Trip to Helsinki | Finland Travel Guide

Sahil Dadashov
9 min readDec 15, 2022

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Helsinki is the capital and largest city of Finland. If you’re planning to travel to Helsinki, here are a few things you should know:

  • The best time to visit Helsinki is during the summer months, from June to August, when the weather is warm and sunny.
  • Helsinki is a very safe city, with a low crime rate and friendly locals.
  • The official language of Helsinki is Finnish, but many people also speak English, especially in tourist areas.
  • Helsinki is a great city for food lovers, with a wide variety of restaurants and cafés offering local and international cuisine.
  • Helsinki is known for its beautiful architecture, including the Helsinki Cathedral, the Senate Square, and the Temppeliaukio Church.
  • Helsinki is also home to several museums and art galleries, including the Ateneum Art Museum and the Helsinki City Museum.
  • To get to Helsinki, you can fly into Helsinki-Vantaa Airport, which is located about 20 kilometers from the city center. From there, you can take a train or bus into the city.

Where to Stay in Helsinki

Helsinki is the capital of Finland, in other words, the “Land of the Lakes”. Finland is known worldwide for being a country of prosperity. The country is seen as peaceful, calm, civilized, advanced and orderly. If you want to take a vacation in this city, which has a high number of galleries and museums in this country, which has adopted the place and value of art by going out of a holiday we are used to, there are many hotels with different concepts where you can stay.

This city, which smells of art, is also known as the “white city of the north” due to its architecture concentrated with light-colored granite stones. In addition, you may find it difficult to choose Helsinki hotels that vary according to their features and budget for a holiday where you can’t get enough of the smell of the famous purple lilacs and you can’t finish visiting the city, which has 315 islands. Hotels in Helsinki, which is a very safe city, are also safe and clean with the same dedication.

Where to go in Helsinki

Helsinki is a city you will want to visit as you visit its islands, architectural structures, natural parks, markets and museums. Places to visit in Helsinki will meet your expectations, combined with pleasant shopping venues and restaurants that offer flavors in the city. Since the touristic areas are generally close to each other and within walking distance, it is a city that you can visit comfortably.

Suomenlinna Island and Castle

Suomenlinna Island and Castle

The island is one of the most touristic spots in Helsinki and one of the main attractions in the country. You can step into this cute island with a boat ride that departs from Market Square in an average of 15 minutes from Helsinki. There are several museums, bridges and castles with submarine remains on the island.

Uspenski Cathedral and Kauppatori

Uspenski Cathedral and Kauppatori

Built with Byzantine and Slavic architecture, the cathedral is the largest Orthodox church in Western Europe. It is a must-see place in Helsinki with its ornate structure. The cathedral rises on the market square, which is Kauppatori in Finnish. It is an important day in Orthodox Christianity. It was made to commemorate the eternal sleep of the Virgin Mary. The word “uspenski” comes from the old Slavic church language “uspenie”, which represents this event.

Finnish National Gallery

Finnish National Gallery

The Finnish National Gallery, or Suomen Kansallisgalleria, is Finland’s largest art institution. This state-sponsored institute collects valuable works of Finnish history and allows them to be exhibited in museums. The Finnish National Gallery includes Helsinki’s most important museums, the Ateneum Art Museum, the Kiasma Museum of Contemporary Art and the Sinebrychoff Art Museum.

Senate Square and Helsinki Cathedral

Senate Square and Helsinki Cathedral

It is one of the most important squares in the city and is home to many historical sites. This square is the heart of Helsinki’s neoclassical era. There are also the works of German architect Carl Ludvig Engel, who created the city from scratch during the period of Russian domination. The cathedral, the Finnish Senate and the University of Helsinki are also located in this area. In the square, the Russian Tsar II. There is a statue of Alexander. This statue, made in 1894, stands in memory of the beloved tsar during his reign.

Helsinki Islands

Helsinki Islands

Apart from the islands of Kustaanmiekka, Susisaari, Iso-Mustasaari, Pikku-Mustasaari, Länsi-Mustasaari and Långören, where the Suomenlinna castle complex is located, Helsinki has nearly 300 islands. During warmer weather, Helsinki residents go to these islands to get away from the noise of the city and to enjoy the sun. If you have time, we recommend you to visit other islands by using the ferries.

When to go to Helsinki?

The best time to visit Helsinki is during the summer months, from June to August, when the weather is warm and sunny. This is also the busiest tourist season, so you may want to book your accommodations and flights in advance.

If you prefer cooler weather, the spring and fall are also nice times to visit Helsinki. The city is beautiful during these seasons, with a vibrant mixture of colors and activities. However, be prepared for some rain, as the weather can be unpredictable.

Winter is another option for visiting Helsinki, but it can be cold and dark, with temperatures averaging around 0 degrees Celsius. If you do decide to visit during the winter, be sure to pack warm clothes and take advantage of the many indoor activities and attractions that Helsinki has to offer.

What to eat in Helsinki

Helsinki is a great city for food lovers, with a wide variety of restaurants and cafés offering local and international cuisine. Here are some of the dishes and foods you should try while you’re in Helsinki:

  • Karelian pasties: these savory pastries are made with a rye crust and filled with rice and either boiled eggs or mashed potatoes.
  • Reindeer: reindeer meat is a traditional Finnish dish, often served with mashed potatoes, gravy, and lingonberry jam.
  • Salmon soup: this hearty soup is made with salmon, potatoes, and carrots, and is a popular winter dish in Helsinki.
  • Sausages: Helsinki has a variety of sausages, from spicy chorizo to traditional Finnish sausage. You can find sausages at many street food stalls and markets.
  • Berry desserts: Finland is known for its delicious berries, and you can find them in many desserts, such as pies, tarts, and jams.
  • Craft beer: Helsinki has a thriving craft beer scene, with many local breweries offering a wide range of beer. You can find craft beer at many bars and pubs in the city.
  • Coffee: Finns are known for their love of coffee, and you’ll find many coffee shops and cafes in Helsinki where you can enjoy a cup of high-quality coffee.

In addition to these local specialties, you can also find a wide variety of international cuisine in Helsinki, from Italian and French to Indian and Chinese.

Is It Safe to Travel to Helsinki

Yes, Helsinki is a very safe city, with a low crime rate and friendly locals. In fact, Helsinki is often ranked as one of the safest cities in the world. However, as with any city, it’s always a good idea to take common sense precautions to protect yourself and your belongings.

Here are a few tips for staying safe in Helsinki:

  • Avoid carrying large amounts of cash, and keep your valuables securely stored in a hotel safe or other secure location.
  • Be aware of your surroundings and avoid walking alone in poorly lit or isolated areas, especially at night.
  • Avoid leaving your drinks unattended, and be cautious of accepting drinks from strangers.
  • If you’re using public transportation, be aware of pickpockets, who may try to steal your belongings while you’re on a crowded train or bus.
  • Avoid getting into confrontations with anyone, and if you feel threatened or unsafe, call the police immediately.

By following these simple guidelines, you can help ensure that your trip to Helsinki is safe and enjoyable.

Where to Buy Helsinki Travel Card

The Helsinki Travel Card is a prepaid card that allows you to use public transportation in Helsinki, including buses, trams, and the metro. It also offers discounts on many popular attractions and museums.

You can buy the Helsinki Travel Card at the Helsinki Airport, at many hotels and hostels, and at tourist information offices throughout the city. You can also purchase the card online from the Helsinki Region Transport (HSL) website.

Once you have the card, you can easily load money onto it and use it to pay for your public transportation fares. The card is valid for 24, 48, or 72 hours, depending on which option you choose, and can be used on all HSL public transportation, including buses, trams, the metro, and the Suomenlinna ferry.

The Helsinki Travel Card is a convenient and cost-effective way to explore Helsinki, and can save you money on transportation and attractions.

What are the COVID-19 restrictions in Helsinki?

I’m sorry, but I’m not able to browse the internet, so I don’t have the most up-to-date information on the current Covid-19 restrictions in Helsinki. My knowledge is limited to what I was trained on, which is from before 2021. I suggest checking with the Finnish government or a reputable news source for the latest information on Covid-19 restrictions in Helsinki.

How many days are enough for Helsinki?

It’s difficult to say exactly how many days are enough for Helsinki, as it depends on what you want to do and see while you’re there. Helsinki is a compact city with a lot to offer, so you could easily fill a few days with activities and sightseeing. Some popular things to do in Helsinki include visiting the city’s many museums, checking out the architecture and design, exploring the city’s many parks and green spaces, and enjoying the local cuisine. If you’re planning a trip to Helsinki, it’s a good idea to research the city and make a list of the things you want to do and see, so you can plan your trip accordingly.

Is Helsinki worth visiting for a day?

Yes, Helsinki is worth visiting for a day if you’re in the area and have the time. While you won’t be able to see everything the city has to offer in just one day, you can still get a taste of what Helsinki has to offer and enjoy some of the city’s highlights. Some popular things to do in Helsinki in one day include visiting the city’s museums, exploring the city’s green spaces and parks, checking out the architecture and design, and enjoying the local cuisine. If you’re short on time and only have one day to spend in Helsinki, it’s a good idea to plan ahead and make a list of the things you want to do and see, so you can make the most of your time in the city.

Is it expensive to travel to Helsinki?

The cost of traveling to Helsinki can vary depending on factors such as the time of year you visit, your mode of transportation, and where you stay. In general, Helsinki is not considered a particularly expensive city to visit, but it can be more expensive than some other destinations in Europe.

The best way to save money on your trip to Helsinki is to plan ahead and book your accommodations and transportation in advance. You can also save money by choosing budget-friendly activities and eating at local restaurants rather than expensive tourist spots. Overall, with some careful planning and budgeting, it’s possible to visit Helsinki without breaking the bank.

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