2024 Helsinki Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in December)

The corridors of Hotel Grand Central Helsinki exude a strong classical beauty, perfectly combining historical and modern design elements. The walls of the corridors are primarily in soft warm tones, adorned with exquisite wall lamps. Standing in the center of the corridor, one is greeted with a symmetrical layout that complements the lines of the arches, creating a noble yet understated luxury that adds a rare historical charm to the entire hotel.

11-Day Northern Europe Tour, explore the dreamland! Amazing itinerary, take you to experience the unique charm of Northern Europe, don't miss it! / 🛤️ Itinerary: Day 1: Depart from Shanghai and arrive in Helsinki, the capital of Finland. Day 2-3: Fly from Helsinki to Reykjavik and explore the Blue Lagoon. Then head to the Snaefellsnes Peninsula to visit Arnarstapi, Londrangar Cliffs, etc. Day 4-5: Go deep into the Snaefellsnes Peninsula and the southwestern town to experience Hraunfossar, Deildartunguhver Hot Spring, etc. Then head to the southern town to visit the Golden Circle and Thingvellir National Park. Day 6-7: Visit Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss, and head to Vik Black Sand Beach. Then go to the southeastern town to discover the Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon, the beautiful Diamond Beach, and the magnificent ice caves of Vatnajokull National Park. Day 8: Return to Reykjavik and visit Hallgrimskirkja, Harpa Concert Hall, and other attractions. Day 9-10: Fly back to Helsinki from Reykjavik and visit Uspenski Cathedral, Rock Church, etc. On the last day, visit Helsinki Cathedral, Senate Square, and the commercial street. Fly back to Shanghai at night. Day 11: Return to warm Shanghai❤️ / 🧳 Travel essentials: Northern Europe travel checklist revealed! 📞 Prepare a SIM card, so you won't lose contact when roaming in Northern Europe, and you can share beautiful scenery on social media at any time. 🔌 Plug adapter is essential, so you can charge your devices without worry and enjoy your trip. It is convenient for multiple countries. 🪪 Don't forget to bring your documents, carry your visa and passport with you, and pass through customs easily. 🧣 It is already a bit cold in Northern Europe in November, so wear enough warm clothes, and don't forget down jackets and scarves. 🔋 Chargers are also important, so your electronic devices won't run out of power, and you can take beautiful photos and navigate at the same time. 💊 Bring some common medicines, so you can travel healthily and safely. Carry cold medicine and painkillers with you. With these preparations, your trip to Northern Europe will be easy and pleasant! Let's go! 🎉 / After visiting the fairy tale world of Northern Europe, I hope this guide will help you leave unforgettable memories! If you like it, don't forget to follow me~✨

Welcome to Espoo! Nestled within Finland's vibrant landscape, Espoo is a hiker's paradise, promising an escape into the tranquility of nature. With pristine lakes reflecting endless skies and trails winding through lush forests, Espoo offers the perfect backdrop for adventurers and nature enthusiasts. The natural beauty of Espoo is truly captivating. Serene lakes surrounded by dense greenery reflect the surrounding forests on their calm surfaces. Reeds growing by the water's edge add to the picturesque scenery, creating a peaceful hiking environment. Espoo boasts a variety of well-marked trails suitable for both casual walkers and seasoned hikers. Whether you're looking for a leisurely stroll or a more challenging route, you'll find a trail that suits your needs. As you traverse these paths, you'll be enveloped in a world where time seems to stand still, allowing you to savor every moment away from the hustle and bustle of life. Our chosen Nuuksio National Park, one of Espoo's most popular hiking destinations, offers a range of trails that traverse forests, circle lakes, and cross rocky outcrops. It's a great place to observe local wildlife and enjoy the serenity of nature. Hiking in Espoo is not just a physical activity; it's a soul-stirring experience. From breathtaking views to tranquil lakes and dense forests, every moment spent here is filled with excitement and wonder. Whether you're stopping to admire the scenery or capturing glimpses of local wildlife, hiking in Espoo provides a unique opportunity to connect with nature. So, put on your hiking boots and embark on an adventure to explore Espoo's enchanting landscapes. You'll return with more than just memories in photos, but with memories etched in your heart—a reminder of nature's timeless beauty, waiting to be rediscovered with each visit.

The Fortress of Suomenlinna, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is an impressive sea fortress located on a group of islands off the coast of Helsinki, Finland. Built in the 18th century, it played a crucial role in the defense of the region during various conflicts. Today, Suomenlinna is a popular tourist destination, offering visitors a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. You can explore its well-preserved fortifications, museums, and charming walking paths. The stunning views of the Helsinki archipelago make it an ideal spot for a leisurely day trip, accessible by a short ferry ride. #100WaysOfTravel #historicallandmarks #instatravel #localguides #finland

Helsinki, the vibrant capital of Finland, offers a delightful city walk for tourists. Start at the iconic Senate Square, where you can admire the grand Helsinki Cathedral. Stroll through the historic Market Square, bustling with local vendors and offering stunning views of the Baltic Sea. Wander down the charming Esplanadi Park, lined with boutiques and cafes, perfect for a coffee break. Explore the Design District, full of innovative Finnish design shops and galleries. End your walk at the tranquil Töölö Bay, where you can relax by the water and soak in the serene atmosphere of this beautiful city. #100waysoftravel #localguides #historicallandmarks #instatravel #finland

Suomenlinna, located off the coast of Helsinki, the capital of Finland, is one of the largest maritime fortresses in the world. Built in 1748 when Finland was still part of the Kingdom of Sweden, Suomenlinna consists of eight islands, over 200 buildings, and 6 kilometers of defensive walls. Its design was heavily influenced by the renowned military engineer Vauban and employs the principles of a star-shaped fortress. The fortress was constructed to defend against the expansion of the Russian Empire and has witnessed numerous wars and occupations throughout history, including its capture by Russia in 1808, after which it served as a Russian naval base for the next 110 years. After Finland gained independence in 1918, the fortress was renamed Suomenlinna. Today, Suomenlinna is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Finland's most popular tourist attractions. Visitors can explore various parts of the fortress, including the castle fortifications, tunnels, the 250-ton Vesikko submarine, the Ehrensvärd Museum, and the Toy and Doll Museum. The best time to visit is during the summer (June to August) when the weather is warm, making it ideal for outdoor activities and various summer events and performances. 📍Address: Suomenlinna, 00190 Helsinki, Finland You can reach Suomenlinna by taking the HSL ferry from Helsinki's Market Square, which takes about 15-20 minutes. 🕰️Opening Hours: Suomenlinna is open year-round. The main attractions are open from May 1 to September 30: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM October 1 to April 30: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM. 💰Cost: Entry to Suomenlinna itself is free, but some museums and exhibitions require tickets. 🗓️Itinerary: In the morning, take the ferry from Helsinki's Market Square to Suomenlinna, visit the fortress and museums, and return to Helsinki in the afternoon to tour Helsinki Cathedral and Uspenski Orthodox Cathedral.

Helsinki, the capital of Finland, is a vibrant destination blending modern design with rich history. Visitors can explore the stunning architecture of landmarks like the Helsinki Cathedral and the UNESCO-listed Suomenlinna sea fortress. The city's numerous museums, such as the Ateneum Art Museum, offer insights into Finnish culture. Nature is also close at hand, with beautiful parks, islands, and the Baltic Sea providing picturesque settings for outdoor activities. Helsinki’s lively markets, like the Old Market Hall, serve local delicacies, while its design district showcases innovative Scandinavian design. The city is easily walkable, making exploration convenient and enjoyable. #100WaysOfTravel #historicallandmarks #instatravel #localguides #finland

It was a winter trip to Finland with friends and we just love it. As soon as we reached Helsinki airport, we checked visited Market Square for our lunch. Most of the food that we've ordered were good especially salmon and caviar! We then visited the most famous Helsinki Catheral. It is a distinctive landmark in the Helsinki city. They opened from 9am to 5pm, from Monday to Friday. We reached there around 2pm and it was kinda packed with tourist. We checked with the lady working there and was told that early morning around 9am would have lesser people. If you are here for good pictures, you may take this into consideration. Helsinki Catheral 📍Unioninkatu 29, 00170 Helsinki, Finland On the second day, we visited Rovaniemi, a city in Finland. The city was stunning 😍 We checked in to Lapland Hotel Ounasvaara Chalets. We then visited Ounasvaara Ski Centre. My friends doesn't really know how to ski, so we booked 90 minutes personal trainer and it costed her around €110. The view around the area was just so amazing and I would really recommend you to visit. This is my most favourite place to visit in Finland Ounasvaara Ski Centre 📍Taunontie 14, 96600 Rovaniemi, Finland We then visited the most famous Nothernmost McDonald after a tiring day of skiing. Northernmost McDonald 📍Poromiehentie 3, Rovaniemi, Finland 96200 On the third day, we visited Santa Claus Village. It is free to visit and we were able to take some good pictures with the Santa Claus and feel the Christmas vibes ❄️🎄🧑🎄 We also went for Husky Rides. The distance was about 2km and it costs around €45. I was an unforgettable experience and the view down the path was amazing. The whole journey was “fast and furious” 🤣. We also tried Reindeer Sleigh Ride. The distance was about 1km and it costs around €30. I personally like Husky rides better 🥰🥰 But if you have sufficient time, definitely you should try both ‼️ Santa Claus Village 📍96930 Rovaniemi, Finland Lastly, we took snowmobile to see the aurora. Due to weather conditions, we were not able to see any. But the experience was really good. Will definitely come back again for the aurora 🥰 #vacation #Holiday #Winter

We did a big road trip all across Finland in winter and it was one of our most favorite but also most freezing trips ever 😁 Here are our tips: 🗺️ Places to visit / Things to do: 1. Watch the Northern Lights 🌌 In northern Finland you can see them during a clear night between September to April 🥹 We were there in January. 2.&3. Stay in a glass igloo ❄️ We stayed at @kakslauttanen_arctic_resort (*Azeige) and it was so magical ❤️ Their roofs are heated so you can see the sky all night and they even have an alarm for northern lights 💫 4. Kemi 🩷 There’s also an igloo village (open for day tourists but also to spend the night 🥶) 5. Go for a husky sleigh ride 🛷 6.&7. Helsinki 8. Visit a reindeer farm 🦌 9.&10. Oulanka National Park 💦 Make sure to visit Santa Claus in Rovaniemi & cross the Arctic Circle ❄️😍 🚗 How to get around Definitely by car! If you travel in winter make sure your car is a 4x4 (we got stuck in the snow once and a tractor had to pull us out 😂) 🏨 Where to stay? There are many unique accommodations in Finland! Like tree houses, igloos, cozy cabins in the woods and much more 🤗 Many of these are quite expensive but it’s really worth it! ⏰ Best time to visit All year round 🤗 In the winter it’s very magical with all the snow but also extremely cold so make sure to be prepared 🧣 🐶 Is Finland dog friendly? Overall yes but most restaurants don’t allow dogs. Better check in advance if the activities you want to do are dog friendly. At the husky sleigh farm / reindeer farm we couldn’t bring Felix for example. We hope this mini guide was helpful 🤗 Let us know if you have any questions ❤️❄️ #finland #northernlights #aurora #travel #guide #bestof #winter #winterwonderland cr：wanderlust_samoyed& Contact us for removal

🎄When it comes to Christmas, most people will think of those few days in December, but in fact, Christmas activities start from the lighting ceremony and Christmas parade in the city center at the end of November every year~ On the contrary, there are not many locals on the streets on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. So if you want to experience the strongest Christmas atmosphere and the once-a-year Christmas parade, you must be ready to set off in November! 📢This year's Christmas market time: UK London Hyde Park 23.11.17-24.1.1 France Notre Dame de Paris 23.11.19-23.12.26 Finland Helsinki Senate Square 23.12.01-23.12.12

Out of all the vibrant cities I’ve traveled to, my week exploring the colorful streets of Helsinki stands out as exceptionally charming. As I strolled down cobbled lanes lined with eclectic shops and cafes in the Design District, I was struck by the way Helsinki seamlessly blended modern style with history. Each day I discovered new gems – the towering Helsinki Cathedral overlooking the harbor, the bustling Market Square bursting with flowers and fresh Finnish produce, the exotic aromas wafting through the Old Market Hall. In the evenings, I loved seeing locals relax alongside tourists enjoying a drink on the sun-drenched outdoor patios. No matter how exhausted I felt from cramming museums and galleries into my days, the energy and warmth from the streets re-energized me every night. What made Helsinki unforgettable wasn’t just the sights but the welcoming, creative spirit that enveloped the city. When it came time to leave, saying goodbye to my favorite neighborhood coffee shop felt just as difficult as bidding the Northern Lights farewell. More than postcard-perfect attractions, it was those long, golden summer days getting lost down hidden side alleys with interesting faces and places waiting around every corner that made Helsinki the highlight of my visit to Finland. ##thingstodo #weekendgetaways #freehotelstay

📍Transport location: Katajanoka Hotel, the choice of Helsinki's fine hotels Merikasarminkatu 1 A, Helsinki 🏨Hotel environment: It looks quite ordinary from the outside, it really looks like a cage and prison haha, in fact, it is a hotel transformed from a prison a hundred years ago🏨 🛏Room features: Large iron windows and the prison iron bars across the room, there is actually a sauna in the suite, Nordic people love sauna, and there are several keys of the prison on the bed decoration🔑 🎰Design features: Finland's autumn has many fallen leaves, you can see a lot of beautiful scenery and autumn colors around the hotel 📝Note tips: It often rains in Finland, it is more convenient to travel with rain boots and rain gear~

Helsinki is the beautiful capital of Finland, located by the Baltic Sea. I traveled to this city from Tallinn, the capital of Estonia, by cruise for 21 euros(July 2023). The cruise travel time was about two hours, which is not tiring at all considering the cruise facilities. Best places to visit in Helsinki: Senate Square, Helsinki Cathedral , Uspenski Cathedral and Helsinki Railway Station #backpacking #backpacker #Helsinki #budget #timetotravel

While walking to Orthodox Cathedral in Helsinki, Finland. You can see and enjoy walking along the seashore. Lots of seagulls are flying there. Walking time from Train station is just about 10 to 15minutes. Also you can find some store tents their selling some souvenirs, fruits, wine and the Finnish streets food. Maybe it is better to visit this place during weekdays, because the Cathedral is closed during weekends. #helsinki #cathedral #orthodox

One thing I like about 🇫🇮 is that you can reach greenery and the nature without going too far from the city centre. And hiking here in spring or summer is not tough at all, as it’s not too hot or cold, just perfect temperature to be out. And most importantly, not much mosquitoes here so making everything even better ☺️ Just chill, swimming at lake, picking berries, grilling sausage… - 好多人會帶埋狗狗一齊行山 - 經常見到一家人，同埋小朋友一齊親親大自然 - 遇到岩既季節，除左行山仲可以摘野莓同蘑菇 - 可以俾人bbq有地方俾你直接用斧刀劈木頭燒火 - 芬蘭人熱愛桑拿，所以部分國家公園仲有公共桑拿俾大眾免費使用，直接用木材燒火，焗完桑拿出面就係大大個湖，焗完再喺個湖度游個水 - 就算唔揸車，好多國家公園只要搭巴士就去到，交通好方便，最近離city center我諗半個鐘就去到 - 最後好欣賞既一點係，行山過程中幾乎冇見過垃圾，人人都好自律保持地方清潔 #hiking #Finnish #finland

Location: Helsinki, capital city of Finland Getting there: Helsinki international airport flies to most cities in Europe and many worldwide cities including China and America. Helsinki is the first major city into Europe coming from China. I often make this my first stop into Europe. The architecture and colours of the various cathedrals in the center of the city are just marvelous. I recommend taking a walk along the streets and parks to gaze at their beauty in this skyline. #helsinki

Suomenlinna is an island located in Helsinki, Finland. We traveled to the island by ferry from the port in Helsinki. The ticket price to the island is 8 euros. - Suomenlinna used to be a fortress of Finland. In the 18th century, the area on the island is a beautiful nature worth visiting. There are hundreds of years old cannons on the island. And there is a wall covering the entire area of ​​​​6 islands together. - On the island there is also a nature trail with King gate bridge and Suomenlinna Museum, which is about Finnish military and maritime. On the island there are also bars and restaurants by the sea. #TravelEurope #vlogTravel

Location: Helsinki, Finland Getting there: The airport is international and flies to many cities worldwide. Situated on the Baltic Sea, Finland’s capital, Helsinki, is a modern city of over half a million people, and is the second most northern capital in Europe. Helsinki Cathedral and the Rock Underground Cathedral are the two highlights not to be missed here. #helsinki #finland

Stepping into the Glo Hotel Art the evening before departing Helsinki, it felt akin to entering a magical castle. Technically it IS a castle, sans the magic of course 😂 Built in 1903, this ancient stone castle is located in the capital city’s trendy design district, now surrounded by separate hotel buildings containing comfortable rooms that we stayed in for a night.

From the airport, take the railway train P to Helsinki. Train stop at the main railway station. Look out for the lockers in the station and you are at the correct way to the hotel. Out of the station, you will be able to see the hotel on your right side. In front is the bus stop shown on photo 4. I always love the comfortable pillows and bed of Holiday Inn. The hotel provides luggage storage. It is very useful after check-out when your next flight or train is in the evening. Have some time to go shopping again. Take tram 3 and connect to 2 to see the city, the sea port and Cathedral...

Finland🇫🇮Attraction-St. John's Cathedral One of the three cathedrals in Helsinki It is also the largest stone church Founded at the end of the 19th century to the present It is also a church that is over a century old When I first went there The church is holding a ceremony and cannot be visited Finland 🇫🇮 Attractions - St. John's Cathedral One of the three cathedrals in Helsinki It is also the largest stone church Founded in the late 19th century to the present It is also a church that is more than a century old. When I first went The church is holding a ceremony and cannot be visited #New YearGood Place

Attractions in Finland-Port of Helsinki There are many iconic buildings along the harbor The most important one is the aqua blue one, which is the Helsinki City Hall. And the yellow one is the presidential palace The Helsinki Eye (Ferris wheel) is also next to the harbor There is also a market at the harbor every holiday If you are traveling to Finland by boat This is also where you board the boat to and from Estonia. Finnish Attractions - Port of Helsinki There are many iconic buildings along the harbor The most important thing is the water blue, this is the Helsinki City Hall and the yellow one is the presidential palace The Helsinki Eye (Ferris Wheel) is also next to the harbor There is also a market by the port every holiday If you are a friend who is going to Finland by boat This is also where the boats to and from Estonia take place #New YearGood Place

Finland🇫🇮Attractions-National Library of Finland This is a Finnish royal architectural style built in the early 19th century It may be an attraction that may be overlooked at first sight. But when I walked into the library, I was deeply surprised. There is a strong sense of history inside It feels like walking into Harry Potter's library This is definitely the most worth visiting attraction in Helsinki Finland 🇫🇮 Attractions - National Library of Finland This is the Royal Finnish architectural style built in the early 19th century At first sight it might be a sight to be overlooked But when I walked into the library, I was deeply amazed. There is a strong sense of history inside It's like walking into Harry Potter's library Definitely the best place to visit in Helsinki #New YearGood Place

Finland🇫🇮Attraction-Helsinki Cathedral This was in the early 19th century Presented to Tsar Nicholas I for the cathedral built Until Finland became independent in 1917 It was renamed Helsinki Cathedral Now the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland It was a very important landmark in the early days of the Port of Helsinki. people working at sea See this pure white painted cathedral from a distance I know I've arrived home Finland 🇫🇮 Attractions - Helsinki Cathedral This was the beginning of the 19th century The cathedral built by Tsar Nicholas I After Finland's independence in 1917 Renamed Helsinki Cathedral Now a Christian church of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland It was a very important landmark in the early days as the port of Helsinki people working at sea See this pure white painted cathedral from a distance I know home is here #New YearGood Place

Located in the city centre of Helsinki, the Uspenski Cathedral is also one of the most famous structure in Finland. This is a Greek Orthodox cathedral, dedicated to the Dormition of the Theotokos (Virgin Mary). It was built in 1868. It was a pity during my trip, the cathedral was closed thus unable to go inside. But if you’re in Helsinki, I would recommend you heading in to have a look, as admission is free! #tripblazers #helsinki #finland #cathedral #darwintravel #europe

Since we are a group of four, it is much cheaper to go in a group as some of the cabin can fit up to 4 people for the same room price. Travelling to Finland via cruise is affordable and no travel hassle. We have 6 hours time to explore the city of Helsinki. Due to our liking, we did not sign up for any tour group there and instead we randomly walking around as we pleased! Helsinki city is much smaller than Stockholm. The crowd is not a lot and trams is used to be the major public transport. The attraction can be found such as National library of Finland, University of Helsinki, Senate house and Church of Helsinki. With so much to see and explore, me take a break and enjoy gelato in front of Hard Rock Cafe Helsinki. Wish to be there again some other time! #yearofrabbit#newyearadventure#mytripvlog#summervacation#passionpassport#celebratewithtrip

Getting There - These places, which are close to the city center, are within walking distance. Attractions - Buildings with unique architecture Hotels - Trips.com hotels at the best price Food & Restaurants - Unique cuisine with local guides Shopping - Shopping centers with unique architecture and historical markets

Helsinki Cathedral, also known as the White Church. In winter, the square in front of the church is covered with snow, warm lights are lit, and the whole church is holy. In the magnificent building, there are many exquisite murals and sculptures. Whenever the church bell rings, the whole square falls silent, and many tourists quietly feel this precious moment of peace that only religion can bring to the soul. Opening hours: Monday to Friday 10:00-17:00 Saturday 9:00-17:00, Sunday 12:00-18:00

#celebratewithtrip From the outside, this place doesn’t look like a chapel, but a modern architectural site. The building is made of wood and elliptical in shape. Lovely, silent experience. Impressive that wood can be enough for building such a graceful place. Very beautiful chapel. Minimalistic, free entrance and the staff were very nice. Inside it was super quiet and great for reflection. Definitely recommended! #couplestrip #helsinki #finland

#celebratewithtrip One of the best tourist attraction near Helsinki. It was a castle built to protect capital from foreign forces. It is very accessible via ferry from Helsinki port. This island is protected by UNESCO because its story and probably its fortress. Really lovely place. Definitely recommend a visit to walk around and enjoy the nature. #helsinki #couplestrip #finland