Helsinki Discovering the Soul of Finland
Love Helsinki
The capital of Finland is a city of islands and bays, with an incredibly innovative design sector and a food scene that is attracting foodies to its restaurants and markets
At first glance, Helsinki appears to be a traditional city with the standard museums, galleries, churches, and fortresses to visit. It undoubtedly has those in profusion, but there is another side to this interesting city.
You can view the newest furniture, fashion, or accessory styles at Helsinki’s boutiques and galleries. There’s live music ranging from experimental jazz to classical music festivals, and top restaurants such as Savoy that demonstrate what New Nordic cuisine is all about – and it’s always tasty.
With the promise of a peaceful sauna after each chaotic day of sightseeing, it’s difficult to resist Helsinki’s allure.
Top 5 Reasons to Visit Helsinki
- The Amazing Art and Design Culture
Finland is a design hotspot of the world, with furniture brands such as Iittala and designers such as Nurmi, who have a global following. All top brands have showrooms and shops, and the Design Museum is a must-visit.
- The Charm and Wonder of the Baltic Sea
Helsinki has a lovely location on the Baltic Sea, with approximately 330 islands to visit and ferries covering all areas of the seaside. The city has also adopted its nautical heritage, with lots of sea enthusiasts to visit, such as the Sea Life Aquarium, island cruises, and kayak tours with the Natura Viva Center in Vuosaari.
- The Best Chefs in New Nordic Cuisine
Helsinki is indeed a foodie city, but not only the city of Helsinki, but the entire Scandinavian area. If you are interested in the concept of eating freshly gathered game, freshly picked mushrooms, picked herbs, and beautiful local seafood, then restaurants such as A21 Dining will be your cup of tea.
- Breathtaking Historical Architecture
Finland’s capital city is also an architectural wonder. Each generation of neoclassical, Art Nouveau, and modernist architects left their distinctive mark on the city center, producing an array of breathtaking buildings. From the Russian-style Uspenski Cathedral and the elaborate style of the Jugendsali Hall to the creations of world-renowned modernist Alvar Aalto, there is something here for every architecture enthusiast.
- Nightlife and Culture to Entertain Everybody
There are the cutting-edge dance clubs of Kallio, the chance to rock out with your fellow metalheads at the Tuska Open Air Metal Festival, and jazz all year long at Storyville. September’s Sibelius Festival draws classical music fans from all over the world.
Where to Eat in Helsinki
Diners in Helsinki could be forgiven for not knowing where to start. If you’re interested in trying the New Nordic Cuisine, go for local staples such as Kuu, Juuri, Olo, and A21 Dining. There are, however, also some excellent Asian alternatives, like Farang and Gaijin. The quality of cooking is usually high, so wander around the different neighborhoods – you’ll likely be pampered either way. Meals will start at around EUR30 per person and more than EUR50 at top-end restaurants.
When to go to Helsinki (PRICES MAY VARY)
To be able to appreciate the sights, relax in Helsinki’s parks and tour the islands in comfort, summer is undoubtedly the ideal time to be in Helsinki. From June to late August, Helsinki warms up well. Be prepared for no Californian weather, but you’ll be amazed at how nice beaches like Hietaranta feel when the sun is shining brightest. Otherwise, May is a suitable time for sheer sightseeing, with fewer crowds. Winter is dark, bleak, and moody, but not for the majority of tourists.
Weather in Helsinki
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How to Get to Helsinki
Plane
Helsinki Airport (HEL) is about 12 miles outside city centre and is linked by a ring railway which takes 30 minutes and costs EUR5.50 to get to Helsinki. Or airport taxis will cost about EUR30.
Train
Helsinki Central Station also connects with Russian cities such as St Petersburg and regional Finnish cities such as Porvoo or Tampere and could be an easy way into town for some visitors. It is central and well connected with trams and buses to any part of the city.
The most convenient route to reach Helsinki from the west is along Finnish highway 51, and the E18 route from the Russian frontier. Take highway 45 south if you are arriving from Vantaa. There are car rental centers such as Green Motion, Hertz, and Sixt available at the airport.
Bus
If you are taking a bus from other Finnish cities to Helsinki, the best option is to reserve an Onni Bus service, who offer affordable connections within the country. All intercity buses arrive at the Central Bus Station in Kamppi. It’s just beside a subway stop, so getting into town from there is easy
Where to stay in Helsinki
Designkortteli – indication of how devoted Finns are to design, the Designkortteli (Design District) runs along west-central Helsinki. It’s the sort of place that hosts a weekly design market with hundreds of local designers, and is also peppered with galleries, from tiny modernist ones like the Forsblom to much more imposing Design Museum.
Popular Neighborhoods in Helsinki
Kallio – Helsinki’s bohemian nightlife district, Kallio is a treat. In the east of the city, Kallio has daytime treats such as Hakaniemi market, boutiques along Fleminginkatu, and hundreds of second-hand shops such as Kauppahuone Keko. It comes alive at night, with gig venues, bars, and all-night clubs galore.
Kamppi – busy central area, Kamppi is excellent for shopaholics with its massive shopping center and is within easy reach to see sights such as the Finnish National Gallery, Alvar Aalto’s Finlandia Hall, and the vast, friendly Keskuspuisto (Central Park).
How to Get Around Helsinki
Public Transportation
The most convenient type of public transport in Helsinki is the network of trams, which cover the entire town and for a single ticket, EUR2.50, or a EUR4 day pass. A convenient addition, buses and the restricted subway system are, but you will find trams are enough to get to most sites. The best idea is to purchase a Helsinki Card (EUR41), which includes a day of travel and entry to a host of top attractions.
Taxi
Traveling about Helsinki by taxi is not inexpensive, but can be a convenient alternative late in the evening. Government-controlled fares consist of a EUR5.90 meter drop (Monday to Friday) and EUR9 on Sundays and after 20:00. Subsequent charges amount to about EUR2.50 a mile.
Car
If you’d prefer to hire a car, you’ll see car rental agencies such as Sixt, Hertz, Europcar, and Avis available in Helsinki. It’s worth it too. With a car, you can drive to nearby towns like Porvoo or Espoo, or visit the pretty coastal ports further to the west. You’ll pay a minimum of EUR20 per day.
The Cost of Living in Helsinki
Shopping Streets
Helsinki is heaven for fashion, design, and contemporary art lovers who appreciate the offbeat. If you’re looking for some typically Scandinavian domestic items or decorations, the Design District is where to go. If you’re looking for second-hand vintage fashion or creative new designs, Kallio is filled with shops, Kaivarin Kanuuna being the most likely candidate among them. For more usual brands, go to Kamppi Shopping Center in the center of town and you can’t go wrong.
Groceries and Others
Helsinki is not the most affordable city to purchase groceries and essentials, but one can obtain reasonable prices at K-Supermarkets, Alepa, and Lidl. A gallon of milk will cost around EUR3.70 and 12 eggs will cost approximately EUR2.
