A Magical Day Trip from Helsinki: Exploring Tallinn and Its Christmas Market
For visitors to Helsinki, a day trip across the Baltic Sea to Tallinn, Estonia’s capital, is a popular and rewarding escape, especially during the Christmas season. While Helsinki offers its own charm, Tallinn presents a vibrant blend of modernity and medieval history. The city’s enchanting Old Town, with its cobblestone streets and historic castle, provides a stark contrast to Helsinki’s relatively newer urban landscape. The journey is a mere two-hour ferry ride, making it an ideal destination for a festive excursion. And the convenience of a quick two-hour ferry ride adds to its appeal!
Tallinn Christmas Market, located in Tallinn Town Hall Square (Raekoja plats) in the Old Town, is open daily from November 22nd to December 27th, 2024.
The Megastar Experience: Comfort and Convenience
The timing of this trip coincides perfectly with the festive season, as the famous Tallinn Christmas Market in the Old Town Hall Square had just opened. The Tallink Shuttle Megastar, departs from Helsinki’s West Harbour at 10:30 AM and arrives in Tallinn by 12:30 PM. The return journey departs at 7:30 PM, offering over six hours to explore Tallinn’s charming streets and festive attractions. Additionally, travelers can take advantage of the excellent shopping on board the Megastar, ensuring a well-rounded travel experience. (See timetables for more details >>)
The Megastar, Tallink Silja Line’s the most innovative and technologically advanced fast ferry, was impressive even from a distance: it is Tallink Silja Line’s´s new generation, LNG powered, fast ferry. It’s big, for a start, with a capacity of 2,800. The Megastar boasts the largest mall on the Baltic Sea, a 2,800 square Traveller Superstore where you can shop top brand cosmetics, perfumes, food delicacies, souvenirs, and of course wines, spirits, beer, and cigarettes.
A Taste of Luxury in the Business Lounge
We decided to use the Megastar’s business lounge to make our journey more comfortable and luxurious. This exclusive space is ideal for travelers looking to enhance their experience or impress guests with added comfort and amenities. Upon boarding, the spacious and stylish lounge welcomed us with wide windows offering stunning views over the ship’s prow.
During the festive season, the lounge is beautifully decorated, enhancing the holiday spirit. Guests can enjoy a high-quality breakfast buffet, comparable to that of a fine hotel, along with complimentary drinks. A glass of Prosecco adds a touch of indulgence, making the journey even more enjoyable. The two-hour trip passed quickly, offering just enough time to relax, dine, and take in the scenic views of the Baltic Sea. A brief visit to the Travellers Superstore before disembarking set the stage for a return trip filled with more delightful discoveries.
Dining and Amenities on the Megastar
The Megastar offers a wide selection of restaurants and bars, with interiors designed by the acclaimed Finnish designer Vertti Kivi. Among the various dining options, the Delight Buffet stands out for its impressive offerings and Christmas buffet is valid for trips 13.11-31.12.2024. However, travelers in the Business Lounge can enjoy complimentary food and drinks, providing a convenient and upscale alternative.
For families, the Megastar caters well to young travelers with an extensive kids’ play area filled with games and activities, ensuring children are entertained throughout the short journey.
Exploring Tallinn’s Old Town and Christmas Market
The picturesque Old Town in Tallinn is a short walk from the harbour, with the journey beginning at the impressive Viru Gate. Along the way, a stop at the historic Maiasmokk Café, offers a delightful coffee break, allowing visitors to enjoy the café’s charming atmosphere before continuing on to Town Hall Square.
In the heart of the square stands Tallinn’s impressive Christmas tree, a centerpiece surrounded by rows of small huts illuminated with fairy lights, arranged like spokes radiating from the tree. Around 30 huts, each housing four retailers, offer a variety of handcrafted goods, festive decorations, and seasonal treats. A large stage in front of the tree hosts live performances in the evenings, adding to the festive atmosphere. For younger visitors, two merry-go-rounds at opposite corners of the square provide entertainment.
The market’s festive ambiance is enhanced by the sound of seasonal music and the enticing aromas of gingerbread and mulled wine (glögi). The stalls feature an array of local handicrafts and traditional Estonian Christmas foods, including black pudding and sour cabbage.
The journey continues through the Old Town, culminating at the Kohtuotsa viewing platform. This is the city’s most iconic spot for taking photos, thanks to the incredible panoramic views it offers over the medieval Old Town and all the way out over the Baltic.
Returning to Helsinki – Shopping and Dining
As our day in Tallinn came to an end, the return journey to Helsinki began with a 7:30 PM departure. Onboard the ship, the Travellers Superstore offered an excellent opportunity for last-minute Christmas shopping. With prices significantly lower than in Finland, it was the perfect chance to stock up on fine wines, candies, and chocolates for the holiday season. The cosmetics section featured top brands at discounted prices, along with various special offers.
After shopping, the Business Lounge provided a relaxing and comfortable setting for the return trip. A well-stocked dinner buffet offered a wide selection of hot and cold dishes, complemented by festive drinks. The lounge’s spacious seating and large windows provided stunning views over the ship’s prow, making the approach to Helsinki, with its twinkling lights, a memorable end to the journey.
Final Impressions
A visit to Tallinn on the Megastar is an excellent day trip from Helsinki, and the spacious and classy Business Lounge is a reasonably priced upgrade, with a great view and as much food and drink as you care to have. As the journey is just 2 hours, travellers will have plenty of time to explore Tallinn and do a little shopping, and where could be better than the delightful Christmas Market in the midst of the medieval Old Town!
Getting to the Tallink terminal in Helsinki: The 7 and 9 trams stop right at the terminal, both trams can be caught from outside Helsinki Central Railway Station, and the journey will take around 15 minutes. Tallinn Megastar operates from D-Terminal.
Megastar has four different travel classes: Star Class, upgraded Comfort Class, exclusive Business Lounge and a new area, Sitting Lounge.
Tallinn Christmas Market – located in Tallinn Town Hall Square (Raekoja plats) Old Town is
open daily from November 22nd to December 27th 2024.
