Helsinki Travel Guide

Your ultimate guide to Helsinki, Finland with information on where to stay, what to do, local culture, and transportation options.


Introduction to Helsinki

Helsinki is a vibrant city, located in Uusimaa, the southern region of Finland. It is the capital city of Finland and is situated on the shores of the Gulf of Finland. Helsinki is known for its stunning architecture, vibrant art scene, delicious food, and great nightlife. The city is a perfect blend of urban culture and natural beauty. It offers the visitors a vast variety of experiences that one can cherish for a lifetime.

List of Places to Visit in Helsinki

When it comes to places to visit in Helsinki, the city has something to offer for everyone. From beautiful museums to vibrant nightlife, here are some of the must-visit places in Helsinki:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • The Helsinki Cathedral - The most iconic landmark of Helsinki, and an absolute must-visit, is the Helsinki Cathedral. It was built in 1852 and is one of the finest examples of neoclassical architecture in Europe.

  • The National Museum of Finland - The National Museum of Finland is the best way to introduce yourself to the Finnish culture and history. It has a vast collection that includes artifacts from the stone age to modern times.

  • The Suomenlinna Fortress - This UNESCO World Heritage site is located on a group of islands off the coast of Helsinki. It was built in the 18th century to protect the city from the Russian naval forces.

Natural Attractions of Helsinki: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • The Nuuksio National Park - The Nuuksio National park is a great place to experience the beautiful Finnish nature. It is located just 30 minutes away from downtown Helsinki and offers hiking trails, bird watching, and camping opportunities.

  • The Seurasaari Open-Air Museum - This open-air museum presents the life and traditions of Finnish people from the past four centuries.

  • The Helsinki Zoo - Helsinki Zoo is the perfect place to spend a day with family. The zoo has more than 200 animal species from all over the world.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Helsinki

Helsinki is a perfect place for nature enthusiasts who love to hike or bike. There are several trails and routes you can explore in Helsinki, which include:

  • The Central Park Trail - The Central Park trail is an 11-km trail that starts from the city center and leads you to the Nuuksio National park.

  • The Helsinki Archipelago Trail - The trail is a 120-km round trip that takes you through some of the most beautiful islands of the Helsinki archipelago.

Best Things to Do in Helsinki: Activities and Tours

  • The Helsinki Design District Tour - Helsinki Design District is a cluster of creative businesses located in the heart of Helsinki. The tour takes you around some of the most impressive design shops and galleries.

  • The Helsinki Food Tour - Helsinki Food Tour is perfect for foodies. The tour takes you to some of the best restaurants in Helsinki.

Week-Long Itinerary for Helsinki

Day 1: Helsinki Cathedral, Helsinki Design District, and Sea Fortress Suomenlinna Day 2: Temppeliaukio Church, The National Museum of Finland, and Helsinki Zoo Day 3: Helsinki Archipelago Tour Day 4: Nuuksio National Park Hike and Seurasaari Open-Air Museum Day 5: The Finnish Sauna Experience and Helsinki Food Tour Day 6: Linnanmaki Amusement Park, Helsinki City Museum, and Kauppatori Market Day 7: Helsinki Botanic Garden, Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra, and Sibelius Monument

Food and Drink Scene of Helsinki

Must-Try Dishes

  • Kalakukko (Fish Pie) - Kalakukko is a traditional Finnish dish that is often found in the eastern regions of Finland. It has a filling of fish, bacon, and onions.

  • Karelian Pies - Karelian pies are made of rye flour and stuffed with rice, mashed potatoes, or carrots. They are often served with butter and egg butter.

Local Beverages

  • Lonkero - Lonkero is a Finnish long drink made with gin and grapefruit soda. This refreshing drink is popular among locals and tourists alike.

  • Glögi - Glögi is a traditional Finnish hot drink made with a mix of spices, red wine, and sugar.

Where to Stay in Helsinki: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Helsinki has a vast range of accommodations to choose from. You can find luxury hotels, hostels, and guesthouses that fit your travel budget. Some of the best accommodations in Helsinki include:

  • Hotel Kamp - Hotel Kamp is a luxury hotel located in the heart of Helsinki. It offers five-star services and comfort to the guests.

  • Eurohostel - Eurohostel offers affordable accommodation in the center of Helsinki. The hostel has private and dorm-style rooms and is a great option for budget travelers.

What to Buy in Helsinki: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Helsinki is known for Finnish design and unique handicrafts. Some of the best things to buy in Helsinki include:

  • Marimekko - Marimekko is a famous Finnish design house that offers a range of clothes, textiles, and accessories.

  • Iittala Glassware - Iittala is a popular Finnish glassware brand that sells contemporary and traditional glassware designs.

Local Culture and Customs of Helsinki

Helsinki is known for its relaxed and informal culture. Finnish people are reserved and prefer quietness and calmness in their daily lives.

Best Time to Visit Helsinki

The best time to visit Helsinki is from May to September when the weather is mild, and the city is alive with festivals and outdoor events.

Do’s and Don’ts of Helsinki

Do:

  • Respect Finnish culture and customs in public places.

  • Take a Finnish Sauna.

Don’t:

  • Speak loud or behave rudely in public places.

  • Walk on bike lanes.

Safety and Health

Safety in Helsinki

Helsinki is generally a safe city to travel to. However, it is always recommended to take precautions as you would in any city.

Health in Helsinki

Finland has an excellent healthcare system. In case you need medical assistance, you can visit a hospital or a health clinic.

Getting to Helsinki: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Helsinki

Helsinki has one of the best airports in Europe, Helsinki-Vantaa Airport. You can take a direct flight to Helsinki from most European cities and several other destinations worldwide.

Bus Stations Near Helsinki

Helsinki also has excellent bus connections to destinations within Finland and other Nordic countries.

How to Get Around in Helsinki

The easiest way to get around Helsinki is by using public transportation. The city has an extensive tram and bus network that serves all parts of the city.

Where to Go Next from Helsinki: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Tallinn, Estonia - Tallinn is just a two-hour ferry ride away from Helsinki. It is a beautiful medieval city that is definitely worth a visit.

  • St. Petersburg, Russia - St. Petersburg is just 3.5 hours away by train from Helsinki. The city is known for its beautiful architecture and rich history.

Conclusion

Helsinki is a versatile city that offers something for everyone. It is known for its dynamic culture, beautiful architecture, vibrant nightlife, and natural beauty. This guide offers you all the information you need to make the best of your trip to Helsinki, including a list of must-visit attractions, hiking and biking routes, food and drink recommendations, cultural customs, safety tips, and more. Explore Helsinki and fall in love with the city’s charm!

Helsinki's symbol, the Lutheran Cathedral (''Tuomiokirkko'') Helsinki's symbol, the Lutheran Cathedral (''Tuomiokirkko'') For most of the day, the Helsinki Airport is a cosy place resembling a large living room with a view, due to its wood-panelled flooring. For most of the day, the Helsinki Airport is a cosy place resembling a large living room with a view, due to its wood-panelled flooring. Central Railway Station Central Railway Station M/S Silja Symphony of the Stockholm line in Eteläsatama; the major ferries are made to go through even thick sea ice. M/S Silja Symphony of the Stockholm line in Eteläsatama; the major ferries are made to go through even thick sea ice. Matkakortti reader Matkakortti reader Helsinki tram lines as of 2020 (click to enlarge) Helsinki tram lines as of 2020 (click to enlarge) Rapid transit map, including Helsinki metro, VR commuter rail and bus rapid transit (''runkolinjat''). For 2018 Rapid transit map, including Helsinki metro, VR commuter rail and bus rapid transit (''runkolinjat''). For 2018 Taxi stand by the Central Railway Station Taxi stand by the Central Railway Station Baana Baana The Kluuvikatu street at Christmas The Kluuvikatu street at Christmas Suomenlinna fortress, seen from a passing ferry Suomenlinna fortress, seen from a passing ferry The Tavastia Club at night The Tavastia Club at night An illuminated artwork at Lux Helsinki 2016, in the Ateneum art museum. An illuminated artwork at Lux Helsinki 2016, in the Ateneum art museum. Vappu Vappu Helsinki Samba Carnaval. Helsinki Samba Carnaval. Senate Square on a snowy December morning Senate Square on a snowy December morning The main building of the University of Helsinki at the Senate Square, the four sides of which represent the Church, the worldly power, the scholarship and the bourgeoisie The main building of the University of Helsinki at the Senate Square, the four sides of which represent the Church, the worldly power, the scholarship and the bourgeoisie Aleksanterinkatu shopping street and Stockmann department store Aleksanterinkatu shopping street and Stockmann department store Old Market Hall Old Market Hall Café Ekberg, the oldest coffeehouse of Helsinki Café Ekberg, the oldest coffeehouse of Helsinki Ruoholahti by night Ruoholahti by night Embassy of the United States Embassy of the United States Lake in Nuuksio Lake in Nuuksio


    Eastern suburbs
    Kruununhaka and Katajanokka
    Northern suburbs