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TOP 10 REASONS
TOP 10 REASONS
TOP 10 REASONS
Why travel to Helsinki: Find out the top 10 reasons to visit
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01
A SNEAK PEAK
A SNEAK PEAK
A SNEAK PEAK
A Sneak Peek into Helsinki
- Helsinki is Finland's capital as well as the country's largest city.
- It is located on a granite peninsula overlooking the Baltic Sea on the north shore of the Gulf of Finland.
- Helsinki was created in 1550 by Swedish King Gustavus Vasa, and it was included in the Russian Grand Duchy of Finland in 1808.
- Carl Ludwig Engel (1778-1840) was commissioned to reconstruct the town after a large fire destroyed a third of it in 1808.
- The ensuing neoclassical city centre is planned with wide, attractive avenues and boulevards with plenty of parks.
- Many of the almost 300 cruise ships that visit Helsinki each year land right in the city's heart and many of the city's main tourist sites are within walking distance.
- Helsinki is a beautiful city to explore on foot or by bike, and it has a fantastic public transit system that includes boats to the islands and trains to other parts of Finland.
- Capital- Helsinki
- International Airport: Helsinki Airport (HEL)
- Population- 1,328,000
- Currency- Euro (EUR)
- Time: UTC +3
- Driving side- left
- Main Electricity: 230 V
- Official Language- English, Finnish or Swedish
- Religion- Protestant
02
HIGHLIGHTS
HIGHLIGHTS
HIGHLIGHTS
Top Tourist Attractions in Helsinki
- Take a boat ride to Sveaborg Fortress and the Suomenlinna Islands.
- Market Square in Helsinki is a great place to shop.
- Seurasaari Open-Air Museum is a great place to learn about traditional Finnish culture.
- The Sibelius Monument and Park are worth a visit.
- Take a walk through Central Park (Keskuspuisto)
03
SEASONS TO TRAVEL
SEASONS TO TRAVEL
SEASONS TO TRAVEL
Best Months to Visit Helsinki
- Temperatures are cold but otherwise acceptable for about half of the year, with the remainder having a probability of rain or snow.
- Compared to tourist sites throughout the world, the location is less temperate than some in the 25th percentile for pleasant weather.
- If you want to visit Helsinki during the hottest months, July, August, and June are your best chances.
- Late July is the hottest, with highs about 74.7°F (23.7°C) with nighttime temperatures rarely falling below 60.4°F (15.8°C).
04
WORTH A VISIT
WORTH A VISIT
WORTH A VISIT
The Best Places to Visit in Helsinki
the Fortress of Sveaborg & the Suomenlinna Islands
- Suomenlinna's defended islands are an intrinsic element of Helsinki.
- While they appear far away at first glance, they are easily accessible with a 20-minute ferry ride that can be purchased with the same ticket as buses and trams.
- The island is dominated by the fortification of Sveaborg, which translates as "Swedish Castle." It was constructed in the mid-eighteenth century to prevent Russian access to the Baltic Sea.
- The Russians captured it during the Swedish-Russian conflict of 1808-1809, and they expanded and fortified it afterwards.
- It was given the Finnish name of Suomenlinna after it passed into Finnish hands in 1918. (Finnish Castle).
Temppeliaukio Rock Church
- Helsinki's Rock Church is located north of Hietaniemi, along Fredrikinkatu.
- The underground interior of the church, designed by Timo and Tuomo Suomalainen in the late 1960s, was excavated out of and erected straight into the ancient solid rock of the Helsinki peninsula.
- The glass dome lets in plenty of natural light, which floods the inside of the church.
- It includes a 13-meter-high shallow circular dome of copper sheeting and glass supported by concrete ribs.
- Because of the outstanding acoustics provided by the rough, unworked rock surfaces of the inside, the church is also used as a music hall.
- There are guided tours available, and if you're going during the summer, don't miss the on-site café for a unique dining experience.
Traditional Finnish Culture at Seurasaari open-Air Museum
- The island of Seurasaari, located east of Helsinki's city centre, is connected to the mainland by a footbridge.
- The excellent Seurasaari Open-Air Museum is located here, with several old houses, farmsteads, a manor house, a Kiruna church from 1686, and other timber buildings relocated here from all across Finland.
- This is the location to study the lives of Finns in the past, before the modern age.
- A nearby old timber house, Meilahti 7, is now home to the Friends of Finnish Handicrafts, which hosts an exhibition of rye carpets and other traditional textiles.
- Visitors can observe the weavers at work, and there is an on-site shop where they can purchase examples of their work.
- There are guided tours available and the opportunity to eat at the attraction's café and restaurant.
- Bring your swimsuit because the island has a famous public beach.
05
DISCOVER MORE
DISCOVER MORE
DISCOVER MORE
Helsinki Off the Beaten Track
Helsinki City Centre
- Helsinki's city centre is relatively small and may be easily explored on foot.
- The Helsinki Cathedral, which has become an unofficial icon of the city through the years, is undoubtedly the most prominent site in the neighbourhood.
- The Helsinki City Centre also houses some museums.
- The Ateneum Art Museum has Finland's most extensive collection of art and paintings, while the Helsinki City Museum chronicles the city's history through some historic buildings.
Kallio
- Kallio is a suburb of Helsinki, located just north of the city centre.
- The high student population keeps the neighbourhood fresh and gives it a bohemian vibe.
- While primarily residential, Kallio has maintained a lively atmosphere and offers a variety of things to see and do.
- Visit Kotiharjun sauna, Helsinki's last wood-burning public sauna, for a local experience.
- It's not uncommon to find folks playing chess in the locker rooms or cooling off on the patio, especially when it's bitterly cold outdoors.
- Linnanmäki is where to go if you want to have a good time at an amusement park.
- Other popular rides include Trombi, Talfun, Skyride, the Orient Express, and the Kusti Track. There's also a new attraction this summer: Cinema 5D!
- The Hakaniemi Market Hall is where to go if you want to enjoy some local delicacies.
- Small vendors sell local dishes, treats, and fresh produce, maintaining the market's traditional Finnish vibe.
06
CULTURE & TRADITIONS
CULTURE & TRADITIONS
CULTURE & TRADITIONS
Helsinki Culture and Traditions
- Being a part of a place's culture is the most excellent way to comprehend it.
- To appreciate Helsinki's culture, you must first learn about its art, traditions, food, history, and geographical conditions.
- The Finnish people have a strong sense of patriotism, and their culture is based on these values.
- The city offers a wide range of social events, such as music concerts, live performances and dramas, global cinema, etc.
- Helsinki is also known for its design groups, which are associated with the Scandinavian design style.
- Aside from them, the city offers exquisite Nordic cuisine, which is an unforgettable experience in and of itself.
07
FOOD FUN FASHION
FOOD FUN FASHION
FOOD FUN FASHION
Helsinki: Food, Fun & Fashion Guide
Runeberg Torte
#Food
- These miniature circular rum cakes with frosting and jam are named after Johan Runeberg, Finland's national poet, whose poem "Ensign Stal" inspired the Finnish national anthem's lyrics.
- Runeberg was a big fan of these cakes, and it's even been said that his wife invented them.
- They're usually only available at the start of the year, around Runeberg Day on February 5.
- While you can get them in supermarkets, ordering a baked cake as an accompaniment to coffee in a café is the most acceptable option.
Pea Soup
#Food
- The Finnish version of this dish includes pork and mustard and Finnish pancakes for dessert and is particularly popular among the military.
- It's also known as Thursday Soup since it's still served on Thursdays, a throwback to when Friday was a fast day.
- As a result, it's served as a unique or as part of a buffet in many Helsinki restaurants, usually with a side of rye bread to dip into the soup.
Baltic Herring
#Food
- Fish is quite popular in Finland because of the vast number of lakes and closeness to the Baltic Sea, which provide varied products for sale.
- The Baltic herring is arguably the most popular locally caught fish in Helsinki.
- Every year in October, there is a Baltic herring festival. Head to the south harbour's market hall (kauppahalli) and check the fishmongers or eateries for freshly caught herring at other times.
- New potatoes with herring (silli) or even pickled herring are two of the most popular versions.
Market Square
#Fashion
- Fresh produce, freshly cooked delicacies, cafes, meat, fruit, fish—especially herring during herring season—and even reindeer sausages can all be found in Market Square or Kauppatori.
- There are tables and seats where you may sit and relax while eating your food.
- That, however, is simply from the food stalls. Souvenirs, dolls, fur, crafts, and apparel are among the items available at the market.
- Kauppatori is a great place to go for a stroll because it's open-air and suitable next to the harbour, with sea breezes blowing in.
Stockmann Department Store
#Fashion
- The Stockmann Mall is the world's largest shopping mall. Its ample floor space, which borders four significant streets (Mannerheimintie, Aleksanterinkatu, Keskuskatu, and Pohjoisesplanadi), has high-quality branded merchandise and private offices on the top floor and an unlimited variety of dining options ranging from fast food to gourmet.
- It has also become a national landmark due to its popularity among locals and tourists.
Itäkeskus Shopping Centre
#Fashion
- Itäkeskus Shopping Mall is a shopping mall in Eastern Helsinki that is conveniently accessible from the city centre.
- Take the metro, which operates every few minutes, from the central railway station or the Kamppi shopping mall.
- Itäkeskus, or Itis as it is known locally, has a glass-roofed Central Boulevard.
- H&M, Din Sko, Vero Moda, and Zara are among the 150 stores.
Linnanmäki Amusement Park
#Fun
- The Linnanmäki amusement park, featuring a water tower, a switchback, and a large wheel, is located east of Helsinki's Olympic Stadium, outside the railroad line.
- It forms a spectacular picture of Helsinki's skyline combined with the nearby Television Tower.
- The rides, shows, shops, and restaurants have been refurbished and upgraded since the park first opened in 1950.
- Prices and entry hours change regularly throughout the year, so check the website for the most up-to-date information.
Särkänniemi
#Fun
- This is Finland's second most popular amusement park, located about a kilometre from Tampere's city centre.
- It first opened in 1973 and now includes an aquarium, a children's zoo, an art museum, an observation tower, and various rides and attractions.
- Särkänniemi has five roller coasters, three water rides, ten big rides, twenty kiddie rides, and an Angry Birds Land.
- The inverted Tornado, the Trombi flying coaster, the MotoGee, the Half-Pipe, and the Vauhtimato family coaster are among the roller coasters.
- Särkänniemi's Aquarium, with a total combined volume of 550,000 litres, first opened in 1969.
Tykkimäki
#Fun
- Tykkimäki Amusement Park is located approximately 4 kilometres from Kouvola in Northern Kymenlaakso, Finland, in a magnificent natural setting.
- The park itself has roughly 40 rides and activities, an Aqua Park, an Atreenalin Rope Trail, an Animal Farm, an Upsy-Daisy inside the pavilion for kids, and a children's Adventure Playground.
- The 72-meter-high Star Flyer, which can achieve speeds of up to 70 kilometres per hour, and the Loop Fighter, which can spin at up to 4.5 Gs, are just two of Tykkimäki's spectacular rides.
- Other popular rides include Trombi, Talfun, Skyride, the Orient Express, and the Kusti Track. There's also a new attraction this summer: Cinema 5D!
08
NATURE & SAFARI
NATURE & SAFARI
NATURE & SAFARI
Helsinki: Natural Beauty & Safari Adventures
- Nuuksio National Park, one of Finland's 40 national parks, is located in Espoo, about 45 minutes from Helsinki.
- This metropolitan area's natural marvel is a spectacular combination of forests, lakes, rocks, and ravines.
- It includes trails for everyone, whether hiking, riding a horse, or pulling a stroller or wheelchair.
- A picnic at the communal log grill tops off a fun-filled day in the woods.
- Camping spots and woodland shelters are available for individuals who prefer sleeping beneath the stars.
- Helsinki's answer to New York's eponymous green park is Central Park.
- This massive forest stretches from Töölönlahti Bay in the city centre to the river Vantaa on the capital's northern outskirts, covering an impressive 10 square kilometres.
- Maunula Park, with its hazel woods, is a Zen-like refuge of peace, while Haltiala displays the Finnish forest in its magnificent, primordial state.
- Whatever the season, the running routes and sports facilities in Pirkkola and Paloheinä are great for staying fit in the woods.
- Uutela is a mix of allotments, lovely countryside views, forest, and the sea in east Helsinki.
- The signposted nature trails take you to beautiful lagoons and shallow beaches.
- Wild spotting possibilities abound around the marchlands at the old Skata Farm and the Särkkäniemi nature reserve.
- After a walk on the nature trail, pack your rucksack with snacks, your favourite book, and a mat for a picnic on the Skata peninsula.
- Just 30 minutes from the centre of the capital city, a swim in a secret lagoon is an unexpected delight.
09
EVENTS & FIESTAS
EVENTS & FIESTAS
EVENTS & FIESTAS
Helsinki Must-Attend Festivals and Events
- The Flow Festival, commonly known as Flow, takes place in the first few weeks of August near Helsinki's city centre.
- It is a well-known art and music festival that takes place in Helsinki.
- Every genre of music is represented, from rock to jazz.
- Visitors can enjoy film screenings, visual arts, talk programmes, and design activities in addition to music.
- The World Village Festival takes place every May and attracts thousands of visitors.
- The event is open to the public that showcases art and culture worldwide.
- Dance performances, music, drama, literature, and food from throughout the world are all available to visitors.
- This festival, which takes place in September, is one of the largest of its sort in Helsinki.
- The festival promotes filmmaking as an art form and honours all types of films.
- They also screen films that are generally not shown because they are controversial.
- This 11-day festival is titled after Lina Wertmüller's film Love and Anarchy.
FAQs to Plan Your Best Helsinki Holiday
Places similar to Helsinki to visit
Places similar to Helsinki to visit
Places similar to Helsinki to visit