Helsinki Travel Tips For First Timers
Helsinki is a beautiful city with so much to see and do. However, it can be overwhelming to plan your trip if you are new to Finland’s capital.
Luckily, these Helsinki travel tips will help you make the most of your visit. They will also save you time and money!
1. Book Your Accommodations in Advance
Whether you’re on a business trip or vacation, booking your accommodations in advance is always a good idea. In fact, hotel comparison site Trivago suggests that the best time to book is two months ahead of your travel dates.
You can also save money on your trip by staying off-season, such as during fall or winter. In addition, you’ll find that most hotels have special rates for guests arriving during off-peak hours.
And speaking of saving money, don’t forget to shop local! Helsinki is home to a lot of great markets and food stalls, so be sure to take advantage of them during your stay. One of my favorite spots is Herkku Market Bistro, which is located inside a grocery store. It’s a hidden gem and the fish soup is amazing! It’s only open Tuesday-Friday so it’s worth a visit!
2. Make Your Own Meals
Cooking your own meals is one of the best ways to stay on a budget while staying healthy. Not only is it a stress-relieving experience, but it can also be a great way to bond with your family and friends.
Another way to save money is by booking accommodation that includes cooking facilities. This will enable you to prepare breakfast and snacks for your family or group, and it will save you a lot of money in the long run.
If you want to eat out while in Helsinki, we recommend Juuri (which means 'root'). It's a modern restaurant that serves delicious dishes with local ingredients. For more traditional Finnish cuisine, Savotta is an excellent choice. Its servers dress up in traditional costume and its views of the cathedral make it the perfect place to try some of Finland's signature dishes.
3. Stay on a Budget
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a returning traveler, there are some things you can do to save money while traveling. One of them is to rent a car prior to booking your flight so that you can avoid paying a high rate for transportation (which can easily double your ticket price).
Another way to save money in Helsinki is to avoid taxis. They’re notoriously expensive here and can add up to a lot of money over the course of your trip.
The next tip is to get a tourist card that allows you to visit the main attractions for free, as well as access the hop-on/hop-off bus for an additional fee. This can save you a fortune in the long run.
4. Rent a Car
Helsinki is a great place to visit on a budget, especially if you are a first time traveler. You can save money by staying off-season, visiting during the early spring and fall, and using public transport to get around.
The city has a robust public transportation system including buses, trains, trams and the metro, as well as a ferry service to the Suomenlinna archipelago. Taking advantage of this system is the best way to explore Finland, so make sure you purchase a Helsinki card while in town.
If you want to take a break from the bustle of the city, rent a car and drive to the Seurasaari Island, an open-air museum that tells the story of Finnish history. There are also a number of nature parks and beaches to enjoy, so take your time exploring. In Helsinki airport you can rent a car from 17 euros per day, in Tampere Airport - from 18 euros per day.
5. Take Public Transport
One of the best ways to get around Helsinki is on public transport. The city’s tram and metro system is one of the oldest electrified systems in the world and it’s super easy to navigate!
Taking public transport can save you a lot of money on your trip. Plus, it’s a great way to see the city from top to bottom.
A good tip is to buy a ticket in advance so you don’t have to worry about buying them on the spot! You can also get a monthly pass which gives you access to buses, trams, metro and trains.
You can also take a ferry from the city centre to Suomenlinna, a fortress that’s located on an island. The ferries are included in the public transportation network and operate every day of the year!
6. Shop Locally
It's easy to feel like a tourist in Helsinki, but locals are friendly and welcoming. They'll help you navigate the city and offer recommendations on where to go.
If you're looking to buy something, it's worth checking out the local markets, which sell everything from food to souvenirs. They're also open all year round.
The Old Market Hall is a stunning byzantine revival building and has plenty of stalls for fresh produce. It's also a great place to buy Finnish cakes and cheese.
After that, take a tour of the city on a heritage tram. It's a fun way to see all the main sights in Helsinki.
7. Go to the Museums
Whether you’re interested in contemporary art or national culture, Helsinki has a number of museums that are well worth exploring. Admission fees can be steep, but if you time your visit right, many of them offer free entry at least once a month!
For example, the Kiasma Art Museum (pictured above) is a must-visit for its jaw-dropping architecture and rotating exhibitions. Or, head to the Designmuseo to learn about the history of Finnish inventions and design.
If you’re into architecture, don’t miss the Temppeliaukion Rock Church – this church is carved into the rock face and is one of the most unique examples of Finnish architecture I’ve ever seen. It’s also a great place to take a break from the cold weather, as it’s free to enter!
8. Take a Tour
Helsinki offers plenty of sightseeing tours that let you see the big sites, experience the culture, and get to know the city. But if you want to truly immerse yourself in this Nordic capital, don't miss the chance to go on a tour led by a local who loves their city and knows it intimately.
You can choose from a variety of options including a walking, tram, and ferry tour that takes you around the main sights. Or, if you're after something a little more unique, book this guided hike through Sipoonkorpi National Park. You'll spend your time hiking along forested trails, enjoying a campfire barbecue lunch, and then relaxing in a smoke sauna.
9. Go to a Nightclub
The nightlife in Finland is a great way to experience the local culture. Whether you want to go all out or just relax with a drink, Helsinki has something for everyone.
For an unforgettable night, visit a famous bar, dance club or late-night bistro. Here are some of the most popular bars, clubs and restaurants in Helsinki that you can try for a fun night.
Located on Mannerheimintie, Kaiku is an excellent underground nightclub that has an enormous dance floor and a strong line up of DJs. The venue is also known for its open minded crowd and the amazing drinks they offer.
10. Go to the Beach
If you’re looking for a relaxing day in the sun, Helsinki has a lot to offer. During the summer, you can find up to 30 beaches maintained by the city.
If that’s not enough, you can also take a ferry to Suomenlinna and visit one of the many islands in the surrounding archipelago. But before you head to the water, we suggest you visit some of Helsinki’s most iconic destinations for an insight into its history and culture.
Start your day by visiting Uspenski Cathedral and Temppeliaukion Church. They are both impressive and distinct from any cathedral you’ll see in other parts of Europe.