9-Day Scenic Journey from Riga to Helsinki with Cultural Highlights

Day 1: Exploring Riga

Riga, Latvia on June 7, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at MiiT Coffee

Enjoy a fresh start with artisan coffee and delicious pastries at one of Riga’s best specialty coffee shops.
EUR8, 45m

9:30am

Riga Old Town Walking Tour

Discover the UNESCO-listed Old Town’s cobbled streets, historical buildings, and vibrant atmosphere with a guided tour that lasts about 2 hours.
EUR20, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Lido Alus Sēta

Sample traditional Latvian dishes in a casual setting that offers hearty local cuisine.
EUR15, 1h0m

1:30pm

Museum of the Occupation of Latvia

Learn about Latvia’s history during Soviet and Nazi occupations to gain deep cultural insights.
EUR5, 1h30m

3:30pm

St. Peter’s Church Tower

Climb or take an elevator to the top for panoramic views of Riga’s cityscape and the river.
EUR9, 1h0m

5:00pm

Relax at Bastejkalna Park

Enjoy a leisurely walk or boat ride in this beautiful park right in the city center.
EUR5, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Vincents

Dine at Riga’s top fine dining restaurant renowned for innovative Latvian cuisine and elegant ambiance.
EUR50, 2h0m
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Day 2: Riga and Surroundings

Riga, Latvia on June 8, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Rocket Bean Roastery

Start your day with expertly brewed coffee and satisfying breakfast options in a modern setting.
EUR7, 45m

9:00am

Art Nouveau District Tour

Explore Riga’s famed Art Nouveau architecture with a guided visit showcasing intricate facades and historical significance.
EUR15, 2h0m

11:30am

Central Market Visit

Experience one of Europe’s largest markets housed in historic Zeppelin hangars; try local foods and shop for souvenirs.
Free entry, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Milda Latvian Food

Taste authentic Latvian homemade dishes with fresh ingredients in a cozy atmosphere.
EUR12, 1h0m

2:00pm

Day Trip to Jurmala

Take a 30-minute train ride to this famous beach resort town to relax on the sandy beaches and explore quaint wooden architecture.
EUR7 round trip, 4h0m

6:00pm

Return to Riga and Rest

Unwind at your accommodation or take a gentle stroll along the Daugava River promenade.
Free, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Folkklubs Ala Pagrabs

Enjoy traditional Latvian fare with live folk music in a lively underground setting.
EUR20, 2h0m
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Day 3: Transit to Tallinn

Riga, Latvia to Tallinn, Estonia on June 9, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Bakery Peterburi

Grab fresh pastries and coffee from this popular local bakery before departure.
EUR6, 30m

9:00am

Travel to Tallinn by Bus

Take a comfortable 4.5-hour Lux Express bus from Riga to Tallinn with free Wi-Fi and onboard amenities.
EUR20, 4h30m

1:30pm

Check-in and Light Lunch at F-hoone

Check into your accommodation and enjoy a trendy lunch at this hip cafe known for creative fusion dishes.
EUR15, 1h0m

3:00pm

Tallinn Old Town Exploration

Explore the medieval city walls, Town Hall Square, and charming cobblestone streets of Tallinn’s UNESCO-listed Old Town.
Free, 3h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Rataskaevu 16

Savor traditional Estonian cuisine in a warm and intimate setting in the heart of Old Town.
EUR35, 2h0m
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Day 4: Tallinn Highlights

Tallinn, Estonia on June 10, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Maiasmokk Cafe

Enjoy Estonia’s oldest cafe with delightful cakes and pastries to start your day.
EUR8, 45m

9:00am

Kumu Art Museum Visit

Discover Estonia’s largest and most cutting-edge art museum featuring classical and contemporary Estonian art. Open 10am-6pm.
EUR10, 2h0m

11:30am

Walk through Kadriorg Park

Relax in this grand baroque park surrounding the Kadriorg Palace, perfect for photos and fresh air.
Free, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Vapiano

Enjoy casual Italian dishes with fresh ingredients near the city center.
EUR15, 1h0m

2:00pm

Seaplane Harbour Maritime Museum

Explore interactive exhibits on Estonia’s maritime history including submarines and icebreakers. Open daily 10am-6pm.
EUR15, 2h0m

5:00pm

Coffee Break at RØST Bakery

Sample freshly baked artisanal breads and a quality coffee in this minimalistic bakery.
EUR7, 45m

7:00pm

Dinner at Moon

Indulge in modern Estonian cuisine with a cozy atmosphere close to Old Town.
EUR30, 2h0m
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Day 5: Tallinn to Helsinki by Ferry

Tallinn, Estonia to Helsinki, Finland on June 11, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a convenient and hearty breakfast at your hotel before the ferry ride.
EUR10, 45m

9:00am

Ferry from Tallinn to Helsinki

Take a high-speed ferry across the Gulf of Finland, approximately 2 hours, with stunning sea views. Book tickets in advance.
EUR30, 2h0m

11:30am

Check-in and Lunch at Cafe Ekberg

Visit this historic Helsinki cafe for classic Finnish baked goods and lunch options in a charming setting.
EUR18, 1h0m

1:00pm

Helsinki Cathedral and Senate Square

Wander the iconic white cathedral and grand Senate Square to immerse yourself in Finnish neoclassical architecture.
Free, 1h30m

2:30pm

Market Square Visit

Explore this vibrant outdoor market by the harbor with Finnish crafts, snacks, and fresh produce.
Free, 1h0m

4:00pm

Visit Uspenski Cathedral

Admire the largest Orthodox church in Western Europe with beautiful Byzantine-Russian architecture.
Free, 45m

7:00pm

Dinner at Savotta

Experience traditional Finnish cuisine celebrating local ingredients with views of the Senate Square.
EUR45, 2h0m
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Day 6: Culture and Design

Helsinki, Finland on June 12, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Café Regatta

Enjoy a traditional Finnish breakfast in a cozy red cabin near the sea, famous for its cinnamon buns.
EUR10, 45m

9:00am

Design Museum Helsinki

Discover Finnish design history showcasing iconic works from household items to furniture. Open 11am-6pm.
EUR12, 2h0m

11:30am

Walk in Kaivopuisto Park

Spend some relaxing time in this popular park with beautiful sea views and walking paths.
Free, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Sandro Kaisaniemi

Savor vibrant North African inspired dishes blending fresh ingredients and bold flavors.
EUR20, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit Amos Rex Museum

Explore contemporary art exhibitions in a striking subterranean museum opened in 2018. Open 11am-7pm.
EUR15, 2h0m

4:30pm

Coffee Break at Johan & Nyström

Relax with expert specialty coffee and light refreshments in this stylish coffeehouse.
EUR8, 45m

7:00pm

Dinner at Olo

Enjoy Michelin-starred modern Finnish cuisine focusing on seasonal and local ingredients. Reservation recommended.
EUR80, 2h30m
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Day 7: Historic Fortresses

Helsinki, Finland on June 13, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Good Life Coffee

Relish excellent speciality coffee and fresh breakfast items in a relaxed environment.
EUR9, 45m

9:00am

Suomenlinna Sea Fortress

Take a 15-minute ferry to this UNESCO WWII sea fortress island for history, museums, and scenic walks. Ferry runs frequently from Market Square.
EUR5 ferry, 5h0m

2:00pm

Light lunch at Suomenlinna's Café Vanille

Enjoy coffees and light snacks with sea views at the fortress’s popular cafe.
EUR12, 1h0m

4:00pm

Return to Helsinki and Rest

Relax at your hotel after a day of exploration.
Free, 2h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Lonna Island Restaurant

Dine on the nearby Lonna island with stunning views and high-quality Nordic cuisine; accessible by short boat ride.
EUR50, 2h0m
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Day 8: Modern Helsinki

Helsinki, Finland on June 14, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Cafe Engel

Start your day at this elegant cafe opposite the cathedral with great pastries and coffee.
EUR10, 45m

9:30am

Temppeliaukio Church (Rock Church)

Visit this unique church built into solid rock noted for its excellent acoustics and architecture. Open 10am-6pm.
EUR3, 1h0m

10:30am

Helsinki Zoo on Korkeasaari Island

Spend the late morning at Helsinki’s well-maintained zoo with Nordic and exotic animals. Open 10am-6pm.
EUR14, 3h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Zetor Restaurant

Enjoy hearty Finnish comfort food with a 70s nostalgia feel in the city center.
EUR20, 1h0m

3:00pm

Kiasma Museum of Contemporary Art

Explore cutting-edge exhibits and thought-provoking modern art in this iconic museum. Open 11am-6pm.
EUR12, 2h0m

5:30pm

Coffee and Pastry at Karl Fazer Café

Treat yourself to Finnish chocolates and pastries at this famous cafe established in 1891.
EUR10, 45m

7:30pm

Dinner at Bronda

Experience a trendy restaurant blending Nordic and Mediterranean flavors with an excellent wine list.
EUR45, 2h0m
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Day 9: Farewell Helsinki

Helsinki, Finland on June 15, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at your Hotel

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast at your accommodation before your departure or onward travels.
Included, 45m

9:00am

Visit Sibelius Monument and Park

Explore this iconic abstract granite and steel monument dedicated to composer Jean Sibelius, set in a peaceful park.
Free, 1h0m

10:30am

Late Morning Stroll and Shopping on Aleksanterinkatu

Take a leisurely walk down this main shopping street with boutiques and souvenir shops.
Free, 1h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Juuri

Enjoy traditional Finnish small dishes with a modern twist at this well-loved restaurant.
EUR30, 1h0m

1:30pm

Prepare for Departure

Return to hotel, collect luggage, and head to airport or next destination.
Varies, 1h0m
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