31 August, 2017
17 September

Things to do in Helsinki

Getting Around
  • Public transportation

    Helsinki has a well working public transport system consisting of bus, tram, metro, local railway and ferry services. Compared to some other cities worldwide, the public transport is considered very safe. The system is managed by Helsinki Region Transport.

    With a single ticket you can hop aboard trams, buses, the metro and even the ferry to Suomenlinna. Single tickets can be purchased from the driver and ticket machines.

    Daytickets are available for unlimited use on public transportation for 1-7 days. They can be purchased from ticket machines, from the Tourist Information or from the Helsinki City Transport service point in the Central Railway Station. One-day tickets are also sold by the drivers.

    Regional tickets allow the holder to travel freely in Helsinki, Espoo, Kauniainen and Vantaa incl. the airport train. Regional tickets and regional tourist tickets can be purchased from ticket machines.

    Helsinki Card holders can travel free of charge on public transportation within the city.

    Journey Planner - A journey planning service provided by YTV Transport to the users of the Helsinki metropolitan area

    Taxis

    There are plenty of taxi stands all over the city, where the queues at weekend nights might be quite long. Helsinki taxis accept the most common credit cards.

  • HELSINKI CATHEDRAL AND SENATE SQUARE

    The white Helsinki Cathedral located in the heart of Helsinki’s neo-classical center is the landmark of the city. From the opposite end of the Senate Square starts the Tori Quarters with a great variety of design shops, cafes and restaurants.

    LOYLY

    Sauna bathing is an essential part of Finnish culture and national identity. Relax in three different saunas or enjoy some drinks and snacks at the restaurant. Loyly offers exceptional architecture in a unique location, a stretch of Helsinki's beautiful waterfront.

    ALLAS SEA POOL

    Allas Sea Pool is a new floating sea spa and wellness hub with outdoor swimming pools, a sauna and restaurant located right in the heart of the city. Right next to the Allas Sea Pool is the Flytour XD, a 4D ride that takes you over, around and through the city of Helsinki and the Skywheel Helsinki which hosts a sauna and champagne cabin, in addition to the amazing views over the city.

    MARKET SQUARE AND OLD MARKET HALL

    Located at the South Harbour at one end of the Esplanade Park, the Market Square is Helsinki's most international and famous market. The booths here sell traditional market foods and treats, as well as handicrafts and souvenirs. There are also heated cafe tents where you can comfortably have a steaming hot coffee and the traditional pastry "munkki". The Old Market Hall has served its customers since 1889. Here you can enjoy the ambience of old days and the extensive range of merchants.

    SUOMENLINNA SEA FORTRESS AND VALLISAARI ISLAND

    Suomenlinna, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is only a 15-minute ferry ride away from the Market Square and the perfect setting for a day out with family or friends: 6 kilometers of bastion walls, 100 cannons, exciting tunnels, museums, cafes and restaurants – even a real submarine! And a brewery! Vallisaari, open for the public since 2016, is an enchanting destination. Located right next to the Suomenlinna Sea Fortress this old military island offers fortifications, a record-breaking range of species as well as amazing views over the Helsinki skyline.

    DESIGN DISTRICT

    You can easily spend hours strolling around Helsinki’s Design District. The streets are lined with intriguing boutiques, each offering something different to impress you: antiques and art, interiors and design, clothing and jewellery, and so much more.

    SWIMMING STADIUM

    Enjoy outdoor pools at the historical Swimming Stadium that was built already for the 1940 Olympic Games, which – due to the outbreak of World War II – were cancelled. It later went on to host a part of the 1952 Helsinki Olympic Games. An excellent place for families to spend a day swimming and sun bathing.

    LINNANMAKI AMUSEMENT PARK

    The Linnanmaki Amusement Park is the most popular tourist attraction in Finland and the biggest amusement park in the Nordic region in terms of the number of rides. Welcome to the funnest place in Helsinki!

    FAZER

    Fazer is one of the oldest companies in Finland and known for its chocolate and baked goods. Fazer Cafa is a real classic, which opened in the city center in 1891. Tomorrow's classic is the brand new Fazer Visitor Center in Vantaa, where guided tours are available

    CAFE REGATTA

    Cafe Regatta is a piece of countryside in the heart of the Helsinki: traditional wooden building, sweetest cinnamon buns and splendid view to the sea.

    MUMIN KAFFE

    Mumin Kaffe is a new cafe chain that welcomes all families and Moomin lovers.

    ISLAND RESTAURANTS

    Idyllic island restaurants are a vital part of Helsinki's unique restaurant culture. The archipelago of Helsinki provides a beautiful setting for summer dining.

    SUOMENLINNA BREWERY

    Suomenlinna Brewery was established in 1995. Brewing has been an influential part of the history of Suomenlinna for over two centuries. When soldiers of the Swedish army arrived to build the fortress in the 18th century, they brought barrels of beer with them since beer was a part of their everyday diet. Later Suomenlinna grew into a lively district, where brewing and restaurant businesses thrive.

    HELSINKI DISTILLING COMPANY

    The Helsinki Distilling Company has brought distilling back to Helsinki, after an absence of over a hundred years. They produce distillates of the highest quality and offer a full range of distillery experiences from tours to hands-on production.

    FINLAND100

    Finland became an independent state on December 6, 1917. Finnish people have for almost a hundred years engaged in the building of their country and making decisions together. The centenary emphasizes Finland's strengths, such as equality and democracy by offering Finns and friends of Finland a diverse and international centenary program in Finland and abroad. For more information, visit www.suomifinland100.fi

  • Helsinki has well over one thousand restaurants where you will find everything from gourmet delights to bistro treats. Every visitor is sure to find something to fit and surprise their own taste!

    Here are some links to help you to track down a restaurant of your taste: