helsinki tourist pass

The Helsinki Card: is it worth buying?

Planning a trip to Finland’s capital city? Then you’ve probably heard about Helsinki’s very own discount pass – the Helsinki Card.

The Helsinki Card is aimed at tourists and other short-term visitors who want to check out a few of the city’s biggest attractions without breaking the bank.

f you want to pack your trip with museums, attractions and 24-hour sightseeing, you’ll certainly save shed-loads of money with the Helsinki Card.

But what about for a more relaxed trip? Is it worth buying the Helsinki Card if you want to just see the city’s main sights and take a boat trip or two?

We’ve done the maths and worked out whether a Helsinki Card will save you money on a typical trip to the city.

Check out our itineraries below for a realistic idea of what you can expect to pay – and save – on a one-day, two-day and three-day trip.

So, is the Helsinki Card worth buying? And will it really save you a nice stack of euros? Read our review to find out!

Get an extra 5% off the pass with our coupon code!

What is the helsinki card.

Once you buy the Helsinki Card , you’ll get free access to more than 25 attractions across the city, including the extraordinary Rock Church, the Seurasaari Open-Air Museum, the Museum of Contemporary Art Kiasma and the impressive Suomenlinna sea fortress.

You’ll also have free access to popular city tours, including Helsinki’s hop-on, hop-off tourist buses and a canal cruise that lets you see the city from the water (both summer only).

Two of the cards also include free use of the city’s public transport network for the entire time that your Helsinki Card is valid, including buses, trams, the metro and local trains within the city centre.

In addition, the card gives discounts at a variety of cafés, restaurants, shops and attractions, including the SkyWheel Helsinki, day-trips to Tallinn and Sea Life Helsinki.

As a nice bonus you’ll also get a free digital guidebook that includes handy maps and some information about the different attractions that you can visit with the Helsinki Card.

How does it work?

The Helsinki Card comes in three different versions. The basic Helsinki Card is available in digital form only and does not include public transport.

The Helsinki Card City and the Helsinki Card Region are both physical cards that include unlimited public transport.

The Helsinki Card City includes free transport within travel zones A and B, while the Helsinki Card Region covers unlimited travel within zones ABC and includes Espoo (Finland’s second-largest city) plus travel to and from Helsinki-Vantaa Airport .

All three types of Helsinki Card can be bought in versions that are valid for 24 hours, 48 hours or 72 hours respectively.

All the cards work in the same way. You simply scan the card or the QR code on your phone when you first use it at an attraction or on public transport.

This activates it, and you’ll then be able to travel around and gain entry to attractions until the time runs out.

You can only visit each museum or attraction once with each card, but to be honest, it’s very unlikely that you’d want to visit the same place multiple times in the same trip.

Where can I buy the Helsinki Card?

To get started, you need to buy the card online . You then print your order confirmation email and can pick the card when you arrive in Helsinki. 

For the Helsinki Card, you can either print out your QR code or keep it on your phone, and use that as your card.

For the City and Region versions, you print your order confirmation email and pick up the card when you arrive in Helsinki. 

There are several pick-up points across town but the easiest for most visitors is Helsinki-Vantaa Airport, where the pick-up point is at the Excess Baggage Company in the Arrivals Hall.

Alternatively, you can pick it up in central Helsinki: there are pick up points at the Hotel Holiday Inn Helsinki City Centre, near the main train station, at the Stockmann department store, Aleksanterinkatu 52, and at the Stromma sales kiosk on Market Square.

Both City and Region versions of the card can also be bought online in advance through Get your Guide , where you can pay in any major currency. 

What’s the cheapest way to get the Helsinki Card?

You can buy both City and Region versions of the Helsinki Card through Get Your Guide, and it’s worth checking both City Card and Get Your Guide sites before you buy to see which is cheaper, since both sites have special offers and discounts now and again.

It’s also worth noting that Get Your Guide offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance of your trip and you can pay in pounds, dollars or any other major currency on its website, while the City Card website payment is in euros.

Alternatively, you can buy both City and Region versions of the Go Helsinki Card once you arrive at Helsinki airport or at selected hotels and ferry terminals within the city itself.

Because the Helsinki Card is valid for a full 12 months from the point of purchase, it makes sense to buy it as far in advance as possible, especially if there’s an online sale on (see below). This will ensure that you get the best rate and help you avoid any price rises.

What’s not included with the Helsinki Card?

Most of Helsinki’s main attractions are included on the Helsinki Card, though there are a few sights and attractions that are not included. 

Admission to Finland’s Natural History Museum is not covered (it costs around €18 per adult) and neither are the city’s two botanic gardens, Kaisaniemi and Kumpula.

However, admission to Kaisaniemi is free anyway (you only pay to enter the greenhouses – €12 an adult) and entrance to Kumpula gardens costs €9.

Neither of Helsinki’s landmark cathedrals, Uppenski and Tuomiokirkko are included but entrance to both is free anyway.

Some sights, such as Sea Life and the Skywheel are not included but both give a discount on the entrance fee to Helsinki Card holders.

How much does the Helsinki Card cost?

There are several different versions of the card, with validity periods of between one and three days. Passes are available on the Helsinki Card website .

So, is the Helsinki Card worth it?

If you’re visiting for the first time and want to squeeze in a few of the city’s big attractions, then yes – buying the Helsinki Card could save you a lot of money.

You’ll also benefit from unlimited public transport during your stay. This includes buses, trams and local trains – even the ferry to Suomenlinna is included.

Another advantage is that you won’t have to worry about standing in line for tickets at each attraction you choose to visit, saving you valuable time during your visit. You can order the card here .

One day in Helsinki: how much could you save?

We’ve worked out a typical itinerary for a one-day whizz round Helsinki’s top sights and how much it would cost if you paid for each attraction individually compared to the price of the one-day Helsinki Card.

Since the hop-on, hop-off bus stops near the Museum of Contemporary Art, you won’t need public transport for this itinerary. 

And, you’re unlikely to have the time to travel outside the city centre on a one-day trip – unless you really are on a whistle-stop tour!

So the basic Helsinki Card works out as the best value for a one-day visit, with a saving of €30.

Two days in Helsinki: how much could you save?

Take a look at the example below to see how much you could save when visiting Helsinki for two days, compared with doing it yourself (the ‘DIY option’).

We’ve included some of the city’s main attractions and a couple of smaller sights and tours.

As you can see for two days, buying the Helsinki Card Region is the cheapest option. If you need to use public transport on your trip, the Helsinki Card City can save you a whopping €88.

Three days in Helsinki: how much could you save?

And if you’ve got three days to spend in Helsinki, you can really get to grips with the city and still have time to see some of the surrounding attractions too.

So, for a three-day trip, if you pack in the sights a Helsinki Card City and a Helsinki Card Region will both give you a huge saving of around €105.

For three days, there’s little difference in price between the City and the Regional cards, so it will probably depend on whether you think you have time to explore any of the surrounding area.

And while you’re in money-saving mode, check out our guide to free and cheap things that you can do while you’re in Helsinki .

Using the Helsinki Card in summer and winter

One thing to bear in mind before you buy a Helsinki Card is the time of year that you’re travelling.

Helsinki is the second most northerly capital city in the world – after Reykjavik – and there’s a big contrast between summer and winter conditions.

Average temperatures in Helsinki in January and February are -7C and it’s often snowy and icy. 

For more on weather conditions in Helsinki, read our guide to the weather in Finland and when to visit .

So it’s not surprising that in winter some attractions don’t run or are closed.

The city highlights boat cruise, the canal boat tour, and the hop-on, hop-off bus tour, for example, only run from May to September.

And the panorama sightseeing bus only runs from October to April. The Seurasaari Open-Air Museum is only open from mid-May to mid-September, and whilst the Suomenlinna fortress is open year-round, some of the other Suomenlinna museums close in low season.

So, if you have a specific place you want to visit, make sure you check the opening and operating times on the Helsinki Card website before buying.

Our favourite things to do in Helsinki with a Helsinki Card

One of the main problems with having a Helsinki Card is choosing which of the many sights and museums to visit!

Unless you’re awake 24 hours a day, you won’t be able to visit all the places that are included. So, which attractions should take priority? 

Here’s our pick of the top ten best places to visit and things to do in Helsinki that are completely free with a Helsinki Card.

• The Suomenlinna fortress and museums
• The Rock Church
• Seurasaari Open-Air Museum
• City Highlights boat cruise
• Ateneum Art Museum
• Kiasma Museum of Contemporary Art
• The Amos Rex Museum
• The Design Museum
• The Museum of Finnish Architecture
• Helsinki Art Museum

What discounts can I get with a Helsinki Card?

As well as providing free admission to a range of sights, the Helsinki Card gives discounts on entrance to a load of other museums and attractions, including the Korkeasaari Zoo, Sea Life, the Suomenlinna Toy Musuem, the Helsinki City Museum and the Reitz Foundation Collection.

It also provides a discount on several boat and ferry trips including the Suomenlinna ferry, a day-trip by ferry to Tallinn in Estonia and an evening pizza cruise.

You can also get money off car rental with Europcar and at several Helsinki restaurants.

Is it worth buying a children’s Helsinki Card?

A Hesinki Card for a child costs half the adult version, but many museums allow children free entry anyway, so it may not save you as much as you think.

Under 18s have free entry to most of Helsinki’s museums, including the Amos Rex, the Museum of Contemporary Art Kiasma, the Ateneum, the Design Museum and the Seurasaari Open-air Museum.

Half-price tickets can also be bought for children on the canal cruise, the city highlights boat trip and hop-on, hop-off bus tour.

So, our advice is to check out where you want to go and what you want to do before forking out for a children’s card, as you may find that the places you want to visit don’t charge for children at all. 

The Helsinki Card: our verdict

Results will vary depending on what you want to see, but unless you’re sticking to completely free attractions and travelling very little, we think you’ll make a good saving with the Helsinki Card.

In fact, you can save more than €100 per person on a three-day trip to Helsinki with the Helsinki City Card!

Tips for using the Helsinki Card

• Plan your trip in advance. The cards are valid for 24 hours, 48 hours and 72 hours after the moment you first use them, so if you activate a 24-hour card at 10am it will be valid unit 10am the following day. So, make sure you make full use of your time. 
• Check opening hours and closing days. If you want to visit a specific sight or museum, check it’s not closed on the day you plan to visit.
• Look out for discount codes and special offers. You can save even more money by checking the Helsinki Card website for occasional special offers.
• Get a group discount. If you’re travelling with friends and can get together with some fellow travellers to make a group of 15, you’ll get a group discount on the card.
• Check other websites. It’s worth doing some research and looking at other sites before you buy. Get your Guide also sells both the Helsinki City and Region cards and sometimes they can be cheaper than on the official site.

Helsinki Card discount codes

We’ve got hold of an exclusive discount code for the Helsinki pass. Just enter your details below to get the code!

See also: Getting from Helsinki airport to the city centre Unusual Places to stay in Helsinki One day in Helsinki: the ultimate guide

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Buy Helsinki Card

Discover the capital of finland in 24h/48h/72h.

• Public transport, top museums & attractions
• Suomenlinna Sea Fortress and guided tours
• Validity of 24, 48 or 72 h

Helsinki Card is the city card that gives you the complete sightseeing experience and guides you to all the top attractions and museums in Helsinki. Get your city card now and start to plan your trip – Helsinki Card helps you save both time and money! The card is valid for 24, 48 or 72 h from the first time used.

Helsinki Card 2024: See the list of all Helsinki Card benefits here >>

Choose from different card type options:

Helsinki Card CITY (physical card) includes:

• Public transport and entrance to the top attractions and museums within zones AB (Airport train not included)
• Panorama Sightseeing by bus (Oct - Apr)
• City Sightseeing Hop On-Hop Off by bus ticket valid according to the validity of your Helsinki Card (May-Sep 2024)
• Beautiful Canal Cruise (May-Sep 2024)
• City Highlights Cruise (May-Sep 2024)
• Several discounts on restaurants and shopping

Please note that the Helsinki Card CITY is a physical card. If you buy this card option online, you will receive a voucher. You will exchange your voucher for the actual Helsinki Card, please see "Collect your card bought online" below for more information.

Helsinki Card REGION (physical card) includes: Helsinki Card REGION has all the benefits included in the Helsinki Card CITY plus public transport within zones ABC, including transfer to/from Helsinki Airport with the train.

Please note that the Helsinki Card REGION is a physical card. If you buy this card option online, you will receive a voucher. You will exchange your voucher for the actual Helsinki Card, please see "Collect your card bought online" below for more information.

Helsinki Card (digital card) includes: The digital Helsinki Card includes all the benefits included in the Helsinki Card CITY except for the public transportation.

Please note that when you buy the digital Helsinki Card, you will receive a QR-code which you present at the tours and attractions and it can be bought only online and not in hotels or other sales points.

The Helsinki Card Guidebook includes information on all attractions included in the Helsinki Card. Download the Guidebook in PDF-format here: Helsinki Card Guidebook

Helsinki Card prices Jan 1 - Apr 30, 2024 & Oct 1 - Dec 31, 2024:

Helsinki Card CITY (physical card)

Adults 24h adult 56 € 48h adult 67 € 72h adult 82 €

Children 7-16 years 24h child 28 € 48h child 34 € 72h child 41 €

Helsinki Card REGION (physical card)

Adults 24h adult 61 € 48h adult 72 € 72h adult 87 €

Children 7-16 years 24h child 31 € 48h child 36 € 72h child 44 €

Helsinki Card (digital card)

Please note: the digital Helsinki Card is only available online, not in other sales points. This option doesn't include public transportation.

Adults 24h adult 46 € 48h adult 56 € 72h adult 66 €

Children 7-16 years 24h child 23 € 48h child 28 € 72h child 33 €

Helsinki Card prices May 1 - September 30, 2024:

Adults 24h adult 58 € 48h adult 69 € 72h adult 84 €

Children 7-16 years 24h child 29 € 48h child 35 € 72h child 42 €

Adults 24h adult 63 € 48h adult 74 € 72h adult 89 €

Children 7-16 years 24h child 32 € 48h child 37 € 72h child 45 €

Adults 24h adult 48 € 48h adult 58 € 72h adult 68 €

Children 7-16 years 24h child 24 € 48h child 29 € 72h child 34 €

Important information: The Helsinki Card is not part of the EU Disability Card program. However, if you have bought a Helsinki Card and also hold an EU Disability Card, your adult assistant can get a free ticket for the Panorama Sightseeing Tour, the Hop On-Hop Off bus tour, the Beautiful Canal Cruise, and the City Highlights Cruise. Simply speak to the ticket sales staff at the starting point of each tour to arrange this. For other museums and attractions covered by the Helsinki Card, please contact each place directly to learn about their policy regarding assistant entrances and tickets.

You can buy both the card Helsinki Card CITY and Helsinki Card REGION at many sales points in Helsinki:

Hotel Holiday Inn Helsinki City Centre Elielinaukio 5, next to Helsinki Central Railway Station, on the west side

Department store Stockmann Helsinki Stockmann, Service Point 8th floor, Aleksanterinkatu 52

Excess Baggage Airport Services, Helsinki-Vantaa Airport Terminal 2, Arrivals Hall

Stromma Sales kiosk at Market Square Market Square, Kolera-allas, Sightseeing by Boat (by the yellow flags) Open in May-Sep, for more information please see here >>

You can also buy the Helsinki Card CITY cards at most hotels in Helsinki .

Please note that the digital Helsinki Card is available only online.

Helsinki Card CITY and Helsinki Card REGION bought online can be collected at:

Excess Baggage Airport Services, Helsinki-Vantaa Airport Terminal 2, Arrivals Hall Open Mon-Sun 05:00-22:00

Hotel Holiday Inn Helsinki City Centre   Elielinaukio 5, next to Helsinki Central Railway Station, on the west side Open 24/7

Department Store Stockmann Service Point Aleksanterinkatu 52 (8th floor), Helsinki Open according to the department strore's opening hours, website >>

Stromma Sales kiosk at Market Square Kolera-allas, Helsinki Sightseeing, by the yellow flags Opening hours: May – September from the first departure to the last departure. Please check timetables here >>

  Please present your email confirmation or Helsinki Card CITY or Helsinki Card REGION voucher when collecting your card.

If you have purchased the digital Helsinki Card, your QR-code is your Helsinki Card. You don't collect any physical Helsinki Card.

See our Weekly Info where we collect information about what's on in Helsinki this week! We have also collected ideas for Things to do in Helsinki to help you plan your visit.

Please always check the opening hours and other important information of each attraction on their own website.

Information on exceptional schedules and routes on the Stromma tours included in the Helsinki Card (as free or discounted beneft):

EXCEPTIONS ON ROUTES & TIMETABLES

Please note! Delays or changes on tour routes and timetables are possible due to public events, road works, etc. 

Helsinki Panorama Sightseeing

Hop On-Hop Off

Beautiful Canal Cruise

City Highlights Cruise

Pizza Cruise & Evening Cruise  

Helsinki Card is perfect for groups too! Whether you're hosting esteemed company guests, engaging conference participants, or simply fostering team camaraderie, our Helsinki Card is your key to unlocking a personalized and seamless exploration of this vibrant city. With the Helsinki Card, everyone has the freedom to choose activities that resonate with their interests and pace.

The Helsinki Card is designed for convenience. Activate the cards only when your guests are ready to embark on their Helsinki journey. This flexibility ensures that the cards can be effortlessly distributed to recipients well in advance, streamlining your event planning.

For larger Helsinki Card orders, please contact our  sales team!

Top tips for your Helsinki visit

Looking for ideas for how to explore Helsinki with your Helsinki Card? Check here for  best ideas of things to do !

Helsinki Practical Information

Looking for information on the everyday services in Helsinki or interested in learning a bit more on the Finnish customs and culture? Check our collection of practical information to make your stay in Helsinki even more succesful!

You might also be interested in

Guided bus tour with the city’s highlights

Beautiful Canal Cruise Helsinki

Guided boat sightseeing tour

Helsinki Hop On-Hop Off bus

Guided tour with City Sightseeing Worldwide

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Finding the Universe

Travel tales, photography and a dash of humor

Helsinki Card Review – Is the Helsinki Card Worth Buying?

Last updated: April 7, 2024 . Written by Laurence Norah - 3 Comments

If your travels are taking you to Helsinki Finland, we recommend that you take a look at getting a Helsinki Card.

This is a sight-seeing card that offers free and discounted entry to a number of attractions across the city, as well as travel on all the local public transport options in the city.

We’ve used the Helsinki Card on various trips to Helsinki, and based on our experiences using the card, we wanted to share a full Helsinki Card review so you can decide if the Helsinki Card is worth buying.

We’re going to go through everything you need to know, including the benefits of the card, where to buy a Helsinki Card, how much the Helsinki Card costs, and our experiences buying and using the Helsinki Card ourselves.

What is the Helsinki Card?

The Helsinki Card is a sightseeing pass for Helsinki that gives you free entry to more than 30 of the most popular attractions in Helsinki.

It also includes discounts for a number of other attractions and restaurants, as well as unlimited public transport within the city limits, a free sight-seeing bus tour, a Hop of Hop off bus tour (seasonal), and a free guidebook to the city.

What’s Included on the Helsinki Card?

The Helsinki Card includes over 20 of the major attractions in (and around) the city. Some of the top attractions which are included are as follows:

• Suomenlinna Sea Fortress
• Hop on Hop off Bus Sightseeing Tour
• Canal Route Cruise
• Temppeliaukio Church (Rock Church)
• Finnish Nature Centre Haltia
• HAM Helsinki Art Museum
• Museum of Contemporary Art Kiasma
• National Museum of Finland

As you can see, this list has a lot of different attractions, from sight-seeing tours to museum entry.

The card also includes unlimited public transport inside the Helsinki city limits and various discounts on other major attractions in the city.

These discounts are varied, but cover a great many excellent activities and sights. These include the Tallink ferry to Estonia (a great day trip from Helsinki), discounts on the Helsinki Skywheel, Zoo and aviation museum, and discounts at a number of restaurants and shops.

You can see a complete list of included attractions and discounts, plus buy your Helsinki Card on GetYourGuide here .

What’s Not Included on the Helsinki Card?

The Helsinki Card includes a lot, but it doesn’t cover everything. For example, whilst it offers discounts to the Skywheel and the Korkeasaari Zoo, these are not free with the card.

In addition, while the Helsinki Card does include many of the city’s museums, there are some notable exceptions, like the Botanical Gardens and the Natural History Museum .

It’s also worth bearing in mind that not all Helsinki attractions are open year-round. For example the Hop on Hop off bus tour and Canal cruise only operate from May – September, and a number of the museums in Helsinki, especially those on Suomenlinna island, are not open in winter either.

In addition, whilst this isn’t relevant to the card inclusions, it’s worth being aware that many museums in Helsinki, and Finland in general, are closed on Mondays.

We have used the Helsinki Card in both winter and summer, and found it to have value at both times, but it is definitely worth being aware of which attractions are operational when, so you can make a decision for yourself.

We recommend taking a look at our detailed guide to things to do in Helsinki , which also has information on which things are open when.

Types of Helsinki Card

The Helsinki Card is offered in a number of different versions, which cover the age of the user and the duration of the card. There’s also an option to increase the region covered by the public transport part of the cart. I’ll walk you through the options.

The main thing you have to choose is how long you want the card to be valid for, with cards available in 1 day, 2 day and 3 day durations.

There is also an adult (age 17+) and child (age 7 to 16) version of each pass available. Children under age 7 travel for free within Helsinki using public transport, and many attractions are also free for children under 7.

The standard Helsinki card includes public transport in Helsinki city, which includes Trams, Buses, the Metro, local trains and the ferry to Suomenlinna.

It does not include transport from the airport, but in our experience, unless you plan on visiting a lot of sights outside the city, it will suffice for most journeys.

There’s also the option to purchase a Helsinki Card Region. This upgrades the transport part of the pass. It covers all the same attractions, but includes public transport to and from the airport, as well as public transport in the Espoo, Kauniainen, and Vantaa regions.

All the variants of the Helsinki Card offer the same attractions, discounts, and other benefits, the only difference is the duration of the card, age of the user and area covered by the transport component.

How Much Does the Helsinki Card Cost?

The price of the Helsinki Card varies depending on the duration of the card.  The latest pricing (as of January 2024) is as follows, but you can check the latest prices online here .

• 1 Day Pass: €56 for adults, €28 for children
• 2 Day Pass: €67 for adults, €34 for children
• 3 Day Pass: €82 for adults, €41 for children

The regional version of the card can be bought online on GetYourGuide here , or in person at various locations across the city. Pricing (as of April 2023) is as follows.

• 1 Day Pass: €61 for adults, €31 for children
• 2 Day Pass: €72 for adults, €36 for children
• 3 Day Pass: €87 for adults, €44 for children

Honestly, we think most travellers will be fine with the standard card as it covers the majority of the city.

Where to Buy the Helsinki Card?

The easiest place, and our recommended way for buying the Helsinki Card City, is on the GetYourGuide website, where you can choose between the Helsinki Card City version here and the Helsinki Card Region version here .

It’s always worth comparing the price between the official site and GetYourGuide as sometimes one is better value than the other. We usually recommend GetYourGuide as it includes free cancellation up to 24 hours before you are due to collect the card, however it is of course up to you.

When you buy, you can choose to pick it up at one of four locations in Helsinki. The city centre Holiday Inn location is open 24 hours.

The collection points for the Helsinki Card are as follows:

Excess Baggage Airport Services Address: Helsinki Airport, Terminal 2, Arrivals Hall Opening hours: Mon-Sun 6am – 9pm

Hotel Holiday Inn Helsinki Elielinaukio 5, Opening hours: 24 hours/7 days a week

Department store Stockmann Helsinki Address: Stockmann, Service Point 8th floor, Aleksanterinkatu 52 Opening hours: Mon-Fri 10:00-20:00, Sat 10:00-19:00, Sun 12:00-18:00 Closed: Tue 25 Dec, 2018

Stromma Sales kiosk at Market Square Address: Market Square, Kolera-allas, Sightseeing by Boat by the yellow flags. Opening hours: May – September from the first departure to the last departure.

You can also buy your card from a number of locations across Helsinki, Espoo, and Vantaa. All of the above collection points sell the cards, plus there are over 30 retail locations, including on the Tallink ferry.

Whilst we do suggest buying your card online prior to arriving into Helsinki so that it is done (cards can be purchased up to a year before activation), there are plenty of options in the city for in-person purchase as well.

How Much Money Will You Save With the Helsinki Card?

Obviously, this is not a straightforward question to answer as the amount you can save will vary depending on which attractions you visit and how many attractions you visit.

In our experience, it is possible to make some significant savings with the Helsinki Card, especially for the two and three day versions of the card.

All the prices are valid as of April 2023, and we will endeavor to keep this post updated as prices change. Please do always check the official websites for the latest pricing information.

Note, for all the comparisons below we’ve chosen the Helsinki Card City. We feel that most users won’t benefit from the additional transport included with the Helsinki Card Region, but it is up to you as to whether you feel it is worth the slightly higher cost.

1 Day in Helsinki with the Helsinki Card City

Helsinki has a lot of attractions, and 1 day will not be enough to see everything. However, we think you’d be able to see a number of attractions in the city in 1 day.

Note that these attractions will vary depending on if you visit in winter or summer, so we have put together a different itinerary so you can see the different options.

1 Day in Helsinki in Winter

• Suomenlinna Island (€26.2 if you visit all open museums and take tour, including boat ride to island)
• Amos Rex Art Museum (€20)
• National Museum of Finland (€18)
• Temppeliaukio (Rock Church) (€5)
• Three rides on public transport (€9 for day ticket)

This would make for a fairly easy day of sight-seeing in Helsinki, with the morning spent exploring Suomenlinna Island, and the afternoon seeing some sights in Helsinki.

I wanted to put together a barebones itinerary to show how quickly the Helsinki Card starts saving you money, and as you can see, even with only four attractions visited (plus transport), the total entry fee would be €78.2 without the Helsinki Card.

The 1 day Helsinki Card is €54, so you are already saving €24.2! Plus you may have time left in the day for another attraction or two.

1 Day in Helsinki in Summer

• Suomenlinna Island (€34.2 if you do all museums and take tour, including boat ride)
• Canal Route Cruise (€26)
• Rock Church (€5)
• Hop on Hop off Bus tour (€32)

In summer I’ve replaced the public transport with the hop on hop off tour as this will take you around the city and the audioguide will tell you a lot about what you are seeing.

There are also more museums open on Suomenlinna in the summer, and the Canal Route Cruise is a really worthwhile experience.

Overall, the day would cost you €115.2 for individual tickets, meaning that with a 1 day Helsinki Card you would save €61.2.

2 Days in Helsinki with the Helsinki Card

2 days in helsinki in winter.

• Suomenlinna Island (€26.2 if you visit all open museums and take tour, including boat ride)
• Four rides on public transport (€13.5 for a two day ticket)
• Museum of Photography (€12)
• Hotel and Restaurant Museum (€12)
• Theatre Museum (€12)
• Panorama Sightseeing bus tour (€32)

With an extra day, you can fit a lot more in. The Museum of Photography, Hotel and Restaurant Museum and Theatre Museum are all in the same building over three floors, so visiting them all together makes sense.

We also think you could fit in the year-round panorama sight-seeing bus tour, which runs once or twice a day depending on the time of year.

Overall you’d be looking at €150.7 in costs for this Helsinki itinerary in winter. The 2 day Helsinki Card is €66, so you’d save €84.7 on this trip.

2 Days in Helsinki in Summer

• Tamminiemi / Urho-Kekkonen Museum (€12)
• Seurasaari Open-Air Museum (€10)

In summer, we suggest you head to the open-air museum Seurasaari. This is found on a little island a few kilometres by public transport from the city centre, and is home to over 80 buildings from different regions of Finland, spanning four centuries of living.

It’s a great place to learn about rural life in Finland, and makes for a lovely day out from the city centre.

It’s also close to the Tamminiemi museum, former residence of three Finnish prime ministers. Note that these two items aren’t on the hop on hop off bus route, so I’ve included public transport in the costs as well.

Doing all the above would cost you €159.6 without a Helsinki Card. The 2-day Helsinki Card is €63, so you’d save €96.6 on this itinerary.

3 Days in Helsinki with the Helsinki Card

3 days in helsinki in winter.

• Day trip to Tallinn (card saves you 20%)

With three days in Helsinki, we’ve added on a day trip to Tallinn in Estonia. This is only a 2 hour ferry ride away from Helsinki, and the Helsinki Card saves you 20% on the ferry ride. We’ve done this trip in winter from Helsinki, and loved that we got to explore a whole new city.

Of course, there are lots of other things to do in Helsinki too, so if you’d prefer to stay in the city you could visit the Zoo, the Aquarium, or one of the many other museums.

If you stick to our suggestions, you’d be looking at a total price of €150.7, then whatever you save on the ferry as well. A 3-day Helsinki Card costs €78, so excluding your ferry saving you’d be saving €72.7.

3 Days in Helsinki in Summer

• Four rides on public transport (€13.5 for a two-day ticket)

With our suggestions, the total price you’d be looking at would be €170.7 excluding the ferry to Tallinn.

With the Helsinki Card, you’d be looking at €78 for the three day card, So a total saving of €92.7, plus whatever you save on the ferry.

Note if you do decide to do the ferry trip, do compare the saving of the ferry ride versus the cost of the extra day on the Helsinki card. A 2 day Helsinki Card costs €66 and a 3 day Helsinki Card costs €78.

So if your ferry saving is less than the €12 difference between the 2 day card and the 3 day card (plus the cost of public transport to the centrally located ferry terminal), you might be better off investing in a 2 day Helsinki Card instead.

Conclusion on Saving Money with the Helsinki Card

As you can see, all three of our itineraries will save you money if you use the Helsinki Card, even if you only visit a relatively small number of attractions.

Attractions in Helsinki are, for the most part, quite expensive. Even visiting two or three museums can quickly add up, and we think that once you factor in the other benefits like the easy to use travel card and sightseeing bus, the Helsinki Card is fantastic value.

What to do in Helsinki with your Helsinki Card

There’s a lot to do in Helsinki with attractions ranging from art museums to UNESCO world heritage sites.

We would definitely suggest having a visit to Suomenlinna Island near the top of your to-do list. The Helsinki Card gets you a free boat ride to the island, as well as access to all the museums on the island and a free guided tour.

It is worth bearing in mind that other than the boat ride though, you can visit Suomenlinna Island without paying anything as access to the island itself is free. But we would suggest visiting the main Suomenlinna Museum at the least, as this explains the history of the island a little bit.

If you’re visiting Helsinki in summer, a Canal cruise is a lot of fun. These last for around two hours and will let you see a different side of the city. It’s relaxing, and you can even enjoy a drink or snack onboard.

There are lots of other highlights of the city. Art lovers will love all the art museums, plus there are loads of other museums you can visit – seemingly on every topic! From photography to hotels to architecture to Moomins, Helsinki really has you covered.

Obviously, you’ll want to try some local Finnish cuisine whilst you’re in Helsinki, and the Helsinki Card can help you with that as well, as it offers discounts at some of the cities popular restaurants and cafes – don’t forget to take advantage of these during your stay!

We can also recommend a trip to the unique rock church, aquarium, and the Seurasaari Open-Air Museum. However long you visit for and at whatever time of year, we don’t think you’ll run out of things to see and do in Helsinki!

Tips for Using your Helsinki Card

To make the most out of your Helsinki Card, you will want to do some forward planning.

• Look up opening hours for attractions. We’d suggest figuring out which attractions are important to you, and looking up their opening times. Many attractions are not open on Mondays for example, and opening times vary through the week for many attractions, with closing times varying from 5pm to 8pm in our experience.
• Visit Suomenlinna Island. One attraction we definitely recommend is a visit to Suomenlinna Island . The Helsinki Card gets you a free boat ride to and from the island, free entry to all the museums on the island – and a free guided walking tour – make sure to take advantage of all of these to make the most of your card!
• Be aware of limited opening hours. Some attractions in Helsinki are only open for very short periods of time. This is not commonplace, but is worth being aware of. Others might not be open in Winter, or have different hours in winter compared to summer.
• Use the guidebook. The Helsinki Guidebook that comes with your Helsinki Card lists all the attraction opening times as well as tips on nearby public transport routes.
• Don’t forget to show your Helsinki Card. Some attractions in Helsinki have extra bonuses if you show your Helsinki Card. For example, some museums will give you a free postcard if you show your Helsinki Card.
• Plan your days effectively . Whilst Helsinki is not huge, and the public transport is very efficient, you will still want to spend more time sight-seeing and less time on public transport. We suggest using a tool like Google Maps , and/or a paper map , and planning an overview of your route so you are efficient with your time, and visit attractions near to each other.
• Remember the Helsinki Card activates on a 24 hour basis. An advantage of the Helsinki Card over many other city passes is that it activates on a 24-hour basis. So if you arrive in the afternoon, you can still do some sightseeing without losing a whole day as you might with other cards. It also means that if you buy the Region version of the card, you can use it for transport from the airport without losing a whole day.
• Save time with public transport. If you opt for the version of the card with public transport, make sure to use it to make getting around Helsinki easier and fit more in to your day. Whilst most parts of Helsinki are very walkable, there are loads of public transport options, and riding them is easy with your card.
• Make sure to scan your card on public transport. It’s really important to scan your card each time. You have unlimited rides, so there’s no reason not to, and if you don’t, you’ll technically be riding without a ticket. When you board the vehicle, find the scanner and hold your card near it. A green tick will appear on the screen to show you have a valid ticket.
• Take advantage of the extra discounts. Don’t forget to check all the discounts and offers that come with the Helsinki Card to take advantage of all the savings. You can see all of these on the official site here .

Our Experience Using the Helsinki Card in Helsinki

We have used the Helsinki Card on a number of trips to Helsinki, including in summer and winter. Most recently we used the card on a trip in winter, where we spent three days exploring the city.

Whilst some things were closed, we still found lots to do in Helsinki in winter. The city is home to a great many museums and indoor attractions, which is ideal in winter especially as it can be quite cold – so indoor attractions are perfect!

We ordered our card online prior to our trip , and picked it up in town. The collection point was easy to find, being directly across from the main train station, and near to where the Finnair airport bus terminates in the city. It’s also open 24 hours a day.

Our first port of call was the Suomenlinna Fortress, which required a boat ride to visit. The boat journey was included with our Helsinki Card (we just had to scan the reader).

Whilst the island itself was free to visit, the museums are not. We visited the military museum and the main Suomenlinna museum, which gave us a full run down of the history of the island. We also explored the whole island ourselves.

From here, we visited the following:

• Helsinki Skywheel (€2 discount with Helsinki Card)
• Uspenski Cathedral , Helsinki Cathedral (free)
• Helsinki City Museum (free)
• Museum of Finnish Architecture (€10, free with Helsinki Card)
• Museum of Finnish Design (€15, free with Helsinki Card)

Our second day looked as follows:

• Helsinki Art Museum (€16, free with Helsinki Card)
• Amos Rex (€20, free with Helsinki Card)
• Hakasalmi Villa (€14, free with Helsinki Card)
• National Museum of Finland (€18, free with Helsinki Card)

Finally, on our third day we visited a few attractions a little further out of town

• Tram museum (free)
• Sibelius Monument (free)
• Tamminiemi Museum (€12, free with Helsinki Card)
• Technology Museum (€12, free with Helsinki Card)
• Old Market Hall (free)

Having visited Helsinki before we didn’t do absolutely everything, and we definitely could have fit more in had we wanted to, but we saw lots of things we’d not seen before and had a great time. We also took advantage of the public transport every day.

Overall, without the Helsinki Card, our costs would have been €159.2 for the attraction entry, including an €18 three-day travel card.

With the Helsinki Card, we spent €78 on the card itself, and then €10 for the discounted Skywheel, totalling €88. So our saving was an impressive €71.2. Definitely worth it in our case!

Should you Buy a Helsinki Card?

This will depend on your plans, but we would say that for most visitors to Helsinki who want to visit at least a few of the city’s many attractions, we think the Helsinki Card will save them money.

Of course, if you have no intention of visiting any attractions in Helsinki, or just visiting one or two, then the Helsinki Card is probably not for you.

It’s also worth bearing in mind that Suomenlinna Island is free to visit, and it’s only if you want to take a tour or visit the museums on the island that you have to pay.

We think these are worth it for getting an understanding of the island, but it’s up to you of course!

If you agree with us and are planning a trip to Helsinki in the coming year, then click here to buy your card online here .

Further Reading

We’ve visited Helsinki and Finland a number of times, and from those visits we’ve put together a number of posts to help you plan your own trip. We’re always adding to these, so do sign up to stay up to date with latest posts!

• We have a guide to what to do for a day in Helsinki , as well as a detailed list of things to do in Helsinki
• Our guide to  visiting Finland in Winter , plus  what to pack for winter in Finland
• Our guide to taking a day trip to Porvoo from Helsinki
• A guide to some of the fun summer activities you can get up to in Finland
• Our experience Husky Sledding in the Arctic Circle
• We also have some more cities and towns for you to read about. Check out  our guide to visiting Rauma  in winter, and our  guide to visiting Oulu in winter  for inspiration for your Finland trip.
• Check out our post on taking a  day trip to Tallinn from Helsinki,  which is a great option if you want to add Estonia to your list
• The  official Helsinki Tourism website , which has lots of information on what to do as well as upcoming events and festivals.
• The Lonely Planet guide to Finland

And that’s it for our review of the Helsinki Card! We hope you found it useful. As always, if you have any comments or feedback, let us know in the comments below!

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16th December 2022 at 12:43 am

Hi Laurence,

Thank you so much for your advises and valuable information. It helps me a lot.

So, I will buy the card when arrived in Helsinki airport.

Merry Christmas.

Cheers, Lam

15th December 2022 at 12:53 am

I am planning to visit Helsinki in the coming year. I find there are Helsinki Card and Go Helsinki Card too.

I am a bit confused about these two cards. Are they the same? Helsinki Card is a paper card, while Go Helsinki Card is a downloaded app? These two are the same things and same functions?

Can I buy the Helsinki Card when arrived Helsinki airport? Either I need to buy the card in advance before my trip?

Laurence Norah says

15th December 2022 at 12:05 pm

This is a great question. So the Go Helsinki Card and the Helsinki Card are the same product. It was originally called the Helsinki Card, and then it was branded as the Go Helsinki Card, but many places use the names interchangeably. It is a physical card (the images on the Go Helsinki Card website just show the order confirmation on the app I believe, you do need to pick the card up on arrival.

You don’t need to buy the card in advance, you can buy it on arrival if you prefer 🙂 The cost is the same, although there are sometimes discounts on the website from time to time.

Have a great time in Helsinki, let me know if you have any more questions!

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Visit the most beautiful sites of helsinki.

Helsinki CityPass

The Helsinki City pass app gives you freedom to explore the beautiful city of Helsinki, saving you time and money as you go.

What’s included?

• Free admission and discounts to museums and attractions

The  Helsinki CityPass  gives you  free admission and discounts to over 20(?) museums, sights, and attractions around Helsinki . Explore history in the museums of Suomenlinna, enjoy culture and art in the many art museums included in the pass or find yourself surrounded by unique architecture in the must-see attractions included in the pass. Enjoying your day in Helsinki is easy, as you go from attraction to attraction with a single pass!

• Navigate around Helsinki with the Maps of Helsinki CityPass

The Helsinki CityPass apps integrated map is filled with sights, activities, and restaurants to help you navigate and plan your trip. Tap on the sights on the map and see descriptions, opening hours and deals. You’ll find something new to explore in no time!

• Discounts on sightseeing, restaurants, and services

Save on your journey in and around Helsinki as you enjoy exclusive deals around the city’s restaurants, shops, and activities from guided tours to exiting unique experiences with the Helsinki CityPass.

Present your Helsinki CityPass at the entrance of a site included in the pass to gain free or discounted admission. Show the Helsinki public transport HSL pass included as required in any HSL tram, ferry, bus or Metro and be on your way around the city. Show your discount page at the partnered stores and services to enjoy savings with the Helsinki CityPass.

• How to purchase

Download the Helsinki CityPass App from the Android play store or the Apple store, follow the introduction shown when you first open the app and select the shop page from the bottom bar in the app. You will need to select the option to include the HSL public transport while purchasing your pass to be able to use the pass as a ticket.

A Child pass  option is also available for children under the age of 12 for a discounted price.

Have a look  on our Helsinki City Pass Video

Going Awesome Places

Detailed itineraries + travel guides

Ultimate 3 Day Helsinki Itinerary with the Go Helsinki Card

Last Updated March 20, 2023 William Tang

You are here: Home » Travel Itineraries » Ultimate 3 Day Helsinki Itinerary with the Go Helsinki Card

Helsinki is many things but what you’ll find about the Finnish capital is that it’s 100% friendly and easy to explore. From the boulevards, green spaces, magnificent architecture, and the dotted archipelago that were splashed into the Baltic Sea, this is a city you’ll fall in love with so much that you wish you could stay longer – at least that’s how I felt!

The last time I was in Scandinavia was when I studied in Lund, Sweden and once I stepped off the plane, I felt at home again.  There’s something about being in this part of Europe that is so refreshing.  The only remorse I had with this 3 day Helsinki itinerary was that I wish I had more time before the start of the PING Helsinki conference .

Helsinki is quirky.  Helsinki is pristine.  Helsinki is a haven for design.  Helsinki is naturally beautiful.

Read more about the Nordic countries

• Best free things to do in Copenhagen
• PING Festival experience in Helsinki
• 10 of the most beautiful places in Sweden
• Worthy things to do in Malmo

Where to stay in Helsinki?

• While I was in Helsinki, I stayed at the Forenom aparthotel in the city which was super affordable but later moved to the Clarion Hotel Helsinki which was absolutely amazing. Completely different properties for different budgets.

In This Article

Day 1 – Let’s See What Can Do With A Few Hours

Day 2 – i see a fortress, day 3 – cruising the canals, day 4 – squeezing in a little more, what i loved about the go helsinki card, get the go helsinki card, map of helsinki in 3 days.

In search for a cost-effective way to see all the main sights in the city, I stumbled upon the Go Helsinki Card and the 72 hour pass including transportation to and from the airport with the Region Upgrade .  I’m normally not one to use city passes but it provided access to all the places I wanted to visit.  I made it a mini-challenge for myself when I landed in the city – how much could I see while the card was active and how much money could I save?

What’s the Go Helsinki Card?

It turned out to be way simpler than I ever thought it could be.  It’s a tap-friendly card that once you activate, gives you access to all transit in the city and can be scanned to get you into many of the attractions for free .  For 74 EUR, keep on reading to find out if it was worth it!

The 3 Day Helsinki Itinerary

Here’s a detailed view of what I did in Helsinki and how I managed to squeeze in as much as I did.

Upon arrival in Helsinki’s international airport, I made my way down to the basement level at a place called Airpro.  When ordering my Go Helsinki Card , there were options to mail it but since I had ordered pretty last minute, the pick-up at the airport option made the most sense.  All I had to do was show my printout of my voucher and the attendant was able to find my card all set up and ready to go.

The Helsinki Card also comes with a few books and pamphlets which I know is advertised as freebies but to be honest they’re nothing different from the types of books that you can get at the visitor centre.  That said, it was nice to have it all in hand which allowed to hit the road right away.

Since I landed in Helsinki mid-afternoon, I knew that there wasn’t much time to fit anything but I was determined to not let the day go to waste!

I found my way to the train and since I had added the “ Region Upgrade ” to my card (74 EUR total), I could take the train all the way from the airport since it’s not considered to be in the core Helsinki zone.  I just tapped my card at the little blue machine and my 72 hour clock started.

With my bags with me, my first order of business was to drop them off at the aparthotel I was staying at (more on that below).

Funny thing is that I was all sorts of confused trying to find the Forenom , but I was at first a little confused how to get there because there is a subway and there’s also the tram.  I took the metro to get there but soon learned that the city’s tram system is much more expansive and provided route flexibility than the subway.

Taking a look at all the free activities that are included with the Go Helsinki Card , I spotted that there was one museum that was open late and that turned out to be the museum of contemporary art, the Kiasma ( official website for Kiasma ).

Even though I only had 2 hours to see the whole museum, I thoroughly enjoyed all of it.  I especially loved photographing and filming the foyer that was built to combine the design aspects of light, shadows, lines, and curves.  All of the installations were incredibly captivating and mind boggling at the same time.

I stayed until the museum closed at 8PM and then made my way over to Cafe Bar No. 9 where I had the most unique Pollo Limonello pasta.

  HEADS UP: Once you tap your card for the first time, your card is activated.

  HEADS UP: For tram, metro, or train transit, look out for the tiny kiosk machines.  It’s all honour system in Helsinki so just tap before you get on.

Like what I did there with the header?  See…Sea?  Okay, I tried!

Before coming to Helsinki and doing any research, I had no idea about the history of everything the now-independent country of Finland had gone through through the ages.  My favourite part of the trip was hands down the second day where I got to take a short ferry over to the island of Soumenlinna, often referred to a Sea Fortress.  Of course the ferry ride was just a simple tap and I was on.

Soumenlinna is set on a cluster of islands that are part of Helsinki’s archipelago off its coastline and as I learned from the guided tour and museum that were all free thanks to the Go Helsinki Card, resulted in the building up of Helsinki as a city, and besides Gibraltar is biggest fortress in Europe.

I spent a good 4-5 hours on the island, starting from one end and making my way down all the way to the southern tip which is where the fortifications can be found.  The Soumenlinna official website is handy so take a look before you go.

In the middle of the grounds is the Soumenlinna Museum (8 EUR) which is where I used my card to gain access to the museum that had a well-produced film about its history.  This is also the meeting point for the walking guided tour (11 EUR).  This was a more interactive way to see portions of the island where our English-speaking guide talked us through what life was like on the island centuries ago.

Unfortunately the Military Museum and Submarine Vesikko were closed since it wasn’t quite summer season yet.

Back at Market Square which was filled pop up stalls, I wandered aimlessly and grabbed a ton of great photos of harbour including the ferris wheel.

The one thing I remarked was just how so many Finns were out in the sun, grabbing a coffee or sipping on wine on, picnicking, sunbathing, or swimming in the Allas Sea Pool.  You’d think it was 30 degrees C out there but it was only 16 degrees C.  They sure take advantage of warmer weather like it’s nobody business.

As the sun continued to stay hovered above the sky with the already long days of May, I walked over to Senate Square to sit on the steps of Helsinki Cathedral, to watch all the people come and go in the square.

To try something a little different,  I took the tram up to BLINIt , a restaurant specializing in Russian crepes called Blini which was remarkably good.

  HEADS UP: I couldn’t believe how long the days were in May.  Sunrise was easily before 5AM and the sun lingered to around 10:30PM which is great because it gives you a lot of time to explore the city.

One of the bigger valued items that is included in the Go Helsinki Card is the Canal Route Cruise by Helsinki Sightseeing so I planned around making it to the 10:30AM departure time.

In an hour and a half, this boat cruise takes you on a loop that passes through more islands that make up the archipelago.  Going beyond Soumenlinna, it was incredible to see how you could literally go from the city to islands of wilderness and islands made up of cottage properties and sail boats.  The other highlight was seeing the icebreakers stationed in Helsinki.  Turns out, the Finns have made this a niche of sorts and build many of the world’s icebreakers.

The only problem was that it was insanely windy and cold up at the top.  I toughed it out for the whole cruise but I was definitely not prepared for the teeth cutting wind.

With this being my last full day on my own, I still had so many other spots I wanted to hit up so after returning from the cruise, I jumped on the Hop On Hop Off bus (30 EUR) at the stop near Market Square.

Like everything else, everyone knew what to do with the Go Helsinki Card.  When I boarded the bus, the driver pulled out his mini barcode scanner, scanned my card, and that was it!

With Hop On Hop Off, I was able to visit the beautiful neighbourhood of Eira , the Rock Church , the Bad Bad Boy statue/fountain, and Sibelius Monument .  This was actually the first time I’ve ever done one of these busses but I have to say, it was super convenient to see all of these things in the span of 4 hours.  It gets you to all the things you want to see without having to figure out all the different trams you have to connect to make it work.

The most impressive out of all of these sights was definitely the Rock Church (Temppeliaukio Church) (3 EUR).  I’m normally not that easily impressed by churches but this one dug out of solid rock and its copper dome, exposed rocks, and concrete beams is truly an architectural marvel.

I closed my day at the Design Museum (12 EUR).  Despite only having one hour before closing time, there museum wasn’t overwhelmingly large so I had plenty of time to see all the various exhibits.  For me, the Design Museum reinforced Helsinki and Finland as a leader in modern design where I learned that almost all the iconic contemporary minimalist furniture that I can conjure up all originated here.  Oh and I also had no idea that those orange scissors by Fiskars that I grew up with at school were also created in Finland.

For dinner, I tried the “In-N-Out of Finland”, Friends & Brgrs ( check out their menu ).  My honest opinion is that the burgers were very good but they still have a bit of work to do with their fries which were a bit over-fried.

  HEADS UP: My only gripe with Hop On Hop Off is that it was sometimes hard to find the pick up spots especially if you weren’t dropped off there in the first place.  So for instance if you get dropped off at Stop 5 and decide that it’ll be a good idea to walk to Stop 6 to see something along the way, it might be hard to figure out where to exactly go.  I probably should’ve had the map with me but even having data was no use because they don’t show up on Google Maps.

HEADS UP:  If you’re borderline near the end of bus operation for the day, it is hard to tell when the last bus will hit each stop.  I ran into a situation where I had finished at Bad Bad Boy and waited at the stop for 15 minutes before making the realization that the last bus may have gone by.  There was no way to confirm this and so I decided to make it on foot to the Design Museum.

I originally had the crazy plan to do the Panorama Sightseeing Bus Tour to really maximize the value of the card but I had second thoughts because 1) I wanted to sleep in and 2) I didn’t think I’d see anything new on this sightseeing bus tour.

Instead, for they final day of my 3 day Helsinki itinerary, I took the tram to see the other contemporary religious building called the Chapel of Silence .  It’s an odd-shaped chapel that is entirely made of wood and curved like an egg that stands at the edge of an urban square.  Amidst the urban clamour, anyone can enter in to concentrate on the natural elements of its cocoon and be at peace in the silence that echoes off the fir walls.

A perfect way to end the 72 hours would’ve been with a ride back up to the airport but since PING Festival was next, I used the Go Helsinki Card to move my luggage over to the Clarion Hotel .  No regrets though because the 7.50 EUR single ride from the airport in the city more than made up for the extra cost of the Region upgrade which was an extra 6 EUR.

TIP: When planning your trip, know that all museums are closed on Monday.  As a result, plan to spend Mondays doing non-museum attractions.

I’ll be honest, I was a little apprehensive at first about the Go Helsinki Card because I wasn’t sure how easy it would be to use.  I was half expecting to explain how the card works to vendors or have to deal with really annoying redemption processes but after using it myself, I have to say that they’ve set up quite the perfect little operation.

What made the card great:

• Easy pick up at the airport
• Truly tap and go
• Transit system recognizes the card and doesn’t require a separate card
• All attractions have their own barcode scanner for seamless entry
• Eliminates the hassle of having to buy tickets at each attraction and in many cases you can bypass all lines
• Can easily see the whole city with the card if you plan it strategically

How much money did I save?

So how much money did I end up saving?  The Go Helsinki Card with Region Upgrade cost 74 EUR but I easily got 130.40 EUR in value from the card.

Yes that’s right, that means I saved 56.40 EUR thanks to the card!

Explaining the Region Upgrade

I was a little confused at first as to whether I needed this or not so let’s explain what this upgrade is for.

• All the activities and attractions in the city are located in the “Helsinki Region”.
• The airport is located in the “Vantaa Region”.
• The standard Go Helsinki Card only works in the “Helsinki Region” so if you want to include the train into the city you basically need the Region upgrade.
• This is worth it because the upgrade is only 6 EUR and the train ride into the city is 7.50 EUR
• The Region upgrade also gives you access to Espoo and Kauniainen regions although the truth is that you’ll unlikely head over there.

Now don’t be confused with this map like I was.  If you look at the dotted lines, you’d think it’s just a cute heart but it’s actually the lines for the train into the city.  It’s merely saying that train starts at the airport in Vantaa and ends up in Helsinki.

Where Did I Stay?

During my 3 day Helsinki itinerary, I had the opportunity to stay at two contrasting properties.  While I was in the city leveraging the Go Helsinki Card, I opted for a budget accommodation and for the conference, I was put up at the Clarion Helsinki.

FORENOM HOSTEL HELSINKI MERIHAKA

It may be labelled a hostel but it’s far from your typical hostel.  It’s closer to an apartment hotel but since it’s a shared bathroom, you probably couldn’t call it that either.  True to Scandinavian standards, the private room I had for one was incredibly clean and so too were the bathrooms.  The unique thing here is that it’s totally for the anti-social person.  It’s not like a hostel because there are no social activities and there is no front desk.  You get a code to access the building and your room so it is all self-serve which I loved.  A brilliant idea!

Booking.com

CLARION HELSINKI HOTEL

The epitome of a posh hotel.  Somehow, Clarion managed to convince the city to build its tallest building and as a result, this hotel has the best views of the entire city.  Up on the top floor the bar and beautiful pool offer amazing panoramas that I recommend going to for sunrise or sunset.  I was highly impressed by the rooms as well which are decked out in expensive modern furniture like the iconic Eames Lounge Chair.  It’s clean, modern, spacious, and very comfortable.

TripAdvisor

As you plan your trip to Finland, make sure you order your Go Helsinki Card ahead of time so it’s ready for you when you land.

Get The Card

I have marked all of the important pins of places covered by this 3 day Helsinki itinerary.  If you have data when you’re travelling there, you can use this with the Google Map app. Simply maximize this map and create a copy to your account.

What you should read next

• PING Festival – Influencer Conference in Helsinki – My Thoughts and Wrap Up
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• Google Flights Explore
• Austria 7 Day Itinerary – Best of Vienna, Salzburg & Innsbruck

About William Tang

William Tang is the Chief of Awesome behind the award-winning Going Awesome Places which is focused on outdoor adventure, and experiential travel. His true passion lies in telling stories, inspiring photography and videos, and writing detailed itineraries and travel guides. He is a member of Travel Media Association of Canada (TMAC), Society of American Travel Writers (SATW), Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA), and Travel Massive. He has also been featured in publications such as Reader's Digest, Entrepreneur, Men's Journal, and Haute Living. Make sure to learn more about William Tang to find out his story and how Going Awesome Places started.

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Where is Helsinki says

June 18, 2022 at 9:19 AM

Great post! I was in Helsinki a few years back and loved it. It is such a beautiful city. I was there in the winter, so it was rather cold and some of the outdoor activities were closed. I would love to go back in the spring and experience everything the city has to offer.

Christian says

July 22, 2018 at 5:09 AM

Great blog!

A word of interest concerning the Helsinki Card (and any timed travel card). Once activated, you have unlimited travel within the chosen region(s) and time limit. This means that, after the first activation, you do NOT have to tap the Helsinki Card again when taking public transport (except buses). It makes no difference to the card. If ticket inspectors are checking tickets (and they randomly do), the card will show them that it’s valid. The only thing gained by tapping the card meters is to show YOU that the card is active, and for how much longer. This is the reason not many people tap the readers when they get on the metro, trams, and trains (and ferry) – they have time-period travel cards. :)

Also, if you’re stuck without a hop-on-hop-off bus, download one of the many Helsinki public transport apps, use your current location and add the one you want to go to. It’ll tell you what public transport to take (including a map of where you are and where the stops are), and your Helsinki Card covers all the cost.

Will Tang says

July 22, 2018 at 2:25 PM

Thanks Christian! That is a good tip! Then do you know if for Helsinki since I was taking the tram, is that in the “bus” category of having to tap? This saves me time from tapping everytime I’m going on and off as you might’ve seen in the video haha! That does explain why it looked like nobody else was tapping like a fool like I was haha!

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The Ultimate Travel Guide to Helsinki (Things to Do)

Updated September 2023

With a second opportunity to visit Helsinki, I was more than excited to make the return to Finland’s capital. Helsinki has always been a place of inspiration for design, the proximity to the outdoors, and one of those cities that always surprises.

When I went over three years ago on the #MyHelsinkiResidences program with the My Helsinki tourism board, I went during the winter months and saw a side of Helsinki that I hadn’t expected. This time, I was here for summer and was ready to bask in those long days of light and discover more.

I returned to the same program and one I love to partake in. The goal is to live like a resident of Helsinki as there’s no set itinerary, no places I have to be. During that time, I stayed in an apartment in the heart of downtown, given a few travel recommendations, and the keys to discovering the city as I would like to.

The result? Spontaneous adventures traveling like a local and having an immersive experience.

Much of Helsinki had changed since I had been there last. New museums, restaurants, and coffee shops were sprinkled throughout, all places I was excited to explore. But at the same time, it hadn’t. There was still that friendly welcome I remembered from the last visit.

There’s a passion for sharing what makes Finland truly a unique and wonderful country to not only visit but live in. There’s a love for slowing down, being connected to the outdoors, and, of course, that incredible design scene.

It’s all of these things and more that make traveling to Helsinki an experience to remember. If you’re looking to explore more of Helsinki, be sure to check out my in-depth guides to the best restaurants and best things to do .

Short on Time? Here Are My Top Picks for the Best Hotels and Things to Do in Helsinki:

• Hotel St. George , for the best modern luxury hotel
• Hotel Kämp ,  for the best design hotel
• Noli Studios Katajanokka , for the best designed apartment-hotel
• Hotel Mestari , for the best hotel for larger groups or families
• Hotel F6 , for the best boutique hotel

Things to Do

• Helsinki Architecture Walking Tour

Visit the Reindeer in Nuuksio National Park

Take a day trip to tallinn, estonia.

• Tour the Suomenlinna Sea Fortress

The Ultimate Helsinki Travel Guide

What to know about visiting helsinki, finland, how do i get around helsinki.

The best part of visiting Helsinki is no car is needed. On arrival at Helsinki Airport, take the “L or P” train between Terminals 1 and 2 right to the city center in 30 minutes. Be sure to purchase a ticket before boarding. Once in town, the metro and bus system is extensive. I took Uber pretty frequently as it’s not terribly priced, else, the city of Helsinki is incredibly walkable.

What Language Do They Speak in Helsinki?

Finnish, Swedish, and English are spoken here. Finnish is the national language.

Is Helsinki Good for Tourists?

It’s one of the best Scandinavian cities to visit for travelers. It is easy to get around, has several low-cost flights between other countries, and has lots to do.

What Currency is Used in Helsinki?

On the Euro currency, cash and credit cards are accepted almost everywhere. I always advise you to have some cash on you in case.

What is the Best Time of Year to Visit Helsinki?

For the more milder months, May through September will be the best. With the least amount of rainfall, you’ll have warmer days. Come winter, it can be very cold — some may prefer a winter adventure pending your itinerary.

Where to Stay in Helsinki, Finland

For this trip, I was put in a long-term apartment-hotel stay that is unfortunately no longer available to book. I know there are some wonderful hotels in the city, some of which I stopped by, and wanted to recommend. Read on to see some of the best hotels to book while visiting Helsinki.

Hotel St. George

Nestled in the heart of the city, Hotel St. George isn’t just another luxury stay. Overlooking the serene Old Church Park, this hotel is a blend of art, design, and holistic care. With 148 rooms, each thoughtfully curated, and five suites that whisper elegance, it’s a haven for those seeking moments of tranquility. Dive into a world of well-being, from a contemporary spa to a gym designed for the modern traveler. Book the best rates here .

Hotel Kämp , located in the center of Helsinki, has been a hallmark of luxury since its establishment in 1887. Situated on Pohjoisesplanadi, this esteemed hotel offers a blend of historical charm and modern amenities. Guests can enjoy a variety of services, from dining at the renowned Brasserie Kämp to relaxing treatments at the Kämp Spa. Additionally, the historic Kämp Bar provides a selection of beverages in a sophisticated setting. Book the best rates here .

Noli Studios Katajanokka

Noli Studios Katajanokka , located near downtown Helsinki, is housed in a historic red-brick building that once served as the headquarters for the grocery giant, Kesko. Offering stunning sea views and surrounded by a mix of modernist and Art Nouveau architecture, this hotel is within walking distance of Helsinki’s vibrant city center, the Allas Sea Pool, and the bustling restaurants of Kanavaranta. With 263 stylish studios, guests can enjoy amenities like a modern gym, sauna, restaurant, co-working spaces, and community areas. Book the best rates here .

Hotel Mestari

Hotel Mestari , located in central Helsinki’s iconic House of Master Builders, offers 237 elegantly designed rooms and suites. Renowned for its exceptional service, the hotel provides curated experience packages tailored for guests. The venue, historically a hub for dialogue, is equipped for both intimate and large-scale events. With its blend of beautiful design and luxury amenities, Mestari ensures a stay that’s both comfortable and memorable. Book the best rates here .

Hotel F6 , located in central Helsinki just off the well-known Esplanade, is a unique boutique hotel emphasizing genuine service and a home-like atmosphere. Housed within 76 elegantly designed rooms that blend style, comfort, and sustainability, guests are treated to Finnish home-style breakfasts made predominantly from organic local ingredients. The hotel’s bar, Runar, offers authentic flavors in a warm setting. For those keen on fitness, a gym equipped with top-tier equipment is available, and in collaboration with Wolt, guests can have meals from local restaurants delivered directly to their rooms. Bicycles are also available for guests wishing to explore the vibrant surroundings of Helsinki. Book the best rates here .

Where to Eat in Helsinki

Yes yes yes.

For a vegetarian option, look no further than Yes Yes Yes. I love how bright and cheerful the restaurant is. Their tandoori bread and dips are delicious and also be sure to try the halloumi fries!

Address: Iso Roobertinkatu 1, 00120 Helsinki, Finland

Restaurant Savotta

For a very traditional dinner with a view of Senate Square, book a reservation at Restaurant Savotta . Their menu has traditional platings like game meat logs to traditional stews. It’s a must-dine for a taste of Finland while in Helsinki.

Address: Aleksanterinkatu 22, 00170 Helsinki, Finland

The Cock is always a win in the city. Their well-rounded menu has a few different classics to favorites like the tartar.

Address: Fabianinkatu 17, 00130 Helsinki, Finland

The Bistro at Food Market Herkku

For a more unique dining experience, head to The Bistro at Food Market Herkku . Formerly known as the Stockman Grocery Store, the new edition of Herkku is a food market inspired by market halls found around the world. It may seem strange to dine in a grocery story, but the Bistro is a high-end experience centered around a bar at the back of the restaurant. The salmon tartar was delicious and fresh.

Address: Aleksanterinkatu 52, 00100 Helsinki, Finland

Sushibar + Wine

If you’re looking for sushi, the lunch menu at Sushibar + Wine is great and well-priced, 10-piece nigiri sets starting at around 15 euros a plate. They now have 4 locations throughout the city.

Address: Kaivokatu 8, 00100 Helsinki, Finland

Ekberg Cafe

Dating back to 1852 and Finland’s oldest bakery, Ekberg has traditional pastries and desserts. It’s hard to choose here!

Address: Bulevardi 9, 00120 Helsinki, Finland

St. George Bakery

Located in the Hotel St. George , St. George Bakery is another one of my favorite bakeries in town with fresh bread and baked goods.

Address: Yrjönkatu 13, 00120 Helsinki, Finland

Coffee Shops

There are great coffee shops throughout the city. A few of my favorites are Andante , Kaffecentralen (multiple locations), Cafe Regatta , and Kaffa Roastery .

Things to Do in Helsinki

Museum hop through the city.

If there is one thing Helsinki has in plenty, it’s museums. There is something for everyone here. If you’re looking for contemporary art, head to the Museum of Contemporary Art Kiasma . For a history on Finnish design, the Design Museum has rotating exhibits.

The National Museum of Finland is the perfect spot to get insight into Finnish history and culture.  The Helsinki Art Museum or HAM features unique exhibits that are thought-provoking. And for those looking for international art, head to the Ateneum Art Museum .

Take a Boat to Suomenlinna, Tour the Sea Fortress , then Hop Over to Lonna for a Sauna

Surrounded by many islands and the sea, Helsinki is a great spot to get out into nature. One island nearby that offers an opportunity to walk around and see a historic site is Suomenlinna. Take the JT line from Market Square and get a scenic view of the city as you head there.

On the island, there are walking trails throughout the historic Suomenlinna Sea Fortress which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. If you want something that is more informational, I would book this guided tour that takes you throughout Suomenlinna .

What I would do afterward, is take the JT Line right over the island of Lonna and reserve in advance a two-hour sauna experience . The island is very small and has a restaurant in addition to the public sauna building. It’s a scenic spot to end the day and perfect for a traditional Finnish sauna experience.

Book a Guided Walking Tour

With so much to discover in Helsinki, one of the best ways to learn and experience the city is with a knowledgeable local. While I was able to do this with a local I knew myself, I did some digging for the best walking tours with a guide in the city.

The first one I found was this small group walking tour (137 reviews, 5 stars!). It’s limited to 8 people and the local guide takes you through important historical and cultural sights throughout the city. This other small group tour in Helsinki was rated similarly in case the other one sells out.

For those who are into architecture, you’ll fall in love with Helsinki. With Finnish architects like Alvar Aalto and alike, there is a lot to love. This Helsinki architecture walking tour will take you to some of the most important architectural sights in the city, giving you background on the buildings.

Take a Tour of Alvar Aalto’s Studio

One of the most unique things I did this time was taking a tour of Alvar Aalto’s studio . Well known for his work in architecture and his furniture at Artek, his studio is just a quick 10-minute drive from the city (Uber will take you there). Book a tour in advance and explore the studio and space that he worked out of.

Shop Local Designers

With a strong design scene, Helsinki is the ultimate shopper’s paradise. You may want to bring an extra suitcase as it’s that good. There are so many places to shop for design, so I’d head to the Design District’s website and select the category you’re looking for as it’s broken out accordingly.

Try a Finnish Sauna at Löyly

It’s a must-experience when in Finland. Löyly is just a quick Uber ride away from downtown and has an incredible location on the sea. You’ll need to reserve in advance a two-hour window at the sauna here.

I’d come for lunch or a bite before or after and then steam away in their two sauna rooms. To cool down, you can even jump in the sea if you’re brave enough.

Walk Around Senate Square

One of my favorite areas to walk around is the Senate Square . Head here to see the Helsinki Cathedral and the National Library of Finland . Continue on through the winding neighborhoods into the center.

One unique day trip you can do while visiting Helsinki is taking the Tallink Star over to Tallinn, Estonia . I’d book a ticket on the boat in advance and make the two-hour journey to Tallinn for the day. The 7:30 a.m. departure gets you there at 9:30, giving you a full day when you take the 7:30 p.m. return.

With one day in Tallinn, you can easily explore the top sights like Alexander Nevsky Cathedral , the Old Town, and the Tallinn Town Hall .

One meal not to miss while there is at the traditional restaurant, Olde Hansa for local, Estonian food. Afterward, I’d head to the Kohtuotsa Viewing Platform for a view over the city and consider exploring the area of Kalamaja.

On one of my first Helsinki trips, I headed out to Nuuksio National Park to visit reindeer. It was dead of winter, and with snow falling, it felt like a storybook scene. It’s a bit of way out of the city, so it’s recommended to do this on a guided tour like this one.

Once there, you’ll have the opportunity to see and interact with the reindeer. This private tour is one of the top-selling and does sell out so book in advance.

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Ps — are you booking a trip soon use my booking checklist.

These are the sites I use most to book my own trips. Using the links below is a great way to support Bon Traveler’s travel journalism at no extra cost to you . If you need help organizing your itinerary, get my free travel itinerary template here .

1. Book Your Flights

Use Skyscanner to find the best flights. It searches 100s of airlines and websites across the globe to ensure you’re not missing out on any route options or deals.

2. Book Your Accommodations

Use Booking.com for hotels and guest houses. They have the biggest inventory and consistently offer the best rates.

3. Book Your Tours & Experiences

Use Viator or Get Your Guide to find the best tours and experiences. They are my favorite tour search engines. I always check both as their inventory varies depending on the destination.

4. Book Your Car

Use Discover Cars or Rentalcars.com to find the best car rental deals. I recommend comparing rental agency reviews on Google to ensure you are booking with the best company in that destination, as the reviews are often more accurate than the car rental search engines.

5. Don’t Forget Airport Lounge Access

Get a Priority Pass membership to gain access to 1,400+ VIP lounges and airport experiences worldwide. The Priority Pass app is the first thing I check when I have a layover. I’ve been a member for over a decade, and having a comfortable place to relax before and between flights makes air travel so much more enjoyable.

6. Don’t Forget Travel Insurance

I never leave the country without travel insurance. It provides comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong (ie. illness, injury, theft, and cancelations, etc.). I use it frequently for my travels to stay protected.

My favorite companies that offer the best coverage and rates are:

• World Nomads (best for all-around)
• Safety Wing (best for frequent travelers)

Xx, Jessica

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I love the city of Helsinki, this is an amazing place to visit. Thanks for your beautiful travel guide. I want to come back here again and again.

Nice suggestions. Löyly is perhaps the most modern public sauna in Helsinki but there are many more authentic saunas in Helsinki too and they are cheaper. For example, try Kotiharjun Sauna or Sauna Hermanni.

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Helsinki Attraction Tickets

Helsinki tickets.

Day Tours In Helsinki

Boasting some of the most stunning waterfront views, historical sites, and lively city life, Helsinki will spoil you with unique tours that will help you experience its true culture. You can choose between a self-guided tour with your Helsinki travel pass or a city tour with an expert guide.There are a lot of activities for you to indulge in Helsinki that will make your sightseeing experience rich with fun and adventure. Some of the best activities that you can embark upon from Helsinki include a Tallin Guided tour, a walking tour of the city, a private TukTuk guided tour, a full-day tour of Turku and the castle, a Suomenlinna sightseeing tour, and more.

Top Experiences In Helsinki

While you can explore the city at your own pace, Helsinki offers some amazing tourist experiences that you must not miss out on. Apart from its incredible city tours, the Finnish capital is also a hidden natural gem with over 300 islands in its Archipelago and a well-preserved National Park, there’s a lot you can discover. For those who love adventure and experiencing nature up and close, you can choose from a range of well-designed excursions that Helsinki has to offer. You can choose from a canal cruise, a backpacker hiking experience to the National Park, a snowmobile ride in the Arctic circle, or an enthralling safari searching for the Northern Lights, among others.

Why To Visit Helsinki?

Helsinki is a must-visit for people who appreciate design and architectural beauty. The Finnish capital may not be on every traveler’s radar but it is undoubtedly worth a visit. With sea-facing views, vibrant architecture, and several UNESCO World Heritage Sites under its wing, Helsinki will surprise you in the best way possible. Home to the largest number of Art Nouveau buildings in Northern Europe, Helsinki stands out with its mesmerizing architecture. You can visit all these gorgeous buildings and sites with a Helsinki city pass that is designed for tourists to explore the top sightseeing attractions in the city with ease. Helsinki also makes for a great tourist destination for people who like to explore offbeat locations with lesser crowds. Many travelers tend to overlook Helsinki, which makes it a more attractive destination for people who like to spend their holiday away from the bustling tourist crowd. You can take advantage of the Helsinki pass to tour the city at reasonable prices. Apart from its rich architectural magnificence, Helsinki is also known for hosting one of the largest music festivals in Europe. There are over thousands of lakes in Helsinki that you can sail across and experience its beautiful coastlines.

Plan Your Visit to Helsinki

• How To Reach Helsinki

By Flight: Many direct flights are available from major US, Europe, and Asian cities to Helsinki-Vantaa Airport (HEL).

By Train: You can travel to Helsinki Central Station (HEC) by train from Stockholm, Sweden, and St. Petersburg, Russia.

• Best Time to Visit Helsinki The best time to visit Helsinki is during the summers since the winters can be quite cold due to its continental climate. The most favorable time to visit Helsinki are the months between May and September as there are fewer chances of rain and the cool summers are pleasant to experience. During winters the temperature ranges between 1 to -7 degrees Celsius, whereas the temperature during the summer ranges between 11 degrees to 26 degrees Celsius. The summer season witnesses long daylight hours that allow you to explore the city comfortably; the longest day hours lasts 19 hours during the summer solstice.

Getting Around in Helsinki: Traveling around the city is easy and convenient as Helsinki is well connected with buses, trams, ferries, and metro trains. There are a lot of ways to get around the town and you can even rent bicycles and rental cars. You can explore all the top sightseeing attractions under a budget with a Helsinki pass. The Helsinki travel pass includes a full-day tour of the city with unlimited rides in city transport. You get to visit the hot tourist attractions by traveling like a local with your Helsinki city pass, which you can book online. Also, you have the option to choose from a 24-hour, 48-hour, and 72-hour Helsinki sightseeing pass which gives you free access to the best tourist attractions around the city. That’s not all, you also receive discounts and benefits on dining and shopping in addition to the tours with your Helsinki city pass. The pass includes free rides on trams, metro, trains, ferries, and buses for the specified period.

Best Areas to Stay in Helsinki: Kamppi- Kamppi is situated in downtown Helsinki and is also known as the heart of Finland’s music scene. The Kamppi district is perfect for people who love to enjoy the nightlife. The neighborhood is always bustling with live music and is perfect for all the party animals.

Kluuvi- The city center of Helsinki is best for those who like accessibility as all the major city attractions are located near Kluuvi. It has all the main connectivity zones of Helsinki including the Central Railway Station that can even take you to St. Petersburg, Russia. A lot of popular attractions are located within walking distance of the city center.

Kallio- Kallio is always bustling with backpackers and students as the area has quite a lot of budget-friendly options for accommodation. The bars and cafes are filled with solo travelers and performing artists, you will find a lot of young crowds around the area.

Etu-Toolo- If you’re traveling to Helsinki to find some peace, then Etu-Toolo is the ideal place to stay in. The district is surrounded by greenery and gorgeous landscapes that will instantly put you at ease. The Etu-Toolo neighborhood is comparatively more green and beautiful than the other districts in Helsinki.

Punavuori- For those of you who like to be surrounded by art, Punavuori is your destination in Helsinki. This neighborhood in the Design District is bustling with quaint cafes, museums, and art galleries with unique architecture.

Kaartinkaupunki- Situated in the south of Helsinki, the Kaartinkaupunki area is perfect for families. There are many office buildings, parks, shops, and market areas that families can explore safely. You can visit the local markets with your kids and try some freshly baked bread or go for long walks around the residential areas.

• Get a Helsinki pass to travel economically around the city. The pass allows you access to all the major sightseeing locations with unlimited local transport rides.
• If you’re a backpacker traveling on a budget, opt for accommodation in the Kallio area as it has many budget-friendly stay options.
• Do not hire taxis/cabs as most major tourist sights are located within a walking distance from each other.
• Carry reusable water bottles as the tap water in Helsinki is clean and safe for consumption. It will also keep you from spending money on water bottles now and then.
• There are a lot of free city tours and attractions that don’t require any entry fee or pass. You can be a part of these tours and save money.
• Several guided day tours take place daily that you can choose from to explore the destination of your choice.

Weather: Humid Continental Climate Language: Finnish & Swedish Time Zone: Eastern European Time (EET) & Eastern European Summer Time (EEST) Budget: 400-500 Euros are enough for a comfortable 3-day visit Currency: Euro Visa: Visitors will need a Schengen Visa, a short-term visa that allows them to stay for 90-180 days in a Schengen member country

How many days is enough to see Helsinki ?

Helsinki is a small city compared to major European cities and you can cover the popular locations in a day. However, if you wish to explore the city leisurely and feel like a local then 3-4 days are more than enough.

What is the best time to visit Helsinki ?

Summer is the most pleasant time to visit Helsinki as winters can be quite harsh. The months between May and September witness the most beautiful weather with long daylight hours. You can explore the city and admire its architecture with ease during the summers.

What can I do in Helsinki on a budget?

There’s a lot that you can do on a budget in Helsinki. The best way to save money and visit all the famous attractions in the city is with a Helsinki sightseeing pass. The pass will give you access to all the tourist spots including museums, Cathedrals, National Parks, etc. with discounts on shopping and dining.

Why should I book Helsinki attraction tickets online?

Booking your tickets online gives you the option to choose from multiple full-day and half-day tours with attractive offers. It is also convenient to plan your itinerary in advance according to the tours you choose. Online bookings also offer discounts and instant email confirmations.

Are there any discounts offered on any of the day trips in Helsinki?

All the day trips are reasonably priced for providing tourists with the best experiences. You can avail of many discounts and offers by booking your trips online in advance. For people traveling on a budget, you can explore the main tourist sites with a Helsinki travel card that gives you free entry to the premises and unlimited travel time on local transport along with additional benefits.

Is Helsinki expensive?

Yes, Helsinki is expensive just like any other North European city but there are ways to cut down on costs and save as well. While the living standard in Helsinki is high, there are budget-friendly cafes, restaurants, hotels, and activities that will help you save money. Make sure to do your research before finalizing all your bookings.

Is Helsinki worth visiting?

Helsinki has not yet become popular amongst tourists traveling to Northern Europe. However, people are missing out on a lot of fun and beauty that the capital of Finland has to offer. Its rich culture and history are full of surprises and awe-inspiring architecture that will surely excite any explorer who comes across it. Helsinki is certainly worth your time.

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Helsinki Travel Guide

Last Updated: August 9, 2023

But it’s definitely worth taking the time to see.

Historic, small, brimming with green space, and set on the Baltic Sea, Helsinki is a picturesque city filled with friendly people and few tourists. It’s especially great if you love art and music as they have a ton of museums and a vibrant music scene.

If you ask me, Helsinki is one of the most underrated capitals in Europe . I always love my time here!

This travel guide to Helsinki can help you plan your trip, save money, and make the most of your visit.

Table of Contents

• Things to See and Do
• Typical Costs
• Suggested Budget
• Money-Saving Tips
• Where to Stay
• How to Get Around
• How to Stay Safe
• Best Places to Book Your Trip
• Related Blogs on Helsinki

Top 5 Things to See and Do in Helsinki

1. Visit the National Museum of Finland

This museum has a large collection of Finnish artifacts from the Stone Age to the present, including jewelry, coins, tools, weapons, and more. Containing the most comprehensive collection of cultural history in Finland, the museum is ideal for learning about Finnish folk culture and the Finno-Ugric people. The collection didn’t actually have a building until an architectural contest was held to build the structure that houses the current museum (construction started in 1910). It was officially opened as the National Museum of Finland in 1916. Permanent collections can be viewed alongside a fascinating array of rotating pop-up exhibits. The museum also hosts workshops and tours. It’s a good place to get an overview of Finland’s history. Admission is 15 EUR and is free every Friday from 4pm–6pm.

2. Relax at Kaivopuisto Park

During the summer, residents and tourists alike flock to this park to hang out, play sports, picnic, and enjoy the view of the Baltic Sea Located on the southern point of the peninsula in a high-end neighborhood, it has well-maintained paths for walking, plenty of green space, and some old growth trees. It’s the oldest park in Helsinki and the Ursa Observatory sits atop the highest point of the park. Cafes and restaurants are scattered around the shoreline and islands. Concerts and other events are often held in the park during warmer months. During the winter, the largest hill in the park is a favorite spot for tobogganing. If the weather is nice, bring a book and lounge the day away!

3. See the Helsinki Cathedral

This cathedral was built in the 19th century as a tribute to Czar Nicholas I, the Grand Duke of Finland, and was known as St. Nicholas Church until Finland gained independence in 1917. Built in the Neoclassical style, it’s one of the most recognizable sights in the capital’s skyline and can be seen from almost every vantage point in Helsinki. If you’ve visited a lot of cathedrals, you likely won’t think this is one of the greatest in Europe but I think it’s one of the best in Scandinavia.

4. Explore the Museum of Contemporary Art (Kiasma)

Opened in 1990, Kiasma is housed in a unique modern building not far from the Post Museum (see below). The collection consists of over 8,500 works and pays tribute to Finnish art from the 1960s to the present day. Part of the Finnish National Gallery, Kiasma is Finnish for “chiasma,” a term describing the crossing of nerves or tendons, and was named by the American architect, Steven Holl, who designed the unique building. Concerts and events are often held within Kiasma and the building contains a theater, a library, a café restaurant, and a bookstore. Tickets are 18 EUR for adults and free for anyone under 18. Admission is free on the first Friday of every month.

5. Tour Suomenlinna Fortress

This island fort was constructed by the Swedes in 1748 as a defense against the Russians. When Russia took over Helsinki in 1808, they used it as a garrison. The designers and architects of the fortress incorporated the unique geographical features of the area and constructed many of the buildings using stones from the islands. Since 1748, different groups added on to the sea fortress and it has served to defend 3 separate nations. It now covers six islands, all of which belong to the city of Helsinki. After World War II, the fort was converted for the people of Finland to use. Today, it’s a park and residential area. There are a lot of interesting buildings, secluded beaches, and parks here. Guided tours cost 11 EUR.

Other Things to See and Do in Helsinki

1. tour the post museum.

This museum is dedicated to the history of Finland’s postal service. It sounds absolutely boring but I found it surprisingly interesting and educational. It highlights the history of the mail service in Finland, from ships and sleds in the 1600s to their modern-day delivery service. There are all kinds of artifacts, photographs, and short films about how they made mail delivery work in such a sparsely populated and harsh environment. Admission is 14 EUR.

2. Visit the Finnish Museum of Photography

The photography museum houses a sizeable collection of works by Finnish artists (there are over 2 million photos here). You’ll find photos from famous Finnish photographers like Elina Brotherus and Pentti Sammallahti. They also host rotating international exhibitions as well. Tickets are 12 EUR.

3. Shop at the Central Market

Located near the harbor, this market is where you can do lots of souvenir shopping, eat some local food, and buy fresh vegetables (and lots of fresh berries in the summer). It’s usually swarming with tourists, but I heard enough Finnish there to know it isn’t a complete tourist trap. There’s also a covered portion of the market where you can find pastries, fish, meat, and cheese. Eat at the Soup Kitchen if you’re hungry (they have an amazing seafood soup).

4. Visit the Sinebrychoff Art Museum

This museum houses a lot of old paintings and portraits from the 14th-19th centuries. It’s the only museum in the city that really focuses on old European art. The bottom floor of the museum has a lot of photos and more modern works, while the top floor has the older paintings that you see as you walk through the old Sinebrychoff residence. Portrait of a Lady by Alexander Roslin and Portrait of Mademoiselle Charlotte Eckerman by Adolf Ulrik Wertmüller are two noteworthy pieces in the collection. Admission is 16 EUR and entry is free on the first Wednesday of the month from 5-8pm. Admission to the house museum on the second floor is free.

5. Relax in Sinebrychoff Park

Right near the Sinebrychoff Museum is a nice little residential park worth hanging out in. Dating to the 18th century, the park was originally a private garden belonging to a Russian businessman before becoming a public park in the 1960s. Today, you’ll find lots of coffee shops nearby so you can grab a snack and relax. Bring a book, grab a coffee, and lounge away the day!

6. Visit the Bank of Finland Museum

This museum was one of the coolest museums I’ve seen in a long time. While it does a good job illuminating the history of money in Finland, what it really does well describes the history of finance and modern finance. You get to see Euro coins from all the European countries and discover what a gold nugget looks like, but you’ll also learn how to spot counterfeit money. It offers up detailed background information and great exhibits. It was quite a learning experience! Admission is free.

7. Admire the Uspenski Cathedral

Sitting on a hill overlooking the city, this massive red cathedral is hard to miss. Uspenski is an Eastern Orthodox Cathedral with large domes and gold crosses. Made of red brick, it stands out nicely against the rest of the city. Consecrated in 1868, it’s the largest Eastern Orthodox church in Western Europe. The interior is lavishly decorated with typical Eastern Orthodox iconography (though many of the statues and items have been stolen over the years). It’s a place of worship, so dress respectfully when you visit. Admission is free.

8. Explore the Helsinki City Museum

Like the National Museum of Finland, the Helsinki City Museum offers an in-depth look at the capital’s history. There are plenty of great exhibits and photos with detailed descriptions that bring the history of the city to life. There are also photos by famous Finnish photographers like Signe Brander as well as exhibitions featuring typical Finnish homes from the 1950s and 1970s so you can see what life used to be like here. Admission is free.

9. Relax in Esplanade Park

This park (called “Espa” by the locals) is a popular place to spend a lunch hour if the weather is nice. There are usually a number of street musicians around and there are also a few eateries nearby too. Opened in 1812, you’ll find several statues honoring Finnish poets and writers such as Johan Ludvig Runeberg, Zacharias Topelius, and Eino Leino. Come here to relax, picnic, read, or people-watch!

10. Visit the Harbor Islands

There are over 330 islands that make up the Helsinki city archipelago. Suomenlinna is the easiest to reach with regular municipal ferries (you can take a ferry directly from Market Square). Vallisaari and Kuninkaansaari are two other islands worth visiting, as they used to be military bases closed off to the public (during the Viking era, Vallisaari was used as an outpost that would light a fire whenever a Viking raid was coming so people could prepare). The islands have since been reclaimed by nature and turned into parks dotted with abandoned fortifications. You can explore on your own or take a guided tour; there are a ton to choose from, most last 1-2 hours and cost around 25 EUR.

11. Have Fun at Linnanmäki

Just north of the city, this amusement park is a fun place to visit if you’re traveling with kids (or if you just want to act like a kid yourself!). Opened in 1950, the park is actually owned by a non-profit that donates money to child welfare programs. There are over 40 different attractions here, including 8 roller coasters (one of which is a traditional wooden roller coaster). A wristband is 45 EUR, which gives you access to all the rides. Entry to the park itself is free, so if you want to just visit and explore you can do that without spending money.

12. Experience a Finnish Sauna

Saunas originated in Finland ( sauna is a Finnish word meaning “Finnish bath”). There are some 2 million saunas in Finland — a country with just over 5 million people — so you won’t have a hard time finding one. Many hostels, hotels, and even apartments have their own sauna. Löyly Helsinki is the most popular public sauna in the Finnish capital. A two-hour session costs 19 EUR. Just be sure to keep sauna etiquette in mind: bring your swimwear, men and women are separated, towels are acceptable (but people are usually naked), and don’t be loud.

13. See the Temppeliaukio Church

Temppeliaukio Church, also called Church of the Rock, is a Lutheran Church built directly into solid rock and partially underground. The Suomalainen brothers won an architectural competition for their design and started construction in the 1960s. The walls are all exposed stone and the roof is a huge dome that lets in natural light. Over half a million people visit the church each year, and the venue is also used regularly for concerts and large events.

14. Wander the Seurasaari Open-Air Museum

Located north of Helsinki on Seurasaari Island, the Seurasaari Open-Air Museum allows you to get up close to numerous traditional Finnish buildings from the early 18th-20th centuries. They aren’t replicas either; the buildings were collected from all over the country and brought here. There are houses, cottages, outbuildings, a windmill, and more. Opened in 1909, guided tours are available daily during the summer (it’s closed in the winter). Admission is 10 EUR.

15. Visit the Design Museum

Finnish design, like its Scandinavian counterparts, is incredibly popular, known for seamlessly integrating design elements into regular life. The Design Museum allows you to learn about the history of Finnish design and Finnish architecture over the last 150 years. It opened in 1873 and holds over 75,000 objects, 40,000 drawings, and 100,000 photographs. The museum also publishes books and exhibition catalogs about modern design. It’s 15 EUR to get in but it’s free on the last Tuesday of every month from 4-8pm.

16. Ride the Skywheel Helsinki

Located a few minutes away from Uspenski Cathedral, Skywheel Helsinki is a Ferris wheel offering panoramic views of the city. Standing 40-meters (131 feet), it’s the best way to see the city from “above” since there aren’t really any skyscrapers here. Rides are 14 EUR and last around 12 minutes. It’s also possible to have a sauna experience while riding the Skywheel too (though it’s not cheap). Prices for the SkySauna start at 240 EUR per hour for up to 4 people, including two drinks per person.

17. Visit Amos Rex

This art museum opened in August 2018 and it’s already one of the most popular in Helsinki. It’s named after Amos Anderson, a Finnish patron of the arts. You’ll find a rotating series of temporary exhibitions from local and international artists here so check the website to see what events/exhibitions are coming up. I don’t love modern art myself, but I’m told this gallery has really cool exhibitions. Admission is 20 EUR.

18. Admire some classical art

Ateneum is one of three museums that forms the Finnish National Gallery (with the Museum of Contemporary Art Kiasma and the Sinebrychoff Art Museum). It has the biggest collection of classical art in Finland, with over 4,300 paintings and 750 sculptures. You’ll also find pieces by artists such as Van Gogh and Cézanne. If you love classical art, don’t miss this museum! Admission is 18 EUR.

Helsinki Travel Costs

If you’re traveling with a tent, wild camping is legal outside of the city on public land. Just make sure to be respectful and use common sense. There are also plenty of campgrounds nearby, usually charging 10-25 EUR per night for a basic two-person plot without electricity.

Budget hotel prices – Generally, you can expect to pay 75-115 EUR per night for a budget hotel with free Wi-Fi and basic amenities like TV and a coffee/tea maker. During the summer, prices are closer to 100-150 EUR per night.

Airbnb is a great budget option in the city, with private rooms starting at 40 EUR (though they average double that). If you’re looking for an entire home or apartment, expect to pay at least 70 EUR, though prices average over 120 EUR.

Average cost of food – Finnish cuisine leans heavily on fish, meat (specifically pork), and hearty vegetables like potatoes. Reindeer is commonly eaten as well as wild game like deer and moose. Smoked salmon and smoked or pickled herring are also popular dishes. Like their Scandinavian neighbors, Finns also enjoy dark bread and cheeses, usually as part of an open-faced sandwich (these are the go-to breakfast choice).

Overall, the food here is expensive in the city. Your average cheap casual restaurant charges around 13 EUR for a meal while fast food (think McDonald’s) is 9 EUR. For a three-course meal with table service, expect to pay at least 50-80 EUR.

Pizza costs around 10 EUR for a large pizza while Thai or Chinese food costs 10-15 EUR for a main dish. If you want to splash out, I suggest Ravintola Aino for good Finnish food (try the reindeer). Dishes cost between 50-62 EUR but are incredibly tasty!

Beer costs 7 EUR while a latte/cappuccino is 4 EUR. Bottled water is 1.70 EUR.

If you plan on cooking your own food, groceries cost between 50-65 EUR per week for basic staples like vegetables, bread, pasta, and some fish or meat.

Backpacking Helsinki Suggested Budgets

On a backpacking budget of 70 EUR per day, you can stay in a hostel dorm, cook all your meals, limit your drinking, take public transportation to get around, and do free activities like visiting the free museums, hitting the beach, and relaxing in the parks. If you plan on drinking, add 10-15 EUR to your daily budget.

On a mid-range budget of 140 EUR, you can stay in a private hostel room or Airbnb, eat out for some meals, have a couple of drinks, take the occasional taxi, and do more paid activities like visiting the Post Museum or taking a guided tour of Suomenlinna Fortress.

On a “luxury” budget of 290 EUR or more per day, you can stay in a hotel, eat out for all your meals, drink as much as you want, rent a car to explore, and do whatever activities you want. This is just the ground floor for luxury though. The sky is the limit!

You can use the chart below to get some idea of how much you need to budget daily, depending on your travel style. Keep in mind these are daily averages — some days you’ll spend more, some days you’ll spend less (you might spend less every day). We just want to give you a general idea of how to make your budget. Prices are in EUR.

Helsinki Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

Helsinki is a super expensive destination to visit. It’s hard to visit here “on a budget” but, fortunately, there are ways to save money if you know where to look. Here are a few tips to help you keep your budget intact when you visit:

• Get a Helsinki Card – There’s a lot to see in the city and paying 10-15 EUR per attraction adds up. This tourism card grants you free admission to the main sights (as well as access to the hop-on/hop-off bus) for 50 EUR (for a 24-hour pass). You can also get a 48-hour pass for 63 EUR or a 72-hour pass for 74 EUR. It includes discounts on some restaurants as well. For an additional charge, you can add free public transit on your card too.
• Avoid taxis – Helsinki is easy to navigate with public transportation and on foot. Skip the taxis here — they add up fast!
• Stay with a local for free – Couchsurfing connects you with a local who can host you for free. You may have to sleep on a couch, but you’ll get to make a new friend and get tons of insider information about the city.
• Skip the drinking – A night out in Finland, especially in Helsinki, can put a deep hole in your pocket. To maintain your budget, avoid drinking alcohol.
• Go grocery shopping – Buying basic staples like bread, meat, and cheese for breakfast or for a quick lunch on the go can save you quite a bit of cash. By cooking your own meals you’ll save a ton of money, enabling you to eventually splurge on some great local dinners and traditional fare.
• Take the free city tours – Green Cap Tours offers daily free walking tours around Helsinki. You get to see the main sights while interacting with an expert guide who can answer all your questions. Just be sure to tip at the end!
• Check out free attractions – The Bank of Finland Museum and the Helsinki City Museum are always free. The National Museum of Finland is free on Fridays from 4:15pm-6pm. The Museum of Contemporary Art is free on the first Friday of every month. Don’t miss them when you get there without paying, you’ll save money!
• Bring a reusable water bottle – The tap water here is super clean, so bring a reusable water bottle to save money and lower your plastic usage. LifeStraw makes a bottle with a built-in filter so you can always ensure your water is clean and safe.

Where to Stay in Helsinki

Here are some of my favorite places to stay in Helsinki:

• Cheapsleep Hostel
• Hostel Diana Park
• The Yard Hostel

How to Get Around Helsinki

Helsinki also has one of the oldest tram networks in the world (it’s been around since 1891). The trams work on the same ticketing system as the metro and bus.

Bicycle – Helsinki is small so it’s easy to get around by bicycle. Bike rentals start at 15 EUR per day.

Taxi – Taxis start at a whopping 7 EUR and go up 1 EUR per kilometer. Avoid them if you can.

Ridesharing – Uber is available in Helsinki (it’s the only city in the country Uber operates in).

Car rental – Cars can be rented for as little as 25 EUR per day for a multi-day rental. Drivers must be at least 20 and have an International Driving Permit (IDP). That said, unless you’re planning on leaving the city to explore, you won’t need to rent a vehicle here. The city is easy to get around on foot and by bus.

When to Go to Helsinki

Summer is the most popular time to visit — and the best time as well. Temperatures hover between 19-21°C (66-71°F) and green spaces (and beaches) are busy but not crowded. Prices are slightly higher, however, there are lots of events happening and the city is at its busiest. That said, “busy” in Helsinki is a far cry from “busy” in cities like Paris, London, or Barcelona so it won’t be crowded

Spring is a nice time to visit Helsinki, especially in May and June. The weather is warm and there are many events, such as the Vappu Festival on May 1st (which marks the end of winter) and the Finnish Carnival in early June. Moreover, not many tourists visit in spring so things are more relaxed.

Autumn offers changing leaves and chilly weather. Daily highs average 6-8°C (43-48°F). The days are still long enough to enjoy everything, though you may need a rain jacket or a sweater if it gets cool.

Winter is a nice time to visit if you’re into winter sports. Otherwise, it’s very cold and dark so I’d avoid visiting unless you’re going to get out of the city to ski and enjoy the snow.

How to Stay Safe in Helsinki

Helsinki is a safe city. In fact, Finland is considered one of the safest countries in the world. Pickpocketing can still occur so keep an eye on your belongings while at bus stations and on crowded public transportation. Incidents are rare, but being vigilant is always a good idea.

Solo female travelers should generally feel safe here as Finland is very progressive and has a lot of woman’s rights. That said, the standard safety precautions should apply (never leave your drink unattended at the bar, never walk home alone intoxicated, etc.). For specific advice, read one of the many solo female travel blogs about the city.

If you rent a car, don’t leave any valuables in it at night. Break-ins are incredibly rare but it’s always better to be safe than sorry.

Scams here are very rare, but if you’re worried about getting ripped off you can read about common travel scams to avoid here .

If you experience an emergency, dial 112 for assistance.

Always trust your gut instinct. Make copies of your personal documents, including your passport and ID. Forward your itinerary along to loved ones so they’ll know where you are.

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. You can use the widget below to find the policy right for you:

Helsinki Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

• Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
• Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
• Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
• HostelPass – This new card gives you up to 20% off hostels throughout Europe. It’s a great way to save money. They’re constantly adding new hostels too. I’ve always wanted something like this and glad it finallt exists.
• Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
• The Man in Seat 61 – This website is the ultimate guide to train travel anywhere in the world. They have the most comprehensive information on routes, times, prices, and train conditions. If you are planning a long train journey or some epic train trip, consult this site.
• Rome2Rio – This website allows you to see how to get from point A to point B the best and cheapest way possible. It will give you all the bus, train, plane, or boat routes that can get you there as well as how much they cost.
• FlixBus – Flixbus has routes between 20 European countries with prices starting as low 5 EUR! Their buses include WiFi, electrical outlets, a free checked bag.
• SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
• LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
• Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
• Top Travel Credit Cards – Points are the best way to cut down travel expenses. Here’s my favorite point earning credit cards so you can get free travel!

Helsinki Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more info? Check out all the articles I’ve written on Finland travel and continue planning your trip:

The 5 Best Hostels in Helsinki

The 21 Best Things to See and Do in Helsinki

How to Spend Three Days in Helsinki

Get my best stuff sent straight to you, pin it on pinterest.

• Where To Stay
• Transportation
• Booking Resources
• Related Blogs

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How does the Helsinki Card work?

Once you have your card, you're all set. All you need to do is show your Helsinki Card at each attraction to be scanned. Some attractions may have exceptions in their opening times so be sure to check before your visit. 

There's no need to pay at the gate, all the attraction admissions on your card are included. In addition you can enjoy several special offers.

The more you do, the more you save!

A convenient timesaver

Start by choosing the card that suits you best, the card is available for 24, 48 or 72 hours. Choose between three card types: Helsinki Card, Helsinki Card CITY or Helsinki Card REGION.

• Helsinki Card – a digital card delivered to your e-mail. Helsinki Card includes all free and discounted attractions but NOT the public transportation. 
• Helsinki Card CITY – a physical card to be collected with a voucher sent to your email. Helsinki Card CITY includes all free and discounted attractions and public transportation in zones AB.
• Helsinki Card REGION - a physical card to be picked up with a voucher sent to your email. Helsinki Card REGION includes all free and discounted attractions and public transportation in zones ABC.

If you plan on visiting Helsinki with children, we have you covered even there: children between the ages of 7 and 16 have a rate for children's Helsinki Cards. Children under 7 years are free or gets a discount on most attractions and they travel free on the public transportation. 

With the City Card, you enjoy free access to Stromma's sightseeing tours by bus and boat and free admission to all top attractions included in the card. When entering an attraction, simply scan the card instead of buying tickets. Your City Card is activated when you use it for the first time, so start your discovery of the city whenever you feel like it! Please note that the City Card must be used on consecutive days.  

Helsinki Card prices 2024

All prices are subject to change without notice. 

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Helsinki travel blog — the ultimate helsinki travel guide for first-timers.

Helsinki — the capital of Finland, one of the European destinations with the highest standard of living in the world. It has been voted in the top 10 most liveable cities globally for many years. Are you curious about the capital of the world’s happiest country? Let’s explore my Helsinki self-sufficient travel through the sharing below. So, where to go, what to do and how to plan a perfect budget trip to Helsinki for the first-time? Let’s check out our Helsinki travel blog (Helsinki blog) with the fullest Helsinki travel guide (Helsinki guide, Helsinki tourist guide, Helsinki visitor guide, Helsinki city guide, Helsinki finland travel guide) from how to get there, best time to come, where to stay, best places to visit and top things to do as well as suggested Helsinki itinerary 3 days 2 nights to find out the answer!

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Helsinki travel blog: Overview of Helsinki

Helsinki is the most populous city in Finland today with a population of over 1.3 millions of people with an area of 213.8 km² (land area) and is also the third largest city in northern Europe after Stockholm and Oslo. Located on the shores of the Gulf of Finland, the city of Helsinki is the political, educational and cultural center of Finland. Helsinki is about 80 km to the north of Tallinn, 400 km to the east of Stockholm, and 390 km to the west of Saint Petersburg. Therefore, traveling between these cities is quite convenient and also easy to travel to Finland.

Helsinki blog: When to come?

June to August is the best time to visit Helsinki. Helsinki has a humid continental climate. Due to the influence of the Baltic Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean makes winters colder and summers warmer than in the rest of the country. When visiting, if you want to enjoy the longest daylight hours (around 18 hours) then go from June to August, so the summer months are your best choices.

Helsinki travel guide: Getting to Helsinki

There are many ways to get to Helsinki by plane, ferry or train. To get to Helsinki by train and other means of transport you can go to OMIO.com to searching. To reach Helsinki by ferry, access here .

If you intend to fly to Helsinki from other European cities or other destinantions, you can go to Google Flights , SkyScanner to find the most suitable flight routes depend on your departure point as well as to hunt cheap airfares.

Getting from Helsinki airport to the city center

Helsinki Airport (Helsinki-Vantaa Airport – HEL) or rather Vantaa Airport, is located in the city of Vantaa, about 20 km to the north of the center of Helsinki.

You can take a bus or train from Helsinki airport to Helsinki city center. More information can be found on the HSL website .

Each bus will run on a different route, so you need to navigate exactly where your hotel is to choose a right bus for your convenience. If you want to go to the center, you can take bus 415 or 615. Bus 615 will go to the central station. Ticket price is €4.6/way and there are ticket vending machines right at the airport exit gate.

• Bus 415 (Elielinaukio-Ylästö-Airport)
• Bus 561 (Itäkeskus-Malmi-Airport)
• Bus 615 (Rautatientori-Kartanonkoski-Airport)
• Bus 617 (Hakaniemi-Airport)

You follow the instructions in Helsinki airport to get down to the basement to catch a train. You can take trains I and P, both can reach the city center. Train tickets can only be purchased at ticket vending machines in the basement or in the airport. Ticket price is €4.6/one-way.

Tips: To see which means of transport are most suitable, you can visit the Reittiopas website . You enter the starting point and destination. It will show results and recommend the best options for you.

You should buy a Day ticket (Day Pass) instead of a single ticket to save on travel costs.

Helsinki blog: Getting around Helsinki

Helsinki Card : 24h for €53 and 48h for €73. I recommend you to buy this ticket card because it includes entrance tickets to many famous places in Helsinki such as the stone church, Sea Life and many other museums. Tickets are also cover both types of hop on – hop off sightseeing buses in the city (Design or Panaroma), free public transport including the airport route, free ferry, 50% off of the tour to the old city of Porvoo.

In general, I think this price is too good for such a package of many tourist attractions, other services as well. If you go to a separate place like Sea Life, it will cost you €16. This is probably the most benefits and convenient ticket in Europe that I have ever used. Usually with such city cards, if it give free public transport, it will not be free for hop on/hop off services.

Bicycle rental: €5/day. Each run should not exceed 30 minutes or else you will be charged €1 each time. You can find more information at the city’s official website .

Bus, train, metro, tram tickets: Single ticket: €2.8, 1-Day ticket: €8, 2-Day tickets: €12.

Note that the above fares apply to vehicles in Zone A, B (The center of Helsinki and part of Espoo). If you intend to buy a day ticket for Helsinki – Vantaa airport route, you need to buy Zone ABC tickets for €12/day or €18/2 days. Children from 7-16 years old are discounted half of the above price. If parents traveling with their baby strollers, they can ride all public transport free of charge. Tickets are purchased at ticket vending machines (can be paid by coin or card) or HSL app on the phone. Refer to the website here .

Hop on/hop off bus ticket: €27 for 24 hours.

Helsinki travel blog: Where to stay?

Here are some of hotels, apartments with the best reviews on Airbnb.com and Booking.com, you should try to check it out:

• Citykoti Downtown Studios: €109/night/2 people ( Agoda.com or Booking.com ).
• Koti Helsinki Boutique Apartments: €120/2 people ( Agoda.com or Booking.com ).
• Eurohostel : €17/dorm bed and €41/double room ( Agoda.com or Booking.com ).
• Cheapsleep Hostel Helsinki: €21/dorm bed with breakfast or €41/double room ( Agoda.com or Booking.com ).

In general, the price of a hotel room in the center of Helsinki will be around €40-120 depending on the location. If you want to rent an Airbnb room in the center, it will cost around €60-70 or if you need to travel by public transport with a little far distance, it will cost about €30-40.

Below we recommend more best budget, mid-range and upscale hotels with good ratings and reviews you can refer to.

• Hotel Helka ( Agoda.com or Booking.com )
• Hotel Lilla Roberts ( Agoda.com or Booking.com )
• Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel, Helsinki ( Agoda.com or Booking.com )
• Hotel Kamp ( Agoda.com or Booking.com )
• GLO Hotel Kluuvi Helsinki ( Agoda.com or Booking.com )
• Scandic Grand Marina ( Agoda.com or Booking.com )

Check out more top and best hotels on Agoda.com or Booking.com .

Helsinki travel blog: Where to go, what to do?

Helsinki, Finland is internationally once recognized as the design capital of the world in 2012. Therefore, when you come here, you will encounter very artistic scenes and countless design and art related events taking place all year round.

In addition, Helsinki is also recognized for its architectural works with the appearance of Saint Petersburg and Berlin because during the period of moving the Finnish capital from Turku to Helsinki, the Tsar ordered the German architect who designed more than 300 architectural works to construct and create a face for the new capital.

That is why Helsinki bearing an architectural interference between Berlin and Saint Petersburg.

Suomenlinna Island

Located off the Finnish capital Helsinki, the Suomenlinna islands consists of 6 small islands famous for their pristine space and surviving fortresses and war tunnels. This tourist attraction was recognized by UNESCO as a world cultural heritage in 1991 and clearly shows the strong identity of Helsinki.

This massive Suomenlinna fortress was built by a group of Swedes in the late 18th century to protect the city from Russia during the war. This is also a typical image of European military architecture at that time. The Finnish word Suomenlinna means: Castle of Finland.

The architectural works here have the appearance of a solid ancient design such as King gate, The Great Courtyard building, Augustin Ehrensvärd’s burial monument, Ehrensvärd museum.

Personally, this attraction is not as magnificent as other places, but it is very large. This place is suitable for those who want to learn more about history as well as immerse themselves in the Nordic nature.

How to get there

You find the way to Market square (Kauppatori) and take the train to Suomenlina Island. Traveling time is about 15 minutes. There is no ticket to access the island, but you need to have tickets to visit the museums on the island. The train tickets will be free if you have an HSL day tickets.

Esplanadi Park (Esplanadin Puisto)

Address: Pohjoisesplanadi, 00130 Helsinki, Finland

Esplanadi Park is located between the two streets of the same name North Esplanadi and South Esplanadi. This place was opened in 1812 and the name means “an area that’s meant to be walked on”.

Esplanadi Park is located in the heart of the city, so it is also the gathering place of locals for many main events of Helsinki. In this park, there are many famous statues, including the statues of three great Finnish writers, Johan Ludvig Runeberg, Zacharias Topelius, and Eino Leino.

Helsinki Cathedral

Address: Unioninkatu 29, 00170 Helsinki, Finland Hours: 9AM–6PM Height: 62 m Admission: free

This neoclassical architecture cathedral which was opened in 1852 is one of the most representative symbols of the city of Helsinki. This is a Lutheran Protestant church. This church was built during the period when Finland was a Russian colony with the purpose of honoring Tsar Nicholas I.

During the time Finland was colonized by Russia, the church was named after St Nicholas. It was not until Finland gained independence in 1917, then the place was renamed Helsinki Cathedral. The Senate Square right at the foot of the church is also the venue for many important events of Finland.

There is a large statue of Tsar Alexander II as a way of gratitude of the Finnish to him because they believe that it was thanks to Russia that took Finland out of the hands of Sweden that Finland had a chance to break out of the grip of Sweden for more than 600 years and has the opportunity to be as independent as it is today.

This will definitely be a must-visit place that you should absolutely not miss when visiting this Nordic country.

Uspenski Cathedral

Address: Kanavakatu 1, 00160 Helsinki, Finland Hours: 9:30AM–7PM/Saturday: 10AM–3PM/Sunday: 12–3PM/Monday: Closed Admission: free

Uspenski Cathedral is the largest orthodox church in Finland today. This cathedral was designed by Russian architect Alexey Gornoslaev and built in 1862 during the reign of Tsar Alexander II.

The red brick church is located on a high hill with eye-catching and sophisticated architecture. Thirteen golden domes and brick facades are among the most prominent traces of Russian religion in Finland.

National Museum of Finland

Address: Mannerheimintie 34, 00100 Helsinki, Finland Hours: 11AM–6PM/Monday: Closed Established: 1916 Admission: 12€

The National Museum of Finland is a combination of church and castle architecture to introduce the history of Finland from prehistoric civilization to today’s society.

The museum including four floors with many different collections. If you are interested in the development history of this country, you should not miss this place.

There are also many other museums in Helsinki and there are certain days of the week/month that are open for free. Check the My Helsinki website to see if there are any free museums during your visit.

Sibelius Park and Monument

Address: Mechelininkatu 39, 00250 Helsinki, Finland Hours: Open 24 hours

Sibelius is an internationally influential Finnish composer. He is one of the most famous composers in the world in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. His music played an important part in defining Finland on the world music map. Because he lived during the period when Finland was under Russian domination, his works focused on the topic of praising his country and people, challenging the Russian colonial government.

His famous work, Finlandia that represents the patriotism and pride of being Finnish, was widely renowned.

The Sibelius Monument is the most important and famous part of this park. It was designed by female architect Eila Hiltunen in 1967.

The Sibelius Monument consists of 600 organ pipes attached to each other and weighs 24 tons. This place represents a vast Finnish forest with special echoes when the wind blows. A smaller version of the monument is also placed at UNESCO headquarters in Paris.

Temppeliaukio Church (Rock Church)

Location: Töölö, Helsinki Entrance ticket: €3

Located in the center of Helsinki and opened in 1969, Temppeliaukio stone church is famous for its unique and fancy architecture. From the outside, this church looks like an old tomb and nothing special. But the architecture inside the church is what attracts tourists. Each year this tourist attraction welcomes more than 500,000 visitors, equivalent to 1/10 of the population of Finland.

This rock church is built in a huge rock that jutting out from the ground. In other words, a giant granite block was broken from the inside and built the church in the center of that block. Therefore, the church is surrounded by pristine granite walls, so the resonance is very good. In addition, the ceiling of the church is a block of copper wire. Natural light flows into from 180 glass doors in the ceiling, connecting with bronze arches and granite walls.

This place will be an ideal place for those who want to explore the fancy architecture. It used to attract a lot of attention from famous architects around the world to come and explore.

Helsinki Central Library Oodi

Address: Töölönlahdenkatu 4, 00100 Helsinki, Finland Hours: 8AM–10PM Opened: December 5, 2018

If you still have time to explore Helsinki, you should not miss the experience at the libraries here. Finnish are known for their love of reading and in 2016 were recognized by UNESCO as the world’s most read country.

The country has only 5.5 million people, but they borrow 68 million books every year on average. That’s why many people consider Finland to be a library’s paradise. And the fact that every year the Finnish libraries welcomes more than 400,000 tourists to visit.

In Finland, there are more than 300 central libraries and about 150 mobile libraries – library buses. These cars will go to all parts of the country to serve those who cannot afford to buy books or go to libraries to borrow books to read.

The Finnish government views libraries as symbolizing the importance of learning and education. Therefore, they are always willing to invest, expand and improve the library system all over this Nordic country.

Finnish libraries are not only a place to reading books, but also a place to connect people with each other. In addition to lending books, electronics, sports equipment… some large libraries also have restaurants, coffee shops, recording rooms, places for group events, children’s play areas, 3D printing, etc. The most famous libraries in Helsinki you can visit is the Oodi library and the national library.

The Oodi library was built at a total cost of €100 million from people’s taxes and was only completed in 2018. This tourist attraction is located right near the city center station, so it’s also very convenient to travel. In August 2019 Oodi was voted as the best public library in the world and welcomed more than 2 million visits (accounting for 35% of the population of Finland) every year. This library is designed as “an indoor city square”. So this place is different from the traditional library models before. Come and experience yourself!

The National Library of Finland

Located in: University of Helsinki A 2-min walk from the Helsinki Cathedral Address: Unioninkatu 36, 00170 Helsinki, Finland Founded: 1640

It is the Finland’s oldest academic library built in 1844. It is responsible for preserving and displaying the collections, printed legacies and unique works in Finland. Located in the heart of the capital Helshinki and close to Senate Square (Helsinki cathedral), this place is very easily accessible to tourists.

If the Oodi library represents simple, modern Scandinavian Nordic architecture. In contrast, the Finnish national library is classical and traditional. If you have time, you should visit both of these tourist attractions.

Löyly Sauna

Address: Hernesaarenranta 4, 00150 Helsinki, Finland Hours: 11AM–11PM Ticket price: €19/2 hours including towels, soap, shampoo. If you want to rent a bathing suit, it costs €6/2h.

Löyly is the largest and most modern sauna in Helsinki today. (Löyly in Finnish means smoke, the most important part of Sauna because the Finnish think that having a good sauna or not is completely dependent on the quality of the smoke being emitted).

As I said above, sauna is a Finnish invention and weekly sauna bathing has become an indispensable habit for anyone here. Almost every apartment building has a sauna area, so you are allowed to set a time and shower each week. Completely free, of course. As for the more affluent private houses, they also always have a sauna next to the regular bathroom in their house.

Löyly was built mainly to serve tourists as well as corporate groups that often set hours for groups. In this Löyly area, in addition to the sauna, also has a restaurant, conference rooms. So if you have had the opportunity to travel to Helsinki, try this experience. Usually here, every time they experience sauna, they will sit for 10-15 minutes in the sauna room, then go to the beach as shown in the picture to jump into the water. This form is repeated many times in about 1-2 hours. Usually, every time they come ashore, they will drink beer, chat, then go to the sauna to continue to take a bath.

As Vietnamese people think, they will probably get sick if bathing like that because of the changing of temperatures is much. It’s like being in a very hot sauna environment (70-80 degrees), then the pores are expanding, then jump into the cold sea water, then easy to get a cold… This concept is not believed by Finnish and I don’t believe it either because I did it many times but it’s okay :). So you should definitely try it when you come here.

It’s really refreshing and good for health after taking a sauna bath. According to scientific research, the sauna bath accompanied by jumping into the cold water of 0 degrees Celsius will help your body have more brown fat – a layer of fat that helps increase the immune system, resistance and improve many other diseases of human.

Helsinki travel blog: What to eat?

I only review a few restaurants that I personally think are okay. Of course, good or bad also depends on the preferences and tastes of each person.

• Vietnamese Pho restaurant . This place is rated as the best Vietnamese Pho restaurant in Helsinki. Price €10/bowl, so delicious. Address: Yrjönkatu 30, 00100 Helsinki.
• Sushi buffet + Asian savory dishes: Fuku is the best. Price €14.5 for lunch and €20-23 for dinner or weekend buffet. There is also a restaurant Itsudemo has the same type but costs €13 for lunch and €17 for weekends. These 2 restaurants are right in the center and very easy to find. There is also Caverna restaurant owned by Vietnamese people but very big. The buffet including about 30 dishes and has beef and chicken noodle soup to eat comfortably, but I find the salty food is not very good, just temporary.
• Set Buffet: Ravintola Factory Aleksi restaurant serves a lot of typical Nordic dishes and is affordable, around €10/serving . In addition, you can eat at the University of Helsinki canteen right in the center of the capital. The price is around €7 a serving.

Helsinki blog: Suggested Helsinki ititinerary 3 days

Day 1: Central Station – Oodi Library – National Library – Helsinki Cathedral – Espalandi Park – Uspenski Church.

Go to the Market square to catch the train to Suomenlina island is also near the Helsinki tourist spots above. However, I found it difficult to go all in 1 day, so I split up to go on day 2.

Day 2: Central Station – Suomenlina island – Parliament building – National museum – Rock church – Sibelius park and monument.

Before going to Suomenlinna Island, you will usually catch a train near the Market square flea market. Take a walk around the market and taste the grilled muikku fish. During these 2 days, if possible, you should include a sauna in Löyly – a pleasant experience in Helsinki.

Day 3: Take the Onni bus to Porvoo or Tallinn, Estonia. With only €20, you can buy a 2-way ferry ticket to visit the capital of Estonia. Then why not go? Obviously the cost is too cheap when you can set foot in another country. Click on this page to receive a discount code of €5 then book your tickets here .

Helsinki blog: The cost of traveling to the city of Helsinki

The mid-range self-sufficient Helsinki travel cost you can refer to as follows:

• Hotel: €35/night, shared
• Meals: €35/day
• Travel: €18/2 days
• Entrance tickets: The above attractions are free except for the rock church for €3 and the national museum for €12.

Helsini travel blog: Some useful tips before you go

To have a cheap Helsinki trip, you can apply the following tips:

• Helsinki tourist attractions to visit on Day 1 are quite close to each other. You can walk if you want.
• I highly recommend you to buy a Helsinki card instead of buying single tickets because with €73 for 2 days, you can catch the train for the airport-city route, take the tram bus in the center, visit the attractions for free, take hop on/hop off, ferry also free… In general, €73 covers all traveling costs and entrance tickets for you.
• Lidl supermarket in the center of Helsinki with very affordable prices compared to local Finnish supermarkets.
• There is a Barbarossa kebab pizza & kebab shop right in the center for only €5 a serving.
• When going to Porvoo, you should take an Onnibus and book online in advance, it will be cheaper than taking the train or other vehicles. Or if you find it complicated to travel, buy a Helsinki card with the tour to Porvoo to get a 50% discount.
• Traveling to Finland without going to Lapland is a huge omission. This is the most famous tourist destination in Finland.

Hope with the above self-sufficient Helsinki travel experiences will help you in your upcoming trip! If you are still wondering about something, don’t hesitate to leave a comment below, I will respond as soon as possible!

Some best day tours, trips, activities and transfer services, tickets in, from and to Helsinki you can refer to

• Helsinki Card
• Meet Santa Claus at the Arctic Circle 4D3N Tour from Helsinki with Flights
• Helsinki & Tampere 3 Day Trip from Helsinki
• Helsinki Hop On Hop Off City Sightseeing Bus Tour
• Helsinki and Suomenlinna Sightseeing Half Day Tour
• Helsinki Highlights Half Day Tour
• Helsinki: City Highlights 1.5-Hour Archipelago Cruise
• From Tallinn: Return Day Trip Ferry Transfer to Helsinki
• Helsinki Card City
• UK/Europe: eSim Mobile Data Plan
• Helsinki Card Region
• 90-minute Helsinki Boat Sightseeing on Beautiful Canal Route
• From Helsinki: Return Day Trip Ferry Ticket to Tallinn
• Helsinki: Private Tour with a Local Guide
• Helsinki City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Ticket
• Nuuksio National Park: Half-Day Trip from Helsinki
• Helsinki: City and Porvoo Guided Day Shore Excursion

Read more Finland travel guide here .

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HSL area and zones

The HSL area consists of Helsinki, Espoo, Vantaa, Kauniainen, Siuntio, Kirkkonummi, Sipoo, Kerava and Tuusula.

The HSL area is divided into four zones, identified by letters A, B, C and D, spreading out from the center of Helsinki.

Which ticket do I need?

Before buying a ticket, check the zones you travel through and buy a ticket accordingly.

In Helsinki, Espoo, Kauniainen and Vantaa, i.e. in zones A, B and C, you need an AB or BC ticket, depending on the area you travel in. NB! There are no one-zone tickets for zones A, B and C.

You can see the zone boundaries on a map in the route search. The route search also tells you which ticket you need for your journey.

Zone extension tickets

If you have a season ticket, you can inexpensively expand its validity area by buying a zone extension ticket.

Neighboring municipalities

Residents of the neighboring municipalities can buy season tickets at the same price as residents of the HSL area. Correspondingly, residents of the HSL municipalities can purchase commuter tickets for some of the neighboring municipalities.

HSL season tickets for residents of neighboring municipalities

Residents of the following neighboring municipalities can buy adult season tickets for the HSL area at the same price as residents of the HSL area:

• Hausjärvi,
• Mäntsälä,
• Nurmijärvi,
• Raasepori, and

You can buy tickets for all HSL zones, A, B, C and D.

• Residents of Järvenpää can buy adult AB, BC, ABC and D tickets until 31 December 2024.

You can buy a season using your HSL card or the HSL app.

• Residents of Askola and Loppi can buy a season ticket only using the HSL app.

You can purchase season tickets for 14, 30, 60, 90, 120, 150, 180, 210, 240, 270 or 360 days. You can top up your HSL card with a season ticket or value at all HSL sales and service points, via the online HSL card service as well as at some HSL ticket machines. Alternatively, you can buy your ticket directly on the HSL app.

To find HSL sales and service points, see the sales point search .

Read more about the HSL app

Read more about the HSL card

Commuter tickets for neighboring municipalities for residents of HSL municipalities

Residents of the HSL municipalities can buy commuter tickets for the neighboring municipalities allowing travel by bus from Helsinki, Espoo, Kerava, Kirkkonummi, Sipoo and Vantaa to the neighboring municipality in question. You can purchase commuter tickets for the following neighboring municipalities:

• Nurmijärvi
• Järvenpää-Tuusula
• Hausjärvi
• Järvenpää
• Mäntsälä

These tickets are loaded on a Matkahuolto travel card.

Travel | Rick Steves’ Europe: Helsinki and Tallinn:…

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Travel | rick steves’ europe: helsinki and tallinn: pearls of the baltic.

Helsinki and Tallinn are two great capitals in Northern Europe. Just 50 miles and a two-hour ferry ride apart, these two cities – facing each other across the Baltic Sea from their respective countries of Finland and Estonia – are not only neighbors, but soul sisters.

Finns and Estonians share a similar history – first Swedish domination, then Russian, then independence after World War I. But while Finland held on to its freedom through the Cold War, Estonia was gobbled up by the expanding Soviet Empire and spent the decades after World War II under communism, regaining its freedom in 1991.

Today both are enjoying good times as members of the European Union and share a common currency, the euro (Finland was one of the first countries to adopt the euro, in 1999). And both countries are members of NATO, with Finland joining the military alliance in 2023 for protection against a newly belligerent Russia.

In spite of its Swedish roots, old Helsinki feels Russian. When the Russians took over Finland in 1809, they moved the capital to Helsinki and hired German architect Carl Ludvig Engel to model the city after their capital, St. Petersburg. This resulted in fine Neoclassical squares and stone buildings with white trim and columns. Because filming in Russia was not possible during the Cold War, movies like Gorky Park and Dr. Zhivago were actually filmed in Helsinki .

Helsinki’s grand boulevard, the Esplanade, provides wide and inviting sidewalks for shoppers and a people-friendly park up the middle. At the top of the Esplanade is Market Square, Helsinki’s delightful harborfront plaza. The colorful outdoor market is worth a stop for perhaps the quickest, cheapest lunch in town. The salmon grills are a favorite. Everyone from the Finnish president to tourists stop by for a dash of local flavor.

At the shore is a wooden deck with washing tables built out over the water. The city provides this for locals to clean their carpets. A good Saturday chore in summer is to bring the family carpet down to the harborfront, scrub it with seawater, and let it air-dry in the Baltic breeze.

A short ferry ride takes you across the harbor to Helsinki’s most important sight: Suomenlinna Fortress. It was built by the Swedes with French financial support in the mid-1700s to counter Russia’s rise to power. Think of it as European superpower chess. The Russians made St. Petersburg their “eye on the West.” The French countered by moving a Swedish castle to Helsinki, stopping the Russian offensive – for the time being. These days the sleepy fortress serves as a popular park with scenic strolling paths.

From Helsinki’s harbor, ferries zip across the Baltic to Tallinn. The trip is so easy that Finns routinely visit Tallinn to eat, drink, and shop more cheaply than at home. On summer weekends, the city virtually becomes a Finnish nightclub.

Tallinn once consisted of two feuding medieval towns. Toompea – the upper town on a hill – was the seat of government ruling Estonia. The lower town was an independent city, a Hanseatic trading center filled with German, Danish, and Swedish merchants who hired Estonians to do their menial labor.

At the center of the lower town is Town Hall Square, a marketplace through the centuries. The 15th-century town hall dominating the square is now a museum with city history exhibits; climbing its tower earns a commanding view.

Like many tourist zones, Tallinn’s is a commercial gauntlet, with medieval theme restaurants and enthusiastic hawkers of ye olde taste treats. But just a couple of blocks away is, for me, the real attraction of Tallinn, where still-ramshackle courtyards host inviting cafés and bistros serve organic cuisine in a chic patina of old-world-meets-new.

Climbing the stairs from the lower old town into Toompea, you’ll notice that the architecture tells a story. For instance, the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral was built by Russians in 1900. Facing the parliament building, it was clearly designed to flex Russian cultural muscles during a period of Estonian national revival. It’s a beautiful building, but most Estonians don’t like it.

Near the cathedral, Tallinn’s Museum of Occupations and Freedom tells the history of Estonia under Soviet, then Nazi, and once again Soviet occupation. Artfully arranged suitcases are a reminder of people who fled the country, leaving everything behind. Prison doors evoke the countless lives lost in detention and deportation. Displays show how the Soviets used surveillance to kept Estonians in line and focus on the inhumane living conditions in occupied society, stories of Estonians living in exile, and ultimately independence and freedom.

After suffering through a challenging 20th century, Tallinn has joined Helsinki as a vibrant and welcoming destination in the 21st. While both cities have their own story to tell, they also share a common heritage – and spirit of resilience.

(Rick Steves ( www.ricksteves.com ) writes European guidebooks, hosts travel shows on public TV and radio, and organizes European tours. This column revisits some of Rick’s favorite places over the past two decades. You can email Rick at [email protected] and follow his blog on Facebook.)

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Getting around Helsinki