12. says: Karl

    I was in Tallinn in January, loved it, great pics!

  13. says: Zhu

    You look so pretty! Fresh face, funny, cute… Love these shots, especially the one here you drink that delicious hot chocolate!

    1. says: Audrey

      Thanks. Nothing like hot chocolate to make this girl happy. 🙂

  14. says: Arild

    A very describing and true revwiev of Tallinn. Tallinn is a very nice town as you say,Audrey. My first visit was in 2001 and since then I’ve travelled to Tallinn once a year in average, and I’ve already booked tickets for New Years Eve this year. 🙂

  15. says: Claire

    Love it! Blankets and lattes at a cafe? Soo perfect.
    I hope you don’t mind (certainly tell me if you do!) but I recently wrote an article on my blog about paying off my debt and linked back to one of your posts; I would love it if you took a look!

  16. Sound wonderful but how can you go wrong in a place where the hot chocolate has a teddy bear on it (sometimes it’s the little things!).

  17. says: Beth

    Medieval village? Yes please! Tallinn sounds amazing.

    Also, that ferry ride looks incredible. Oh, what I would give for the ferry from Hong Kong> Macau to be like that one!

  18. says: Apol of Wanderful Together

    this is my first time to read about Estonia. Wow.
    Reading the word Baltic makes me remember ENYA…more photos please? Hehe.

    Nice bangs. 🙂 You look younger!

  19. says: Maria

    Audrey, Definitely the place to be for so many reasons but the fact that in Tallinn they offer blankets so you can stay comfy outdoors is so very, well… “cool”

  20. Looks lovely! I love the concept of outdoor cafes in the winter. In Germany you also gt blankets in a lot of cafes. There is nothing better than sitting outside in the winter with a hot chocolate and wrapped up in a blanket.

  21. says: Antonino

    Very nice post and pics!!!
    I was in Tallin 2 weeks ago…I spent two days there, the atmosphere is incredible, the city very enjoyable!!!
    Have you been in the Rotermanni area? It’s an old industrial area recently converted into a modern district, full of trendy and elegant restaurants and lounge bars, chosen by local people while tourists are more attracted by the medieval downtown. I’d surely recommend to visit it!!
    The only weak point is the daily invasion of hundreds of tourists groups from the baltic sea cruises stoping in Tallin. So, if you can, visit the downtown after 4 p.m. once all the groups are gone back to the boat!

  22. says: Andrea

    Um, that latte is adorable. Looks like you had fun! Are you guys back in Asia now, or traipsing around Europe a bit more??

  23. says: Sam

    Tallinn is definitely on my Europe to-do list…and a Neptune’s Feast sounds perfect!

  24. says: Shalina

    Great post! You look so pretty! Fresh face, funny, cute… Love these shots, especially the one here you drink that delicious hot chocolate!

  25. says: JLis

    Thanks for posting this Audrey; it’s really helpful AND entertaining. And the photos are really good. Glad you guys had a good time! We’re going to Helsinki at Christmas and if the ferry is smooth enough we will head over to Tallinn for a couple of days. Cheers! JLister in Salt Lake City.

  26. says: Riinu

    Wow! I was looking for information about traveling in SEA and just wondered around the other places you had visited and bang – Estonia! It’s very heartwarming and nice to read what foreigners think of this place. And you chose the best time for visiting Estonia! 🙂
    If you or someone else is planning a longer trip in Estonia then do definitely visit Tartu (a bohemian university city), Pärnu (the summer capital, also somewhat medieval) and the islands Saaremaa (summer vacation favourite for Estonians) or Vormsi.

    Greetings from Estonia!

    1. says: Audrey

      Thanks for all the tips Riinu! I seriously loved my quick visit to Tallinn. Hopefully I’ll get to see a bit more of Estonia some day. The places you mentioned sound really fun to visit. 🙂

  27. says: Veronica

    Medieval atmosphere is so amazing in Tallinn. I stayed there for a week and every day I visited a few cafes and restaurants. All of them are in style, with a taste of ages and that’s amazing. I wish I were there again.

  28. says: Adam P.

    I don´t know if you´ve had a chance to visit, probably not, but the coastal area of Pirita is quite charming. Great place if you want to get away from the downtown bustle for a while. There´s this convent, or better to say what remains of it..standing inside the skeleton of that church felt like being lost in time, history just comes flooding back here!

  29. says: Rohit

    Last October we were on Baltic and Scandinavian Trip, I wish I had read this post earlier we missed some places around Estonia as mentioned in the comments, But it’s always next time Still not far from the city of amazing people

  30. says: Byron

    Hi Sounds like a great place we are going in August, did you get that stamp in your passport.
    Byron

    1. says: Audrey

      No stamp to boast, sadly. No one was checking passports when we arrived, so we just got off the boat and walked into a new country.

  31. says: Kathy

    We are visiting Helsinki in July and are also keen to visit Tallinn. Do you need to book a ferrry in advance or can you just arrive on the day? We would be doing a day trip.

    1. says: Audrey

      I would recommend booking in advance so that you can get a better price on your ticket! They have deals if you do it a couple of months in advance, however, the ferry runs several times a day and there are multiple companies servicing that route, so it shouldn’t be a problem to book it last minute.

  32. says: Anna

    So glad to have found your blog – incidentally, through Google-searching some bits about Tallinn, as I visited it myself in September and just got around to recapping in. I came to Tallinn after 2 days in Riga (where I actually hung out with another travel/expat blogger), and having scheduled 3 days in Tallinn I figured I would be done with it within 48 hours, and then was going to take a ferry to Helsinki for a day trip – a reverse of what you did. Instead I met a cute German – at Olde Hansa! – and we spent my last day in the Baltics driving, hiking and picnicking around Estonia’s GORGEOUS countryside.

    PS – I’ve already started rummaging through your blog’s archives, and I love it!

  33. says: Tallinnaa

    You should definitely visit Kalamaja while you are in Tallinn. Restaurant scene in Tallinn is awesome, so we warmly recommend trying out places like Leib Resto & Aed, Salt Restoran, F-Hoone and Kohvik Moon.

    Ps. you have really interesting travel blog – keep up the good work! 🙂

  34. says: Mahuya

    I dream of writing like you. I visited Tallinn after reading your blog, and tried to do everything you did. 🙂

    Love the pictures that you shared.

  35. says: Steve

    I want that coffee!! So cute like Tallinn itself. We did a few nice tours in Tallinn and outside through City Bike. It was nice to experience the lush landscapes in Lahemma as well as the beautiful Tallinn.

  36. says: Timo

    Tallinn was love at first site! I can recommend to do three additional things:
    1. Do a day tour with traveller.ee ! We made the Padilski-Tour and it was so amazing! When you wanna see some soviet-stuff it’s your tour!
    2. Eat at pancake restaurant “Kompressor”! We ate there at every daytime and enjoyed all the strawberrypancakes (for breakfast), the cheese-pancake (for lunch) and bacon-cheese-pancake (for dinner)! It’s so delicious!
    3. Walk the “culture kilometer”, and during that visit the fleamarket! It’s worth it!

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