Blond Wayfarer

  • Search for:
  • The Caribbean
  • South Carolina
  • Eastern Europe
  • Switzerland
  • The Netherlands
  • Travel Anxiety
  • Fear of Flying
  • SOLO FEMALE TRAVEL
  • PRIVACY POLICY

stunning helsinki cathedral in finland

Europe , Solo Female Travel , Travel Tips

Solo travel helsinki: an independent visitor’s guide to finland’s capital.

FMTC Affiliate Disclosure: Blond Wayfarer contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I earn a commission at no extra cost to you. This disclosure pertains to all affiliate links.

Updated:  24 September 2023

As a city, Helsinki is wildly underrated, in my opinion. On my own solo travels in Europe , not too many backpackers I spoke to had Helsinki on their itineraries. 

However, I think Helsinki is worth visiting even as a solo traveler. Sure, you don’t get as many hostels as the neighboring Baltic countries, but Finland’s capital city is perfect for people who just want a mellow break in a beautiful city.

Furthermore, a chilled out vacation in Helsinki is especially great for new solo travelers.

As someone who’s been to Europe a lot, I’m frequently asked about cities and countries that are good for beginners who are ready to explore the continent but at the same time, don’t want anything too challenging just yet. 

In addition to Scotland and Ireland (which are great for native English speakers), I always recommend Scandinavia as an ideal region for dipping one’s toes into the pools of international travel. 

First, let’s talk about my own experiences as a woman traveling alone in Helsinki, and then we will get into more specific and practical tips for planning your vacation.  

taking a day trip to a nearby fort

Table of Contents

Solo Travel Helsinki: My Own Experience

Solo travel in Helsinki was a low-key and relaxing experience for me.  I had just finished a three week adventure through Denmark, Sweden, Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia, and was thrilled to arrive at Helsinki to simply chill. 

I visited Helsinki at the height of the summer in August. Skies were cerulean blue and temperatures mild, and the sun lingered for much longer than I had originally thought. 

The city was bustling, but not packed with gigantic tourist hoards. 

For me, a solo trip to Helsinki was remarkable easy and stress free, which is why I think it’s a perfect destination for solo travelers who feel nervous or uncomfortable with flying overseas. 

Unlike other cities, Helsinki was blissfully free of common scams and pickpocketing. I didn’t find myself checking on my purse nearly as much I had in other destinations. 

The locals in Helsinki, while helpful, were also quite introverted and kept to themselves, creating a situation where I didn’t have to worry about standing out in a crowd. 

All in all, solo travel in Helsinki was kind to me.

solo travel helsinki tip: it may be a busy city but it is also compact and easy to walk

Practical Tips for Solo Travel in Helsinki

Getting around helsinki.

Domestic and international flights land at Helsinki-Vantaa airport which is located about 19 kilometers outside the city center. Sure, you’re not inside the city, but getting downtown is a breeze. 

A train station located between Terminals 1 and 2 will take travelers to Helsinki’s city center. Trains operate on a regular schedule.

Like most European cities, Helsinki has excellent public transportation, which saves solo travelers the stress of having to rent a car in a new country.

If arriving by train, you will come in at  Helsinki Central Station . The station’s remarkable Stone Men statues and art nouveau design make the building itself a tourist attraction! So pause and take some photographs! 

see many gorgeous churches with 1 day in helsinki

Solo Travel Essentials for Helsinki

You want to pack in accordance to the time of year for your solo trip to Helsinki. However, you will want to bring these items no matter what’s on your agenda. 

  • A Small Day Backpack:  You will outside a lot in the city center and islands. I recommend having a small daypack for touring Helsinki and the surrounding area. 
  • Compact High Quality Camera:  You will want to expand beyond your phone camera especially on Suomenlinna. I personally recommend a Sony Alpha 6400 mirrorless camera for a compact piece of equipment that takes good quality shots. 
  • Cozy Travel Scarf:  Helsinki is a beautiful city in Northern Europe and is located on the stunning Baltic Sea. Evenings, even in summer, may feel chilly. I highly recommend bringing a travel shawl or scarf for additional warmth and comfort. 
  • EU Power Adapter:  As always, you don’t want your electrics to die in Europe. Make sure you have the proper power adapter so your camera and phone can charge overnight.
  • Lonely Planet Helsinki Pocket Guide:  Lonely Planet makes my favorite guidebooks, and solo travelers to Helsinki are in luck! Bring a pocket guide to Helsinki on your trip for the best information on attractions and other important details. If you’re exploring outside the capital, the complete Lonely Planet Helsinki book may be more useful!
  • Travel Insurance:  Finland, like much of northern Europe, is remarkably safe, but you’ll want to purchase travel insurance for extra protection. You never know when illness will strike, and Finland’s hospitals are expensive to pay out of pocket as a citizen. I always use World Nomads for my trips and have never been disappointed! 

solo travel helsinki tip: splurge on a hotel if you want

Helsinki Accommodation

I think a lot of solo travelers may feel turned off from Helsinki due to the price of visiting this city.

And sure, accommodation in Helsinki is more expensive than nearby Tallinn. However, the city still has a few budget options for solo travelers with financial flexibility. 

Buuuut also feel free to splurge too! No judgement here! 

  • Eurohostel: Do you want a free morning sauna with your hostel? Then look no further than Eurohostel. The traditional Finnish sauna is a great experience that you don’t want to miss! See prices on Expedia.com and Booking.com .
  • Hotel Katajanokka:   If you’re planning on spending a little more money, then I recommend going to Hotel Katajanokke, which is actually where I stayed in Helsinki. This hotel actually used to be an old prison, and reading about the building’s history is quite fascinating! See prices on Expedia.com and Booking.com .
  • The Yard Hostel : A lovely locally run hostel that is both green and social. Not to mention, the location is absolutely ideal for sightseeing fun. See prices on Expedia.com and Booking.com .

bridges lace the islands near helsinki

Why Take a Solo Trip to Helsinki

My friends, there are many reasons to travel solo to Helsinki. Like I said, this is a city where you can turn inward and deeply enjoy your own company, especially at the end of an intense trip.

Of course, there are probably an infinite number of reasons to take a solo trip to Finland’s capital, but these seven immediately sprang to my mind as I fondly look back on my own experiences. 

take a solo trip to helsinki to enjoy the public squares

Compact and Walkable City

Helsinki is remarkably walkable for a capital.  As a solo traveler, it’s super nice to not have to navigate the metro 24/7 or track down a taxi or a ride share. Your own two feet will do the job well as you explore Helsinki. 

For example, major attractions such as Helsinki Cathedral, Museum of Contemporary Art, Temppeliaukio Church, the Market Square, the National Museum of Finland, and more, are all within a reasonable distance.

Ultimately, planning a self-guided walking tour is truly not a huge undertaking on your part. 

Of course, I don’t mind using public transportation and Helsinki has a fabulous infrastructure (more on that later!), but as a solo traveler, it’s nice to have the peace of mind that you can just walk to most of the spots on your itinerary.

The less stress, the better, right?

be sure to explore beyond helsinki to the islands

Easy Day Trips to Stunning Natural Islands

Helsinki has wonderful natural beauty within reach of the city center.  In particular, solo travelers will love escaping to an island wonderland without too much planning or effort.

For example, one of my favorite places to visit near Helsinki is Suomenlinna , which is an incredible sea fortress that is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Not only is Suomenlinna historically significant, the island provides a safe haven for an independent traveler to “get into nature” without worrying about getting lost in the wilderness. Best of both worlds, huh?

Regular ferries leave Helsinki’s main harbor which makes reaching Suomenlinna a true breeze! 

estonia has many russian cathedrals

Easy Day Trips to Tallinn in Estonia 

Sometimes as a solo traveler planning day trips is a stressful process. Depending on the location, other destinations may be difficult to reach using public transportation and the logistics make you want to throw your hands in the air. 

Luckily, this is not the case with Helsinki and Tallinn.

This might sound odd, but I find traveling between countries with ease very empowering when I’m alone, and thus need to rely on myself to get everything done! 

A brief visit to Tallinn is made easy thanks to the many ferries that service both Finland and Estonia. Do your research ahead of time as ferry vary by time and cost, and you want to find a boat that you are comfortable on.

bright blue skies in helsinki happen in summer

Excellent Safety Record Day or Night

Safety is super important for solo travelers.  And I’m not only talking about violent crime either. Petty crimes, such as silly scams and pickpocketing, can wreck an otherwise amazing trip. 

I mean, one of my biggest fears is that my passport will be stolen, and I will waste hours (and money) in the US Embassy, but that’s another post for another day. 

In Helsinki, I felt incredibly safe, even near the big tourist sites. No one hassled me for money, tried to slap a friendship bracelet on my wrist, shoved petitions in my face, or did anything else that made me feel unsafe. It was wonderful.

Of course, you want to use usual street smarts, too. For instance, I arranged a cab with the hotel when I had to leave at 4:00 in the morning for the airport.

As an independent female traveler, Helsinki is not only statistically safe, but feels  safe in real time. 

finland has lovely cafes

Eating Alone is a Breeze in Helsinki 

Eating alone is sometimes awkward, but I had zero issues enjoying a meal in Helsinki.

Mostly because of  Helsinki’s Market Square.

This market is one of the biggest tourist attractions in Helsinki. In addition, this port area is where you will find the ferries departing for Suomenlinna.

Seafood is your best option here. Order delicious salmon or shrimp, and sit near the water without worrying about asking for a table for one!

Feel free to explore the cute souvenir stands too! 

In addition to Market Square, Helsinki is home to several wonderful cafes where you can sit at a small table outside and participate in some quality people watching. I enjoyed a coffee right on the square in front of Helsinki Cathedral and had a blast watching the street performers. 

solo travel helsinki: make sure to see the churches

Plenty of Churches for Solo Reflection

Helsinki has a wide variety of beautiful places of worship that are open to visitors, including solo travelers. 

Regardless of your religious background, these churches and cathedrals are a delight to experience alone without another person distracting you from the ornate artwork and magnificent architecture. 

Honestly, I love European cathedrals and churches when I’ve been walking all day and need a break to unwind with my own thoughts. And Helsinki’s churches was splendid in their diversity. 

I’ve listed a few examples for you.

Amazing Churches in Helsinki

  • Helsinki Cathedral: The most famous icon of Helsinki is the towering white Helsinki Cathedral located on Senate Square. No trip to Helsinki is complete without taking photos here!
  • Temppeliaukio Church:  This Lutheran church is very unique because it was built into solid rock. Unsurprisingly, it’s also known as The Church of the Rock. 
  • Uspenski Cathedral:  Eastern Orthodox churches are known for their lavish golden interiors, and Uspenski Cathedral certainly doesn’t disappoint one bit! Take your time to marvel at this cathedral’s stunning masterpieces and alter. 

gorgeous island views near helsinki

Strong Tourism Infrastructure and English Speakers

Concerned about potential language barriers? No worries.

You will absolutely encounter English speakers in Helsinki.  It’s great to learn a few words of Finnish , but residents speak excellent English and will help you if you feel lost. 

Furthermore, Helsinki has a very strong infrastructure in place for tourists that should help reduce some of the anxiety that comes with jetsetting around the world alone. Signs and streets are clearly marked, and hotel staff are more than willing to help solo visitors navigate their city! 

If you plan ahead, you should have no problems wandering Helsinki on your own. 

solo travel helsinki idea: ride the ferris wheel

I hope you enjoyed reading about my guide for solo travel in Helsinki. Have you ever visited Helsinki? What sort of advice would you offer travelers coming to this city?

solo travel helsinki | solo travel in helsinki | traveling to helsinki alone | finland solo travel

Rachel Elizabeth

At 22, I took my first overseas trip to Bermuda. Took a break to follow the "American Dream." Had my self-esteem broken. Embarked on my first solo trip to Scotland at 26. The travel bug dug its way under my skin. I now book multiple trips a year.

Privacy Overview

Username or email address  *

Password  *

Remember me Log in

Lost your password?

Solo Traveler

Solo travel tips, destinations, stories... the source for those who travel alone.

helsinki travel alone

Solo Travel Destination: Helsinki, Finland

Avatar

October 24, 2014 by Guest

We are pleased to present a new  Solo Travel  Destination Post from Monica, a member of the  Solo Travel  Society  on Facebook . Monica lives in Japan, and submitted the following report about Helsinki . Do you have a solo  travel  destination that you would like to recommend?  Submit your description here , along with a few photos, and share it with fellow travelers!

Solo travel  rating:   1  (1 is easiest, 3 is most difficult. Please see chart below)

Languages spoken: Finnish, English

photo, image, helsinki cathedral

Helsinki Cathedral

Reasons to go :  Helsinki is very friendly for solo travelers. I found the locals extremely helpful to a tourist like me. I went to Helsinki in August (summer), and the overall mood was just very relaxing. Lots of people were taking the time to have a coffee or beer while enjoying the sunshine in the open space.

The local food was very delicious and healthy, featuring a lot of seafood, which you can find in various local markets. My favorite place was Soumenlinna, a sea fortress and UNESCO World Heritage site which provides very nice walking trails.

The major pluses are definitely the proximity of Helsinki to Tallinn (Estonia) as well as St. Petersburg (Russia). I was able to get to Tallinn in 2.5 hours via a fast ferry which operates throughout the day. You can also arrange to travel to St Petersburg via train or ferry.

I would recommend Helsinki as a great choice for a short stay before moving to other locations within Finland or other parts of Europe.

photo, image, Suomenlinna, helsinki

Suomenlinna, an inhabited sea fortress.

photo, image, sibelius monument, helsinki

The Sibelius Monument, dedicated to Finnish composer Jean Sibelius.

Solo Travel  Destination Rating System

Safety   – 1  (1 very safe, 2 safe in most areas, 3 be cautious at all times.)

Language   – 2  (1 English is first language, 2 English speakers easy to find, 3 English speakers rare)

Navigation – 1  (1 easy to navigate by transit or car, 2 poor transit, car necessary, 3 not easy to get around)

Culture – 1  (1 Similar to North America or Western Europe, 2 Different from above but relaxed and easy, 3 Challenging)

Average Rating – 1  (1 is easiest, 3 is most difficult)

Sharing is caring!

Publisher Janice: info @ solotravelerworld.com

Editor Tracey: tracey @ solotravelerworld.com

Sales Simon: simon @ solotravelerworld.com

Get Solo Travel News & Deals

  • Create Your Advertiser Account
  • Login to Your Advertiser Account
  • Solo Travel Statistics
  • Media & Speaking
  • Privacy Policy & Disclosure

helsinki travel alone

The content of Solo Traveler and any resources published by Solo Traveler are meant for entertainment and inspiration only. Please note that while we have advertising clients promoting destinations, products, services, trips and tours on Solo Traveler and that we endeavour to only work with companies in which we have confidence, we are not responsible for the delivery or quality of their products or services. Every person and every travel situation is different. Your safety, satisfaction and fun traveling solo are your responsibility alone and not that of Solo Traveler, its publisher, editor and/or writers.

PRIVACY POLICY & DISCLOSURE: In accordance with FTC guidelines, I disclose that I may be compensated if consumers choose to utilize links located throughout the content on this site. Additionally, some posts might be sponsored to support this site. Please do the appropriate research before participating in any third party offers. All opinions are my own. Please read our full Privacy Policy here.

Helsinki Solo Travel Guide

Helsinki Sibelius Park

Planning a solo trip to Helsinki ? Here’s everything you need to know for your visit:

QUICK FACTS

  • The capital and largest city of Finland, with a population of ~ 635,000 .
  • The economic, political, cultural, and technological hub of Finland.
  • Known for being a major international city that retains a small town feel.
  • Nickname: Daughter of the Baltic (note: nickname aside, Finland is still considered to be one of the Nordic countries)

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

  • Currency: Euro (EUR)
  • Spoken languages: primarily  Finnish (English and Swedish are also widely spoken).
  • Best time to visit: from May to September (warmest time of year).
  • Arriving via airport: taxi fare to the city centre is 45 Euro (ride takes 20 minutes), while the bus is  4.10 Euro (via mobile or bought from the machine) or 6 Euro (paid directly to driver).

WHERE TO STAY

  • Best Helsinki hostel for solo travelers: Hostel Diana Park . Clean facilities, comfy beds and blankets, and a great location (10 min walk to the train station, 30 mins to ferry). Not a party hostel – a great place to chill out and meet others in a calm, casual setting. Book ahead to reserve your spot as accommodation in Helsinki can get $$$.
  • Hotel accommodations in Helsinki are on the expensive side.
  • Higher end hotels are generally located in the city centre .
  • Some budget conscious travelers find it cheaper to buy a last minute return cabin boat trip to Tallinn , as they can sleep on the boat and return the following morning for about 20 Euro .

GETTING AROUND

  • Public transit in Helsinki is combined into a single ticket program that covers buses, trains, trams, metro, and the Suomenlinna ferry. Ticket prices depend on how far or how long you are traveling. The network is easy to navigate and the operators are friendly and helpful when you need directions.
  • Check out the Public Transport Journey Planner (available in English) for the most updated prices and timetables.
  • Taxis are available inside the city. While taxis are expensive, the fares are government regulated so you don’t risk being overcharged. Taxis are only available for hire if the their light is on.
  • Bicycles can be rented all over the city, and are for a good way to explore Helsinki. Free bike route maps are available at all public libraries.

HELSINKI NIGHTLIFE

  • Drinking age is 18 (though you need to be 20 to purchase high proof alcohol).
  • The hip nightlife areas of Helsinki are all close together so you can easily move among them. These are Iso-Roobertinkatu, Central Railway Station, and Kamppi .
  • The gay nightlife area of Helsinki is very active, and is centered in the Iso-Roobertinkatu and Eerikinkatu areas.
  • For a budget nightlife experience, head outside of the city center to the Kallio area.
  • Great bars for solo travelers: Sake Bar & Izakaya, Bar Mate (great cocktails), St. Urho’s Pub.
  • Live music : Ääniwalli and Kuudes linja.
  • Great night club with electronic music: Post Bar.

UNIQUE LANDMARKS TO VISIT

  • Located in the central Senate Square, the Lutheran Cathedral (Tuomiokirkko) of Helsinki is a well known symbol of the city. Entrance is free.
  • A unique church experience in Helsinki is The Church in the Rock  (literally dug into solid rock). Concerts are often held there.
  • Located in central Helsinki, the Sibelius Monument  is a unique monument that resembles organ pipes. Built in 1967 from over 600 pipes.
  • The Olympic Tower is a relic of the Finland’s Olympic host city history – the observation tower at the top provides an amazing view of the city. A ride to the top costs  5 Euros .
  • Visiting  Suomenlinna Island  is a must for any visitor. The island fortress has held a pivotal role in the regional history, and offers some great cafes to sit and relax in after exploring.

INTERESTING WALKS

  • Explore the Senate Square , home to many of the city’s museums and architectural marvels.
  • Take a walk through the Toolonlahti Park . Located northwest of the central railway station, the park offers beautiful views of the bay along with a number of attractions (including the National Opera).
  • Esplanadi Park in the heart of the city is a favorite spot of both locals and tourists. During the summer, the park hosts many free concerts.

LOCAL WISDOM

  • The public saunas in Helsinki have a rich history, and are a big part of Finnish culture. Check out Kotiharjun Sauna , the last of the wood burning public saunas. Note that men and women have separate areas.
  • Helsinki is known for two types of food:  fresh seafood and Russian . The best Russian food in the world is said to be here – a great chance to try it without making a separate trip to Russia.
  • Great restaurants for solo travelers: Ravintola Kuurna ($$$), Ravintola Grön ($$$), Ravintola Wellamo ($$), BasBas Kulma ($$), Brasa (steakhouse), Viisi Penniä (gastropub), Fat Ramen ($$), Restaurant Georgian Vibe ($$), Georgian Kitchen ($$), Young Hearts.
  • Traditional Finnish Food is very heavy on the meat and potatoes – if you are vegetarian, look for restaurants serving international cuisines.
  • Dangerous areas : none in particular, as Helsinki is generally very safe. In any case, solo travelers would do well to avoid  Kaisaniemi Park (near the Central Railway Station) at night.

Recommended trip duration:  3-4 days

  • Copenhagen, Denmark
  • Riga, Latvia
  • Oslo, Norway
  • Stockholm, Sweden

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Anna Sherchand

Anna Sherchand

Solo Female Travel Blog

Solo trip to Helsinki, Finland

If you are going on a solo trip to Helsinki, one of the famous Scandnadivan destinations in Finland, you will find this article helpful because not only I am covering the best places to visit in Helsinki alone but also all the essential Helsinki travels tips for first-timers ie visa, accommodation, food to try, the best time to visit, where to go, activities and day trips from Helsinki also. This is going to be a solid itinerary about Helsinki, let’s get started!

Helsinki is the capital city of Finland and the most northerly of continental European capitals. Geographically, it is situated on the southern peninsula by the Gulf of Finland facing Tallinn (Estonia) across the bay, and a number of islands, which are part of Helsinki, can be reached via boats and ferries even on a day trip. (more on that below)

You can even see the northern lights – auroras once every 20 days in Helsinki and it is true that the tap water in Helsinki comes straight from mountain springs via Päijännetunneli which is the longest water tunnel in the world! The quality of water in Helsinki is so good Saudi Arabia has been buying drinking water from the Finnish capital for many years.

  • Solo trip to Helsinki

How to get to Helsinki

How to get around helsinki, how many days in helsinki is enough, where to stay in helsinki, do i need a visa for helsinki, when is the best time to visit helsinki, is helsinki safe for a solo female traveler, local currency, people, language, simcard, must-have travel apps for helsinki, what to eat in helsinki, where to eat in helsinki, solo travel to helsinki, best places to visit in helsinki, best place to watch sunsets in helsinki, day trips from helsinki, let me know in the comments:.

solo trip to helsinki

It is a long story but in short, I wasn’t aware there were two airports in Helsinki. So, I arrived at the wrong one and missed a flight which led to spending all day at the airport to catch a late-night flight. Then I had to detour to London instead of flying direct to Italy. I was awake from 5 AM to 5 AM, it was an awful experience.

Okay back to the travel tips for your solo trip to Helsinki. We establish that there are 2 airports in Helsinki. 1. Helsinki-Malmi Airport (HEM) 2. Helsinki-Vantaa Airport (HEL) and 3. Hyvinkää Airfield (HYV, 50 km north of Helsinki not an airport but falls into the same region)

Use Skyscanner to scan the best price for flights to Helsinki. Most likely you land at the Helsinki-Vantaa International Airport. There are two terminals and both are open 24 hours with cafes and free WIFI. The connection was fast (100Mbs) and easy to use.

Alternatively, you could take a ferry from either Tallinn, Estonia (I did this), and Stockholm, Sweden. Ferries run daily between these countries and the journey takes 2 hours and 30 minutes from Tallinn. I bought the ferry ticket from Eckeroline cost $44 and they run twice daily. The Helsinki Stockholm ferry route connects Finland with Sweden and is currently operated by 2 ferry companies. The Tallink Silja service runs up to 7 times per week with a sailing duration of around 17 hours 30 minutes and the Viking Line service runs up to 7 times per week with a duration from 17 hr 45 min.

By Train/Bus

If flying or taking a ferry is not your style, you can also travel overland from Copenhagen to Helsinki with train or car ferry via Malmö Centralstation which takes 24h 18m and costs $230 – $470. Trains also run daily to Helsinki from St Petersburg and Moscow! Fares start from around $33 one-way in 2nd class or $78 in 1st class if you pre-book, rising to around $90 in 2nd class, $149 in 1st class if you buy your tickets close to the departure date. Children aged 6 to 16 (inclusive) travel at half fare.

Regardless of the mode of transport, you choose, once you arrive in Helsinki you will find its fresh Nordic air and charming city beautiful.

The first option I always suggest is to walk around the new city because it offers so much more with the sights, sounds, conversations with the locals, and more.

That said, Helsinki also has an established public transport system served by bus, and tram. I found the tram to be clean, fast, and frequent which made accessing Helsinki’s main tourist areas easy. You can buy a single ticket from the tram driver costs 3 euros. A tram ticket is just a special discounted (2,20 €) ticket, which is valid only on Helsinki trams. As a separate ticked it can only be purchased from ticket vending machines – not from a tram driver. There is also a shared-bike scheme City Bikes that offers some 1500 bikes at 150 stations citywide from April to September!

Alternatively, you can download Uber for going around in Bratislava. Here is the $10 off your first ride on the Uber app. Use code ‘k7zapn’ to sign up. Enjoy!  https://www.uber.com/invite/k7zapn

Although I like staying until my visa runs out in each country, I would say at least 3 days is the ideal time to spend in Helsinki. That is just enough time to explore the city and perhaps take a day trip or two.

If you don’t want to stay in expensive hotels or cheap dirty hostels, the easy alternative is to stay at Airbnb. You can even wash the bedsheets once you arrive as Airbnbs usually come with washing and laundry. You would be spoilt for choice in some of the best neighborhoods which are city center, especially in Kammpi, Eira, Ullanlinna, Kaivopuisto, Punavuori, and Töölö in the southern parts of the city. Kulosaari, Munkkiniemi, Lehtisaari, and Kuusisaari are a bit farther away, but still worth considering too.

Open a new Airbnb account with my link and use this $50-70 Airbnb discount for your first booking.

If your passport is from the EU, and EEA you do not need a visa to enter Helsinki, you can stay for unlimited time using only the National ID (except UK citizens, passports are needed). For Australians, we can stay up to 90 days on an arrival stamp. That being said, the authorities may ask for the return air or ferry ticket. I highly recommend checking the official website online or with your local embassy to find out if your country requires an Estonian visa.

The best times to visit Helsinki are May throughout August because during these months usually the climate is warm-sunny and there are tons of events and activities you can enjoy in the long summer days. Plus the outdoor markers, harbor, and beach. If you are into winter sports, snow or Lapland going during winter December to March would be perfect for you.

solo trip to helsinki

My solo trip to Helsinki was safe. So I would say unless there is a drastic change in the country’s political situation, pandemic, or some natural disaster it is safe to travel to Helsinki. Just remember to apply a general rule of thumb i.e. Don’t walk down that dark alleyway on your own, respect the culture, don’t argue about religion, dress modestly, trust your instincts, don’t be afraid but be cautious.

The official currency in Finland is the euro (€). Remember to consider bank fees from your bank and the ATM withdraw fee while you do your budget.

My experience meeting the local Finns was positive. They were all friendly and funny! It’s the people who make the country right? so I think it’s fair to say these happy people made Finland the happiest country in the world! Of course, personal freedom and a good work-life balance reflect people’s general happiness in life also.

Locals speak their main native language Finnish, with Swedish and the Sami language as other official languages and love their coffee and sauna!

I used Elisa for Simcard, worked fine. It is also easy to upgrade and recharge your data plan. https://lataa.elisa.fi/

Starter packages for Elisa and other operators are available at every R-Kioski. No need for registration. Finland’s country domain is .fi, and country code is +358.

Google Translate for easy communication on the local language and it’s extremely simple to use!

Uber for going around in Bratislava. Here is the $10 off your first ride on the Uber app. Use code ‘k7zapn’ to sign up. Enjoy!  https://www.uber.com/invite/k7zapn

HSL App for the most comprehensive travel information on public transport across the Helsinki metropolitan area- tram, bus, metro, and train.

Helsinki Bikes app is useful for those with a city bike membership.

VR app because it provides long-distance rail passenger transport within Finland and to Russia.

Taksi Helsinki is available pretty much available 24/7 but compared to Uber was expensive.

Unicafe, Wolt, and ResQ for food delivery and cheap food.

Ylläs Aurora App for anyone in search of the Northern Lights in Finland. The app tells you where the Northern Lights have been spotted, there is a 2,99€ charge though.

Google Maps because it offers very good coverage of Bratislava, including Street View. Google Drive, Calendar for time management, and storing pictures.

Direct Ferries app to compare companies, prices, and, once you’re happy, book those ferry tickets.

Visiting Helsinki wouldn’t be complete without trying their food! The must-try food in Helsinki is Baltic Herrin, Grilled Sausages (Grillimakkara), Salted Licorice (Salmiakki), Karjalanpiirakka (rice pies), Ruisleipa (rye bread), Leipajuusto (bread cheese), Kalakukko (fish pie), Korvapuusti (cinnamon buns), Lihapullat (Finnish meatballs), Graavilohi (cured salmon), and Mustikkapiirakka (blueberry pie).

As you know most countries have a signature drink. Finland is no different. So the must-try drink in Helsinki is the local spirit called Finlandia Vodka which has approximately 80% alcohol content!

Because of Helsinki’s vibrant food culture, whether you’re interested in fine dining or street food you can find both here. There are some great island restaurants to choose from and for seasonal delicacies, the traditional market halls and market places are the best. Some places that I recommend are Restaurant Bassi, Saaga, Muru, Sasslik, and Finnjävel Sali. Don’t be afraid to go on solo dining Helsinki, the food is worth it!

helsinki travel alone

Now that we got the practical tips out of the way, let’s get into the best places to visit during your solo travel to Tallinn and day trips from it.

If it’s your solo trip to Helsinki, and you would like to meet other fellow travelers I consider joining a walking tour, meet other travelers and get familiar with the city with the help of licensed, professional guides. There are many types of walking tours available from the public to private tours ranging from 1 to 3 hours.

Either way, whether you join the tours or end up exploring on your own, here are the must-see places in Helsinki you shouldn’t miss: Helsinki Cathedral, The Senate Square, The Market Square, Temppeliaukio Church, Suomenlinna or Sveaborg, The historic Town Hall Square, The biggest historical museum in Helsinki National Museum of Finland, the Finnish National Opera, the Finlandia concert hall, and the Helsinki Music Centre.

Another option is to get a hop on hop off bus card. It is a fun way to explore also and covers following places. Senate Square, Havis Amanda, Olympia Terminal / Mannerheim Museum, Kaivopuisto Park, Eira, Hernesaari Cruise Terminal (for cruise ships), Melkki Cruise Terminal (for cruise ships), Hietalahti Flea Market / Market Hall, Bulevardi, Tennis Palace / Kamppi, Rock Church, Sibelius Monument, Olympic Stadium, Parliament / National Museum, City Centre / Lasipalatsi, Swedish Theatre and Esplanade / Market.

If you heading there in August, check out the Helsinki Festival which is an annual art and culture festival, which takes place every August (including the Night of the Arts).

For a breath of fresh air in Helsinki, you can visit Nuuksio National Park which is one of Finland’s top nature attractions or go to Korkeasaari Zoo, Hietaranta Beach, Aurinkolahti Beach, Tropicario, Baana.

helsinki travel alone

There are some great places you can watch the sunsets in Helsinki during your solo trip to Helsinki. Such as, Atelijee rooftop bar (even the bathroom had amazing views!), SkyWheel, Uspenski Cathedral, Observatory Hill, Linnanmäki Observation Tower, Suomenlinna Fortress island, Malminkartano Hill, Harakka Nature Centre, Pihlajasaari Island, Kaivopuisto Park, and sunsets by the sea in Siltasaari, Hakaniemi, Kruununhaka, or Katajanokka.

solo trip to helsinki

Locals in Helsinki enjoy crossing the Baltic sea to go to Tallinn on a day trip. Whether that be for cheaper booze shopping or a simple day out. You can also easily do a day trip and back, taking a plane to Sweden. If that is a little too much, you can visit Nuuksio National Park for a full-day hike from Helsinki, or head out to see the beautiful nearby medieval town of Porvoo.

I hope this solo trip to Helsinki article helped you in planning your travels.

solo trip to helsinki

  • If you have any questions about this solo travel to Helsinki
  • Next up is 5 days Switzerland itinerary
  • Budapest 2 day itinerary
  • Solo travel to Copenhagen
  • Check out what to do in Prague in September
  • Is Greece your next destination? Check out 14 days Greece itinerary
  • 5 most beautiful cities in Morocco
  • One month in Italy guide is here
  • How about a weekend in Berlin ?
  • Wondering what to see in Sofia in one day ?
  • Interested in 10 hidden beaches and bays in Sydney ?
  • Solo female travel to Andorra
  • 99% of readers found must see on the east coast of Australia helpful.
  • Sydney itinerary 5 days is here.
  • Check out Japan 3 week itinerary
  • Here are the 11 best bars in Hanoi you don’t want to miss
  • Check out all the Australia travel guide (Everything you need to know about traveling to Sydney is here)
  • Solo travel guide to Brisbane (Gold coast and Insta worthy places included!
  • Exploring Adelaide the best way is a must-read
  • Best Australia travel guide to Uluru trip
  • Attractions in Perth, Western Australia
  • Here I blog about the Melbourne attractions
  • If you need to book accommodations for your next travels, open a new Airbnb account with my link and use this $76 Airbnb discount for your first booking.
  • If you like this article, follow my adventures on Instagram ,  Facebook ,  YouTube ,  Twitter , and Pinterest , but most importantly  sign up to my email list  to keep up with updates and travel tips!
  • ← 5 Best Cafes in Vientiane Laos
  • When is the best time to trek Everest base camp →

You May Also Like

Solo female travel to Budva

Solo Female Travel To Budva, Montenegro

solo travel to porto

Solo travel to Porto, Portugal

6 Unusual things to do in Sofia (With photos)

6 Unusual things to do in Sofia (With photos)

Leave a reply cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Third Eye Traveller

Helsinki Bucket List – 28 Awesome Things to Do in Helsinki!

By: Author Sophie Pearce

Posted on Last updated: August 19, 2023

Categories HELSINKI , FINLAND

This post may contain affiliate links. Please see my disclosure policy for details.

Are you ready for the ultimate Helsinki bucket list?! I’m going to list out all the incredible things to do in Helsinki which will include some really unique experiences on your travels in Finland. 

Now, Helsinki is not like any capital city you’ve been to before. It’s actually an archipelago of 330 islands by the Baltic Sea! You really will be spoiled for choice. 

So, whether you’re sweat bathing in a steamy sauna, swimming (or screaming) in the icy sea, having coffee with Moomin’s or admiring some epic Finnish art and architecture, it won’t be something you’ll forget in a hurry. 

So, come along with me on this Helsinki bucket list and I’ll show you around all the things to do in Helsinki you cannot miss!

helsinki bucket list things to do

How to reach Helsinki

Helsinki is the capital of Finland in the North of Europe, sandwiched between Sweden and Russia. Two countries you’ll soon become very familiar with when learning about Finland’s colourful colonial history.

Helsinki is kind of out on a limb pointing directly into the sea, so you’re two most convenient options are to fly in by plane or to sail into the harbour. 

Flying into Helsinki

International flights run throughout Europe and Finland has its own national airline, Finnair , to fly you there.

I loved flying with them here as they had a great entertainment system to watch movies while you fly. I watched The Favourite and loved it.

Also, they provide each passenger with free coffee or tea, water and bilberry juice in cute Marimekko cups! Moomin’ are their national ambassador too so the whole experience was quintessentially Finnish.

things to do in helsinki

Sailing into Helsinki

If you’re heading here from Estonia, Tallinn to Helsinki is only a two-hour ferry ride away. I went on a day trip from Helsinki to Tallinn and back aboard Tallink ferries.

I would highly recommend their cruise liners, they’re like resorts over the seas! These ships can hold over 2800 people and have restaurants, duty-free shopping, a business lounge, bars, and even Starbuck’s and Burger King! 

Click here to see my full review of Ferry the experience. 

Where to stay in Helsinki

There are many options to stay around the city for all budgets including hotels, hostels and self-catering apartments. 

I stayed at Aallankoti Hotel Apartments during my stay. The whole studio was decorated in the Finnish style, including Marimekko bedding, which came with a kitchen and its own balcony and a beautiful view.

I loved the fact I could cook for myself here when I didn’t fancy eating out at a restaurant. 

If you’d prefer a hotel there are a few luxury options like Hotel Kämp or Hotel St. George Helsinki . Hostels include Eurohostel , Myö Hostel and CheapSleep Hotel .

moomin cafe helsinki

How to get around Helsinki

You can walk easily around Helsinki as it’s quite compact.

In the summer season, you can also rent bikes to get around. They have city bikes and private companies to rent from like Bicyclean , that have cute vintage-style bikes with baskets too.

There is a bike lane on nearly every pavement so it’s really easy to navigate. The Finn’s take their bike lanes VERY seriously here, so make sure you’re not walking in one when a bike comes along! 

Public Transport in Helsinki

Helsinki also has an incredibly efficient transport system to get you around. There is an underground metro and an extensive bus fleet to get you from station to station.

I personally loved their trams as I enjoyed being able to watch the world outside and there was always a tram stop easy to spot nearby.

Click here to see the HSL website , the official public transport page.

things to do in helsinki

Journey Planning in Helsinki

I used Google Maps a lot while I was in Helsinki to check which tram or bus to board, but you can also use Helsinki Journey Planner here too – it’s a popular way for Finn’s to plan their route!

Helsinki Scooters

If you’re here in the summer season and see random electric scooters parked around the city, don’t worry. No one has left them there. They’re actually from a company called VOI which is an awesome app where you can rent a scooter to ride! 

The scooters have chips in them with GPS and you can rent them from one place to another. So, you simply download the app, geolocate your scooter, ride it to your location and leave it there for the next person to use. VOI vans will pick them up later. 

That’s right, Helsinki is a really progressive city!

Helsinki Transport Card

It may be worth investing in a Helsinki transport card while you’re here for unlimited use of public transport during your stay which includes ferries to islands like Suomenlinna.

Or, you can buy a Helsinki Card that gets you free public transport and entry to most of the main attractions.

things to do in helsinki bucket list

Are Finland and Helsinki safe to travel to?  

YES! I think people get a little scared as it’s so far north in Europe but Helsinki was one of the safest cities I’ve travelled to.

I didn’t once feel unsafe, even walking around at night time and everyone is so friendly and hospitable. Obviously, use the proper precautions like in any city but I didn’t once feel scared to have my camera on show that’s for sure. 

Finn’s are renowned for their want of personal space (similar to the British) so you’ll be left alone to enjoy the city unless you want to meet people. There’s no hard selling or hassle here.

Helsinki has consistently been voted as one of the happiest cities to live in Europe, so I guess that speaks volumes for its people and the tourists that visit there! Don’t worry. 

28 incredible things to do in Helsinki 

1. climb up the helsinki cathedral steps (helsingin tuomiokirkko).

As the symbol of Helsinki, this is a must-do. In fact, if you only have time to visit one place on a sweeping visit, make sure this is it!

It’s beautiful to look at all times of the day and at night, it’s a stunning sight lit up against the night sky.

HELSINKIBLOG 4 of 69

It’s Finnish Evangelical Lutheran cathedral and was originally constructed by Carl Ludvig Enge in 1852.

During the Russian Empire, when Helsinki was part of the Great Duchy of Finland , it was called St. Nicholas Church and was built in celebration of Tzar Nicholas I.

The architecture was actually based on the St. Isaac Cathedral in Saint Petersburg in Russia.

It sits proudly in Senate Square, which was also built in the Czarist Empire and you can see a statue of the Tzar in the middle.

In the 19th century, the cathedral used to rise high above all other buildings in the city and was an iconic landmark for those who were entering Helsinki over the seas.

Today, it’s simply called the Helsinki Cathedral or Helsinki tuomiokirkko. It has pretty onion domes with twelve apostles guarding the roof. You can climb up the cathedral steps for an epic view and have a peek inside the building if you wish. 

When I went inside It was empty and silence is requested as you walk around. I felt awful as my shoes couldn’t stop squeaking from the snow!

The Helsinki Cathedral is located in Senate Square and FREE to enter (donations appreciated). It’s open in the summer season 9 am – 6 pm daily.

things to do in helsinki bucket list

2. Take the ferry to Suomenlinna Island

Another must-do in Helsinki if you have time is to grab the ferry over to the magical Suomenlinna Island .

The journey is only ten minutes over the sea and you’ll be transported into another world.

It’s one of the most popular tourist attractions in Finland, so make sure you include it. 

suomenlinna fortress

How to reach Suomenlinna Island

The only way to reach Suomenlinna Island is by boat and there is a public ferry that runs throughout the day from the main dock in Helsinki. 

It costs 5 Euros one way but it’s also included in your transport card if you have one.

The ferry runs from early morning at 6 am until around midnight. There are indoor and outdoor seats depending on the weather. There are some great views as you pull in!

You can check Suomenlinna ferry times on the official website too

The History of Suomenlinna Island 

Suomenlinna is often referred to as the ‘castle of Finland’ and has a really interesting history.

It was built as a sea fortress by the Swedes in defence against the Russians in the 1700s.

The Sea Fortress, known as Sveaborg or Viapori in Finnish, was constructed on the Susiluodot islands. Back then, the Helsinki we know today on land was just a small fishing village.

Fast forward a century later and Viapori was taken over by the Russians and became Peter the Great’s Naval Fortress to protect St Petersburg in Russia.

By 1917, although Finland had its independence, Viapori was still governed by the Russians. 

During the Finnish Civil War, in May 1918, the fortress was handed back to Finland and renamed ‘Suomenlinna’ or the Castle of Finland.

It was then used as a garrison with military units and artillery.

In 1991, it became a UNESCO world heritage site and is now one of the most popular tourist attractions in Finland! 

helsinki bucket list things to do in helsinki

Things to do on Suomenlinna Island 

As a living island, there are 800 lucky residents on Suomenlinna! But, it’s also like a living museum and going back in time to a different century.

The island has a blue route you can follow to see the highlights. They have a visitor map you can access here. 

I’d leave at least half a day to explore, or even a whole day. Here are some things to do on Suomenlinna;

  • Visit the Suomenlinna visitor centre with a museum all about the island and a café for a coffee stop, there are actually six museums on the island
  • Make a stop at the Church park and marvel at Suomenlinna Church 
  • Visit the Great Courtyard and admire the old-fashioned houses and manors
  • Hike over to the King’s Gate, this honestly made me feel like I was in Kings Landing in Game of Thrones!
  • See some traditional Scandinavian houses in Piper’s Park
  • Visit the Artillery banks and look at all the canons left behind 
  • Grab some lunch at Silo’s Café or the many Ravintola’s on the island
  • Throw pebbles on the beach, yes there is a beach on Suomenlinna but don’t expect it to be bikini weather!

Or, you can see my ULTIMATE guide of everything you need to know about Suomenlinna island here !

suomenlinna fortress

3. Take a dip in the Allas Sea Pool

Allas Sea Pool is the best swimming pool in Helsinki and for good reason.

When else can you say you’ve taken a dip in a thermal pool overlooking the Baltic Sea?! It’s also a sauna, so if you did want a taste of sauna culture in Finland, this will be the place. 

Traditionally, Finn’s will bathe in the Sauna for a while, then cool off in the sea or snow! So, you’ll be following in the footsteps of a Finn if you also take part.

The Allas Sea Pool gets its name from the Sea Pool on the deck which is filled up from the Baltic Sea! It’s from a body of water far from the main dock and filtered so don’t worry about it being dirty. 

I’m also sorry to report that it’s the same temperature as the sea that day too. So, you could be swimming in minus temperatures!

Although cold, it’s meant to be really good for your health so you must try it at least once. Then, you can warm up in the steamy thermal pool set at 27 degrees.

I’m not gonna lie, when I tried it, my whole body felt like pins and needles! But, it gave me energy and it was a ‘once’ in a lifetime experience, as in I will never do it again haha. 

To read my full experience at Allas Sea Pool and some top tips to know before you visit click here.  Or find out some etiquette for Finnish saunas here .

allas sea pool helsinki

4. Visit a Moomin Café

The Moomins are more than just a tourist fad in Finland, they’re a national icon! In fact, they have been inspiring Finn’s for generations and there isn’t one Finnish family who doesn’t have a Moomin mug in their house. 

Tove Jansson, the creator of the Moomin’s and the original “Moomin Mama” came from Helsinki, so you need to get acquainted with these guys fast.

The Moomins are a troll family that live in Moominhouse in Moominvalley. It’s made up of Moominmama, Moominpapa, Moomintroll and many of their extended family are friends that make appearances in the books.

Jansson created the Moomin’s in the 1940s and wrote eight novels, many short stories and picture books. 

moomin cafe helsinki

They first began making a worldwide appearance in the 1950s when London Evening News picked them up as a comic strip in their paper. Then, there was the 90s Japanese TV series and now a 3D Moominvalley TV series too. 

As a 90s kid, I was brought up with the Moomins in the UK and used to watch cartoons all the time! So, when I found out there was a Moomin Cafe in Helsinki, I pretty much skipped right over there.

There are four Moomin cafés in the capital and they are also building one at Helsinki Airport. You can get a coffee, hot chocolate or berry tea (a Moomin favourite) and get your favourite Moomin friends to join you. All the cakes are also lovingly prepared on Moomin plates with Moomin decorations.

I wrote about my full experience at the Moomin Café here and why you need to visit!

moomin cafe helsinki

5. Marvel at Kiasma Art Museum

Kiasma is a contemporary art museum in Helsinki and the number one contemporary art museum in Finland. With the theme ‘Here you are. Let the art do good’, their mission is to make the art more of an experience and a feeling rather than admiring it on a wall. 

My favourite art piece in this museum was ‘Shoplifter’ and it’s probably their most famous exhibit right now.

Created by Hrafnhildur Arnardóttir who is an Icelandic artist living in New York, her name translates to war of the raven’s daughter of the eagles (ummm how cool?!).

As people couldn’t pronounce her name in New York she then took on the nickname ‘Shoplifter’ hence the name of the installation.

This colourful art exhibition is made out of artificial hair, which is usually a trademark for everyone whether real or fake, Arnardóttir says it’s ‘a remnant of the wildness we all possess’. The aim of the exhibit is to produce joy as the pretty vibrant colours produce Seratonin, which makes us happy!

So, you can do what you like here! Stroke the furry wall (lol, I love Get him to the Greek) lie down and take in the colours or just simply admire and ‘let the art do good’ – you choose.

There are also lots of other interactive things to do here like their ‘The Stage Is Yours’ where you can sketch your own portrait or put on some headphones and follow the instructions. I loved how it made art accessible to everyone including young children and tried to push the boundaries of elitism with art. 

Kiasma Art Exhibition is open from 10 am Tuesday-Sunday (closed Monday’s) with different closing times. Click the link for more details and joint museum tickets.

things to do in helsinki bucket list

6. Walk over to Seurasaari island

Helsinki is an archipelago of 330 islands, but not all of them require access by ferry!

Seurasaari Island is one that you can walk over to and it’s like going back in time. There are no TV wires or modern brick houses on this island, all the houses are traditionally Scandinavian and wooden. 

You can take a walking route around the island, passing traditional farmhouses, churches, windmills, and log huts, they even have their very own sauna and public swimming pool.

It’s a popular jogging route with locals and it’s so serene. I couldn’t believe that a natural paradise was located so close to the urban city! 

things to do in helsinki bucket list

Seurasaari Island is open all year round and is FREE to visit during the winter months. You don’t get to go inside the houses then but you can still walk around and admire the scenery.

In summer it’s a living museum and you have to pay to enter, but you can experience history with people there in traditional dress to explain life on the island a few hundred years ago. 

You can get here by taking the line 24 bus to Seurasaari from the Central Railway Station. It takes around thirty minutes.

In winter, I’d bring some food with you and also use the toilet before you go as there aren’t any facilities. You’re welcome! I made that mistake and it was a LONG uncomfortable bus ride back to find a bathroom. 

things to do in helsinki bucket list

7. Drink cocktails with a view in Ateljee Bar

I LOVE a sky bar in any city and Helsinki has an awesome one! Located in Hotel Torni you can take the lift up to their top floor and enter Ateljee Bar which has a panoramic view of the whole of Helsinki. 

Serving up an epic wine list, craft beers and an interesting array of colourful cocktails, you can clink your glasses and say ‘Cheers’ or ‘Kippis’ (in the Finnish way) to the world at 70 metres below. Cocktails aren’t cheap at 15 Euros a pop but it’s the view you’re really paying for.

I would definitely recommend getting here for sunset (which seems to last forever) and watching the skylight on fire! From here I could see the Baltic sea, Helsinki Cathedral, Uspenski Cathedral and lots of buildings lighting up when the sun went down.

They have an indoor bar and a heated terrace to sit on with blankets should you feel a chill in the air. 

Also, have a laugh when you visit their bathrooms. It looks like the whole world is watching but, don’t worry, it’s mirrored on the other side!

Ateljee Bar is open from Monday – Thursday 2 pm – 1 am. Friday 2pm – 2am. Saturday’s 12pm – 2am and Sunday’s 2pm – 12am. 

See more of the best places to eat in Helsinki here

where to eat in helsinki

8. Learn Finnish history at the National Museum of Finland

Before visiting Helsinki, I wasn’t aware of Finland’s long and complex history before it became an independent country. In fact, they’ve only had their independence for a little over 100 years! 

There have been human settlers in Finland since the Ice Age, but its most complex colonial history comes with the Swedish and Russian invasions.

Sweden ruled from medieval times to the 19th century, and then Russia took over after that. 

Finland, being sandwiched in the middle, was constantly brought into battles between the two most famously, the Russia-Swedish war in the 18th century or ‘war of the hats’. 

things to do in helsinki bucket list

Finally, in 1917 a declaration of independence was granted to Finland and signed on the 6th of December. Every year since independence day is celebrated by its people on that day. 

In the National Museum of Finland, you can learn all about the country’s history up to the present day including the all-important history of the sauna. 

Did you know that metal is a big thing in Finland? Here you can don headphones to listen to some bands. 

The National Museum of Finland is open in winter from 11 am – 8 pm on Wednesdays, 11 am – 6 pm Thursday to Sunday’s and closed Monday’s. In Summer it’s open Monday to Sunday 11 am – 6 pm and Wednesday’s 11 am – 8 pm. 

things to do in helsinki bucket list

9. Visit Oodi Library – an architectural masterpiece  

On the 100th year anniversary of Finland’s independence, the people of Helsinki were asked what they wanted to be built in the city as a gift. To the surprise of most people, they decided against a sauna and wanted a library instead!

Now, a library in Finland isn’t what you would imagine a library to be. Just an old room with shelves of dusty books to rent.

No, no. Finland’s libraries are so much more than that. In fact, Oodi only has one floor out of three dedicated to books. 

HELSINKIBLOG 69 of 69 1

The libraries in Finland almost act like community centres with restaurants, coffee shops, computers to study, social areas and even a kitchen to rent so you can cook with friends! It also has really accessible opening times compared to most places in the city.

Not only that but it’s got some INCREDIBLE architecture. So, amazing that walking tours stop by to show tourists visiting the city. So, you can visit their “book heaven”, sit down and relax or explore. The choice is yours. 

  Oodi Library is FREE to enter and open from 8 am – 10 pm Monday to Friday and 10 am – 8 pm Saturday and Sunday.

things to do in helsinki bucket list

10. Steam up in a Finnish Sauna and swim in the Baltic Sea

If you haven’t got the memo, saunas are a BIG thing in Finland. Although sweat bathing has been around for centuries, the Finn’s pretty much invented the sauna we know today and are the reason why we have them around the world. 

If you’ve never been to a sauna, it’s essentially a wooden box that is heated up by logs on a stove to create steam. The steam heats the sauna to around 80 degrees celsius and you simply sit inside and let it do its healing work. 

Afterwards, you can cool off in a shower, or do how the Finn’s do and bathe in the sea or snow! Then, you can begin the cycle again by reentering the sauna and repeating as many times as you like. 

If you’ve also heard rumours about Finn’s sitting in a sauna naked with strangers and slapping their legs with birch twigs (Vasta) then you’ve heard right! But, don’t worry, most sauna’s are men and women only.

finnish sauna etiquette

Where to try a sauna in Helsinki

If you’re looking for a public sauna in Helsinki to catch the sauna bug, then I would recommend Löyly. Even to locals, it’s the best place to experience a sauna.

Here you can try a variety of sauna rooms and even take a dip in the Baltic Sea! They have their own step ladder leading into it. Most people just dip for a brief moment but I did see others swimming. 

Make sure you book your sauna session at Löyly as it’s extremely popular and reserve a table for food. 

Löyly opening times for the public sauna differ so check the website for details. I would highly recommend booking so you’re not turned away. 

If you’re a little nervous about sauna etiquette in Finland, I’ve made a whole guide with top tips here.

11. Drink a filter coffee 

Did you know that Finn’s drink the most coffee in the entire world?!

While to most of us coffee is part of our morning routine, for the Finn’s it’s a way of life. The average Finn drinks eight cups of coffee a day but it’s definitely more of a social thing than to stay awake.

There are so many coffee shops in the city, but I would highly recommend tasting a cup at Kaffa’s Roastery .

A popular independent in Helsinki, they are really ethically conscious too. They donate a lot of their proceeds to Coffee Kids which aims at providing better welfare to their coffee plantation workers and building a bond. 

Did you know that Helsinki also hosts the largest coffee festival in the world ? I was lucky enough to land in Helsinki at the same time it was on.

Here, they talked about the future of coffee and sustainability, stalls where you could try samples and even places selling coffee-themed jewellery! I also tried coffee-flavoured Kombucha for the first time and it was delicious. 

where to eat in helsinki

12. Find peace at Temppeliaukio Rock Church in Helsinki

This is one of the top attractions in the city!

The cave church of Helsinki or Temppeliaukio is a wonder and worth a stop while you’re here.

It was quarried out of natural bedrock by the brothers Timo and Tuomo Suomalainen and was built in 1969. It’s home to the Lutheran parish Töölön seurakunta which has around 16500 members!

Tickets are 3 Euros’ but as there are quite long queues you have the option to order online . If you come before noon you can be treated to the ‘light show’ of the sunbeams shining through the church. There is also FREE entry on Wednesday afternoons. 

Silence is strictly required in here, so it’s really peaceful to sit inside and take it all in. Once you’re finished don’t forget you can climb to the top of the church to see the dome! It’s a great view too.  

Temppeliaukio Rock Church is open from 9.30 am-7 pm Monday – Saturday and 12 pm-5 pm on Sundays.

things to do in helsinki bucket list

13. Have brunch at Ekberg’s 

Ekberg’s is one of the oldest bakeries in Finland established in 1852 and is a must-visit when in Helsinki.

They have a bakery where locals go shopping for their daily bread and a restaurant next door that serves up a tasty all-you-can-eat breakfast. 

Over breakfast, I would personally book in for their brunch which happens on weekends.

Here, there is so many choices on what to eat from pastries, cereals, sausages, scrambled egg, yoghurt, fruit and even hot dishes like noodles.

Of course, there is all you can drink coffee, juice and tea also. So, come hungry! Make sure to reserve a table in advance , it’s really popular with locals. 

Ekberg’s 1852 serves up brunch from 9 am – 2 pm on weekends. Breakfast is from 7.30 am – 10.30 am Monday to Friday.

To find out all the top places to eat and drink in Helsinki, you can read my full guide of restaurants and cafés here. 

where to eat in helsinki

14. Fall in love with the National Library of Finland 

If my library looked like this back home, I think I’d make camp and never leave!

The National Library of Finland is the oldest and largest library in Finland. The oldest part of the library was built in 1844 by Carl Ludvig Engel, the same guy who built the Helsinki Cathedral just outside.

The ‘newer’ part of the building Rotunda was constructed in 1903 by Gustaf Nyström.

Below the library, they have a book bunker, called Kirjaluola and in total, they have over three million books and 718 million files with digitised page files!

Of course, I only went in to admire the architecture which was breathtaking! When you go inside keep quiet and be mindful of people studying. Also, make sure to put your coats and jackets in a locker before you enter.

The National Library of Finland is FREE to enter and open from 9 am – 6 pm Monday to Friday.

things to do in helsinki bucket list

15. Visit Uspenski Cathedral 

Another iconic landmark in Helsinki is the beautiful red-bricked Uspenski Cathedral. Located near to the sea’s edge, it’s an Orthodox cathedral that was completed in 1868 during the Russian occupation.

It’s the most prominent example of the Russian impact on Finland and it also holds the title of the largest Orthodox Cathedral in Western Europe! 

You can gaze at this gorgeous building from the outside with its gold onion domes, or pop inside to marvel at the interior with its high ceilings. Donate some pennies to light a candle or just sit and enjoy the peace for a while, the choice is yours.

The Uspenski Cathedral is closed on Mondays but otherwise open Tuesday to Sunday and is FREE to enter. Check the website for opening times. 

things to do in helsinki bucket list

16. Get artsy at Amos Rex

Amos Rex is another contemporary art exhibition, located near the Central Railway Station.

Here it’s a small space, so you can really immerse yourself in the exhibitions that are on display. This museum aims to make the past, present and future meet through captivating art installations. 

I was kind of bummed when I arrived as I find out they no longer had Bio Lab. But, I actually was really impressed with their Studio Drift: Elemental Exhibition.

When you walked into the space, a giant concrete box was moving around the room…with no strings! It was just floating by magnetic energy which was crazy. I was a little worried to stand underneath it being honest haha. But, it didn’t fall. 

It’s meant to explore the premise in which all living beings operate, single entities attaching themselves to larger contexts. But, I didn’t feel it needed an explanation, it’s just nice to leave it to your imagination!

There were also the life works of Magritte on display, a Belgian surrealist artist, which was hugely popular. Exhibits change all the time to keep the museum fresh and interesting, so always check their website for details. 

You must store bags and coats in the cloakroom and no selfie sticks or tripods are allowed inside. 

Amos Rex is actually underneath the city, so don’t forget to check out the outside above ground. It reminded me a little bit of a submarine with big huge round windows. You can run and climb on the domes here and visit the various cafés and Bio Rex, a cinema!

Amos Rex is open from 11 am daily and closed on Tuesdays. Closing times differ each evening from 5 pm – 8 pm so check beforehand.

things to do in helsinki bucket list

17. Take the ferry over to Tallinn for a day trip 

A super Finnish thing to do is to get a ferry over to Tallinn for the day. Did you know that you can sail from Helsinki to Tallinn in just two hours?! During my week in Helsinki, I boarded the ferry with Tallink Silja to take me over to Estonia. 

This is not just any ferry, it’s a huge ship that boards thousands a day. It has restaurants, a sun terrace, duty-free shopping and more. If you have the cash to upgrade your ticket to business, I would! It comes with extra space, an all-you-can-eat buffet and a free pour bar! 

Click here to read all about the ferry from Helsinki to Tallinn and how to book !

helsinki to tallinn ferry

What to do on a day trip to Tallinn

Once you hit Estonian shores, the Old Town is only 15 minutes walk from the ferry dock so there will be lots of time to explore. There’s actually so much you can do with just one day in this fairytale city;

  • Visit the many viewing platforms for an epic view including the highly Instagrammable ‘ The Times We Had ‘ sign
  • Climb the city walls and towers, there are many places to do this but I recommend Kiek in da Kök the mightiest defence tower of the Baltics 
  • Sip mead in the medieval tavern of Olde Hansa or treat yourself to an authentic 15th-century dish
  • Go on a FREE walking tour with Tales of Reval which was walking performances
  • Climb up Olav’s tower for the best view of the whole of Tallinn
  • Visit the Town Hall Square to see colourful old buildings and drink a Glögg (hot wine)

If you need more inspiration for things to get up to on your day trip, read my full guide here  or my photography guide here.

the times we had Tallinn

18. Visit Helsinki’s cutest coffee hut; Café Regatta

Cafe Regatta looks like it’s been transported straight from Lapland and invites you in for a filter coffee or one of their famous cinnamon buns.

Built in 1887 and set on a beautiful picture-perfect lake, it looks like something from a postcard. 

In winter you can come inside their hut for a filter coffee to keep warm by the fire and in summer you can bask in the sun outside by the lake.

If you were feeling peckish, why not grab a hot cinnamon bun or roast a sausage on the open fire?

It’s only five minutes walk from the Silbelius monument and is definitely worth a pitstop if you’re close.

But, their hospitality is no secret in Helsinki. There will be queues outside the door, so get there early on weekends if you don’t want to wait.  

Read more about Cafe Regatta in my post here. is open 7 days a week from 8 am – 10 pm. 

Cafe Regatta Helsinki

19. Strike a pose by the Sibelius monument 

If you’re in the area, then you must stop at the Sibelius monument. It’s a little far out of the main hub of the city but a stop at this popular statue is worth it. 

Jean Sibelius’ (1865-1957) is a world-famous Finnish composer and when he passed, the city decided to build something in his honour. A statue was built by Eila Hiltunen and was unveiled to the public in 1967 for everyone to enjoy in the park now known as Sibelius Park.  

The statue is made up of 600 steel organ pipes and there is a surrealist bust of him on one side. So, make sure you lie down and look up to appreciate the beauty. 

It’s a really popular photo stop for tour buses so prepare for this place to be packed at all times of day, I got there at 7 am and there were already people. But, wait your turn and a photo opportunity will become available. 

The Sibelius Monument is FREE and based in Sibelius Park which is open 24 hours a day.

things to do in helsinki bucket list

20. Gaze at Finland’s best artists in Ateneum

Ateneum is Finland’s best-known art museum in Helsinki that showcases international artists from past to present.

The name Ateneum is born from the Greek goddess of wisdom and welfare; Pallas Athene.

It was first started by the Finnish Art Society which established itself in 1846 and decided to put its most worthy works on display in a collection.

Donations were given as financial support for the artists to produce new works and it grew so popular that in 1863, it put its artwork permanently on display.

Although the museum did seek to buy work solely from Finnish artists, it also by the turn of the 20th century had to work by Van Gogh, Edvard Munch and Cézanne.

Today, it houses many contemporary works for people to enjoy, including famous Finnish painters.

When I visited, they had a marvellous exhibition around the works of František Kupka, a Czech abstract artist. 

It’s a beautiful museum full of inspiring works and I would highly recommend a visit. Large backpacks have to be stored in a locker.

Ateneum is open from 10 am Tuesday to Sunday and closed Mondays. Closing times differ throughout the week so always check before you go.

things to do in helsinki

21. Try a Finn’s favourite snack – the cinnamon bun!

A cinnamon bun or ‘korvapuustit’ in Finland is like a croissant in France, you have to try one!

It’s a popular sidekick to an order of filter coffee and every morning the bakeries in Helsinki give out the most gorgeous scent of cinnamon. 

Now to say that the Finn’s take their cinnamon buns seriously would be an understatement and apparently it takes years to master the art of appreciating them.

A cinnamon bun should be filled with cinnamon, made with layers of pastry that’s brown on top and sprinkled with lashings of pearl sugar so sweet you’ll feel your teeth are rotting!

They do some incredible cinnamon buns in Cafe Regatta , Café Esplanade and Café Succès.

where to eat in helsinki

22. Visit the Finnish Museum of Natural History

Having the Natural History Museum here in London, I thought I’d be bored of Natural History by now. But, Helsinki proved me wrong! 

The Finnish Museum of Natural History not only have colourful and unique displays of animals and nature, it was also extremely interactive. I loved learning all about Finnish wildlife and seeing all the animals, even if they weren’t real lol.

I would personally avoid weekends as it’s filled with kiddies running around and screaming all the time. 

It also had the most eye-catching architecture. I was really taken by their beautiful picture-perfect staircase. I mean, will you just look at it?! 

The Finnish Natural History Museum is open from 9 am on Mondays to Fridays and 10 am on Saturdays. Closing times differ so always check before you go.

things to do in helsinki bucket list

23. Walk down Huvilakatu: Helsinki’s most Instagrammable street

I mean, it wouldn’t be a bucket list without a few photo-worthy Instagram locations, right? In fact, I now have a whole blog post all about the Instagram places in Helsinki you can read here if you’re in it for the gram .

If you’re not bothered about awesome vibrant colourful streets then skip this next stop but if you want this on your photo reel then keep reading! 

Huvilakatu is a rainbow street in Helsinki that is one of the most photographed streets and translates to “villa street”.

Beyond just an Instagram spot, It’s actually one of the finest examples of Art Nouveau design in the city. It isn’t a cheap place to live by any means but you can call one of these homes for the night by renting them on Airbnb!

Make sure you pop by the Design Museum nearby to learn a bit more about Art Nouveau and its history!

Huvilakatu is in the Huvilakatu district and is easily accessible by bus or tram, open 24 hours a day

things to do in helsinki bucket list

24. Drink a Longkero drink 

Longkero is a Finnish national drink and is enjoyed in Finland almost as much as we English love our G&T’s. A Longkero is a long or tall drink that is made up of gin and mixed with grapefruit soda, lime or cranberry. 

The tale of Longkero began during the summer Olympics which were being held in Finland in 1952. Prohibition was still in place and so alcohol was banned.

To compromise Alko, a monopoly in Finland, made premixed drinks to serve international visitors. One of these was Longkero.

Ever since it’s been known as the Original Gin Long Drink and is still a popular beverage today!

So there you have it, you must try one while you’re here. It’s utterly delicious and you’ll be craving one long after you’ve left. 

things to do in helsinki bucket list

25. Dine at Savotta Restaurant  

Savotta is slap bang in the middle of Senate Square and has one of the most epic views to dine with overlooking the Helsinki Cathedral.

Not only the view, but Savotta serve up some amazing delectable Finnish cuisine to sample.

Now a three-course meal here will set you back around 65 Euros, but hear me out it’s worth the splurge! 

I would definitely go for their taste of Finland menu when you’re here. To start you will have a journey through Finland on land and sea which has salmon, caviare, bear salami, deer sausage, cheese pastries known as Leipäjuusto and berries.

Then moving on you’ll have a topside of reindeer with mash and lingonberries and to finish a sweet ending of Sisu ice cream.

This was one of my favourite meals in Helsinki. Make sure you reserve a table in advance , especially if you would like the view of the cathedral while you dine. 

For a whole list of the best food and drink spots in Helsinki see here. 

Savotta Restaurant  is in Senate Square, it serves food Monday to Saturday from 12 pm – 11 pm and from 6 pm – 10 pm on Sundays. 

where to eat in helsinki

26. Shop for Marimekko 

All the girls in Finland love Marimekko! That’s why you’ll see so many of them carrying purses, bags, pencil cases and even wearing jewellery and clothes made by Marimekko. 

Marimekko is a design house in Finland, which is celebrated worldwide for its prints and colours including the iconic poppy print.

It was founded in 1951 by Armi Ratia and hopes to bring confidence to those that wear it through its colourful and bold patterns. They combine fashion with home design and you can buy all sorts of Marimekko homeware to decorate your house too.

There are many Marimekko stores around Helsinki and even one in Helsinki airport if you decide to take some home with you. 

I loved the fact that my Aallankoti apartment in Helsinki was head-to-toe Marimekko! They’re such pretty prints.

27. Try Elk Meatballs – a national speciality!

Now, a little company called IKEA (haha) made Swedish meatballs world-renowned as coming from Sweden but the Finn also has them here too. Elk meatballs are a national dish. 

A lot of Finnish dishes come from the forest and the Finn’s have a rule called everyman’s right.  This means that people can enjoy Finnish nature freely whether that be walking, cycling, swimming, picking berries or fishing. Hunting Elk is also completely legal with a hunting permit and so you’ll see lots of it on the menu. 

Elk meatballs are traditionally cooked in a stew and served with mashed potatoes and lingonberries in Finland. It’s absolutely delicious! I tried some on my first night in Löyly spa and was hooked. 

where to eat in helsinki

28. Gorge on Fazer chocolate 

Fazer chocolate is another national favourite. You may notice when you order a cup of coffee, you’ll receive a cute little chocolate on the side of your cup. On further inspection, you’ll notice it’s by the Fazer chocolate company.

Originally created by Karl Fazer, Fazer chocolate has been around since 1922. Its home base is in Vantaa in Finland and has been enjoyed by Finn’s throughout the country ever since. It’s the highest quality chocolate and it seriously melts in the mouth! 

You can find Fazer chocolate sold all over the city and you must stop by one of their Fazer cafés in Helsinki too. As I was here over the Easter period, they had their famous easter eggs on sale.

It was like a normal chicken’s egg but when you cracked the shell it was filled with Fazer chocolate! So indulgent but worth every mouthful.  

Fazer chocolate also makes a cute souvenir and they sell them in travel-friendly packages to take home for your friends and family to try. 

where to eat in helsinki

Like it? Pin it!

things to do in helsinki bucket list

With thanks to My Helsinki for hosting my trip to Finland. Although I was a guest, all opinions and photos are my own. 

Saturday 22nd of April 2023

Awesome list Sophie - I've had a number of layovers in Helsinki and assumed I'd seen everything there was to see, heading back in a few weeks and thanks to this have plenty of additional things to catch now!

Sophie Pearce

Tuesday 25th of April 2023

Hi Ben, amazing! Helsinki is such a cool place with so many hidden gems. Have a great time! Sophie x

Monday 20th of February 2023

Lived in Helsinki 4 years back for few months. Have not gotten a chance to go back. Your blog was refreshing taking me down memory lane. Thank you :-)

Hi Nayana, thanks so much for reading! Ah, that's so cool you lived in Helsinki. It's such a lovely city. Have a lovely day! Sophie x

Friday 26th of August 2022

Hi-ya, just a heads-up, it's Uspenski Cathedral, not Upenski - you're missing an S

Saturday 27th of August 2022

Hi Liza, oops good spot! I thought it was spell check but no I made a mistake. Thanks for letting me know and I've now updated my posts :) Sophie x

Wherelocated.net

Saturday 18th of June 2022

Yes, Helsinki and the surroundings have a lot to offer. Just like the other Nordic capitals, being located by the water, give Helsinki a special feel. The old town of Porvoo is a well-kept little gem.

Hi, yes totally agree with you! Helsinki is so lovely, I'd love to go back! Sophie x

Sunday 19th of December 2021

I will visit Helsinki only for two days but this list made me want to stay there. Thanks from Italy!

Friday 31st of December 2021

Hi Tiziana, thank you for feedback! Enjoy Helsinki it was one of my fave places! Sophie x

Our Taste For Life Logo

  • CITY BREAK , HELSINKI

The Best 1 Day Helsinki Itinerary

One Day in Helsinki – The Best 1 Day Helsinki Itinerary

  • January 23, 2024
  • No Comments

1 Day in Helsinki might not seem like much time when, in fact, it’s quite enough to get acquainted with the city. And to help you make the very most of your time, I’ve put together this perfect 1 Day Helsinki Itinerary.

We recently spent just over 24 hours in Helsinki, so we can share what we got up to, and what we consider to be the best things to do in Helsinki in 1 day. We cover all of the Helsinki hotspots, where to eat, sleep, and drink, as well as all of our top tips, to ensure you have the best possible time exploring the city.

Helsinki is an underrated city, bursting with art, culture, nature, and architectural gems. It’s not a place you hear come up in conversation very often, which makes it easy to disregard. But if you’re planning a trip to Finland, I guarantee you won’t regret allocating some time to look around.

Truth be told, we knew very little about the unassuming seaside capital before our  winter trip to Helsinki . So we were quite surprised by just how much there is to see and do. Having planned to spend only one day in Helsinki before moving on to Lapland, it meant we had to be strategic with our time. But by following this exact itinerary, we were able to cover the very best of Heliskini in a day.

If you’re wondering what a typical Helsinki itinerary might look like, think traditional Finish spas, abstract art galleries, cool history museums, and uber-cool cafes.

Sound good? Let’s get to it then. Here’s our tried and tested 1 Day in Helsinki Itinerary.

Best 1 Day Helsinki Itinerary

Disclosure:  Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. If you purchase a product through these links, we will earn a small commission  at no extra cost to you.  And we can continue bringing you free tips and advice. If you found the content helpful and are kind enough to use our affiliates –  you are awesome, and we thank you! 

Is One Day in Helsinki Enough?

Let’s face it; 24 hours isn’t a lot of time. But if you plan those hours wisely, you should be able to cover all the best things to see in Helsinki in 1 day.

Thankfully, the city is relatively compact and easy to navigate. If you don’t mind walking, you can quickly get around on foot, which means that ultimately you get to see a lot more than you would by taking public transport.

While we felt we could have easily spent longer exploring Helsinki, our wallets were certainly grateful that the trip was short-lived.

It is by far one of the most expensive cities we’ve ever visited. And we lived in London, so that says a lot! If we had any complaints about the city, it would only be that it isn’t at all budget-friendly.

Other than that, we had a truly wonderful time. See our guide to travelling  Helsinki on a budget  if you’re eager to keep the costs down.  

Best 1 Day Helsinki Itinerary

Helsinki Travel Essential Info

With Helsinki being such a unique and exciting city, you’ll find it difficult not to have an incredible time. However, the tips and tricks below can help you make the very best of your winter getaway.

  • Save money on public transport, attractions, and restaurants with a Helsinki card .
  • Book a hotel or hostel here  or check out these best air bnbs in Helsinki.
  • Stay connected in Helsinki with a portable wifi hotspot or a local sim card .
  • Get to know the city on a best-selling Helsinki tour .
  • Don’t forget travel insurance.

Save Money with a Helsinki Card

Are you going to be visiting all of the cities top attractions and taking full advantage of the public transport network? If yes, you should consider purchasing a  Helsinki Card in advance. 

Where to Stay with One Day in Helsinki

There is no shortage of accommodation options in Helsinki, catering to various budgets and tastes. However, if you only have 24 hours in Helsinki, it makes sense to locate yourself centrally. This way, you can avoid journey time eating into your valuable exploring time. I’ve made some hotel suggestions below, or you can click the link for a list of all hostels, guesthouses, and hotels in the city.

  • Hostel & Budget Rooms $ – Cheap Sleep Helsinki
  • Mid-Range $$ – Hotel Indigo Helsinki-Boulevard
  • Luxury $$$ – Hotel Katajanokka, Helsinki

Alternatively, you may look at staying nearby, in which case you can compare hotels here . Or use the Map below to see all your options​:

One Day in Helsinki Itinerary

Best Things to See in Helsinki in 1 Day

I go into quite a lot of detail in this comprehensive Helsinki Itinerary, so if you’re short for time, here’s a quick overview of the best things to do in Helsinki in a day.

  • Learn about Finnish history and culture at the National Museum
  • Visit the incredible Temppeliaukion Rock Church
  • Enjoy a hot drink at Oodi Library Terrace – Possibly the funkiest library in the world.
  • Check out some unusual art at the Kiasma Contemporary Museum
  • Have a traditional Finnish Sauna
  • Enjoy a cinnamon bun at the ‘ insta-famous ‘ Regatta Cafe
  • Wander around Sibelius Park

1 Day Helsinki Itinerary

OK, let’s dive into our suggested itinerary for one day in Helsinki. I’ve tried to make it as strategic as possible, so to minimise your travel time, and ensure you experience as much of the city as you can. With just 24 hours, I suggest sticking around the city centre which concentrates most of Helsinki’s major landmarks. However, if you did want to mix it up a bit, I’ve proposed some alternatives further down the article.

Helsinki Free Walking Tour

Helsinki Free Walking Tour​

If you don’t want to explore Helsinki alone, why not join one of the free walking tours. Not only will you cover all the city highlights, but you’ll learn about the history of Helsinki from a licensed local guide. The tours are completely free to join, but be sure to tip your guide generously if you enjoy it!

Book Your Tour: Helsinki Free Walking Tour

Cafe Regatta

Cafe Regatta Helsinki

Alright, assuming you’ve stayed the night in Helsinki, you’ll want to be up bright and early to ensure you make the very most of your day. If you have breakfast included with your hotel, that’s awesome, but you’ll want to save some room. As our first stop of the day is the Instagram famous Cafe Regatta.

You’re probably wondering why I’m suggesting to start the day here, but I have a good reason. The whole idea of our blog is to give you fantastic advice and recommendations, while at the same time, ensuring you don’t make the same mistakes as we did.

This was one of those mistakes. We visited Cafe Regatta at lunchtime, and the queue was all the way down the street. With such limited time in the city, we couldn’t afford to queue for hours to get in. And of course, a shot ‘ for the gram ‘ was out of the question.

We were disappointed as we’d heard incredible things about the coffee and cinnamon buns at Cafe Regatta. So for now, we will have to live precariously through you. The cafe opens at 8 am, and if you get there early, you can enjoy the magical vibe of this Lapland inspired cafe without the pressure of crowds.

Entrance: Free (must buy something to take a photo)/Allow: 30 mins – 1 hr

Related Read

european christmas destinations

Sibelius Park & Monument

Sibelius Park & Monument Helsinki

Next up you can make your way to Sibelius Park where you can take a walk around and burn off some of those cinnamon buns. While the park itself is nothing more than a series of scenic walking trails and green open spaces, the primary attraction is the unusual Sibelius Monument.

Known for his captivating music & symphonies, Jean Sibelius was and still is the most respected Finnish composer of all time. Designed to capture the essence of his music, the Sibelius Monument is an abstract structure of 600 steel tubes. Similar to a pipe organ, the tubes create musical notes using the wind. It’s really quite impressive and a worthy stop on your Helsinki itinerary. 

Entrance: Free/Allow: 30 mins-1 hr

Temppeliaukion Rock Church

Temppeliaukion Rock Church Helsinki

In many ways, Helsinki is a futuristic city. Especially their architecture, which is generally quite modern and abstract. The same goes even for their churches, and the Temppeliaukion Rock Church is a prime example. Engineered directly into solid rock, the church is a highlight of our one day in Helsinki.  

You could say that the Rock Church gives a paradox impression. From the outside, it is mysterious and unassuming – just an entrance into a towering pile of rocks. But on the inside, the awe-inspiring dome ceiling, the majestic brass organ, and bright purple seating area create a truly unique display. I’ve never seen a church like it, and I doubt I ever will again.

Entrance:  €3 /Allow: 30 mins

National Museum of Finland

National Museum of Finland Helsinki

We don’t consider ourselves museums buffs; however, if there’s a national museum, we will generally take the time to go. They are especially useful if you know very little about the country, as they provide a fascinating insight into its history and culture.  

For us to really enjoy a museum, they have to be quite interactive otherwise we lose interest. Thankfully, the National Museum in Helsinki has created a fully immersive and fun experience for all the family. We particularly enjoyed the digital photo booth, which saw our photo end up on the wall next to a wealth of Finnish Kings and Queens.

The only downside about the museum is that it is quite expensive, especially if you’re travelling as a family. A great tip to keep in mind is that the museum is free to enter on Fridays from 4 pm – 6 pm. Other  museums offer free admission  on selected days as well, so keep  this list  saved for when you travel.

Entrance:  €12 /Allow: 1-2 hrs

Oodi Library

Oodi Library Helsinki

  • Follow us on Instagram

A short walk from the National Museum is the remarkable Oodi Library. A new addition to Helsinki’s diverse collection of architecture, the multi-storey library has quickly become one of the cities most significant landmarks.

To walk around inside the new age library is free of charge, and it’s worth it to experience the co-existence of literature and digital intelligence. The library acts as a working space on the one hand, with all the mod con technology and quiet areas. On the other, there’s a sprawling library of books that occupies the entire top floor.

Again, Oodi is unlike any other library I’ve ever visited, and you won’t regret stopping by during your 1 day tour of Helsinki.

Entrance: Free /Allow: 30 mins – 1hr

Kiasma Museum of Contemporary Art

Kiasma Museum of Contemporary Art Helsinki

Located directly next door to Oodi Library, The Kiasma Museum of Contemporary Art sits under the same umbrella as the Finnish National Gallery. As the name suggests, the museum displays a realm of contemporary, and one might even say unusual artwork. 

If it hadn’t been for it being the last Friday of the month when admission to the museum was free, I’m not sure we would have paid to go. We enjoy art in general, but I often don’t understand a lot of contemporary art, and this was certainly the case at Kiasma. I believe the exhibitions rotate frequently, and one of ours involved a film of an animated man removing his body parts. Yes, very bizarre indeed.

I have, however, seen photos of some quite vibrant and captivating exhibitions at Kiasma. So I would suggest checking out  the website  to check what’s on during your time in Helsinki.  

Entrance:  €15 /Allow: 1hr

Amos Rex Helsinki

On your way to lunch, you’re going to walk past the playful landscape of Amos Rex. Amos Rex is an art gallery displaying art from an emerging generation of artists. However, we didn’t go inside. We only admired the domed subterranean galleries that pop up from the ground in Helsinki Plaza.  

Amos Rex is another example of Helsinki’s contemporary and forward-thinking architecture. You’ll often find groups of families and friends here running up the slopes and sliding back down again. The area also makes for some unusual photo opportunities. 

Entrance: Free to visit the outside galleries/Allow: 15 mins

Moomin Cafe

Moomin Cafe Helsinki

If you’re a 90’s kid, it’s very likely the Moomins played a big part in your childhood. If you have no idea what I’m talking about, the Moomin’s are a fictional troll family created by a Finnish creator named Tove Jansson. Although the family are designed to look like Finnish trolls, I can’t help but think they look white hippos.

Nevertheless, the Moomin’s are a national icon to Finland, like Harry Potter is to England and Hello Kitty to Japan. You’ll find Moomin themed souvenirs and memorabilia all over Helsinki, as well as, you guessed it, a Moomin themed cafe. 

While neither of us was into the Moomins growing up, we were excited to visit the Moomin cafe. So imagine our disappointment when it was closed!   We didn’t have much luck on the cafe front, did we ? Alas, I hope you guys will get to experience the fun-filled cafe, where you can dine with your favourite Moomins and indulge in various sweet treats.

Senate Square & Helsinki Cathedral

Senate Square & Helsinki Cathedral Helsinki

Located in the oldest area of Helsinki, you can find some beautiful architecture around Senate Square. Most notable is the Helsinki Cathedral, often referred to as the ‘ white jewel’  of the city. Designed in a traditional neo-classical style, the 17th-century cathedral stands in stark contrast from the contemporary architecture you’ve encountered elsewhere in the city.

While we didn’t experience it ourselves, the cathedral is open for viewing at certain times of the day. Otherwise, walk around the square and admire the other buildings which include the University of Helsinki, the National Library of Finland, and the Government Palace. Afterwards, if you need a coffee, we can recommend Paulig Kulma, a cute little cafe just a 5-minute walk from the square. 

Entrance: Free to walk around the square/Allow: 15-30 mins

Uspenski Cathedral

Uspenski Cathedral Helsinki

Uspenski Cathedral is the largest orthodox cathedral in Western Europe. Even though we’ve never actually been to Russia, we immediately recognised its resemblance to Russian architecture. Boasting a facade of red brick with golden cupola domes, it’s one of the most beautiful architectural gems we saw during our 24 hours in Helsinki. 

Entrance: Free/Allow: 15-30 mins

Allas Sea Pool Sauna

Allas Sea Pool Sauna Helsinki

After an action-packed day in Helsinki, what better way to wind down than to enjoy a traditional Finnish sauna. I’ll be honest; we didn’t end up doing this ourselves. The only reason being that we wanted to save the experience for Lapland. But if this hadn’t of been the case, we would have visited Allas Sea Pool sauna 100%. 

If you aren’t already aware, saunas play a significant role in Finnish culture. Most family homes have them, and they are considered a necessity for a happy and healthy life. Generally, saunas are separate for men and women, and it’s not unusual for locals to get completely naked. Of course, you can to, or you can wear a towel if you feel uncomfortable. Read more on  sauna etiquette in Finland here .

While there are several Finnish saunas in Helsinki, Allas Sea Pool is arguably the most popular. Here you’ll find a variety of saunas and swimming pools, including a heated outside pool that overlooks the ocean. If you’re feeling brave enough, you might even try the local tradition of a hot sauna followed by a cold dip in the seawater pool. Not for the faint-hearted but a memorable experience all the same. 

Entrance:  €14 /Allow: 1-2 hrs

Dinner & Drinks on Kanavaranta

Things to do in Helsinki in a day

Just a few minutes walk from Allas Sea Pool is Kanavaranta – A coastal strip that boasts a variety of bars and restaurants. It’s the perfect spot to round off the day by enjoying a drink or some food overlooking the water. And if you’re travelling with your other half, why not seal your love with a padlock at the nearby Love Lock Bridge.

For more places to eat and drink in Helsinki see this guide on the best restaurants in Helsinki as well as this nocturnal guide to Helsinki.

Save Time and Book a Tour

For a more local experience, we recommend checking out the guided tours on  Get Your Guide :

winter city breaks in europe

Additional things to do 1 Day Helsinki Itinerary

If you have longer than one day in Helsinki, that’s great. You have time to check out some of the less touristy stuff to do in the city, and perhaps even take a day trip to other areas of the country. Here are a few suggestions for inspiration.  

Seurasaari Island

Seurasaari Island Helsinki

Unbeknown to some, Helsinki is an archipelago of around 330 islands, which means a peaceful getaway from the hustle and bustle is never far away. Seurasaari Island is the easiest of the islands to get to as it isn’t entirely isolated, and you can get there by bus or on foot.  

We had some time spare on the day of our departure from Helsinki, and so we used it to visit Seurasaari Island. Boasting a combination of walking trails, dense forest, and an open-air museum, it was an awesome addition to our Helsinki itinerary.  

Suomenlinna Island

Suomenlinna Island Helsinki

Suomenlinna Island , on the other hand, requires a return ferry journey, and it’s an activity that will cost you most of the day. Having said that, many people consider it to be one of the best things to do in Helsinki, and as I haven’t done it myself, I can’t argue.

The island does appear to be very scenic and beautiful, so if you have the time, I expect it would be worth the trip. Once you’re there, you can explore the island on foot, which is home to a stunning 18th-century fortress and beautiful nature areas. 

Day Trip to Tallinn

Boat Cruise Helsinki

If you fancy an easy day trip out of Helsinki, Estonia’s beautiful capital Tallinn is just a 2-hour journey away via ferry. If you book with Get Your Guide you can catch an early boat there and the late boat back, allowing up to 10 hours to explore the charming medieval city.

  • Visit Estonia’s capital on an easy day trip and enjoy the comfortable 2-hour ferry ride
  • Explore the UNESCO-listed Old Town, and shop, eat, and stroll as you please
  • Book ahead to secure a place on comfortable crossing times
  • Upgrade your comfort to Business Class, which includes food and drinks

Book Your Tour :  From Helsinki: Return Day Trip Ferry Ticket to Tallinn

Sightseeing Boat Cruise

Helsinki in one day - boat cruise

“Head to the water and experience a canal cruise on your visit to Helsinki. Admire the most beautiful shorelines of the city and see many of its top attractions from the comfort of your boat.

You’ll pass by the historic Suomenlinna Maritime Fortress, the Helsinki Zoo on Korkeasaari Island, the impressive fleet of icebreakers, and stunning Degerö Canal.

On this 90-minute ride, you’ll also hear about Helsinki’s fascinating history from the commentary that’s provided during the cruise. Enjoy a refreshing drink, a beer, a glass of sparkling wine, or a cup of coffee and a pastry in the boat’s cafeteria.” 

Book Your Tour :  90-minute Helsinki Boat Sightseeing on Beautiful Canal Route

Tips & Advice for One Day in Helsinki

Here I’ll list some of the travel tips that we accumulated during our stay in Helsinki. Hopefully, they will help you have a hassle-free break in the city.

Töölö Bay Helsinki

  • Follow us on Youtube

Currency & Exchanging Money in Helsinki

The unit of currency in Finland is the Euro. We recommend travelling with some cash in your pocket; however, if you don’t want to carry large sums, there are several ways to  exchange currency in Helsinki . Though naturally, some are more cost-effective than others.

The easiest option is to withdraw cash directly from an ATM. Some ATMs may ask if you want to proceed  “with or without conversion” . Whatever you do, never proceed with conversion because it leads to disastrous exchange rates. Trust us; we learnt the hard way. Instead, choose to be charged in the local currency, and you’ll receive a far more favourable rate on your conversion.

Another money-saving tip is to carry a  currency card such as Easy Fx  rather than withdrawing money using your debit or credit cards. This way, you can make purchases, withdraw cash and make transfers, all with no international fees. Again, so long as you proceed ‘without conversion.’

Helsinki on a Budget – The Best Free Things to do

Helsinki Budget

As I mentioned earlier, Helsinki is an expensive city. However, if you are sensible with your cash, you could get away with spending £50/$60 a day. We were able to manage this, but we ate cheap, stayed in a hostel, walked everywhere, and were selective about the attractions we spent our money on.  

If you insist on paying for every attraction, eating at fancy restaurants, drinking alcohol, staying at a nice hotel etc. you can expect to triple or even quadruple that budget.

If like us, you are travelling on a tight budget, you might want to check out our  budget guide to Helsinki.  We’ve included a ton of useful tips in there that will allow you to maximise your time in the city, but minimise the cash you spend. 

One Day in Helsinki Itinerary

Getting Around in Helsinki

If you just want to get around the spots on our suggested 1-day itinerary, you can easily do so on foot. But if walking isn’t an option, or you want to travel further afield, your best bet will be to take public transport. The public transport in Helsinki is reliable, albeit a little expensive, and consists of trams, buses, trains, and the metro.  

We only used public transport twice, and that was to get to & from the airport. But, if you plan to use public transport regularly, it’s worthwhile purchasing a  Helsinki Card . The card not only includes unlimited access to the cities transport network, but you’ll also get free entry at many of the cities museums and top attractions, as well as discounted dining, shopping, and tours.

For more in-depth info, see this article about  getting around in Helsinki . It gives extensive information regarding the different modes of transport, including getting to & from Suomenlinna Island.

Helsinki Winter Drone

The Best Time to Visit Helsinki

Though you’ll find plenty of things to do and a great atmosphere all year round, the best time to visit Helsinki is during the summer months of June, July and August. During this time you can expect ideal conditions for sightseeing, and the days are long, which is perfect if you’re only visiting for a day or 2.  

Of course, the downside is that the summer can often be the busiest and most expensive time to travel. So if you want to avoid that, try to go at the very beginning or end of the season. That way, you get all the positives, such as good weather and affordable accommodation, but without the bad stuff like crowds and inflated prices.  

We visited  Helsinki in Winter , and I expect several of you will be doing the same if you’re heading to Lapland afterwards. Thankfully we had all the right gear to keep us warm, and we thoroughly enjoyed the magical winter vibes. We only wished that the days were longer so that we could fit more into our schedule.

Snowmobile in Winter in Lapland

Staying Safe in Helsinki

In short, Helsinki, and Finland in general, is exceptionally safe. So much so, Finland often finds it’s way into the  top 20 of the safest countries in the world . That’s not to say crimes never happen. But they are rare and can often be avoided by exercising caution.

Like many places, theft and pickpocketing pose the biggest risk to tourists. We suggest  keeping your belongings close to you at all times  and use a small padlock or compartmental bag to keep your valuables safe.

Although  we never once felt unsafe in Helsinki , when travelling at night, it’s sensible to avoid being alone in parks or dimly lit areas.  

For  LGBT Travellers in Finland , there is little risk of hate crime; however, you may find rural areas to be more conservative than the bigger cities.

Drinking water in Helsinki  is not only safe to drink but delicious as well!

Get the best deals on travel insurance!

If you become sick or injured, those medical bills can really add up. Or perhaps you have your bag stolen, or a flight cancelled.  Although these events are unlikely, they do happen, and having travel insurance gives you that extra piece of mind that you are protected. 5% Discount for our readers using the button below! (discount applicable for non-American citizens).

Did you Enjoy our One Day in Helsinki Itinerary?

Let us know . That concludes  One Day in Helsinki – The Best 1 Day Helsinki Itinerary.  We hope you enjoy your time in this fascinating city. If you have any questions or feel we have missed anything, please reach out to us in the comment section below.

Stay adventurous and Happy travels.

finland flag

Planning a trip around Finland? Check out our Finland series  for more travel tips and advice. 

Charlotte & Natalie

PIN IT FOR LATER

One Day in Helsinki - The Best 1 Day Helsinki Itinerary

Sharing is caring ♥

Related Posts

winter city breaks in europe

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

We’re Charlotte & Natalie, a British lesbian couple with a passion for travel and adventure.

Here you will find everything from lgbtq+ travel & lifestyle advice, to comprehensive guides and itineraries designed to make your travel planning easier., we want to inspire you to live the life of your dreams..

subscribe

💌 Get discounts & updates in our monthly newsletter

helsinki travel alone

Find Hotels Via Booking.com

Book Tours & Activities Via GetYourGuide

Get Travel Insurance Via Heymondo

Get discounts & updates in our monthly newsletter

Gay Bali Itinerary

Destinations

LGBTQ+ Lifestyle

Start A Blog

Teach English

Digital Nomad

Privacy Policy

Guest Posts

Work With Us

Our Taste For Life Logo

© 2022 Our Taste For Life Blog – All Rights Reserved. Website Designed by us via Fresh Creatives

helsinki travel alone

The Ultimate Travel Guide to Helsinki (Things to Do)

The Ultimate Helsinki Travel Guide

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.

Save This Post for Later on Pinterest

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

Related Posts

The 20 Best Restaurants in Napa Valley

The 20 Best Restaurants in Napa Valley (2024)

The Ultimate Travel Guide to Fornalutx, Mallorca

The Ultimate Travel Guide to Fornalutx, Mallorca

First-Timer's Guide to Carmel, California

The Ultimate Weekend Guide to Carmel-by-the-Sea, California

' src=

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.

' src=

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.

Write A Comment Cancel Reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

  • Cayman Islands
  • Dominican Republic
  • Puerto Rico
  • South Dakota
  • Washington DC
  • Czech Republic
  • Netherlands
  • Switzerland
  • French Polynesia
  • Travel Tips
  • Family Travel
  • Accommodations
  • Packing Lists
  • Photography Tips
  • Northern California Guide
  • San Francisco
  • Lightroom Presets
  • Fine Art Prints
  • Rent Our Home For Photoshoots
  • California Map

Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.

GlobetrotterGirls

A first-timer’s guide to Helsinki

Categories Finland

A first-timer’s guide to Helsinki

Last Updated on January 19, 2024

Helsinki travel guide

What to do in Helsinki on your first visit

The quintessential finnish experience: a sauna evening.

I still think I got a good idea of Finnish culture during my visit. Of course I couldn’t go to Finland without visiting a Finnish sauna. The Finnish Sauna Society – Suomen Saunaseura ry – organized an evening in a Finnish sauna for us, which was the perfect way to spend a cold winter evening.

helsinki kiasi museum

Icy Helsinki in January

The saunas usually comprise of several wooden, dimly-lit sauna rooms which differ in the way they are heated and how hot they get. Most saunas have wood-burning saunas (70-130C /158-266F), smoke saunas (80-160C /176-320F) and electric saunas (80-105C /176-221F). Expect to sweat A LOT.

To cool off in between sweat sessions, you can either simply take a cold shower or, if you’re brave enough, jump into a lake. Yes, even in the middle of winter! While I wasn’t brave enough to do that (I only dipped my toes in, then I chickened out), others had no problem jumping into the icy lake, where a hole had been cut into the ice just big enough to swim a small round (as if a dip wasn’t enough!).

I might not have jumped into the lake, but I love the concept of the Finnish sauna. Getting together with friends while enjoying the benefits of the sauna experience (it is not only a place for physical and spiritual cleansing, but also good for your skin and takes stress of you, helping you unwind after a long day at work for example) or simply sitting in silence taking time to reflect on the day is just the most wonderful invention.

There are about 3.3 million saunas in Finland (a nation with only 5.3 million people!) and you find them everywhere – in hotels, in private homes, hotels, gyms, even office buildings! Some Finns go to the sauna six times a week, and 99% of Finns use a sauna at least once a week, and I can totally see why. Once you get over the fact that you have to get naked in front of strangers (note: you can leave your towel on if you’re more comfortable that way, but you’ll stand out for sure), you will, without a doubt, love this cleansing and relaxing experience. I felt like a new person after my sauna night.

Helsinki travel guide

Try the Culinary Delights of Finland

Like I said: I didn’t get to explore Helsinki as thoroughly as I wanted to, but I got a good taste of the city during my stay when I joined a food tour with Heather’s Helsinki . Heather, an Australian expat and long-time Helsinki resident, put together a diverse culinary teaser of some of Helsinki’s delicious foodie hangouts.

karl fazer cafe helsinki

Helsinki travel guide: What to see, do and eat

Karl fazer café for the best finnish chocolate.

Yes, let’s start with food. Karl Fazer is a Finnish institution, producing the very best Finnish chocolate since 1922. This place is definitely no hidden gem, it’s probably in every Helsinki travel guide – but for good reason! This chocolate is so good that I ended up bringing back THREE giant 200 gram chocolate bars and I am still dreaming about the salty popcorn in milk chocolate which I’ll have to stock up again on my next visit (you don’t want to leave Finland without trying this chocolate, trust me!).

But back to the cafe: Karl Fazer doesn’t only know how to make to-die-for melt-in-your-mouth chocolate but also how to make some of the best pastries someone with a sweet tooth could ask for. If you happen to find yourself in Helsinki in February, make sure to try the fastlagsbulle (the Finnish version of Swedish semla, a seasonal pastry), cardamom-scented yeast buns filled with marzipan and whipped cream. They are available in other bakeries as well, but none beats Karl Fazer’s!

If you’re in Helsinki at any other time of year, good luck deciding which pastry you want to try, because they all look (and taste!) amazing. Apparently the weekend brunch is also fantastic, but you have to book a table in advance since it gets crowded.

Address: Kluuvikatu 3

Helsinki travel guide

Eat Korvapuusti (Cinnamon Bun)

Trust me, you will want to try one of the delicious  Korvapuusti , cinnamon buns, which you can buy in most cafes and bakeries. Absolutely to die for. A scenic spot for a cup of coffee and a cinnamon bun is Café Regatta right by the sea (Merikannontie 10.

Or try Korvapuusti at:

  • Cafe Esplanad (Pohjoisesplanadi 37, right in the city center)
  • Cafe Succes ( Korkeavuorenkatu 2 )
  • at Villa Ullas (a seaside cafe in the suburb of Helsingfors, if you have a car and time to venture further; Kallviksuddsvägen 6)

finland cinnamon bun helsinki

A free walking tour

Helsinki travel guide

Take the tram

finland helsinki tram

Helsinki Cathedral

Helsinki travel guide

Tori Quarter

helsinki coffee shop

Temppeliaukio Rock Church

Even if you’re not into churches, you might want to check out this one, which is carved into granite rock and doesn’t look anything like your usual church. Don’t be fooled by the unassuming outside of the church – it’s all about the inside, where the interior walls are made of natural bedrock.

Kamppi Chapel

Helsinki travel guide

Design District

finland statue helsinki

Kiasma Museum

If you love contemporary art as much as I do, don’t miss the Kiasma Art Museum, well worth a visit for the stunning design of the building alone! You’ll find Finnish as well as international artists featured here, and several exhibitions that change throughout the year. Admission is €10, and if you happen to be in Helsinki on the first Friday of the month, you can take advantage of free admission between 4pm and 8pm.

Helsinki Railway Station

If you’re venturing around the city, chances are high that you’ll pass by the Central Railway Station at some point. Make sure to take a proper look at the station, which is one of the city’s most important architectural landmarks. Designed in Jugend architecture, massive the torchbearers on each side of the entrances are particularly noteworthy. If you are an architecture geek, you might also want to check out this fantastic self-guided architecture walk which I am planning to take when I get back to Helsinki.

Helsinki Travel Guide: Where to stay

Radisson Blu Royal Helsinki

Related posts:

helsinki travel alone

By using this form you agree with the storage and handling of your data by this website. *

http://twitter.com/kohteenamaailma

Thursday 23rd of April 2015

Dany, you must take a ferry to Suomenlinna if you don't like swimming ;-) Ferry trip is about 15-20 min. Don't take waterbus, it's much expensive than local transport ferry. -Rami

Thursday 30th of April 2015

Haha, for a second I was thinking about looking up the location of Suomenlinna on Googlemaps when I replied to your comment but laziness won. I've now rectified the flaws in my geographical knowledge of Finland ;-) (And while I love swimming I don't think I could make it that far!) :D

Wednesday 22nd of April 2015

The best panoramic view of Helsinki from Sokos Hotel Torni roof top bar Ateljee at Sunset time. One of the finest place is Suomenlinna which one is world heritage site (http://www.suomenlinna.fi/en/). Of course in winter time it could be too cold place, but summer time is perfect place for example to picnik. When you take ferry trip (5 €) from Market Square to Suomenlinna, you see same time Helsinki by boat. I also recommended take walking trip to Kaivopuisto area and there is one of the locals secret's by Cafe Ursula (http://www.ursula.fi/yhteystiedot/ -> sorry only for Finnish this web site).

Have a nice trip to Helsinki next time! -Rami / Kohteena maailma

Rami, thanks so much! I really appreciate the recommendation. And Suomenlinna is on my list of things to explore during my summer visit :) I didn't know you can go there by ferry, so that's great to know. And I've added Cafe Ursula to my list of places to check out :) Thanks again!

Victoria@ The British Berliner

Wednesday 25th of March 2015

Helsinki looks amazing and I'm actually going there in a few weeks so your tips are awfully timely! Yay! I'm absolutely surprised that public transport is so cheap. We'll be staying in the Design District. I'm very excited!

Thursday 26th of March 2015

Yay, in the spring, I think that'll be a great time to go! And the Design District is a great neighborhood to stay in, very central and in walking distance from Karl Fazer Cafe ;-) Among other cool cafes and restaurants, of course :D

Monday 23rd of March 2015

The contemporary art in kiasma museum looks fantastic and every one will love it.

First Time in Helsinki | Purple Roofs Gay Travel Blog

Sunday 22nd of March 2015

[…] By Dani – Full Story at Globetrotter Girls | Finland Gay Travel Resources […]

Nomadic Matt's Travel Site

Travel Better, Cheaper, Longer

Helsinki Travel Guide

Last Updated: August 9, 2023

colorful buildings in Helsinki

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

The snowy skyline of downtown Helsinki, Finland in the winter

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

colorful leaves in a park in Helsinki, Finland in the autumn

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

Busy public transportation in downtown Helsinki, Finland

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 5 Best Hostels in Helsinki

The 21 Best Things to See and Do in Helsinki

The 21 Best Things to See and Do in Helsinki

How to Spend Three Days 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

Knowledge and Science Bulletin Board System

Exploring the World of Knowledge and Understanding

Exploring Helsinki Alone: A Solo Traveler’s Guide

By knbbs-sharer.

helsinki travel alone

Are you planning a trip to Helsinki but concerned about traveling alone? Fear not, as Helsinki happens to be one of the safest and friendliest cities for solo travelers. Moreover, it offers a wide range of activities and attractions for visitors from all walks of life. In this article, we will explore some of the best things to do in Helsinki when traveling alone.

Getting Around Helsinki

Helsinki has an excellent public transportation system that is easy to use and affordable. Visitors can choose from buses, trams, metro, and ferries. A 24-hour ticket for all modes of transport costs around €8, while a single trip costs €2.80. Helsinki is also a bike-friendly city, with several rental companies offering bikes for as low as €10 per day.

Exploring on Foot

One of the best ways to explore Helsinki is on foot. The city center is compact and easy to navigate, with several walking tours available for free or a nominal fee. The Helsinki City Tourist & Convention Bureau provides an excellent map with recommended walking routes, along with information on landmarks and places of interest.

Attractions in Helsinki

Helsinki has an abundance of attractions that cater to solo travelers. The Suomenlinna Sea Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a must-visit. It is a short ferry ride away from the city center and offers stunning views of the Baltic Sea. The Helsinki Cathedral, located in Senate Square, is another iconic landmark that should not be missed. Visitors can climb up to the rooftop terrace for panoramic views of the city.

Food and Drink in Helsinki

Helsinki has a vibrant food and drink scene, with several restaurants, cafes, and bars catering to all tastes and budgets. The Helsinki Food Guide provides a comprehensive list of recommended restaurants and street food vendors, along with reviews and ratings from fellow travelers. The Helsinki Market Square is also a great place to sample traditional Finnish cuisine, including smoked salmon, reindeer, and Karelian pies.

Nightlife in Helsinki

Helsinki has a lively nightlife scene, with several bars, nightclubs, and music venues. The area around Kamppi and Kallio is popular among locals and tourists alike. The Helsinki Nightlife Guide provides an excellent resource for finding the best nightlife spots in the city.

Safety Tips for Solo Travelers

Although Helsinki is a safe city, solo travelers should take necessary precautions to ensure their safety. Some tips include:

– Stick to well-lit and populated areas – Avoid walking alone late at night – Keep valuables out of sight – Be aware of your surroundings at all times

Helsinki is a great destination for solo travelers, with plenty of attractions and activities to suit all interests. By following these tips and recommendations, you can have a safe and enjoyable trip to the Finnish capital. Remember to take lots of photos and make the most of your time exploring this beautiful city!

(Note: Do you have knowledge or insights to share? Unlock new opportunities and expand your reach by joining our authors team. Click Registration to join us and share your expertise with our readers.)

Share this:

Discovery new post:.

  • The Ultimate Guide to Solo Travel in Vancouver: Top Tips and Must-See Attractions
  • How to Plan the Perfect Solo Trip to Explore a New City
  • 10 Must-Visit Travel Destinations for Solo Female Travelers
  • The Best Destinations for Solo Travel in Brazil: A Comprehensive Guide

Hi, I'm Happy Sharer and I love sharing interesting and useful knowledge with others. I have a passion for learning and enjoy explaining complex concepts in a simple way.

Related Post

Embark on a royal adventure: the ultimate guide to luxury travel and tourism, exploring nature’s wonders: a journey with rebecca adventure travel, embark on an unforgettable royal adventure travel experience, leave a reply cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Notify me of follow-up comments by email.

Notify me of new posts by email.

Explore the Colors and Traditions of Global Cultural Festivals

5 simple strategies for learning english faster and more effectively, 5 common great dane health issues you need to know about, 2023 food business trends: from sustainability to automation.

facebook pixel

A Solo Traveller's Guide to Finland

Discover the best of Finland – including effortlessly cool Helsinki – when you take a solo trip around the country

Illuminated by endless daylight in summer and shrouded in darkness throughout winter, Finland is a country of stark extremes. It’s mostly covered in swathes of coniferous forest dotted with thousands of lakes, while its urban hubs are full of character. Whether you’re plotting a city break, a nature escape or a combination, Finland offers a bounty of possibilities for solo travellers.

What’s the vibe.

Finland’s greatest appeal may be its wild, hauntingly beautiful landscapes – but its towns and cities deserve your time. Spend mornings wandering between elegant cathedrals, chic art galleries and cosy cafes; at night, venture out to fabulous restaurants, atmospheric pubs and cool cocktail bars. Finnish people are some of the happiest in the world, and you’ll be welcomed warmly wherever you go.

Don’t miss a trip to Helsinki Cathedral when you visit the Finnish capital

A Finland trip overview

Lappeenranta is a lively university town close to the Russian border with plenty to see and do, while Koli National Park has some of the most spectacular hiking trails in Finland. Lapland is the place to go hiking and camping in summer, and for Northern Lights chasing, husky sledding and snowmobiling adventures in winter. Fly to Rovaniemi, Kittilä or Ivalo, or take a train from Helsinki.

people cheering on a mountain

Become a Culture Tripper!

Sign up to our newsletter to save up to 500$ on our unique trips..

See privacy policy .

Admire the architecture along Pohjoisranta embankment in Helsinki

Accommodation in Finland

Expect the works, from glitzy resorts and glass igloos to secluded log cabins and free-to-use wilderness huts. In Helsinki, the many affordable hostels include the Yard and Eurohostel – ideal for meeting fellow travellers. There’s no shortage of luxury places, such as Hotel Kämp , Hotel Haven and GLO Hotel Art .

For a unique Lapland experience, consider staying in the Arctic TreeHouse Hotel , Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort or Apukka Resort . Fancy staying on a private island? You can do so at Hotel Vartiosaari on Culture Trip’s exclusive five-day Finnish Lapland adventure . We’ve gathered together the best hotels in Helsinki , Turku , Tampere and Lapland to point you in the right direction.

Book into Hotel Kämp for a stylish stay in Helsinki

What to see and do in Finland

There’s far more to do than you could cram into a single trip – and some activities are only possible at certain times of the year. So we’ve picked out three of the must-trys.

Explore the great outdoors

Much of Finland is blanketed in snow between late November and early April – prime conditions for snowmobiling and husky sledding. If skies are clear, you may catch the Northern Lights illuminating the night sky with ethereal green swirls. In summer and autumn, Finland is one of the best places in Europe for hiking, cycling and wild swimming.

On Culture Trip’s specially curated Finnish Lapland trip , you’ll have the chance to go husky sledding and ski trekking through the Arctic wilderness, and potentially catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights.

Husky sledding through Lapland is a bucket-list experience you can’t miss

Enjoy urban delights

Helsinki, often overshadowed by other Nordic cities, is effortlessly cool – you’ll be drawn back from the first short visit. Sleek, modernist architecture sits alongside masterpieces such as the gleaming white Helsinki Cathedral and Temppeliaukio Church. Trendy bars, hip cafes and innovative restaurants contribute to a thriving culinary scene. Beyond the capital, urban highlights include Turku’s medieval castle and River Aura promenade, Tampere’s superb museums, and Arktikum science centre in Rovaniemi – visit for a fascinating insight into Arctic life.

Visit Arktikum in Rovaniemi to learn all about life in the Arctic

Embrace saunas

Saunas are core to Finland’s national culture, and you’ll be spoilt for choice – it’s said there are two million. Health benefits include muscle relaxation and improved circulation. Feeling daring? Try alternating between sauna and plunges into ice-cold lake water.

Eat and drink in Finland

Finnish cuisine is heavily based around meat and fish from lakes and forests. Classics include lohikeitto (creamy salmon soup), poronkäristys (sautéed reindeer with lingonberries and potatoes) and fried perch. Rye bread, mushrooms and leipäjuusto (a creamy baked cheese) are also staples. Sweet tooth? You’ll love mustikkapiirakka (Finnish blueberry pie) and runebergintorttu (an almond-flavoured cake topped with raspberry jam). In Karelia, southeast Finland, karjalanpiirakka (rye pastry stuffed with rice porridge) is a speciality.

Lonkero is a refreshing gin and grapefruit cocktail, usually drunk from the can – have it ice cold on a summer’s day. Sima , a low-alcohol fermented lemonade, is another national favourite.

For a flavour of where to eat, check out our guide to the best restaurants in Helsinki , Turku , Tampere and Rovaniemi .

Head to Kanavaranta in Helsinki for a prime selection of places to eat and drink

Stay safe, stay happy

Here in winter? Ensure you have the necessary cold-weather gear – temperatures can drop below -10C (14F) even in the far south, and below -20C (-4F) in Lapland. When hiking in remote areas, take a map and a compass in case you lose your way. Let someone know roughly where you’re heading before you go.

Getting around

Rail is the most time-efficient, stress-free option. Operated by VR Group , trains are comfortable, reliable and travel as far north as Kolari. Bus services are excellent: check the Matkahuolto and OnniBus websites for prices and timetables. Locally, cycling is a solution.

Roads are extensive and well-paved, so consider car rental, particularly if visiting more remote areas – note that conditions can be challenging in winter.

Cultural need-to-knows

Most people do saunas naked, but it’s fine to wear a towel if you’d prefer. Generally, tipping in restaurants isn’t expected as a service charge is normally included on the bill.

Link up with a small group of like-minded travellers and a Local Insider on Culture Trip’s five-day Finnish Lapland adventure , which includes husky sledding, ski trekking and hiking past frozen waterfalls. You’ll also sample traditional Lappish cuisine by an open fire, and experience sauna and ice-fishing culture.

This is an updated rewrite of an article originally by Jessica Wood .

landscape with balloons floating in the air

KEEN TO EXPLORE THE WORLD?

Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.

helsinki travel alone

See & Do

How to have a dreamy summer escape in the lakeland region of finland.

helsinki travel alone

Guides & Tips

The most beautiful finnish islands you can visit.

helsinki travel alone

Top Things to Do in Finnish Lapland

helsinki travel alone

How to Experience Sámi Culture in Finland

helsinki travel alone

The Best Time and Places to See the Northern Lights in Lapland, Finland

helsinki travel alone

Coastal Adventures on Finland’s Islands and Lakes

helsinki travel alone

5 Magical Winter Destinations in Lapland

helsinki travel alone

Seven Spectacular Day Trips You Can Take From Helsinki

helsinki travel alone

Places to Stay

The best hotels to book in turku, finland.

helsinki travel alone

The Best Hotels to Book in Oulu, Finland

helsinki travel alone

The Best Hotels to Book in Rovaniemi, Finland

helsinki travel alone

The Best Hotels in Tampere, Finland

Winter sale offers on our trips, incredible savings.

helsinki travel alone

  • Post ID: 1335244
  • Sponsored? No
  • View Payload

Find Solo Travelers in Helsinki, Share Costs, & Travel Together

helsinki travel alone

How A Trip Works On GAFFL

Find solo travelers in helsinki, get connected, trip together, solo trips in finland.

  • Solo Trips in Helsinki

Ramse

FAQ About Solo Trips in Helsinki

Is helsinki a good place to solo travel, is helsinki safe for solo travelers, is helsinki expensive for solo travel.

You can save money by staying in a low-cost hotel or hostel and splitting your expenses with other travelers. A hostel can be a great place to meet new people if you are traveling alone, but you can also use GAFFL to connect with other travelers in Helsinki, share costs, and travel together to save money on your solo trip to Helsinki.

Essential Solo Travel Tips For A Trip To Helsinki

How are gaffl solo trips in helsinki different than tour companies, are gaffl solo trips in helsinki free, are gaffl solo trips in helsinki safe.

Travelers on GAFFL go through a multi-step verification process that includes phone, social, and government ID verification, so you can be confident in your potential travel companion. You also have the option of connecting or not connecting with anyone you want. On GAFFL, you have complete control over who you travel with.

Can you give me an example of how solo tours in Helsinki are different from Tour Companies?

How much money can gaffl save me on my next solo trip to helsinki.

A two-week trip to Helsinki with a traditional tour company can cost thousands of dollars. When you connect with a solo traveler on GAFFL and split costs for things like rental cars and lodging, you are not paying any additional fees that are typically associated with tour companies, and by splitting costs, the overall cost per person is significantly reduced.

Are GAFFL solo trips in Helsinki run by Tour Companies?

Have a good itinerary but no friends or family members to join you, start your trip in minutes and connect with like-minded travelers in helsinki..

GAFFL got featured in Travel+Leisure

What GAFFL Users Are Saying

Marie

"It’s really nice to have a platform like GAFFL with lots of travelers wanting to do the same as you, a real beautiful cultural exchange. You can meet people so easily and in a trustful way. We were four girls, from French, German and American backgrounds, without knowing each other from before. We spent an amazing week together, 2000km driving, camping on the way. We saw kangaroos, koalas, penguins and pelicans"

Saed

“I have found GAFFL to be an amazing tool for finding similar minded travel partners to embark on an adventure. Through GAFFL, I had organized a trip to Mexico City last month and Quazi joined the trip from Victoria, BC. We spent 14 days of straight exploring, hiking, eating and drinking. Quite an amazing experience - all thanks to GAFFL!”

Scarlett

"I accidentally scrolled across GAFFL and I'm so pleased I did. I met Amaia and immediately decided to road-trip together. We're spending 10 days together and it's great because we have so much in common. Couldn't have done it without GAFFL helping us find one another! It has honestly made NZ so much cheaper to explore as I get to split the costs with someone too​"

  • Solo Trips in Rovaniemi
  • Solo Trips in
  • Solo Trips in Inari

Best Solo Trips for Women in Finland

  • Solo Trips for Women in Rovaniemi
  • Solo Trips for Women in

Locals Near Helsinki

  • Meet Locals in Helsinki
  • Meet Locals in Tampere

Travel Guide for Top Cities in Finland

  • Tromsø Travel Guide
  • Fairbanks Travel Guide
  • Yellowknife Travel Guide
  • Reykjavik Travel Guide
  • Abisko Travel Guide
  • Murmansk Travel Guide

Travel Buddies Near Helsinki

  • Saxon Switzerland National Park Travel Buddy
  • Oulanka National Park Travel Buddy
  • Amsterdam Travel Buddy
  • Berlin Travel Buddy
  • Prague Travel Buddy
  • Budapest Travel Buddy
  • Copenhagen Travel Buddy
  • Vienna Travel Buddy
  • Munich Travel Buddy
  • Stockholm Travel Buddy
  • Frankfurt Travel Buddy
  • Moscow Travel Buddy
  • Helsinki Travel Buddy
  • Saint Petersburg Travel Buddy
  • Hamburg Travel Buddy
  • Riga Travel Buddy
  • Warsaw Travel Buddy
  • Oslo Travel Buddy
  • Krakow Travel Buddy
  • Cologne Travel Buddy
  • Kiev Travel Buddy
  • Düsseldorf Travel Buddy
  • Vilnius Travel Buddy
  • Tallinn Travel Buddy
  • Rotterdam Travel Buddy
  • Amsterdam Airport Schiphol Travel Buddy
  • Frankfurt Airport Travel Buddy
  • Munich Airport Travel Buddy
  • Sheremetyevo International Airport Travel Buddy
  • Copenhagen Airport Travel Buddy
  • Domodedovo International Airport Travel Buddy
  • Oslo Airport, Gardermoen Travel Buddy
  • Stockholm Arlanda Airport Travel Buddy
  • Düsseldorf Airport Travel Buddy
  • Vienna International Airport Travel Buddy
  • Berlin Tegel Airport Travel Buddy
  • Helsinki Airport Travel Buddy
  • Hamburg Airport Travel Buddy
  • Vnukovo International Airport Travel Buddy
  • Pulkovo Airport Travel Buddy
  • Václav Havel Airport Prague Travel Buddy
  • Warsaw Chopin Airport Travel Buddy
  • Cologne Bonn Airport Travel Buddy
  • Berlin Schönefeld Airport Travel Buddy
  • Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport Travel Buddy
  • Boryspil International Airport Travel Buddy
  • Göteborg Landvetter Airport Travel Buddy
  • Bergen Airport, Flesland Travel Buddy

Female Travel Companions Near Helsinki

  • Female Travel Companions In Oulanka National Park
  • Female Travel Companions In Helsinki
  • Female Travel Companions In Helsinki Airport
  • Female Travel Companions In Turku
  • Female Travel Companions In Porvoo
  • Female Travel Companions In Aland (Ahvenanmaa)
  • Female Travel Companions In Tampere
  • Female Travel Companions In Koli National Park
  • Female Travel Companions In Savonlinna
  • Female Travel Companions In Oulu
  • Female Travel Companions In Halti
  • Female Travel Companions In Repovesi National Park
  • Female Travel Companions In Nuuksio National Park
  • Female Travel Companions In Finland

helsinki travel alone

Life Alofa

Is Helsinki Safe for Solo Female Travelers? Key Insights

Helsinki, the vibrant capital of Finland, presents itself as a haven for solo female travelers seeking new experiences in a secure atmosphere.

Your safety is a top consideration while traveling alone, and Helsinki’s low crime rate and easily navigable streets are accommodating for independent visitors.

Exploring this Nordic city alone means you’ll have the chance to immerse yourself in Finnish culture with peace of mind.

Offering a variety of attractions within walking distance and a dependable public transport system, you can confidently plan your itinerary.

Whether you’re cozying up in a local café or strolling along the Baltic shoreline, you’ll find the city both welcoming and accommodating to your solo adventures.

Insights from fellow female travelers further affirm Helsinki’s safety , ensuring your travel experience is enjoyable and stress-free.

Table of Contents

How Safe Is Helsinki for Solo Female Travelers? Safety Rating

Overall safety index score for helsinki: 9.6/10.

The Overall Safety Index score for Helsinki, based on the provided risk factors and their scores, is 9.6/10 for solo female travelers. This suggests an exceptionally high level of overall safety, with very safe ratings for nighttime safety, public transportation, and minimal risk of street harassment, pickpocketing, and for women travelers in general. Accommodation safety and emergency services receive the highest possible ratings, indicating Helsinki as a notably secure destination for solo female travelers.

  • Safety at Night : Your evening outings in Helsinki are generally worry-free due to the city’s well-lit streets and low crime rates.
  • Public Transportation : Helsinki’s transportation system is reliable and secure, giving you the freedom to move around safely at any hour.
  • Street Harassment : Encounters with street harassment are uncommon, indicating a respectful atmosphere towards women.
  • Pickpocket Risk : Be mindful in crowded areas to avoid the relatively low chance of pickpocketing incidents.
  • Natural Disaster Risk : Your risk from natural disasters in Helsinki is minimal, ensuring a steady trip.
  • Mugging Risk : The risk of mugging is low, facilitating a more relaxed travel experience for you.
  • Scams Risk : Scams are not prevalent, but always stay vigilant to ensure your personal security.
  • Tap Water Risk : The tap water in Helsinki is clean and safe, so you can stay hydrated without concern.
  • Women Travelers Risk : Helsinki embraces a culture of safety that typically protects women travelers from risks.
  • Accommodation Safety : You can feel secure with Helsinki’s accommodations, known for their high safety standards.
  • Emergency Services : The city has incredibly efficient emergency services, ready to assist whenever you need.

Exploring Helsinki as a Solo Female Traveler

In Helsinki, solo female travelers can enjoy culture-rich experiences, a wide array of accommodation and safe transportation options, delightful food and dining settings, while adhering to safety tips and local etiquette.

Cultural Insights and Language

In Finland, you’ll find a society deeply rooted in arts and culture.

Most Finns speak fluent English and often Swedish, making communication for you as a traveler relatively easy.

Cultural hubs like Helsinki Art Museum and Yle (Finnish Broadcasting Company) are prime spots for immersing yourself in Finnish history and contemporary culture.

Accommodation and Transportation

You have plenty of hotel choices ranging from luxury to budget-friendly within Helsinki.

For instance, Hostel Diana Park is noted for its comfort and central location.

Navigate the city via an efficient public transit system encompassing buses, trams, and the metro, all payable with Euros, and taxis are readily available if needed.

Food and Dining Experiences

Helsinki’s cafes and restaurants offer a glimpse into Finnish cuisine and hospitality.

Opt for a traditional sauna experience followed by refreshments at local cafes .

Solo dining is common, so you can savor dishes like “karjalanpiirakka” in a casual or elegant setting without hesitation.

Safety Tips and Local Etiquette

Finland is considered very safe for solo female travelers.

Remain vigilant as you would in any major city.

Local etiquette is straightforward: Finns value punctuality and personal space.

It’s customary to greet with a handshake rather than hugs, reflecting the typically reserved nature of Finnish social norms.

Top Attractions and Activities

Helsinki, a dynamic urban space, offers a variety of historical sites and cultural experiences. As a solo traveler, you’ll find the offerings are both enriching and accessible.

Historical Landmarks

Visit the Helsinki Cathedral , an iconic white structure that towers over Senate Square, reflecting the city’s rich history.

Not far away, the red-brick Uspenski Cathedral stands as a testament to the influence of Eastern Orthodox culture in Finland. Both are must-see destinations for their architecture and historical significance.

Public Spaces and Nature

Discover serenity at the Sea Fortress , a unique maritime environment that invites exploration and offers stunning views of the Baltic Sea.

Nature enthusiasts should not miss the central Park , especially in summer, where locals enjoy picnics and leisurely strolls amidst lush greenery.

For a memorable experience, take a hike in the nearby scenic trails.

Arts, Museums, and Music

Explore Finnish culture at the National Museum of Finland , where you’ll delve into the rich tapestry of Scandinavian history.

Art lovers have much to celebrate with Helsinki’s vibrant art scene, including numerous museums and galleries that showcase a blend of contemporary and classic works.

Don’t overlook the city’s music venues, which offer live performances ranging from classical to modern.

Frequently Asked Questions

Helsinki is considered a safe city for travelers, including those who are traveling alone. Here are some detailed insights to help you understand what to expect regarding safety while visiting Helsinki as a solo female traveler.

What are the safety considerations for solo female travelers in Helsinki?

Helsinki ranks highly in terms of safety for solo female travelers. Your biggest concerns might revolve around standard travel safety practices such as safeguarding your belongings and staying aware of your surroundings.

How do Helsinki residents perceive the safety of American tourists?

Generally, American tourists are welcomed, and Helsinki is safe for visitors from abroad.

Helsinki residents view the safety of American tourists positively and crimes against tourists are rare.

What are the top safety tips for women traveling alone in European cities?

When traveling alone in European cities, it’s advisable to stay vigilant, keep your belongings secure, maintain regular communication with someone you trust, and be aware of your surroundings, especially at night.

Are there specific safety concerns for Muslim women traveling to Finland?

Finland is an inclusive country, and there are no specific safety concerns unique to Muslim women traveling to Finland.

However, it’s always prudent to respect local customs and dress codes.

What cultural factors should solo female travelers be aware of when visiting Helsinki?

When visiting Helsinki, be mindful of Finnish customs such as personal space and sauna etiquette.

Finns are known for being respectful, and understanding local customs will enhance your stay.

Can solo female tourists feel secure in Helsinki during the current geopolitical climate?

Yes, despite broader regional tensions, Helsinki remains a safe and secure destination.

Finland maintains a neutral stance, and the city’s safety is not compromised by the current geopolitical climate.

Final Words

In assessing Helsinki’s safety for solo female travelers, your experiences are poised to be positive.

Reliable public transport and a low crime rate work in your favor, ensuring you can explore with confidence.

While abroad, stay vigilant as you would anywhere.

For added peace of mind, familiarize yourself with local customs and keep safety tips in mind.

As travelers have expressed, receiving assistance from locals is common, easing navigation through the city’s various offerings.

When packing, a cozy travel scarf may be a small, yet wise addition to your luggage for those cooler evenings.

Helsinki’s inviting ambiance awaits your arrival with its blend of safety and charm.

Related Articles

Is cabo san lucas safe for solo female travelers insights & tips, is aguascalientes safe for solo female travel insights, is acapulco safe for solo female travelers essential insights.

  • Is Mexico Safe for Solo Female Travelers: Insights & Tips

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

  • South Africa
  • Afghanistan
  • North Korea
  • Adventure + Outdoors
  • Amusement Parks
  • Backpacking Trips
  • Boating + Cruises
  • Budget Travel
  • Bus + Train Travel
  • Coasts + Islands
  • Country Trips
  • Fall Vacations
  • Family Vacations
  • Green Travel
  • Heritage + History
  • Honeymoons + Romance
  • Inspiration + Guide
  • Landmarks + Attractions
  • LGBT Travel
  • Markets + Bazaars
  • National Parks + Reserves
  • Nature + Wildlife
  • Parks + Gardens
  • Pets + Animals
  • Photography
  • Airlines + Airports
  • Budgeting + Currency
  • Business Travel
  • Celebrity Travel
  • Customs + Immigration
  • Deals + Rewards
  • Family Travel
  • Hotels + Resorts
  • Luggage + Packing Tips
  • Offbeat News
  • Photography Tips
  • Responsible Travel
  • Solo Travel
  • Tech + Gear
  • Travel Etiquette
  • Travel Warnings
  • Bars + Clubs
  • Celebrity Chefs
  • Restaurants + Cafés
  • Wine + Vineyards
  • Beach Hotels
  • Boutique Hotels
  • Hotel Openings
  • Hotel Reviews
  • Luxury Hotels
  • Mountain + Ski Resorts
  • Spa Resorts
  • Vacation Rentals
  • Asia Cruises
  • European Cruises
  • Festivals + Events
  • Museums + Galleries
  • Style + Design
  • Travel’s Best
  • Hotel with Agoda.com
  • Hotel with Booking.com

Get the best travel guides, tips, information & reviews!

Must eat in Cambodia — 15+ must try, most famous, popular…

silver cambodia

What souvenirs to buy in Cambodia? — 11+ best gifts &…

helsinki travel alone

Yunnan travel blog — The fullest Yunnan travel guide for first-timers

helsinki travel alone

When is the best time to visit Philippines? — The best,…

helsinki travel alone

Nanjing itinerary 2 days — What to do & how to…

helsinki travel alone

Cambodia travel tips — 15+ what to know & things to…

helsinki travel alone

When is the best time to visit Kyoto? — The best,…

helsinki travel alone

When is the best time to visit Malaysia? — The best,…

helsinki travel alone

When is the best time to visit Busan? — The best,…

Cafe Pomegranate Ubud

Best coffee shops in Bali — Top 10 best cafes in…

helsinki travel alone

Where to eat in Shenzhen? — 9 best restaurants in Shenzhen

helsinki travel alone

Must eat in Malaysia — 15+ most popular, famous dishes &…

belmond-la-residence-d-angkor-siem-reap-cambodia-prod

Top hotels in Siem Reap — 8+ best places to stay…

helsinki travel alone

Top hotels in shanghai — 15+ best hotels in Shanghai

helsinki travel alone

Top hotels in Malacca — 10+ good & best hotels in…

Amankila, Bali, Indonesia. © Amanresorts

Top places to stay in Bali — Top 10 best areas…

things to know, European river cruise

10 must-know things for your best first time European river cruise

Syrena Cruises, luxury cruises, halong bay, vietnam

Top 3 best luxury cruises in Halong Bay, Vietnam

Yeouido Cherry Blossom Festival, Seoul

Cherry blossom festival Korea 2024 — Top 5 cherry blossom festivals…

totoro ghibli museum

Ghibli museum blog — The fullest Ghibli museum guide for first-timers

Gion Matsuri Festival in Kyoto, Japan

Kyoto festival — Top 10 best events & most famous festivals…

national palace museum shilin district taipei city taiwan,

National Palace Museum Taipei blog — What to see in National…

Picture: Japanese waterfall blog.

Japanese waterfall — Top 10 most beautiful waterfalls in Japan in…

Bergen, Norway5

19+ most beautiful towns in Europe every tourist need to visit…

helsinki travel alone

Georgia travel photos — 20+ captivating photos show Georgia is heaven…

helsinki travel alone

Explore Damnoen Floating Market — The oldest floating market of Thailand

helsinki travel alone

Visiting Fenghuang Ancient Town — One of the most charming ancient…

mekong delta travel blog tips southern vietnam (2)

Mekong Delta travel blog — Beyond rivers of Southwestern Vietnam

Real-life experience-enhance-traveling-things to do at young age

14 reasons why you should travel when you are young

tanuki-statue-ratel-symbol of lucky-japan

Shigaraki Tanuki – An animal symbol of good luck in Japan

living in cave houses in andalucia southern spain (1)

Living in the charms of cave houses in Andalucia, Southern Spain

koda-walking-concrete, Tallinn, Estonia, tiny homes

20+ jaw-dropping tiny homes around the world

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

helsinki travel alone

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!

  • What to buy in Finland? — 21+ Top things to buy in Finland & best souvenirs from Finland
  • Lapland Finland hotels review — 10 best place to stay in Lapland Finland
  • Lapland travel blog — The ultimate Lapland travel guide: How to travel & what to do in Lapland Finland
  • Trip review to the fairy tale Santa Claus Village Rovaniemi, Lapland – Finland

helsinki travel alone

Helsinki travel blog: Overview of Helsinki

helsinki travel alone

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 travel alone

Helsinki blog: When to come?

helsinki travel alone

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 alone

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.

helsinki travel alone

Getting from Helsinki airport to the city center

helsinki travel alone

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.

helsinki travel alone

  • 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.

helsinki travel alone

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 travel alone

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.

helsinki travel alone

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 .

helsinki travel alone

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 .

helsinki travel alone

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

Helsinki travel blog: Where to stay?

helsinki travel alone

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 ).

helsinki travel alone

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 )

helsinki travel alone

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.

helsinki travel alone

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

helsinki travel alone

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.

helsinki travel alone

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.

helsinki travel alone

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”.

helsinki travel alone

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

helsinki travel alone

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.

helsinki travel alone

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

Uspenski Cathedral

helsinki travel alone

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.

helsinki travel alone

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

helsinki travel alone

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.

helsinki travel alone

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

helsinki travel alone

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.

helsinki travel alone

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.

helsinki travel alone

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.

helsinki travel alone

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.

Helsinki Central Library Oodi

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!

helsinki travel alone

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.

helsinki travel alone

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.

helsinki travel alone

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.

helsinki travel alone

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.

helsinki travel alone

  • 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 travel alone

Helsinki blog: Suggested Helsinki ititinerary 3 days

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

helsinki travel alone

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.

helsinki travel alone

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 travel alone

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

helsinki travel alone

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.

helsinki travel alone

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

helsinki travel alone

Read more Finland travel guide here .

Related articles

Where to take best photos in Paris? — 17+ good spots & best places to take pictures in Paris you should know

RELATED ARTICLES MORE FROM AUTHOR

When is the best time to visit philippines — the best, worst, affordable & best season to travel to philippines, nanjing itinerary 2 days — what to do & how to spend 2 days in nanjing perfectly.

helsinki travel alone

What to do in Battambang? — 12+ must, top & best things to do in Battambang

When is the best time to visit kyoto — the best, worst, affordable & best season to visit kyoto.

helsinki travel alone

Gyeongju 1 day itinerary — How to spend one day in Gyeongju, South Korea

helsinki travel alone

Boracay travel blog — The fullest Boracay travel guide for first-timers

When is the best time to visit malaysia — the best, worst, affordable & best time to travel to malaysia.

helsinki travel alone

Coron travel blog — The fullest Coron travel guide for first-timers

Editor picks.

helsinki travel alone

Must eat in Cambodia — 15+ must try, most famous, popular...

silver cambodia

What souvenirs to buy in Cambodia? — 11+ best gifts &...

helsinki travel alone

POPULAR POSTS

helsinki travel alone

What to buy in USA? — 17+ must buy in USA...

pineapple cake must buy in taiwan

Must buy souvenir in Taiwan — Top 17+ most famous, cheap...

korean honey

Must buy in Korea — Top 23 cheap, famous & best...

Popular category.

  • Inspiration + Guide 1445
  • Trip Inspiration 469
  • Thailand 209
  • Food + Drink 203
  • Coasts + Islands 193
  • South Korea 168
  • Vietnam 166
  • Travel Photos 144
  • Work for Us
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Privacy Policy

helsinki travel alone

  • Top Picks Featured Listings

Discovering Helsinki

photo © Discovering Finland

Tourism Helsinki – Travel Guide to Helsinki

A modern city featuring some of the most distinctive architecture in the world, both old and new, Helsinki is one of the cultural hot spots of Northern Europe. An idealholiday destination for both for lovers of the arts and those who relish its exciting and vibrant nightlife, Helsinki is also a child-friendly city perfect for family vacations, and being surrounded by forests, lakes and the sea, it is also a haven for outdoor enthusiasts.

Situated on the Baltic Sea, Finland’s capital, Helsinki , is a modern city of over half a million people, and is the second most northern capital in Europe. Surrounded by an archipelago of hundreds of tiny islands, and culturally influenced by both the East and West, Helsinki is unique, combining both modern and historic architectural styles with a love of open spaces that is at the very heart of Finnish identity.  See our recommendations and tourism guide to Helsinki!

helsinki travel alone

The Island Fortress of Suomenlinna – The Gem in Helsinki’s Archipelago

The best cafés in helsinki – guide to coffee culture in the capital, day cruise from helsinki to tallinn christmas market with tallink shuttle, guide to top experiences in helsinki.

Helsinki is world famous for its architecture; the city centre is renowned for its neoclassicalism, especially around Senate Square . Close by on a hilltop stands the Uspenski Cathedral , Europe’s largest Russian Orthodox church, and a stunning example of the Byzantine-Russian style. Scattered about the city are fine examples of Jugendstil, or Art Nouveau. Elsewhere, the Temppeliaukio Church and Finlandia Hall represent early Modernism.

As befits one of Europe’s foremost capital cities, Helsinki is vibrant, yet as laid-back as the Finns who call it home. Wide and spacious streets and avenues allow for a multitude of cafes and restaurants to serve outdoors, where you sit back and relax, and at night there is no shortage of bars, clubs and venues to choose from. Throughout the year, Helsinki offers an incredible variety of activities for people of all ages, whether they prefer challenging sports, or gentle investigations of the natural beauty all around them. Cruises around the archipelago, trekking in the nearby forests, and traditional Finnish saunas , are some of the more popular choices, but there’s plenty more besides.

Helsinki Boutique Hotels & Design Hotels

Helsinki brunch guide – finding the best brunch in helsinki, recommended, most popular attractions in helsinki, explore helsinki by category, helsinki tourist attractions, food & drink – restaurants in helsinki, hotels & accommodation in helsinki, activities & sports in helsinki, shopping in helsinki, getting around helsinki.

Discovering Finland

  • Privacy Overview
  • Strictly Necessary Cookies

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.

Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings.

If you disable this cookie, we will not be able to save your preferences. This means that every time you visit this website you will need to enable or disable cookies again.

a logo with a plane, flower and palm tree and the words 'Spend Life Traveling'

10 Things to Know Before Visiting Finland – Tips From a Local

Things to know before traveling to Finland

Are you thinking about visiting Finland?

It’s my home country, and I would say it’s a great travel destination and definitely worth visiting.

But I know, many travelers don’t know anything about this Nordic country and it might never have crossed your mind to travel to Finland.

I am therefore very excited to share some information about my country and hope you will decide to visit Finland someday!

10 Things to Know About Finland Before Visiting

  

1. Finland Is a Recently Urbanized Country

Things to know about Finland: city life

Ok, let’s be honest here. Us Finnish people were “forest people” for a long time.

It means that urbanization started relatively late here, around the 1960s. Before that, most people lived in the countryside and/or in relatively small villages and got their livelihood from agriculture. We did have some factories but no big cities really.

Finland is a small country when it comes to population size. We are only about 5.6 million people. Helsinki, the capital, has got around 640,000 dwellers and in the greater metropolitan area, there are 1.3 million.

The urbanized culture is still relatively young, but, in today’s world, innovation spreads from one country to another rapidly and Finland is no exception.

Nowadays Helsinki is like any other cool capital in the world and the other bigger cities in Finland, such as Turku, Tampere, and Oulu, are all modern and vibrant cities.

As a matter of fact, I think Helsinki is one of the coolest places on earth . Yes, I love big cities but Helsinki has a bit of everything without the megacity problems, such as congestion, bad air quality, etc.

One of my favorite things to do in Helsinki is to visit the different cafes the city has to offer, to enjoy a quality cappuccino and read magazines.

Fun fact: The Finns are the world’s biggest coffee drinkers , drinking twice as much as the Italians and three times as much as the Americans!

Also Read: Interview With an Expat About Moving to & Living in Helsinki

2. The Finnish Personality

Things to know before visiting Finland: Finnish people

A thing to know when visiting Finland is that when you first arrive, people might seem a bit reserved.

Finnish people are polite but not majorly interested in endless chit-chat and in talking to strangers. We are not very gregarious but once you get to know us, you have a loyal friend who you can count on.

We have this old proverb actually: “a Finnish guy doesn’t talk nor kiss”. Well, luckily they do, nowadays, but the old folks or those living in the countryside might still be a bit reserved or blunt when trying to communicate.

In addition, Finnish people are quite modest (in both good and bad ways).

It’s not part of our national heritage to brag about our achievements. It can be really awkward to a Finn if you are just praising them and commenting on what a marvelous job they have done.

Sometimes we really should be more proud of our achievements. Perhaps the younger generation is getting better at this.

3. Education & Language

Finnish landscape - travel to Finland

The Finnish education system is one of the best in the world.

And what’s even better, education is free! No tuition fees. This way, it doesn’t matter what your family background is. You can still go to university and get a good degree.

English is widely spoken , especially in the bigger cities, so you will be able to travel around without any real language issues.

And by the way, Finland is officially bilingual.

While most people speak Finnish as their native tongue, the Swedish population makes up about 5,5% of Finland. The latter are mostly bilingual whereas not all Finnish people speak Swedish well, even though it’s mandatory to study Swedish at primary school.

4. The Weather in Finland

a trip to Finland

Yes, this is a bit problematic for any trip to Finland. You never really know what the weather is going to be like in Finland .

I mean, the summer can be quite nice, 20-27 degrees Celsius (68-80 Fahrenheit) or a crappy 18 degrees (64 Fahrenheit).

You can have horrible blizzards in winter but nowadays, in the Southern part, the weather can be quite mild as well.

So, whenever you visit Finland, remember to take all kinds of clothing with you. Unless you are visiting Lapland in winter. Then it’s going to be cold, guaranteed!

5. Equality and the Nordic Welfare State

Things to know before traveling to Finland: Equality & Welfare state

We don’t have major class differences here. Most people belong to the middle class and there are very few super-rich or very poor people.

We don’t have any gated communities and in general, you don’t have to worry about getting robbed in the middle of the night.

Our presidents are usually quite down to earth and they don’t like making a big fuss about themselves.

Our previous female president, for instance, Tarja Halonen, was seen at Stockmann department store during her presidency, buying the very plain undies, Sloggies. That is something you wouldn’t see a president do in many other countries!

6. Nature in Finland

Things to know before traveling to Finland: Finnish nature

Nature is very important to Finns and we’re never too far from the nearest park or forest.

People go jogging, skiing and berry picking in the forest. Or they go there just to relax and “recharge the batteries” as we say in Finnish.

We have a law called “Every man’s right” which means that anyone can visit and camp in anyone’s forest as long as they don’t cause any harm or trouble and stay away from the dwellings.

7. Lapland – Finland’s Top Attraction

Things to know before traveling to Finland: Lapland

To Southerners, Lapland is often as exotic as it is to foreigners.

Some people visit Lapland regularly, to go snowboarding in winter or hiking and fishing in summer and autumn, but many Southerners have never been to Lapland.

The landscape in Lapland is completely different from the rest of Finland and we find reindeer as cute and exotic as you do!

Also read: Where, When and How to See the Northern Lights in Lapland

8. Saunas in Finland

Things to know before traveling to Finland: Finnish sauna culture

Sauna is a big part of our national heritage. Almost all the detached houses have a sauna and it’s a ritual in many households to have a sauna night on Saturdays.

Which brings up the next topic; nudity. In general, Finns are not very prude when it comes to nudity though the traditions vary a bit.

If you are with your family or spouse, of course, you are naked in the sauna. If you are with friends, people might be naked or some might wear a bathing suit.

At public saunas or swimming pools, there are often separate saunas for ladies and gents but there are mixed ones as well (where you would wear a bathing suit).

But, whether it’s the sauna in your Airbnb, your hotel, or a public one, when you visit Finland you have to try a Finnish sauna at least once!

9. Drinking in Finland

Things to know before traveling to Finland: Alcohol in Finland

Finns do drink quite a lot. The wine culture arrived here relatively late (remember the forest people reference) and people were drinking mainly beer and spirits earlier.

Notorious Finnish drinking habits were a horror in neighboring Tallin, Estonia, but I think the situation has improved.

The new, urban generation has learned the continental drinking manners in which we sample different wines and have a bottle with a nice meal.

Unfortunately, we still have a state monopoly in Finland when it comes to liquor. You can only buy alcohol (over 5,5%) from a shop called Alko, which is our bottle shop.

And a tip: buy your bottles before 6PM on Saturdays since that is when they close and they don’t open on Sundays.

Most younger people, especially the ones in cities, can’t wait for the law to change one day so that we will finally be able to buy our wine at the grocery store.

On a positive note; tipping is not compulsory . Although of course it is always appreciated.

10. Finland is Expensive!

Things to know before traveling to Finland: Finland is expensive

This is unfortunately true. Pretty much everything is expensive in Finland . Alcohol, food, gas, clothes, cars…

The expansive welfare state model needs to be financed and that means that taxes on most things are high.

In general salaries in Finland are also high so that makes up for it, but as a tourist you will find Finland an expensive destination.

Don’t let that put you off though. Finland is beautiful and a country and culture well worth exploring!

Practical Things to Know About Finland

Currency: Euro (use xe.com  to convert currencies) Time zone: UTC+2 (UTC+3 in summer) Calling code: +358 Capital & largest city: Helsinki Plugs: Types C and F (C = two round pins, F = two round pins with two earth clips on the side)

One last fun fact: Finland is lovingly called the ‘Land of a Thousand Lakes’. But actually, there are many more lakes than that. There are 187,888 lakes to be exact and 179,584 islands within the territory of Finland!

I hope you will enjoy visiting my country and I hope these things to know about Finland helped you understand the country a bit better.

Have a great trip!

  • 10 Tips on How to Find the Cheapest Flights
  • Best Places to See the Northern Lights in Lapland
  • Interview With an Expat: Living in Helsinki
  • A Practical Travel Guide for Visiting Vaasa, Finland

Like this article with things to know before traveling to Finland? Pin it!

list of things to know about Finland before visiting

31 thoughts on “10 Things to Know Before Visiting Finland – Tips From a Local”

Hi Anna, I’m American, and have been to Finland. I had no trouble traveling or with communicating since my Finnish is rather awful (my grandparents are Finn, and I know a few phrases). I want to come back and travel North, but I’m worried about my lack of being able to speak Finnish – do you have a suggestion of places / cities you’d recommend?

Hi Anna! Our travel group wants to enjoy winter activities like going for a dog sled ride in Lapland (and visit small towns around Helsinki), but not freeze to death. When would be the best months for that? Would November be best, or possibly springtime? Thank you!

Hi, My name is Ahmad Rufa’i. I am very excited to say, Finland is my best and favorite country to visit in the whole world.

Hello Ahmad, when are you planning of visiting Finland?

Hello, my name is Jessica and I’m Mexican. My goal is to visit Helsinki this summer, but I am a little bit worried that Finnish people won’t understand my accent, I’ve been in the USA before and didn’t have any problem, but I am not sure how Finnish would react, so I am learning a few Finnish phrases, but is so difficult to pronounce them right. Anyway, which places or events do you recommend me to go on my trip this July?

Hi Jessica, If you were fine in the US then I am sure your English is fine in Finland. Especially in Helsinki they are used to tourists and different accents. In Helsinki you definitely have to see the Senate Square and Suomenlinna. I recommend getting a Helsinki City Card to save money on transport and the main sights: https://www.getyourguide.com/helsinki-l13/helsinki-card-free-city-tour-transportation-museum-entry-t794/?partner_id=QS7NT3B&utm_medium=online_publisher&utm_source=spend_life_traveling&placement=content-end&cmp=VisiFinland

And, if you are traveling to Finland for more than just a few days I would definitely leave Helsinki to enjoy more of Finland’s stunning nature.

That’s a difficult choice! Finland is beautiful in summer… But, if you’ve never seen the Northern lights I think I would travel to Finland in winter.

I am thinking of traveling to Finland but can not decide whether I would want to go in the winter to see the Northern lights or summer to experience more of the outdoor activities. Which do you prefer if you had to choose 1?

That marathon is in Turku, right? I’d recommend seeing if you can do some fun tours around Turku (kayaking maybe?) and also spend a couple of days in Helsinki. From Helsinki you can also do a lot of tours, if you have time. Even a day trip to Tallinn for example.

Enjoy your visit to Finland and good luck with the marathon!

I am travelling to Paavo for the marathon next month and trying to experience anything that is nearby or a must do…I will be there for 7 days anything you can recommend

Thanks a lot for the information, the informations where quite helpful. I hope to visit Finland someday, sounds like a very cool place to live.

Hi, Thank you for the information. I think I will be flying to Lapland itself since my trip got cut to a stop over only while returning ( i could not get reasonable flight tickets for a double stopover ) and take the night train back. The trains do not usually get delayed right? I will be in Finland from 1st to 6th October. And should I stay in Lapland itself for 5 days? , or stay in Helsinki for 2 and 3 days in Lapland. Also, I will be in Norway for 20 days, I think I should crossover to Finland for another 5 days. Can you guide on which towns in Finland will be good to visit from Norway ( i will add those bordering towns in Norway to my itinerary which I still have to make)

Thank you for your help .

Yes, Finland is definitely safe to travel alone. I traveled alone in Finland as a woman and never felt unsafe at all.

How much Finland costs really depends on your style of traveling… Alcohol is definitely expensive, but eating out and public transport I found similar to most Northern European countries. Helsinki is an expensive place to stay (easily US$ 100 per night for a hotel room) but outside of Helsinki you have cheaper hotel and Airbnb options.

Supermarkets I didn’t find expensive (again, compared to Northern Europe), so getting some of your food there instead of eating out could save some money.

Hi! It’s really a beautiful country. Can you tell me, is it safe to travel there alone? And how much does it cost to stay there for a week?

Have you visited Finland yet? I would recommend visiting first (maybe even several times) to see if you really like Finland, then decide what part of the country you would like to live in and then look for jobs there (if you want a job locally). There are a few expats in Finland or Helsinki Facebook groups. Join them as I am sure they can help you out with further information.

Finnland was said to be one of the most peaceful countries in the world. This i’ve known for years and i desire relocating to Finnland. Any help on the best way to relocate please?

Hi Rahul, I loved traveling by train in Finland. The trains are very comfortable.

Traveling all the way to Lapland by train will take you easily 12 hours though. If you decide to travel by train, my recommendation is to travel from Helsinki to Lapland using the night train. Book early, about 3 or 4 months before your trip, because prices do go up. Also check flights though, as with your limited amount of time that might be a good option.

Hi, Decent information. Thanks. I am traveling to Helsinki in September for 10 days, 5 days stopover on either side of my flight to Norway. I wanted your recommendation on where can we travel from Helsinki on such a short duration. Lapland was on my list, to travel via the train ( is it a good experience?). Also is that enough time to enjoy my stay in Finland or I need longer?. Thank you

I guess it depends on where you work. By Western standards, perhaps Finnish people are making “just” average wages but on a global scale, I think we earn a decent living. Also, high taxation and cost of living reduce purchasing power.

How do you recommend moving around Finland for 8 days in August 2019 ? I could drive? What key cities or places will fit into this time frame? Where would you suggest flying into and out of? We live in Houston Myself and 16 yr old grandson.

Hi Melinda! Have a look at my blog (and keep following it because I have a lot of Helsinki-related material coming up) and you will find plenty of things to see (also the non-touristy things) and some fab cafes and restaurants. Unfortunately, I’m not super familiar with Tampere so can’t advise on that… Happy that you have decided to visit us!

Hi, Im going to visit Helsinki and Tampere in the summer, have any recommondations for places to eat, things to visit that maybe as a tourist you might overlook? Thanks in Advance 🙂

There are high salaries in Finland? Been livin there all my 30 years on this earth and still they are not high.. all the other tips are mostly correct but this salary thing.. they are not high.

From Helsinki to Inari is a long drive! it’s just over 1100km each way, so 2200km round trip. It will depend on your car how much gas you will need. If you are renting a car I would check this with your rental agency. If it’s your own car then you can estimate it based on your car’s average fuel consumption.

Hi do you know how much gas do I need for traveling by car from helsinki to inari back and forth? Thanks

From my experience the Finns are very polite, somewhat reserved, and it’s not in their culture to embarrass or criticize people in public. Plus Helsinki attracts tourists from all over the world so they are used to seeing different sizes, skin colors, etc. And they seem very polite to tourists. Please don’t let it ruin your trip! Helsinki is a great city, enjoy it and everything Finland has to offer!

Hello:) I am going to be visiting Helsinki in December for about 10 days. I am concerned though. I am obese and I do not know if that will make the Finnish people treat me differently. I do have a medical reason for it though. I’m not lazy, but am very active. Here in the USA people are not so nice about it.

I have always wanted to visit Finland. So many amazing things there. Thanks for writing the post, it just make me love Finland even more.

Happy that you liked it, Henry! We are waiting for you here!

I am totally and deeply fascinated by Finland. 187,888 lakes and 179,584 islands you say? It looks like this is going to be my favorite country and I haven’t even begun researching it yet. How’s October as a season to visit?

Yes, Punita! There are thousands and thousands of lakes! And especially the Turku/Finnish archipelago is full of small little islands. I actually just wrote about it, cottage life in the Finnish archipelago. You can find it on my blog if you want to read it 😉 October would be a good time to visit, I think. Not so many tourists anymore and the winter, ie. cold hasn’t kicked in yet, hehe.

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Contact: [email protected]

Created by Mar y San Design

Interiors of a church, Temppeliaukion Kirkko, Helsinki, Finland

Getty Images/Panoramic Images

Entwined with the Baltic's bays, inlets and islands, Helsinki's boulevards and backstreets overflow with magnificent architecture, intriguing drinking and dining venues and groundbreaking design.

Leave the planning to a local expert

Experience the real Helsinki. Let a local expert handle the planning for you.

Attractions

Must-see attractions.

Suomenlinna (Sveaborg) Fortress in Helsinki, Finland

Suomenlinna

Suomenlinna, the ‘fortress of Finland’, straddles a cluster of car-free islands connected by bridges. This Unesco World Heritage site was originally built…

Finland, Helsinki, main entrance of the Ateneum Art Museum

Occupying a palatial 1887 neo-Renaissance building, Finland’s premier art gallery offers a crash course in the nation’s art. It houses Finnish paintings…

Design Museum

Design Museum

Punavuori & Ullanlinna

An unmissable stop for Finnish design aficionados, Helsinki's Design Museum has a permanent collection that looks at the roots of Finnish design in the…

Kansallismuseo

Kansallismuseo

Built in National Romantic art nouveau style and opened in 1916, Finland’s premier historical museum looks a bit like a Gothic church with its heavy…

Seurasaaren Ulkomuseo

Seurasaaren Ulkomuseo

Situated 5.5km northwest of the city centre, this excellent island-set museum has a collection of 87 historic wooden buildings transferred here from…

Kiasma

One in a series of elegant, contemporary buildings in this part of town, curvaceous, metallic Kiasma, designed by Steven Holl and finished in 1998, is a…

Amos Rex

Set beneath the iconic 1936 Lasipalatsi building, art museum Amos Rex opened in 2018. Sweeping staircases take you below ground to the exhibition halls…

Kajsaniemi

Rambling over 4 hectares in the city centre alongside the north harbour, Töölönlahti, Helsinki's botanic gardens are filled with plants from Finland and…

Plan with a local

Experience the real Finland

Let a local expert craft your dream trip.

helsinki travel alone

Latest stories from Helsinki

The coronavirus sniffer dogs named Kössi (L) and Miina cuddle with trainer Susanna Paavilainen at the Helsinki airport in Vantaa, Finland where they are trained to detect the Covid-19 from the arriving passengers, on September 22, 2020. (Photo by Antti Aimo-Koivisto / Lehtikuva / AFP) / Finland OUT (Photo by ANTTI AIMO-KOIVISTO/Lehtikuva/AFP via Getty Images)

Sep 24, 2020 • 3 min read

Specially-trained dogs capable of sniffing out coronavirus infections in passengers have been deployed in Dubai Airport.

Vallisaari Island skyline, courtesy Helsinki Biennial.jpg

Nov 16, 2019 • 2 min read

helsinki travel alone

Oct 4, 2019 • 1 min read

The Old Town pier in Helsinki, Finland

Aug 20, 2019 • 1 min read

The exterior of the historic Liberty Hotel is lit up at night.

Jul 13, 2019 • 5 min read

helsinki travel alone

Mar 5, 2019 • 1 min read

helsinki travel alone

Feb 18, 2019 • 5 min read

Beer has been an important part of Baltic culture for centuries © Megan Eaves / Lonely Planet

Dec 17, 2018 • 6 min read

helsinki travel alone

Nov 2, 2018 • 5 min read

helsinki travel alone

Jun 11, 2018 • 5 min read

in partnership with getyourguide

Book popular activities in Helsinki

Purchase our award-winning guidebooks.

Get to the heart of Helsinki with one of our in-depth, award-winning guidebooks, covering maps, itineraries, and expert guidance.

Helsinki and beyond

Punavuori & Ullanlinna

  • International edition
  • Australia edition
  • Europe edition

Klara Zhao by the Moselle River loop on her solo travels in Germany.

‘It’s all about stepping out of your comfort zone’: 10 tips for solo travellers

Travelling alone needn’t mean feeling lonely and left out: hostels, guided walks and foodie tours are great ways to both explore and meet new people

Y oung adults, new remote workers and empty-nesters on “gap” years are all fuelling a post-lockdown boom in solo travel. Figures from the website Solo Traveler suggest most of them are women and quite a few are in relationships: solo is not the same as single. Google searches for solo travel have quadrupled since 2020 . Going on holiday alone means you’re in charge of the schedule and are more likely to make new friends. Here are 10 things that can make trips for one more fun, offer structure, security and company (for those who want it).

Stay in a hostel

YHA Stratford Upon Avon

Hostels vary from rock-bottom budget to luxury, but they usually have communal areas such as bars, kitchens and sitting rooms, where travellers can swap tips, food, books, anecdotes and even agree to team up for a while. At the lovely Dolphin Inn (twin rooms from £44) hostel in Dunbar, on the East Lothian coast, I shared a takeaway with the woman on reception. Klara Zhao from Sydney, who has travelled in a dozen countries on her own, says: “In Helsinki, I stayed at a hostel by the woods with a cafeteria where guests had breakfast. I met a nice German family and another girl my age and spent a couple of days travelling around the city with them.”

Hostels don’t have to mean sleeping in a dorm; many now have private rooms. Some city hostels are famous for their parties, with happy hours and DJs. But hostelling could equally involve board games in a Georgian mansion at YHA Stratford-upon-Avon (private rooms from £29), communal saunas at the 7 Fells hostel in Finnish Lapland (private room from €65) or surfing and sunrise yoga on the beach at the Salty Pelican in Portugal (three-night package €349).

Stay in a house

Klara also recommends staying with a family (good for “cultural and linguistic immersion”) through homestayin.com , or booking an Airbnb room where you share the rest of the place with a resident host, who will often be “a source of many local tips”. Couchsurfing is a well-known scheme for sleeping on spare beds and sofas around the world for free, and many cities have weekly coffee shop meetings for people wanting to connect. Nomad Sister is a couchsurfing community for women.

Urban exploring

Toronto-based Janice Waugh, founder of Solo Traveler , has lots of tips about planning and safety (prevention is key). She recommends booking a tour with Worldwide Greeters , which offers free introductory strolls through 130 cities worldwide.

Tours of all kinds are great for travellers on their own. Tips-only tours, such as those at freetour.com , can often be more thought-provoking than a pre-paid whistlestop guide to historic sights.

On a recent free walking tour of Amsterdam, anthropology student Katjalisa (who has since joined sustainable guiding firm Tours that Matter ) used Amsterdam’s cityscapes to introduce tourists to Dutch concepts such as gedogen (illegal but officially tolerated) and gezellig (convivial). There were three of us on the tour travelling solo and we joined forces afterwards for a bar crawl.

Ride a tram

Helsinki’s no 2 tram takes in many of the city’s sights.

One of the best ways to get a sense of the layout of a new city is to spend time exploring by public transport, where travelling alone is the norm. Rather than wandering dark alleys on your own or navigating a strange one-way system in a car, sitting on a bus or tram can be a relaxed, affordable way to see the sights.

Riding a tram across a new city is often a mini-adventure in itself and there are always routes that pass major city landmarks. In Helsinki, for instance, tram 2 is the best sightseeing route and a day ticket is also valid on the ferry to the island fortress of Suomenlinna.

Amsterdam’s great routes include tram 14 , which runs past the Hortus botanical garden and out to the reeds and willows of Flevopark. On the way, it passes one of the old city gates and a huge, octagonal wooden windmill that sits at at the junction of several waterways.

Go for a walk

Descending Graig Fawr, Swansea.

The Ramblers , Britain’s energetic walking charity, offers free Wellbeing Walks as well as longer guided walks for members. Non-members are allowed to try three of the wellbeing walks for free before joining (from £38.50 a year). For members, there are 50,000 group walks each year across Britain. PR director Jardine Howlett says they are an excellent option for solo travellers wanting to explore spectacular off-the-beaten-track landscapes with confidence.

In Carmarthenshire, Lisa Denison runs a firm called Quiet Walks (from £10pp). It’s aimed at less-extrovert walkers who may not want to socialise the whole time, but still prefer to be in a small group. “Most of my customers come on their own,” she says. A favourite is the five-mile round-trip hike up to Garn Goch, one of the largest iron age hill forts in Wales.

after newsletter promotion

Find your tribe

The website Meetup is a great source of worldwide group walks, and can include winter hikes but also skating in Stockholm’s popular Hellasgården park and year-round sea swimming in Barcelona. Enthusiasts will be able to find like-minded friends at activities from chess clubs and climbing walls to jazz bars in lots of cities.

Eat and drink

Deanston distillery.

Eating and drinking together is often a short cut to friendship. Cookery classes are always a good bet, as are foraging courses. Kerry Bowness of the Foraging Course Company leads lively walks, complete with samples of hawthorn ketchup or elderflower jelly, in areas ranging from Norfolk to Gloucestershire.

Foodie walks have sprung up around the globe. Brewery, distillery and vineyard visits are fun too, especially once the tasters start flowing. There are hundreds of these to check out in the UK alone, including friendly hydro-powered Deanston distillery near Stirling (£15) or entertaining year-round tours at the Yorkshire Heart vineyard, in countryside between York and Knaresborough (from £25).

Minibus vistas

By sharing a 16-seater mini-coach, Edinburgh-based Rabbie’s Tours keeps trips affordable and sociable while taking guests to some spectacular landscapes. Among its many tours is a 12-hour round-trip from Edinburgh that packs in a lot of dramatic scenery, including Glencoe and Ben Nevis, the UK’s highest mountain (£59).

Cotswolds in a Day (£55) is a small-group minibus tour that picks up from railway stations and kicks off with a big view from Dover’s Hill, followed by towns and villages full of old stone bridges, rose-wreathed cottages and beamed pubs. Lisa and Tom Benjamin, who founded the company Go Cotswolds , met while each was travelling solo in South America. Lisa says: “When we later set up our business, it was very important to us that our tours were welcoming and affordable for independent solo travellers, because that’s where we were coming from.”

Be a pilgrim

The Camino de Santiago.

More than half the 350,000 annual walkers on the Camino de Santiago are women. Many of them set out alone and make long-term friendships on the way. Carolyn Gillespie is the author of Pilgrim , a book about walking the Camino. Lots of peregrinas , she says, are walking at a transitional phase of their lives, and going solo is part of the plan. “It’s all about stepping out of your comfort zone and seeing what you’re made of.” At the same time, it’s reassuring to become part of a “travelling caravan of people” all with the same destination. “We’d laugh, talk, put the world to rights, but we were just as contented with silence, listening to the cuckoo,” she writes. Camigas is a Facebook page that puts women on the Camino in touch with each other.

Keep a journal

Not only will this help you remember details of all your experiences, it also gives you something purposeful to do when you’re sitting on your own in a restaurant. “I always keep a journal while travelling,” says Zhao, “as a means of jotting down impressions, observations, little sketches of the moment. It’s also a nice souvenir of the travels to look back on.”

  • Travelling solo
  • United Kingdom holidays
  • Europe holidays

Most viewed

Solo traveling basics: Expert advice for your first trip

helsinki travel alone

Boarding the plane to head to another country alone is often an emotional experience – there’s the excitement, the anxiety, the anticipation.

It can also be totally nerve-wracking.

When Angie Orth made the bold choice to leave her job and embark on a solo yearlong journey around the world in 2011, her friends and family cautioned her about safety concerns. “Everyone was horrified,” the Florida native told USA TODAY. “The fear was all I heard.”

The then New York City-based Orth kicked off her 12-country solo trip in Fiji before making her way to New Zealand, Australia, and Southeast Asia. Then she trekked through Europe, including Greece, Spain and England, and stopped in Turkey and Egypt before ending in Kenya and South Africa.

Stay safe while traveling: Here are 17 CIA tips, advice to think like a spy on vacation

Learn more: Best travel insurance

It wasn’t always smooth traveling. At times, Orth said she survived “by the skin of my teeth.” Orth was in Egypt during the Arab Spring , got unbelievably sick in Thailand, and had a bike accident in Bali. She was also robbed of 400 euros. “I was in Greece for a half an hour and had already been pickpocketed,” she said. 

Still, to Orth, the solo journey was invaluable. “It’s a confidence that I don't think there’s any other way to get that confidence than by solo travel,” she said, referring to the problem-solving that inherently comes with navigating travel on your own. Then there’s also the compassion you gain from meeting and experiencing other cultures. 

Now more than ever, more people are deciding to forgo travel companions and embark on their trips alone. Solo vacation package searches on Google shot up by more than 200% over the past 90 days as of Feb. 2.

Increased connectivity on our phones makes it easier to feel secure and social media shows more people – especially women – traveling the world alone. 

“Women are not waiting for permission or their 401(k) to mature. If my husband doesn’t want to go, fine. Women are having more confidence,” said Orth, who is also the author of the upcoming book “Flirting with Disaster,” which chronicles her yearlong solo trip. 

Here’s everything you need to know about solo travel. 

How to safely travel alone

Safety is always top of mind when traveling, and it’s especially important for solo travelers who have to look out for themselves. 

'It's like your local bestie': This startup helps make solo travel as a woman feel safer

“Isn’t it fun to meet a person in a hostel and say yes, let’s go hiking right now? That’s fun, but it’s risky,” Orth said. “It’s about balancing it out and researching ridiculously.” 

◾ Start your research by heading to the State Department website to see if there are any travel advisories for the destination you’re interested in. These advisories are based on changing conditions and also inform you about the specific region you’re visiting.

For the most direct updates, enroll in the agency’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), a free service that sends you the most up-to-date information on the destination. It can also help connect you to the nearest U.S. embassy and consulate if traveling and something happens.

◾ One thing Orth always searches for is “the destination plus scams” to see what she has to look out for when in that place. Many European cities are notorious for petty theft, like pickpocketing in popular tourist hotspots like the Trevi Fountain or public transportation.  

When doing research, it may feel like an information overload. "There is so much information now, you could read 1,000 reviews and get so many sources of conflicting information," Orth added. "It’s hard to wade through all that and find trusted sources."

◾ To help sift through everything, Orth recommends reaching out to others who have traveled to your ideal destination. She also recommended cleaning out your feed and only following travel content creators who “give you the good and the bad.”

“You don’t want the glossy, glossy, oh, it’s so magical because travel isn’t always so magical,” she said. 

◾ At your destination, you’ll also need at least a basic understanding of the language used there. “Translation plays a big role in safety, just being aware of your surroundings,” said Craig Ewer, Google Communications Manager for Search. 

Besides direct translation between 133 languages, the Google Translate app offers pronunciation help – “such a lifesaver,” according to Rose Yao, vice president of product management at Google. You can also snap a picture of a menu and have it translated in real time. 

The Google app also has a feature called Lens that allows users to search using a picture of something like a sign. “You’d be surprised at what you can Lens: menus, what is that building or what is that statue,” Yao said. You can also capture a screenshot of your social media feed and then search for it on Google to incorporate it into your travel plans.

Staying healthy on your travels

◾ To safeguard yourself and others against preventable illnesses while exploring new places, look up any recommended vaccinations for the countries you plan on visiting. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website is a good starting point, with in-depth travel health notices and recommended vaccines and medicines posted. 

The CDC website also offers travel advice on managing nonpreventable illnesses, like preventing bug bites to reduce the risk of contracting diseases like dengue or Zika.

◾ Typically, you’d want to give yourself at least a month before departing on your trip to get everything you need from your doctor. And if you don’t know who to go to, the CDC can help you find a clinic as well. 

Orth recommends having a doctor help you put together a medical kit with some necessities and medications, such as for food poisoning. “It’s helpful to have some things on hand so you’re not scrambling on a remote island and no one knows what you’re talking about,” she said. 

◾ As you’re making the big purchases for your trip, don’t forget about travel insurance for the unexpected. Orth said she never travels without this layer of protection. Travel insurance not only helped with her medical costs from her bike collision but also replaced her camera, which was smashed in the accident. She also recommends a service called  MedJet , which offers worldwide security crisis and medical transportation assistance for its members.

What are the most popular solo travel destinations?

According to Google, the top-searched destinations for American solo travelers are: 

◾ Puerto Rico

Tips for solo travelers

◾ The Google app’s generative AI search allows you to “ask really detailed questions like you would ask a friend,” Yao said. “Ask what’s off the beaten path, what’s not crowded. What’s a great time to visit the Louvre that’s not super crowded?” 

◾ For your first trip alone, it’s OK to start small and dip your toes in the solo travel pool. “Start in an easier destination, something more familiar where you speak the language or you don't have to fly far away,” Orth said. “A lot of folks see ‘Eat, Pray, Love’ and travel content creators trekking in Borneo for it to count but it doesn’t.” 

◾ It won’t always be rainbows and butterflies, despite what you see on social media. Expect decision fatigue from having to make many micro-decisions, like if this taxi driver seems safe. “I think this probably hits women a lot harder than it hits men because we are never not thinking about our safety, and that’s if we’re going to Target in our hometown or hopping on a plane to a remote island,” Orth said. 

◾ Make an itinerary for yourself with at least one thing planned every day, so you don’t feel aimless but still have space for flexibility, said Madison Pietrowski, U.S. brand director at GetYourGuide, a marketplace for travel experiences, where each company listed is thoroughly vetted. It can be as casual as wanting to eat at a certain restaurant for dinner or more intensive like a whole-day tour. (On that note, make sure to read the fine print and be aware of cancellation policies for your excursions.)  

Kathleen Wong is a travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Hawaii. You can reach her at [email protected] .

icon

  • English (EN)
  • Español (ES)
  • Português (BR)

Is Helsinki Safe? Crime Rates & Safety Report

Helsinki, Finland

Finland : Safety by City

The capital city of Finland was founded in 1550, and its long-lasting history makes it an international metropolis visited by numerous tourists throughout the year.

Its population exceeds 1.3 million and it is the most visited city in Finland, so the crowds are quite frequent here.

Classical Helsinki’s sights are churches, museums interesting both from the outside and from the inside, as well as Suomenlinna which once used to be the greatest sea fortress.

Once in Helsinki, do not miss to see Kruununhaka, the very safe area near the harbor, offering you an impressive sight of the Gulf of Finland.

  • Warnings & Dangers in Helsinki

OVERALL RISK: LOW

The safety index proves the fact that Helsinki is one of the safest cities in Europe. Some of the possible risks are pickpockets in crowds and drunken people trying to start a fight. It is even safe during the nighttime and getting mugged for money in the streets has rarely been reported.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW

Public transport in Helsinki may be unsafe, because pickpockets may be found there. During winter roads become more dangerous because of the ice and driving can be difficult. Snow tires are obligatory from 1st December to 28th February.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW

Taking into account the fact that more than 3.5 million tourists visit Helsinki yearly a huge amount of people makes pickpocketing easy. Central railway station and Kamppi shopping center should be avoided. The tourists are the most frequent victims because they have valuables, passports, and money with them.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: LOW

There are no threats of serious natural hazards. The only problem might be a long and very cold winter. All visitors are advised to bring proper clothes.

MUGGING RISK: LOW

Finland is a very safe country in terms of violent crime, and being kidnapped or mugged is very unlikely here. Anyway, there might be situations in Helsinki when you might become a victim, so remain precautious.

TERRORISM RISK: LOW

Finland is not the country where terrorists might attack, but that can never be said for sure since the global threat exists. As long as tourists pay attention to any suspicious activity, they will remain safe. In case it happens, just follow the advice of authorities and local guides.

SCAMS RISK: LOW

Scams are not frequent on the streets of Helsinki and drink spiking is not common, but you should not accept drinks from strangers. In case you have to pay a fine, you should know that Finnish police do not ask for a cash payment, so do not believe a person pretending to be a police officer who asks for money.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW

Women travelers are trouble-free when it comes to Helsinki since it is a very safe city and there were almost no records of women being assaulted.

  • So... How Safe Is Helsinki Really?

What every tourist should know about Helsinki is that there is no real reason to avoid visiting it, since the safety is on the highest level.

The location score of 95 makes it the least dangerous city in the world when all types of risks are taken into consideration.

However, the summer period is the peak season both for tourists and pickpockets, so the eye must be kept on your belongings.

The only parts of the city that are advised to be kept away from at night are the Central Train Station in Helsinki and Kaisaniemi Park.

As in any major city, homeless people, alcoholics and drug junkies can be seen, but they are in certain neighborhoods, so make sure that your hotel is not in that city part.

Helsinki is the least risky capital to be seen and if you decide to visit it, you will enjoy the northern architecture, green parks, and numerous churches and museums, so do not let anything spoil your journey.

  • How Does Helsinki Compare?
  • Useful Information

A visa to Finland is not obligatory for people staying there for a maximum of 3 months. A valid passport is enough documentation. However, for longer staying, you will need to have a visa.

The Euro is the official currency of Finland. You will need to exchange your currency and the best solution to do that is in banks and currency exchange kiosks at the airport or in the shopping centers. Finland is an expensive country and accommodation is not cheap, but you can be sure that it is of a very high standard.

Finland is considered a cold country about some other European countries. Even summers are very cool with the average temperature between 15-20°C. In some parts of the country, winter temperature can fall below 40°C. Winters in Helsinki are dark and freezing. Due to the weather condition, the best time to visit it is summer.

Helsinki-Vantaa International Airport, which is located in Vantaa, 18 kilometers from the city center, has become crowded since it is the main hub of most journeys to Finland. It is one of the busiest airports in the world since about 90% of Finland's air traffic goes via Helsinki Airport.

Travel Insurance

If you’re visiting Finland, a travel insurance policy should be obtained since you can never know whether medical treatment will become necessary during your trip.

Helsinki Weather Averages (Temperatures)

  • Average High/Low Temperature

Finland - Safety by City

  • Where to Next?

tallinn-wallpapers-28922-8061852

10 Reviews on Helsinki

95? More like 75-80. Yes it is safe city but even downtown is full of people that are drunk or on drugs and sometimes they are agressive. There are lot of people from middle east and they might harrass women

I get what you are saying. I have seen a number of drunks but I never once felt unsafe. Just because people are drunk doesn’t mean they will harm others. Not sure what you mean by a lot of middle eat people either and tying them in with sexual harassment is a bit racist, don’t you think? I have been here several times and as a woman, I have never felt unsafe.

That is true

Finland is safe according to the inhabitants and the tourists but you have to take drunken people in consideration

Be careful of drunken people

Recently there has been news of foreign gang who try rob you

Only Places to avoid in helsinki but they are still alright.

They rob each other from around 20kilometers away from city center. theres two main area you should be avare of and they are Kontula and Vuosaari Also avoid Itä-Keskus or East-Centrum in english because there you might interact with drunk people and narsisct because its between of the 2 areas. but you are safe as a tourists. i was born in a rich neighbour Hood and my school route went from there and i got only saw once 2 drunk people fighting each other in 9 years of going school using route going trough Kontula and Itä-Keskus.

Good, but some crime during summer

Safety level is high but crime levels increase during summer because at that time the population rises significantly

As usual, Helsinki, like other capitals, has to deal with beggars, scammers, drunken people and other instances that dilute the experience you might want to have. I’m from eastern Europe so this is no news to me so I kinda tend to ignore it. To sum it up, Helsinki is the city you book a trip to if you like cities that are small enough so you don’t necessarily need public transportation to get from one place to another. It’s colorful, people are running, riding bikes, there’s activities for everyone.

Extremely safe and enjoyable

I live in California so I know how things might take a wrong turn at night around nightclubs. What you get to see in Helsinki is a diluted scenario of what I get to experience back home. Yeah, you might see the occasional scuffle but if you mind your business you have nothing to worry about, people won’t come at you out of nowhere.

Kallio is a very busy area loved by hipsters, with popular bars. For some reason, this area tends to be trashed online but I saw quite the opposite. Nothing to worry about, just the occasional junkie popping out from time to time.

From what I’ve heard bike theft is a pest, with bikes being stolen even in the ‘better’ neighborhoods. So, if you have your own or rented one, make sure you keep it inside if possible or thoroughly locked.

From a tourist’s point of view you will have no trouble here. Definitely not the type of place where you have to constantly look over your shoulder or where you’re forced to dress down so you don’t look too flashy and thus attract unwanted attention #coughcoughCentralAmerica

As almost everywhere else, influencers might flock to a certain club and start taking photos or recording videos which might mean you’ll end up in a background of a random video that will be shared online later on. I was very bothered with this so I changed my table to avoid the unwanted attention.

I was shocked when I saw baby strollers lined up outside a restaurant. Parents then go in and grab a bite to eat. Add to this the fact that kids aged 7 and up ride the bus or simply walk to school ALL ALONE and you have a relevant picture of what this city is all about. This pretty much says it all as Helsinki is safe, a pleasure to explore, even more if you’re the active type, you will blend in perfectly.

You should avoid ”Sörnäinen” metro station and the nearby area, lots of drug users that can be unpredictable at times. You should be fine just passing through or switching from metro to tram, but avoid staying there for extended periods of time.

Share Your Experience Cancel reply

Your Review

Title of your review

Article Contents

  • Helsinki : Safety by City
  • Overall Risk
  • Transport & Taxis Risk
  • Pickpockets Risk
  • Natural Disasters Risk
  • Mugging Risk
  • Terrorism Risk
  • Women Travelers Risk
  • Weather Averages (Temperatures)
  • User Reviews
  • Share Your Experience

Popular Destinations

Cabo San Lucas

Safety Index

Recent reviews & comments.

  • Anonymous on San Luis Potosi
  • Sara Azizi on 15 Pros and Cons of Living in Egypt
  • DUKE on Nantes
  • Anonymous on Gambia
  • Mohan on Chennai

Popular US States

  • Pennsylvania

IMAGES

  1. Alone In Helsinki

    helsinki travel alone

  2. Solo Travel Helsinki: An Independent Visitor's Guide to Finland's Capital

    helsinki travel alone

  3. Helsinki Travel Guide

    helsinki travel alone

  4. The Ultimate Helsinki Travel Guide

    helsinki travel alone

  5. 20 Helsinki Summer Experiences

    helsinki travel alone

  6. Free Self-Guided Helsinki Walking Tour by a Finn (with Map

    helsinki travel alone

VIDEO

  1. Tour Helsinki FINLAND Part 2

  2. Part Of Helsinki

  3. Coolest Place in Helsinki!

  4. FINLAND VLOG🇫🇮: my travel to helsinki + explore the city

  5. Rauma to Helsinki

  6. Starting my 5-9 after 9-5 #afterwork #helsinki

COMMENTS

  1. Solo Travel Helsinki: An Independent Visitor's Guide to Finland's Capital

    Updated: 24 September 2023 As a city, Helsinki is wildly underrated, in my opinion. On my own solo travels in Europe, not too many backpackers I spoke to had Helsinki on their itineraries.. However, I think Helsinki is worth visiting even as a solo traveler. Sure, you don't get as many hostels as the neighboring Baltic countries, but Finland's capital city is perfect for people who just ...

  2. Solo Travel Destination: Helsinki, Finland

    Solo Travel Destination Rating System. Safety - 1 (1 very safe, 2 safe in most areas, 3 be cautious at all times.). Language - 2 (1 English is first language, 2 English speakers easy to find, 3 English speakers rare). Navigation - 1 (1 easy to navigate by transit or car, 2 poor transit, car necessary, 3 not easy to get around) Culture - 1 (1 Similar to North America or Western Europe ...

  3. The Ultimate Helsinki Solo Travel Guide

    Best Helsinki hostel for solo travelers: Hostel Diana Park. Clean facilities, comfy beds and blankets, and a great location (10 min walk to the train station, 30 mins to ferry). Not a party hostel - a great place to chill out and meet others in a calm, casual setting. Book ahead to reserve your spot as accommodation in Helsinki can get $$$.

  4. One Day in Helsinki, Finland: Itinerary & Where to Go in 24 Hours

    Helsinki is Finland's vibrant seaside capital and its most-visited travel destination. The cosmopolitan Finnish city is located on the edge of the Baltic Sea. Helsinki blends nature, modern marvels, and several historic sites for an unforgettable trip. Unfortunately, spending 24 hours in Helsinki doesn't leave a lot of time to explore.

  5. Solo trip to Helsinki, Finland

    By Train/Bus. If flying or taking a ferry is not your style, you can also travel overland from Copenhagen to Helsinki with train or car ferry via Malmö Centralstation which takes 24h 18m and costs $230 - $470. Trains also run daily to Helsinki from St Petersburg and Moscow! Fares start from around $33 one-way in 2nd class or $78 in 1st class ...

  6. One Day in Helsinki Itinerary: The Best Things to See & Do

    A single entry costs between €14 and €20. Löyly Helsinki: If you're leaning toward a more modern and scenic experience, Löyly, situated along the coastline, is hard to beat. The architecture is sleek and the sea views from the sauna are breathtaking. Expect to spend around €19 to €25 for a session.

  7. 28 Awesome Things to Do in Helsinki!

    1. Climb up the Helsinki Cathedral steps (Helsingin tuomiokirkko) As the symbol of Helsinki, this is a must-do. In fact, if you only have time to visit one place on a sweeping visit, make sure this is it! It's beautiful to look at all times of the day and at night, it's a stunning sight lit up against the night sky.

  8. One Day in Helsinki

    1 Day in Helsinki might not seem like much time when, in fact, it's quite enough to get acquainted with the city. And to help you make the very most of your time, I've put together this perfect 1 Day Helsinki Itinerary. We recently spent just over 24 hours in Helsinki, so we can share what we got up to, and what we consider to be the best ...

  9. The Ultimate Travel Guide to Helsinki (Things to Do)

    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.

  10. Traveling alone in Finland: The 5 best single activities

    Finland: a unique destination to travel alone. Finland is a unique and special destination for solo travelers, offering a range of experiences and activities that are sure to suit a variety of interests. From the vibrant capital of Helsinki to the peaceful landscapes of Lapland, Finland has something for every type of traveler.

  11. A first-timer's guide to Helsinki

    Icy Helsinki in January. The saunas usually comprise of several wooden, dimly-lit sauna rooms which differ in the way they are heated and how hot they get. Most saunas have wood-burning saunas (70-130C /158-266F), smoke saunas (80-160C /176-320F) and electric saunas (80-105C /176-221F). Expect to sweat A LOT.

  12. Helsinki Travel Guide: See, Do, Spend, & Save (Updated 2024)

    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.

  13. Why This Coastal Nordic City Is My Favorite For Solo Travel

    Well, Helsinki has an abundance of activities for all locals and travelers. With an estimated 3.3 million saunas across the country, the art of detoxing truly is a way of life in the Finnish culture, and luckily for visitors, they're easily accessible. Below is a list of unique saunas/pools frequently used by the locals.

  14. Exploring Helsinki Alone: A Solo Traveler's Guide

    In this article, we will explore some of the best things to do in Helsinki when traveling alone. Getting Around Helsinki. Helsinki has an excellent public transportation system that is easy to use and affordable. Visitors can choose from buses, trams, metro, and ferries. A 24-hour ticket for all modes of transport costs around €8, while a ...

  15. A Solo Traveller's Guide To Finland

    Joel Rabinowitz 18 February 2022. Illuminated by endless daylight in summer and shrouded in darkness throughout winter, Finland is a country of stark extremes. It's mostly covered in swathes of coniferous forest dotted with thousands of lakes, while its urban hubs are full of character. Whether you're plotting a city break, a nature escape ...

  16. Best Solo Trips in Helsinki

    Although it is safe to travel alone in Helsinki, and many GAFFL users have planned solo trips there, it is important to remember that crime can occur anywhere if you are not cautious and enter dangerous areas or situations. You will be fine if you carry yourself confidently, use common sense, and are aware of your surroundings.

  17. Is Helsinki Safe for Solo Female Travelers? Key Insights

    Helsinki, the vibrant capital of Finland, presents itself as a haven for solo female travelers seeking new experiences in a secure atmosphere. Your safety is a top consideration while traveling alone, and Helsinki's low crime rate and easily navigable streets are accommodating for independent visitors.

  18. The ultimate Helsinki travel guide for first-timers

    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.

  19. Tourism Helsinki

    Tourism Helsinki - Travel Guide to Helsinki. A modern city featuring some of the most distinctive architecture in the world, both old and new, Helsinki is one of the cultural hot spots of Northern Europe. An idealholiday destination for both for lovers of the arts and those who relish its exciting and vibrant nightlife, Helsinki is also a child-friendly city perfect for family vacations, and ...

  20. 10 Things to Know Before Visiting Finland

    Also Read: Interview With an Expat About Moving to & Living in Helsinki. 2. The Finnish Personality. A thing to know when visiting Finland is that when you first arrive, people might seem a bit reserved. Finnish people are polite but not majorly interested in endless chit-chat and in talking to strangers.

  21. Helsinki travel

    Helsinki. Entwined with the Baltic's bays, inlets and islands, Helsinki's boulevards and backstreets overflow with magnificent architecture, intriguing drinking and dining venues and groundbreaking design.

  22. 'It's all about stepping out of your comfort zone': 10 tips for solo

    Helsinki's no 2 tram takes in many of the city's sights. Photograph: Taina Sohlman/Alamy. One of the best ways to get a sense of the layout of a new city is to spend time exploring by public ...

  23. Solo travel tips: How to get started traveling alone

    Solo vacation package searches on Google shot up by more than 200% over the past 90 days as of Feb. 2. Increased connectivity on our phones makes it easier to feel secure and social media shows ...

  24. Is Helsinki Safe for Travel RIGHT NOW? (2024 Safety Rating)

    OVERALL RISK: LOW. The safety index proves the fact that Helsinki is one of the safest cities in Europe. Some of the possible risks are pickpockets in crowds and drunken people trying to start a fight. It is even safe during the nighttime and getting mugged for money in the streets has rarely been reported.