9 days in Helsinki, Tallinn & Riga Itinerary

Finland's largest and most populated metropolis, the maritime town of Helsinki boasts varied architecture, a lively cafe culture, and plethora of picturesque natural delights.

Step off the beaten path and head to Seurasaari Island and Open-Air Museum and Kotiharjun Sauna. Get some cultural insight at Sea Fortress Suomenlinna and Vantaa Art Museum. There's still lots to do: stay fit while traveling at Yrjonkadun Swimming Hall, admire the striking features of Kulttuurisauna, meet the residents at Korkeasaaren Elaintarha, and indulge in some personalized pampering at The Oriental Thai Hieronta Klinikka.

For other places to visit, more things to do, maps, and other tourist information, go to the Helsinki visit planner.

If you are flying in from Ireland, the closest major aiports are Helsinki Vantaa Airport, Turku Airport and Tampere-Pirkkala Airport. In December in Helsinki, expect temperatures between 3°C during the day and -3°C at night. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 15th (Tue) so you can travel to Tallinn.

A historic city with its eye firmly on the future, Tallinn blends medieval fortifications, gleaming skyscrapers, and charming boutiques with a spattering of Soviet relics.

Do some cultural sightseeing at Kumu Art Museum and Kadriorg Palace. You'll explore and learn at Great Guild Hall and Lennusadam Seaplane Harbour. The adventure continues: examine the collection at KGB Museum, take an in-depth tour of Peter the Great House Museum, take in the exciting artwork at Telliskivi Loomelinnak, and get to know the resident critters at Tallinn Zoo.

To see more things to do and more tourist information, read our Tallinn day trip planning app.

Fly from Helsinki to Tallinn in 3 hours. Alternatively, you can ride a ferry; or do a combination of car and ferry. In December, daily temperatures in Tallinn can reach 3°C, while at night they dip to -1°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 18th (Fri) to allow time to travel to Riga.

Often referred to as "The Paris of the North," Riga offers thriving nightlife and some of the best collections of Art Nouveau architecture in Europe.

Get some historical perspective at Vermanes Garden and Latvian Ethnographic Open Air Museum. Museum-lovers will get to explore Zanis Lipke Memorial and Ramer Tower Quest. There's lots more to do: get engrossed in the history at National History Museum of Latvia, head outdoors with Vecaki Beach, get to know the resident critters at Riga Zoo, and relax and rejuvenate at Verdant Eco Spa.

To see photos, reviews, more things to do, and tourist information, read Riga trip planning website.

You can fly from Tallinn to Riga in 4 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. In December, daytime highs in Riga are 3°C, while nighttime lows are 0°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 21st (Mon) so you can travel back home.