2024 Helsinki Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in November)

Hotel Helka in Helsinki

When you think of Finland, you think of Aalto and Marimekko! Hotel Helka is a wonderful hotel where you can truly feel like you're in Finland, with Artek furniture and Marimekko tableware. The rooms are simple and compact, but they are clean and comfortable. The breakfast room is very cute, with Marimekko tableware and a wide variety of delicious dishes. You can also enjoy the sauna! The staff are all friendly, and it's conveniently located near Kamppi Station with a bus stop nearby. Highly recommended. 📍Location: Pohjoinen Rautatiekatu 23, 00100 Helsinki, Finland

Comfortable Forest Lakeside Trails in Finland

Welcome to Espoo! Nestled within Finland's vibrant landscape, Espoo is a hiker's paradise, promising an escape into the tranquility of nature. With pristine lakes reflecting endless skies and trails winding through lush forests, Espoo offers the perfect backdrop for adventurers and nature enthusiasts. The natural beauty of Espoo is truly captivating. Serene lakes surrounded by dense greenery reflect the surrounding forests on their calm surfaces. Reeds growing by the water's edge add to the picturesque scenery, creating a peaceful hiking environment. Espoo boasts a variety of well-marked trails suitable for both casual walkers and seasoned hikers. Whether you're looking for a leisurely stroll or a more challenging route, you'll find a trail that suits your needs. As you traverse these paths, you'll be enveloped in a world where time seems to stand still, allowing you to savor every moment away from the hustle and bustle of life. Our chosen Nuuksio National Park, one of Espoo's most popular hiking destinations, offers a range of trails that traverse forests, circle lakes, and cross rocky outcrops. It's a great place to observe local wildlife and enjoy the serenity of nature. Hiking in Espoo is not just a physical activity; it's a soul-stirring experience. From breathtaking views to tranquil lakes and dense forests, every moment spent here is filled with excitement and wonder. Whether you're stopping to admire the scenery or capturing glimpses of local wildlife, hiking in Espoo provides a unique opportunity to connect with nature. So, put on your hiking boots and embark on an adventure to explore Espoo's enchanting landscapes. You'll return with more than just memories in photos, but with memories etched in your heart—a reminder of nature's timeless beauty, waiting to be rediscovered with each visit.

Ocean Finnish Fortress

The Fortress of Suomenlinna, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is an impressive sea fortress located on a group of islands off the coast of Helsinki, Finland. Built in the 18th century, it played a crucial role in the defense of the region during various conflicts. Today, Suomenlinna is a popular tourist destination, offering visitors a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. You can explore its well-preserved fortifications, museums, and charming walking paths. The stunning views of the Helsinki archipelago make it an ideal spot for a leisurely day trip, accessible by a short ferry ride. #100WaysOfTravel #historicallandmarks #instatravel #localguides #finland

Historical Helsinki

Helsinki, the vibrant capital of Finland, offers a delightful city walk for tourists. Start at the iconic Senate Square, where you can admire the grand Helsinki Cathedral. Stroll through the historic Market Square, bustling with local vendors and offering stunning views of the Baltic Sea. Wander down the charming Esplanadi Park, lined with boutiques and cafes, perfect for a coffee break. Explore the Design District, full of innovative Finnish design shops and galleries. End your walk at the tranquil Töölö Bay, where you can relax by the water and soak in the serene atmosphere of this beautiful city. #100waysoftravel #localguides #historicallandmarks #instatravel #finland

Suomenlinna - A Sturdy Fortress on a Small Island

Suomenlinna, located off the coast of Helsinki, the capital of Finland, is one of the largest maritime fortresses in the world. Built in 1748 when Finland was still part of the Kingdom of Sweden, Suomenlinna consists of eight islands, over 200 buildings, and 6 kilometers of defensive walls. Its design was heavily influenced by the renowned military engineer Vauban and employs the principles of a star-shaped fortress. The fortress was constructed to defend against the expansion of the Russian Empire and has witnessed numerous wars and occupations throughout history, including its capture by Russia in 1808, after which it served as a Russian naval base for the next 110 years. After Finland gained independence in 1918, the fortress was renamed Suomenlinna. Today, Suomenlinna is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Finland's most popular tourist attractions. Visitors can explore various parts of the fortress, including the castle fortifications, tunnels, the 250-ton Vesikko submarine, the Ehrensvärd Museum, and the Toy and Doll Museum. The best time to visit is during the summer (June to August) when the weather is warm, making it ideal for outdoor activities and various summer events and performances. 📍Address: Suomenlinna, 00190 Helsinki, Finland You can reach Suomenlinna by taking the HSL ferry from Helsinki's Market Square, which takes about 15-20 minutes. 🕰️Opening Hours: Suomenlinna is open year-round. The main attractions are open from May 1 to September 30: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM October 1 to April 30: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM. 💰Cost: Entry to Suomenlinna itself is free, but some museums and exhibitions require tickets. 🗓️Itinerary: In the morning, take the ferry from Helsinki's Market Square to Suomenlinna, visit the fortress and museums, and return to Helsinki in the afternoon to tour Helsinki Cathedral and Uspenski Orthodox Cathedral.

Trip to Helsinki, Finland 🇫🇮

It was a winter trip to Finland with friends and we just love it. As soon as we reached Helsinki airport, we checked visited Market Square for our lunch. Most of the food that we've ordered were good especially salmon and caviar! We then visited the most famous Helsinki Catheral. It is a distinctive landmark in the Helsinki city. They opened from 9am to 5pm, from Monday to Friday. We reached there around 2pm and it was kinda packed with tourist. We checked with the lady working there and was told that early morning around 9am would have lesser people. If you are here for good pictures, you may take this into consideration. Helsinki Catheral 📍Unioninkatu 29, 00170 Helsinki, Finland On the second day, we visited Rovaniemi, a city in Finland. The city was stunning 😍 We checked in to Lapland Hotel Ounasvaara Chalets. We then visited Ounasvaara Ski Centre. My friends doesn't really know how to ski, so we booked 90 minutes personal trainer and it costed her around €110. The view around the area was just so amazing and I would really recommend you to visit. This is my most favourite place to visit in Finland Ounasvaara Ski Centre 📍Taunontie 14, 96600 Rovaniemi, Finland We then visited the most famous Nothernmost McDonald after a tiring day of skiing. Northernmost McDonald 📍Poromiehentie 3, Rovaniemi, Finland 96200 On the third day, we visited Santa Claus Village. It is free to visit and we were able to take some good pictures with the Santa Claus and feel the Christmas vibes ❄️🎄🧑🎄 We also went for Husky Rides. The distance was about 2km and it costs around €45. I was an unforgettable experience and the view down the path was amazing. The whole journey was “fast and furious” 🤣. We also tried Reindeer Sleigh Ride. The distance was about 1km and it costs around €30. I personally like Husky rides better 🥰🥰 But if you have sufficient time, definitely you should try both ‼️ Santa Claus Village 📍96930 Rovaniemi, Finland Lastly, we took snowmobile to see the aurora. Due to weather conditions, we were not able to see any. But the experience was really good. Will definitely come back again for the aurora 🥰 #vacation #Holiday #Winter

5 THINGS YOU MUST KNOW ABOUT FINLAND 🇫🇮

We did a big road trip all across Finland in winter and it was one of our most favorite but also most freezing trips ever 😁 Here are our tips: 🗺️ Places to visit / Things to do: 1. Watch the Northern Lights 🌌 In northern Finland you can see them during a clear night between September to April 🥹 We were there in January. 2.&3. Stay in a glass igloo ❄️ We stayed at @kakslauttanen_arctic_resort (*Azeige) and it was so magical ❤️ Their roofs are heated so you can see the sky all night and they even have an alarm for northern lights 💫 4. Kemi 🩷 There’s also an igloo village (open for day tourists but also to spend the night 🥶) 5. Go for a husky sleigh ride 🛷 6.&7. Helsinki 8. Visit a reindeer farm 🦌 9.&10. Oulanka National Park 💦 Make sure to visit Santa Claus in Rovaniemi & cross the Arctic Circle ❄️😍 🚗 How to get around Definitely by car! If you travel in winter make sure your car is a 4x4 (we got stuck in the snow once and a tractor had to pull us out 😂) 🏨 Where to stay? There are many unique accommodations in Finland! Like tree houses, igloos, cozy cabins in the woods and much more 🤗 Many of these are quite expensive but it’s really worth it! ⏰ Best time to visit All year round 🤗 In the winter it’s very magical with all the snow but also extremely cold so make sure to be prepared 🧣 🐶 Is Finland dog friendly? Overall yes but most restaurants don’t allow dogs. Better check in advance if the activities you want to do are dog friendly. At the husky sleigh farm / reindeer farm we couldn’t bring Felix for example. We hope this mini guide was helpful 🤗 Let us know if you have any questions ❤️❄️ #finland #northernlights #aurora #travel #guide #bestof #winter #winterwonderland cr：wanderlust_samoyed& Contact us for removal

Helsinki | Surreal version of the century-old prison hotel, quite shocking

📍Transport location: Katajanoka Hotel, the choice of Helsinki's fine hotels Merikasarminkatu 1 A, Helsinki 🏨Hotel environment: It looks quite ordinary from the outside, it really looks like a cage and prison haha, in fact, it is a hotel transformed from a prison a hundred years ago🏨 🛏Room features: Large iron windows and the prison iron bars across the room, there is actually a sauna in the suite, Nordic people love sauna, and there are several keys of the prison on the bed decoration🔑 🎰Design features: Finland's autumn has many fallen leaves, you can see a lot of beautiful scenery and autumn colors around the hotel 📝Note tips: It often rains in Finland, it is more convenient to travel with rain boots and rain gear~

Cheap trip to Helsinki by cruise

Helsinki is the beautiful capital of Finland, located by the Baltic Sea. I traveled to this city from Tallinn, the capital of Estonia, by cruise for 21 euros(July 2023). The cruise travel time was about two hours, which is not tiring at all considering the cruise facilities. Best places to visit in Helsinki: Senate Square, Helsinki Cathedral , Uspenski Cathedral and Helsinki Railway Station #backpacking #backpacker #Helsinki #budget #timetotravel

While walking to Orthodox Cathedral in Helsinki, Finland. You can see and enjoy walking along the seashore. Lots of seagulls are flying there. Walking time from Train station is just about 10 to 15minutes. Also you can find some store tents their selling some souvenirs, fruits, wine and the Finnish streets food. Maybe it is better to visit this place during weekdays, because the Cathedral is closed during weekends. #helsinki #cathedral #orthodox

黎到芬蘭親親大自然

One thing I like about 🇫🇮 is that you can reach greenery and the nature without going too far from the city centre. And hiking here in spring or summer is not tough at all, as it’s not too hot or cold, just perfect temperature to be out. And most importantly, not much mosquitoes here so making everything even better ☺️ Just chill, swimming at lake, picking berries, grilling sausage… - 好多人會帶埋狗狗一齊行山 - 經常見到一家人，同埋小朋友一齊親親大自然 - 遇到岩既季節，除左行山仲可以摘野莓同蘑菇 - 可以俾人bbq有地方俾你直接用斧刀劈木頭燒火 - 芬蘭人熱愛桑拿，所以部分國家公園仲有公共桑拿俾大眾免費使用，直接用木材燒火，焗完桑拿出面就係大大個湖，焗完再喺個湖度游個水 - 就算唔揸車，好多國家公園只要搭巴士就去到，交通好方便，最近離city center我諗半個鐘就去到 - 最後好欣賞既一點係，行山過程中幾乎冇見過垃圾，人人都好自律保持地方清潔 #hiking #Finnish #finland

Helsinki Cathedrals

Location: Helsinki, capital city of Finland Getting there: Helsinki international airport flies to most cities in Europe and many worldwide cities including China and America. Helsinki is the first major city into Europe coming from China. I often make this my first stop into Europe. The architecture and colours of the various cathedrals in the center of the city are just marvelous. I recommend taking a walk along the streets and parks to gaze at their beauty in this skyline. #helsinki

Travel to Suomenlinna Island, Finland

Suomenlinna is an island located in Helsinki, Finland. We traveled to the island by ferry from the port in Helsinki. The ticket price to the island is 8 euros. - Suomenlinna used to be a fortress of Finland. In the 18th century, the area on the island is a beautiful nature worth visiting. There are hundreds of years old cannons on the island. And there is a wall covering the entire area of ​​​​6 islands together. - On the island there is also a nature trail with King gate bridge and Suomenlinna Museum, which is about Finnish military and maritime. On the island there are also bars and restaurants by the sea. #TravelEurope #vlogTravel

The Capital of Finland

Location: Helsinki, Finland Getting there: The airport is international and flies to many cities worldwide. Situated on the Baltic Sea, Finland’s capital, Helsinki, is a modern city of over half a million people, and is the second most northern capital in Europe. Helsinki Cathedral and the Rock Underground Cathedral are the two highlights not to be missed here. #helsinki #finland

Staying in an ancient castle for a night

Stepping into the Glo Hotel Art the evening before departing Helsinki, it felt akin to entering a magical castle. Technically it IS a castle, sans the magic of course 😂 Built in 1903, this ancient stone castle is located in the capital city’s trendy design district, now surrounded by separate hotel buildings containing comfortable rooms that we stayed in for a night.

Holiday Inn hotel great location

From the airport, take the railway train P to Helsinki. Train stop at the main railway station. Look out for the lockers in the station and you are at the correct way to the hotel. Out of the station, you will be able to see the hotel on your right side. In front is the bus stop shown on photo 4. I always love the comfortable pillows and bed of Holiday Inn. The hotel provides luggage storage. It is very useful after check-out when your next flight or train is in the evening. Have some time to go shopping again. Take tram 3 and connect to 2 to see the city, the sea port and Cathedral...

Uspenski Cathedral - Helsinki, Finland

Located in the city centre of Helsinki, the Uspenski Cathedral is also one of the most famous structure in Finland. This is a Greek Orthodox cathedral, dedicated to the Dormition of the Theotokos (Virgin Mary). It was built in 1868. It was a pity during my trip, the cathedral was closed thus unable to go inside. But if you’re in Helsinki, I would recommend you heading in to have a look, as admission is free! #tripblazers #helsinki #finland #cathedral #darwintravel #europe

Day trip to Finland by Sea

Since we are a group of four, it is much cheaper to go in a group as some of the cabin can fit up to 4 people for the same room price. Travelling to Finland via cruise is affordable and no travel hassle. We have 6 hours time to explore the city of Helsinki. Due to our liking, we did not sign up for any tour group there and instead we randomly walking around as we pleased! Helsinki city is much smaller than Stockholm. The crowd is not a lot and trams is used to be the major public transport. The attraction can be found such as National library of Finland, University of Helsinki, Senate house and Church of Helsinki. With so much to see and explore, me take a break and enjoy gelato in front of Hard Rock Cafe Helsinki. Wish to be there again some other time! #yearofrabbit#newyearadventure#mytripvlog#summervacation#passionpassport#celebratewithtrip

Finland's unique landscape and nature

Getting There - These places, which are close to the city center, are within walking distance. Attractions - Buildings with unique architecture Hotels - Trips.com hotels at the best price Food & Restaurants - Unique cuisine with local guides Shopping - Shopping centers with unique architecture and historical markets

Classical and modern aesthetics

Helsinki Cathedral, also known as the White Church. In winter, the square in front of the church is covered with snow, warm lights are lit, and the whole church is holy. In the magnificent building, there are many exquisite murals and sculptures. Whenever the church bell rings, the whole square falls silent, and many tourists quietly feel this precious moment of peace that only religion can bring to the soul. Opening hours: Monday to Friday 10:00-17:00 Saturday 9:00-17:00, Sunday 12:00-18:00

Kamppi Chapel

#celebratewithtrip From the outside, this place doesn’t look like a chapel, but a modern architectural site. The building is made of wood and elliptical in shape. Lovely, silent experience. Impressive that wood can be enough for building such a graceful place. Very beautiful chapel. Minimalistic, free entrance and the staff were very nice. Inside it was super quiet and great for reflection. Definitely recommended! #couplestrip #helsinki #finland

Suomenlinna

#celebratewithtrip One of the best tourist attraction near Helsinki. It was a castle built to protect capital from foreign forces. It is very accessible via ferry from Helsinki port. This island is protected by UNESCO because its story and probably its fortress. Really lovely place. Definitely recommend a visit to walk around and enjoy the nature. #helsinki #couplestrip #finland

Fazer Café Kluuvikatu

#celebratewithtrip This cafe has been here ever since its founding in 1891 ! So don't miss out on stepping into a piece of history when around this place. Enjoy the delicacies and sip a hot cup of coffee , we loved every bit of it ! Of the various Fazer Cafés, this is the original. Very upmarket, and typical high Helsinki prices. But what great cakes and pastries and coffee! Half the area is a shop showcasing the Fazer branded goodies. Will definitely come back next time I’m in Helsinki! #helsinki #couplestrip #finland

Helsinki Central railway station

#celebratewithtrip The hearth of Helsinki! Here you can jump on a train, bus, tram, metro, taxi or lease a bike. Helsinki Central Station is as super as the other Scandinavian railway. Its building is very attractive and clean as the rest of Finland and Helsinki as well. The building is iconic, in a brutalist way. Well organized place. There are some tickets machines to buy tickets at the station and even you can easily buy them online. #helsinki #finland #couplestrip

Senate Square Helsinki

#celebratewithtrip One of the most popular destinations in Helsinki. This place houses the well known Helsinki Cathedral, a Finnish icon. Just be careful while climbing the staircase as it is quite steep. The Senate Square has been Helsinki’s main square since the 17th century. The present square was built in 1808 by the Russians when they took charge of Finland. The famous German architect Carl Ludvig Engel designed the square in such a manner that the buildings on the four sides of the square represented the four powers of the state as conceived at the time: senate, church, university, and commerce. #helsinki #finland

Temppeliaukion Church - The Stone Church

#celebratewithtrip A must-try attraction when you visit Helsinki. Very beautiful, peaceful and holy place to not only Christians but also tourists. A special church was created by carving into a huge stone. So the locals call it as "the stone church". Beautiful rock church open daily from 10am - 7 pm except Sundays. They offer 15 minute tours in English and Finnish. Cost to get in is 5 euro. Very lovely. #helsinki #finland #couplestrip

Clarion Hotel Helsinki

#celebratewithtrip Clarion Hotel Helsinki Best spot in Helsinki! Modern style! Enjoyed the stay for 2 days. The hotel is located in excellent location with seaside and close to center. There is a swimming pool at the top, 16th floor. Pretty good hotel overall and good breakfast! #helsinki

Classic Finnish food - Ravintola Kolme Kruunu

#celebratewithtrip Loved our meal and experience here. Visiting Helsinki for a short time, we were happy to find this place with local specialties on the menu. The restaurant served excellent traditional finnish food so it’s worth the extra planning. The service and food were amazing. Nice beer. Highly recommended! #finland #helsinki #couplestrip

Sibelius Park

#celebratewithtrip Being one of the main tourist attractions in Helsinki, the Sibelius monument attracts heaps of people. Located in the middle of a small but beautiful park, recommended to stop here for a while and enjoy the relaxing atmosphere. It’s a nice, short walk though. It's a beautiful metal sculpture that would have you awestrucked. #helsinki #finland #couplestrip

Islands Around Helsinki, Finland ☃️❄️🇫🇮

#celebratewithtrip Getting There - Travel to Helsinki, Finland🇫🇮☃️ Attractions - Island Hopping🤍 Hotels - Try Downtown Helsinki💙❄️ Food & Restaurants - 🥒🍔🥙🥟🍜 Shopping - Lots of Shopping in the City 🏙️ Helsinki is the coastal capital city of Finland and it’s located on the Baltic Sea - with this, the city has many small islands surrounding the capital which can be easily visited from the city center 🇫🇮✈️🤍 Take a short boat trip to one of many islands and spend an afternoon exploring the peace and quiet of these beautiful islands! One of the most famous is Suomeolinna Island and they are known for their architecture, hiking, food and exploring! This is a cool part of Helsinki many don’t know about and is just another reason to visit Finlands capital city!🇫🇮🤍✈️❄️☃️ #celebratewithtrip #tripblazers #celebration #finland #helsinki #travelinspiration