Helsinki is the capital of Finland, located on the coast of the Baltic Sea and surrounded by beautiful islands, parks and forests.
Helsinki is an easily walkable city and you can get around it in two days. If you have many days available (3-4), you can combine it with a trip to Tallinn.
The ferry ticket costs around €20 and in two hours you’ll change countries to see new places.
In Finland’s capital, you’ll eat unique food. Reindeer meat, bear meat, soups and potatoes are some of their most famous dishes.
Transportation in Helsinki
Helsinki in general is a place you can explore on foot. But if you go during the cold months, you will definitely need transportation.
You’ll download the HSL app and from there you’ll buy your ticket for all means of transport, including buses and trams. A one-way ticket costs €2.50 and a one-day ticket costs €9.
To get from the airport to the city centre you will take bus 600. You can buy a ticket via the HSL app or from the desks at the airport. The journey is about 40 minutes.
Sightseeing in Helsinki
Helsinki Cathedral
Helsinki Cathedral is an impressive cathedral, a landmark for the city. It is undoubtedly the most famous attraction in the Finnish capital.
Until 1917 it was called Agios Nikolaos, in honour of Tsar Nicholas I. You will find him in Senate Square and the ticket costs 8€.
The National Library of Finland
Next to the cathedral in Senate Square you will find the National Library. It’s not a well-known spot for tourists, but it’s worth a visit to admire its architecture. Entrance to enter the library is free.
Kallio church
Kallio church is a special Lutheran church that piques your interest, as it is huge and can be seen from far away.
The church is built of grey granite, unlike the other two large churches in Helsinki, and to get inside, admission is free.
Temppeliaukion kirkko
The Temppeliaukion Church is a unique church. It is built into a rock and there you will find prayers in different languages. The entrance ticket costs 8€.
St. John’s Church
Another impressive church is St. John’s Church, a neo-Gothic stone church from the late 19th century. It is known for its classical music concerts.
Nearby you will find the Tähtitorninvuori park, which has an observatory and a playground. In the spring and summer months it is an ideal location for picnics.
Huvilakatu
One of the nicest places to stroll around Helsinki is Huvilakatu Street. Colourful houses in a quiet neighbourhood, the perfect place for a relaxing walk.
Esplanadi
Esplanadi is a large park surrounded by dozens of shops.
If you cross it, you’ll come to the Old Church of Helsinki, which is located in the “plague park” where over 1,000 city residents who died during the epidemic are buried.
Uspensky Cathedral
The majestic Uspensky Cathedral was built in 1864 by Russians and is located on a hilltop.
Below the temple you will find the Tove Jansson Park. The area around the church is full of shops for food and drink.
Presidential Palace
The Presidential Palace is a symbol of the nation’s political heritage and architectural grandeur.
The majestic building has witnessed many historical events and served as a residence for the country’s leaders.
The palace is guarded by the royal guards and you as a tourist can only admire it from a distance unfortunately.
Finnish House of Nobility
The Finnish House of Nobility dates back to 1862 and houses the main assembly hall and the family archives of the Finnish nobility.
The building is mainly used for private events and seminars, you cannot visit on your own.
Food in Helsinki
Old Market Hall
A must-visit place is the fresh food market. You’ll find dozens of stalls with different kinds of local food to try, especially fish, canned fish, reindeer and brown bear meat, salmon and caviar. It was there that I had my first reindeer meatballs.
Ekberg 1852
Ekberg Confectionery was founded in 1852 by Fredrik Edvard Ekberg and to this day it is still owned by the Ekberg family.
You’ll taste the most delicious pastries and puff pastries, and you can have breakfast and lunch in the shop. Definitely put it on your bucket list.
Kanniston Leipomo
Another bakery you can visit is Kanniston Leipomo. The prices for a place like Helsinki are quite affordable.
Be sure to have their cinnamon roll.
Taco Bell
Traditional food is not, but Taco Bell restaurants are a great place to eat Mexican food at very affordable prices. It’s one of the most budget places to eat in Helsinki.
What you need to know before your trip to Helsinki
- Mobile data from Greece is available for roaming in Finland.
- You can travel to Finland with an ID card, you don’t need a passport.
- The temperatures in Helsinki are quite low, make sure you bring plenty of warm clothes.
If you want to see more of my trip to Helsinki, visit my Instagram profile.
