Helsinki what to see and do
Its is a vibrant city and home to 1 400 000 people. It is the most northerly of continental Europe's capitals.
How to get there
You can fly to Helsinki from a wide variety of airports around Europe and the UK it also has good international connections with long haul destinations particular in South East Asia and North America. The airport is actually in the town of Vantaa approximately 10 miles north of Helsinki.
There is good public transport available from the airport to the city with both frequent train and bus services running. There is also taxis available at both the airports terminals and Uber is also available at the airport and in Helsinki.
Helsinki Train Station
Arriving by cruise ship:
Many tourists also arrive by ship into Helsinki as its a busy and popular port of call on many Baltic cruise itineraries.
It has two cruise terminals, at the South Harbour which has 4 quays and is in easy walking distance of the city center and Market Square or alternatively at the West Terminal that has two quays but is 2 miles away from the city center. However there are shuttle buses available here into the city.
Accommodation
Being a capital city Helsinki has many international brand hotels available, as well as a number of other hotels and apartments at all levels and to suit all budgets, its a relatively compact city so there are good choices in all areas.
Getting around
The city has a excellent public transport system (HSL) comprising of bus, tram, metro, train and ferry services. The beauty being with one ticket you can hop on and off all of them including the ferry to the tourist destination of Suomenlinna. There are various ticket options available at machines and kiosks around the city and the route maps are divided in four zones, A B C & D.
What to see and do
Market Square
This Market is in the Old Town and situated right next to the harbour, this whole area is one of the epicenter of life in the city as well as a well known landmark, It is here traders gather to sell there local produce from fresh fish & vegetables as we as Finnish specialities like reindeer horns,
handmade craft jewellery, wooden utensils and reindeer hides. It really is a vibrant area to spend some time in and experience local life and people.
Harbour with the market on the right.
My Logistics Manager at the market
Stall at the Market but watch out for the seagulls they are hungry also...
Another food stall at the Market
This is the oldest indoor market in Finland and is also situated next to the old Harbour and close to the ferry terminals. It is where local vendors sell everything from fish to meat to local and tourists alike. It is a ideal place to try local dishes and to grab lunch or a snack as you enjoy the city.
Enjoying a snack within the Old Market Hall
The Cathedral was built in the mid 19th century and remains one of the cities most impressive landmarks. It is located at the noghern end of Senate Square this Lutheran cathedral has a all white neo classical facade and 5 green domes there is also statues of the 12 Apostles decorating its roof. If you visit in the summer months there are also frequent free art exhibitions staged within the cathedral.
Helsinki Cathedral
Senate Square
The square is part of the oldest part of the city and a busy location where many concerts exhibitions and public gatherings are staged. Its Neo Classical design is dominated by four main buildings, the Cathedral, Goverment Palace ( part of the University of Helsinki) the National Library of Finland and the oldest building in Helsinki Sederholm House now a museum.
In its center is the statue of Alexander ll
Senate Square
Yours truly at the square
Looking down on Senate Square from the Cathedral
Visit the fortress Suomenlinna
There are a number of small islands just off the coast of the city and Suomenlinna is built on a group of these. It is a maritime fortress built during the era when Helsinki was ruled by Sweden as a defence fortification. Today you can visit this historical site from the harbour where regular ferries take you to the island. On the island you learn about it and Finland's history, there is also a number of small museums to visit including a Toy Museum.
Logistics Manager on Suomenlinna
Me next to one of the gun positions on the island
Logistics Manager in front of the stone defences on the island
Enjoying a walk around the historic sites of Suomenlinna
Building on Suomenlinna
Old Harbour on Suomenlinna
Church on the island fortification
Visit Kamppi Chapel of Silence
This unusual architectural building located near Kamppi shopping center has thick wooden walls and is designed to assist meditation and prayer, there are no cameras allowed inside and you are expected to be silent.
Kamppi Chapel
Shop in Helsinki Design District
This district of Helsinki spans over 200 buildings, from fashion boutiques, furniture shops, jewellery workshops, design studios, museums and art galleries. All the popular Finnish design brands have locations here including Marimekko, Lumi and Vietto as well as a host of international ones.
Relax at Allas Sea Pool
This outdoor sea pool and sauna is located overlooking the harbour and market, its a oasis in the city as well as the pools and sauna it also has a bar and some good food options. Worth a visit to recharge your batteries whilst sightseeing.
Allas Sea Pool
Allas Sea Pool
Relaxing at the sea pool
Refreshment whilst at the sea pool
Esplanade Park
This popular park is famous in the city and runs from the harbour towards the city centre, the park features straight tree-lined avenues and flower beds. One end of the park is home to the famous and popular local restaurant Kappeli, and directly opposite this is a small stage where regular open air concerts are performed. This is another place well worth a visit and walk around.
Logistics Manager enjoying some bubbles at Kappeli restaurant
Main avenue in Esplanade Park
Vintage Tram Car City Tour or Restaurant Tram Tour
Take a short tour of the city on a vintage Helsinki Tram car, this is a fun way to see some of the city, the trams leave regular from Market Square and its well worth doing.
Vintage tram tour
You can also take a sightseeing tour onboard a tram that has been converted into a pub/restaurant this is another fun unusual way to see Helsinki.
Uspenski Cathedral
This Cathedral is is the main cathedral of the Finnish Orthodox Church in Helsinki. It sits close to the old Harbour and Market Square it is also a venue for many concerts at various times throughout the year.
Uspenski Cathedral
Eating and drinking in Helsinki
One thing the Finns enjoy is a good night out, however it is well worth highlighting that alcoholic drinks are relatively expensive but that has not stopped Helsinki having a wide range of Bars, Clubs and Restaurants. You will not be short of choice in any of them. I have included here a few recommendations from places we visited.
Trillby & Chadwick
There is a condition to this recommendation !! You keep it a secret....
This is a great place if you enjoy a cocktail, but it is a secret bar with no advertising or signs outside. Its designed like a Speakeasy, its found down a lane just just off Senate Square.
Once you locate it you find yourself in a small wooden vestibule with a large wooden door and a old style phone, the door is locked you can knock on the door or use the phone to ask for entry, you then wait, a short time later the panel on the door slides open a and then you maybe allowed in. ( most times you are ) once inside your shown to table and given a cocktail menu. No photography is allowed in the bar. Its all a good bit of fun and the cocktails are in fact excellent, if you find it you won't be disappointed.
Logistics Manager trying to get us access to the bar.
Mummotunneli
This is a old shopping lane situated in Helsinki city center that it is now home to several bars. At night the lane becomes a vibrant live music venue with all the bars open onto the closed in lane/courtyard. It really is a great atmosphere in there and you have several bars to sit in and enjoy the music outside.
Mummotunneli
Cafe Regatta
This is a traditional small wooden Finnish cabin brought into the city where it sits on waterfront.
The slopping roof cabin is filled with memorabilia and photographs of local life. The cafe is famous for its Cinnamon Buns, Blueberry Pies as well as its local sausages grilled outside on the the grill. For a relaxed snack on the waters edge its worth a visit.
Cafe Regatta
Helsinki is a interesting and friendly city to visit, it is a society that enjoys the outdoors lifestyle and that is reflected as you walk around the city. If you spending some time here the option of a short ferry journey to Tallinn in Estonia is also one you could consider, we did that crossing and it gives you another city/country to visit from your base in Helsinki.
I hope my ideas of places to see and things to do have been a help to you if so please share on via social media.
Keep following and I will be back soon with another review of a destination on this large planet.
