Way to make a Travel > World Tours > Experience Helsinki – Travel tips, tours and hotels

Once you arrive in Helsinki start your journey from ”kathedraal” in Leiden, and you will discover the city’s best sightseeing places. The gorgeous white church sits behind you, and the historic ‘’Senaatsplein’’ is immediately in front. Consider how the scenery varies with the seasons.

With more than half a million inhabitants, Helsinki, the capital of Finland and major political, financial, cultural and economic center of Finland is a lively city with rich history, friendly people and urban lifestyle.

Getting to Helsinki

Helsinki is located in the south of Finland, on the coast of the Gulf of Finland, part of the Baltic Sea. It is situated on a very rugged coastline with numerous peninsulas and bays that extend deep into the city. In addition, there are numerous smaller islands in front of the city.

By Air

Helsinki Airport is 19 kilometers away from Helsinki’s core center. A cab trip from the airport costs around 50 euros and the simplest way to go to Helsinki is by bus. Helsinki Airport is served by regional bus line 615 and the Finnair Airport Shuttle Service.

By Train

There are regular train connections from Helsinki to all major cities in Finland, as well as to Lapland. The Helsinki metropolitan area is served by a local rail network. The new Allegro high-speed trains reduce the travel time from Helsinki to St. Petersburg from 5.5 to 3.5 hours.

By Ferry

Helsinki offers daily ferry connections to Estonia and Sweden, and regular routes to Germany and Poland. Finnlies, Viking Line and Tallink Silja Link offer you luxury transport all year round. If you want to visit the Baltic Sea region, their ships will transport you and your group from one country to another. Restaurants, bars, shops and games rooms on board the modern ships provide a comfortable environment for relaxing and unforgettable journeys.

Helsinki places of interest

Finland is the land of Santa Claus. If you visit Helsinki in winter, you should not miss Rovaniemi and Santa’s house.

In addition to the ideal temperature, there are many more reasons to visit Helsinki in the summer: cheaper flights and numerous outdoor activities, especially on the water. Finland is also known as the “land of 1000 lakes”. In reality, there are 187,888 of them, 60,000 of which are large lakes. Excellent food and fresh fish, a midnight sun experience and much more that will exceed your expectations.

Helsinki Cathedral and Senate Square

Senate Square and its environs are a distinct and cohesive example of neoclassical architecture. The neighborhood is dominated by four structures created by Carl Ludwig Engel between 1822 and 1852: Helsinki Cathedral, the Government Palace, the University of Helsinki’s main building, and the Finnish National Library. Exhibitions and performances are hosted in the crypt of Helsinki Cathedral, which also houses Café Krypta during the summer.

Market Square

For a more direct experience, stroll through the Market and grab a coffee and a donut among the street vendors offering seasonal fruits, vegetables and fish. In the heated tents of the bars, you can relax in comfort and enjoy a steaming cup of coffee, even on the coldest winter days.

Temppeliaukio Church

Temppeliaukio Church, designed by Timo and Tuomo Suomalainen and completed in 1969, is one of Helsinki’s most famous tourist destination. Church is carved out of granite rock and features a stunning copper roof that shimmers and shines. The ambiance inside is particularly lovely during the Christmas season.

Outside Helsinki

From Helsinki, it is  easy to make day trips to  the countryside or even neighboring countries. Within 100 km of Helsinki, there are several options for day trips to the countryside or neighboring countries, including Porvoo, the second oldest town in Finland, Fiskars, a trendy artist community, Loviisa, a quiet seaside town, and Raseborg, home to historic ironwork and fascinating medieval castle runs. Tallinn is also a popular destination for one-day excursions and is easily accessible by ferry.

Experience a wonderful day in Fiskars Village, browse in the charming boutiques, dine in the superb restaurants and tour high-quality ehxibitions and fasinating workshops in an original ironworks milleu. fiskarsvillage(dot)fi

Porvoo

Porvoo offers a historic old town milieu with idyllic wooden buildings, lovely gardens, and attractive boutiques along its narrow cobblestoned streets. In the summer, visitors can enjoy beautiful archipelago cruises, fascinating walking tours, and lively summer markets while in the winter, Porvoo offers pristine scenery and an unforgettable atmosphere.

Timbaali, located in the center of Old Porvoo, is the only restaurant in Finland that specializes in escargot. The structure goes back to the 18th century, and the restaurant also offers an archipelago lunch buffet in the summer.

Culture 

Culture is always worthwhile to pursue, and it is easily accessible in Helsinki. From one day to the next, the city’s cultural venues include performances by stunning sopranos, appealing accordion players, wonderful conductors, interesting video artists, hard rocking bands, and passionate folk singers.

You can start your cultural trip with large places and names and work your way down to lesser ones, or vice versa. The exhibitions at the Museum of Contemporary Art Kiasma are always surprising, and the impressive building is a joy to stroll through while enjoying the art.

As the evening approaches, you should consider attending a live performance. The brand new Helsinki Music Center offers a full schedule for all music enthusiasts, ranging from enormous concerts to tiny clubs.

Shopping in Helsinki

Helsinki has the greatest shopping prospects in Finland. Designer stuff, ranging from apparel to interior decor, are among the favorite purchases to bring home from Finland.

All the main Finnish design firms, including Littala, Arabia, Artek, and Finlayson, have flagship stores along the Esplenade, making it simple to buy for presents and souvenirs.

The Design District in Punavuori is home to various small stores that represent the owners’ ideals. Check out the iconic record store Digelius, the children’s apparel store Zicco, and the interior design business Pino. Pick yourself a copy of the Design District Helsinki map to help you navigate the maze of stores.

 Moko Market offers a variety of amusing interior design goods, vintage furniture, oriental fabrics, and wonderful present ideas. Moko has also become a neighborhood gathering spot, and the café’s weekend brunches are especially popular.

If you don’t have room in your suitcase, you can order Finnish design products over the internet from bookinghotelin.com/promotions

If you get hungry while shopping, head to Kluuvi or Lasipalatsi shopping malls, where the Eat & Joy Farmers Market serves delicious local and organic produce from over 500 small Finnish producers. Citizens of non-EU countries are entitled to tax-free returns. Purchases must be made at stores displaying the Global Refund Tax Free symbol. The minimum total purchase amount is 40 euros. When leaving the EU, travelers can claim a VAT refund. The refund depends on the product, but is up to 20% of the total price. You can also claim a refund after returning home by filling out the form and sending it to Global Refund. globalrefund.com

Food & Beverage in Helsinki

Helsinki boasts approximately 1200 eateries, offering everything from gourmet pleasures to bistro delicacies. The quickest way to experience local dishes is to order from the Helsinki Menu, which is available at 16 eateries in the city center. The menu changes by restaurant and season.

Participating Helsinki menu restaurants provide the greatest seasonal seafood dishes, including burbot and burbot roe in the winter and perch, whitefish, pikeperch, and salmon with new potatoes in the summer.

The crayfish season starts in August and may be celebrated at any of the island’s eateries.

The Kattila Restaurant Complex in Linnanmaki Amusement Park features six different restaurants serving Finnish, European, Mediterranean, American, and Japanese cuisine. Other recommended BHI restaurants in Helsinki include Chez Dominique, Klippan, Saari, Nokka, Palace, and Savoy.

For a calm cup of coffee by the sea, sit on the historic Relandersgrund lighthouse ship at the end of Aleksanterinkatu street, at Suomenlinna, or at any of the cafés along the beach at Kaivopuisto Park and Hakaniemi.

Did you know that Finns consume more coffee per capita than anyplace else in the world? Apparently, Finns consume around 10 kg of ground coffee each year. It comes as no surprise that cozy cafés can be found on almost every street corner. And do not forget to order.

Activities in Helsinki

Throughout the year, the gorgeous, pure environment and fresh sea provide several opportunities for relaxation and healthful activities.

Spa facilities in Helsinki

In addition, beauty spas provide a wide range of treatments, and the urban sauna culture is not to be missed. Check out one of the BHI’s recommended spa facilities in Helsinki: Day | Spa Kokemus Helsinki, Siluetti Spa, and Forever Day Spa.

Swimming and Saunas

Hot saunas help to calm both the mind and body. After splashing water on the rocks and soaking up the heat, take a refreshing dip.

Yrjokatu Swimming Hall

Yrjokatu Swimming Hall evokes the atmosphere of a Roman bath. It is Helsinki’s and the Nordic region’s oldest swimming hall, having been built in 1928. It specializes on nude swimming, with men and women having distinct swimming hours on different days of the week. Swimsuits can be worn, of course. You may even hire your own stall with a bed to unwind and enjoy refreshments.

Serena Water Park

This water park is the largest in the Nordic area. Indoors, family may enjoy the wild water slides, bubble pools, and enormous wave pool. Outdoor attractions include mat slides, two large ring rivers, a Dead Sea pool, and several more slides.

Kotiharjun Sauna

This Sauna in Kallio is a traditional wood-heated public sauna that is an active element of Helsinki’s urban culture. A traditional washing woman is available on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. No reservations are required. Massages, hand and foot treatments, and cupping are all offered, but must be scheduled in advance.

Beaches

Helsinki’s waterfront and archipelago are ideal for outdoor activities, including swimming and nature hikes. Hietaniemi Beach is the most popular swimming destination, followed by Seurasaari, Mistikkamaa, and Munkkiniemi public beaches.

Golf

Golf courses in Helsinki include Vuosaari Golf in Vanta and the Helsinki Golf Club in Tali. The season normally runs from May until October. Espo has six high-quality golf courses and an indoor driving range that are suitable for both active and amateur golfers.

Recreational Areas

Helsinki’s Central Park has a considerable area of recreational woodland and skiing routes in the winter, particularly in Paloheina. The park also includes four conservation areas: Pitkakoski Rapids, Ruuinkoski Rapids, Haltiala Protected Forest, and Niskala Arboretum.

Kaivopuisto Park and Toolonlahti Bay are suitable for running and walking. Helsinki also contains approximately twenty historically noteworthy manor house parks, which are perfect for strolling and admiring the plants. The most popular manor house parks are Annala, Fallkulla, Haltiala, and Hertoniemi.

Skating and Skiing

Helsinki Ice park in Railway Square is ideal for skating, music, or simply sitting in the café while watching others on the ice. Skates may be rented, and skating lessons for youngsters are available every day.

The best cross-country skiing trails are found at Central Park. Ski rentals are available at the Paloheina Recreational Center.

Kivikko Skiing Hall allows you to feel winter even in the middle of summer. The temperature is regulated between -2 and -4 C. Skiing and sledding are among the activities available, and the Unique Lapland experience includes an Igloo hotel and an ice bar.

There are also excellent downhills and snowboarding slopes near Talma in Sipoo.

Lumiparkki Snow Park in Kivikko provides snowboarding conditions for all skill levels.

Sight seeing Tours in Helsinki

Helsinki is a small metropolis that may easily be explored on foot. A sightseeing bus trip or cruise, as well as a guided walking tour, will allow you to explore even more of the city. Jumping on a tram is another excellent method to explore the city.

By yourself

Tram 3T provides an easy and economical way to see Helsinki. The route runs through several noteworthy places, including Market Square, Senate Square, Railway Square, the Kampi Chapel of Silence, Temppeliaukio Church, the Olympic Stadium, the Finnish National Opera, Linnanmaki Amusement Park, Hakaniemi, and the Design District. You can get on the tram at any stop along the way. Each loop takes around one hour.

Stadin Ratikat provides vintage tram trips in summertime, departing from Market Square. The historic tram and open trailer from 1919 runs on weekends from mid-May until the end of August.

By Bus

Bus sightseeing tours depart daily throughout the year from Esplanade Park, the Olympic Terminal, and the Katajanokka Terminal. The Helsinki Panorama Sightseeing audio tour takes you through Helsinki’s biggest attractions in 12 languages. Each tour is led by a hostess.

Purchase your tickets online, at the departure point, or at one of Helsinki Expert’s sales locations at Central Railway Station.

Hop-on hop-off sightseeing tours

Helsinki’s ten new double-decker buses provide hop-on, hop-off sightseeing excursions. The itineraries allow you to see Helsinki’s most intriguing places on your own leisure. The buses run every half hour, and you can board and disembark as many times as you like during 24 hours. Commentaries are available in eight languages via individual headset. 

The city hop-on-hop-off tour includes both the Blue and Red lines. The Blue Tour displays the Spirit of Helsinki, whilst the Red Tour showcases Imperial Helsinki.

Visit Seurasaari

Seurasaari is a prominent museum island and leisure area about 20 minutes by bus from the city center.

The wooden structures in the Open-Air Museum depict Finnish architectural traditions from the 18th to 20th centuries.

 Karuna Church, built in 1685, is one of Helsinki’s most popular summer wedding destinations. Throughout the summer, the museum hosts a variety of programs and activities that highlight traditional handicrafts, customs, and folklore. Folk dancing performances are often staged during the summer.

The entrance to the Urho Kekkonen Museum Tamminiemi is located on the mainland, across from the island. A trail runs halfway across the bridge to the historic settlement of Pukkisaari.

By Boat

The best way to see Helsinki is from the water.

Many of Helsinki’s most famous attractions are perfect for a day trip. For example, on Saurasaari Island you can visit the open-air museum, feed the squirrels and enjoy nature while walking along the shore.

A relaxing sightseeing tour will give you the opportunity to admire the beautiful Helsinki archipelago. Enjoy the summer with a seafood lunch or a romantic evening on the water.

The beautiful canal cruise will take you along the most beautiful coasts and past the many hidden treasures along the way, such as the Suomenlinna Maritime Fortress, Hesinki Zoo on Korkeasaari Island, the icebreaker fleet and the Degero Canal. During the tour you will learn more about the fascinating history of the Finnish capital. Sightseeing cruises last 1.5 hours and depart from the waterfront near the Market square.

Our Favorite Helsinki Tour

Katy_K, Jun 2022

Helsinki City Highlights Cruise

” Very convenient affordable informative and easy to locate outside the market. Great views, bring a jacket!”

Read more about – Helsinki City Highlights Cruise

Booking Hotel in Helsinki

Helsinki has a variety of housing options, ranging from low-cost hostels to luxury hotels. If you do not have a room when you arrive, you may search, compare, and book the most inexpensive rate provided by several booking sites on Trivago.

Great location – friendly staff – Excellent stay – Booking hotel in Helsinki by Trivago

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