You would possibly know (or suppose you recognize) some issues concerning the Nordic international locations. You would possibly consider them as costly, and know concerning the lengthy, darkish winters that individuals expertise right here. However do you know that individuals who stay within the Nordics are constantly rated as among the happiest in all the world?
If you have not visited a Scandinavian or Nordic nation, this could be perplexing. However when you go to a metropolis like Stockholm or see the landscapes in a rustic like Norway, all of it begins to make sense.
I had visited all of the Scandinavian capitals up to now (that may be Oslo, Norway; Stockholm, Sweden; and Copenhagen, Denmark), however had not but added on their Nordic neighbor Helsinki in Finland. I remedied that not too long ago, and was delighted to search out every thing I like within the Nordics all rolled into one extraordinarily livable metropolis.
In truth, I feel Helsinki simply rocketed to the highest of my checklist of favourite cities within the Nordic area!
A observe on Scandinavia vs. the Nordics. That is type of a “Nice Britain vs. the UK” scenario. Scandinavia consists of the international locations of Norway, Sweden, and Denmark, whereas the Nordics embody Scandinavia plus additionally Finland, Iceland, Greenland, the Faroe Islands, and Åland. In case you had been curious.
Helsinki has so many issues that I like in a metropolis: a number of inexperienced areas, ample espresso retailers, and attention-grabbing structure, simply to call just a few. Helsinki can be sufficiently big to have good public transportation, however sufficiently small to nonetheless be walkable. And it is extraordinarily secure, which was vital to me since I used to be visiting solo.
I spent 4 nights in Helsinki on my first go to, which might be extra time than most individuals would suggest spending there. But it surely allowed me to not solely see all of the Helsinki highlights, but additionally take my time to discover a bit past town heart.
Prime issues to do in Helsinki in your first go to
Should you’re planning your first journey to Helsinki, listed here are all of the issues I’d take into account to be must-dos there!
1. Take a strolling tour
Helsinki has a protracted and attention-grabbing historical past; even its extra “trendy” historical past spans tons of of years, as town was based in 1550 by Swedish King King Gustav I, again when Finland was a part of the Swedish empire. The town (and all of present-day Finland) was then conquered by the Russian empire in 1808, and remained below Russian rule till Finland gained its independence in 1917.
Taking a strolling tour of town heart is a good way to get some context of town’s historical past, whereas on the similar time seeing among the most iconic spots in Helsinki like Senate Sq., each cathedrals, and the south harbor/Market Sq..
I like to recommend doing this early in your go to so you will get your self oriented.
I did a free strolling tour with Free Tour Helsinki (i.e. Crimson Umbrella Excursions), and we visited so many locations in simply two hours, together with some spots I could not have discovered alone. And whereas the tour is free (you are simply anticipated to tip your information after), they do suggest reserving an area on-line prematurely.
There are additionally paid strolling excursions, in addition to a hop-on, hop-off bus tour you possibly can take as a substitute, however I personally love free strolling excursions!
2. Go to a cathedral
Helsinki has not one, however two grand cathedrals you can go to.
The primary and most recognizable one is Helsinki Cathedral, which sits on Senate Sq. within the metropolis heart. That is the Finnish Evangelical Lutheran cathedral, and it is recognized for its grand inexperienced dome and big granite staircase main as much as it. The cathedral was constructed between 1830 and 1852 as a tribute to Tsar Nicholas I of Russia (who was ruling Finland on the time), and has develop into an emblem of Helsinki.
And whereas the Helsinki Cathedral seems to be like a grand Catholic cathedral on the surface with its Neoclassical design and statues of the Twelve Apostles, on the within you will discover a extra humble Lutheran design. Visiting the cathedral is free.
The opposite nice cathedral is the Uspenski Cathedral close to the south harbor. This ornate purple brick cathedral is the biggest orthodox church in Western Europe, and is much more lavish on the within. This cathedral dates again to 1868, and can be free to go to.
Bonus: See the spherical church
One other church in Helsinki value visiting is the Temppeliaukion Church within the Töölö neighborhood of Helsinki. This spherical church could be very distinctive, with tough stone partitions and a shiny copper dome. That is nonetheless a working church, but additionally a preferred live performance venue because of its glorious acoustics.
Visiting the church prices €5 per grownup, and you should purchase a ticket within the church foyer.
3. Hand around in a library
Here is a enjoyable reality for you: the Finns love libraries. There are greater than 700 of them all through the nation of simply 5.5 million, and roughly 65% of Finnish individuals use a public library at the least as soon as per week.
Helsinki has among the most unbelievable libraries, and also you’re free to go to them as a vacationer, too.
The primary one value visiting is the Nationwide Library of Finland, situated proper throughout the road from the Helsinki Cathedral. This lovely library exhibits off Helsinki’s symmetrical Neoclassical structure each inside and outside. The rotunda particularly is value seeing.
The opposite can’t-miss library in Helsinki is the well-known Helsinki Central Library Oodi, which is a brand new design-forward library that opened in late 2018. Situated in subsequent to Helsinki Music Centre and Kiasma Museum of Up to date Artwork, this library oozes glossy design and is open to the general public.
Together with regular library-type choices, you too can discover two cafes, an outside terrace, and areas you’ll be able to lease for every thing from recording music to cooking a meal (sure, there is a kitchen area on this library!).
I may have simply spent hours inside Oodi.
4. Cozy up in a espresso store
One other enjoyable factor about Finns: they love their espresso, too. However not espressos or fancy lattes; Finnish individuals love light-roasted filter espresso, and on common will drink a number of cups per day. In truth, Finnish individuals drink extra espresso per capita than individuals in some other nation on the planet!
On the very least in Helsinki, be sure you begin your day with a cup of filter espresso.
Some espresso retailers to take a look at in Helsinki embody the Kaffa Roastery, Andante Speciality Espresso, ONE DAY Espresso & Wine, and Rams Roasters. Moreover, Robert’s Espresso is the most well-liked native espresso store chain – it is extra wide-spread and standard than Starbucks right here.
5. Embrace Finnish sauna tradition
Libraries, espresso… and saunas! One other staple in Finnish tradition are saunas (pronounced SOW-nuhs). Finland invented sauna tradition, and it is quite common for flats and household houses to have their very own non-public ones. Your lodge or residence in Helsinki would possibly even present a sauna so that you can use.
But when not, there are nonetheless some enjoyable methods to embrace Finland’s sauna tradition in Helsinki.
One of the vital standard public saunas in Helsinki is Löyly, which is situated on the finish of Heliga Birgittas Park (Pyhän Birgitan puisto) on the waterfront south of town heart. This complicated consists of a number of sauna rooms with ladder entry into the Gulf of Finland (for the all-important chilly plunge), plus a big outside terrace and a glass-fronted restaurant with a number of bars.
Entrance to the Löyly sauna is €23 per individual, which incorporates 2 hours of sauna time, a towel, shampoo, and a seat cowl. You do must book a timed reservation online prematurely.
One other distinctive sauna expertise you’ll be able to e-book in Helsinki is the SkySauna, which is a tiny sauna pod on the SkyWheel Ferris wheel in Helsinki’s harbor. Reserving a time slot right here will get you entry to a big sizzling tub on the bottom (that may match as much as 10 individuals) and a SkySauna gondola automotive that may maintain 4-5 individuals. That is undoubtedly a novel was to get pleasure from a sauna in Helsinki!
The SkySauna expertise begins at €240 per hour (for 1-4 individuals), which additionally consists of drinks.
Or, if you wish to attempt one thing somewhat cheaper in your first sauna expertise, head to the Allas Sea Pool close to the SkyWheel. Right here you will discover three saunas and three outside swimming swimming pools of various temperatures, together with the ocean pool that is crammed up by the Baltic Sea.
Entry to the Allas Sea Pool and use of all its facilities begins at €18.
A observe for my American readers: Most public sauna amenities in Finland may have gender-specific sauna choices alongside blended sauna rooms. Within the gender-specific saunas (and within the gender-specific locker rooms), it is quite common for Finnish individuals to be totally bare. I do know it isn’t the norm within the US, however it’s fully regular in Finland, so do not be shocked.
6. Take a ship out to Suomenlinna
Helsinki is situated on an archipelago made up of roughly 330 islands. And one of many high issues to do in Helsinki is to take a ferry out to a set of these islands known as Suomenlinna.
These islands should not simply islands – they’re really a large fortress. Again within the 1740s, Sweden (bear in mind, Finland was part of the Swedish Empire) determined to construct an ideal sea fortress to assist defend in opposition to the rising energy of the Russian Empire. The fortress, known as Sveaborg, consisted of 8 separate small islands, of which six had been fortified with defensive partitions.
Apparently, the Russians did ultimately take this fortress in 1808, however no battles had been ever really fought right here; the Swedes merely surrendered. Russia retained the fortress till Finnish independence in 1917 – and Finland modified the identify from Sveaborg (Citadel of the Swedes) to Suomenlinna (Citadel of Finland) in 1918.
Immediately, Suomenlinna is a UNESCO World Heritage Web site, and is a well-liked half-day journey from Helsinki.
You’ll be able to take a ferry from Market Sq. and arrive in below half an hour, after which spend just a few hours exploring. Regardless that it is an historic web site, Suomenlinna can be dwelling to about 800 everlasting residents and there is a lot to see right here.
A guided strolling tour is obtainable every day if you wish to study extra concerning the historical past of the fortress (join on the customer heart), however you too can discover by yourself. There are a number of cafes and eating places to get pleasure from, too; I like to recommend coming over within the morning and having lunch both at Adlerfelt or Cafe Bar Valimo.
I booked this combo ticket to go to Suomenlinna, which included my ferry journey and guided strolling tour on the island. However you too can hop on a ferry at Market Sq. (Kauppatori) any time of day. Should you take the ferry I did (the FRS one), you’ll be able to merely purchase a ticket onboard.
7. Have lunch at Vanha Kauppahalli
Should you exit to Suomenlinna, you will take a ferry from close to Market Sq.. And the market the sq. refers to is Vanha Kauppahalli, a standard indoor market from the 1800s the place you will discover all types of Finnish meals.
Seize a stuffed baked potato from Kumpi Peruna (attempt it with reindeer meat!), some conventional fish soup from SOUP+MORE, and licorice gelato at La Gelateria. There are additionally stalls promoting every thing from caviar to contemporary salmon, and some bakeries, too (attempt a tippaleipä, which is the Finnish model of a funnel cake!).
8. Go to a museum or two
Should you suppose this checklist already consists of an terrible lot to do in Helsinki, prepare – as a result of I have not even talked about any of Helsinki’s nice museums but!
I am unable to probably checklist each single Helsinki museum right here, however just a few which can be value a glance embody:
- Nationwide Museum of Finland – Covers Finnish historical past from prehistoric occasions by the nineteenth century, and is a good introduction to Finland’s attention-grabbing historical past. It is massive, although, so permit a few hours.
- Helsinki Metropolis Museum – This small (and free!) museum on the nook of the Senate Sq. covers the historical past and native lifetime of Helsinki.
- Museum of Up to date Artwork Kiasma – A part of the Finnish Nationwide Gallery, Kiasma focuses totally on Finnish up to date artwork.
- Amos Rex – An artwork museum showcasing trendy and up to date artwork in a really cool area, with an outside area (Lasipalatsi sq.) that is enjoyable to go to.
- Design Museum – You may not suppose a whole museum might be constructed round Finnish design, however it exists! And it is fairly cool. (Then once more, Helsinki has been designated a UNESCO Metropolis of Design, so possibly it isn’t that stunning in any case.)
There’s additionally the Seurasaari Open-Air Museum exterior of town, the Finnish Museum of Pure Historical past, a number of extra artwork museums, and smaller museums devoted to topics as diverse as structure and trams.
You can simply spend every week simply museum-hopping in Helsinki!
9. Take a stroll by a park
Helsinki is an especially inexperienced metropolis, with a number of parks and inexperienced areas to get pleasure from. In truth, Helsinki is among the greenest cities in Europe, with about 40% of the overall metropolis being inexperienced areas.
A couple of parks value visiting embody:
- Esplanadi – A slender avenue of a park in central Helsinki that is a preferred spot for picnics. It encompasses a stay music stage, and plenty of eating places close by.
- Kaivopuisto – Situated on the south finish of Helsinki, this waterfront park has a number of strolling paths and sea views, together with cafes and ice cream stands. On a summer time night, this can be a excellent place to be.
- Kaisaniemi Park – Situated subsequent to Helsinki’s most important practice station, this park is the place you will discover the Kaisaniemi botanic backyard.
- Sibelius Park – Discovered to the north of town heart, this forested park is a stunning place for a stroll, and can be dwelling to one of the vital charming cafes in Helsinki, Cafe Regatta (you MUST attempt the cinnamon rolls right here!).
10. See the Sibelius Monument
Talking of parks, Sibelius Park is value a go to to see the Sibelius Monument, a monument devoted to Finnish composer Jean Sibelius. The monument, designed by Eila Hiltunen, contains 600+ metal pipes that type a form meant to characterize the melody of music.
It is a cool monument inside a stunning park.
And, once more, it’s totally near Cafe Regatta, a small waterfront cafe the place you’ll be able to cease for a espresso and heat cinnamon roll (the Nordics are recognized for his or her cinnamon rolls, and those listed here are superb). Additionally they lease out kayaks and SUPs right here, if you would like the prospect to get out on the water.
11. Store within the Design District
Helsinki is designated as a UNESCO Metropolis of Design and even has its personal appointed “Chief Design Officer.” And when you can recognize Finnish design everywhere in the capital (and contained in the Design Museum in case you go to), there is a designated “Design District,” too.
The district encompasses 25 streets round Helsinki within the Punavuori, Kaartinkaupunki, Kamppi and Ullanlinna neighborhoods, although plenty of notable retailers might be present in Kaartinkaupunki, particularly alongside each Pohjoisesplanadi and Aleksanterinkatu simply north of the Esplanadi.
You will discover an excellent checklist of outlets and showrooms to take a look at here.
12. Stroll down Huvilakatu Road
This one is a fast cease, however nonetheless value mentioning. Huvilakatu Road is a brief, 2-block avenue in Helsinki’s Ullanlinna neighborhood that is recognized for its pastel homes.
The identify of this avenue interprets to “Villa Road” in English, and it is often listed as essentially the most lovely avenue in Helsinki. Fairly straightforward to see why.
13. Go on a sightseeing cruise
Should you make the journey over to Suomenlinna, then I am undecided you actually need to do one other sightseeing cruise. However, in case you do wish to see some extra of the islands within the Helsinki archipelago, there are just a few completely different sightseeing cruise choices:
14. Take a day journey
Should you’re spending an prolonged period of time in Helsinki, you’ll be able to doubtlessly take a day journey from town. There are many distinctive day journey choices, whether or not you wish to merely get additional out in nature, and even go to a wholly completely different nation!
Some standard day journeys you’ll be able to take embody:
When to go to Helsinki
Helsinki could be a year-round vacation spot relying on what sort of journey you need, however if you wish to totally soak within the metropolis’s inexperienced areas and sauna tradition, I like to recommend visiting throughout the lengthy days of summer time.
June-August may have the most effective climate and most sunlight hours, although Could and September are additionally glorious choices in order for you even fewer crowds (although Helsinki didn’t really feel crowded in any respect to me in early June!).
The place to remain in Helsinki
By myself first journey to Helsinki, I opted to lease an residence as a result of I wanted an area to get some work (and laundry) finished. I booked an residence at Bob W Koti Ullanlinna, which is within the Design District.
The Bob W chain of flats does an ideal job of placing you in a secure, quiet neighborhood that is nonetheless near all the primary points of interest. (Mine was proper subsequent to the Design Museum and a tram line.) All the things is contactless, and also you enter utilizing a code on a keypad – although there’s a concierge desk out there throughout enterprise hours.
This was an ideal choice in Helsinki, and I appreciated the additional particulars within the residence like a bag of native espresso and a offered buying bag for going to the native grocery retailer.
Read reviews on TripAdvisor | Book a room here
Bob W has a number of different places in Helsinki, too, together with Bob W City Centre, Bob W Koti Katajanokka, and Bob W Kluuvi.
If a lodge is extra your pace, although, these Helsinki motels can be my picks:
- Hotel F6 – A boutique lodge in an ideal location, that is the top-rated lodge in Helsinki.
- Hotel Kamp – Prime luxurious lodge in Helsinki.
- Hotel Fabian – One other good boutique lodge choice, this one near Vanha Kauppahalli.
- Marski by Scandic – Good worth for cash, and the Scandic model of motels is at all times a strong alternative within the Nordics.
Helsinki FAQ
Listed here are just a few extra belongings you could be inquisitive about in relation to planning a visit to Helsinki:
Sure, Helsinki is certainly value visiting! It is considered one of my favourite cities within the Nordic area; it appears like a lived-in metropolis (and a really livable one) quite than a metropolis made for vacationers. It is also acquired plenty of cool issues to do and see.
You’ll be able to fly to Helsinki from tons of cities all through Europe (and overseas) by Helsinki Airport. Finnair (the nationwide airline of Finland) operates essentially the most flights in/out of HEL, however different airways with many weekly flights embody British Airways and American Airways.
You can too attain Helsinki through boat (ferry) from close by cities like Stockholm, Sweden (on an in a single day ferry) and Tallinn, Estonia (2 hour ferry journey).
Helsinki is a really walkable metropolis, so the best and most cost-effective option to get round is through your individual two toes! After that, the general public transportation system of trams, buses, the metro, and native trains is powerful, and you will get single journey and day tickets by HSL. There are additionally metropolis bikes and taxis.
I principally acquired round by strolling and utilizing the trams (you’ll be able to even take a tram from the ferry port to town heart, and from there take the practice all the best way to the airport).
You’ll be able to see a lot of the highlights in Helsinki in 2 days, however ideally 3 days in Helsinki is even higher. With 3 days in Helsinki, you’ll be able to see all the primary sights with out speeding. (Although after all you possibly can simply spend extra time right here!)
Like I discussed earlier on this publish, the most effective months to go to Helsinki are Could-September, with June-August typically having the most effective climate (plus these lengthy sunlight hours).
Helsinki has a reasonably average local weather. Winters are chilly (however not frigid) and darkish, whereas summers are heat (however not sizzling). From June-August, you’ll be able to count on excessive temperatures within the mid-60s to low 70s (F).
Helsinki is the capital of Finland, and Finland is a member of the European Union. Which means that they use the euro as forex in Helsinki. However observe that Finland is basically a cashless society as of late, so you will not discover a lot want for money (if any).
Be ready to make use of tap-to-pay in most locations in Helsinki. Remember to journey with a bank card with no overseas transaction charges, and decide to be charged in euros as a substitute of USD (or your house forex) in case you’re ever requested. (It will get you the most effective alternate charges.) Or have your Apple Pay/Google Pay arrange to make use of contactless..
The Nordics are a notoriously costly place to journey, however Helsinki is definitely essentially the most inexpensive Nordic capital metropolis to go to in my expertise (maybe partially as a result of it is utilizing the Euro). In truth, whereas Helsinki is in no way a low cost vacation spot, you will discover motels and issues to do right here for cheaper than in Paris or London.
Sure, Helsinki is usually a really secure metropolis for all sorts of vacationers. Most likely a part of the rationale why Finland has been ranked because the happiest country in the world for six years straight!
Who’s able to plan a visit to Helsinki now?
