Tallinn Old Town Tour from Helsinki: Ferry, Local Guide & Transfers

Summary

Explore Tallinn’s medieval streets with ferry ride and guided stories

You’ll cross the Baltic Sea by ferry from Helsinki with hotel pickup included, meet your local guide at Tallinn port, and wander medieval streets together. Expect stories at Toompea Castle, photo stops by Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, plus free time for cafés or quiet corners before heading back — it’s more personal than you might expect.

What’s the experience like?

Liina met us right at the Tallinn port — she waved before I even spotted her sign. She had this way of making you feel like you’d known her for ages, even though we’d just stepped off the ferry from Helsinki. The crossing itself was smoother than I expected; I spent most of it wandering between the café (the cinnamon rolls were oddly comforting) and the window seats, watching the sea turn from gray to something almost blue. There was a group of Finnish ladies laughing over coffee nearby. I tried to eavesdrop but only caught “Tallinn” and “shopping.”

Walking into Tallinn Old Town felt like stepping onto a movie set — except people really live here, and you can smell fresh bread from somewhere down the cobblestones. Liina pointed out Toompea Castle and told us about its tangled history, pausing so we could take photos by Alexander Nevsky Cathedral. The domes looked almost too perfect against the sky. At one point, she explained how locals pronounce “Raekoja plats,” and I tried to repeat it — badly — which made her laugh. The air was chilly but not unfriendly; my hands kept finding their way into my pockets.

I didn’t expect to be so taken by the view from the top hill — rooftops in every shade of red and orange, little wisps of smoke curling up even in spring. We wandered through Danish King’s Garden while Liina shared a story about ghosts (she swore she wasn’t making it up). After three hours or so, she gave us tips for exploring on our own — where to find the oldest pharmacy, which alleyways weren’t too crowded. I ended up sitting in a tiny café with black bread and soup, just listening to Estonian chatter all around me.

The return ferry felt quieter; maybe everyone else was as tired-happy as me. Back in Helsinki by nightfall, I kept thinking about that first glimpse of Tallinn’s towers rising above the port — something about it sticks with you longer than you’d think.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Full day tour of Tallinn from Helsinki

• Transfer from hotel to Helsinki harbor
• Board ferry at 9:00 am
• Enjoy ferry crossing and onboard shopping
• Arrive at Tallinn port and meet guide
• Transfer to Tallinn Old Town
• Visit Toompea Castle with guide
• Photo stop at Alexander Nevsky Cathedral
• View Old Town from top hill
• Walk through Danish King's Garden
• Visit Tallinn Town Hall exterior
• Visit oldest pharmacy in Tallinn
• Free time to explore Old Town
• Meet guide and transfer back to Tallinn harbor
• Return ferry to Helsinki
• Transfer from Helsinki harbor to hotel

Top questions

How long is the day trip from Helsinki to Tallinn?

The tour lasts around 13-14 hours including ferry travel and guided time in Tallinn.

Is hotel pickup included for this Tallinn day tour?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off within 4 km of West Terminal 2 in Helsinki are included.

Do I need my passport for this trip?

Yes, a valid passport is required on the day of travel for all participants.

How much free time do I get in Tallinn Old Town?

You’ll have about three hours with your guide plus additional free time to explore on your own before returning to the ferry.

Are transfers provided between ports and city centers?

Yes, transfers between both harbors and city centers are included in both Helsinki and Tallinn.

Is lunch included during the tour?

No meals are included; you can buy food on the ferry or during your free time in Tallinn.

What main sights are visited during the guided tour?

You’ll visit Toompea Castle, Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, Danish King’s Garden, Town Hall Square, and more.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Helsinki (within 4 km of West Terminal 2), round-trip ferry tickets across the Baltic Sea, transfers between each harbor and city center in both cities, plus a three-hour guided walking tour through Tallinn Old Town before some free time to explore at your own pace.