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Allas Sea Pool / Eetu Ahanen

 Helsinki, the modern and cosmopolitan capital of Finland situated on the Baltic Sea, is a city with over half a million residents. Helsinki offers lots to see, do, and experience year-round. Discover the maritime appeal, unique design and architecture attractions, exciting food culture, great shopping opportunities, and over 3,000 lively events held each year. Feel the cultural influences from both the East and West, meet the friendly locals, and enjoy the slow rhythm of urban Helsinki.

currency

Euro, €1 = 100 cents

phone

112

newspaper

Helsinki Times – www.helsinkitimes.fi
Daily Finland – www.dailyfinland.fi

hours

Department stores and shopping centres are open weekdays from 9am–9pm, Saturdays 9am–6pm, and Sundays noon–6pm. Smaller shops are usually open weekdays from 10am–6pm and Saturdays 10am–3pm.

population

1,328,000 (2022)

info

Tourist Information Office
Aleksanterinkatu 24, Helsinki
Opening hours: Mon–Fri 9:30am–5pm, Sat & Sun 10am–4pm
+358 40 3341245

website

www.myhelsinki.fi
Twitter: @myhelsinki
Instagram: @myhelsinki
www.facebook.com/myhelsinki
www.facebook.com/visithelsinki

Jussi Hellsten

The City

Helsinki is unique among Northern European cities. The lifestyle in the second-most northern capital city in the world is full of contrasts and activities in the form of hundreds of events and friendly people. Helsinki’s identity has been formed by cultural influences from both the East and West.

The archipelago that surrounds Helsinki with hundreds of tiny islands creates an idyllic environment for cruises, for example.

Over 450 years of history, several architectural layers and the impact of different periods can be clearly seen in Helsinki. Finnish design has also made the country’s capital city world famous.

The beauty of the surrounding nature blends seamlessly together with high-tech achievements, while old traditions mix with the latest contemporary trends. The city centre has many beautiful parks, and the nearby forests offer an ideal setting for peaceful and quiet walks.

Helsinki’s rhythm is laid back yet at the same time refreshingly active in terms of both the number and quality of restaurants and nightclubs.

Everything is nearby – Helsinki is a pocket-sized metropolis that is ideal for visitors!

Lauri Rotko

Do & See

Helsinki is a great city to wander around in, and many attractions are located within walking distance from the town centre. But, if you need to rest your legs or maybe don’t have much time, the tram is an excellent option! It will take you around the city in an effective way and you will be able to see many interesting things along your journey.

Photographer Mika Huisman / JKMM Architects / Amos Rex

Amos Rex

Markku Pihlaja

Helsinki Cathedral

Illustration: FutuDesign

Suomen valokuvataiteen museo K1 / The Finnish Museum of Photography K1

Maija Astikainen / Helsingin kaupunginmuseo

Villa Hakasalmi

Matti Similä / Helsingin kaupunginmuseo

Worker Housing Museum

Sakari Kiuru / Helsingin kaupunginmuseo

Tram museum

Helsingin Kaupunginmuseo

Burgher’s House

The Governing Body of Suomenlinna / Dorit Salutskij

Suomenlinna Sea Fortress

Ville Malja

Ateneum Art Museum

Jussi Tiainen

Temppeliaukio Church

Comma Image Oy/Visit Helsinki Material Bank

The National Museum of Finland

Helsinki Marketing

Uspenski Cathedral

Maija Astikainen / Torikorttelit

Tori Quarters

Linnanmäki

Linnanmäki Amusement Park

Eetu Ahanen

Allas Sea Pool

Visit Helsinki Material Bank

Seurasaari Open-Air Museum

Comma Image Oy/Visit Helsinki Material Bank

Museum of Contemporary Art Kiasma

Maija Astikainen

Helsinki City Museum

Didrichsen Art Museum / Rauno Träskelin

Didrichsen Art Museum

Helsinki Marketing

Löyly

Angel Gil

Kunsthalle Helsinki

Helsingin Kaupunginteatteri © Arno de la Chapelle

Helsinki City Theatre

Seurasaari Midsummer Bonfires 2016

Seurasaari Island

@dspmedia

Espoo’s islands and archipelago

Vantaan kaupungin aineistopankki

The Finnish Aviation Museum

Vantaan Kaupunginmuseo

Vantaa City Museum

Olli Urpela

Finlandia Hall

Katri Lehtola 2017

Ainola - The Home of Aino and Jean Sibelius

HAM / Maija Toivanen

Helsinki Art Museum HAM

@dspmedia

Nuuksio National Park

Porvoon kaupunki

Porvoo

Sotamuseo

Military Museum´s Manege and Artillery Manege

Haltia

Haltia The Finnish Nature Centre

Ehrensvärd-seura ry

Ehrensvärd Museum

Sami Seppänen

Artsi - Vantaa City artmuseum

Korjaamo Group Oy / Johanna Lind

Korjaamo Culture Factory

Visit lake Tuusula

Lake Tuusula

Liikuntavirasto

Helsinki Archipelago

Ilona Kemppainen / Theatre Museum

Theatre Museum

Tatu Hiltunen / Suomen valokuvataiteen museo

The Finnish Museum of Photography

Tamminiemi

Tamminiemi

Music Museum Fame (Tripla by YIT)

Music Museum Fame - Finnish Music Hall of Fame

Galleria Mafka&Alakoski

Galleria Mafka&Alakoski

Ari Karttunen /EMMA

Exhibition Centre WeeGee

City of Helsinki

Helsinki Central Library Oodi

Hotelli- ja ravintolamuseo

Hotel and Restaurant Museum

Jouni Ihalainen

Cirko – Center for New Circus

FRENN / Janne Westerlund

Design District Helsinki

Visit Lahti

Lahti Sports Centre

Ella Tommila / EMMA

EMMA – Espoo Museum of Modern Art

Mari Lehmonen / Helsinki Zoo archives

Helsinki Zoo

Joni Rousku / Visit Helsingin Materiaalipankki

Natural History Museum

Vallisaari

Suomenlinna Museum

Museum Card

Hartwall Arena

Kalle Kataila/ Metsähallitus

Tours & Activities

Natura Viva

Helsinki Nature by Fatbike

Skyjphoto / Jesse Kettunen

Helsinki Citycopter - Helicopter Sightseeing Tours

Leif Rosas

REDRIB ICE EXPERIENCE

Konsta Linkola/Liikuntavirasto

Swimming Stadium

Royal Line Oy

Royal Line

Akifoto oy/ Liikuntavirasto

Kumpula outdoor swimming pool

Taiga Times

Summer day in the wilderness

Taiga Times

Mushroom hunting

Taiga Times

Winter wonderland hike

Taiga Times

Winter archipelago excursion

Naturaviva

Vuosaari Paddling Center

Taiga Times

Berry picking and wildlife

Liikuntavirasto

Yrjönkatu swimming hall

VisitKouvola

An exciting day trip to Kouvola is waiting for you!

Taiga Times

Autumn day in the wilderness

Natura Viva

Helsinki by Kayak

Burn Out City Events

Snowmobile tour in Helsinki archipelago

Happy Guide Helsinki

Design Walk Helsinki

As Tallink Grupp

Luxurious Baltic Sea Roundtrip Cruise

City of Hyvinkää/ Discovering Finland

City of Hyvinkää

MS Finlandia

Eckerö Line Day Cruise to Tallinn

@dspmedia

Treetop Adventure Huippu

Green Cap Tours

Free Walking Tour

Green Cap Tours

Mental Walk – Guided Tour In Former Psychiatric Hospital

Royal Line

Bus & Boat Combination

Green Cap Tours

City Center Walking Tour

m/s Natalia

Royal Line Sightseeing Cruise

Citytour/ Royal Line

Hop-On Hop-Off CityTour

Royal Line

Royal Line Dinner Cruise

Royal Line

Smuggler´s Dinner Cruise

Royal Line

Historical Sightseeing Cruise

M/S King

Royal Line Lunch Cruise

As Tallink Grupp

Day Cruise to Tallinn

Jussi Hellsten

Guided tour at Suomenlinna

Metsähallitus

Guided tour at Vallisaari

Pexels.com

Foxtrail

Ehrensvärd Society

Cannon sloop Diana´s public sailings

SMAKU Porvoo

Guided Smaku-walk in Porvoo

Strömma Finland Oy Ab

Helsinki Card

CityTour

Helsinki City Pass

Leif Rosas

REDRIB Experience

Asikkala

Päijänne National Park

Lassi Häkkinen / City of Lahti

Church of the Cross

Visit Lahti

Sibelius Hall

Foxtrail

Foxtrail - Play with the city

Copyright Limousine Service Ltd.

Limousine Service Ltd.

Wonsuk Choi

VisitEDUfinn Ltd.

Visitmikkeli/Kixit

Mikkeli - St. Michel, City of Manors and Gardens in the Lake Saimaa Region

Mahkonen, KOKO Lahti Oy

Lahti - Gateaway to Finnish Lakeland

Tuomas Uusheimo / Viking Line

Cruise with one day in Stockholm

Ofer Amir / Viking Line

A day cruise to Tallinn

Planmeca Golf Areena Helsinki Oy

Kon-Tiki Tours / Kon-Tiki Finland

Länsi-Uudenmaan Lumo matkailu oy

Jussi Hellsten/Visit Helsinki

Dining

The vibrant food culture and the diverse food-related events make Helsinki a fascinating culinary destination. Whether you're interested in fine dining or street food Helsinki is a city for your taste. Try local specialties such as salmon soup with rye bread, Karelia pies or cinnamon buns, enjoy maritime cuisine in idyllic island restaurants in the summer and stop for seasonal delicacies at the traditional market halls and market places.

Eteläesplanadi 22, 00130 Helsinki

Restaurant Bassi

Restaurant Ultima

Ultima

Julius Konttinen

Ravintola Teatteri

Frida Steiner

The TRAY

Restaurant Muru

Muru

Lapland Hotels

Kultá Kitchen & Bar

Martin Sommerschield/ Kuvio

Finnjävel Salonki

Martin Sommerschield/ Kuvio

Finnjävel Sali

The Cock

The Cock

Photo of Elite

Restaurant Elite

Holiday Bar

Holiday Bar

Restaurant Salutorget dining room

Salutorget

villesamuliphotography

Restaurant Nokka

Tapahtumatalo Bank

Tapahtumatalo Bank

Restaurant Töölönranta

Ravintola Töölönranta

Restaurant Pastis

Pastis

Kitchen & Table Helsinki

Kitchen & Table Helsinki

A&S Restaurants

Restaurant Savotta

A&S Restaurants

Restaurant Saaga

A&S Restaurants

Restaurant Saslik

Restamax Oyj

PurPur – Georgian Cuisine

A&S Restaurants

Restaurant Savu

Restamax Oyj

Stefan's Steakhouse

Smaku 2016

SMAKU Porvoo

Restaurant Krog Roba

Krog Roba

Bastion Bistro

Bastion Bistro

Restaurant Sue Ellen

Sue Ellen

Restaurant Savoy

Restaurant Savoy

Korjaamo Group Oy / Johanna Lind

Korjaamo Culture Factory

Goodwin The Steak House

Goodwin The Steak House Helsinki

Klaus K Hotel / Tero Repo Photography

Restaurant Toscanini

A&S Restaurants

Summer Restaurant Saari

A&S Restaurants

Summer Restaurant Saaristo

Royal Ravintolat

Restaurant NJK

Ravintola Särkänlinna

Ravintola Särkänlinna

Restaurant Sipuli

Kulosaaren Casino

Team Kitchen

Restaurant Kuninkaan Lohet/Kuninkaan Kartano and Vanha Viilatehdas

Restaurant Scandic Meilahti

Visit Helsinki/Jussi Hellsten

Cafés

Enjoy your cup of coffee in classic cafés in the heart of the city or taste the latest coffee trends in hip neighbourhoods. Choose your own favourite from the diverse cosy cafés that can be found all around Helsinki.

Finlandia-ravintola

Finlandia Café, Finlandia Hall

Ekberg 1852 Oy Ab

Ekberg Café

Ehrensvärd-seura/ Krister Katva

Café Piper

Strindberg

Café Strindberg

Jenna Pietikäinen

Cafe Regatta

Korjaamo Group Oy / Johanna Lind

Korjaamo Culture Factory

Café Esplanad

Café Carusel

La Torrefazione

Karl Fazer Café

Sis. Deli

Café Ursula

Kahvila Sävy

Visit Helsinki Material Bank

Bars & Nightlife

A wide range of clubs and bars in Helsinki offers something for everyone in terms of clientele, atmosphere and price. Find the most popular, trendiest and cosiest bars and nightclubs in the city centre as well as in the districts of Kamppi, Punavuori and Kallio.

Lili Nissilä / Shard Visuals

Sky Room Helsinki

Brasserie Kämp

Brasserie Kämp

Klaus K Hotel / Studio Tomi Parkkonen

Klaus K Bar & Lounge

Korjaamo Group Oy / Johanna Lind

Korjaamo Culture Factory

Casino Helsinki

Siltanen

Ateljee Bar

Botta/Manala

Storyville

Apollo Live Club

Rami Hanafi/Viewmasters of Helsinki Oy

Shopping

Helsinki offers plenty of shopping opportunities year round. Visit Tori Quarters in the historical centre of Helsinki for a variety of charming design boutiques and craft shops. Fans of Finnish design, fashion and interior decoration should head out to the Design District, situated in the heart of Helsinki.

The main shopping streets include Aleksanterinkatu, Mannerheimintie and the streets Pohjois- and Eteläesplanadi around the Esplanade park that feature several famous Finnish brands such as Iittala, Marimekko, Aarikka and Pentik.

Especially for food shopping be sure to also visit the several market squares and cosy market halls of Helsinki, such as the Market Square and the Old Market Hall at the South Harbour, the Hakaniemi indoor market and the Hietalahti Market Hall and Hietalahti Square that during summertime hosts the city's best-known flea market.

Helsinki Marketing

Iittala Store

asuna

asuna

KATRI NISKANEN

KATRI NISKANEN Store & Atelier

Merja Kataja-Tuomola

Koti Store

Musta&Valkoinen

Design District Helsinki

Lapuan Kankurit

Lapuan Kankurit Store & Studio

Galleria Esplanad

Shopping Centre Kämp Galleria

Lokal

Lokal

Helsinki Marketing

Villisilkki

Maija Astikainen / Torikorttelit

Tori Quarters

Siirtolapuutarha fabric, Oiva dishes, Sukat Makkaralla glassware

Marimekko

Karkkikauppa Sweetheart

OZ JEWEL

Lapland Hotels Bulevardi

Accommodation

Helsinki offers plenty of choices for accommodation, from inexpensive hostels to luxury hotels. For a full list of accommodation outlets, please see www.myhelsinki.fi

Jussi Hellsten/Visit Helsinki

Tourist Information

Arriving in Helsinki

Helsinki can easily be reached from anywhere in the world.

By plane - Around 200 international flights a day arrive at Helsinki Airport, which is situated 19 kilometres from the centre of the city and can be reached by car in approximately 25 minutes. You can also take a taxi, the Finnair airport bus or the Ring Rail Line train to the Central Railway Station. A taxi to the city centre costs approximately 45 euros.

www.finavia.fi/en

By train - There are excellent train connections from Helsinki to all major towns in Finland as well as to Lapland. There is also a daily train service to St. Petersburg and Moscow. The Central Railway Station is a landmark unto itself in Helsinki.

www.vr.fi/en

By bus - Buses from all around Finland arrive at the central bus station from the largest cities approximately every hour.

www.matkahuolto.fi/en

By ferry - There are daily ferry services to Helsinki from Estonia, Sweden, and Germany. All these ferry companies offer the possibility to take a car with you. There is also a ship connection between Helsinki and St. Petersburg, (no cars permitted).

www.eckeroline.com
en.tallink.com/en/book-a-cruise
www.sales.vikingline.com
www.finnlines.com
stpeterline.com/en
www.portofhelsinki.fi/en/passengers/arrivals-and-depa

Passenger Terminals:

Hansa Terminal, Vuosaari Harbour
Provianttikatu 5 00980 Helsinki

Katajanokka Terminal
Katajanokanlaituri 8 00160 Helsinki

West Terminal 1
Tyynenmerenkatu 8 00220 Helsinki

West Terminal 2
Tyynenmerenkatu 14 00180 Helsinki

Makasiini Terminal
Eteläranta 7 00130 Helsinki

Olympia Terminal
Olympiaranta 3 00140 Helsinki

Address:

Email:

Phone:

Website: www.finavia.fi/en

More Information:

Discover Helsinki

Discover Helsinki is an insider's guide to Helsinki, providing comprehensive and up-to-date information for visitors about events, sightseeing and how to get around the city.

Through the Discover Helsinki website and mobile application you can read regularly updated articles for practical tips and interesting information about Helsinki, find public transport and taxi services with ease, as well as obtain exclusive discounts at a wide range of stores and restaurants through the free mobile app.

Address: Itälahdenkatu 22B, 00210, Helsinki

Email: mari.jones@discoverhelsinki.fi

Phone:

Website: www.discoverhelsinki.fi

More Information:

Public Transport

With a single ticket you can hop on trams, buses, the metro and even the ferry to Suomenlinna. Day tickets available for 1 to 7 days allow unlimited travel on public transport. Buy your ticket in advance using the HSL app, from ticket machines or from sales points, including kiosks and several shops https://www.hsl.fi/en/tickets-and-fares/sales-points. NB! Due to the corona virus situation, ticket sales is suspended at HSL service points in Helsinki Central Railway Station and Itäkeskus from 25 November 2020.

HSL area is divided into four zones, designated by the letters A to D, spreading out from the center of Helsinki. Buy a ticket for all the zones you travel through. In zones A, B and C, you always have to buy a ticket for at least two zones (an AB or BC ticket). NB! There are no one-zone tickets for zones A, B and C. An ABC ticket allows you unlimited travel in Helsinki, Espoo, Kauniainen and Vantaa.
When you search for routes and timetables with the Journey Planner, it tells you which ticket you need for your journey. https://www.hsl.fi/en

Helsinki Card holders can travel free of charge on public transport. Helsinki Card City includes free public transportation within the the travel zones AB, while the Helsinki Card Region can be used for traveling with the travel zones ABC. Helsinki Card Region can be used for traveling from/to the Helsinki Airport. https://www.helsinkicard.com/

HSL’s Service Point: Central Railway Station Metro Station, Mon–Fri 7.30 am–7 pm, Sat-Sun 9.30 am–5 pm.

Helsinki Region Transport www.hsl.fi/EN

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Telephone

Country code: + 358
Area code: (0)9

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Free WiFi in Helsinki

The city of Helsinki offers a free WLAN-service for residents and travelers alike. No passwords or registration required. Just look for "Helsinki City Open WLAN" from the available networks.

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Taxi

Taxis are easy to hail in the city centre except during the busiest periods. Taxi stands are conveniently located throughout the centre.

Taksi-Helsinki
www.taksihelsinki.fi/en

Lähitaksi
www.lahitaksi.fi/en

Kovanen
www.kovanen.com/en/

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More Information:

Pharmacy

24-hour service:
Yliopiston Apteekki
Address: Mannerheimintie 96

Other pharmacies in the city centre:
Yliopiston Apteekki, Mannerheimintie 5, open Mon-Fri 7am-12 midnight and Sat-Sun 8am,-12 midnight

Apteekki Bulevardia, Bulevardi 13, open Mon-Fri 8:30am-7pm, Sat 10am-5pm

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More Information:

Electricity

220 V

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More Information:

Flow Festival takes place in August in Helsinki. (c) Jussi Hellsten/Visit Helsinki

Events

Helsinki is a lively and dynamic city with a fantastic selection of over 3,000 events held each year. The streets, parks and boutiques of Finland’s capital are filled with lively events throughout the frosty winter, the fresh spring, the easygoing summer and the cosy autumn – all the way through to the next New Year. Find out what’s on – something is sure to be happening in Helsinki all through the year!

Otso Kaijaluoto

Helsinki Design Week

Jussi Hellsten

Helsinki Christmas Market

Lauri Rotko / Visit Helsingin Materiaalipankki

Lux Helsinki postponed to 2022

Matkamessut

Matka Nordic Travel Fair postponed to January 2022

Helsinki Cup sites.

Helsinki Cup Ltd.

Valtteri Hirvonen

Savonlinna Opera Festival postponed to summer 2022

Habitare

Habitare Interior, design & furniture fair postponed to September 2021

Flow Festival / KopterCam / Petri Anttila

Flow Festival will not take place in 2021 due to coronavirus pandemic

Sasa Tkaican / Helsingin Juhlaviikot

Helsinki Festival

Mari Mur / HIFF

Helsinki International Film Festival – Love & Anarchy

Kimmo Brandt / Visit Helsingin Materiaalipankki

Helsinki Baltic Herring Fair

Jussi Hellsten / Helsinki365

May Day Celebration 2021 is cancelled to corona virus safety measures

Elämys Group

Elämys Group

Jussi Hellsten / Helsinki365

12.6. Helsinki Day

Miikka Pirinen

Seurasaari Midsummer Celebration

Jesse Kämäräinen / Tuska

TUSKA festival 2021 will be cancelled due to corona virus safety measures