Guide to Helsinki
Virtual tour in Helsinki
Helsinki, the capital of Finland, is a city teeming with beautiful buildings, lush parks, captivating museums, and delightful restaurants that make it challenging to explore everything in just one trip. To start, pay a visit to the majestic Senaatintori Square, home to the Senate building (where the Finnish government still operates), the University, and the main university library, renowned for its unique collection of Slavic literature. Don't forget to admire the Tuomiokirkko Cathedral.
If you have the opportunity, reserve a day to explore the sea fortress "Suomenlinna," situated on seven rocky islands and recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The fortress houses several museums (including those dedicated to customs and toys), a naval academy, and even a minimum-security prison where inmates contribute to maintaining order. Entrance to the fortress is free, with charges applicable only for museum visits.
Younger visitors to Helsinki have plenty of exciting options as well. In addition to the amusement park "Linnanmäki," kids can enjoy the zoo and the Sea Life marine center. A trip to Seurasaari Island is highly recommended, as it's inhabited by friendly and lively squirrels.
Photos of Helsinki
Tours to Helsinki
The chilly fjords of Finland weave a timeless northern tale, while the enchanting city of Helsinki narrates its history and introduces you to Mumi-Dole, the creation of writer Tove Jansson, born here. This romantic city offers the perfect setting for a memorable vacation, and it's a missed opportunity if you don't seize it.
Finland remains a relatively expensive destination, with the cost of a one-week trip easily exceeding 1000 EUR. However, you can save money by planning your itinerary in advance and opting for budget-friendly hotels and restaurants.
Exploring the city, you'll be captivated by the singing monument to Jan Sibelius, the church carved into the rock, and leisurely strolls along Helsinki's vibrant streets. Whether you choose a hot deal or a regular trip to Helsinki, your days will be filled with scenic park visits overlooking the bay, exploration of historic palaces, and relaxed moments in the city's cozy, warm cafes.
The best memories from your time in Finland will stay with you for a long time. Don't be discouraged by the cost of accommodation or dining—there are always options to suit your budget. You can find more affordable tours to Helsinki, with prices starting at around 500-600 EUR. Even with this budget, you'll experience enough to make your trip truly unforgettable.
Interesting places in Helsinki
Exploring the interesting sights of Helsinki can be done almost for free by hopping on one of the streetcars, such as 3T/3B, or following a pre-designed route. If you're eager to learn more about the city's history and culture, consider booking a guided tour.
For those in the mood for shopping, don't miss Aleksanterinkatu and Mannerheiminti streets, where numerous shopping centers are located.
Helsinki's nightlife may not be known for its wildness, but it offers a variety of clubs and bars for those looking to enjoy their evenings.
Flight ticket prices
Getting to the Finnish capital Helsinki from various European cities is quite easy. Direct flights to Helsinki-Vantaa Airport are operated by Finnair, Lufthansa, Wizz Air, Ryanair, Air France, and Vueling. Routes are available from Warsaw, Berlin, Paris, Madrid, Prague, Budapest, Chisinau, and Rome — making Helsinki a great choice for a weekend break or a longer holiday.
As for prices, tickets from Budapest and Prague start from €45–55, from Warsaw from €50, and from Chisinau around €85. Flights from Madrid and Paris typically start at €80–100 one way. The best deals are usually found between October and December and in early spring.
The best hotels in Helsinki
For budget travelers, hostels, many of which are located near the city's main attractions, are a good option. For only 20 EUR you'll sleep in a shared room, and for 60 EUR you'll get a private room. If you plan to come to Helsinki with a large company or family, it will be advantageous to rent a whole house (from 400 EUR per night). If you decide to cook on your own, you will save a lot. A room in one of the best 5* hotels costs an average of 200 EUR per day.
Travel budget
The minimum budget for a trip to Helsinki is about 50 EUR per person per day (excluding accommodation). It's worth finding out some tricks to save money in advance. If you plan to use public transportation often, buy tickets in automatic machines, because when paying to the driver the price increases by 0.5 EUR.
We also recommend buying a Helsinki City Card. The card gives you free admission to major museums and public transportation, as well as discounts at many restaurants, saunas, and stores.
| The budget for a trip to Helsinki | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Flight | from 180 EUR | Accomodation | from 20 EUR per day |
| Average check in a restaurant | from 30 EUR | Transportation fare | from 2.5 EUR |
| Excursion | от 30 EUR | ||
| Total: about 600 EUR for four days | |||
Helsinki: tips for tourists
Visa to Helsinki
EU citizens: Can freely enter Finland without a visa for any period of time.
US citizens: Visa-free entry for up to 90 days for tourism or business (ETIAS registration required from 2025).
British citizens: Visa-free entry for up to 90 days within 180 days (ETIAS will also be required from 2025).
Helsinki Airport
The international airport Helsinki-Vantaa is located 19 km from the city center. More than 90% of international flights to Finland land here. In 2013, it was recognized as the best in Northern Europe by the consulting company Skytrax.
Transfer to Helsinki from the airport
To get to the center you can take a bus, train or cab. The entrance to the train station is between the terminals and you can buy a ticket from the ticket machine on the platform. The fare costs 5 EUR and is valid on any public transport within 90 minutes of activation.
Public transportation in Helsinki
Metros, streetcars, buses and ferries are available. A single ticket is valid for any mode of transportation and costs 2.7 EUR (3.2 EUR if you buy it from the driver). Children up to 6 years old ride free of charge, for children 7-16 years old you pay 50% of the standard price.
Car rental in Helsinki
The cost of renting a car is from 27 EUR per day. To rent a car, it is enough to have a driver's license and a credit card, on which a deposit of 250-750 EUR will be temporarily blocked. Parking in the city is paid - about 3 EUR per hour.
Safety in Helsinki
The city is fairly calm, but there is the possibility of pickpocketing or bar fights. Behave appropriately so as not to provoke a conflict, and if you need help, feel free to contact the police or Helsinki Help.