Helsinki
Finland
Why Helsinki is a great destination
Helsinki is a crowd-light Nordic capital where nature, design and sea air deliver as much wow as busier city breaks—minus the hassle and with better value.
- Atmosphere: Calm, sea-facing city stitched together by parks and shoreline paths—stroll Esplanadi, picnic on Kaivopuisto’s granite cliffs, or cycle the 10 km Keskuspuisto forest; space to breathe without the crowds.
- Culture & heritage: From the UNESCO-listed Suomenlinna and the sculptural Sibelius Monument to Finlandia Hall, Helsinki blends heritage with clean-lined modernism; join locals for spring Vappu picnics in Kaivopuisto for authentic city life.
- Everyday flavours: Warm up with lohikeitto (salmon soup) and korvapuusti (cinnamon buns) in market halls and neighbourhood cafés—try lakeside Café Regatta—then steam at public saunas like Löyly or Allas for an only-in-Finland ritual.
- Easy value: Free-to-roam green spaces, low-cost island ferries (Seurasaari, Vallisaari) and a superb city bike network make exploring effortless—more experiences, fewer queues.
Who should go to Helsinki?
Travellers who want a city break with instant access to nature will love Helsinki. As one of Europe’s greenest capitals, it blends parks, forests, islands and shoreline paths into everyday life. From summer picnics to winter ski tracks, it’s easy to find your season here.
- History lovers: Explore the UNESCO sea fortress of Suomenlinna, elegant Esplanadi, and rewilded military islands like Vallisaari for centuries of stories in one compact city.
- Scenery seekers: Climb Kaivopuisto for Baltic views, circle Töölönlahti at sunset, and bask in autumn ruska in Keskuspuisto, with coastline and island access that few capitals can match.
- Active travellers: Run, cycle or ski forest trails in Keskuspuisto and follow the 130 km coastal path network, with city bikes and trams linking trailheads in minutes.
- Families: Let kids roam lawns and play areas at Töölönlahti and Kaivopuisto, meet tame squirrels on Seurasaari, and picnic at designated grills.
- Nature & wildlife fans: Walk duckboards to Lammassaari and Kuusiluoto for top birdwatching at Vanhankaupunginlahti and urban meadows buzzing with pollinators.
- City‑breakers & café hoppers: Stroll the elegant Esplanadi, pause at Kappeli or Café Regatta, and hop ferries to green islands just minutes from the city centre.
Who should go to Helsinki?
Travellers who want a city break with instant access to nature will love Helsinki. As one of Europe’s greenest capitals, it blends parks, forests, islands and shoreline paths into everyday life. From summer picnics to winter ski tracks, it’s easy to find your season here.
- History lovers: Explore the UNESCO sea fortress of Suomenlinna, elegant Esplanadi, and rewilded military islands like Vallisaari for centuries of stories in one compact city.
- Scenery seekers: Climb Kaivopuisto for Baltic views, circle Töölönlahti at sunset, and bask in autumn ruska in Keskuspuisto, with coastline and island access that few capitals can match.
- Active travellers: Run, cycle or ski forest trails in Keskuspuisto and follow the 130 km coastal path network, with city bikes and trams linking trailheads in minutes.
- Families: Let kids roam lawns and play areas at Töölönlahti and Kaivopuisto, meet tame squirrels on Seurasaari, and picnic at designated grills.
- Nature & wildlife fans: Walk duckboards to Lammassaari and Kuusiluoto for top birdwatching at Vanhankaupunginlahti and urban meadows buzzing with pollinators.
- City‑breakers & café hoppers: Stroll the elegant Esplanadi, pause at Kappeli or Café Regatta, and hop ferries to green islands just minutes from the city centre.
Top things to do in Helsinki
Here are the unmissable green-space highlights of Helsinki. Use this shortlist to experience the city’s nature, history and seaside charm in every season.
- Walk the elegant Esplanadi from the Swedish Theatre to Market Square, pausing at Kappeli and the buskers under grand lindens.
- Explore Kaivopuisto’s rolling hills and sea views up to the Ursa Observatory, the classic spot for Vappu picnics and sunset vistas.
- Visit Seurasaari’s open-air museum island via the white wooden bridge to meet tame red squirrels and heritage wooden buildings.
- Take the ferry to Vallisaari and Kuninkaansaari for wild coastal trails, crumbling fortifications and contemporary art on a former military island.
- Hike the 10 km Keskuspuisto green corridor from Töölönlahti to Paloheinä for forest paths, winter ski tracks and foraging in season.
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Top things to do in Helsinki
Here are the unmissable green-space highlights of Helsinki. Use this shortlist to experience the city’s nature, history and seaside charm in every season.
- Walk the elegant Esplanadi from the Swedish Theatre to Market Square, pausing at Kappeli and the buskers under grand lindens.
- Explore Kaivopuisto’s rolling hills and sea views up to the Ursa Observatory, the classic spot for Vappu picnics and sunset vistas.
- Visit Seurasaari’s open-air museum island via the white wooden bridge to meet tame red squirrels and heritage wooden buildings.
- Take the ferry to Vallisaari and Kuninkaansaari for wild coastal trails, crumbling fortifications and contemporary art on a former military island.
- Hike the 10 km Keskuspuisto green corridor from Töölönlahti to Paloheinä for forest paths, winter ski tracks and foraging in season.
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3-day Helsinki itinerary
Day 1: Waterfront icons and sea air
Helsinki’s historic centre meets the Baltic here: elegant promenades, ferry rides, sea views and easy walking between sights. Dress in layers—the breeze off the water can feel cool even in summer.
- Morning: Stroll Esplanadi from the Swedish Theatre to the Market Square, pausing at statues and for coffee at Kappeli. If you’re here in summer, catch midday music on the park stage; in winter, enjoy the lights and calm morning atmosphere.
- Midday: Take the public ferry to Suomenlinna for ramparts, tunnels and big-sky sea views; bring a simple picnic for the grassy embankments. Winter paths can be icy and some cafés/museums run limited hours—check the ferry timetable in the HSL app.
- Afternoon: Return via the harbourfront and walk to Sibelius Park to see the sculptural monument; warm up with a cinnamon bun at Café Regatta by the shore. Follow the coastal path towards Hietaniemi for quiet water views and, in summer, a dip at the beach.
- Evening: Climb Kaivopuisto’s hill for sunset over the islands; on 1 May this is the legendary Vappu picnic spot, while in snowy winters it’s great for sledging. If grilling, use only designated spots or a portable grill where permitted, and always leave no trace.
Day 2: Forest heart and city oasis
Today blends deep-woods Finland with a serene urban bay loop. Bring a refillable bottle and, if it’s warm, light clothing for active time outdoors; in winter, consider renting skis.
- Morning: Head into Keskuspuisto via Paloheinä for signed forest trails; choose an easy loop or a longer run/ride. In winter, the illuminated cross‑country tracks are groomed here; in warmer months, keep an eye out for berries and mushrooms but only pick what you can identify.
- Midday: Find a bench in the Haltiala section for a simple packed lunch; mosquitoes can be lively in summer, and ticks exist—do a quick check afterwards. Fires are allowed only at official fireplaces and never during forest‑fire warnings.
- Afternoon: Return to the centre for the 2.2 km Töölönlahti loop past Finlandia Hall and the swan‑filled reeds; pop into the free Winter Garden to warm up among palms and cacti. This loop is pram‑ and wheelchair‑friendly and works in all seasons.
- Evening: Linger by the water with takeaway snacks as the evening light softens; in autumn, the ruska colours here are superb. In winter, swap for an hour at a nearby public ice rink and a hot drink, or glide the lit forest tracks back in Keskuspuisto.
Day 3: Eastern wilds and island calm
Explore rugged shores, pine forests and reedbeds that feel far from the city. Pack snacks, a windproof layer, and insect repellent in summer.
- Morning: Take the metro to Vuosaari and hike Uutela’s coastal loop over smooth bedrock and through maritime pines. Use the public cooking shelter for a hot drink if no forest‑fire warning is in effect; rocks can be icy in winter.
- Midday: Picnic by a sheltered bay; bring swimwear in summer for a bracing dip, or watch the whitecaps and seabirds in shoulder seasons. Paths are mostly natural—sturdy shoes help year‑round.
- Afternoon: Bus to Vanhankaupunginlahti and follow the long duckboards to Lammassaari and Kuusiluoto for bird towers and big skies. Stay on the pitkospuut to protect the reeds and heed any seasonal access signs during nesting season.
- Evening: Unwind on Seurasaari’s easy island loop and meet the famously tame squirrels (offer only unsalted nuts, and never litter). Note that parts of the south shore are a protected nature reserve with seasonal restrictions (Apr–Aug); midsummer brings bonfires, while winter often means hushed, snowy paths.
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Food and drink in Helsinki
Helsinki’s food scene blends Nordic simplicity with clean, seasonal flavours from the sea and forest. Expect excellent coffee culture, unfussy plates, and plenty of local produce. In summer, park picnics and waterfront snacks are a way of life.
- Lohikeitto (salmon soup) – Creamy salmon soup with dill, potato and rye bread on the side. Cosy, no-frills bowls at market halls and harbour kiosks.
- Karjalanpiirakka & munavoi – Traditional Karelian pies (rye crust, rice filling) topped with buttery egg spread. Homely comfort in bakeries and cafés.
- Korvapuusti + coffee – Cardamom-scented cinnamon buns paired with strong filter coffee. Unhurried café culture in calm, design-led spaces.
- Craft beers & lonkero – Finnish microbrews and the classic grapefruit long drink. Relaxed tastings in neighbourhood bars and brewery taprooms.
Eat like a local: Discover Helsinki top-rated restaurants on Tripadvisor
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Food and drink in Helsinki
Helsinki’s food scene blends Nordic simplicity with clean, seasonal flavours from the sea and forest. Expect excellent coffee culture, unfussy plates, and plenty of local produce. In summer, park picnics and waterfront snacks are a way of life.
- Lohikeitto (salmon soup) – Creamy salmon soup with dill, potato and rye bread on the side. Cosy, no-frills bowls at market halls and harbour kiosks.
- Karjalanpiirakka & munavoi – Traditional Karelian pies (rye crust, rice filling) topped with buttery egg spread. Homely comfort in bakeries and cafés.
- Korvapuusti + coffee – Cardamom-scented cinnamon buns paired with strong filter coffee. Unhurried café culture in calm, design-led spaces.
- Craft beers & lonkero – Finnish microbrews and the classic grapefruit long drink. Relaxed tastings in neighbourhood bars and brewery taprooms.
Eat like a local: Discover Helsinki top-rated restaurants on Tripadvisor
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Where to stay in Helsinki
Choosing where to stay in Helsinki is about matching the neighbourhood to the experience you want. Each area offers a distinct vibe, from formal promenades and seaside parks to forest trails and island ferries—pick the base that suits your pace. Public transport is excellent, so you can explore widely whatever you choose.
- City Centre & Esplanadi — Elegant and walkable for first‑timers, beside Esplanadi Park and Market Square with quick ferries to Suomenlinna; buzzy, convenient, and pricier in summer.
- Töölö — Leafy, residential calm around Töölönlahti’s 2.2 km loop, Sibelius Park and Hietaniemi beach; ideal for runners, families and culture lovers near Finlandia Hall.
- Kaivopuisto & Eira — Upscale seaside streets by the city’s grandest park and shoreline paths; big views, embassy villas and quiet nights for picnics and relaxed strolls.
- Kallio & Hakaniemi — Bohemian and budget‑friendly with lively bars and the market hall, walkable to Kaisaniemi and Vanhankaupunginlahti nature trails; suits night owls and foodies.
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Where to stay in Helsinki
Choosing where to stay in Helsinki is about matching the neighbourhood to the experience you want. Each area offers a distinct vibe, from formal promenades and seaside parks to forest trails and island ferries—pick the base that suits your pace. Public transport is excellent, so you can explore widely whatever you choose.
- City Centre & Esplanadi — Elegant and walkable for first‑timers, beside Esplanadi Park and Market Square with quick ferries to Suomenlinna; buzzy, convenient, and pricier in summer.
- Töölö — Leafy, residential calm around Töölönlahti’s 2.2 km loop, Sibelius Park and Hietaniemi beach; ideal for runners, families and culture lovers near Finlandia Hall.
- Kaivopuisto & Eira — Upscale seaside streets by the city’s grandest park and shoreline paths; big views, embassy villas and quiet nights for picnics and relaxed strolls.
- Kallio & Hakaniemi — Bohemian and budget‑friendly with lively bars and the market hall, walkable to Kaisaniemi and Vanhankaupunginlahti nature trails; suits night owls and foodies.
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Good to know before you go to Helsinki
Travel in Helsinki is straightforward: the city is compact, well signed and built around easy-to-use public transport, with parks and shoreline paths linking many sights. A few practical pointers on costs, getting around, language and seasonal patterns will make planning even smoother.
- Affordability: Expect Nordic price levels for meals and hotels, but parks are free, HSL public transport and city ferries (e.g., to Suomenlinna) are inexpensive, and costs are generally predictable.
- Transport: The centre is very walkable; the HSL network (trams, metro, buses, commuter trains) is excellent, seasonal city bikes are handy, and ferries reach islands like Suomenlinna and Vallisaari—no car needed for most trips.
- Language: Finnish and Swedish are official, signage often appears in both, and English is widely understood in transport, restaurants and attractions.
- Safety & comfort: It’s very safe and family/solo‑traveller friendly; use normal city smarts with valuables, watch for icy paths in winter and mosquitoes/ticks in woods in summer, and follow posted rules on fires and swimming.
- Crowds: June–August is peak season with long days and busy parks/islands (and a huge 1 May picnic in Kaivopuisto), while spring and autumn are calmer and winter is quiet and atmospheric.
Good to know before you go to Helsinki
Travel in Helsinki is straightforward: the city is compact, well signed and built around easy-to-use public transport, with parks and shoreline paths linking many sights. A few practical pointers on costs, getting around, language and seasonal patterns will make planning even smoother.
- Affordability: Expect Nordic price levels for meals and hotels, but parks are free, HSL public transport and city ferries (e.g., to Suomenlinna) are inexpensive, and costs are generally predictable.
- Transport: The centre is very walkable; the HSL network (trams, metro, buses, commuter trains) is excellent, seasonal city bikes are handy, and ferries reach islands like Suomenlinna and Vallisaari—no car needed for most trips.
- Language: Finnish and Swedish are official, signage often appears in both, and English is widely understood in transport, restaurants and attractions.
- Safety & comfort: It’s very safe and family/solo‑traveller friendly; use normal city smarts with valuables, watch for icy paths in winter and mosquitoes/ticks in woods in summer, and follow posted rules on fires and swimming.
- Crowds: June–August is peak season with long days and busy parks/islands (and a huge 1 May picnic in Kaivopuisto), while spring and autumn are calmer and winter is quiet and atmospheric.
Best time to go to Helsinki
Helsinki has dramatic seasonal shifts: light-filled summers, radiant autumn “ruska”, and snowy, low‑light winters that transform parks, islands, and coastal paths. Plan around daylight and temperatures, which swing from mild in summer to sub‑zero in winter.
- High Summer (Jun–Aug): Warmest weather and longest days; busiest ferries, parks and events; lively, outdoorsy vibe.
- Shoulder Season (Apr–May & Sep–Oct): Cool to mild with spring blossoms or autumn colours; lighter crowds; calm, local feel though some services are reduced.
- Winter (Nov–Mar): Cold and short days with snow/ice; quiet sights, skiing and skating; cosy, festive atmosphere but conditions can be harsh and slippery.
Best time to go to Helsinki
Helsinki has dramatic seasonal shifts: light-filled summers, radiant autumn “ruska”, and snowy, low‑light winters that transform parks, islands, and coastal paths. Plan around daylight and temperatures, which swing from mild in summer to sub‑zero in winter.
- High Summer (Jun–Aug): Warmest weather and longest days; busiest ferries, parks and events; lively, outdoorsy vibe.
- Shoulder Season (Apr–May & Sep–Oct): Cool to mild with spring blossoms or autumn colours; lighter crowds; calm, local feel though some services are reduced.
- Winter (Nov–Mar): Cold and short days with snow/ice; quiet sights, skiing and skating; cosy, festive atmosphere but conditions can be harsh and slippery.
Share Helsinki with friends and start planning your trip together.
How to get to Helsinki
By Air
- Helsinki Airport (HEL), Vantaa – about 18 km north of the centre.
- Train: I and P commuter lines from the airport station to Helsinki Central Station (27–35 minutes, every ~10 minutes at peak). Buy an ABC ticket in the HSL app or from machines.
- Taxi: 25–40 minutes depending on traffic.
- Bus: HSL bus 600 to Central Station (about 40 minutes).
- Alternative airports with rail links to Helsinki:
- Tampere (TMP) via Tampere–Helsinki trains (~1 h 30 min).
- Turku (TKU) via Turku–Helsinki trains (~2 h).
By Train
- Main hub: Helsinki Central Station; major interchange also at Pasila (one stop north).
- Operator: VR (Finnish Railways).
- Typical journey times:
- Tampere ~1 h 30 min (frequent).
- Turku ~1 h 50 min (direct and via Kupittaa).
- Lahti ~1 h; Kouvola ~1 h 30 min.
- Oulu ~5 h 30–6 h.
- Rovaniemi ~8–12 h (night trains with sleepers; car-carrier services available).
- International rail services to Russia are suspended.
By Coach
- Main terminal: Kamppi (underground bus terminal in the city centre).
- Operators: OnniBus, Matkahuolto network (multiple companies), FlixBus (seasonal on some routes).
- Frequent links to major Finnish cities and airports (e.g., Turku, Tampere, Lahti, Jyväskylä, Oulu, Rovaniemi).
By Ferry
- Tallinn (Estonia): 2–2.5 hours; multiple daily departures.
- Operators: Tallink Silja, Viking Line, Eckerö Line.
- Terminal: West Harbour (Länsisatama, mainly Terminal 2).
- Stockholm (Sweden): overnight 16–18 hours.
- Operators: Tallink Silja (Olympia Terminal), Viking Line (Katajanokka Terminal).
- Germany (Travemünde–Helsinki, ~29–31 hours): Finnlines (arrives/departs Vuosaari Harbour).
- Vehicle and foot passengers accepted on all routes; terminals are linked to city transport.
By Car
- Main approaches:
- E18 west from Turku/Naantali; E18 east from Porvoo–Kotka–Hamina.
- E12 via Hämeenlinna–Tampere.
- E75 via Lahti–Jyväskylä–Oulu (to Lapland).
- City ring roads: Kehä I/II/III connect to motorways and the airport.
- Vehicles can arrive via ferries from Tallinn/Stockholm/Germany.
- Practical notes: winter conditions can be severe (use appropriate tyres); headlights required at all times; paid/limited parking in the centre.
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