Helsinki is a lively city in the summer, with locals spending time on terraces and in parks. The days are long and bright, with only a few dim hours during the night. Tap water is safe to drink, and you’ll often find free green public toilets in parks.

If you have the time, we highly recommend visiting Helsinki’s islands. Swimming is both possible and safe at designated swimming spots around the city. Summer markets and market halls are also well worth a visit.

At night, we recommend avoiding shortcuts through Kaisaniemi Park. In Kallio, there are also areas with “Housing First” supported housing units, where you may encounter intoxicated individuals. It’s best to stay aware in these areas and avoid the nearby green public toilets, especially late at night.

Getting to Helsinki

Welcome to Helsinki Region

Visit Helsinki

Things to do in Helsinki

Discovering Helsinki

Getting around in Helsinki

Current events in Helsinki

Payment & Money in Finland

Cards are accepted almost everywhere, and contactless payment is very common
Cash is not always accepted, so it’s good to have a card available
The currency used in Finland is the euro (€)

ATMs

Cash machines are widely available and are usually operated by Otto.. You can find them in city centers, shopping malls, and near major transport hubs.

Internet in Finland

SIM cards:
Prepaid SIM cards are easy to buy from grocery stores, kiosks, and mobile shops. They are affordable and usually include data packages.

Free WiFi:
Free WiFi is widely available in libraries, cafés, shopping centres, and many public places.

Safety in Helsinki

Helsinki is a very safe city by international standards
However, be aware of pickpockets in busy tourist areas and public transport
Emergency number:
Call 112 for police, fire, or medical emergencies (free of charge)

Tap Water in Finland

Tap water in Finland is perfectly safe to drink — in fact, it’s among the cleanest in the world. Restaurants, cafés, and homes all serve drinkable tap water. Buying bottled water is usually unnecessary.

Weather & Clothing in Helsinki (July)

Weather:
July is typically warm, with temperatures around 15–25°C (59–77°F). Weather can change quickly, so occasional rain and cooler days are possible.
Midnight sun effect:
Nights are very bright, and it doesn’t get fully dark. This may affect sleep for some visitors.
What to wear:
Light summer clothing for daytime
A jacket or sweater for cooler evenings
Comfortable walking shoes
A light rain jacket or umbrella just in case

Language & Culture in Finland

Official languages:
Finland has two official languages: Finnish and Swedish
English:
English is widely spoken, especially in Helsinki, and most people can help you in English

Finnish Culture in Brief:
Finns value personal space and privacy
People are generally polite, honest, and punctual
Silence is normal – it does not mean something is wrong
Queuing and following rules are important

Useful Finnish Phrases:
Hei – Hello
Kiitos – Thank you
Anteeksi – Excuse me / Sorry
Paljonko maksaa? – How much does it cost?

Plan your trip

Helsinki Tourist Information

Practical tips for travellers

Facts about Finland

Helsinki FAQ

Weather and climate in Finland

FAQ about tipping, currency and paying in Finland

Public Transport in Helsinki – quick guide

Helsinki has an efficient and easy-to-use public transport system operated by HSL. It includes buses, trams, the metro, commuter trains, and the Suomenlinna ferry. Public transport is the best way to get around the city.

Zones and tickets

The system is divided into zones: A, B, C, and D.
Most visitors only need AB zone tickets (city centre and main attractions)
The airport is located in zone C, so you’ll need an ABC ticket when traveling to or from the airport.

Ticket types

Single tickets (tickets are valid 80-110 min depending on the zones)
Day tickets (24h, 48h, 72h, etc.)
All tickets allow transfers between transport types within the validity time

AB, BC and D tickets are valid for 80 minutes
ABC and CD tickets are valid for 90 minutes
BCD tickets are valid for 100 minutes
ABCD tickets are valid for 110 minutes

Prices (Adults)

Price with... App / Card
AB single ticket: 3,30€ / 3,50€
ABC single ticket (airport): 4,50€ / 4,80€
24h ticket (AB): 10,60€

How to buy tickets

The best way to buy tickets is to use the HSL app!
Buy tickets easily and avoid extra fees – tickets bought with contactless card payments cost more.
Buying tickets is also possible with contactless payment on board vehicles.
First, choose the ticket zone, then you tap your card to pay and load the ticket onto your card.
You can buy tickets with contactless payment using the following payment methods:
- Debit/Credit (Visa, Mastercard)
- Apple Pay
- Google Pay

If you prefer physical tickets, you can also buy HSL tickets from R-kioski convenience kiosks.
HSL has discontinued most of their ticket vending machines. Machines are no longer readily available around the city, and we don't recommend relying on these machines for tickets.
Drivers do not sell tickets onboard vehicles.

Getting from the airport to the city centre

The easiest and fastest option is the train:
You will need a valid ABC ticket.
Take the I or P train from Helsinki Airport
Travel time: ˜30 minutes
Frequency: every 10 minutes
Destination: Helsinki Central Station

Alternative:
Bus 600 (also ABC ticket, slightly slower)

Tips for visitors

Your ticket must be valid before you board a vehicle!

You may board without a valid ticket if you purchase your ticket with contactless payment while boarding
Regular bus lines (any bus that isn't orange) are the only vehicles where you need to show your valid ticket to the driver as you board
You do not need to tap out when leaving vehicles
You can finish a journey even if your ticket expires after boarding the vehicle

There are no ticket gates, ticket inspections are random
Fines for traveling without a valid ticket are high (100€)
Google Maps works well for route planning
Public transport is safe, clean, and reliable
You can see timetables and routes on the HSL app

Taxis in Helsinki – quick guide

Taxis in Helsinki are safe, reliable, and available 24/7, but prices can vary significantly depending on how you book your ride. It’s generally recommended to use a taxi app to avoid surprises and see the price in advance.

Prices (approximate)
Short ride (10 km / ˜15–20 min): ˜€25 with apps, ˜€40 with premium taxis
Base fare: around €5–8 + distance/time charges
If a trip is expected to exceed €40, the driver must inform you in advance

Prices are not fixed, so always check the fare before the ride—either in the app or directly with the driver.

There are three main options:

1. Ride-hailing apps (recommended for most visitors)
Popular apps include Uber and Bolt, as well as local services like the Taksi Helsinki app. These apps allow you to compare prices, track your driver, and pay easily. They are often the most affordable and convenient option.
2. Traditional taxis
You can take a taxi from official taxi ranks (e.g. airport, railway station) or book in advance. These are usually more reliable, especially early in the morning or late at night, but often more expensive than app-based rides.
3. Taxi comparison apps
Apps like 02 Taksi let you compare different taxi companies and choose the cheapest or fastest option.

Tips & recommendations

Use apps for transparency and better prices
Avoid hailing taxis on the street without checking the price
Compare Bolt and Uber before booking

Accessible taxis (wheelchair users)

Wheelchair-accessible taxis are available, but they usually need to be booked in advance. The easiest way is to call a local taxi company (such as Taksi Helsinki or Menevä).

Taksi Helsinki preorder

When booking by phone, make sure to clearly mention:

That you need a wheelchair-accessible vehicle
whether you will stay in the wheelchair during the ride
how many passengers are travelling
your pickup location and destination

Booking Ferry Travel to Helsinki

Tallinn -> Helsinki
- Duration: 2–2.5 hours
- Frequency: Very high (morning to late evening)
- Operators: Tallink Silja, Viking Line, Eckerö Line

Stockholm -> Helsinki
- Duration: 16–18 hours (overnight)
- Frequency: Once daily per operator
- Operators: Tallink Silja, Viking Line

Booking

When to Book
Tallinn route: Booking 1–3 days ahead is usually enough unless traveling on Friday evenings or holiday weekends.
Stockholm route: Book weeks ahead if you need a specific cabin type or are traveling with a vehicle.

Ticket Types

Tallinn route:
“No seat” or “standard passenger” is normal; you can sit anywhere.
Reserved seating is optional and rarely necessary.

Stockholm route:

Cabin required.
Inside cabins are cheapest; seaview cabins can help with motion sickness.

Vehicle Transport

Available on all major ships.
Book early for summer weekends or holiday periods.

City Bikes in Helsinki

Helsinki offers a convenient city bike system operated by HSL. These bikes are available at docking stations across the city. The bright yellow city bikes are an easy, quick and relatively cheap way of getting around in Helsinki (and Espoo, should you get adventurous). The service is operated by the Helsinki Regional Transport Authority or HSL for short (www.hsl.fi/en).

How to use:
First, you’ll need to register with HSL. Download the HSL app or visit the HSL website.
1. To register, you need an HSL account. If you do not have one already, you can easily create one using your email. Set up your account here!
2. When you’ve set up your account, choose a four-digit PIN code, fill in your contact details and agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
3. Enter your payment card details. You can use atleast Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover and JCB cards.
4. Once you have registered, you will receive a personal ID code. You will need it with your PIN code to pick up a bike.

Electric scooters are widely available in Helsinki through several companies, such as Voi, Tier, and Lime.

How to use:
Download the provider’s app (Voi, Tier, Lime, etc.)
Create an account and add a payment method
Locate a scooter on the map
Unlock it by scanning the QR code
End your ride in the app when finished

Pricing:
Unlock fee + price per minute
Prices vary slightly between providers

Important Rules & Safety
Minimum age is usually 18 years
Helmets are recommended
Follow local traffic rules (ride on bike lanes when possible)
Do not ride on sidewalks if it endangers pedestrians

Park responsibly:
Do not block sidewalks, doors, or emergency routes
In some areas, speed limits may be automatically reduced

Accommodation in Helsinki

Choosing the Right Location
The anomaly playbox is in central Helsinki, so the following districts are ideal:
City Centre / Kamppi – walking distance to most venues
Kallio – 10–15 minutes by tram
Punavuori – walkable or a short tram ride
Töölö – calm, central, excellent connections
Jätkäsaari – modern, fast trams to the centre

Helsinki’s public transport (metro, trams, buses, commuter trains) makes it easy to stay slightly outside the centre without losing convenience.

Hotels

Helsinki has a broad selection of hotels, from international chains to boutique design hotels.
Prices vary by season, but in summer expect mid range hotels to cost more due to high demand.
Hotels typically include breakfast, good public transport access, and reliable service.

Hostels and Budget Options

Hostels are a good choice for affordable stays, offering dorm beds and private rooms.
Many are centrally located and provide shared kitchens, laundry, and social spaces.

Eurohostel (Katajanokka)
https://www.eurohostel.eu/
One of the largest hostels in the Nordics. Clean, affordable, and close to the Market Square and ferry terminals.

The Yard Hostel (City Centre)
https://www.theyard.fi/
A cozy, modern hostel right in the centre. Popular with younger travellers and groups.

CheapSleep Helsinki (Vallila)
https://www.cheapsleep.fi/
A budget hostel with dorms and private rooms. A tram ride from the centre; good value for money.

Hostel Diana Park (Punavuori)
https://www.dianapark.fi/
A small, friendly hostel in a trendy neighbourhood, still within walking distance of the centre.

SweetDream Guesthouse (Kallio)
https://www.sweetdreamguesthouse.fi/
Affordable rooms and a sauna, located in lively Kallio with easy tram access.

Airbnb and Short Term Rentals

Short term rentals are common in Helsinki and can be a good option for groups or longer stays.
Apartments often include kitchens and more space than hotel rooms.
Airbnb availability drops in summer, so booking early is recommended.
Good areas for rentals include:
- Kamppi – closest to everything, excellent transport
- Kallio – lively, affordable, lots of cafés and bars
- Punavuori – trendy, walkable, near the Design District
- Jätkäsaari – modern area with fast tram links
- Töölö – calm, residential, still very central

Places to stay in Helsinki

Accommodation Finland

Places to stay

Grocery Stores & Alcohol Sales in Finland

Main Grocery Store Chains

In Finland, the main grocery store chains are:
K Group (K-Citymarket, K-Supermarket, K-Market)
S Group (Prisma, S-Market, Alepa, Sale)
Lidl

What you can find in grocery stores:

Fresh food (fruits, vegetables, meat, fish)
Ready meals and snacks
Bread and bakery products
Dairy products (milk, cheese, yogurt)
Basic household items

Opening hours:

Most stores are open every day, often from early morning (6–7 AM) until late evening (10–11 PM)
Larger stores (like Prisma or K-Citymarket) may be open 24/7 in bigger cities

Alcohol Sales in Grocery Stores

Grocery stores in Finland can sell only mild alcoholic beverages:
Maximum 8% alcohol content (e.g. beer, cider, long drinks)
Stronger alcohol is not available in regular stores

Sales hours for alcohol in grocery stores:

Allowed daily between 09:00 and 21:00
Alcohol cannot be sold outside these hours, even if the store is open

Alko – State Alcohol Store

Alko is a government-owned store that sells stronger alcoholic beverages.

What is Alko?

The only place in Finland where you can buy:
Wine
Spirits (vodka, whisky, etc.)
Stronger beers and drinks

Opening hours (typical):

Monday–Friday: 09:00–20:00
Saturday: 09:00–18:00
Sunday: Closed

Helsinki Sauna Guide

Sauna is an essential part of Finnish culture — a place for relaxation, cleansing, and quiet social time. Helsinki offers everything from traditional wood heated neighborhood saunas to modern design saunas by the sea. Tap water is safe to drink everywhere, and most saunas provide showers, lockers, and rental towels.

Public & Traditional Saunas

Kotiharjun Sauna (Kallio)
https://www.kotiharjunsauna.fi/en
A classic wood heated public sauna from 1928, one of the last of its kind. Authentic atmosphere, separate men’s and women’s sides, and a strong local following.

Sauna Hermanni
https://www.saunahermanni.fi/in-english/
A long-running neighborhood sauna with a relaxed, friendly vibe. Traditional benches, good heat, and an easygoing local crowd.

Kulttuurisauna (Merihaka)
https://kulttuurisauna.fi/
A minimalist, architect-designed wood heated sauna by the sea. Quiet, meditative, and phone-free. Cold sea dips available year-round.

Yrjönkatu Swimming Hall
https://www.hel.fi/en/culture-and-leisure/sports/yrjonkatu-swimming-hall
Historic 1920s swimming hall with saunas and pools. A unique, old world Helsinki experience. Yrjönkatu Swimming Hall is open daily, with women and men swimming on different days.

Modern Design Saunas

Löyly (Hernesaari)
https://www.loylyhelsinki.fi/en
A famous seaside sauna complex with smoke and wood heated saunas, a restaurant, and direct access to the sea for swimming. Popular with visitors — reservations recommended.

Allas Sea Pool (Katajanokka)
https://www.allaspool.fi/en/saunas/
Urban spa with saunas, warm pools, and a seawater pool overlooking the harbor. Easy to combine with sightseeing around Market Square.

Uusi Sauna (Jätkäsaari)
https://www.uusisauna.fi
A modern public sauna with both electric and wood heated options, plus a restaurant and terrace. Relaxed, social, and easy to visit.

Löylykontti (Sörnäinen)
https://www.loylykontti.fi/en
A sauna built into a container. Casual, fun, and very Finnish.

Unique & Alternative Saunas

Sompasauna (Kalasatama)
https://sompasauna.fi/
A free, volunteer-run, 24/7 public sauna by the sea. Completely uncommercial, DIY, and open to everyone. Bring your own towel and an open mind. NOTE! Sompasauna has no running water.

Lapinlahden Lähde Sauna
https://lapinlahdenlahde.fi/en/the-lahde-sauna/
A peaceful sauna in the historic Lapinlahti hospital area. Calm atmosphere, located by the sea.

Bodom Bar & Sauna (Espoo)
https://www.bodombar.com/
A sauna inside a rock bar with a relaxed vibe. Great for fans of rock music, especially Children of Bodom.

Smoke Saunas & Nature Saunas

Kuusijärvi Smoke Saunas (Vantaa)
https://www.visitfinland.com/en/things-to-do/sauna/
A popular lakeside sauna area just outside Helsinki, known for its traditional smoke saunas and year round swimming. A great choice for a more natural, Finnish countryside sauna experience.

Sauna Culture Basics
- Shower before entering the sauna.
- Sitting on a small towel is customary.
- Nudity is normal in traditional saunas, but some places require swimsuits.
- Throwing water on the stones (“löyly”) increases heat and humidity.
- Cooling off outside or with a swim is part of the experience.
- Sauna is for relaxation — talking is fine, but keep it calm and respectful.

Helsinki Archipelago Cruise Guide

Helsinki’s archipelago has over 300 islands, many reachable by sightseeing cruises or waterbuses. Most departures leave from Kauppatori (Market Square), and cruises run mainly from May to September. Expect calm waters, wooden villas, narrow canals, and beautiful coastal scenery.

Major Sightseeing Cruises

Stromma – Sightseeing by Boat
https://www.stromma.com/en-fi/helsinki/sightseeing/sightseeing-by-boat/
A classic 1–1.5 hour cruise around central islands with live commentary. Easy, comfortable, and ideal for first-time visitors.

Royal Line
https://royalline.fi/en/collections/kauden-2026-risteilyt
Offers scenic canal cruises and dinner cruises through narrow waterways and historic villa areas. Relaxed pace and good onboard services.

IHA-Lines
https://www.ihalines.fi/languages/
Runs sightseeing and themed cruises, including evening departures. A straightforward option for exploring the inner archipelago.

Island-Hopping & Waterbuses

JT-Line
https://www.jt-line.fi/eng/
Summer waterbuses to Vallisaari, Lonna, Suomenlinna, Pihlajasaari, and Korkeasaari Zoo. Great for DIY island-hopping and day trips.

FRS Finland
https://www.frs-finland.fi/en/scheduled-traffic
Frequent boats to Suomenlinna and Lonna, plus seasonal routes to other islands. Fast, reliable, and easy for short visits.

What You’ll See on Most Cruises
- Historic wooden villas and summer houses
- Narrow canals and rocky shorelines
- Kaivopuisto coastline and embassies
- Suomenlinna Sea Fortress
- Small islands with cafés, saunas, and beaches
- Open sea views toward the Gulf of Finland

Notable Islands to Visit

Suomenlinna
A UNESCO sea fortress with museums, cafés, tunnels, and coastal paths. Accessible year-round.

Lonna
A tiny, peaceful island with a restaurant, café, and a beautiful public sauna.

Vallisaari
A nature-rich island with dramatic cliffs and marked trails. Formerly a military island.

Pihlajasaari
A summer island with beaches, rocky shores, and picnic areas.

Typical Cruise Durations
- Sightseeing cruises: 1–1.5 hours
- Canal cruises: 1.5 hours
- Dinner cruises: 2–3 hours
- Waterbus rides: 10–25 minutes per leg

Practical Tips.
- Bring a light jacket; it’s cooler on the water even in July.
- Many boats have cafés or bars onboard.
- Check return schedules for island visits, especially in the evening.
- Evening cruises offer the best golden-hour views.

If you are spending a bit longer in the Nordics for the anomaly trip, Tallinn is definitely worth visiting. Even a day trip from Helsinki works well, but staying one night lets you see the essentials without rushing.

Tallinn’s Old Town is an absolute must see and one of the best preserved medieval old towns in Europe. For food, bars, cafés, craft beer, and a more modern atmosphere, Rotermanni and Telliskivi are highly recommended.

Tallinn food, drinks & nightlife tips

A Tallinn local has shared some top recommendations for food, drinks, wine, and craft beer spots around the city.

Rotermanni

Rotermanni is the polished, modern side of Tallinn. Great for dinner, cocktails, and stylish evenings within easy walking distance from both the harbour and Old Town.

Cocktails and Late Drinks

Mnemonic Bar
https://mnemonic.ee/
Probably the most modern Tallinn cocktail bar right now. Neon, design focused, creative drinks, younger crowd, and a genuinely good atmosphere.

Pühaste Taproom Tallinn
https://puhastebeer.com/taproom-1
Excellent craft beer spot with strong IPAs, stouts, and sours. Casual, social, and very Ingress compatible energy.

Flamm
https://flamm.ee/en
Stylish wine and small plates bar with a relaxed atmosphere and reasonable pricing for the area.

Food

Gobi
https://gobi.ee/en/
Georgian food with big flavours, shareable dishes, and a cozy atmosphere that works very well for groups.

R14
https://r14.ee/eng/
More polished Mediterranean and wine focused dining. Great for a proper dinner.

Restoran Pull
https://restoranpull.ee/#pullen/
Strong steak and meat focused restaurant without feeling overly formal.

Bruxx New Belgian
https://bruxx.ee/en/
Lively Belgian style restaurant with beer, mussels, and a social atmosphere that works well for mixed groups.

Telliskivi

Telliskivi is more local, creative, and alternative. This is often the area visitors end up loving unexpectedly.

Craft Beer and Casual Drinks

Pudel Baar
https://pudel.ee/en/home
One of Tallinn’s classic craft beer bars. Relaxed and alternative with an easy social atmosphere.

St. Vitus
https://www.vitus.ee/
Burgers, beer, music, and energetic late night atmosphere.

Põhja Konn
https://www.pohjalabeer.com/visit/...
Underrated local feeling spot for casual drinks with friends.

Headless Chicken Tavern
https://www.instagram.com/headless...
A Lord of the Rings themed tavern added by orga. Fantasy pub energy, themed decor, and a fun stop for geeks and nerds visiting Tallinn.

Wine and Foodie Vibes

Time to Wine Bar and Shop
https://timetowine.ee/?lang=en
One of the strongest wine recommendations in Tallinn. Serious selection without feeling pretentious.

Plan B Wine Bar
https://www.plan-b.ee/
Smaller and more intimate natural wine focused spot with a hidden gem atmosphere.

Telliskivi KoHo
https://telliskivi.koho.ee/en/
Good all round restaurant recommendation for groups looking for an easy and reliable dinner option.

Noblessner

Noblessner is Tallinn’s newer waterfront district with a more relaxed and slightly upscale atmosphere. Great for sea views, modern Nordic vibes, slower evenings, and some of the best brunch spots in the city.

Põhjala Brewery & Tap Room
https://www.pohjalabeer.com/visit/...
One of Estonia’s most famous breweries. Huge craft beer selection, industrial atmosphere, and extremely popular with beer enthusiasts.