Comparison · Helsinki vs Tallinn · Finland / Estonia
Helsinki vs Tallinn
Two great trips, different strengths. Here is how they compare on the things that decide it.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Michal Pise, Michal.Pise, CC BY 2.0
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Quick answer
Choose Helsinki for Suomenlinna and Saunas; choose Tallinn for Medieval Old Town, Town Hall Square and lower day-to-day costs. Tallinn is generally less expensive, and the two are about 82 km apart.
Key facts
- Distance apart
- 82 km
- Less expensive
- Tallinn
- Best time for Helsinki
- May–September
- Best time for Tallinn
- May–September
Side by side
| Helsinki | Tallinn | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Finland | Estonia |
| Known for | Suomenlinna, Saunas and Nordic design | Medieval Old Town, Town Hall Square and City walls and towers |
| Best time to visit | May–September | May–September |
| Ideal stay | 3 days | 3 days |
| Mid-range budget per day | $180–$300 | $130–$220 |
| Cost level | Expensive | Moderately priced |
| Warmest month | July, 22°C (72°F) | July, 22°C (72°F) |
| Coldest month | February, -2°C (28°F) | January, -1°C (30°F) |
| Free sights in our guide | 7 | 8 |
| Day trips in our guide | 6 | 6 |
| Beaches | Hietaniemi beach | Pirita beach |
| Airports | HEL | TLL |
Which one is right for you?
Choose Helsinki for…
Suomenlinna and Saunas. Helsinki spreads across a peninsula and some 300 islands on the Gulf of Finland. The compact centre combines Carl Ludvig Engel's neoclassical Senate Square, Art Nouveau apartment blocks in Katajanokka and Eira, and new landmarks such as the Oodi library and…
Choose Tallinn for…
Medieval Old Town, Town Hall Square and lower day-to-day costs. Tallinn's UNESCO-listed Old Town is one of the most complete medieval Hanseatic towns in Europe: a Lower Town of merchants' houses, guild halls and Town Hall Square inside nearly 2 km of walls, below the hilltop Toompea with its castle and cathedrals. Beyond…
Top sights compared
| # | Helsinki | Tallinn |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Suomenlinna sea fortress | Town Hall Square and Tallinn Town Hall |
| 2 | Helsinki Cathedral and Senate Square | Lower Town streets and St Catherine's Passage |
| 3 | Uspenski Cathedral | Toompea hill and viewing platforms |
| 4 | Temppeliaukio Church (Rock Church) | Alexander Nevsky Cathedral |
| 5 | Market Square and Old Market Hall | St Olaf's Church |
Food compared
| Helsinki | Tallinn |
|---|---|
| Salmon soup | Black rye bread |
| Karelian pie | Sprat sandwich |
| Cinnamon bun | Blood sausage |
| Rye bread | Potato and barley mash |
Which is cheaper?
Tallinn is usually the less expensive of the two: a mid-range day costs about $130–$220 per person there, against $180–$300 in Helsinki (AMZBooking estimates, excluding flights). Tallinn on a budget.
Can you visit both?
Yes. Helsinki and Tallinn are about 82 km apart, so they combine well in one trip: allow 3 days in Helsinki and 3 in Tallinn.
Questions travellers ask
+Is Helsinki or Tallinn cheaper?
Tallinn is usually less expensive: about $130–$220 a day mid-range against $180–$300 (estimates).
+Is Helsinki or Tallinn better for a first trip?
Pick Helsinki for Suomenlinna and Saunas, or Tallinn for Medieval Old Town, Town Hall Square and lower day-to-day costs.
+How far is Helsinki from Tallinn?
About 82 km in a straight line.