HelsinkivsTallinn
Can't decide between Helsinki and Tallinn? Compare these two amazing destinations to find your perfect match.
Helsinki
Helsinki is a design-forward city where Nordic minimalism meets quirky creativity. This compact seaside capital offers world-class saunas, innovative architecture, excellent coffee culture, and a gateway to Finnish nature and the Northern Lights.
Known for
Tallinn
Tallinn has one of the best-preserved medieval old towns in Europe, a UNESCO World Heritage site with Gothic spires, cobblestone streets, and ancient city walls. This Baltic gem blends medieval charm with cutting-edge digital innovation and vibrant nightlife.
Known for
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Head-to-Head Comparison
See how these destinations stack up in key categories
Culture & History
Helsinki offers Helsinki Cathedral, Suomenlinna Fortress, Design District
Tallinn offers Old Town (Vanalinn), Toompea Castle, Alexander Nevsky Cathedral
Food & Dining
Helsinki is famous for its local dining scene
Tallinn is famous for its local dining scene
Nightlife
Helsinki offers a relaxed evening atmosphere
Tallinn offers a relaxed evening atmosphere
Best Time to Visit
May to September, December to March (Northern Lights)
May to September, December (Christmas markets)
Weather
Summer: 21°C, Winter: -4°C
Summer: 20°C, Winter: -4°C
Top Attractions in Helsinki
- 1Helsinki Cathedral
- 2Suomenlinna Fortress
- 3Design District
- 4Temppeliaukio Church
- 5Market Square
- 6Löyly Sauna
Top Attractions in Tallinn
- 1Old Town (Vanalinn)
- 2Toompea Castle
- 3Alexander Nevsky Cathedral
- 4Town Hall Square
- 5Telliskivi Creative City
- 6KGB Museum
Helsinki is Popular With
Tallinn is Popular With
Hidden Gems
Discover lesser-known attractions in each city
Hidden Gems in Helsinki
- 1
Sompasauna
A free, community-built and maintained public sauna located in the Kalasatama district, right by the sea.
- 2
Kiasma Museum of Contemporary Art Rooftop
The often-overlooked rooftop terrace of the Kiasma museum, next to the Helsinki Music Centre.
Hidden Gems in Tallinn
- 1
Linnahall
A massive, crumbling concrete concert hall and former Soviet venue built for the 1980 Moscow Olympics, located on the harbor.
- 2
St. Bridget's Convent Ruins (Pirita klooster)
The picturesque ruins of a 15th-century convent located in the peaceful Pirita district by the river.
Neighborhoods to Explore
Discover the best areas to visit in each city
Top Areas in Helsinki
Kampii & City Center
The bustling commercial and transport heart of Helsinki, centered around the Kamppi terminal.
Katajanokka & Kruununhaka
An elegant, historic district characterized by beautiful Art Nouveau architecture and a serene, island-like atmosphere.
Top Areas in Tallinn
Vanalinn (Old Town)
The historic heart of Tallinn, divided into the upper town (Toompea) and lower town, enclosed by nearly intact medieval walls.
Kalamaja
A formerly working-class wooden house district now reborn as Tallinn's trendiest neighborhood.
Budget Comparison
Compare the cost of traveling in each city
Budget in Helsinki
Budget in Tallinn
Book Activities
Find tours and experiences in both cities
Book Activities in Helsinki
Skip the line with pre-booked tours and attractions
Book Activities in Tallinn
Skip the line with pre-booked tours and attractions
Getting There
Compare transport options to both destinations
Find cheap transport to Helsinki
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Find cheap transport to Tallinn
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Our Verdict
Both Helsinki and Tallinn are incredible destinations. Helsinki excels in design and saunas, while Tallinn stands out for medieval old town and e-Estonia.
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