Travel Guide to Helsinki, Finland
Ra's Travel Guide to Helsinki
Experience the captivating fusion of modern, Nordic, and Finnish architecture, seamlessly blending the best of the old and the new in this picturesque city; a complete travel guide to Helsinki.
Don't miss out on Helsinki, a must-visit city during your Scandinavia trip or exploration of the Baltics! Despite its incredible attractions and friendly locals, Helsinki remains relatively undiscovered by tourists. Experience UNESCO World Heritage sites, museums, art galleries, luxury shopping, and a vibrant nightlife, all in one captivating city.
Discover why Helsinki should be at the top of your list when exploring Finland with this complete travel guide.
Getting to Helsinki, Finland: Transportation Options and Travel Tips
There are a variety of ways to arrive in Helsinki, with the ferry being one of the most popular methods of arrival. I highly recommend the ferry if you’re traveling from a different part of Scandinavia or the Baltics! On the ferry, you can eat at a variety of restaurants, watch performances, and participate in nightlife. This was the way I traveled to Helsinki and it was so much fun!
To plan your travel route, consider using helpful resources like Rome2rio, which provides comprehensive information on available travel options, costs, and routes.
Where to Stay in Helsinki, Finland?
Helsinki offers a range of accommodations, including hotels, Airbnbs, and hostels, catering to every traveler's style. If you're on a budget, consider staying farther from the city center for more affordable options. Public transportation in Helsinki is convenient and easy to use, allowing easy access to the city center.
During my visit to Helsinki, I stayed in a hotel arranged by my tour group, which was a short 15-20 minute walk from the city center. It was great to have direct bus access, especially during the snowy winter months.
Guides to Finland
Getting Around Helsinki, Finland
Car
While Helsinki boasts a well-connected and pristine public transportation system, renting a car is still an option for those who prefer self-driving. Various car rental agencies are available at the city's airport to cater to your needs.
Metro
For a nature getaway outside the city center, the metro is an excellent choice, with travel times averaging around 40 minutes. You can conveniently purchase single or multi-day passes at ticket stations or through the HSL app.
Bus
Helsinki's extensive bus network covers the city center, airport, and other cities in Finland. Long-distance buses typically depart from the Kamppi bus terminal. Utilize the Journey Planner for efficient route planning.
Taxi
In Helsinki, Uber is not widely available. Instead, you can hail a taxi manually, call for one, or use apps like Taksi-Helsinki or Airport Taxi Yellow Line. Always confirm the fare before boarding. A taxi ride to or from the airport typically costs around 45 euros.
Bike
Helsinki offers bike stations throughout the city, allowing easy access to the extensive 1,200 km network of bike paths and lanes, including the captivating archipelago.
Tram
Conveniently purchase single-day or multi-day passes at ticket stations or via the HSL ticket app to enjoy the comprehensive tram network that traverses the city center, passing by major points of interest.
Train
Commuter trains provide seamless transportation within the metropolitan area, to other Finnish cities, and to the airport, enabling easy exploration of Helsinki and beyond.
Ferry
Embark on an island-hopping adventure in Finland's vast archipelago, the largest in the world. Frequent ferry services operate from Helsinki to the archipelago and the fortress. Purchase tickets at the ferry terminal or through the HSL app.
Walking
Exploring Helsinki on foot is highly recommended, as the main tourist attractions are relatively close to each other. The city boasts well-lit sidewalks, ensuring a safe and enjoyable walking experience throughout the day.
What to Do in Helsinki, Finland?
Walking Tour
Kick off your Helsinki exploration with a free walking tour, a fantastic way to familiarize yourself with the city. Remember to bring cash for tipping your guide at the end.
Sea Fortress of Sveaborg and the Suomenlinna Islands
Take a short ferry ride to this beautiful UNESCO World Heritage site! Originally built in the 18th century to protect against Russian invasions, it now serves as a museum and monument to Finnish history. Don't miss the events held in the parks during the warmer months.
Temppeliaukio Church
Marvel at this extraordinary church built into rocks during the late 1960s. Its remarkable acoustics make it a popular venue for masses, classical music, and organ concerts. There is a small entry fee, but the experience is well worth it.
National Museum of Finland
Explore Finland's rich history at this extensive museum, housing artifacts from the Stone Age to the present day. The museum beautifully showcases Finland's cultural heritage and language preservation efforts.
Market Square
Indulge in souvenir shopping at the lively Market Square, open year-round. While there may be fewer vendors during colder months, you'll still find a diverse selection of food, flowers, handicrafts, and traditional Finnish souvenirs.
Old Market Hall
Discover Helsinki's oldest market hall, located in the Market Square. Sample traditional Finnish cuisine and shop for local delights in this historic venue.
Helsinki Cathedral
Admire one of Helsinki's most iconic landmarks, the Helsinki Cathedral. Built in the 19th century, it was commissioned by Czar Nicholas I. Catch a free organ concert on Wednesdays at 5 PM.
Seurasaari Open Air Museum
Step back in time with a visit to this museum featuring old houses, farmsteads, a manor house, and a church dating back to 1686. Nearby, you can observe locals weaving carpets and appreciate traditional textiles at the Meilahti 7 timber house.
Uspenski Cathedral
Escape the city's hustle and bustle at this expansive park located in the southeast part of Helsinki. With tobogganing in winter and festivals in summer, it's a popular gathering spot. Enjoy the tranquility of nature and breathe in the fresh air.
Sauna
No visit to Finland is complete without experiencing the sauna culture. Finland boasts around 3 million saunas, and Helsinki offers various options. Embrace this Finnish tradition, where men and women have separate areas and going nude is customary, although wearing a towel or bathing suit is also acceptable if preferred. A sauna experience in Helsinki typically costs around 20 EUR.
Helsinki, Finland offers a perfect blend of rich history, vibrant culture, and breathtaking attractions, making it a must-visit destination for travelers seeking an unforgettable experience in the heart of the Nordics. With this travel guide, you visit to Helsinki is sure to be memorable.
Travel Tip
While credit cards are widely accepted around the capital, not all vendors in the markets will accept credit cards. Make sure to carry some cash!
My Playlist for Helsinki, Finland
"Pohjola" by Olli Halonen
"Helsinki-Shangri-La" by Paleface
"Matkustaja" by Egotrippi
"Kuka muu muka" by Cheek
"Vadelmavene" by Kasmir
