How to discover the Pearl of the Baltic with your friends
Helsinki is a culturally rich hub with plenty of unique activities to offer to its visitors. It is no wonder that the capital of Finland intrigues travelers from around the world! With a rich food scene, plenty of activity and a Nordic style of life, you and your TravelMates will not be disappointed when visiting this fun city. 😍
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What to do in Helsinki
One of the coolest parts about Helsinki is that it is surrounded by the beautiful Finnish archipelago. The best part is that many of these islands are easily reached from the mainland. Pay a visit to these islands to discover Helsinki’s beautiful (and historic) surroundings:
- Suomenlinna: ferries leave from Kauppatori and tickets are bought through the public transportation (HSL) app, €2.80 one way
- Vallisaari: ferries leave from Kauppatori, €8.49 roundtrip
Especially in the summer, Helsinki is best toured by bike or scooter. Find alepa bikes everywhere to rent, or use an app like voi or tier to rent a scooter- there are bike lanes everywhere! Make sure to drive by Tuomiokirkko, a magnificent church in the center of Helsinki often symbolizing the whole city.
The magnificent Tuomiokirkko
Another activity not to be missed is going sauna and swimming in the city. Yes, even in the winter- if you’re brave! Public saunas such as Allas Sea Pool (entrance is €15) or Löyly (€19 for two hours) are spots where you can have a true Finnish experience, whatever the season! When traveling in a group, make sure to check out group reservation possibilities for Löyly.
Other activities in the city include:
- A visit to Regatta, a café by the seaside serving the best cinnamon buns in all of Helsinki
- A picnic at Kaivopuisto
- A visit to one of Helsinki’s most unique art museums, Amos Rex
- A walk down Aleksanterinkatu, Helsinki’s main street
- A visit to Oodi, the central library
- Lots + lots of coffee drinking and stopping at cute boutiques
Helsinki has something to offer for everyone and is always buzzing with life. Make sure to check out events happening in the city before your visit, because there’s always something happening!
Discover more of the most beautiful cities around the world!
The library of Oodi is an architectural masterpiece
How to get around
As mentioned before, Helsinki is super easy to navigate by its bike lanes, whether on a bike or scooter– especially in the summer this is the preferred mode of transport. Everything in the city happens in the central area, so getting around on foot is also a good option- plus you never know what you might stumble upon when walking around!
Public transport, especially in wintertime, is the ideal way to get around. The infrastructure in Finland is super well planned out, so you’ll have no problem getting around. Just download the HSL app, where you can find instructions on how to get to your destination via public transport as well as the possibility to buy tickets. A day/two-day pass is recommended if you’re planning on seeing lots in a few days!
Here are some other things you’ll wish you’ll know when visiting Finland! Do you have questions about travel? Ask them on our Travel Forum!
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You’ll find plenty of ways to get around in Helsinki
Best times to visit
Helsinki is definitely the hottest 😉 in the summer. With lots of activity outdoors and people enjoying ice cream from ice cream stands perched around the city, the city comes alive in the summer months between June and August. However, Christmastime is also especially magical in the city. Visit the Senate Square (Senaatintori) in front of the Tuomiokirkko to see the Christmas market, which is open from the end of November until just before Christmas. The city is also lit up with lights, so you can get cozy in one of the city’s many coffee shops and enjoy the bustle around. If you want to opt for a live music experience, visit bar Tavastia, the #1 live music spot in all of Finland.
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Visit Suomenlinna in the Finnish Archipelago in the summer
What to know before you visit
Yes, the stereotypes of Finnish people are many- but keep in mind, they might not all be true. Contrary to the belief that all Finnish people are reserved, Helsinki is a very friendly city. Although Finnish people do want their personal space (and it should be respected) and it might not be the best idea to strike up a convo with a stranger on the metro, Helsinki’s culturally diverse environment is happy to welcome new faces. Plus, you’ll have plenty of people to talk to when you travel with your TravelMates!
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In the wintertime, it’s best to keep in mind that it will be cold. So, pack accordingly.
If you’re traveling on public transport, it’s also good to keep in mind that buses must be hailed over or they will not stop for you.
You know there are some cities that are just confusing and seem like nothing runs as it should? Helsinki is not one of those. Finns have it figured out, and you can be sure that public transport leaves on time (or if not, you’ll be very well informed).
Also, reserve some time to really absorb the city- it has so much to offer!
The lovely city of Helsinki from above
Where to eat
Helsinki is also a great city for food. It is also an awesome foodie destination for vegans and vegetarians. Whatever restaurant you visit, you can be sure to find an animal-friendly option!
Here’s where to stop by for some grub on your Helsinki visit:
- Niska Helsinki located in Kanavaranta serves an awesome pizza
- The market at Kauppatori in the summertime serves the best Finnish street food
- Restaurant Yes Yes Yes is chic and a great option for vegans and vegetarians
- Green Hippo Café serves great lunch options as well as brunch
- You can count on Naughty Brgr to serve a good burger
- At Restaurant Lappi you can experience the tastes of Lapland
Helsinki can also be regarded as one of the top coffee cities in the world- if you’re a coffee lover, discover 9 other coffee cities here, that are ideal travel destinations just for you! 😉
Another great foodie city in Finland is Turku! Discover 5 spots to visit in this other amazing Finnish city:
All ready to hit up Helsinki with your TravelMates? Start planning your visit now by creating a trip, or join a trip to one of JoinMyTrip‘s other amazing destinations! Have you ever been to Helsinki? What was your favorite part about it- tell us in the comments!
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