In Stella’s Pawprints—A Perfect Weekend Getaway for Dog and Owner
Text and photos Johanna Vuori
Tallinn’s Old Town blends the medieval and the modern, even in everyday encounters.
My dog Stella is an experienced traveller. Despite her young age, she has travelled with me all over Finland, and joined me on trips to Marbella, Málaga, Paris, and the French Riviera.
For some reason, a trip to Tallinn with a dog had been surprisingly long overdue, even though we live just a stone’s throw from Helsinki’s West Harbour, and Tallinn is an easy destination in terms of preparation. A dog needs a passport, basic vaccinations and, before returning from Estonia, an echinococcus treatment that must be recorded in the passport. Stella already had her passport thanks to frequent travel, her travel carrier works well on the ferry, and in Estonia only a single deworming treatment is required within 24 hours before returning to Finland on a weekend trip.
Many shops, restaurants, and shopping centres in Tallinn also warmly welcome furry companions. In fact, there are more places where dogs are allowed than those where they are not.
Travelling by ferry with a dog
One weekend, I finally decided to put my plan into action and take a relaxed trip to Tallinn with my dog. Dogs are allowed on all ferries to Tallinn, although prices vary slightly depending on the company. We boarded an Eckerö Line ferry, where a dog travelling in a carrier can come along free of charge. It is worth noting that all ferry companies require pets to be registered in advance. We booked our tickets well ahead of time and informed them that a Jack Russell Terrier in a carrier would be travelling with us.
It is also possible to book a cabin, which many dog owners find useful. However, cabins that allow pets are limited, so they should be reserved early. A cabin is convenient in many ways, as dogs are not allowed in serving areas, restaurants or lounge spaces, and on the Eckerö Line’s M/S Finlandia there are relatively few seating options outside these areas. A slight disappointment was that dogs were not allowed in the duty-free shop. Fortunately, the journey from Helsinki to Tallinn is fairly short.
On the outdoor deck, deck 6, there is a sand area designated for dogs. We went out to enjoy the fresh sea air together, but otherwise the journey passed mostly in anticipation of arrival. In the waiting area, Stella caught the attention of a fellow dog lover, and as often happens when travelling with a dog, conversation quickly started—this time about travelling with dogs and about Tallinn. Dogs are remarkably good ice-breakers, even with complete strangers.
Before long, Tallinn’s familiar skyline appeared on the horizon. It was time to step ashore and start exploring.
Vet visit, Bolt Pet, and a smooth start
Our first stop in Tallinn was the Miki veterinary clinic, which we reached conveniently using Bolt Pet. Travelling with a dog in Estonia is easy and surprisingly affordable. Dogs are also allowed on public transport, although they are required to wear a muzzle there. As Bolt Pet is so convenient and inexpensive, we chose to rely on it and otherwise move around on foot.
We had booked the veterinary appointment in advance from Finland, and confirmation messages arrived in Finnish. My dog has always disliked the taste of deworming medication, and in Finland it has often been a struggle to administer it, even when hidden in treats. At the Miki clinic in Estonia, however, the professional handling Stella turned out to be almost magical—the medication was gone before she even had time to protest. Her tail wagged happily, her passport received a new stamp, she drank some water, and we continued on towards our hotel. It really was that easy.
Hotel life with a dog
Tallinn offers plenty of dog-friendly hotels and accommodation options, but it is important to remember that many places charge an additional fee and require advance notice. It is also wise to check that the surrounding area offers good walking opportunities, and that the rooms are relatively quiet.
Our choice was the Hyatt Place Tallinn, conveniently located near the harbour, and within walking distance of the Old Town. The recently renovated hotel was spacious, practical, and stylishly decorated. The breakfast was excellent, and the beds wonderfully comfortable after a long day. The room was quiet, well air-conditioned, and equipped with a minibar as well as tea and coffee facilities. Stella also enjoyed her stay and received plenty of smiles from the staff.
Walks and encounters in dog-friendly Tallinn
Although I usually like to seek out dog-specific cafés and activities when travelling, this time we took a more relaxed approach. This was our shared weekend break, with the dog naturally included. Our plan was simple: stroll through the city and its parks, stop for coffee and meals, and avoid a tightly scheduled itinerary. Stella is used to city life, and is happiest simply walking alongside me and discovering new surroundings.
Travelling with a dog has a delightful side effect: Stella’s cheerful presence constantly attracts attention. The same happened in Tallinn, where we shared several pleasant moments with strangers. At times, it even feels as though dog owners receive better service in restaurants—and Tallinn was no exception.
The city is extremely dog-friendly. Many restaurants, shops and shopping centres allow dogs inside just as naturally as if you were without one. Estonians genuinely seem to like dogs. Several passers-by politely asked for permission to pet Stella, who accepted the attention like a little queen.
Although we skipped places like the Fotografiska museum this time—despite dogs being welcome there—I know it will definitely be on the list next time. Tallinn is an easy city to move around, breathe in and enjoy—even with a four-legged companion.
Treats and terrier joy in the heart of Tallinn
The Old Town was a pleasure to explore with a dog. My Jack Russell Terrier, who occasionally has a bit of a hunting instinct, was in her element chasing pigeons across the squares. While we try not to encourage this behaviour, it is hard to resist her excitement—something familiar and fun in a new environment.
The charming little pancake kiosk Van Kook, nestled near the Town Hall Square, is impossible to pass by—and we didn’t manage it this time either. We enjoyed delicious small pancakes, and Stella was delighted by the enticing aromas, and a small taste of what might just be the best pancakes in the world.
On Saturday evening, we had a reservation at the popular restaurant Rataskaevu 16. Initially, we planned to leave Stella at the hotel, but when we passed the restaurant earlier in the day, we asked if dogs were allowed. The answer was a warm and immediate yes. In the evening, Stella was greeted kindly, given water, and received plenty of attention from the staff. Meanwhile, we enjoyed excellent food in great company. Tallinn is a haven for food lovers, and it is a joy that many fine dining restaurants also welcome well-behaved dogs.
At the end of the day, a tired dog curled up contentedly on my cardigan on the hotel sofa, while we went for drinks at the Swissôtel rooftop bar. After returning, we took Stella out for a walk, and then all fell asleep happily in the hotel’s soft beds.
A relaxed Sunday: pampering, naps and indulgence
The morning began gently. We walked Stella near the hotel and then enjoyed a generous breakfast ourselves. The tired terrier ate her kibble and continued sleeping while we went for a relaxing foot treatment. Afterwards, we continued our Sunday together.
After a walk, Tallinn’s oldest café, the charming 140-year old Maiasmokk, drew us in—and Stella was welcome there as well. Before heading back to the ferry, we stopped in the Rotermann district for excellent tapas at Siesta Tapas Bar, where Stella was greeted just as warmly as everywhere else. Finally, we did some last-minute shopping, collected our luggage from the hotel, and headed to the harbour.
Our first trip to Tallinn with a dog fully met our expectations. If we were to do anything differently next time, we might book a cabin on the ferry, where the dog could rest for a while. Otherwise, the trip was surprisingly easy, and brought us all a great deal of joy. We will certainly return to Tallinn—with our beloved terrier.
To learn more about this and similar topicsBolt Pet dog-friendly echinococcus treatment Old town Tallinn travelling with a dog veterinary clinic
