Tallinn (Estonia) > Reviews (9)

For a great day trip from Helsinki, visit Tallinn, the capital of Estonia, which is just a short hop across the Baltic from Helsinki. On a whim, my friend and I checked out the times of the ferries that leave the harbour in Helsinki on a regular basis and we just went for it! The ferries are either large cruise liner-type ships, or the much faster, but very comfortable catamarans. Leave early in the morning to give yourself a good few hours to wander and shop, and still be back for supper!
On arrival, we were surprised at the modern terminal facilities and the large number of huge cruise ships. We were processed quickly through immigration (no need for a visa, as a UK citizen) and walked out into the fresh sea air. Quickly, we were brought down to earth, and our preconceptions about poverty and poor infrastructure seemed to have been realised. However, no more than 200 meteres from the ferry terminal, capitalism is boooming. A large two storey emporium selling every kind of clothing, duty free goods, spirits, lace, eastern european goods and a lot of good leaded glass (and quite a lot of junk) was packed to the rafters. A lot of Finns go there to buy beer and alcohol (as one finds out of the ferry back!!), and there are some great bargains to be had.
The old City of Tallinn (which is no more than 4-500 metres walk from the ferry) has a fascinating history, and it well worth a walk through the cobbled streets lined with coloured houses, big ornate churches all surrounded by huge city walls. The place is very atmospheric, though to us a tourists it felt very safe. There are plenty of shops, interesting cafes and ethnic eateries, though quite how there come to be some many bars with a Scottish influence we could not understand!!! Outside the city walls, the landscape seems rather Orwellian and reminiscent of any industrial city. However, the signs seem to be that Estonia is pulling its act together, and it is well worth a visit to this Baltic gem.