An Alternative One Week Itinerary in Europe: Helsinki, Tallinn and Riga

I have this thing with overland travel. I just think you can see so much more of the country you’re exploring by travelling by car, train, boat or bus instead of hopping on a flight. So last summer, instead of opting for a simple city break in Europe, I decided I wanted an overland adventure between 3 cities on my bucketlist.

It was perfect for a week’s annual leave and combined city exploring with a bit of rural love. Plus, the three cities I chose were quite low key. I mean they’re big cities, not exactly off the beaten track, but I’d seen less about them online so it felt like more of an adventure than say going to somewhere like Barcelona or Rome.

I flew into Finland’s capital, Helsinki, for a bit of the Scandinavian vibe, then took the famous ferry to Tallinn in Estonia. I explored medieval Tallinn for a few days, then travelled overland to Riga, Latvia.

It was such a cool trip. Admittedly, dampened a little by the morning sickness I was experiencing at the time! But otherwise I really enjoyed it and thought it was worth jotting down my itinerary in case you fancied doing something similar yourself, pal.

One Week Itinerary in Europe

Day 1: Fly into Helsinki

Today is your day to arrive in Helsinki to start your overland adventure. I always struggle with iteneraries for the first day as really it’s dependant on what time you get there. But if you have a few hours in the afternoon, try to check out Suomenolinna, a large island a 15 minute ferry away. There’s a fortress to explore and you get lovely views of the city.

If you’re after a cheap dinner, try Fafa’s or Friends & Brgrs. (Check out my post on Helsinki cheap eats over here).

Day 2: Helsinki

Ok, it’s your full day in Helsinki and there’s lots to see!

Start off at the Helsinki Cathedral in Senate Square. If you want to see a lot today, try the Hop On Hop Off bus or jump on trams to get around.

A sauna in Finland is a must and the best place for it is Löyly Sauna, looking over the water. Once you’re fully relaxed, head to Regatta Cafe for lunch and obligatory Insta pics (it’s so pretty!). Head to Linnanmäki amusement park in the afternoon for fun rides and gorge views of Helsinki from the free Panoramic Tower.

Finally take a sunset boat ride around the islands, checking out the icebreaker fleet and Degerö Canal. Although remember to take a jacket even in summer, it gets chilly!

It’s a lot to pack into one day so pick and choose if you want a slower pace. But it’s totally possible to cover it all, I promise. (Read more: 24 Hours In Helsinki)

Day 3: Helsinki – Tallinn

Today it’s time to get the ferry to Tallinn! I have a whole post on the ferry ride over here if you fancy a read. But it’s a really easy journey and I’d recommend booking an early ferry to make the most of your time in Tallinn.

Once you’ve arrived and left your bags at your hotel/AirBnb, this afternoon is dedicated to exploring the alternative side of Tallinn – the Kalamaja area. Head to Telliskivi to explore the boutiques and check out the street art, and stop at Revel Cafe for a cute coffee stop.

Have dinner at the very cool F-Hoone and go for drinks at Peatus. It’s in nearby DEPOO, a collection of shipping containers that have been converted into cool things. And Peatus is a former train that’s now a bar and club!

Day 4: Tallinn

Today’s itinerary is all about the medieval Old Town of Tallinn. Pretty much every building is incredible so it’s just worth going for a wander in this part of the city. Head up to Kohtuotsa viewing platform for awesome views of Tallinn, which you’ve probably seen on Insta. This is also where you can explore Alexander Nevsky Cathedral for A+ Russian architecture.

For lunch try out Olde Hansa for the ultimate medieval experience. They only serve food that would be in the medieval times and the whole place is lit by candlelight. It’s a bit cheesey but I liked it.

If you want to do something a bit different this afternoon, check out Lennusadam Seaplane Harbour. It’s essentially a plane museum which does not sound fun, but it’s really quirky and interactive so I thought it was pretty cool!

Read more: 8 Cool Things To Do In Tallinn

Day 5: Tallinn – Riga

Today is the overland road trip from Tallinn to Riga. To make life easier, I took the Traveller Tours Tallinn to Riga minibus which stops at a few interesting parts of the Estonian and Latvian countryside. I’d recommend it, it was quite fun.

But if you’d rather hire a car, I recommend stopping at Valga to see the Estonian history and military museum, which also has laser tag. Because why not. And also, the Bob Sled Track in Sigulda is worth a stop too.

But to be honest if you’re exploring by car I think part of the fun is just stopping at random towns and seeing what’s there!

Day 6: Riga

Start off your itinerary in Riga with some darn delicious bagels from Big Bad Bagels. Then take your time strolling through Esplanade Park and checking out the golden Nativity Cathedral.

Riga is another city that’s full of pretty buildings to just wander and take in. Three Brothers and House of the Blackheads are good’uns to take a peek at. Stop by Parunasim Cafe for a coffe and cake and check out the al fresco restaurants in Livu Square for lunch. There are a lot of options and it’s just a nice, bustling spot to be in.

For dinner and drinks, check out Folkklubs, a traditional underground tavern with folky vibes and hearty food.

Day 7: Fly Home From Riga

The week of European adventure is over! Depending on your flight home, you might have some time free today. If so check out Riga Castle or one of the museums in the city!

What do you think of this one week itinerary in Europe?

I actually did an extra day in Tallinn so it’s flexible if you want to spend more time in Helsinki, Tallinn or Riga. But it’s a fab little itinerary if you only have a week’s holiday and want to see as much as possible of three awesome cities.

Would you do a trip like this?

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