Helsinki Travel Guide
Updated on:
Planning a Trip to Helsinki
Helsinki is Finland’s capitol city. This walkable, outdoorsy, Nordic city sits on the Baltic Sea. Helsinki is filled with minimalist design, tons of cozy cafes (Finnish cafe culture is top tier) lots of parks & outdoor space and is home to lovely saunas and outdoor pools. Helsinki feels so livable, it’s understated, peaceful & clean.
It’s a great spot for a summer Nordic city break or a quick stop on your way to an arctic Lapland adventure.
Jump To:
- *Backpacks & Bubbly – Top Pick for Drinks With A View*
- Where to Stay in Helsinki
- Top Things to Do in Helsinki
- Getting Around Helsinki
- Helsinki Safety for Solo Female Travelers
Planning a Finland adventure? See my full Finland Travel Guide here to help plan your trip!
Disclaimer: This article contains some links where I earn commission through booking. There is no extra cost to you, and I only recommend things I’ve used and love or places I’ve stayed and enjoyed!
*Backpacks & Bubbly – Top Pick for Drinks With A View*
Allas Restaurant
Allas restaurant in downtown Helsinki overlooks the harbor, the Allas pool and much of downtown Helskinki. This whole area is such a vibe and Allas has lots of outdoor tables to grab drinks with 360 views of the harbor and Helsinki. I highly recommend going at sunset!
Where to Stay in Helsinki
Downtown Helsinki – Hotel Haven
If you’re staying in downtown Helsinki Hotel Haven is in the best location! It’s right on the south harbor near the heart of Helsinki. This hotel is stunning and the convenience can’t be beat.
Airport – Hilton Helsinki Airport
If you’re on a quick trip to Helsinki or are just stopping over on your way to another part of Finland, this airport is super convenient and walkable from the airport. If you need to get into downtown Helsinki it’s easy to grab a train or an uber and be there within 30 minutes.
The hotel has a sauna, bar & restaurant and a gym.
Top Things to do in Helsinki
Experience Sauna Culture at Löyly
Visiting a sauna (or several) in Finland is an absolute must. Löyly is the most stunning sauna in Helsinki, and was voted one of the greatest placed in the world by Time Magazine. It offers a series of indoor and outdoor saunas with views of the Helsinki skyline & Baltic sea. I LOVED my afternon here. You need to book in advance, tickets are 27 euro for a 2 hour pass to all the saunas. Book tickets here!
It’s also a bar/restaurant, so you can stay and hang before or after. The sunset views were incredible, and there was an awesome outdoor patio and bar if the weather is good!
Explore South Harbor & Esplanadi
South Harbos and Esplanadi are right next to each other and are the most picturesque areas of downtown Helsinki. Esplanadi is a long street filled with some of Helsink’s best restaurants, shopping and one of Helsinki’s many public parks. South Harbor is the main harbor in Helsinki and is at the end of Esplanadi, there’s tons of restaurants & cafes around this area and it’s a beautiful area to stroll around.
Hang at Allas
Allas outdoor pool and restaurant/bar overlook South Harbor. You have to pay to visit the pool & sauna, but the roof deck at the restaurant is such a vibe. It’s a great place to grab a drink or lunch with some of the best views in Helsinki!
Visit Senate Square
Senate Square is the oldest area of central. It’s Neoclassical architecture highlights Helsinki’s sleek & clean design. Senate Square is home to Helsinki Cathedral, the National Library of Finland, Helsinki University & more.
See Uspenski Cathedral
Not far from Senate Square and South Harbor is the Uspenski Cathedral. This impressive hilltop cathedral is worth stopping by to see, you can also visit the inside if you’re interested!
Getting Around Helsinki
Downtown Helsinki
Dowtown Helsinki is super walkable especially when the weather is nice! Many of the main highlights are close enough to each other to get there by foot!
Uber was also very accessible. I took an Uber from South Harbor to Löyly Sauna (it was 35 minutes on public transport and 45 to walk) but just 10 minutes to drive!
From the Airport
The airport is about a 30 minute drive from downtown Helsinki. Ubers were super convenient (although expensive) Alternatively, there is a tran right at the airport that gets to the main train station in Helsinki in 30 minutes. The train run often (every 10 minutes) and cost 4 euro one way, this is definitely your best budget option!
Safety for Solo Female Travelers in Helsinki
5 out of 5
Helsinki was super safe. Every Nordic country I’ve visited felt extremely safe to me, even in major cities like Helsinki, Reykjavik and Oslo I never felt unsafe being alone walking at any time of day.
