Helsinki: A Flying Visit

From Tallinn to Helsinki there are just 2 hours by ship, a few km to visit another European capital, too tempting an opportunity to let slip. On 17 April at midday we are on the Tower of S. Olef in Tallinn and we see the Tallink ferries departing for Helsinki; just the time to cross the road, go to the travel agency of the same Tallink and book tickets for 4 people (cost per person 44 euros, departure at 13:30, return at 22:30). At 15:30 we are in Helsinki, we take tram 9 for the city centre and get off at the central Station. On foot you can visit the best-known attractions, first and foremost the Lutheran Cathedral in Senate Square, which for its majesty dominates the whole city; the nearby Orthodox Cathedral testifies to the Russian presence in Finland. At 20:00 we are already heading back to the port, walking the roughly 2 km of distance from the city centre.

Helsinki, a cold and very expensive city, is worth a half-day visit; I suggest investing more time in the "nearby" Tallinn.