minsin

We left our planning too late, but as we like traveling, we are not fixated on a particular itinerary or place. We are visiting Moscow and St. Petersburg for 9 days in August. Original plan was to spend 2 nights in Helsinki (take Allegro train from SP) and then 3 nights in Tallinn (take ferry) and fly home from there. The travel is very easy - a train ride and a ferry trip being a bonus. But as I started reading about this, I am having doubts. Reviews for Helsinki are not very nice, and 3 nights in Tallinn seem excessive - I am basing this on extensive research here. So, if I wish to add another stop to our itinerary, what would you suggest? We have already been to Scandinavia. We like visiting places with history, natural beauty, beach, good food I looked at Warsaw, Budapest, Krakow, Warsaw... - just to give you an idea. Thanks for taking time to help us out.

kja

Well, you might want to add time in both Moscow and St. Petersburg – 5 or 6 nights each is not unreasonable, IMO. I enjoyed Helsinki, was glad I gave it 3 nights, and wish I’d given it more. I haven’t been to Tallinn yet. IMO, you don’t have time for Warsaw, Budapest, or Krakow.

Andrew

Helsinki isn't "bad" - a pleasant city for sure that just didn't have much to hold my excitement or interest. Given other places I liked better in the region, I'd give more time to them. I had just half a day in Helsinki and it was about enough for me, but I might have enjoyed at least a night there.

Tallinn is a lovely little old town - makes you feel like "I'm in old Europe!" more than Helsinki does for sure - but you're right, it doesn't need three nights - though I did have three nights there, it was largely for logistics. I had to catch a ferry to St. Petersburg on a certain date and based in Tallinn before that to do a day trip or two. I arrived late from Riga the first day so really had only two days in Tallinn - and one I used to day trip to the town of Haapsalu on the coast in Estonia. I enjoyed the town - very peaceful - but it was not otherwise that memorable or charming.

I think Riga is more significant and very worth seeing. You could try to do one night in Tallinn then bus down to Riga for the final two nights instead of spending all three in Tallinn. It would still be a quick trip. Then again, you can fly almost anywhere in Europe from Tallinn on airBaltic pretty cheap. If there's some other city you are curious about and airBaltic flies there from Tallinn, you could pop over for a few nights and check it out, maybe come back for a longer visit in the future if you like it.

Odin

You could add a night or two in Russia in Novgorod which is between Moscow & St Petersburg.

I don't think the reviews on Helsinki were bad, there are differences of opinion on how long to stay and sometimes there are recommendations to drop HEL in favour of more interesting cities, but 2 nights in Helsinki is definitely worth while, Tallinn is beautiful but confined to the old town which you can see in a very short amount of time, day trip or 1 night.

minsin

Thanks so much for your replies. It helps enormously. I think I will stick to the original itinerary, but stay in Helsinki for one night and two in Tallinn. Unfortunately, cannot increase our stay in Russia as have already applied for visas Fingers crossed! Will look up Riga too.

We are planning to take the train from Moscow to SP. Any thoughts on that?

I probably should start another thread, but does anyone has recommendations for hotels in Helsinki and Tallinn? Around $200? Much thanks.

Odin

I've stayed in the Helsinki Hilton Strand, Radisson Blu Plaza and the Scandic Grand Marina, all great locations. The Kamp is pricey but lunch is a nice thing to have there.

In Tallin I stayed at the Radisson Olümpia, on the edge of the old town which was very convenient.

Train from Moscow to St Petersburg is highly recommended. You have a great choice of types of train, whether to go overnight or during the day. For instance, the Red Arrow is a famous train, Nikolaevsky Express is an old world style train but I am not sure if it still runs, pity as it was a wonderful experience to have travelled on it.

minsin

Happy to confirm that all booked for trip now Staying at Radisson Blue Plaza in Helsinki because of proximity to station and attractions. Splurged a bit in Tallinn and staying at Telegraaf. All were within budget, so am happy.

Odin, I did look up the Red Arrow and it is still running. But DH does not have patience for an overnight train journey, so will be taking the 'bullet train' in daytime.

Really appreciate your help with this.

Odin

I was referring to the Nikolaevsky Express, it is not running anymore but there are many other overnight trains or you can take the famous Red Arrow train.

danon

I took the fast train from SP to Moscow early in the morning ..comfortable ( I was in tourist class) and on time.
They even gave us a snack !