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Helsinki - Wikitravel
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Helsinki (Finnish) or Helsingfors (Swedish) is the capital of Finland. Founded in 1550, the "Daughter of the Baltic" has been the Finnish capital since 1812, when it was rebuilt by the tsars of Russia along the lines of a miniature St. Petersburg, a role it has played in many Cold War movies. Today, Helsinki pulls off the trick of being something of an international metropolis while still retaining a small-town feel. The best time to visit is in summer, when Finns peel off their overcoats and flock to outdoor bars and cafes to enjoy the sunshine.
Helsinki's current population is about 656 000, but the Greater Helsinki region including the suburbs of the neighboring administrative areas of Espoo and Vantaa makes it over 1,3 million in total.
Helsinki was founded in A.D. 1550 by King Gustav Vasa of Sweden as a trading post to compete with Tallinn to the south in Estonia, which was Danish at that time. Its growth was slow until the establishment of Sveaborg (nowadays Suomenlinna) Maritime Fortress in the front of Helsinki in the middle of 18th century. In 1809, Finland was annexed by Russia during a war of that period and the capital of Finland moved from Turku to Helsinki in 1812. The Czar felt the Grand Duchy of Finland needed a capital of grand proportions. The architects Johan Albrecht Ehrenström, a native Finn, and Carl Ludwig Engel, from Germany, were given the task of rebuilding Helsinki in the Empire style. This can be seen today around the Lutheran Cathedral, which was completed in 1852. The same style, and even architects, is also a part of Saint Petersburg's history. Though thoroughly a Nordic capital, Helsinki today reflects the influences gained from the Western and Eastern cultures.
The county of Helsinki forms the core of Finland's largest urban area, known in Finnish as the "capital area" (pääkaupunkiseutu). Helsinki is bordered by the Gulf of Finland to the south, while the suburban municipality Espoo, with the embedded tiny enclave town of Kauniainen, is to the west. The more industrialized municipality of Vantaa is to the north and east. Beyond these three the suburbs rapidly give way to small towns, farms and forests, most notably Nuuksio National Park at the intersection of Espoo, Vihti and Kirkkonummi.
Within Helsinki itself, the city center is on the southern peninsula at the end of the city's main thoroughfare Mannerheimintie (or just Mansku). Both the central railway station and the main bus terminal are in the city center. Shopping streets Aleksanterinkatu (or Aleksi for short) and Esplanadi (or Espa) connect to Senate Square (Senaatintori), the historical center of the city. See the Helsinki Guide Map [6] for an interactive searchable map of the city.
Helsinki has a continental climate, with significant moderation from the sea and it's the coldest major city in Scandinavia and one of the coldest cities in Europe. Winters are damp, snowy and cold and temperatures usually stay below freezing and regularly fall down to -10°C (14°F) and below in February (the coldest month). However, Helsinki is located in the extreme south of Finland meaning that below -20°C (-4°F) temperatures happen a couple of times a year at most. The record low is -35°C (-31°F). Snow cover usually becomes permanent only by late December, but there is no guarantee of snow in Helsinki for Christmas, and even in mid-winter a couple of warm days can turn the streets to grey slush. In most years the sea freezes by the end of January.
Snow starts to melt in March, but snow flurries are still possible in early May (the average low in May is 6.3°C or 43.3°F). Starting in April, however, it is usually quite sunny and nice, and the summer is there in full force by mid-June. Autumn starts slowly by the end of August as nights become colder, and the first snow can some as early as in October.
Summer is when the people of Helsinki are most active. However it can feel much cooler to people from the rest of Europe (especially Southern Europe) as the average high is a mild 21°C (70°F) but the mercury can dip down to 14°C (57°F) during the night and occasionally down to 10°C (50°F). This doesn't mean though, that Helsinki isn't affected by warm air masses from the south leading to 25°C+ (75°F) temperatures during the afternoon but being moderated by the sea. The record high is 32°C (90°F).
Helsinki is Finland's most multicultural city. There are over 140 nationalities present in Helsinki. There are over 108,000 foreigners in the city, around 17% of the population. The largest groups are from Russia (18,867), Estonia (12,970), Somalia (10,192), Iraq (5,333), Sweden (3,456) and China (3,454).
Historically Helsinki used to be predominantly Swedish-speaking area like much of the coast, until industrialization brought huge influx of Finnish-speaking workers into the city in the late 19th century.
By ethnicity, 4.60% of current populace is from another EU member state, 3.61% other European, 2.59% are Sub-Saharan African, 2.56% East Asian and South/South East Asian, 2.53% Middle Eastern and North African and 1.05% other, mostly American, Canadian and Latino.
Some neighborhoods have large amounts of immigrants. In Kallahti up to 40% of the population consists of immigrants. Overall the number of immigrants is higher in eastern suburbs of the city.
Helsinki is also home to wide range of different religions, like Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, Judaism and Sikhism. There are 35,000 (5.44%) Muslims in the city, based on ethnic origin.
The city is officially bilingual, with a 79 percent Finnish-speaking majority and a visible 6 percent Swedish-speaking minority. However, most of the Finnish-speaking majority only know the very basics of Swedish, which they learned in school. Most Finns speak English more fluently than Swedish. Although locals will appreciate an effort to say a few words in Finnish, they will readily switch to English.
The most spoken non-native languages are Russian, Estonian, Somali, Arabic, English, Chinese, Kurdish, Persian and Spanish.
Street names and many signs in Helsinki are in both Finnish and Swedish, and most of the time in English. There are trilingual signs of Finnish, Swedish and Russian at Sofiegatan street.
All international and domestic flights land at the compact, modern and airy Helsinki-Vantaa International Airport[7] (IATA: HEL, ICAO: EFHK), which is located in Vantaa, 18 kilometers to the north of the central Helsinki. Note that in recent years the airport has become crowded, so expect delays when going through security, particularly during the Scandinavian summer holiday period. As of June 2022, there is only one terminal in the airport; The former T1 and T2 were combined into one brand new terminal.
Regular taxis to the center cost €30–50 and elsewhere about €8–€12 plus €1.40–€1.60/km. There is 4 taxi lines at the airport terminals: lines for the companies Lähitaksi, Taksi Helsinki and Vantaan taksi, and one line for all other companies. The price differences for Lähitaksi, Taksi Helsinki and Vantaan taksi are small: the fixed price to Helsinki city center varies for example between €39 and €43. There is an electronic sign at each of the three lines listing the current prices.
For the taxis in the fourth line there is no price ceiling, so it is extremely important that you check carefully the price before boarding the taxi. None of the taxis will probably be a scam, but it's still good to verify beforehand that the taxi isn't a scam. By law the taxi driver has to tell you if the trip will cost more than €100, but otherwise there aren't any regulations.
Shared Airport Taxi [8] (tel. 0600 555 555 for bookings) mini-vans start from €29 for two (mind that infants count as an adult.)
Yellow Line [9] is a good, cost-effective option for getting from the airport to the city center. Minivans carry up to seven or eight passengers and drop passengers off at their individual destinations. The shuttles can be found at their bright yellow desks in arrivals lounges 1 and 2. Prices start from €29 for one or two passengers and varies based on the number of people in the van.
For other taxi trips than the trip from the airport, and full pricing, see #By taxi.
A new ring rail connection to Helsinki opened in July 2015. The trains run in a loop, with I-trains going east and P-trains going west from the airport. The trip takes approximately 30 minutes. The trains run every ten minutes during peak hours, but during the night service is much more limited.
The intermodal Journey Planner [10] is your essential tool for getting around Helsinki with public transport.
HSL renewed the zone system a few years back, the airport is located in the zone C, as of March 2022 the ricket to the center (ABC ticket covers this) costs 4,10 euros.
You can buy the ticket from a kiosk or a ticket machine. You can buy the ticket from the blue HSL machines. You can not buy the ticket from the green VR machines. The VR machines are for travelling with the trains to destinations outside the metropolitan area.
At the aiport you can buy this from a blue machine outside the airport exit/station entrance (with a credit card) or from the R-kioski kiosks (also with cash). If you are buying the ticket from R-kioski, you can buy a ticket also for your return. If you are buying it from a machine, it will be valid immediately and you can't therefore buy a ticket for your return.
For your return, if haven't already bought a return ticket, you can buy it from a blue machine on the platform at the central train station (with a credit card), from an R-kioski, the Stop@Station kiosk at the central railway station or from a tourist information point.
If you have a HSL travel card, you can buy the ticket on the train itself using the machines.
Tickets bought from any ticket machines are valid immediately. Tickets bought from kiosks and tourist information points are bought beforehand and punched/activated on the train.
Day tickets can be bought for 1-7 days, either only for transport inside the zones A and B or for transport in zones ABC, the airport being located in zone C. Check the current pricing in order to know whether it's cheper to buy a day ticket including the airport or whether it's cheaper to buy a day ticket for zones AB + tickets from and to the airport. Most points of interest are in zone A, though a ticket for only zone A can't be purchased – the minimum purchase is AB.
A day ticket for 24 hours can be bought at the airport in the R-kioski and in the blue ticket machines.
A day ticket for 2 to 7 days can be bought at the airport in the R-kioski.
Day tickets can also be bought at for example tourist information points.
24 h tickets bought from any ticket machines are valid immediately. All other tickets are bought beforehand and punched/activated on the train, tram or bus, or before entering the metro station or Suomenlinna ferry.
Therefore, if the ticket isn't a 24 h tickets bought from a ticket machine, and you haven't activated it, you will be levied an inspection fee of €80.
Regional buses are no longer recommended, although there is 615 or 415, taking at least a good 40 min to the Helsinki Central Railway Station in the heart of Helsinki. The bus route goes through a residential area and takes time. The price includes onward transfers by tram, bus, metro, local train, etc. Both buses leave from platform 2 at terminal T1 and platform 21 at terminal T2. Tickets can be bought from ther HSL App, kiosks and vending machines. To get to Helsinki city center from the airport you need to buy a ticket for the zones ABC. For more information go to the HSL (Helsingin seudun liikenne - Helsinki Region Transport) airport information site at [11].
Finnair City Bus (euro; 6.90, every 15 min, includes free wifi), about 35 min to Central Railway Station via Scandic Continental Hotel. Credit cards accepted, slightly faster and uses luxury coaches, but no further connections included in the ticket price.
Bus lines 561 and 562 to other destinations than the city center. 561 will terminate at Itäkeskus and 562 at Mellunmäki.
If you need a place to sleep between flights, there are several reasonable hotels in or very near the airport:
Hotel GLO Helsinki Airport, Helsinki-Vantaa Airport Terminal 2, ☎ +358 103 444 600 ([email protected], fax: + 358 103 444 601), [x]. The only hotel located in the airport building itself, on the service floor of Terminal 2 and with direct indoor access from Terminal 1. Day rooms are also made available for use, depending on the booking situation, between 9:00 - 19:00.
Airport Hotel Bonus Inn, Elannontie 9 (Pakkala exit from Ring III Highway), ☎ +358-9-825511 ([email protected], fax: +358-9-82551818), [x]. Friendly family-owned hotel with basic but very clean and comfortable rooms. Restaurant, sauna (evening only), free shuttle service to airport (5-7 min).€120.
Hilton Helsinki-Vantaa Airport, ☎ +358-9-73220, [x]. Full-service hotel right next to the airport, opened in late 2007. Soundproof windows, bar, restaurant, sauna.€150.
For general aviation (small planes) the Helsinki-Malmi Airport (IATA: HEM, ICAO: EFHF) is available, with fuel and customs facilities available at the airport.
Central Railway Station, designed by Ellel Saarinen
All long-distance trains throughout Finland and the Russian cities of Moscow and Saint Petersburg terminate in the heart of the city at the Rautatieasema (Central Railway Station). This station also provides easy interchange to the metro and tram lines. All the trains also stop at Pasila station, which is the last station before Central Railway Station. From Pasila you can change to tram and bus lines.[12]
Long-distance national and international buses terminate at the new underground Central Bus Station (Linja-autoasema)[13] in the Kamppi Center [14] (Kampin Keskus). The station is adjacent to Mannerheimintie, directly connected to the Kamppi metro station and within a short walking distance from the Central Railway Station.
Low-cost bus operator Onnibus operates many lines and are rapidly expanding their connection network. Check latest information on connections from their website [15]. Prices start from as low as 3 EUR (if booked in advance). All Onnibus buses nowadays depart from Kamppi but make sure to check the website for any changes.
For travel from St. Petersburg (Russia), Russian minibuses depart from the Oktyabrskaya Hotel (opp Moskovsky train station) three times a day (typically 7AM, 9PM and 11PM) and arrive behind Tennispalatsi at Eteläinen Rautatiekatu 8, one block away from Kamppi, early in the morning. Departures back start around 11AM in the morning (typically 11AM, 3PM and 8PM). Other minibuses are parked along Fredrikinkatu, with the departure time and price often posted on them. The trip costs around 10 euros, making this by far the cheapest option, but the buses are cramped and uncomfortable and some of them stop at numerous supermarkets on the way so that Russian passengers can go for tax-free shopping. Do not expect drivers to speak anything but Russian. The border crossing time might be substantially longer than with regular buses.
Three companies (Tallink, Viking Line, Eckerö Line) operate lines to Tallinn. The trip to Tallinn takes about 2 hours on shuttle ships, and longer on cruise ships (M/S Silja Europa). Ships leave hourly. Silja Line and Viking Line operate lines to Stockholm (via Mariehamn), and ships leave every evening (around 4-5PM). You will be in Stockholm around 10AM.
Ferries arrive at three harbours with five terminals:
West Harbour (Länsisatama) [16] - Tyynenmerenkatu 8 - Tallink ships (M/S Star, M/S Megastar, M/S Baltic Queen, M/S Silja Europa) to Tallinn. Eckerö Line ship (M/S Finlandia) to Tallinn. St. Peter Line ships Princess Maria and Princess Anastasia to St. Petersburg (as of 2022, closed & no service in foreseeable future). The terminal has luggage lockers, café, a trolley rental, kiosk, a restaurant, public transport ticket machine, bank, an ATM and the Eckerö Line and Tallink service points. Tram line 7 and 9 goes from the harbour to Central Railway Station and Kallio.
South Harbour (Eteläsatama) - Olympia Terminal[17] - Olympiaranta 1 - West shore of the bay! Silja Line (owned by Tallink) cruise ferries M/S Silja Serenade and M/S Silja Symphony (to Stockholm) dock at Olympia Terminal. The terminal has a money exchange, an ATM, luggage lockers, a trolley rental, a restaurant, kiosk, and Silja Line service point. Served by trams 2 and 3.
South Harbour (Eteläsatama) - Katajanokka Terminal[18] - Katajanokanlaituri 8 - East shore of the bay! Viking Line ships (M/S Gabriella and M/S Mariella to Stockholm, M/S Viking XPRS to Tallinn) arrive at Katajanokka Terminal. The terminal has a restaurant, kiosk, an ATM, a currency exchange, luggage lockers, and the Viking Line service point. The terminus of tram 5 is in front of the terminal. Trams only go/depart to/from the terminal at certain hours according to travel season and ferry schedules (check up-to-date information from HSL website).
South Harbour (Eteläsatama) - Makasiini Terminal[19] - Eteläranta 7 - West shore of the bay. This terminal used to serve Linda Line superfast ferries, currently not active (as of 2022).
Vuosaari Harbour (Vuosaaren satama) - Hansa Terminal [20] - Provianttikatu 5 - Mainly a cargo port, but used also by Finnlines [21] services to Rostock, Gdynia and Travemünde and Tallink Silja to Rostock. Take metro to Vuosaari and continue by bus 90 or 90A towards "Vuosaaren satama"
See the Port of Helsinki [22] for the latest details.
Large cruise ships arrive at the Hernesaari neighborhood to quays B, C and D (codes LHB, LHC and LHD may also be used). Bus 14 has stops next to the quays. The stop is Hernesaaren laituri for quay D and Pihlajasaarenkatu for quays B and C, which have a common pedestrian gate.
Bus 17 deparurtures 0.6 km from the entrance for quays B and C, from the stop Matalasalmenkuja. It runs only from Monday through Friday and the walk is a bit longer but it offers a direct connection to Market Square (Kauppatori) and Senate Square (Senaatintori). The Hernesaari-bound bus stops at Market Square but because of lack of space there is no stop in the other direction. Instead you have to use the stops Pohjoinen Makasiinikatu or Ritarihuone.
The most centrally located stop of bus 14 is Kamppi (M). Tram 7 goes from that stop to the Market Square and Senate Square area. The name of the tram stop is Kampintori instead of Kamppi (M). The Kamppi (M) stop is in the newer part of the city center.
Tickets may be bought from the the HSL app. There is no kiosks selling tickets or machines in the terminals. A single ticket to the city center costs 2,80€ and a day pass 8.00€.
Small cruise ships may also arrive in the city center at Kanavalaituri/EKL, Pakkahuoneen laituri/EPL and Makasiiniterminaali/EMA. There is also a quay about 1 km east of the Market Square named Katajanokan risteilyalusterminaali (ERA).
Central Helsinki is rather compact and can be explored on foot by energetic visitors. A combination of walking and public transportation might be most convenient to cover the sights in Helsinki. HSL provides the successful Journey planner [23] , an intermodal journey planner for public transport of greater metropolitan area of Helsinki. Also cycling route finding is provided by the Journey Planner.
All public transportation within Helsinki, Espoo, Vantaa and Kauniainen is coordinated by HSL[24].
You can opt for the Helsinki Card (1 day €46, children €23, to 3 days €66, children €33) [25], which in addition to public transport also offers free admission to a number of museums and attractions, including all museums, a sightseeing bus and a canal route by boat. The public transport ticket is not valid to the airport if you have a Helsinki Card CITY, since the airport is located in zone C and the card is valid in zones AB. Helsinki City REGION is valid also in zone C.
The following basic ticket types are available:
AB single ticket (AB-kertalippu) (€2,80) — valid on all HSL services within about 15 km from the city center for 80 mins.
ABC single ticket (ABC-kertalippu) (€4,10) — valid for 90 mins within and between Helsinki, Espoo, Vantaa and Kauniainen.
Day ticket (matkailijalippu) (€8,00) — valid on all HSL services within zones AB for 24 hours. Each additional day costs €4,00. if you are travelling outside of the zones AB, to the airport or Espoo for example, you can buy an ABC 24-hour ticket for 11 € in 2022. The HSL current prices are here
All tickets allow unlimited transfers within their validity periods and regions. Children under 7 travel free, while tickets for children under 16 are half price.
You can buy the ticket from a kiosk, a ticket machine or a parking ticket machine. At places such as the airport you can buy the ticket from the blue HSL machines, but not the green VR machines. The VR machines are for travelling with the trains to destinations outside the metropolitan area. All commuter train and metro stations have at least one vending machine. Only some tram stops have a machine, such as the stops next to railway station or Senaatintori (the historical main square of Helsinki). Otherwise tickets for the tram must be bought from kiosks or parking ticket machines. Parking ticket machines are marked on maps on the tram stops. There is parking ticket machines at for example Pohjoiseplanadi and Eteläesplanadi, and you can buy tram tickets from these.
If you have a HSL travel card, you can buy the ticket on the train or tram itself using the machines, or in the small machine at the start of the metro station escalator or at the entrance of the Suomenlinna ferry.
Tickets bought from any ticket machines are valid immediately. Tickets bought from kiosks, tourist information points and Stockmann are bought beforehand and punched/activated on the means of transport or before entering the platform, depending on the mode of transport.
Day tickets can be bought for 1-7 days, either only for AB or also for zone C, the airport being located in that zone. Check the current pricing in order to know whether it's cheper to buy a day ticket including the airport or whether it's cheaper to buy a day ticket for AB + tickets from and to the airport. All touristy places are in zone A.
A day ticket for 24 hours can be bought in R-kioski, Stop@Station, tourist information points, the HSL ticket machines and parking ticket machines.
A day ticket for 2 to 7 days can be bought at R-kioski, Stop@Station and tourist information points.
Your hotel or cruise ship may also sometimes sell day tickets in the reception.
24 h tickets bought from any ticket machines are valid immediately. All other tickets are bought beforehand and punched/activated on the train, tram or bus, or before entering the metro station or Suomenlinna ferry.
Therefore, if the ticket isn't a 24 h tickets bought from a ticket machine, and you haven't activated it, you will be levied an inspection fee of €80.
A modern option for travel card and paper tickets is the mobile app[26]. The prices of single tickets are the same as when using a travel card, the prices for day tickets are the same as for all other day tickets. The mobile app could be convenient if you for example do not know where the nearest parking ticket machine or kiosk is when using a tram. You must enter your credit card information, buy the ticket and wait for confirmation before you board the train, tram or ferry, or enter the metro station area. Otherwise you will be fined €80, if you are still in the process of buying the ticket, or bought it after you boarded the vehicle/entered the area and the inspector notices this.
You can buy a Travel Card (HSL card)[27], a reloadable smartcard sold at the R-kiosks and HSL offices, very similar to London's Oyster card. The Travel Card costs €5 (nonrefundable) and gives a 25% discount on single tickets. You can not buy tickets for 1 to 7 days with the card, only single tickets.
When using the card, you must first choose the desired ticket type, then confirm by pressing ok and finally show the card. Hold the card without pressing anything to see the remaining value or to register a transfer. One unadvertised but handy feature of the card is that it can be used by multiple people at once —. First choose the desired ticket, then press the small + symbol with a person on it, choose how many tickets you need, confirm with ok, and show the card. In case you have already bought one ticket, you are not able to buy more tickets during the validity of the first ticket, so be careful to buy the desired amount of tickets at once.
The shortest possible period with the travel card is 14 days. For example 14 days for the zones AB costs €69.30. Season tickets are more expensive for non-residents as the prices for residents are subsidized from tax revenues; for example 14 days in AB for a resident in HSL area costs only €28.70. All fares can be seen at [28], remember to look at the fares for non-residents.
The very useful HSL Journey Planner [29] will get you from a street address, place or sight to another by suggesting possible public transport connections, covering the entire metropolitan Helsinki region. Try eg. "Airport" or "Railway station" for place names. It is also available in several third party mobile apps for most smart phones, which can use GPS to find your current location.
Getting around at night can be a bit tricky, as most trains and trams stop before midnight and the buses before 2AM. A limited night bus network, all leaving from the city center, runs until 2AM, on weekends and nights before public holidays also after 2AM. Services are replaced mainly by buses departing to suburbs from Kampin paikallisliikenneterminaali, Elielinaukio, Rautatientori and Postitalo.
Kampin paikallisliikenneterminaali (literally local traffic terminal) is about half a kilometre west from the central railway station inside a shopping mall. The address for the night entrance is Narinkka 1. Do not take the escalator down from the entrance - it leads to the terminal for long-distance buses and your bus will likely depart from the terminal for local traffic. Watch out for the signs saying paikallisliikenneterminaali. There is, however, long-distance buses that accept HSL travel cards, so if the travel planner Reittiopas.fi is saying that you should use a long-distance bus, use one.
Elielinaukio is a large terminal on the west side of the railroad station.
Rautatientori is a large terminal on the east side of the railroad station.
Postitalo is a yellow large building on the west side of the railroad station. The stop is on the southern side of the building, between the department store of Sokos and Postitalo.
There is also two lines running within inner Helsinki and serving areas not served by suburban buses, the lines 18N and 23N. 18N departs from "Kamppi (M)", from the Kamppi shopping mall but not from the terminal within the shopping mall, instead departing from a stop on the west side of the shopping mall on the street Fredrikinkatu. 23N departs from Rautatientori, but not from the terminal, instead departing from the street Kaivokatu in northbound direction and street Mikonkatu in westbound direction. 23N serves for example the bar district of Kallio.
Check the night connections to your area beforehand if you are residing outside the city center.
There are no ticket checks when getting on the metro, trains, trams or the Suomenlinna ferry, but ticket inspectors in blue uniforms do random checks on board. If you choose to ride without a ticket, watch out for the inspectors, as getting caught without a ticket results in an €80 fine plus the ticket price.
Beers on wheels
The SpåraKOFF Bar Tram[30] is a bright red tram converted into a pub on wheels. The tram runs during the summer only from Wednesday to Saturday, once an hour from 2PM to 9PM, along a route roughly paralleling the northern half of the 2/3 line, with stops at the Railway Square, Linnanmäki amusement park, Opera House, Aleksanterinkatu and the Market Square. The tour lasts about 40 minutes. The price €7 does not include any drinks.
For tourists the most convenient and scenic means of travel is arguably the extensive tram network that covers the non-suburbian core part of the city. Trams cease running for the night (last service is usually between 9 p.m. and 2 a.m, depending on line, and may have shortened route).
The tram network is currently undergoing expansion and restructuring. You should consider obtaining an updated tram map from Helsinki tourist info or from HSL, the local public transport authority.[31]
While the trams operate in the city center, buses cover the rest of the city. The main stations for northbound and eastbound buses are on the two squares adjacent to the Central Railway Station: Eliel Square (Elielinaukio) and Railway Square (Rautatientori). Some buses operate from the underground bus station in the Kamppi Center which is adjacent to the Kamppi metro station.
Buses are always entered through the front door and exited through the middle and back doors. When getting on the bus with a ticket you have bought earlier, you need to show it to the driver.
Helsinki metro map (excluding the new western extension)
A metro line runs from the Matinkylä suburb in Espoo in the west, through the city center, and then to the eastern suburbs. Apart from the metro stops at the shopping centers of Iso Omena (Matinkylä), Ainoa (Tapiola) and Itis (Itäkeskus), the Rastila camping site and Aurinkolahti Beach, few places along the line are of interest to tourists. After Itäkeskus in the east, the line splits in two, with one line going to Mellunmäki and the other to Vuosaari. From the city center, the travel time to the ends of each of the lines is about 20 minutes.
VR's [32] suburban trains operate north from the Central Railway Station, branching out in three directions. HSL tickets are valid on local trains in Espoo, Helsinki, Järvenpää, Kauniainen, Kerava, Sipoo, Siuntio, Tuusula and Vantaa. The local trains are mainly of intestest to tourists when travelling to and from the airport, see #By plane.
The HSL ferry to Suomenlinna from the Market Square (Kauppatori) is a cheap and popular summer getaway. Another HSL operated ferry, mostly used only by the island's residents, leaves from the eastern end of Katajanokka, an ordinary residential area from the 1980s. This ferry is a good option at warm beautiful summer days, as it will never have queues to it. In weekends, however, you have to use the Kauppatori ferry, since the Katajanokka ferry operates only weekdays. The Katajanokka ferry can incorporate several trucks, while the Kauppatori ferry is mainly intended for passengers, incorporating 1 or 2 passenger cars.
The Kauppatori ferry has better views, so it's recommended to use it for one trip if you use the Katajanokka ferry for the other trip. The Kauppatori ferry departs from Suomenlinnan päälaituri (literally main pier) and the Katajanokka ferry from Suomenlinnan huoltolaituri (literally maintenance pier) at the islands, the piers having different locations.
In addition, private operators provide ferries to Suomenlinna and various other islands during the summer; however, schedules can be sparse. These departure from Kauppatori and the largest private operators are JT-Line (https://www.jt-line.fi/eng/) and Suomen Saaristokuljetus (http://www.suomensaaristokuljetus.fi/frontpage/).
The operator JT-Line operates to Suomenlinna. In Suomenlinna the private ferries dock also on the southern end of the islands, while the public ferries have their two terminals only at the northern end of the islands (which is closer to Kauppatori and Katajanokka). If you do not have the energy to walk back to the northern end once you have reached the southern end, you could take the private ferry from there and buy a ticket for the trip onboard. The southern end pier is named King's Port / Kuninkaanportti in the timetables.
Helsinki card, HSL's single ticket, day ticket, mobile phone app ticket and SMS ticket are all valid also on the HSL Suomenlinna ferry, but not on the private ferry.
There is also ferries to a number of other islands that have less to see than Suomenlinna, but may provide for example a possibility to grill on an open fire or camp overnight, both of which are forbidden in Suomenlinna. These include islands such as Isosaari, Pihlajasaari, Vallisaari and several islands on the eastern archipelago route of Suomen Saaristokuljetus. Check beforehand what each island has to offer: Vartiosaari has for example 50 villas from the beginning of the 20th century and forest, Pihlajasaari has a beach and grilling and camping possiblity but no buildings except 2 or 3, and Vartiosaari has none of the amenities Pihlajasaari has.
Taxi stand on the west side of the Central Railway station
Regular taxis cost about €3–€10 plus €1.50–€2/km. The price differences for companies such as FixuTaxi, Lähitaksi, Taksi Helsinki and Vantaan taksi are small: the fixed price from the airport to Helsinki city center varies for example between €35 and €47. However, there is no price ceiling for taxis at all, so it is extremely important that you check carefully the price before boarding the taxi. Your taxi will probably not be a scam, even though if it wouldn't be one of these companies that owns the taxi, but it's still good to verify beforehand that the taxi isn't a scam. By law the taxi driver have to tell you if the trip will cost more than €100, but otherwise there aren't any regulations.
Here is some phone numbers and prices. Notice that the charge for waiting and slow driving is traditionally listed as simply charge for waiting in the respective websites, but it's always also a slow driving fee.
There is also mobile phone apps in addition to the phone numbers. In the app you can typically
locate yourself on a map and choose that as your starting point
see where the car that accepted your order is currently
see a price estimate or choose a fixed price.
FixuTaxi, Lähitaksi and Taksi Helsinki can be ordered by using their own apps.
In the municipality of Helsinki you can order a Taksi Helsinki taxi with the app Valopilkku, and the app Valopilkku can be used in most municipalities outside the metropolitan area. In the other metropolitan area municipalities than Helsinki, Valopilkku can't be used. This is due to the combination that Lähitaksi had an monopoly status in these munipalities and it does not take part in the app.
FixuTaxi, +358 100 6060
FixuTaxi uses cheap Toyota cars, while Lähitaksi and Taksi Helsinki use typically new Mercedes-Benz or Volvo cars. The starting fee at for example on a weekday afternoon is €0.55 cheaper than the starting price for Lähitaksi, so the choice is mainly whether you will pay €0.55 for a luxurious car or not.
Mon through Fri 6 am to 8 pm, Saturdays and eves of holidays 6 am to 4 pm €2.95
Other times €4.50
Charge for waiting and slow driving 47.04 €/h
Travel fare:
1 to 6 people 1.60 €/km
More than 6 people 2.23 €/km
Lähitaksi, +358 100 7300
This is the former monopoly in the metropolitan area for other municipalities than Helsinki. The cars can nowadays also start from the municipality of Helsinki, but the availability is the best outside Helsinki, in the 18 surrounding municipalities in Uusimaa. It is not recommended to call this number if you are in the municipality of Helsinki and need a taxi immediately, but if you for example see a Lähitaksi taxi at a taxi stand or consider pre-ordering a taxi, it's a reliable taxi. If you for example pre-order a Lähitaksi taxi and the journey starts at a weekday afternoon, you would save €2.40 in the base fee compared to taxis of the former Helsinki municipality monopoly.
Taksi Helsinki, +358 100 7000 for immediate orders and +358 100 0600 for pre-orders
This is the former monopoly in municipality of Helsinki. The cars can nowadays also start from other municipalities in the metropolitan area than Helsinki, but the availability is the best in the municipality of Helsinki. The cars have the 0100 7000 number in their livery. It is not recommended to call this number if you are outside the municipality of Helsinki and need a taxi immediately, but if you for example see a Taksi Helsinki taxi at a taxi stand or consider pre-ordering a taxi, it's a reliable taxi.
Fixed fare for 1 to 4 passengers from the airport to the city center (to the zip codes 00100-00180 and 00220) € 43
For 5 to 8 passengers €60
Max 5 km from airport, 1–4 persons €23
Max 5 km from airport, 5–8 persons €35
For other trips:
8.5 € / departure
1–4 passengers 1.40 € / km
5–8 passengers 1.90 € / km
Charge for waiting and slow driving 0.65 € / minute (39 €/h for comparison purposes)
There are also surcharges for example pre-booking. These can be checked at the webpages of the companies. The pre-booking fare is usually about €7, so pre-book your taxi if you are travelling to the airport or otherwise need to be in your destination in a certain time. The Taksi Helsinki baggage fee is €2.80. Generally baggage that is considered large enough to warrant an extra charge is baggage that won't fit in the trunk easily, without, for example, folding down the back seat. This charge is also applied if you are travelling with a large pet - though service dogs travel free.
During weekend nights and some popular events or holidays, it can be a bit difficult to find a taxi. Walk to the nearest taxi stand or try to book by phone (2-3 EUR/call) from Taxi Helsinki +358 100 0700[33], Lähitaksi [34]+358 100 7300 or +358 100 6060 FixuTaxi. If you know in beforehand that you will need a taxi and you know the precise time, pre-order it. Call +358 100 0600 for Taxi Helsinki, otherwise the numbers are the same. A pre-order can be placed for a taxi maximum two weeks prior to the time the taxi is needed, and a minimum of a half an hour before. A pre-order fee of about €7 will be added to the taxi fare.
Drivers are not required to pick up a person hailing them on the street. If their light is on, and they pass a person hailing them, it is usually because there is a taxi stand very near by with available taxis waiting for customers. If you are not near a taxi stand, you'll very likely be able to hail a passing taxi with the light on. If the queues at night seem frustratingly long and you are willing to walk a bit, try heading towards Hakaniementori or Lauttasaari Bridge, where you can often hail a returning taxi (don't bother if the light is not on).
limos4helsinki.com is luxury and VIP taxi service. It has diverse fleet of luxurious cars, limousines, shuttles, minibuses and buses that can be used for transfers of a single or multiple number of persons.
Uber[35] Uber is available in Helsinki region. The service is legal, if the driver has a taxi license. The car doesn't necessarily have to have a taxi livery or a taxi sign on the ceiling, a driver-specific license is enough. Some drivers don't have a required licence to operate, but there is no sanctions against customer in such a case.
Baana - Helsinki's new "Low Line" (as opposed to NYC's High Line) opened on June 12, 2012, providing pedestrians and cyclists with a 1.3 km long connector between the Western Harbour area to Kamppi and Töölö Bay. At the Harbour end, you can visit free sightseeing terrace with MiG-21BIS fighter jet on display - located at Verkkokauppa.com's electronics store. There's also a huge, 8.5 m tall Bad Bad Boy -statue located adjacent to Western Harbor and Verkkokauppa.com. On the Kamppi end, there's bicycle hire centre and cultural activities and sights.
Helsinki's City bike system was relaunched in May 2016. The system spans most of the city area and also the neighbouring Espoo to the west, but is not compatible with the city bikes in Vantaa. The registration fee is €5/day, €10/week or €35/season (April–October) with the first 30 minutes of each trip included. If you do not return the bike within 30 minutes, a small fee will be debited from your credit card. If you do not return the bike within 4 hours, a large penalty fee of €80 will be debited. Be sure to find a bike rack for city bikes in time.
If you bring your own bike or rent one, you'll find an extensive network of bike routes within the city. Bikers are required by law to drive on the street next to cars unless a bike lane or integrated pedestrian/cyclists sidewalk runs next to it, and the police ticket cyclists breaking this rule. Bike lanes are clearly marked by street markings and blue traffic signs. Biking is also allowed on pedestrian streets.
Downtown bike lanes are typically on the sidewalks (instead of next to car lanes on the street) so be aware of pedestrians. Don't be afraid to ring your bell! Review your bike map carefully, as some bike routes will stop and require you to walk your bike or drive next to cars. There is also a journey planner for cycling [36]. Once you get out of the city centre, cycling is less complicated.
Public libraries often have free stocks of biking maps in Helsinki Metropolitan Area, so when they are not visible on tables it would be better to ask the map from the library staff.
If an ordinary bike isn't enough for you, you can also rent a cyclerickshaw (riksa) large enough for three from Riksavuokraus (tel. +358-50-5582525) in Eiranranta near Kaivopuisto. Prices start at €9/30 min, driver not included but available on request.
Pyöräpaja offers bicycle fixing help free of charge. True bike enthusiasts can even assemble their own bikes there. Pyöräpaja also sells bikes for quite cheap prices. (Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/pyorapaja)
Bond Mobility offers eletric bikes that can go 45 km/h if you opt to use the electric assistance. A driver's license for mopeds, motorcycles or cars is needed. Lime offers electric scooters.
Car rental is not a particularly good way of getting around Helsinki, since parking is limited and expensive. Most street-side parking in the city center is in "Zone 1" and costs €4/hour during working hours, although Saturdays (mostly) and Sundays (always) are free. There are also several large underground parking garages at Kamppi and Forum.
Senate Square,designed by Carl Ludwig Engel: University of Helsinki (left), white Lutheran Cathedral (center), Prime Minister's Office (right).
Czarina's Stone (obelisk) at Market square, and red Uspenski Cathedral
Surrounded by sea and a vast archipelago, Helsinki is at its best in the summer when the dialogue between the city and nature is at its fullest. Classical Helsinki's sights can be divided into an eclectic set of churches and a wide variety of museums. For a coastal amble past some of Helsinki's minor and major sights, see the itinerary A seaside stroll in Helsinki.
If you have a short amount of time in Helsinki, you may wish to follow the recommended Helsinki itineraries, which begin at the Saarinen-designed Central Railway Station and move on to the Senate Square and the Lutheran Cathedral, the Uspenski Othrodox Cathedral, Market Square, and beyond.
If you see only one place in Helsinki in the summer, you could make it Suomenlinna[37]. The "Gibraltar of the North" was once the greatest sea fortress in the Baltic, built by the Swedish in the mid-1700s at great expense to protect their eastern flank. But when the Russians invaded in February 1808, the bulk of the unprepared and bankrupt Swedish army hastily withdrew, allowing the Russians to conquer Helsinki without a fight and besiege the fortress. With no reinforcements in sight, commander Carl Olof Cronstedt surrendered unconditionally two months later, and Finland was ceded to the Russians. Cronstedt's actions probably saved countless civilian lives, but King Gustav IV needed a scapegoat and sentenced him to death for treason; fortunately, the losing king was himself soon overthrown, and Cronstedt lived out his years gardening.
Today's Suomenlinna is still living in its own time with only old buildings, few cars, fewer than a thousand inhabitants and lots of old fortifications, catacombs and cast iron cannons. But it's not just a museum: the sprawling complex houses restaurants, cafes, theaters and museums, and is a very popular place for a picnic on a fine summer day, watching the vast passenger ferries drift by on their way to Estonia and St Petersburg. It was included in UNESCO’s World Heritage List in 1991 as a unique monument to European military architecture.
Entry to the island itself is free, but you need to pay for the ferry ride. The HSL ferry from Market Square is the cheapest and most convenient way of getting there. The ferry is a part of the Helsinki local traffic, so if you have an HSL Day Ticket it includes ferry travel. The ferry runs approximately every half hour and the trip takes about 15 minutes. You can also use the normal single-HSL tickets, you can transfer to the ferry if validated within the transfer time window. There is also a special €5, 12-hour tourist return ticket. On summer weekends the island is a popular picnic destination and you may have to wait for a long time as hundreds of people crowd the ferry terminal. In this case it may be worth it to use the more expensive private ferry company at the other end of the Market Square.
Guided tours of the island in English are available daily at 11AM, 12:30PM and 2:30PM in Jun-Aug and on Sat/Sun only at 1:30PM the rest of the year, €11/person, and history buffs will want to drop into the Suomenlinna Museum[38] at the Visitor Centre (€7).
A beautiful archipelago (saaristo) surrounds the Helsinki city center. In addition to the major islands listed below, there are scheduled services to many smaller islands, and you can also tour them by sightseeing cruise. Most of the cruises depart from the .Western corner of the Market Square and last from one to several hours. Note most ferries and cruises operate only in the summer high season.
Seurasaari Open Air Museum, [39]. A pleasant little island to the north of the center, filled with walking trails and authentic old Finnish houses collected from all over the country. An excellent half-day trip, especially in the summer, when many buildings have guides practising crafts in traditional dress. There's a very pleasant if somewhat pricy summer cafe/restaurant atop a small hill at the center of the island. Entry to the park free, entry into the museum buildings costs €9 (€6 concession), buy tickets at entrance. Take bus 24 from Erottaja at the northern end of Esplanadi to the terminus (20-30 minutes), then walk across the bridge. Beware of mercenary squirrels that will raid your bags if you carry any food.
Pihlajasaari, [40]. Few tourists find their way here, but this is a very popular summer spot for Helsinkians, with sandy beaches (including a mixed nude beach) and a restaurant dishing out cold beer and ciders. Ferries run from Merisatama pier at the southern end of Kaivopuisto Park (tram 3B) hourly from 9:30AM to 8:30PM, 10-15 min, €5.50 return.
Korkeasaari, [41]. An island in central Helsinki best known for Helsinki Zoo, with about 200 species of animals. Connected to the mainland by bridge (bus 16 from Central Railway Station), in summer you can also opt for a 15-min ferry ride from Hakaniemi and Market Square. Entry to the zoo €23/16 adult/child.
Vallisaari, [42]. An old fortress island next to Suomenlinna, opened to the public in May 2016. Visitors can explore the fortifications and nature. Access by ferry from Market Square, 20-30 min (with stop at Suomenlinna on the way back), €7 return.
Esplanadi Park. Located between Market Square (Kauppatori) and the two Esplanadi boulevards, this small but stately park has a commanding position at the heart of the city. In the summer time it is full of people sitting on the lawn, meeting their friends and quite often also having a drink or two. In the summer there are often free concerts given by local artists on the stage close to Kauppatori, facing restaurant Kappeli. If you're walking around with an ice cream or sandwich, do watch out for the aggressive birds.
Kaivopuisto. A beautiful park by the sea in the southernmost part of the city. In summer you might want to sit down for a cup of coffee in one of the seaside cafes and enjoy the view of sailboats and the people on the promenade. Housing surrounding this area is the most expensive in Helsinki.
A view over Töölönlahti
Töölönlahti. Located northwest from the central railway station, this is a bay surrounded by a nice park that is dotted with attractions such as the Finlandia Concert Hall and the National Opera. Töölönlahti is partly in a natural state which is quite rare in major cities. Walking and jogging around the bay is a popular outdoor activity.
Sinebrychoffin puisto. Also known as "Koffin puisto", located in Punavuori district next to the Sinebrychoff art museum. Popular with young people, in the summer it is full of people having picnics or just drinking pussikalja (literally: "beer in a bag", means buying beer from a supermarket and drinking it outdoors), while in the winter kids ride sleds down the snowy slope.
Central Park (Keskuspuisto). This is a huge park starting just north of the Olympic Stadium and extending northwards for 10 km. It encompasses an area of over 1,000 hectares. The park is mostly in a natural state, with plenty of walkways, bikeways, riding paths and sports facilities including Pirkkola Sports Park (ice hockey, swimming, running) and Paloheinä (skiing, golf). A popular jogging area.
Alppipuisto[43]. Located on the west side of the Linnanmäki amusement park, this beautiful park is a hidden gem during the summer due to the many free concerts and other events that are held there throughout the summer months.
Lauttasaari. Park on the southern tip of Lauttasaari, west of downtown Helsinki. Wooded with walking trails. You'd never know that a bustling metropolis was just a few kilometers away.
Karhupuisto. A great place to sit down and drink a few beers on a summer day. The park is located in the middle of the hip Kallio district.
If you are limited in time, the three must-see churches in Helsinki can be remembered as Red, White, and Rock. In other words, the red Uspenski Cathedral, the white Lutheran Cathedral, and the Church in the Rock.
Lutheran Cathedral in the sunset
Lutheran Cathedral (Tuomiokirkko). Aleksanterinkatu, [44]. The unofficial symbol of the city, this striking white cathedral dominates the central Senate Square. Based on designs by Carl Ludvig Engel and completed in 1852, the cathedral has recently been refurbished and looks better than ever, with the 12 apostles on the roof once again looking down at the world below. Open daily, Sep-May 9AM-6PM, Jun-Aug 9AM-midnight. Free.
The Church in the Rock
The Church in the Rock (Temppeliaukion kirkko, literally "Temple Square Church"). Lutherinkatu 3 (tram 2), [45]. An atmospheric if minimalistic church, this church was literally dug out of solid rock. From above, it resembles a crashed UFO. The roof is made of 22 km of copper strips. Completed in 1969, this has become one of Helsinki's most popular attractions. Concerts are often held here thanks to the excellent acoustics. 10AM-5PM daily. 3€, under 18 free. Beware of busloads of obnoxious tourist groups making lots of noise even during performances. English services on Sundays at 2PM, open to the public.
Uspenski Cathedral
Uspenski Cathedral (Uspenskin katedraali). Kanavakatu 1, [46]. A classical onion-domed Russian church prominently located near the Market Square, Uspenski Cathedral serves Finland's small Orthodox minority and is the largest Orthodox church in Western Europe. The name comes from the Russian uspenie, from the Dormition (death) of the Virgin Mary. The five domes are topped with 22-carat gold, and some of the icons within are held to be miraculous. Open Tu-F 9:30AM-4PM, Sat 9:30AM-2PM, Su 12PM-3PM. May-Sep Mon,Wed, Sat 9:30AM-4PM, Tue 9:30AM-6PM, Sun 12PM-3PM. Free.
Kamppi Chapel
Kamppi Chapel of silence . Kamppi, Narinkka Square. [47]. An award-winning chapel built in 2012 that serves as ecumenical Chapel. Free.
St. John's Church (Johanneksenkirkko). Korkeavuorenkatu 12. The largest church in Helsinki and a fine example of Gothic Revival architecture. M-F 12-15PM. Free.
Kallio Church (Kallion kirkko). On top of the hill at the end of Siltasaarenkatu. The church is built of grey granite (1912) and its massive looks dominate the view from Hakaniemi. It was designed by Finnish architect Lars Sonck. The church has both baroque and French romantic organs and concerts are organized frequently. Tu-F 12AM-6PM, Sa-Su 10AM-6PM. Free.
Oldest church in central Helsinki
Old Church of Helsinki (Helsingin vanha kirkko), Lönnrotinkatu 6, and Old Church Park (Vanha kirkkopuisto). The oldest existing church in central Helsinki, designed by Carl Ludvig Engel, built between 1824 and 1826. Originally planned as a temporary building before Lutheran Cathedral would be completed in 1852, but remained in use due to the rapid population growth from the early 19th century onwards. The park is sometimes colloquially called Ruttopuisto (Plague Park) as over a thousand victims of the 1710 plague are buried next to the park. The park itself was a cemetery from the 1780s until shortly after the church's construction. Its use as a graveyard was discontinued in 1829, although some victims of the Finnish Civil War and fallen Finnish volunteers of the Estonian War of Independence were buried there in 1918 and 1919, respectively. Some 40 gravestones and memorials, as well as the Johan Sederholm's tomb remain of the cemetery.
United Community Church (UCC). Annankatu 7, [48]. International, bible-based and nondenominational church that welcomes both Finns and foreigners to attend. Services in Helsinki and Espoo on Sundays. Free. There are several mosques in Helsinki, the largest one being Suomen Islamilainen Yhdyskunta. A Grand Mosque was planned to be built, but was later scrapped.
Russian czar Alexander II and the Lutheran Cathedral
Senate Square on a snowy December morning
Many of Helsinki's museums are as interesting from the outside as from the inside. Architecture buffs will get a kick out of Helsinki's Neo-Classical center, centered around Senate Square (Senaatintori), where a statue of the liberal Russian czar Alexander II stands guard. Aleksanterinkatu and the Railway Station square also have some beautiful neo-classical buildings — look out for the Romantic Kalevala-esque themes &mdash.
Ateneum Art Museum, Kaivokatu 2, ☎ +358 294 500 500 ([email protected]), [x]. Open Tue&Fri 10AM-6PM, Wed&Thu 10AM-8PM, Sat&Sun 10AM-5PM. Closed on Mondays. Ateneum can be considered the most nationally significant art museum, and it has the largest collection of paintings and sculptures in Finland. Particularly notable is the collection of works by major Finnish artists. Works include renowned interpretations of the national epic Kalevala.Adults 15€, discount admission 13€, under 18 year-olds free..
Helsinki Design Museum
Design Museum, Korkeavuorenkatu 23, ☎ +358 9 622 0540, [x]. Open Tu 11AM-8PM, W-Su 11AM-6PM. Closed Mondays.. Exhibitions of modern commercial and industrial design and modern art. The permanent exhibit in the basement showcases the history of consumer-goods design over the course of the 20th century, with a particular focus on the contributions of Finnish designers.€12 for adults, €6 for students, and free for children.
Helsinki City Museum, Sofiankatu 4, ☎ +358 9 3103 6630, [x]. The museum actually covers a whole series of old buildings around Helsinki, but the centerpiece is the (short) street of Sofiankatu itself, carefully restored as a replica of the 1930s.Free.
Helsinki Nykytaiteen museo Kiasma
Kiasma Museum of Contemporary Art, Mannerheiminaukio 2, ☎ +358 294 500 501 (fax: +358 294 500 575), [x]. Tue 10AM-5PM, Wed-Fri 10AM-8.30PM, Sat 10AM-6PM, Sun 10AM-5PM. Closed on Mondays.. The sometimes unusual collections mostly include works by contemporary Finnish artists and artists from nearby countries. There are also periodical exhibitions. The building itself is arguably a work of art.Adults 18€, discount admission 16€, under 18 year-olds for free. First Friday of the month is free for everyone.
National Museum of Finland
The National Museum of Finland (Kansallismuseo), Mannerheimintie 34, ☎ +358 295 33 6901, [x]. Tue-Sun 11-18, Mon closed. A beautiful classical building houses this old museum, which has recently been renovated. National Museum illustrates Finnish history from prehistoric times to the present. Major archaeological finds. Temporary exhibitions. Embark a time-trip through the history of Finland. The museum's unique exhibits tells of the life from a period of over 10,000 years.0-10€ Free admission on Friday from 4 p.m. till 6 p.m..
Museum of Cultures (Kulttuurien museo), Mannerheimintie 34, Helsinki, [x]. Tue-Sun 11-18, Mon closed. The exhibitions provide perspectives into both past and present and the everyday life of peoples throughout the world, as well as in multicultural Finland. The aim of the exhibitions is to provide alternative ways of reviewing the development of the world and also to remind of the existence of small, nearly extinct or repressed peoples and groups.0-9€ Free admission on Friday from 4 p.m. till 6 p.m..
Museum of Finnish Architecture, Kasarmikatu 24, ☎ +358 9 8567 5100, [x]. Open Tue-Sun 11AM-6PM, Wed 11AM-8PM. Closed Mondays.. Changing exhibitions on Finnish and international architecture. Permanent exhibition on 20th century Finnish architecture. Bookshop and Library.
Gallery Forum Box, Ruoholahdenranta 3 a, [x]. Tue-Fri 11AM-5PM, Sat-Sun 12PM-5PM. A Contemporary Art Gallery, changing exhibitions and cultural events.
Heureka Science Centre, Tikkurila (near Tikkurila train station), [x]. M-W, Th 10AM-8PM, F 10AM-5PM, Sa-Su 10AM-6PM.. If you have children, this is a great place for a day trip. Hands-on science tests and exhibitions plus Verne super-cinema. There's also a Heureka Shop, where you can buy interesting science-related memorabilia.Adult: €21; Children (6-15): €14.
Mannerheim Museum, Kalliolinnantie 14 (Trams 2 and 3), [x]. Fri, Sat, Su 11AM-4PM. Finnish Marshall Carl Gustav Emil Mannerheim lived in this villa 1924—51. The museum contains his personal home and his vast array of items acquired during his life and on his long travels.€8.
Military Museum, Maurinkatu 1 (Trams 7A and 7B), [x]. Tu-Th 11AM–5PM, F–Su 11AM–4PM. Closed Mondays.. Founded in 1929, the central museum of the Finnish Defence Forces.€4.
Military Museum Manege, Suomenlinna, Iso Mustasaari (Take an inexpensive ferry from Kauppatori), [x]. Open summertime (12.5-31.8, closed 19-21.6) daily 11AM–6PM. Exhibits vehicles and armament used by Finnish forces during Winter War and WW2.€5.
Submarine Vesikko, Suomenlinna, Susisaari (Take an inexpensive ferry from Kauppatori), [x]. Open summertime (12.5-31.8, closed 19-21.6) daily 11AM–6PM. Vesikko was one of five submarines to serve the Finnish Navy during the wars in 1939-44. It´s also the only surviving German Type II (Vesikko was the prototype) submarine in the world.€5.
Helsinki is an Olympic city, the host of the 1952 Olympic Games.
Olympic Stadium, [49]. Originally built for the Olympics of 1940 (cancelled due to WW II) and renovated for the 2005 World Athletic Championships. Next to the stadium are soccer fields. There is Museum of Sport in the stadium building. Another stadium called Sonera stadium is not far from the Olympic site. The most popular building in the complex, though, is the Uimastadion, Helsinki's largest outdoor pool (open May-Sep), whose three pools and water slides draw around 5,000 visitors a day in the summer. After the war, the pool was used to store herring and potatoes.
Olympic Tower. The stadium features 72m high tower (14 storeys) that offers a great view over the city.
Parliament House (Eduskunta), Mannerheimintie 30, [50]. The House of the 200-seat Parliament of Finland was designed by J.S. Sirén in the classic style of the 1920s and officially inaugurated in 1931. The interior is classical with a touch of functionalism and art deco. Tours in English at 11AM and 12PM on Sat, 12PM and 1PM on Sun. During the months of Jul and Aug English tours are at 1PM on weekdays (and not available on weekends). Unguided visits to the parliament hall balcony for the parliamentary session on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 2pm, Thursdays at 4pm, and Fridays at 1pm during the parliamentary term. Free.
Finlandia Hall, designed by Alvar Aalto
Finlandia Hall, Mannerheimintie 13, [51]. Designed by Finland's best known architect Alvar Aalto and located across the street from the National Museum, the marble Finlandia Hall is a popular congress and concert venue in Helsinki. The building itself is worth a visit particularly for architecture buffs, with guided tours available (€6/4, check website for schedule). Be sure to view the building also from across the Töölönlahti bay in the evening when it is floodlit. M-F 9AM-4PM. Free.
The Sibelius Monument
Sibelius Monument, Sibelius Park, [52]. The world-famous composer Jean Sibelius' monument was designed by sculptress Eila Hiltunen and unveiled in 1967. It is one of the best-known tourist attractions in Helsinki as nearly every guided tourist tour is brought to Sibelius Park to marvel at this unique work of art resembling organ pipes, welded together from 600 pipes and weighing over 24 metric tons.
Korjaamo Cultural Factory, Töölönkatu 51 +358 400 824 229 [53] Situated in the old tram depot, Korjaamo is made up of galleries, a café, bar, club space, a theatre, shop, and even the Tram Museum is still here. Since the Vaunuhalli was opened in the summer of 2008, Korjaamo is now the biggest cultural centre in the country. While the work is diverse, you could say that the kind of art on offer at Korjaamo is independent, different, and worth keeping an eye on.
Tropicario Sturenkatu 27. [54] An indoors snakes + lizards exhibition, with a large collection of large and small snakes, including pythons, anacondas, black mambas, and a number of species of reptiles, including crocodiles and iguanas. No Finnish snakes or lizards! Accessible by tram 7 and some bus lines from the city center in about 30 minutes. Admission adults 14 euros children 8 euros. Open daily from 10am to 6pm.
Cheapest things to do in Helsinki, [x]. Transportation, bikes and public transportation Sauna’s , the two best ones Buffet Food, (all you can eat) for a budget Attractions, iconic, representative, and unmissable Souvenirs, ecological and affordable Going out, the coolest & most authentic places
Havis Amanda (1908) at Market Square
Vintage tram ride, Havis Amanda fountain at Market square, [x]. Sat-Sun 10 am - 5 pm. Enjoy a ride on a century-old tram! If the weather is warm, sit in the open trailer car. The driver takes you on a 20-minute loop tour around the city centre area (there is no commentary but photo opportunities are plenty due to there being no windows in the open tram from 1909!). The service operates annually from mid-May to the end of August, Saturdays and Sundays only, with departures from the Market Square half-hourly between 10 and 5.€5.
Winter World Helsinki, Savikiekontie 4, 00940 helsinki, [x]. 10:00-14:00. Unique Lapland has brought the wonderful Lapland winter into the city of Helsinki. Snow attractions and activities are available in any weather: igloos, ice sculptures, sliding hill, kick-sledding and tandem skiing. Everything is built indoors using snow and ice. The weather forecast of the day is always -3 degrees Celsius, no wind, steady weather conditions. During summer season open 10:00-14:00 daily. www.winterworld.fi
Ice pool It is a Finnish custom of doing a sauna and then jumping into ice cold water. Be warned, it is freezing, even if you only go in for a few seconds. Please consider the health risks before swimming.
Linnanmäki[55]. (Trams 3 and 8, or bus 23) The oldest amusement park in Finland, famous for its wooden roller coaster. Entrance to the park is free of charge, all-day passes €38 (same for children and adults). Tickets for individual rides €8. There are about 10 free rides for small children up to about 4 or 5 years old. Open only during the summer, however the adjacent Sea Life[56] aquarium at Tivolikuja 1 is open throughout the year.
Serena Water Amusement Park[57], Tornimäentie 10, Espoo (Bus 339 from Helsinki Bus Station), tel. +358 9 8870550. "[email protected]" Open 11AM-8PM daily. This is the largest water park in the Nordic countries with some 2,000 sq.m. of heated pools indoors. The buildings have seen their best days, but kids love the water slides. An extra 1,000 m² of outdoor area is open in the summer. Serena is at its best in winter when you can kick back in a jacuzzi and watch people ski on the other side of the glass windows. All-day pass €24,5 (bought online €23,5), evening ticket €20,5 (16:00-20:00 only), family ticket (2 adults, 2 children) €94 (online €90), 2 adults+3 children €117,5 (online €112,25).
Flamingo Entertainment Center[58], Tasetie 8, Vantaa. (Buses 615, 614 and 451 from Helsinki Railway Station or bus 562 from Tikkurila Station) A big entertainment complex located near the airport in Vantaa, next to a large shopping mall Jumbo, just north of Helsinki. Biggest attractions are Flamingo Spa & Wellness[59] with pretty cool and fast slides in the water park section and a large selection of relaxation pools, jacuzzis and different saunas in the other section, and Hohtogolf West Coast[60] which is a glow in the dark 15-hole miniature golf course with over-the-top mechanized special effects and a special "horror" section. Cheesy but fun, especially after a few drinks from the bar. Other attractions in Flamingo include a small casino, a 3D movie theater, many pubs and restaurants, a variety of specialist shops, a large hotel and one of the biggest nightclubs in Finland.
Hoplop activity hall for kids[61], large indoor playgrounds for children, with several locations. Slides, climbing, et cetera.
Ruoholahti, -5th undergound floor in the shopping mall complex at Ruoholahti metro station
Mankkaa (part of the Espoo/Mankkaa sports park, close to the Niittykumpu metro station
Savikiekontie 4, Helsinki. (Buses 519 and 54 from Itäkeskus metro station)
In downtown Helsinki, there are two large multiplexes: Tennispalatsi located in Salomonkatu 15, Kamppi and Kinopalatsi in Kaisaniemenkatu 2, Kaisaniemi, both maintained by Finnkino, the largest movie theater chain in Finland. In addition, Finnkino operated a historic cinema with two screens, Maxim, in Kluuvikatu 1, Kluuvi. Maxim has been closed for renovation since January 2016. See Finnkino's ticket pricing on their website.
Theaters concentrating on classic and art house films are few and far between in Helsinki today. The art deco theater Orion, Eerikinkatu 15, run by the Finnish National Audiovisual Institute, screens a wide variety of films, including classics. Tickets 6,50€ for non-members and 6€ with a membership card. Kino Engel, Sofiankatu 4 near Senaatintori, focuses on European and world cinema. Tickets 9€. In Summer, also Kesäkino (Summer Cinema) is held in the courtyard of Café Engel, Aleksanterinkatu 26. Tickets (12€) can be bought from the Kino Engel counter and for the same night also from the Kesäkino door 45 minutes before the screening. Kesäkino will operate also in Summer 2016 in spite of the Kino Engel renovation. New movie theaters in town include Kino Sheryl in Arabianranta and Korjaamo Kino in Töölö. Kino Sheryl is owned by a student organization TOKYO ry of Aalto University’s School of Arts, Design and Architechture. Tickets are €8 on weekdays and €10 on weekends, holidays and for premieres. Korjaamo Kino screens selected premieres, quality independent films and audience favourites. Tickets €11.
There are also some (small) independent movie theaters in neighboring Espoo, Vantaa and Kauniainen showing mainly the bigger blockbusters: Bio Grand in Tikkurila, Vantaa, Bio Jaseka in Myyrmäki, Vantaa, Bio Grani in Kauniainen and Kino Tapiola in Tapiola, Espoo. Many of them have a matinée series of cheaper, more art house screenings supported by the local culture board. In addition, Finnkino operates three screens in Omena cinema in the Iso Omena shopping center in Matinkylä, Espoo as well as six screens in Flamingo multiplex in the entertainment center Flamingo in Vantaa. In Leppävaara, Espoo there are also six screens in the Sello multiplex at the Sello shopping center.
Luckily, several film festivals enrich the cinema culture in Helsinki region. The biggest is the Helsinki International Film Festival - Love and Anarchy held annually in September. Espoo has its own international film festival Espoo Ciné held every August in Tapiola and Leppävaara. In January, Helsinki Documentary Film Festival Docpoint takes over. Some of the smaller film festivals include (to name few) Lens Politica showing political films and art, Season Film Festival concentrating on films of and by women, and Night Visions focusing on horror, fantasy, science fiction, action and cult cinema. Cinemania website collects at least some of the festivals together.
Most films in Finland are shown in the original language with Finnish and Swedish subtitles. The only exception is children's films (usually animations) which might be dubbed in Finnish.
Helsinki has an active cultural life and tickets are generally inexpensive. Important performing groups include:
National Opera (Kansallisooppera), Helsinginkatu 58, tel. +358-9-403021, [62]. Lavishly subsidized, but it's still easy to get good seats. Tickets €14-84. Students can buy discount tickets for performances on the same day for 10 euros if there are still seats left, but these tickets have to be bought in person. An international student card is valid. Pensioners get 5 euros off, and children get their tickets at half regular price. Also runs the National Ballet (Kansallisbaletti).
Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra (Kaupunginorkesteri), [63]. Performances have recently moved to the Music House, a brand new visually questionable but acustically excellent concert hall. Tickets €20. On selected Wednesdays you can go see dress rehearsals for as little as 3 euros per person. The rehearsals start 9.30 AM. Check availability on the site before showing up at the Music House!
UMO Jazz Orchestra, [64]. An important part of Finnish jazz life, known for performing new Finnish music alongside interesting shows, such as with new circus. Various venues.
Helsinki's celebrations are among the most exciting in the country.
Lux Helsinki, beginning of January. Lux Helsinki[65] is an annual event comprising of light installations to cheer residents' and visitors' minds during the darkest time of the year. They are on display over several nights. Lux Helsinki can also be enjoyed as part of a guided walking tour.
Vappu (Walpurgis Night), Apr 30-May 1. Originally a north European pagan carnival, Vappu is an excuse for students to wear brightly colored overalls and for everybody to drink vast amounts of alcohol. At 6PM on Apr 30, the statue of Havis Amanda at the Market Square is crowned with a student's cap and the revelry begins in the streets. Things can get a little ugly outside as the night wears on, so it's wiser to head indoors to the bars, clubs and restaurants, all of which have massive Vappu parties. The following morning, the party heads to the Kaivopuisto park for a champagne picnic, regardless of the weather. If the weather is good, up to 70,000 people will show up. Left-wing parties hold rallies and speeches (Labor Day, May 1), but the event is increasingly non-political.
Helsinki-päivä (Helsinki Day), Jun 12. This is the birthday of the city. It traditionally starts with the mayor's morning coffee and is celebrated throughout the day with a variety of concerts, performances, exhibitions and guided tours around the city.
Juhannus (Midsummer Festival), Friday between Jun 19 and Jun 25. Although a large bonfire is lit in Seurasaari, the celebration is low key as the tradition is to celebrate "the nightless night" at summer cottages in the countryside. Although some celebrate Juhannus in Helsinki as well, the streets are often eerily empty and the doors of the shops closed.
Tuska Open Air, [66]. An annual, 3-day heavy metal festival, featuring acts from all over the world, held in June.
Flow Festival, [67]. Annual 3-day urban and electronic music festival, held in mid-August at Suvilahti. Noted for its high-end arrangements marrying music to design and gourmet food, Flow has expanded to include installations, arts and workshops in the past few years.
Taiteiden Yö (Night of the Arts), near the end of Aug. The peak of the multi-week Helsinki Festival [68], called "little vappu" by many as the streets are full of revelers. The official event is marked by performing arts through the night. The Night of the Arts was originally organized by local bookstores in the 1990s. It's now organized by the city. During the last few years, the event has slightly returned to its origin as an arts and culture event.
Outsider Art Festival, [69], music, visual and performing art, film and literature festival, presenting artists beyond bareers, it's accommpanied by live concerts, mid-end of August.
Helsinki International Film Festival, [70]. Also known as Rakkautta & Anarkiaa (Love & Anarchy) and held annually in September, HIFF features a wide selection of films from all over the world. Asian films have been a special focus in the history of the festival that is celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2012.
Joulu (Christmas). In the weeks before Christmas, Aleksanterinkatu is festively lit up (starting on the last Sunday of November) and the Esplanadi hosts an open-air Christmas market. But Christmas itself is a family event, so on the 24th, everything shuts down and stays closed until December 26th.
Hietaniemi Beach, Hietaniemenkatu. It's safe to say that most people don't come to Helsinki for the beaches, but on a hot summer day Hietsu (as it is known among the locals) is a good place to be. Beach volleyball, swimming and various events are popular. Buses 24 and 18 or tram 2 from Kamppi/Rautatientori, or just walk (15-20 min from the centre).
Aurinkolahti Beach, Solvikinkatu, Vuosaari. Spacier and calmer than Hietsu, the Aurinkolahti Beach is frequented by everyone from youth to families. It is located in the neighbourhood of Vuosaari. 700 m walk or bus 90 towards "Vuosaaren satama" (stops "Ivan Fallinin kuja" and "G. Pauligin katu") from the Metro station Vuosaari (20min from the centre).
Härmälä Farm, Mäntykummuntie 6, Vantaa, tel. +358 9 876 7339, +358 (0)400 880 539. (Bus 717 from Helsinki Railway Station) Open by arrangement all year. A typical Finnish farm located in the village of Sotunki in eastern Vantaa and surrounded by a picturesque landscape. On the farm you can meet animals representing the traditional Finnish stock: cows, sheep, goats, pigs, horses and more. Admission €3, families €10.
Fallkulla Farm, Malminkaari 24, Helsinki. Farm with cows, pigs, goats, chicken, rabbits and horses. Open year round from Wednesday to Friday 10am to 6pm, Sundays 10am to 3pm. Accessible from city center by local train in less than 40 minutes (750 meter walk from train stop Tapanila.) Run by the city of Helsinki. Free admission.
Haltiala Farm, Laamannintie 17, Helsinki. Farm with cows, sheep, pigs, chicken. Open year round, usually weekdays 6pm to 8pm, weekends 11am to 6pm (check before going!) Run by the City of Helsinki. From city center 45 to 55 minutes by buses 614 or 615 and 1 km walk. Free admission.
Feel the nature treks, tel. +358 10 581 3890. Feel the nature organizes outdoor activities around Helsinki region. Snowshoes, canoes, seakayaks, hiking, skiing including all equipment needed and transport from Helsinki centre. Scheduled trips for individuals also. Check timetables and current activities. here
Vanhankaupunginkoski, Viikintie 1, Helsinki. This is where small Vantaanjoki River meets the sea, and where Helsinki was originally founded until the current, more southern location was found to be better suited for the purpose. There's no trace of the old city (actually village) of year 1550, except some modest memorials, but the area is green, tranquil and beautiful, attracting family picnics, bird watchers and leisure fishers trying to catch perk or - with good luck - salmon. You'll also notice some 19th-century red brick buildings that used to serve as the city's tap water purification plant and a small ex-hydroelectric power plant of the same period, complete with a dam. There's a small Museum of Technology in these premises. Walk 0,8 km from the terminus of trams 6 and 8, or take bus 71 from downtown.
Helsinki is located at the Finnish Gulf, and several cruise liners arrange trips out to the archipelago ranging from short hops lasting only an hour or two to trips ranging a full day.
Söderskär Lighthouse, (Royal Line from Kauppatori market), ☎ +358 400 502 771 ([email protected]), [x]. Boat at 11AM on Tue, Thu, Sat (29.6.-14.8.2010). An old secluded lighthouse island out at the sea, in the middle of a bird reservoir. Day trips are arranged by Royal Line [1], including a lunch, a guided tour of the lighthouse (Finnish/English) and a couple hours time to linger at the island, but it is also possible to stay at the island for the night.Day cruise €53/25, hostel starting at €40/person.
Skippered Day Sailing, Laivastokatu 1, Katajanokka, ☎ +358-50-592 91 41 ([email protected]), [x]. leaves daily 10AM. Visit the coastal archipelago on a 35ft sailboat, for two hours or full day trips with an experienced skipper. Island hopping is also possible.from €60.
Tailored Boat Trips, Merisatama, ☎ +358505285584, [x]. See the beautiful Helsinki archipelago with a private boat and captain. It's possible to arrange tailored boat trips for up to 6 person. Captain has a good knowledge about the nice places that are worth to visit. Trips can be started from any sea harbour in Helsinki.
Arlan sauna (also known as Sauna Arla) , Kaarlenkatu 15, [71]. Old public sauna in Kallio. Separate saunas for men and women. Washing service and traditional bloodletting (kuppaus) also available. €12 for adults, students €10.
Kotiharjun sauna[72], Harjutorinkatu 1. This is the last wood burning public sauna in Helsinki. Separate saunas for men and women. There's a good chance you'll find a top level chess match in the dressing room. Don't miss cooling off outside, especially in winter. On Saturdays you'll find bachelor partiers (Kotiharju is pretty near to Kallio's nightlife). €14 for adults, students & pensioners €11, towel €3 extra.
Sauna Hermanni, Hämeentie 63, [73]. Founded in 1953 and recently renovated in that style (with some added flair), Hermanni is an excellent public sauna. It has an electric heater – an awesome massive cage holding 300kg rocks. Really fun to pour water on. Small tunnelesque room creates powerful löyly (steam). Soft drinks and snacks available. Separate saunas for men and women. Relax in change room or outside at garden table. There’s a hammock near the table – use it if you can. Very easy to reach with tram 6 or 8, the stop (Hauhon puisto) is right outside. Open from Monday to Saturday – so it’s your best option on a Monday. Mon-Fri 3-8pm, Sat 2-7pm. Sauna is open for bathing one hour past closing time. €10 for adults, students €8.
Yrjönkadun Uimahalli[74],Yrjönkatu 21b in Helsinki, across from the Torni Hotel, an art-deco bath house with three types of saunas and a swimming pool. Take a sauna and swim in the nude. There are separate days for women and men. Bathing suits are not banned, but almost everyone goes without one. Men's swimming days are: Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday; Women's days: Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Sunday. 1st Floor €5.00 (or €5.40 with a lockable stall or 'cabin'), 2nd Floor €14. The second floor includes access to a steam sauna and a wood-heated sauna, as well as a café.
Kämp Spa, Kluuvikatu 4 B, (Kämp Gallery 8th floor), ☎ +358 9 5761 1330 ([email protected]), [x]. Mon–Fri 9am - 8pm, Sat 9am - 8pm, Sun 9am - 1pm and 4pm - 8pm (gym and sauna area). Kämp Spa is located in the heart of Helsinki. In addition to the spa treatments, the Spa counts with a gym and 3 different saunas.
Kuusijärvi, Kuusijärventie 3, Vantaa, [75]. This traditional smoke sauna is located in Vantaa but very easy to reach from Helsinki Railway Station. Situated in Kuusijärvi Outdoor Centre and besides a beautiful lake, it's widely regarded as one of the best traditional saunas in the capital region. Rebuilt in 2011. €10 for adults, students/children €6. Take your swim gear with you, as the smoke sauna is mixed-sex. Kuusijärvi is one of the rare places in Helsinki area where winter swimming is possible for public every day during the winter season.
Kaurilan Sauna, Heikinniementie 9, Helsinki [76]. Authentic Finnish wood-heated sauna in a 19th century sauna building, located in middle of nature, just 15 min bus ride from Helsinki city center. Relax in front of fireplace in changing room or outside in a peaceful garden. 2 hour public shifts are during Mon, Tue and Wed evenings (men, women and mixed shifts are available). The sauna is operated by a family living in the same courtyard. Pre-booking is required, ticket (€16) includes hand-made hemp fabric towels, sauna seat covers as well as washing products.
Sompasauna, The most interesting super public Sauna close to Kalasatama metro station. Highly recommended.
Salmisaaren Liikuntakeskus, Energiakatu 3 (next to Helsinki Energia @ Ruoholahti), [x]. New sports mall in Helsinki, includes indoor beach, bowling, ice hockey, wall climbing, gym, restaurant and lots more...
Sonera Stadium, Urheilukatu 5 (next to Olympic Stadium), [x]. The home of football (soccer) team HJK [2]. Tickets for matches start from €12. Name changed from Finnair Stadium in August 2010 due to corporate sponsorship change
Hartwall Areena, Areenankuja 1 (7 min walk from Pasila station, 10 min walk from Tram 7 stop at Kyllikinportti), [x]. The largest indoor arena in Finland, the home of ice hockey team Jokerit[3] and also a popular venue for concerts.
Natura Viva - Vuosaari Paddling Center, Ramsinniementie 14, ☎ +358503768585, [x]. Vuosaari Paddling Center is the leading organizer of kayaking activities in the Helsinki region. The kayak rental is open from the beginning of June until the end of August every day. In May and September on demand. Guided tours, trips and courses are also possible.Rentals start at 14 € per 2 hours.
Outdoor Icepark skating in winter, Railway Station Square (in the center of Helsinki), [x]. A pair of skates can be rented for an additional fee. The connected Café offers the opportunity of defrosting with a cup of hot glögi. There are also dozens of other places to go skating in Helsinki, including natural and indoor skating rinks. Their list is available from the the Helsinki City web [4] . (60.171136,24.943465)
Helsinki Mediakeskus (Media Centre Lume) - University of Art and Design
Most of Finland's exchange students end up in Helsinki's universities.
University of Helsinki. [77]. With over 40,000 students, this is Finland's largest university and its alumni include Linus Torvalds, the creator of the Linux kernel. It operates on four campuses in Helsinki and at 17 other locations. The City Center Campus, extending around the historical center of Helsinki, Senate Square, and Kruununhaka city district, is the administrative heart of the University of Helsinki.
Aalto University, [78]. Formed in 2010 from the three leading universities in their respective areas:
Helsinki University of Technology. Considered Finland's counterpart of the MIT, this university is in Otaniemi, Espoo, just across the municipality border.
University of Art and Design Helsinki. The biggest art university in Scandinavia. Has the highest rate of exchange students of all Finnish universities.
Helsinki School of Economics
Hanken, Swedish School of Economics and Business Administration. [79].
University of the Arts Helsinki. [80] Newly-formed from three arts universities and academies:
Sibelius Academy. [81]. The only music university in Finland and one of the largest in Europe.
Shopping in Helsinki is generally expensive, but fans of Finnish and Nordic design will find plenty of things of interest. From the beginning of 2016, the shopping hours have been freed from regulation, meaning that each shop can decide for themselves. Thus the opening hours should be checked in advance as there is and will be more and more variation. Most large shops and department stores have been open weekdays from 9AM to 9PM. As in the rest of Finland, most shops close by 6PM on Saturday and Sunday (as of 2010 all shops are allowed to open every Sunday between noon and 6PM). A notable exception is the Asematunneli complex, located underground adjacent to the Central Railway Station, most shops here are open until 10PM almost every day of the year.
Grocery stores K-Supermarket and Lidl in the Kamppi Center (see below) and the S-Market supermarket below Sokos, next to the railway station, are open every day until 10PM. Small grocery stores and the R-Kioski convenience store chain are open till 10PM or 11PM year-round, too. A handful of small Alepa grocery stores are open 24 hours a day except on national holidays, including Alepa Eliel, located under the commuter train tracks at the Central Railway Station. In the centre you will find small Delish and Pick A Deli convenience stores in the city center, open 24 hours a day year round but more expensive than regular grocery stores.
There are dozens of Asian food stores, like Aseanic Trading, DFH Asian Market and Tokyokan, which sells Japanese groceries. There is also an American-British shop Behnford's, which sells mainly sweets you can't find elsewhere in Finland, like Butter Fingers and Twinkies.
You can find American sweets like Reese's, Pop Tarts and Hersheys and others in most supermarkets.
Helsinki's main shopping street is Aleksanterinkatu (Aleksi), which runs from Senate Square to Mannerheimintie. On Aleksi you can find plenty of shops and the largest department store in the Nordic countries, Stockmann. The parallel Esplanadi boulevards have expensive specialty boutiques. The only store by an international luxury brand in Finland is on Esplanadi: Louis Vuitton. Access to the area is easy, as trams 3, 4/4T and 7A/7B all run down Aleksanterinkatu, and the area is just a stone's throw from the Central Railway Station and Helsingin yliopisto metro stations. Close by, in the Kamppi area, you can find the shopping centres Kamppi and Forum and the department store Sokos. Large shopping malls can be found in the suburbs and accessed by public transport from the Central Railway Station.
Akateeminen kirjakauppa (bookstore). Keskuskatu (opposite Stockmann), [84]. The largest bookstore in Northern Europe, with extensive selections in English too. An underground passage connects the bookstore to Stockmann. If for no other reason the bookstore's architechture (Alvar Aalto) and pleasant second floor cafeteria (one of the few with table service in Helsinki) might be enough reason to visit. Tram: 3, 4, 6, 7, 9, 10.
Stockmann Aleksanterinkatu entrance
Stockmann. Corner of Aleksanterinkatu and Mannerheimintie, [85]. The flagship of Finland's premier department store chain. When locals meet "under the clock" (kellon alla), they mean the one under the Aleksanterinkatu entrance to Stockmann. A large selection of souvenirs and Finnish goods serve tourists on one of the top floors. he Herkku supermarket in the basement offers an amazing range of gourmet food. There are also smaller branches of Stockmann at the malls of Itäkeskus, Jumbo, Tapiola and the airport. Tram: 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 9, 10.
Itis. [86]. Previously the largest shopping mall in the Nordic countries with some 240 shops. Comes with an unexpected African and Middle Eastern vibe due to the high number of immigrants residing in the adjacent neighbourhoods, who spend free time there with friends and family. Metro: Itäkeskus, about 16 minutes from the center.
Galleria Esplanad, between Mikonkatu and Kluuvikatu, [87]. Helsinki's fanciest shopping mall, with local brands like Marimekko, Aarikka and Iittala. Tram: 3, 4, 6, 7, 9. Metro: Helsingin yliopisto.
Kamppi Center (Kampin Keskus), [88]. Big shopping mall in the center of Helsinki. Plenty of stores and restaurants. Long-distance bus terminal in the basement. Metro: Kamppi.
Kluuvi. Aleksanterinkatu 9. Re-opened after extensive renovations in Autumn 2011, the Kluuvi shopping centre features a wide range of small stores. Perhaps the most interesting concept is the Eat & Joy Markethall selling organic and local food in the basement. Grind your own flour and fill your bottles with crude milk but be prepared for steep prices. Tram: 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 9. Metro: Helsingin yliopisto.
Kauppakeskus Ruoholahti. [89]. The "suburban" shopping mall closest to the center. Metro: Ruoholahti. Tram: 8.
Sokos. [90]. A large department store located right next to the railway station. Tram: 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 9, 10, Metro: Central Railway Station.
Citycenter, Kaivokatu 8, [x]. Tram: 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 9, 10, Metro: Central Railway Station
Mall of Tripla. [91]. Fredikanterassi 1, Helsinki. Huge new mall with about 250 stores and dozens of restaurants or cafes right next to Pasila Railway Station. One stop north from Helsinki Main Railway Station by any train or tram line 2.
Verkkokauppa.com. [92]. Northern Europe's and probably also Europe's largest home-electronics store with 20 000 m2 of retail space. The best spot for electronics, computers, digital cameras, mobile phones, etc. in Helsinki (but you are usually better off internet-shopping from Germany). Located 2 km from the Helsinki city center. Store also features Finland's largest and free sightseeing terrace with a MiG-21BIS fighter plane. Free parking for 2 hours. Metro: Ruoholahti. Tram: 9 and 6T take you door-to-door from the railway station. Also terminal to Tallinn, Estonia and St. Petersburg, Russia is one the other side of the street looking from Verkkokauppa.com
In the suburbs of Vantaa and Espoo you can also find big shopping malls. Vantaa has Jumbo(including Flamingo) [93] and Myyrmanni[94], while Espoo has Iso Omena[95] and Sello[96]. All of these are easily accessible by public transport or by car (free parking), but don't provide anything that would not be available in the city center.
There are high-end design stores around Aleksanterinkatu and Etelä-Esplanadi. The Design District Helsinki area around Uudenmaankatu and Iso Roobertinkatu is full of design and antique shops, fashion stores, museums, art galleries, restaurants and showrooms. Here you can find the most interesting names, classics, trend-setters and so much more. Visit Design Forum Finland [97] at Erottajankatu 7 to get a map of shops and galleries.
Aero, Yrjönkatu 8, [98]. New and vintage design furniture, lighting, textiles, jewelery, glass. Finnish designers represented include Eero Aarnio, Alvar Aalto, Tapio Wirkkala, Timo Sarpaneva and Ilmari Tapiovaara. Not for the budget traveller.
Arabia Factory Shop. Hämeentie 135 (Tram 6 & 8 terminus), [99]. Factory outlet for Arabia ceramics and Iittala glassware, best known for selling slightly defective goods at modestly ,discounted prices. Open M-F 10AM-8PM, Sa-Su 10AM-4PM.
Helsinki 10, Eerikinkatu 3, tel. +358-10-5489801, [100]. This bright-white "lifestyle department store" sells both international and Finnish (designer) labels such as Raf Simons, Wood Wood, Acne and April77 as well as second-hand clothes, accessories, records, magazines etc. Open M-F 11AM-8PM, Sa 11AM-6PM.
Iittala Shop, Pohjoisesplanadi 25, [101]. An airy concept store for the Iittala brand of Finnish glassware, pans, kitchen utensils and more. Personal service by the friendly staff. Open M-F 10AM-7PM, Sa 10AM-4PM.
Ivana Helsinki, Uudenmaankatu 15, tel. +358 9 6224422, [102]. Internationally recognized designer clothes, handmade in Finland.
Marimekko. Pohjoisesplanadi 33, tel. +358 9 686 0240, [103]. Innovative and unique Finnish interior design, bags, and fabrics. This is the flagship store, but items can also be found at the Kämp Gallery, Kamppi Centre, Hakaniemi Market Hall, or their factory shop (Kirvesmiehenkatu 7, tel. +358 9 758 7244).
Myymälä2, Uudenmaankatu 23, [104]. Gallery and shop for young designers, artists and musicians. And while you are there, check out Lux shop on the opposite side of the street.
Paloni, Eerikinkatu 7, tel. +358-50-5894131, [105]. Paloni is a creative design concept store. It sells items that are designed and made by over 70 independent designers. Paloni's product range covers women's clothing, accessories, jewellery, home decor, gift items and children's clothing. Open M-F 11AM-7PM, Sa 11AM-4PM.
TRE, Mikonkatu 6, tel. +358-29-1700-430, [106]. TRE is the world's largest Finnish design and fashion store. Wide range of design, furniture, lifestyle products, organic cosmetics and fashion. The vegetarian cafe Cargo in the back is also worth a visit. Open M-F 11AM-7PM, Sa 11AM-6PM.
Most outdoor markets in Helsinki are open only in summer, but the market halls are open all year round. They are great places to taste Finnish delicacies.
Hakaniemi Market Hall (Hakaniemen kauppahalli)[107] and Hakaniemi Open-Air Market (Hakaniemen tori). A busy market frequented by locals, this is where you can find specialities at affordable prices. The first floor of the market hall is largely food. Head to the second floor for handicrafts and souvenirs. The open-air market offers fresh vegetables and seasonal products. Walking up Hämeentie from Hakaniemi market, you'll find most of Helsinki's African, Middle Eastern, Indian and Asian grocery stores. Metro: Hakaniemi. Tram: 1, 1A, 3, 6, 6T, 7, 9.
Hietalahti Market Hall[108], Hietalahdentori (tram 6), tel. +358 9 670145. Broad variety of fresh foods and preserved foods to take as souvenir. You can have a quick snack, or enjoy lunch or dinner at the popular restaurants and cafés at the hall. From city center a nice 10min walk at the opposite end of Bulevardi street. Open Mon-Tue 8am-6pm & Wed-Sat 8am-10pm.
Hietalahti Open Air Flea market[109]. Next to Hietalahti Restaurant Hall, this is the most popular flea market in Helsinki. Open year round, but busiest from May to August.
Market Square (Kauppatori). At the end of Esplanadi facing the sea, and just a block from the Lutheran Cathedral or the Uspenski Cathedral, this open-air market square is in the must-see zone for most visitors and sells fresh fish and produce from all over Finland. Open year round. It's busiest in summer, although the Christmas Market in December is also worth a look. One section of the market is devoted to souvenirs, but best buys here are the fresh berries and other produce. In summer, try the sweet green peas (herne). Just pop open the pod and eat as is. Market Square is also the site of the Havis Amanda fountain.
Old Market Hall (Vanha kauppahalli), [110]. Just south of Market Square, this renovated old brick building houses Finland's best collection of gourmet food boutiques. Try to find the stall which sells bear salami! Tram: 2, 3, 1, 1A.
Helsinki has a selection of great "underground" record stores with a greatly varying selection of both Finnish and international music. Most of them also sell vinyl (12"/10"/7"). Generally speaking, prices aren't cheap, but the selection may be worth it. Some of the more collectible stuff may even be cheaper than elsewhere.
If you have only a limited amount of time, check out the record stores around Viiskulma', a brisk walk from the city center:
A.H. Records, Fredrikinkatu 12, [111]. Used rock/Finnish/funk.
Lifesaver, Pursimiehenkatu 3. Electronic/soul/disco/funk/hip-hop/jazz. New owners and a new location since Deceber 2009.
Levylaivuri, Laivurinkatu 41.
Elsewhere around the city center:
Levykauppa Äx, Fredrikinkatu 59 and in Hakaniemi, Hakaniemen Torikatu 2, [114] Possibly the most well-known record shop in Finland which does have plans to start a political party.
Streetbeat, Kirvesmiehenkatu 4 (Metro: Herttoniemi), [119]. One of Finland's dance/electronic music pioneers, but they've closed their city center store and moved into the suburbs.
In Kallio, easily accessed via Hakaniemi metro station:
A couple of stores with curious business ideas not widely available elsewhere.
Left Shoe Company, Southern Esplanade (also inside Stockmann), [123], step on a high tech gadget that measures your foot and then choose what sort of shoe you would like to wear. Get the tailored shoe sent home by post. Only mens shoes. Prices start at around 200 euros and depend on the materials used.
Varusteleka, [124], Ruosilantie 2, a bit outside the center but reachable by public transport, this shop deals in army surplus stuff and has probably the friendliest and knowledgeable staff you'll find in Finland. Varusteleka sells anything from thirties Nazi leather trench coats to very good value-for-money modern gore-tex hiking coats that some army somewhere had too many of.
This guide uses the following price ranges for a typical meal for one, including soft drink:
Budget
Under €10
Mid-range
€10-30
Splurge
Over €30
Helsinki has by far the best cosmopolitan restaurants in Finland, and is a good place to escape the usual diet of meat and potatoes. As usual in Finland the best time to eat out is lunch, when most restaurants offer lunch specials for around €10. Lunch are typically served from 10:30AM to 2PM, but the times vary.
A surprisingly large number of restaurants close down for a month or more in summer (July-August), so call ahead to avoid disappointment.
Budget choices are largely limited to fast food, although there are a couple of workaday Finnish eateries in the mix. In addition to McDonald's and its Finnish imitators Hesburger/Carrols, Helsinki is also full of pizza and kebab places, where a meal typically costs around €7-8 (sometimes as low as €4-5, especially in Kallio). A more healthy option is Unicafe[125], a chain of restaurants owned by the Helsinki University student union, which has around 10 outlets in central Helsinki and offers full meals from €5.70, including vegetarian options. Lunch restaurants and lists in Helsinki can be found at lounasmenu.fi.
Cheap groceries, In shops and online [126]. List of the cheapest places where to buy food in Helsinki.
Fat Ramen, Lönnrotinkatu 34, Hietalahti market hall, [127]. Helsinki's first real ramen bar. Housemade noodles and popular tonkotsu broth. Big and fulfilling ramen soups from 11€.
Bar No 9, Uudenmaankatu 9, [128]. Popular bar that also serves a variety of dishes with a twist of cross-kitchen style, priced from €4.90-15.90, most main courses under €10. Tends to be packed at lunch and dinner time.
Chilli, Keskuskatu 6 (and other outlets around town). Cheap kebab, shawarma, and falafel. Large portions, though be warned that this isn't your traditional Middle Eastern fare. Pitas come with something akin to spaghetti sauce inside. Filling choice, especially on a budget.
Event Arena Bank, Unioninkatu 20. Free flow lunch restaurant that offers a spacious and luminous environment to spend the lunch hour. The daily Lunch Club menu consists of four different choices all for 9,20€. There is choice of Scandinavian style home-cooking, Mediterranean or Asian delicacies, salad bar and soup of the day or vegetarian meal.
Fredan Murkina, Fredrikinkatu 16, Very simple and inexpensive lunch place, no gourmet-stuff going on here, but the sort of food Finns eat at home made fresh on site. Run by a friendly husband and wife team, this kiosk/restaurant melange a stone's throw away from five corners serves one of the cheapest healthy warm lunches you can eat in central Helsinki. Take away also possible if the few tables are full. At the time of writing (A day in Sep-'15) a soup cost 4.50 while lunch of the day was 5.70 or 7 depending on portion size.
Golden Rax, Aleksanterinkatu 11, Turunlinnantie 6 (Itäkeskus), [129]. Cheap and greasy, all-you-can-eat pizza buffet. Includes soggy pasta, wilted salad, and drinks. €9.95 per person, €2.95 extra if you want ice-cream.
Happiness Thai Buffet, Helsingin yliopisto Metro station. Open M-F 11AM-8PM, Sa Su noon-7PM. Decent Thai food with vegetarian options in an all-you-can-eat buffet, single dishes also available. Do yourself a favor though, and pass on the coffee. Buffet €9.50 (€10 with sushi), single servings ~€9.
Kahvila Suomi, Pursimiehenkatu 12, tel. +358 9 657422. Huge portions of tasty no-nonsense Finnish food like meatballs and mashed potatoes, which explains the dock workers that crowd here at lunchtime. The Japanese tourists, on the other hand, come because the cult hit movie Kamome Shokudo was filmed here! Most mains under €10, priced sandwiches available. Open M-F till 9 pm.
La Famiglia, Keskuskatu 3, tel. +358 9 85685680, [130]. 11AM-midnight daily. Unpretentious Italian food even for under €10, although the most of the items on the menu should be listed under the Mid-price section. The weekday lunch buffet of soup, salad and two kinds of pasta (€7-10) is still a particularly good value.
Pasta La Vista, Mikonkatu 8 (Ateneum), [131]. Pick a pasta, a filling and a sauce, for €7.70-8.70. Menu changes often, vegetarian options also available.
Pelmenit, Kustaankatu 7 (Close to Sörnäinen metro station), ☎ +358 41 783 9069, [x]. M-Th 11:00-17:00, F-Su: 10:00-22:00. Serves pelmeny (Russian dumplings), blini (Russian crepes), soups and salads. The menu depends on the mood of the Russian owner.Around €10 for a dish..
Sky Express, Annankatu 31. [132]A pizza spot very close to the city center. It's a relatively small place, but the service is very fast and the place is open late at night. Opens around 11AM, and closes at 11PM (10PM on Sundays). Try the Päivän jättipizza ("Daily giant pizza"), which is a large, thin pizza with a varying selection of fillings plus a 0.4 liter soft drink for €12,
Unicafe Ylioppilasaukio, Mannerheimintie 3 B, [133]. Open M-F 11AM-7PM, Sa 11AM-5PM. The biggest and most centrally located student restaurant and cafeteria is only a two-minute walk away from the main railway station. The lunch price is only €6.10 including drink, bread and the salad buffet, and €2.50 if you happen to own a Finnish student card.
Pompier, Albertinkatu 29, [134]. M-F 11AM-3PM. Run by the Volunteer Fire Brigade, this restaurant serves a daily changing buffet of hearty Finnish fare in a cafeteria straight from the 1950s, complete with grim portraits of moustached Hosemasters staring down at you. Pea soup and pancakes on Thursday are particularly popular. €10,00 per head.
Singapore Hot Wok, Kamppi Shopping Centre, E floor, Urho Kekkosen katu 5 B. Select from a few tasty plates of Wok. €9.50 per head.
Cafe Balzac, Iso Roobertinkatu 3-5, [135], A nice place to pop in if you are walking through the so called "design district" area. Well hidden on an inner yard this french-style cafe/pub/restaurant one man show is a really nice find.
Kaarna, Mannerheimintie 20,[136] +358 10 76 64550. Scandinavian-style restaurant with a location as central as it can get. Pop in from the main street for a glass of bubbly at the bar downstairs or settle in at the second floor for some Scandinavian-style tapas, or snapas, or other Nordic delicacies. Open Mon-Thu 11-23, Fri-Sat 11-24, Sun 12-21. Mains from 16 € to 30 €.
Kuu, Töölönkatu 27, [137]. Restaurant Kuu has been offering Finnish specialities in the bohemian Töölö-district since 1966. Completely renovated a couple of years ago, the refreshed restaurant is more popular then ever before. A really good and decently priced wine-list, from the dishes the smoked salmon soup (9,50e/14,40e) is a real classic.
Cella, Fleminginkatu 15, [138]. Established 1969, this is one of the oldest restaurants in the Kallio disctrict, serving classic Finnish food with lots of grease and salt. For a "real" restaurant (not fast food) in Helsinki it's reasonably priced, around € 10-20 for main dishes. The chef himself often serves the food, complete with a sexist joke or an insult, and may even force feed you the leftovers if you don't finish your meal! Also serves as a pub with a decent selection of beers, ciders and single malts.
Juuri, Korkeavuorenkatu 27, +358 9 635 732, [139]. Tiny restaurant known for its special Finnish entrées called sapakset (a play on tapas), with roots in Finnish food tradition. Try the cabbage roll with crayfish or the egg cheese with marjoram. All sapakset €4.3, main dishes €24. Lunch sets €7.5-10. Open M-F 11AM-2PM (lunch) & 4PM–10PM (à la carte), Sa noon-10PM, Su 4PM-10PM.
Kuu Kuu, Museokatu 17, [140]. A cosy modern bar/restaurant. Populated by local actors and artists, this newly renovated place offers easygoing, simple Finnish food. Serves food until midnight on weekdays (that is very late in Finland) and is also a nice place for drinks. Still relatively free from tourists so don't expect hearing anything else but finnish and swedish here (staff is still multilingual). Mo - Fr 11-01, Sa 12-01, Su 12-22.
Kappeli, Eteläesplanadi 1, [141]. Traditional Finnish dishes - reindeer, fish, etc. Some of the prices are on the high end of mid-range, but you should get polite service and well-prepared food with a lovely presentation. Cozy, relaxed, relatively quiet atmosphere (although the restaurant is apparently well-known and therefore might be more crowded during late evenings & tourist season). The roasted lamb with garlic potatoes is a good choice, as is their take on Finnish-style blueberry pie. They also offer a cheaper self-service cafe on the left side of the restaurant, along with a bar (opened in 1867) in the middle of the building. Main lunch dishes €14-18, main dinner dishes about €15-36.
Konstan Möljä, Hietalahdenkatu 14, +358 9 694 7504, [142]. Traditional Finnish food. Lunch buffet €7.90, main dishes €15+, dinner buffet €18. Very nice if you want to try all kinds of Finnish meals!
Kosmos, Kalevankatu 3, +358 9 647 255, [143]. A Helsinki institution dating to 1924, proudly serving "Helsinkian" food — a melange of Russian, French and Swedish influences. Try one of the three classics: Vorschmack with duchess potatoes, the Sylvester Sandwich au gratin and Baltic herrings with mashed potatoes. Mains €15-25. Trams: 2, 3, 4, 6, 7A/7B 10
Manala, Dagmarinkatu 2, +358 9 5807 7707, [144]. The name may mean "Hell" and their motto "For devilish hunger and hellish thirst", but it's actually an understated white-linen-cloth restaurant serving traditional Finnish food and wood-fired pizzas. Open 11AM-4AM (Sa Su 2PM-4AM), lunch menus M-F 11AM-2PM. Main dishes €10-18. Trams: 4, 7A/B, 10.
Messenius, Messeniuksenkatu 7, tel. +358 9 2414950, [145]. This fine neighbourhood place outside the city centre is famed for the "catch of the day", often caught by the fishing enthusiast owners themselves. Also fairly good steaks for the carnivores amongst us.
Perho, Mechelininkatu 7, +358 9 508 786 49, [146]. Run by a cooking school, the cooks and waiters are all enthusiastic students, so the quality of food and service are good. Serves traditional Finnish and Russian food, set menus €20 to €30 including wine. Open M-Sa 11AM-11PM, Sun noon-5PM.
Ravintola N:o 11 (Restaurant Nr. 11), Pihlajatie 34, +358 9 477 2863, [147]. This classic neighbourhood eatery in the Meilahti district, long known as Kuusihokki, recently reverted to its original 1946 name by its new owners who also improved the kitchen. The menu consists of basic but superbly executed classics such as salmon soup. The fantastic original 40s interior is also worth seeing.
Sea Horse, Kapteeninkatu 11, +358 9 628 169, [148]. Established in 1933 as a basic eatery, this joint has slowly become a local legend affectionately known as Sikala ("Pigsty"), and both the decor and the menu are still preserved from the 1950s. A long-time Wallpaper Magazine favourite. Try the famous herring dishes or the onion steak. Meals between €10-30.
Sävel, Hämeentie 2 & Runeberginkatu 40, Finbistro with two locations, one in Hakaniemi (near the metro station) and one in Töölö (tram 2). Nice retro athmosphere and relatively late opening hours. Good place for huge and tasty hamburgers. Lunch buffet availabe as well. +358 774 1082+358 447555959[149][150]
Tori, Punavuorenkatu 2, small and cozy urban restaurant with laid-back style, offering European and Mediterranean food. Frequented mostly by young people and seems to be popular with Asian tourists. Excellent place to try authentic Finnish meatballs. No alcohol served. +358 68743790[151]
Weeruska, Porvoonkatu 18, +358 (0)20 7424 270, [152]. Serves simple, but tasty, home-made style food. The clientele at lunch is primarily blue-collar workers and the portions are sized accordingly. Meals between €8-17.
Zetor, Kaivopiha, Mannerheimintie 3-5, +358 10 76 64450 , [153]. Tourist restaurant with lots of character and great quality Finnish food. Plenty of old tractors and Finnish memorabilia. Main meals between €10-20.
Central Helsinki is dominated by restaurants dedicated to international cuisine, and these are particularly useful for vegetarian visitors, Finnish food being largely meat-based. A particular touch is provided by a bunch of "Nepalese" restaurants, which also serve generic north Indian food, but almost any of which you are guaranteed to leave happy and full. Localized Chinese and Italian cuisines are also well represented.
Frida’s, Lönnrotinkatu 18, ☎ +358 10 209 0470 ([email protected]), [x]. Mon 11:00-14:00, Tue-Thu 11:00-14:00 & 17:00-21:00, Fri 11:00-14:00 & 16:00-22:00, Sat 16:00-22:00, Sun closed. Authentic and delicious Mexican food with a great drink menu.Lunch €12, mains from €14.
China Tiger, Korkeavuorenkatu 47, ☎ +358 9 949 5098 ([email protected]), [x]. Mon-Fri 11:00-23:00, Sat-Sun 12:00-23:00. Chinese food, adapted to local tastes.Lunch €9.2, mains from €12.8.
Belge, Kluuvikatu 5 (Kauppakeskus Kluuvi), +358 9 6229620, [154]. A reasonable selection of Belgian beers, a nice range of bistro fare, and a good location for people watching. The dining room upstairs is non-smoking. Main dishes €12–17.
Benjam's Bistro, Dagmarinkatu 5, tel: +358 9 492 322. [155] You want home made Italian cooking in Helsinki? Here it is. Benjam's is run by an Italian family. Atmosphere is cozy, but some of the food comes directly from the supermarket, tortellini and many desserts, for example. The place is quite small and can easily get crowded; their sister place Zio Pepe at Lapinlahdenkatu 25 usually has more room. Main dishes €10–15.
Mountain, Nordenskiöldinkatu 8, tel: +358 9 454 0501 [156]. A nice Nepalese restaurant in Taka-Töölö. Main dishes 10-20 €. Lunch 9 € at 12-15.
Pikku-Nepal, Annankatu 29, +358 9 6931778. A good "Nepalese" restaurant. Main dishes €13–25. Good vegetarian options.
Everest, Luotsikatu 12 A, +358 9 6942563. A well-known "Nepalese" restaurant. Main dishes €10-20.
Gastone, Korkeavuorenkatu 45, +358 9 666116. [157]. Nice restaurant with an Italian flavor. Reservations suggested, particularly on the weekend.
Mai Thai, Annankatu 31-33, +358 9 685 6850, [158]. One of the better known Thai restaurants in Helsinki! Make sure to reserve a table in advance, and heed the chilli ratings when ordering.
Mandarin Court, Lönnrotinkatu 2, +358 9 278 2700. Finland's first attempt at an authentic Chinese restaurant, seems to get watered down more and more every year but still has a nice selection of dim sum. Main dishes €11–15.
Meze Point, Mikonkatu 8, +358 9 6222 625. Mediterranean meze plates, several vegetarian dishes. Excellent vegetarian moussaka. Main dishes €15-20.
Mt. Everest, Lapinlahdenkatu 17, +358 9 6831 5450, [159]. Good Nepalese food. Main dishes €10-20.
New Bamboo Center, Annankatu 29, +358 9 6943117. Well-known downtown Malaysian-Chinese restaurant. Cheap lunch/dinner. Vegan-friendly with several vegan dishes. If you like elbow room you might want to pass on this restaurant, since the seating is somewhere between "intimate" and "cramped". The food is good, though.
Parilla Steak House Jätkäsaari, Tyynenmerenkatu 9, +358 44 480 9521. [160] Steak restaurant located next to Helsinki West Harbour and Verkkokauppa.com electronics store. Eat while watching ferries arriving to the harbour. 70 seats. Ala carte and lunch buffet.
Sawat Dee, Alppikatu 5, +358 9 773 2745. Serves tasty Thai food in a milieu resembling backwoods gas station bar. Main dishes €10-12, lunch set €7.5.
Suola, Annankatu 6, ☎ +358 9 2709 0970 ([email protected]), [x]. Mon-Tue 11:00-00:00, Wed-Thu 11:00 - 02:00 (04) Fri 11:00 - 04:00 Sat 14:00-04:00 Sun 16:00-22:00. Located in the busy Punavuori district this nicely decorated place classifies itself as a modern bistro. Vibrant in the evenings as well, great choice for cocktails. Kitchen open until 22:00 daily.Lunch 8-15€, mains from 16€.
Empire Plaza, Urho Kekkosen katu 1, Kamppi Shopping Centre. [161] Tasty Chinese food. Main dishes €7-20, lunch buffet €8.5.
Colorado Bar & Grill, Simonkatu 9. [162] Tex-Mex. Main dishes €10-25.
Just Vege, Vaasankatu 15, +358 9 759 3958 , [165]. Vegetarian and vegan street food in Kallio. Try the goat cheese burger or the falafel pita with feta and marinated eggplant. Open daily until 10PM (Mon-Thu) / 2AM (Fri-Sun).
Silvoplee, Toinen linja 3, +358 9 726 0900, [166]. Vegetarian restaurant specializing in living and raw foods but also serves warm dishes. Buffet, pay per weight. Closed on Sun.
Veganissimo, Kulmavuorenkatu 2, [167]. Vegan lunch cafe. Closed until further notice as of January 2015
Zucchini, Fabianinkatu 4. Cozy vegetarian lunch restaurant with a daily changing soup and main dish (around €10). Open M-F 11AM-4PM (lunch served the whole time).
Two classes of fine dining stand out in Helsinki: fresh seafood and Russian. During the dark days of the Soviet Union, it was sometimes said that the best Russian restaurants in the world were across the border in Helsinki. For something authentically Finnish and uniquely Helsinki, try Vorschmack, an unusual but surprisingly tasty mix of minced lamb and herring, served with chopped pickles and sour cream (smetana).
Saaga, Bulevardi 36, tel. +358 9 74255544[168] – Traditional cuisine from Lapland - the menu consists of a "Catch of the day" fish buffet with salmon, herrings and other delicacies plus dessert (€27 if combined with a main, €33 by itself), and a few mains consisting of reindeer, fish, or even bear (€22 - 40).
Carelia, Mannerheimintie 56, tel. +358 9 27090976 [169] – Finnish-French with a strong fish and seafood emphasis. Oysters and other seafood in winter, local fish in the summer season. Located in the premises of an old pharmacy with some of the pharmacy interior still intact. One of the best (if not the best) wine cellars in town: there are 37 different champagnes alone on the wine list.
Chef & Sommelier. Huvilakatu 28, tel. +358 400 959440, [170]. A small restaurant representing Nordic style cuisine and emphasizing on organic and local ingredients. Dishes are often served by the chefs themselves and you can really see the love and devotion they put into everything they serve. Voted 8th of "Top 50 Restaurants in Finland" in 2012. Bib Gourmand recognition as of 2011. Vegetarian and vegan menus also available. Open Tuesday to Saturday. Reservations essential.
Demo. Uudenmaankatu 9-11, tel. +358 9 2289 0480, [171]. An unusual high-class restaurant geared towards the young and trendy, Demo's decor is minimalistic, but the food is of excellent caliber. There are no menus, only set courses pre-chosen based on what is fresh and available for the evening. Easily deserving of its Michelin star. Reservations essential.
Olo, Kasarmikatu 44, tel. +358 9 665 565, [172] Combines North European ingredients into a modern Scandinavian cuisine while using seasons best ingredients available. Chosen as the best restaurant in Finland in 2012 by Viisi Tähteä magazine. One Michelin star.
Rivoli, Albertinkatu 38, tel. +358 9 643455. [173] Traditional fine dining restaurant quite close to the SAS Royal and Scandic Simonkentta hotels. Specialities include oysters, shellfish and mussels in season (this was the first place in Finland to import them) and zander in an onion and cream sauce (traditional style).
Farang, Ainonkatu 3, ☎ +358 9 4544 212 ([email protected]), [x]. Tu-Sa 5PM-midnight. Farang serves interpretations of South-East Asias dishes in a modern decor. Try one of the Tasting Menus if you can't decide what to have.Mains €24–28, tasting menus €62–66.
Farouge, Yrjönkatu 6, +358 9 6123455. Probably the only real Lebanese restaurant in Finland. Friendly service and excellent food. Main dishes €14–38. Lunch M–Sa 11AM–3PM Closed Sun.
Kabuki, Lapinlahdenkatu 12, +358 9 694 9446, [174]. Helsinki's best-known Japanese restaurant. Alas, while the food is decent, it's not quite the real thing. Reservations recommended for dinner. Closed Sat.
Tokyo55, Runeberginkatu 55, ☎ +358 10 841 1111, [x]. Tu–F 4PM–midnight, Sa 2PM–midnight. The speciality here is sushi, served up by Japanese chefs, but there are also Finnish-styled options like maki rolls with smoked salmon and dill. Good selection of sake and Japanese beers.€30.
Yume, Kluuvikatu 2, ☎ +358 9 5761 1718 ([email protected]), [x]. Tue-Sat 17-24. Modern Asian cuisine. Part of the famous Luxury Collection Hotel Kämp [5].Mains 23–29 €, tasting menus 46–62 €.
Helsinki has plenty of hip places for a drink. The main nightlife districts, all in the city center within crawling distance of each other, are around Iso-Roobertinkatu, the Central Railway Station and Kamppi. Helsinki's busy gay nightlife is centered mostly around Iso-Roobertinkatu and Eerikinkatu and surrounding streets.
Going out is not cheap, and complaining about the prices is a popular Finnish pastime, but compared to (say) London or New York City the prices aren't that bad. If you are on a budget and intent on getting plastered, follow the Finns and drink up a good "base" at home or hotel before going out on town. Alternatively, you can start the night outside the city centre area and head to the district of Kallio where bar prices are significantly lower. Popular places include Heinähattu, Roskapankki, Iltakoulu, Bar Molotow and Lepakkomies but there are lots more to choose from, just walk along Helsinginkatu or Vaasankatu. You can reach Kallio from the center by walking, by tram (lines 1, 3B, 6 or 7B) or by metro (get off at Hakaniemi and walk uphill, or Sörnäinen, and head west). Most bars close their doors between 2AM and 5AM, in city centre there are many that are open until 5AM. Kallio is usually considered as 'party starting district' but it's also common for locals to spend the whole night in Kallio, changing bar every now and then. The Kallio area is generally a bit rougher than the rest of the city and is as close as Helsinki gets to a red light district. However, it is a lot more tame than most 'such parts of town' in Europe. You will be fine there at any hour as long as you look out not to get in between a fight of two drunkards about who the remaining vodka belongs to.
Note that, while entry to bars and clubs is often (but not always) free, in club-type places and proper restaurants you must use and pay for the coat check (narikka), usually around €2, if you're wearing anything more than a T-shirt. In some places you must pay even if you don't leave anything at the cloakroom. The bouncer will be very strict with this as the much of the narikka-money goes into his pocket. If a ticket price is advertised, it usually does not cover the coat check.
The drinking age is 18, and this is rather strictly enforced, so bring along ID. Underaged drinking is still a huge problem, and many bars and clubs apply house limits of 20-24 years, but these are enforced less strictly and a patron of younger age will some times be let in if one fits the clientele, especially women.
Information on clubs and live performances can be found in free, Finnish-language tabloids such as City[175], which can be picked up at many bars, cafes and shops.
Finland is the largest coffee consuming nation per capita and coffee breaks are written into law. However, in Finland most coffee is filter-brewed from a light, more caffeinated, roast that is quite different to what the rest of the world drinks. Finns often enjoy a bun (pulla) or cinnamon bun (korvapuusti) with their coffee. Finland also has international coffee chains like Starbucks. There are 3 locations in Helsinki: one in airport, other two located in downtown Helsinki (Academic bookstore and Kamppi shopping mall)
In Finland commonly espressos and lattes are called "special coffees" and a large number of establishments that make such coffees have popped up all over town ever since the nineties when they arrived. One which will give any Italian cafeteria a go for their money is La Torrefazione next to Stockmann. In the more common cafeterias the normal light brew coffee is sold by self service at the counter even at some more expensive cafeterias (there is only a handful of cafeterias serving to the table in Helsinki - this shows how commonplace coffee drinking is considered).
Cafe DaJa, Mariankatu 13 B (in the beautiful Kruununhaka district, 5 minutes from the Dom). One of the best Cafes in Helsinki with a german Kaffee Kultur. Very relaxed, excellent service, a awesome breakfast buffet every day and the best Flammkuchen in Town.
Ateljee Baari, Hotel Torni (14th floor), Kalevankatu 5. Despite the name it's more like a cafe, located on top of Hotel Torni, Finland's first high-rise. Excellent views over Helsinki's downtown. You even have a view from the (famous) toilets. Highly recommended. Find the elevator close to the lobby to get there, but be prepared for expensive drinks. If you're on a tight budget, you can just enjoy the view on the elevator level.
Café & Eepos, Runeberginkatu 29. A hidden gem near Temppeliaukion kirkko. Delicious pastries, pies and buns - and it's full of books you can read. There are even glasses available for those with poor eyesight.
Café Ekberg, Bulevardi 9, ☎ (09) 6811 860, [x]. One of the classic Helsinki cafés.
Cafe Engel, Aleksanterinkatu 26 (opposite the Lutheran cathedral). Where the locals go for tea and snacks. Very relaxed, lovely courtyard out the back with films projected late into summer evenings.
Café Kafka, Pohjoisesplanadi 2 (Swedish Theatre). A lovely building with a relaxed atmosphere. Here you can find one of the best espressos in town. Closed as of Summer 2010 due to renovations
Cafe Succès, Korkeavuorenkatu 2, tel. +358 9 633414. This traditional cafe serves excellent delicacies. Famous for their enormous cinnamon rolls (korvapuusti), also available in Cafe Esplanad[176].
Café Tin Tin Tango, Töölöntorinkatu 7 (tram 2, 8), ☎ +358-9-27090972, [x]. M-F 7AM-midnight, Sa-Su 9AM-2AM. A uniquely Helsinki combination of cafe, restaurant, bar, laundromat and sauna, Tin Tin Tango serves up all-day breakfast, soups, salads and sandwiches, but stays open late with wine and occasional live music. Laundry/dryer €4/2. Sauna is no longer in use.
Espresso Edge, Liisankatu 29, [177]. A cozy bohemian café with a South American vibe, popular among the artsy types of the Kruununhaka neighbourhood, and Faculty of Social Science students from across the street.
Gran Delicato, Kalevankatu 34, tel. +358 9 694 0403. A very cosy cafe serving Mediterranean salads and paninis, and a variety of coffees. The Greek owner is a showman, usually around to amuse customers. Coffees 2-4€, salads 7-9€, pastas and soups 7-9€. Open weekdays 8.00-22.00, Saturdays 10.00-18.00, Sundays closed.
Kaffecentralen, Museokatu 9. This little shop concentrates on selling espresso paraphernalia, and also serves excellent capuccino.
Kahvila Sävy, Kinaporinkatu 1, [178]. Small, retro style café with excellent coffee from a Finnish roastery. There are only a few seats in the former barbershop, next to the Sörnäinen metro. Also peculiar percolators for sale.
Kakkugalleria, Erottaja 7, [179]. French-type cafe in the Design Forum. Try the lovely Sacher cake. Take away is cheaper.
Kipsari, Hämeentie 135 E, [180]. Student cafe at the University of Art and Industrial Design in Arabia. Relaxed atmosphere with live music and DJs at times. Not open during summer when the school's out.
Sinisen huvilan kahvila, Linnunlauluntie 11 (Töölönlahti, up the hill). 10AM-10PM during summertime. The "Cafe of the Blue Villa" is an outdoors café with fantastic views over the Töölönlahti bay.Small coffee €1.5.
Käpylän lippakioski* A small kiosk built for the 1952 Helsinki olympics now has a cafe. It's a very relaxed hippie place with flexible prices. There are also lots of events in the park directly behind it. Easily accessible in the green Käpylä district a stone throw from the last stop of tram 1.
Crazy Wine, Kanavaranta 3, tel. +358 10 299 3500, [181]. A cozy wine and cocktail bar by the sea. Located on a relaxed pedestrian street, which is popular by locals and tourists. A great menu of wines, tall cocktails and tasty snacks. The summer terrace offers a nice view of sailing boats and yachts. Opening hours: Mondays closed, Tue-Sat 15:00-midnight, Sundays closed.
The Cartel Room, Malminrinne 1, tel. +358 40 353 1931, [182]. Laid-back bar with Latin vibes. A great selection of tasty cocktails and other drinks with snacks. Located in the heart of Helsinki, a few city blocks from Kamppi shopping mall. A special afterwork drink menu with free nachos from Wednesday to Saturday from 4PM to 7PM. Opening hours: Mon & Tue closed, Wed & Thu 16:00-midnight, Fri & Sat 16:00-02:00. Sundays closed.
Gate A21, Annankatu 21, [183]. A high-priced but incredibly high quality cocktail bar situated in the city center, a few hundred meters from Stockmann's. Generally serves classic cocktail drinks with a twist, but also features several cocktails with a distinctly Finnish vibe (featuring garnishes such as birch leaves and fresh cloudberry) and innovative house specialities. According to worldsbestbars.com, this unlikely find is one of the world's best bars [184], winning the title of the best bar in the world in 2009 and 2010. Drinks €7-25, try the Birch Cooler, Blinker or XXX.
Aussie Bar, Salomonkatu 5, right next to the station. The name says it. Place to go get some drinks with some international fun. Live music every Wednesday and the weekends are always crazy in Kangaroo Land... Open Mon - Tue, Sun: 14:00 - 2:00 and Wed - Sat: 12:00 - 3:00.
Baarikärpänen. Located in Pohjoinen Rautatiekatu 21. Offers R & B and Top 40 hits in a nice lounge-type bar with big comfortable sofas and a dance floor. Reasonably cheap.
Bar Molotow, Vaasankatu 29, Small and always cozy indie/alternative/electro/goth rock bar. Nice summer terrace. Located in Kallio/harju district.
Baker's, Mannerheimintie 12, [185]. Nowadays a part of a huge sports bar, called O'Learys. A great place to start up your party. From Tues to Sat they have a sparkling wine happy hour from 5PM: for 100 minutes, a glass of cava costs 100 cents (that's one euro). The service might be somewhat rough. Also lots of young people there on weekends. Has a bar, nightclub, pub and serves also food.
Black Door, Iso Roobertinkatu 1, [186]. English pub. Weekdays are relaxed, weekends have live DJs and a full bar. A place to go for quality beers, ales, ciders and whisky.
Juttutupa, Säästöpankinranta 5, [x]. In a nice old granite house called Graniittilinna you'll find (probably) Helsinki's oldest still operational pub, Juttutupa. Juttutupa is housed in the "workers house" and has historically been the Bar of the policial left. In fact, while Lenin was hiding out in Finland planning the upcoming Russian revolution he was known to frequent Juttutupa, where the table he used to sit at is kept in his memory (the one in the back with a good view of the entrance). On Wednesdays there are often free Jazz concerts. Juttutupa also serves food from the neighboring restaurant's kitchen.
Erottaja Bar, Erottajankatu 15-17, tel. +358 9 611 196. A small, consciously crude bar, that formerly was known as one of the primary hipster hangouts in central Helsinki. The bar is now all but deserted by the trendy crowd, and the music turned into the usual fare of hit-list pop, but on the upside the service is friendly and there is ample sitting room at the tables.
Korjaamo, Töölönkatu 51, tel. +358 9 4540 117, [187]. One of the best places to hang out at summer, nice terrace, two floor laid back bar with life DJ's in the evening and cafe in the building of the Korjaamo Cultural Factory. Free access to Apple computers with Internet, Wi Fi. Café open daily 11AM–5PM, bar M Tu 4PM–11AM, W Th 4PM-1AM, F Sa 4PM–3AM, Sundays closed.
Molly Malone's, Kaisaniemenkatu 1, [188]. An Irish pub/nightclub near the Central Railway Station. Popular among Finns and tourists alike. Live music every night.
Loose, Annankatu 21, [189]. A very street-credible rock bar, it is highly popular among Finnish rock musicians.
Oluthuone Kaisla, Vilhonkatu 4, ☎ +358 10 766 3850, [x]. Sun-Thu 12-02, Fri-Sat 12-03. Probably the best beer selection in town or even entire Finland with around 30 taps and some 200 different bottled beers. All the British, Belgian and German favourites and some Finnish craft brews. Also one of the more expensive places to grab your pint.
On The Rocks, Mikonkatu 15 (near Central Railway Station), [190]. Located next to Baarikärpänen and Texas, this is a rock-oriented bar with occasional live bands and stand up comedy acts. Minimum age 23.
Pikkulintu, Klaavuntie 11, [191]. Multiple award-winner for "Best Finnish Beer Pub", 20+ taps from Finnish and Nordic microbreweries. Although bizarrely located in a sleepy suburb, it is easily accessible by metro: take the Vuosaari line and stop at Puotila. Take the "Puotilan metrotori" exit and walk forward a couple of blocks.
Siltanen, Hämeentie 13, [192]. A popular hipster haunt from the owners of the next door Kuudes Linja club venue (see below). Part bar, part club and part café (with food served until 10PM) with a big terrace and weird décor. Open 11AM-2AM daily, with DJs and the occasional live gig in the evenings. Weekend DJ brunch noon-4PM, prepare to wait for a table though.
Sports Academy, Kaivokatu 8, [193]. One of the best sports bars in Helsinki, and definitely the place for you if you are keen about football (soccer) or ice-hockey. A two-story building just opposite the railway station, filled to the rim with TV sets and several giant projectors. A variety of pub food also served - try the crayfish pasta or the ribs. There can be long queues before popular events - get in early!
Toveri, Castreninkatu 3, ☎ +358 9 753 3862, [x]. You'll find various types of beer in this little bar. It's been here in various forms since 1937, and after its most recent transformation it is one of the prettiest bars in Kallio.
Vanha ylioppilastalo (usually just Vanha), Mannerheimintie 3, [194]. A bar/café just opposite Stockmann, owned by University of Helsinki's filthy rich students' union. Not very special in the winter, but the rooftop patio in the summer is nice. In the evenings, the club attracts a slighly-over-18 audience.
Storyville, Museokatu 8, Helsinki, [195]. By and in a small park right next to the Parliament House, this prize-winning blues/roots/jazz-oriented bar/restaurant is an established classic of it's genre. Free admission to live performances in the garden during the warm season (starting time from 7 p.m. except on Sundays from 3 p.m.), sometimes entrance fee to late night gigs indoors. Typically quite mature clientele.
In Helsinki, the most popular nightclubs have long queues starting to form around 11:30PM. Get in early to avoid standing, although it can be a nice way to meet people. After around 1:00-2:00AM it might be impossible to get in anymore. You may try to just walk past the queue looking important, but a more efficient strategy is to discreetly tip the bouncer (€10-20). The larger group you are, the more difficult things get. Look smart!
Cuba, Erottajankatu 4, [196]. A night club with a somewhat more "Latin" touch and softer tunes. Clientele mostly trendy young adults. Open until 4AM, often hosts student parties on weekday nights. No entrance fee.
DTM, Mannerheimintie 6 B, [197]. Open M-Su 21:00-04:00. Formerly "Don't Tell Mama", DTM is the largest combination of gay cafe, bar, disco and nightclub in Scandinavia. Popular among many celebrities. Straights usually welcome, too, as long as they don't "take over" the place. Entrance €7-10 (Sat and special nights only).
Hercules Gay Night Club, Pohjoinen Rautatiekatu 21 B, [198]. One of the busiest gay nightclubs in Scandinavia, targets a 30+ clientele, good for bare-faced cruising. Entrance free; coat check €2.50.
Vatican, Simonkatu 6. Vatican (former Jenny Woo) tries to profile itself as a nightclub for trendy young adults. You can lie on couches next to the crowded dance floor while sipping some bubbly.
Kaarle XII, Kasarmikatu 40, tel. +358 9 6129990, [199]. A Helsinki institution better known as Kalle, this former church hasn't had a renovation in years and really needs one. It still continues to pack in a hard-partying thirtysomething crowd, especially on Thursdays. No less than six different bars (all small), playing top 40 tunes, rock and Finnish pop. The last of the bars has a dancefloor and gets particularly packed, with people dancing on the tables. Minimum age 24. Open Th-Sa 10PM-4AM.
Kaiku, Kaikukatu 4 (in the inner court), [200]. Techno and house by local DJs and international guests in an old factory building. Part of the same complex as Kuudes linja and Siltanen. Long queues on popular nights but it's usually worth it: Kaiku was listed among the 25 best clubs in Europe by Guardian [201]. Tickets €8-15 (often free if you arrive early). Open F-Sa 10PM-4AM.
Kuudes linja, Hämeentie 13 (entrance from the inner court at Kaikukatu 4), [202]. A live music oriented nightclub for the somewhat artsy crowd next to Kaiku. Located a 10 min tram/bus ride away in the Kallio district, Kuudes linja usually offers more experimental/alternative music than the mainstream downtown clubs and also hosts electronic music parties. Arrive early to avoid queues on popular nights — admittance is not guaranteed once the place gets full. The weatherproof terrace in the courtyard is open during the summer. Club open W, F, Sa 10PM-4AM, Th 9PM–4AM.
Tavastia/Semifinal, Urho Kekkosen katu 4-6, [203]. One of the most prominent rock clubs in Scandinavia, a must see for fans of live rock of any kind. Semifinal has smaller indie/alternative bands for a young crowd. On special nights the two clubs are joined, but usually they host separate gigs. Tickets for all gigs can be bought in advance from the Tiketti ticket sellers next door. The annual Tavastia new year party is an institution in itself, with fans flying from all over the world for the show.
Teatteri, Pohjoisesplanadi 2, [204]. A complex featuring a deli, a restaurant, a bar and a night club, all of them trendy and popular among the well-dressed crowd. Check out the aptly named Clock Bar (Kellobaari) downstairs. Closed Sun.
Ääniwalli, Pälkäneentie 13, [205]. A hip club focusing on electronic music. Underground vibes.
Accommodation is generally quite expensive, but of a high standard. Hotels are usually cheaper on weekends, when business travelers are away. In a real pinch, it may actually be (far) cheaper to book a "last-minute" or "red-ticket" return cabin (from around Euro 20) on an overnight cruise to Tallinn, and spend the night (and part of the next day) on the boat, rather than sleep in the city.
There are quite a few budget hotels in Helsinki, the cheapest being youth hostels. Many student dormitories turn into youth hostels during the July-August school break, which happily coincides with peak season for tourists. The Finnish Youth Hostel Association [206] can provide further information.
CheapSleep Helsinki, Sturenkatu 27 (Trams 1, 1A, 7A, 7B, numerous buses (inc. airport bus 615)), [x]. checkin: 14.00; checkout: 11.00. Helsinki's second newest hostel, excellent transport connections, near social Kallio neighborhood, stylish vibe. Opened in May 2012. Kitchen used to be a little dirty, but overall tidy and nice place! Totally renovated during summer 2016, reopening 1st October 2016.Dorms from 16€ and private doubles from 69€ per room.
Eurohostel, Linnankatu 9 (Tram 4 and 4T), ☎ +358 9 6220470, [x]. checkin: 14; checkout: 12. Helsinki's largest hostel, very close to the dock for the Viking Line ferry and the Uspenski Cathedral. Walking distance from the city centre. Dorms from €24.30, single rooms from €45,40, twin rooms from €54.20 and triple rooms from €72.90. Buffet breakfast €8.50. Morning sauna always included.27.10. (24.97,60.17)
Hostel Erottajanpuisto, Uudenmaankatu 9, [x]. A small, clean, and friendly hostel with a central location.€27€ for a dorm bed.
Hostel Suomenlinna, Suomenlinna C 9 (ferry connection from Market Square), [x]. All year open hostel located at the Suomenlinna sea fortress. Great for a quick escape from the city. The ferry runs from 6am to 2am so you are not totally cut off.
Rastila Camping, Vuosaari (M Rastila), [x]. The only camping site inside Helsinki borders. Seventeen minute metro ride from the Central Railway Station.
Omenahotelli, [x]. Omena hotels are self-service budget hotels with no front desk: book and pay on the Internet and let yourself in with a passcode. They have been established in most major Finnish cities and are used widely by Finns travelling in their own country. Omena means apple in Finnish. 3 hotels in Helsinki, all in the center: Helsinki Eerikinkatu (Eerikinkatu 24, near Kamppi), Helsinki Yrjönkatu (Yrjönkatu 30, close to Forum Shopping Centre), Helsinki Lönnrotinkatu (Lönnrotinkatu 13, close to Esplanadi). Prices start at €36/room (up to 4 people). Rooms include toilet, shower, free wi-fi, 26" LCD-television, small fridge, microwave, water kettle + disposable cups, coffee, tea, hair dryer and dining table. Omena-breakfast 5,80 €/person. Business-package 16 €/night includes Internet connection, two volitional movie per day and breakfast. Parking 17,50 €/night.
Summer Hostel Academica, Hietaniemenkatu 14 (M Kamppi, Tram 2), ([email protected], fax: +358 (9) 441 201), [x]. Summer hostel in the heart of Helsinki. Open June-August only.Dorms from €25, hotel rooms from €50. (60.17009,24.921561)
Summer Hostel Karavaani, Karavaanikatu 4 (Vuosaari metro line to Rastila), ☎ +358 9 310 71441 ([email protected]), [x]. checkin: 16; checkout: 12. Family-friendly hostel open in June-July at Rastila Camping, just a quick metro ride away from the city centre. Rooms for 1 to 5 people, as well as beds in a dormitory. Bed linen included in the price.Dorm €21, private double room €62, family price (2 adults, 3 children) €77.
ThePark Helsinki by CheapSleep, Inarintie 8 (Trams 1, 1A, 6, 7A, 7B, 8 numerous buses (inc. airport bus 615)), [x]. checkin: 14.00; checkout: 11.00. Helsinki's newest hostel, excellent transport connections, near social Kallio neighborhood, stylish vibe. Free sauna, onsite parking, fast free wifi, 24h reception. Opened in June 2016. Dorms from 19€ and private doubles from 79€ per room.
Best Western Premier Hotel Katajanokka, Vyökatu 1, ☎ +358 9 686 450, [x]. Housed in what was the Nokka prison until 2002, this classy hotel has retained the original exterior and the internal corridor, but the rooms themselves, built by combining two to three cells, retain no trace of their past. Walking distance to city center.From €99.
Best Western Hotel Carlton, Kaisaniemenkatu 3, ☎ +358 9 684 1320 ([email protected], fax: +358 9 660 112), [x]. Best Western Hotel Carlton is a personal, 19 room hotel in the very center of Helsinki, only 100 metres from Helsinki Central Railway Station.
Best Western Hotel Haaga, Nuijamiestentie 10, ☎ +358 9 5807 877 ([email protected], fax: +358 9 5807 8386), [x]. Best Western Hotel Haaga is centrally located since it's only 15 minutes drive from Helsinki-Vantaa airport.
Cumulus Hakaniemi, Siltasaarenkatu 14 (M Hakaniemi), ☎ +358 (0)9 5466 0100, [x]. A centrally located business hotel.From €83 for a double in the low season.
Cumulus Kaisaniemi, Kaisaniemenkatu 7 (M Helsingin yliopisto), [x]. A centrally located but minimally equipped business hotel.From €83 for a double in the low season.
Cumulus Olympia, Läntinen Brahenkatu 2 (Tram 3), ☎ +358 (0)9 69151, [x]. A business hotel near the city centre.From €83 for a double in the low season.
Hotel Finn, Kalevankatu 3B, ☎ +358 9 6844360 ([email protected], fax: +358 9 68443610), [x]. checkin: 15.00; checkout: 12.00. A young, regenerating hotel right in the city center. Even though the rooms are small and fairly no-frills, the hotel is comfortable and cheap. There are 27 rooms, which can accommodate from one to four people per room.From 55€.
Helka, Pohjoinen Rautatiekatu 23 (near M Kamppi), [x]. A dependable old standby within walking distance of the city center.Generally €~150.
Hotel GLO Airport, Helsinki-Vantaa Airport Terminal 2, ☎ +358 103 444 600 ([email protected], fax: + 358 103 444 601), [x]. The only hotel located in the airport building itself, on the service floor of Terminal 2 and with direct indoor access from Terminal 1.Day Rooms are also made available for use, depending on the booking situation, between 9:00 - 19:00 .
Hotel GLO, Kluuvikatu 4, ☎ +358 9 5840 9540 ([email protected]), [x]. Hotel GLO is situated in the centre of Helsinki, between Alexanterinkatu and Pohjois Esplanadi.The hotel has a direct entrance to the shopping centre Kämp Galleria. The Palace Kämp Day Spa is located on the top floor of the hotel. Glo clearly lives of being the slightly cheaper alternative next door to Kämp, but is not quite able to match the quality of service of a true luxury hotel either.
Scandic Continental Helsinki, Mannerheimintie 46, ☎ +358 (0)9 4737 1 ([email protected], fax: +358 (0)9 4737 2211), [x]. A large, modern hotel catering to families, leisure travelers, and business travelers. Over 500 rooms, sauna, exercise facilities, wireless Internet access, restaurant and bar. Excellent breakfast included with all rooms. Good location near Tram 4, 7, and 10 for convenient transport to city center (3 min by tram, or a 10 min walk). Finnair buses from the airport stop close to the hotel (about 2 blocks past on the way from the airport, and directly opposite the hotel on the way to the airport), providing convenient transport to/from airport. From €89. (60.179556,24.927978)
Sokos Hotel Aleksanteri, Albertinkatu 34, ☎ +358 (0)20 1234 643 ([email protected], fax: +358 (0)20 1234 644), [x]. Situated in the heart of the city in the trendy Punavuori neighbourhood, next to the historical Alexander Theatre.From €139.
StayAt Parliament, Museokatu 18, ☎ +358 9 2511 050 ([email protected], fax: +358 9 2511 0600), [x]. A modern hotel in an old apartment building in the elegant residential district of Töölö, formerly Accome Töölö. Rooms are modern, spacious and have nice views to the park across the street and to the others architecturally beautiful buildings. A twin room goes for €77–128, a one bedroom room €96–176 and the biggest two bedroom apartment with a sauna and a balcony €110–184.
Radisson Blu Royal, Runeberginkatu 2, ☎ +358 20 1234 701 ([email protected]), [x]. Located in the heart of the city centre, the architecturally distinct Radisson Blu Royal Hotel, Helsinki is an ideal home base for exploring this beautiful Finnish city. Stay in the area's lively business and entertainment district and enjoy the convenience of public transport as well as the Kamppi shopping centre, within walking distance of the hotel. On-site dining options include Michelin-rated Restaurant Grill it!, a self-serve coffee bar and a beverage bar.From €98.
Radisson Blu Plaza, Mikonkatu 23, ☎ +358 20 123 4700, [x]. Classy hotel in a protected and carefully renovated, Kalevala-inspired 1917 building, located near the railway station within easy walking distance of Aleksanterinkatu. Excellent breakfast buffet.From €150.
Hotel Haven, Unioninkatu 17, ☎ 358 9 681930, [x]. Hotel Haven, Finland’s first member of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World, is designed to provide homely warmth, exclusive comfort and high-quality services for the discerning guest.From €169.
Crowne Plaza, Mannerheimintie 50, ☎ +358 9 2521 0000+ email=, [x]. Formerly the Hotel Hesperia. Rooms offer comfy beds, modern furniture and up-to-date electronics. The hotel also has a sparkling new gym with a pool.From €255.
Hilton Strand, John Stenbergin ranta 4, ☎ 358-9-39351 (fax: 358-9-3935-3255), [x]. Located across the Pitkäsilta bridge, a 15-minute walk or short tram ride away from the main railway station.
Klaus K, Bulevardi 2, ☎ +358 20 7704700, [x]. Helsinki's first boutique hotel, although they prefer the term "personal contemporary hotel". Rooms range from the small Passion & Mystical types to the aptly named Envy Plus. Central location, funky styling and reasonable prices make this a winner.From €115.
Hotel Kämp, Pohjoisesplanadi 29, ☎ +358 9 576111, [x]. Opened 1887, this historic hotel claims to be the only true 5-star in Scandinavia, with doormen in top hats, yacht charters and prices to match: the eight-room Mannerheim Suite can be yours for only €3300 per night. Part of The Leading Hotels of The World.Rooms from €120.
Lapland Hotels Bulevardi, Bulevardi 28, ☎ 358 9 25251111, [x]. Lapland themed boutique hotel opened in January 2019.Rooms from €190.
Crime/violence: Low
Drunk people on weekend nights, bouncers in clubs, pickpockets
Occassional violence in rail transport
Certain suburbs may have street gangs
Authorities/corruption: Low
Security guards and nightclub bouncers might be rude and/or violent
Transportation: Low
Occasional delays in rail traffic
Traffic culture may be sometimes aggressive
Health: Low
Infectious tick bites in the archipelago
Nature: Low
The crime rate in Helsinki has been traditionally generally low, although locals grumble that things have gotten worse since the EU removed restrictions on movement. In the 2020's, there has been some concern regarding occasional appearance of youth groups who force other teens to hand over their mobile phone or luxury brand clothes. Pickpockets target crowds and bicycles are prone to petty theft. Walking in the streets after dark is generally safe and the city center is indeed quite lively until the early hours of the morning. However, it's best to steer clear of obviously drunk people looking to pick a fight, the traditional trouble spots being the frustratingly long queues for late night snack food or taxis. Getting mugged for money in the streets of central Helsinki is almost unheard of, but you might not want to get into any unlicensed taxis even though the licensed ones are almost always way short of demand during pre-Christmas and summer seasons. A licensed taxi in Finland will always have a yellow box with its number on the roof.
A new failed taxi law (2018) eliminated previous restrictions. There is no limitation anymore how much a driver can ask for a drive or who can offer a taxi drive. So make sure that driver has the meter on or negotiate the price before entering into vehicle. Taksi Helsinki is one of the most regular and safe companies (but beware as there are many copycats for them).
The most crimes in city center concentrate around central railway station and Kamppi shopping center. The Kaisaniemi park behind the main Railway Station is possibly best avoided at night, and some parts of Kallio and Sörnäinen (northeast from the center, after the Pitkäsilta bridge) may be somewhat rougher than other parts of the downtown; Vaasanaukio area at the crossroads of Hämeentie and Helsinginkatu may be the most likely place in the city where substance abuse is visible regardless of the hour of the day. Also certain economically deprived neighborhoods in Eastern Helsinki should rather be avoided at night time.
Finnish police never require a cash payment of fines which it gives. Never give money to a person who presents him/herself as a police officer. Ask the police officer to show his/her badge. Do not try to bribe a local authorities - it is illegal, and in any case, there's no such culture it could succeed.
There are no dangerous animals or stray dog problem in Helsinki. Swimming in the sea may be harmful after long period of summer temperature, usually late in the summer, when irritating and mildly toxic green algae renders some beaches unusable. Observe warnings and/or ask locals.
In winter, try to keep a steady footing: despite the use of vast quantities of gravel and salt, pavements can be quite slippery when the temperature hovers around zero and near-invisible black ice forms. Also especially in spring watch out for snow falling from the roofs of the buildings. After several injuries and even a few deaths, real property owners are now busy keeping the roofs clear of snow [207].
Every spring a few hundred Roma beggars from Romania and Bulgaria arrive in Helsinki to stay for the summer. This phenomenon exists in many European cities, but is particularly ample in Helsinki due to the fact that there are virtually no local beggars. For years these beggars were considered to be organized crime, but in the summer of 2013 the Finnish police stated that no such links exist [208]. In some cases these beggars can become aggressive, but mostly they just beg on the sidewalk. Some of the Roma people walk around and collect bottles to get funds from reverse vending machines and in the mean time beg money from the people and try to pull scams and do pick-pocketing at the same time. So whenever these Roma people come to talk to you or come close to you, it is best to shout them loud "NO!". Now a days many Roma beggars stay in Finland during the winter and pull scams especially in front of the Kamppi Shopping mall E-entrance doors, so please be on alert all the time!
Helsinki's bedrock is close to the surface, so new building works invariably involve some dynamite to build foundations, and it's thus quite common to hear explosions around the center. Blasting is often preceded by a loud sequence of warning beeps, which speed up as they count down. There is no danger to anyone, as the builders are experts (and the solid granite bedrock is very, very strong), but now you know where that "BOOM!" came from.
If you are just passing through and choose Helsinki to apply for a Russian visa, be careful when choosing a travel agency: some may charge a lot extra for "express service" (although applying for one yourself at the consulate will take weeks).
As with many cities, when using escalators, people in Helsinki usually reserve the right-hand side for standing and the left-hand side for people walking up/down.
Let people exit trams, trains and buses before boarding yourself.
Avoid walking on the cycle lane. Dedicated cycle paths are clearly marked, but sometimes run directly next to the sidewalk. Helsinki cyclists are subject to a comparatively hilly landscape and are unwilling to slow down and lose momentum. Usually, however, they are careful, signal clearly and use their bells, meaning that straying tourists most often are just sworn at, although you are free to swear back at them.
When waiting in lines, be patient and polite. Finns never jump queues so make sure you do not move and stand still in the line.
Finns usually don't address people who are doing things (in their opinion) wrong. They will just look at your foolish behavior, laugh silently to themselves and swear secretly behind you, but it is not unusual to hear nasty comments from strangers if you do things wrong, like ride a bicycle on a sidewalk.
Do not feed gulls or pigeons (especially in the city center). It is officially prohibited in many areas and even if not, locals will get irritated seeing someone throw anything edible to "flying rats", and again (you guessed it), they will swear at you.
If you travel with a pet, keep it in leash at all times when at public places, and request if pets are allowed inside before entering restaurants, etc. - Finns can be quite offended regarding using your own judgement liberally in these matters compared to continental Europe.
See also the relevant paragraph in the Finland article.
Much of Helsinki is blanketed with wifi ("wlan") hotspots, and the City of Helsinki maintains a handy map [209]. By comparison, Internet cafes with shared PCs are few and far between in Helsinki.
Library 10, Elielinaukio 2 G, tel. +358 9 3108 5000, [210]. A public Internet and music library located in the main post office building at the western side of the central railway station. You can surf the Internet for free for 30 minutes on the library's computers , but you're going to have to queue. Also has wi-fi, but you need a library card to access the network.
Mbar, Mannerheimintie 22-24 (Lasipalatsi), tel. +358 9 612 4542, [211]. A pleasant and popular living room-ish space in the heart of the city with local DJs playing drum & bass, house and chillout beats. Computers with Internet access (€5 per hour; €2 minimum charge), free wifi for laptop & cell phone owners. The terrace is a popular hipster hangout in the summer, situated in the former bus station area just next to the bar. Drinks €4-5.
Many internet/cyber cafes in Finland can be expensive. There are a large number of locations in Helsinki that offer free public wifi for those needing to connect to the office while outside of the country. Most cafes offer these services without requiring a person to be a paying customer. Some restaurants will do this as well, but may insist that you purchase something. There is a list of the free wifi locations compiled online [212].
Nuuksio National Park, a piece of untamed wilderness about 25 km from Helsinki city centre. Bus runs from Espoon keskus (Espoo center), which you can reach by train or by bus.
Tuusulanjärvi lake area ~30 km north of Helsinki. See the home museums of many important Finnish national-romantic painters, writers and musicians. Take bus from Kamppi terminal to Ainola or follow Finland's national composer Jean Sibelius' footsteps by taking the H-train to Ainola station south of Järvenpää. Area best explored by car or bicycle.
Porvoo, the second oldest town in Finland is just 60 km away. It has a small charming old town of wooden houses. Much more lively in the summer.
Raseborg landscape area 80-100 km west of Helsinki with 17th century Billnäs old ironworks, Raseborg castle ruins and the picturesque town of Tammisaari (Ekenäs).
Tampere, the third-largest city in Finland (or the second largest, if the township of Espoo next to Helsinki is not counted), and the birthplace of Finnish industry, boasting one of the last Lenin museums left in the world as well as a spy museum. 180 km north of Helsinki, one hour 30 min to two hours by train.
Hämeenlinna, 100 km to north is famous for the Häme castle, a large medieval castle, and the beautiful park area Aulanko. One hour by train.
Turku, the oldest and now fifth-largest city in Finland (or the third-largest, ignoring the suburban "cities" of Espoo and Vantaa), and historical capital. The cathedral and the medieval castle are well worth visiting. Two hours by train.
Hanko, the southernmost spot in Finland, 140 km west of Helsinki. This town of less than 10,000 people is famous for its summer activities, including sandy beaches, sailing, tennis, art, theater, etc.
Kotka, old seaside town with industrial history. Most enjoyable at summer time, but Maritime Centre Vellamo is open around the year. Located 130 km east of Helsinki, which is about two hours by expressbus.
As a coastal city, Helsinki has good connections to some fine international destinations nearby:
In Russia, Saint Petersburg, "the Venice of the North", is one of the most beautiful cities in the world.
3.5 hrs with semi-bullet train Allegro departing four times a day (one way starting from 29€ if booked in advance; usually around 70€),
Overnight by ship ( 100€ / head list price for cruise there-and-back )
Get plenty of Russian flavour with minibuses departing from behind Tennispalatsi from 10€-to-30€ single, one-way depending on how fully booked the bus is, how soon it is to depart and your fluency in Russian from the perspective of the driver demanding the fare.
Also available as Helsinki-Stockholm-Tallinn-St.Petersburg-Helsinki cruise operated by the St. Peterline at approx. 250€ / head list price ( 4 nights on board and 3 days in cities ). Tram 9 door-to-door from central railway station to the terminal.
Stockholm, the Swedish capital, is somewhat like Helsinki but more Scandinavian and bigger.
Stockholm is also accessible from Turku ( 2hr train ride from Helsinki ) harbor ( Trains to Turku offer special door-to-door service ( running on up to the harbour ) for Turku-Stockholm departures )
Served by Viking Line and Silja Line.
Tallinn in Estonia is known for its medieval city center and is easily accessible even as a day trip ( around 20€ ). Terminal to Tallinn and Saint Petersburg is a door-to-door service with tram 9 from central railway station.
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