Helsinki isn’t just cold, it’s cool. Proper cool. Think seaside city with quirky design, saunas everywhere, and cinnamon buns the size of your face. If you’ve never been – go. It’s chill (literally), but full of soul.
Getting There & Around
Fly into Helsinki-Vantaa Airport (HEL) – it’s the main one. From there, the train or airport bus will get you into the city in 30–40 mins, easy done! Helsinki Airport HEL Private Arrival Transfer on Viator
Where To Stay
Check out OnTheBeach for great deals that are ATOL protected:
Top Rated Hotels:
Marski by Scandic, OnTheBeach – Trendy and central with cool Finnish design and a brilliant breakfast. Right near the shops and main sights.
Lapland Hotels Bulevardi, OnTheBeach – Lapland-style luxury in the city. Cozy rooms, dark wood vibes, and yes – there’s a sauna on site.
Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel, OnTheBeach – Elegant, historic building meets modern comfort. Comfy beds, great location, and close to the train station.
What to See in Helsinki
You won’t be short on stuff to do – here are the must-sees:
Helsinki Cathedral – That big white church you’ve probably seen in photos. It’s even prettier in real life.
Temppeliaukio Church (aka the Rock Church) – Yep, a church carved into solid rock. It’s dramatic and very, very Finnish.
Uspenski Cathedral – Big, bold, and seriously photogenic. Eastern vibes with red bricks and gold domes galore.
Market Square & Harbour – Grab some tasty food, watch the boats and chill!
Esplanadi Park – Great for people-watching or scoffing an ice cream (even if it’s freezing).
Design District – Cute shops, cool cafes, and that signature Finnish minimalism everywhere.
Top Tours & Trips
For all tours and trips in Helsinki, check out GetYourGuide & Viator.
Helsinki & Suomenlinna Sightseeing Tour – Best of both worlds – explore Helsinki and then hop a ferry to the Suomenlinna sea fortress. History + ocean views. Helsinki and Suomenlinna Sightseeing Tour on Viator
Porvoo Old Town Day Trip from Helsinki – Get out of the city for a few hours to explore cobbled streets, cute wooden houses and sweet shops. Porvoo Tour on Viator
Sauna Experience with Sea Swimming (if you dare!) – Get hot in a sauna, then jump into the sea. Sounds mad, feels amazing. Sauna and Sightseeing Helsinki Cruise on Viator
Tallinn Day Trip by Ferry – Hop across the Gulf of Finland for a medieval fairy tale day in Estonia’s capital. 9.5 hours to explore UNESCO-listed Old Town, museums, shops, and cafes. Return Day Trip Ferry Ticket to Tallinn, GetYourGuide
Nuuksio National Park Hike – Explore Finnish forests just outside the city. Depending on the season, forage for berries, hike with snowshoes, or swim in a lake! Includes a hearty Finnish soup lunch. Nuuksio National Park Hike, GetYourGuide
Porkkalaniemi Nature Escape – Peaceful forests, Baltic Sea views, and a Finnish-style outdoor lunch. Chill vibes, coastal hikes, birdwatching, and berry picking depending on season. Off the tourist path, very zen. Porkkalaniemi Nature Escape, GetYourGuide
Helsinki Canal Cruise – Sail past Suomenlinna Fortress, Helsinki Zoo, icebreakers and more. A super chill way to sightsee. Lasts 1.5 hours. Helsinki Canal Cruise on Viator
Snowmobile Safari – Zoom through snowy forests and frozen sea trails on a snowmobile. Includes hot drinks and lunch by a campfire. Snowmobile Safari on Viator
Kayak Helsinki Tour – Paddle past the Market Square, Presidential Palace, and more. No experience needed. Gorgeous views and super chill vibes with expert guides. Kayak Helsinki Tour on Viator
Practical Tips for Helsinki
Currency – It’s Euros here (€). Tap your card, tap your phone. Take cash for smaller purchases.
Language – Finnish is wild, but nearly everyone speaks English. Signs are usually bilingual.
Tipping – Not expected, but rounding up is nice. Restaurants include service in the bill.
Power – Standard EU plug (Type C). Bring a travel adapter if you need one.
Transport – Trams are fab. Easy to use and super punctual. Get a day pass if you’re hopping around.
Clothing – Layers, layers, layers. Even in summer it can be breezy. In winter, go full Arctic explorer.
Saunas – They’re everywhere. Public ones, hotel ones, lakeside ones. Just remember: swimwear is optional in some – don’t be shocked!
Helsinki’s got a special kind of magic – cool but cozy, modern but with loads of charm. Come for the saunas, stay for the cinnamon buns. This is not a trip you will regret!
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