Helsinki
Helsinki, the capital of Finland, was founded by King Gustav I of Sweden in 1550 as a trading post to compete with the Hanseatic city of Tallinn. It remained a small town for centuries until Russia defeated Sweden in the Finnish War and annexed Finland in 1809, making Helsinki the capital of the Grand Duchy of Finland in 1812. This shift spurred major development, especially under Russian influence, shaping its neoclassical architecture. During Finland’s path to independence in 1917, Helsinki became the political and cultural heart of the new republic, playing a central role in national identity. The city also endured bombings during World War II but recovered quickly in the postwar era. Today, Helsinki is a vibrant coastal city known for its design, innovation, and unique blend of Eastern and Western cultural influences.
💡 Helsinki: Good to Know
🛂 Visa: Canada, Australia, US, Korea and Japan are visa-exempt for a stay of up to 90 days
✈️ Closest Airport: Helsinki-Vantaa Airport (HEL)
💬 Language: Finnish but English is widely spoken
🏷️ Price Level: Finland offers a price level that is very much in line with what you would find in the United States
🍔 Big Mac Index: US: US$5.69 / Finland US$ 5.60
💰 Currency: Euro (EUR)| 1 USD = ca. 0.90 EUR)
☀️ Best Times to Visit: The best time to visit Helsinki are the months between June and August
🚘 Transportation: local trains, trams, city busses and taxis
🔌 Adapter: Finland uses type C and F plugs. No adapter is needed if you are from Europe but it is needed when coming from the US
🛜 WiFi: widely available; the city offers free Wi-Fi under the name "Helsinki City Open WLAN"
🏧💰ATM and “Cash or Card”: While some stores take only cash, payments with cards are the most common form of payment; ATMs are available throughout the city
💸 Tipping: Tipping is not expected, as service charges are included. Locals rarely tip, though rounding up in restaurants or taxis is a nice gesture.
✈️ 🚇🚕 Getting There and Around
🎟️ In Helsinki, public transport fares can be paid using several convenient methods: the HSL mobile app, contactless payment onboard, ticket machines, or at service points. The HSL app offers single and day tickets, along with a built-in journey planner. Contactless payment is accepted for single tickets across all HSL services, including buses, commuter trains, trams, the metro, and the Suomenlinna ferry.
✈️ Helsinki-Vantaa Airport (HEL) is located around 12 miles (20 kilometers) outside the city center of Helsinki.
To get from Helsinki Airport to the city center, the fastest and most convenient option is the train (I or P lines), which takes about 30 minutes and costs around 4.10–4.40 EUR with an ABC-zone ticket. Trains run frequently from early morning until late night. Bus 600 is another good option, running 24/7 with a similar fare and travel time of 30–45 minutes. For more comfort, the Finnair City Bus offers a direct connection for around 6.60 EUR. Tickets can be purchased via the HSL app, contactless payment, or ticket machines at the airport.
🚇 Helsinki Cruise Port has two main terminals: West Harbour (Länsisatama) and South Harbour (Eteläsatama). West Harbour is the primary terminal for international cruise passengers, while South Harbour is also used, particularly by smaller ships.
If you're docked at South Harbour, Katajanokka, or Olympia Terminal, the city center is within walking distance—typically around 10–15 minutes. This allows you to enjoy scenic views along the waterfront and pass by attractions like the Market Square and Helsinki Cathedral.
From Hernesaari Terminal, the nearest tram stop is about a 15-minute walk away. Tram lines 2 and 3 connect the port area to central locations like Rautatieasema (Central Station) and Kamppi. Tickets can be purchased via the HSL mobile app or at ticket machines.
🚌 In Helsinki, one hop-on-hop-off bus circles the main sights, and more info can be found here.
⭐️ Top Sights in Helsinki
"Helsinki has over 300 islands within its city limits."
📸 Suomenlinna Sea Fortress: Suomenlinna Sea Fortress is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located on a group of islands just off the coast of Helsinki. Built by Sweden in 1748 to defend against Russian expansion, it later came under Russian control and then Finnish rule. The fortress played key roles in regional military history, but today it is a popular cultural site, home to museums, parks, and about 800 residents. It's a favorite day-trip destination, accessible by ferry year-round.
📸 Helsinki Cathedral: Helsinki Cathedral is a landmark of the city, located in the heart of Senate Square. Completed in 1852, it was designed by architect Carl Ludvig Engel as a tribute to Tsar Nicholas I of Russia. The cathedral's neoclassical style, white façade, and green domes make it one of Helsinki’s most iconic buildings. Originally called St. Nicholas' Church, it is now a functioning Evangelical Lutheran church and a popular tourist attraction.
📸 Uspenski Cathedral: Uspenski Cathedral is the largest Orthodox church in Western Europe, located in Helsinki’s Katajanokka district. Built in 1868 during Russian rule, it was designed by Russian architect Aleksey Gornostaev. The red-brick cathedral, with its golden cupolas and richly decorated interior, reflects Byzantine-Russian architecture and symbolizes the historical influence of Eastern Orthodoxy in Finland. It remains an active place of worship and a major tourist attraction.
📸 Temppeliaukio Church (Rock Church): Temppeliaukio Church, also known as the Rock Church, is a unique Lutheran church in Helsinki, built directly into solid granite. Designed by architects Timo and Tuomo Suomalainen and completed in 1969, it features natural rock walls, a copper dome, and excellent acoustics, making it a popular concert venue. Its striking blend of nature and architecture has made it one of Helsinki’s most visited attractions.
📸 Sibelius Monument: The Sibelius Monument in Helsinki is a tribute to Finnish composer Jean Sibelius, unveiled in 1967. Created by artist Eila Hiltunen, the sculpture features over 600 hollow steel pipes welded together to resemble a wave of sound, symbolizing Sibelius’s music. A bust of the composer is also part of the monument. Located in Sibelius Park, it’s one of Helsinki’s most iconic public artworks.
📸 Market Square (Kauppatori): Market Square (Kauppatori) is a bustling open-air market in central Helsinki, located by the South Harbor. It’s a popular spot for locals and tourists, offering fresh produce, seafood, handicrafts, and Finnish street food. Surrounded by historic buildings and close to key attractions like the Presidential Palace and ferry terminals, the square is a lively hub and a gateway to nearby islands like Suomenlinna.
📸 Old Market Hall (Vanha Kauppahalli): Old Market Hall (Vanha Kauppahalli) is a historic indoor market in Helsinki, opened in 1889 near the South Harbor. It offers a wide variety of high-quality foods, including fresh fish, meats, cheeses, pastries, and traditional Finnish delicacies. The hall combines old-world charm with modern tastes, making it a favorite spot for both locals and visitors seeking authentic flavors in a cozy, historic setting.
📸 Senate Square: Senate Square is the historic heart of Helsinki, known for its neoclassical architecture and cultural significance. Designed by architect Carl Ludvig Engel in the 19th century, the square is home to key landmarks like Helsinki Cathedral, the Government Palace, and the University of Helsinki. It serves as a central gathering place for events, celebrations, and visitors exploring the city’s rich architectural heritage.
🍽️😋 Regional Specialties
Helsinki's cuisine has evolved from traditional Finnish fare rooted in local ingredients like fish, rye, potatoes, and berries. During Swedish and later Russian rule, the city’s food culture absorbed influences from both countries—seen in dishes like herring, meat stews, and blinis. In the 20th century, Helsinki became a center for modern Finnish gastronomy, blending Nordic simplicity with global trends. Today, its culinary scene features everything from traditional market food to innovative New Nordic cuisine, reflecting both its heritage and cosmopolitan growth.
🍽️ Lohikeitto (Salmon Soup): Lohikeitto is a traditional Finnish salmon soup, loved especially in Helsinki and across Finland. Made with fresh salmon, potatoes, cream, and dill, it’s a comforting and hearty dish often enjoyed during colder months. It's simple, fresh ingredients highlight Finnish flavors and the country’s strong connection to fishing and local produce.
🍽️ Karjalanpiirakka (Karelian Pies): In Helsinki, Karjalanpiirakka is a popular traditional snack enjoyed by locals and visitors alike. Often found in bakeries and market halls like the Old Market Hall, these Karelian pasties are cherished for their rye crust and creamy rice filling, usually served with a spread of egg butter. They represent a delicious connection to Finland’s Karelia region and are a staple of Finnish everyday cuisine in the capital.
🍽️ Leipäjuusto (Finnish Squeaky Cheese): Leipäjuusto, also known as Finnish squeaky cheese or “bread cheese,” is a traditional cheese made from cow’s, goat’s, or reindeer’s milk. It has a mild, slightly sweet flavor and a firm, elastic texture that makes a squeaky sound when bitten. Often served warm with cloudberry jam or coffee, it’s a unique Finnish delicacy enjoyed in Helsinki and throughout Finland.
🍽️ Poronkäristys (Sautéed Reindeer): Poronkäristys is a traditional Finnish dish of sautéed reindeer meat, commonly enjoyed in Helsinki’s restaurants offering local cuisine. The tender, thinly sliced reindeer is typically cooked with butter and onions, then served with mashed potatoes and lingonberry sauce. It reflects Lapland’s culinary heritage and is a hearty, flavorful dish popular among both locals and visitors.
🍽️ Mustikkapiirakka (Bilberry Pie): Mustikkapiirakka is a classic Finnish blueberry pie, widely enjoyed in Helsinki but also across Finland. Made with fresh wild blueberries and a buttery crust, it’s often served with vanilla sauce or ice cream. This sweet, tangy dessert highlights Finland’s love for berries and is a popular treat during the summer berry season.
🍽️ Korvapuusti (Cinnamon Rolls): Korvapuusti is a traditional Finnish cinnamon roll known for its sweet, spiced flavor and soft, fluffy texture. Made with a dough flavored with cinnamon and cardamom, it’s twisted into a distinctive shape and topped with pearl sugar. A popular pastry across Finland, korvapuusti is often enjoyed with coffee as part of the Finnish coffee break tradition, kahvihetki.
🥤 Lonkero: Lonkero, also known as “long drink,” is a popular Finnish ready-to-drink cocktail widely enjoyed in Helsinki. Originally created for the 1952 Helsinki Olympics, it combines grapefruit soda with gin or other spirits, offering a refreshing and easy-to-drink beverage. Lonkero has become a Finnish classic, often enjoyed during social gatherings and warm summer days.
📍🗺️ Maps, Apps & Links
🌐 Hop On Hop Off Sightseeing Tour
🚕 Uber
🚕 Bolt