Hi all, traveling to Stockholm, Helsinki, and Tallin, all by ferry and trying to figure out day allocation. 7 full days to divide among the three, 2 nights on ferry. Taking day ferry to Tallin from Helsinki, is Tallin worth two nights? Thanks.
Posted by
alameda, ca, usa
2602 posts
It sure is! I spent a week there as I have Estonian heritage, made a couple of guided day trips to Lahemaa National Park and other outlying areas, day trip to Helsinki by ferry and plenty of time exploring Tallinn, mainly the beautiful old town but also the newer area. There are several museums in the center of old town, Nevsky cathedral, Toompea hill, and it's a short tram ride to Kadriorg and the KUMU for modern art (really enjoyed that one), KGB museum, a bit further out is the living history museum Rocca al Mare and the zoo. I suggest heading to Trip Advisor for a complete list of things to do since Rick's books don't cover it, I used a DK Eyewitness Top 10 Tallinn book when I went.
If you want a guided tour, either walking in the old town or one that involves venturing out further, I highly recommend EstAdventures, small groups led by wonderful guides, even sometimes the owner himself, Andrew, who went way out of his way to please me by finding a handcrafts co-op in Haapsalu--Estonians are famous for their knitting traditions as well as other beautiful handcrafted items.
Posted by
OP
Danbury, Ct, Usa
134 posts
Thanks so much, great info to help me plan the trip, sounds like great things to see.
Posted by
Ajijic, Jalisco, Mexico
1743 posts
I did all three of those cities on a longer trip that included a few other destinations. I did 4 nights in Stockholm, overnight ferry to Tallinn, 1 night in Tallinn, late afternoon ferry to Helsinki, and 4 nights in Helsinki.
It's unclear from your post how many nights you have, but I wouldn't want any less than 4 nights in Stockholm. As it was, there are a number of things I would have liked to see in Stockholm, but I ran out of time.
Helsinki could be done effectively in fewer days than I spent there.
As for Tallinn, I had all day the first day and most of the day the second day, and I feel like I had plenty of time to explore the city. I spent the entire first day in the old town. The second day I went out to the Song Festival Grounds and Kadriorg Park and the KUMU, and still got back to enjoy a couple of hours in the old town that afternoon before catching the ferry.
I'm sure Christa is right that there's more to see if you have more time, but given that your time is limited, I think I'd go for 4 nights Stockholm, 1 night Tallinn, and 2 nights in Helsinki. If you have an eighth night, then add it to Tallinn.
Enjoy!