7 Day Trips from Tallinn, Estonia

Tallinn, the fairytale-like capital of Estonia, is not only a great destination with its medieval Old Town but also a perfect base for exploring many of the nearby towns and countries of the Baltics.

In fact, I was based in Tallinn for two months as was able to explore almost all of the neighboring countries and major cities of the Baltics. This guide lists out seven of the best, easy day trips from Tallinn, Estonia.

If you have more than a day in Tallinn, you could consider taking a day trip to Helsinki, Riga, or many other places. Estonia offers numerous exciting day trips from Tallinn that cater to a variety of interests. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, a history buff, or simply seeking a relaxing escape, here are seven fun day trips from Tallinn that will make your visit unforgettable.

1. Lahemaa National Park

Lahemaa National Park, located just an hour’s drive east of Tallinn, is a must-visit for granola outdoor enthusiasts. As Estonia’s largest national park, Lahemaa is a haven of diverse landscapes, including forests, bogs, lakes, and lovely coastal villages.

The park is home to numerous hiking trails, such as the Viru Bog Trail, one of the most popular things to do in Lahemaa National Park. Visitors can also explore the historic manors of Palmse, Sagadi, and Vihula. The park borders the coast too, so you can relax by the sea. The national park makes a great getaway from the city.

Heading from Tallinn to Lahemaa National Park is pretty straight forward, figuratively speaking. Taking an organized tour to Lahemaa National Park is the easiest way to visit and takes all the planning and logistics out of it for you. This tour to the park takes you to the Jägala Waterfall and a fishing village nearby as well. Located about 45 minutes outside Tallinn, you could also rent a car and take yourself for maximum flexibility.

2. Helsinki, Finland

A day trip to Helsinki from Tallinn is one of the most popular Tallinn excursions. With many ferries throughout the day to and from the two nearby cities, you can easily visit Finland in a day trip.

Helsinki is home to Suomenlinna Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage site spread across six islands. The city also has a ferris wheel for great views. Plus, you’ll find a prominent presidential palace and cathedral in Senate Square in the city. You can learn all about Helsinki as part of an English speaking guided walking tour.

Also known as the Rock Church, Temppeliaukio Church is a unique Lutheran church that is carved directly into solid rock. The combination of natural stone and modern architecture is a curiosity to say the least and the rock choice enhances its acoustics.

You can easily book ferry tickets through third parties like GetYourGuide, such as this trip with Tallink. Alternatively, you can book directly with Viking Line Ferry or others. I made two trips back and forth between Helsinki and Tallinn and used Viking every time.

A day trip from Tallinn to Helsinki is one of the most popular things to do in Tallinn, moreover it is perhaps the best day trip from Tallinn in the winter given the frequent ferry options and indoor activity options (churches, museums, etc.) in Helsinki.

3. Riga, Latvia

Riga is an easy day trip from Tallinn. Here you’ll want to see the Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site. It’s home to landmarks like the House of the Blackheads and St. Peter’s Church.

The Riga Central Market is one of Europe’s largest markets, housed in former Zeppelin hangars. It is a fun place to browse and sample an array of local produce, meats, fish, and Latvian treats.

The southward journey from Tallinn to Riga typically takes around 4 to 4.5 hours by bus. The bus is the easiest way to get there. It is affordable, clean, and efficient. Lux Express and Flixbus are the most popular. I used both in the region and recommend them. The fares are often shockingly cheap. It’s a great opportunity to visit another country on an easy bus trip from Tallinn.

A day trip from Tallinn to Riga is a great thing to add to your Baltic itinerary.

4. Vilnius, Lithuania

Further south, you can see Vilnius in a day as part of a day trip from Tallinn if you leave early enough and sleep on the bus on the way back.

While Tallinn, was my favorite Baltic city, Vilnius was my second favorite. There are so many cool and quirky things to see in the artsy city of Vilnius. For one, the self-proclaimed independent state of Uzupis is within the city. Complete with a constitution and a “passport checkpoint,” Uzupis was a unique place to see in Lithuania.

Furthermore, Vilnius has its own charming Old Town and churches. I also booked a guided kayaking trip to Trakai Castle, located just outside of Vilnius. Trakai Castle (pictured below) is a medieval fortress located on an island in Lake Galvė,

The trip from Tallinn to Vilnius typically takes around 8 to 9 hours by bus. Again, Lux Express and Flixbus are the most popular carriers.

5. Tartu, Estonia

A list of Estonia day trips would be incomplete without including Tartu. Estonia’s second-largest city and the country’s intellectual hub is about a 2-3 hour drive east from Tallinn. Known for its prestigious university, Tartu has a buzzing student body and a lively scene for young folks.

The city is also home to numerous museums, galleries, and theaters, making it a perfect getaway for culture enthusiasts looking for an easy city break within Estonia. In fact, Tartu was named a European Capital of Culture in 2024.

You can visit the University of Tartu Museum, which is housed in cathedral ruins. There’s also a science center that offers interactive exhibits that are fun for visitors of all ages. Like Tallinn, there is a charming Old Town, with its colorful buildings and cozy cafes, and a Town Hall Square, although I have to say Tallinn’s Old Town is practically unbeatable.

6. Pärnu, Estonia

Pärnu, Estonia’s summer capital, is a favored beach destination located about two hours south of Tallinn. Known for its sandy beaches and cheerful ambiance, Pärnu is the perfect spot for a day of sunbathing and relaxation (emphasis that this is in the summer though).

The town’s streets are lined with colorful wooden houses, boho cafes, and cute boutiques. The Pärnu Beach Promenade is a popular spot for a walk or a bike ride, offering stunning views of the Baltic Sea. Pärnu is also famous for its spas and wellness centers. While the beaches are less inviting in the winter, the town is still gorgeous and calming.

7. Haapsalu, Estonia

Haapsalu is a seaside town known for its mud baths and small-town charm, located about a 90-minute drive from Tallinn.

One of the most popular things to see is the Haapsalu Episcopal Castle, a medieval fortress with great views from its tower. The town’s promenade along the waterfront is ideal for a walk or jog. The nearby Paralepa Beach is a peaceful spot to unwind and relax in the summertime.

Haapsalu is also known for its cultural events, such as the Haapsalu White Lady Festival, which celebrates Baltic folklore. I must admit I didn’t make it to Haapsalu during my summer in Estonia, but would love the chance to go back to Tallinn and set out the short distance to see Haapsalu.

Where to Stay in Tallinn

If you’re looking for day trips from Tallinn, odds are that you are staying at least a few days in Tallinn itself. If you’re wondering where to base your operations, I have you covered.

If you are looking for a 5-star hotel in Tallinn, the best option is the Radisson Hotel. It is well located and a popular choice for business travel. It is among one of the tallest buildings in Tallinn and is a modern style hotel. I stayed in a VRBO apartment very close to the Radisson and found the area very chill, close to a grocery market, and with lots of dining options. It is also an easy walk to Old Town.

If you are looking for more rustic, fairytale charm head to Tallinn City Apartments for a centrally located room right in Old Town. The views of Old Town are hard to beat, plus it has the conveniences of an apartment.

If you are on a backpacker budget, head to Monk’s Bunk Hostel. It is well located near the ferry port and Old Town. It is also a 2024 Hostelworld award winner. They have a range of room sizes, as well as female only rooms.

So, which day trip should you do?

If you have to choose only one, I recommend Helsinki. This is perhaps basic of me because it is the most popular answer, but I think the ferry ride is a fun twist to the day trip experience and Helsinki has lots of things to see and do. This is especially true in the summer. I do add caution that Helsinki is A LOT more expensive than Tallinn, so if you’re a budget traveler, you may want to head to Riga or stay within Estonia.

Aside from Helsinki, my day trip to Vilnius was my next favorite place to spend time in Baltics. It is a longer journey, but totally worth it.

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