Helsinki is a favourite port stop on many Baltic and Northern Capitals Cruise itineraries, and it also serves as an excellent destination for a short city break. It is the capital of Finland and the country’s leading seaport and industrial centre. Located in the south of the country on a peninsula, Helsinki offers numerous natural harbours and extends into the Gulf of Finland, which flows out to the Baltic Sea.

This vibrant city is home to 1,400,000 people and is the most northerly of continental Europe’s capitals.

Helsinki Guide

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How to Get There

You can fly to Helsinki from a wide variety of airports around Europe and the UK. It also has good international connections with long-haul destinations, particularly in Southeast Asia and North America. The airport is actually in the town of Vantaa, approximately 10 miles north of Helsinki.

There is good public transport available from the airport to the city, with both frequent train and bus services running. Taxis are also available at both the airport’s terminals and Uber operates at the airport and in Helsinki.

Arriving by Cruise Ship

Many tourists also arrive by ship into Helsinki, as it is a busy and popular port of call on many Baltic cruise itineraries. It has two cruise terminals: the South Harbour, which has four quays and is within easy walking distance of the city centre and Market Square, and the West Terminal, which has two quays but is two miles away from the city centre. However, shuttle buses are available from here into the city.

Accommodation

As the capital city, Helsinki offers many international brand hotels, as well as numerous other hotels and apartments to suit all budgets. It is a relatively compact city, so there are good choices in all areas.

Getting Around

The city has an excellent public transport system (HSL) comprising bus, tram, metro, train, and ferry services. One ticket allows you to hop on and off all of them, including the ferry to the tourist destination of Suomenlinna. There are various ticket options available at machines and kiosks around the city, and the route maps are divided into four zones: A, B, C, and D.

Helsinki Guide

What to See and Do

Market Square

Market Square, in the Old Town and situated right next to the harbour, is one of the epicentres of life in the city as well as a well-known landmark. Traders gather here to sell their local produce, from fresh fish and vegetables to Finnish specialties like reindeer horns, handmade craft jewellry, wooden utensils, and reindeer hides. It is a vibrant area to spend some time and experience local life and people.

Old Market Hall

This is the oldest indoor market in Finland, also situated next to the Old Harbour and close to the ferry terminals. Local vendors sell everything from fish to meat to local and tourists alike. It is an ideal place to try local dishes and grab lunch or a snack while enjoying the city.

Helsinki Cathedral

Built in the mid-19th century, Helsinki Cathedral remains one of the city’s most impressive landmarks. Located at the northern end of Senate Square, this Lutheran cathedral has an all-white neo-classical facade and five green domes, with statues of the 12 Apostles decorating its roof. If you visit in the summer months, there are frequent free art exhibitions staged within the cathedral.

Helsinki Guide | Helsinki Cathedral

Senate Square

Senate Square is part of the oldest section of the city and a busy location where many concerts, exhibitions, and public gatherings are held. Its neo-classical design is dominated by four main buildings: the Cathedral, Government Palace (part of the University of Helsinki), the National Library of Finland, and the oldest building in Helsinki, Sederholm House, now a museum. In the centre of the square is the statue of Alexander II.

Visit the Fortress Suomenlinna

Built on a group of small islands just off the coast of the city, Suomenlinna is a maritime fortress constructed during the era when Helsinki was ruled by Sweden as a defence fortification. Today, you can visit this historical site from the harbour, where regular ferries take you to the island. On the island, you can learn about its and Finland’s history. There are also several small museums to visit, including a Toy Museum.

Visit Kamppi Chapel of Silence

This unusual architectural building near Kamppi shopping centre has thick wooden walls and is designed to assist meditation and prayer. Cameras are not allowed inside, and silence is expected.

Shop in Helsinki Design District

This district spans over 200 buildings, from fashion boutiques, furniture shops, and jewellry workshops to design studios, museums, and art galleries. All the popular Finnish design brands, including Marimekko, Lumi, and Vietto, have locations here, along with a host of international ones.

Relax at Allas Sea Pool

This outdoor sea pool and sauna overlook the harbour and market, providing an oasis in the city. Besides the pools and sauna, there is also a bar and good food options. It is worth a visit to recharge your batteries while sightseeing.

Esplanade Park

This popular park runs from the harbour towards the city centre and features straight tree-lined avenues and flower beds. One end of the park is home to the famous and popular local restaurant Kappeli, and directly opposite is a small stage where regular open-air concerts are performed. This is another place well worth a visit and a walk around.

Vintage Tram Car City Tour or Restaurant Tram Tour

Take a short tour of the city on a vintage Helsinki tram car. This is a fun way to see some of the city. The trams leave regularly from Market Square and it is well worth doing. You can also take a sightseeing tour on a tram converted into a pub/restaurant, which is definitely a fun and unusual way to see Helsinki.

Uspenski Cathedral

This cathedral is the main cathedral of the Finnish Orthodox Church in Helsinki. It sits close to the old harbour and Market Square, and it is also a venue for many concerts throughout the year.

Eating and Drinking in Helsinki

The Finns enjoy a good night out, although it is worth highlighting that alcoholic drinks can be expensive. Nevertheless, Helsinki boasts a wide range of bars, clubs, and restaurants, offering plenty of choices.

Trillby & Chadwick

There is a condition to this recommendation: you must keep it a secret! This is a great place if you enjoy a cocktail, but it is a secret bar with no advertising or signs outside. Designed like a speakeasy, it is found down a lane just off Senate Square. Once you locate it, you find yourself in a small wooden vestibule with a large wooden door and an old-style phone. The door is locked; you can knock on the door or use the phone to ask for entry. You then wait; a short time later, the panel on the door slides open and you may be allowed in. Once inside, you are shown to a table and given a cocktail menu. No photography is allowed in the bar. It’s all a bit of fun, and the cocktails are excellent. If you find it, you won’t be disappointed.

Mummotunneli

This old shopping lane in Helsinki city centre is now home to several bars. At night, the lane becomes a vibrant live music venue with all the bars opening onto the enclosed lane/courtyard. It has a great atmosphere, with several bars to sit in and enjoy the music outside.

Cafe Regatta

This traditional small wooden Finnish cabin is brought into the city, sitting on the waterfront. The sloping roof cabin is filled with memorabilia and photographs of local life. The cafe is famous for its cinnamon buns, blueberry pies, and local sausages grilled outside on the grill. For a relaxed snack on the water’s edge, it’s worth a visit.

Final Thoughts

Helsinki is an interesting and friendly city to visit, with a society that enjoys the outdoors lifestyle reflected in its city life. If you are spending some time here, consider taking a short ferry journey to Tallinn in Estonia. We made that crossing and it offers another city/country to visit from your base in Helsinki. If you want to combine a visit to Helsinki with a visit to nearby Tallinn, follow the link below for all the information on what to see and do there as well.