Let's talk about Helsinki, the largest educational, political, cultural, research and financial centre in Northern Europe!
Full of life, culture and adventure, Helsinki is located next to the Baltic Sea in the Uusimaa region, on the shores of the Gulf of Finland, with a coastline that stretches for about 100 kilometers and hosts 300 islands in front of it.
As you probably already know, Helsinki is the capital of Finland and also one of the largest and most interesting cities in this country to visit at any time or season of the year. And you've probably heard it before, Helsinki inspires locals and tourists every year thanks to its magnificent architecture, design, gastronomy and amazing customs. In fact, the city was chosen in 2012 as the World Design Capital, a title by which it is internationally recognized. You'll see, its streets, buildings and shops simply give it away as the great creative city that it is.
Helsinki is a city that is home to countless interesting monuments, attractive neighborhoods, squares, restaurants, and more, all of which are very easy to visit. This city invites you to do sightseeing on foot thanks to its excellent public transportation system and iconic trams.
There are some tourist sites, such as the Seurasaari House Museum (north in Meilahti) or the Sibelius Monument, which you will have to travel to by car or ferry, but these options are still great.
The locals in Finland, and especially its capital city, are known for being die-hard nature lovers. So it's not unusual to see how they've fused architecture and nature in their buildings, from their chapels to their restaurants and hotels. In fact, they use the most natural means, for example, glass, metal and wood (since around 75% of the city is forest) as a form of support for the buildings, and they integrate them in a very creative and ingenious way into their daily life, inspired by their iconic landscapes and lakes. It's part of the happy lifestyle they lead! You'll see, even modern design and art in Helsinki (and in general throughout the country) is inspired by nature.
Visiting Helsinki will be an experience thanks to the hospitality and kindness you will receive wherever you go. The locals in the city are very friendly and talkative, although you may hear them speaking to you in Finnish, Swedish or English.
Don’t be fooled by the cold, the atmosphere in Helsinki is warm and friendly because its people and culture make it that way. Visiting this city is an experience that will stay in your memory for the rest of your life. Without a doubt, the best way to connect with Finnish culture is by starting your adventure in this great city. We invite you to be part of this “must-see” visit and start your journey with us right here. Keep reading and find out a little more about the experience of exploring Helsinki, Finland!
Setting foot in this city is synonymous with enjoying splendid days, and above all, full of activity, even if you travelled in winter and you're moving around looking for a ray of sunshine in the streets! But don't worry. As we've said, it's a city that, despite being quite cold, is great to visit at any time of the year. In winter, they turn on underground pipes that heat the streets, preventing them from freezing. Ingenious, right? In addition, the Finns love saunas and it won't be unusual to find one or several in every corner as you walk around, even inside a museum or library.
Another advantage is that Helsinki is a very bright city and extremely pleasant for walking.There is so much to explore and see: from designer shops to modernist buildings, monuments, museums, chapels, restaurants and beautiful neighbourhoods with a unique Finnish style.
This city has been rated as one of the Nordic capitals that arouses the greatest interest in terms of art and architecture, especially for the creative use of wood that we mentioned a moment ago. In addition, its clear landscapes include long nights during the summer, also illuminated with the warmth of a city that reflects a unique light in itself, full of life, but very calm at the same time, especially indicated if you are looking for that moment of relaxation that we all need so much. Dare to discover more about everything you can discover in this great artistic city!
THE EXPERIENCE OF TRAVELING TO HELSINKI
Finland is one of the countries with the freshest and cleanest air in the world. Of course, with thousands of kilometres of space, it is no wonder, so get ready to feel the purity of the air from the moment you step off the plane at Helsinki-Vantaa airport.
Travelling to Helsinki is usually very easy from Spain. You can usually get direct flights every day, although it is also a good option to take a cruise on the Baltic Sea that passes through Helsinki. There is also the option of getting to Helsinki from Sweden or Estonia by ferry. You will decide which option is best for you!
From the airport you can take a bus or train to the city and you will be there in half an hour or less, and on the way you will be amazed by the wooded and rural landscapes in the surrounding area.
Remember that locals may speak to you in Finnish, but also in Swedish (which they use as a second language), so many public signs will be indicated in both languages. Many also speak English, but very little Spanish, so you should be prepared for the language barrier not to be a problem when you travel.
When you arrive in the city, you'll realize that public transportation is one of your best options to really get to know the city. Helsinki is known for its trams, which you'll see everywhere. Getting on them is a big part of the experience.
Helsinki is a very diverse city, and it is even an ideal place for sports, especially during summer and autumn, such as golf, running, cycling, fishing, camping, hiking. In late August and September you will see spectacular autumn colours, which the Finns call “Ruska”, a perfect time to walk and enjoy the outdoors. Winter arrives in early November and with it the perfect opportunity to practice downhill and cross-country skiing, snowboarding, sledding and ice skating.
AMAZING PLACES TO VISIT IN HELSINKI
Helsinki is an amazing location for all tastes, but the truth is that this city in Finland is particularly calm. You let yourself be carried away very naturally by the walks it offers following your tour guide.
As we mentioned above, public transport (bus, tram, metro) in Helsinki works very well, although you may need to take the ferry or a rental car to get to some of the best and most recommended spots tourist attractions that you will find here.
There are single tickets that you can buy per day at kiosks or digital machines to get around the city. You can also opt for regional tickets that allow you to travel to other locations in Finland such as Vantaa, Kaunianen or Espoo.You can even get your own Helsinki City Card or the card Helsinki Card Region, to travel by public transport as much as you want for a single price, and also get discounts in restaurants, saunas, and concerts, and even free passes to museums.
Discover the most essential places to visit in Helsinki:
- DESIGN DISTRICT/NEIGHBORHOOD IN HELSINKI
Continuing straight along the famous Esplandi Avenue, one of the best known and busiest in the city, you will find the Helsinki Design District, in the old HelsingforsIn this district you will find countless shops where design reigns supreme, with the best brands of clothing, porcelain, furniture, glassware… the most prestigious in all of Finland. Some of the most iconic are Alvar Alto, Arabia, Littala, Marimekko and Artek.
It is also an area for culinary tastings and incredible desserts. Some of the most recommended places are to visit the terrace of the famous Hotel Torni, or stop by the recommended Moko café.
- SEURASAARI: OUTDOOR MUSEUM
Although it is a little far from the city center, the The Great Wave OffensiveThis is a visit you won’t regret, located on the island of the same name. It is an open-air museum built in 1909, which truly reflects what the countryside was like for Finns in Helsinki. This island-museum is also known as “Rural Finland in Miniature” because it so beautifully captures traditional life with its natural surroundings, farms and cottages.
- SIBELIUS MONUMENT
About 5 minutes by bus from the The Great Wave Offensiveor you find he Sibelius monuments, which is also a place worth visiting, even if it means going a little further away from the city centre. You will find it in Sibelius Park, named after Jean Sibelius (1865), who has become a national symbol for the Finns.
The Sibelius Monument (sculptor Eila Hiltunen, 1967) is a huge structure made up of 600 steel tubes that form a magnificent 24-ton sculpture, created in honor of the Finnish composer, who initiated the modern musical school in the country.
Sibelius Park is a very pleasant place to enjoy a drink or a bite to eat at one of the many waterfront cafes and restaurants. You can also take advantage of an off-the-beaten-track stroll on Seurasaari Island, or go on a bike ride.
- FORTIFICATION OF SUOMENLINNA
You will not regret being part of the Boat trip to the Suomenlinna fortification, located on an island in the southern part of the city. It was built in 1748 and declared World Heritage Site for the UnescoThe walk will take you through green landscapes and fortifications, giant cannons, several museums and the Vesikko, a former Finnish submarine.
The fortress was originally intended to defend the Kingdom of Sweden, but was taken by different armies throughout history. Today it is a space for history, recreation and outdoor leisure. It is a visit that will take at least 3 hours, but it is very complete and very interesting in every sense.
- MARKETPLACE
Helsinki Market Square is one of the main places to visit in the city, located right on the shores of the Baltic Sea in the city centre.Ferries and cruises leave from the square to explore the canals of Helsinki or take you to nearby islands such as Suomenlinna. Large ships also depart for Stockholm (Sweden) or St. Petersburg (Russia).
The Market Square is full of stalls and souvenir shops selling delicious fresh food. You can also buy sausages and all kinds of products made from elk meat, which is famous in Finland. The Market Square is most crowded between spring and autumn, during the high season.
- HELSINKI CITY HALL
The town hall is located in the Market Square, so you only have to turn around to see it. There are permanent and temporary educational exhibitions open to the public. It is an excellent place to learn more about the history of this great city.
- ORTHODOX CATHEDRAL (USPENSKI)
The Cathedral of the Dormition (Uspenskin Cathedral) is the Orthodox Church of Helsinki (the largest in Western Europe) and you will find it less than 10 minutes from the Market Square.
You will easily recognize it by its golden domes and the many red bricks that cover its façade. This 967-square-meter building houses a single nave with all kinds of icons and decorations that respond to the Byzantine era and Orthodox rites/customs. The Uspensky Cathedral is one of the most famous works of Russian architect Alexey Gornostaev, despite the fact that its construction was completed after his death.
- SENATE SQUARE
Another interesting square to visit is the Senate Square, designed by architect Carl Ludvig Engel. This place, located in the streets of the Tori Quarter, gathers tourists hoping to get a closer look at the Palace of the Council of State or the University of Helsinki located there, as well as the Helsinki Cathedral (Lutheran), which you will recognize by its white neoclassical style.
This square has lots of interesting activities, such as art exhibitions, ice sculpture competitions in winter, concerts and even snowboarding competitions!
- THE CHAPEL OF SILENCE (KAMPPI)
In Narinkka Square you will find the Chapel of Silence (Kamppi), opened a few years ago, in the same square that houses the popular Kamppi shopping centre. The chapel consists of a cylindrical wooden structure designed by K2S, the renowned Finnish design studio.
- THE CHURCH OF TEMPPELIAUKIO
The famous Temppliaukio Church is one of the most visited places in the city. It is a striking stone-cut structure with a glass dome that lets in beautiful natural light, located in the Töölö district. This church with its unusual construction and excellent acoustics for concerts is visited by half a million tourists every year. It is a Lutheran temple designed by the brothers Timo and Tuomo Suomalainen (both architects) in 1969.
- HELSINKI PANORAMIC CRUISE
As we have mentioned before, Helsinki is a city open to the Baltic Sea, so taking a panoramic cruise around the city is one of the most important and exciting activities for those who visit it. In addition to the ferries that take you to the archipelagos and islands near the city, there are cruises that could even take you to Russia and Sweden.
The sightseeing tour will take you about 90 minutes, during which you can take a leisurely stroll and enjoy the view of the islands and Helsinki itself from different and indescribable angles. In winter, sailing is permitted if there is no ice, but it is more common to take this tour at other times of the year.
- THE ATHENEUM
The Ateneum is one of the most important museums in Helsinki. It houses the oldest and most comprehensive collection of Finnish art in history (18th to 20th centuries) and also houses more than 600 international works by iconic artists. Founded in 1887, the Ateneum is part of the National Gallery of Finland, along with the Kiasma Contemporary Museum and the Sinebrychoff Museum of European Art (14th to 19th centuries).
Are you excited to discover them? And these are just some of the most iconic and representative places in the city, but the truth is that wherever you look, you will have a new place to visit and discover in Helsinki.
ACCOMMODATION IN HELSINKI
Staying in Helsinki is sure to be very new and interesting. You will find many types of accommodation, from cabins and apartments to hotels of all kinds with beautiful designs and all the comforts. One of the most famous is the Hotel Torni, which has panoramic views (Scandic), bars, terraces open to the public and more, all set in the style of the 1920s.
We know that Finland is not an excessively touristic country like Italy, France and Germany, but that does not leave it behind in the race for excellence in tourism and hospitality. And although the standard of living is high in Finland, the prices of accommodation, hotels, hostels, chalets, cottages and the so-called Bed & Breakfast They are not too exaggerated, and they are of excellent quality. In addition, they are incredible architectural works in themselves. stylish contemporary and modern that fuse metal, wood, furniture and glass in perfect harmony and design.
Helsinki also has many eccentric boutique hotel options and also very interesting boutique hostels, which will seem more like another tourist spot on your travel agenda. This is a new concept of accommodation in Helsinki that offers a more quaint style at affordable prices, but without sacrificing attention, quality or service. However, it is possible that -by official regulation- some rooms have the bathroom outside, as they are very strict when it comes to keeping the structures as original as possible. It is still very charming, well-priced and pet friendly for the most part!
Many tourists also choose to stay in rented apartments or flats in the city, looking to experience the local life first-hand. You can find them spread throughout Helsinki, and prices vary depending on how close they are to the centre or if they are located near a tourist attraction.
This cosmopolitan city, located on the shores of the Baltic, is known for being very calm and full of knowledge. The city centre and every corner of Helsinki inspire history, architectural wealth and design, which leave every tourist impressed and very happy to have chosen this city to visit. Its people are very open, honest and warm, and that gives a very important distinctive feature to tourism in the city. In addition, the natural beauty that Helsinki offers is amazing because it unites tradition, technology, antiquity and modernism in the same place.
You can take your time, look around, plan your visit, and get around as you prefer, whether by public transport, bicycle, ferry, cruise ship or sleigh!
It is definitely a city that has it all. Are you as enchanted as we were? Don't miss out on everything this great city has to offer!
