Helsinki is a city of great attractions. If you want to experience night life, follow the latest trends and feel thrilled with new experiences, Helsinki is the place to be. This pocketsize metropolis has developed to the extent of being named the World Design Capital for 2012 and harbors the most exciting and happening beaches in the Baltic region.
Helsinki’s Cultural Office runs this special program for children to keep them entertained during their holidays. Annantalo is an art center that is filled with children learning basic art techniques, attending small exhibitions, workshops and dance performances.
This is part of the Helsinki City Museum that holds exhibitions with and for children. To keep them engaged, the Museum holds exhibitions under attractive names like Guinea Pig, where children are told about the animals found in Helsinki. There are colorful displays of cows and fish and children are allowed to have sensory experiences as well, for example they are taught and shown how to milk a cow.
The National Opera runs special programs for children featuring exciting stories and documentaries to promote learning and creativity.
Located on the Korkeasaari Island, Helsinki Zoo is the biggest attraction for children in Finland. The Zoo covers hundreds of acres of land and has a collection of animals and birds. Children love looking at the animals while they feed them and marvel at their size and colors! Many engaging activities have also been developed for kids in the Sea Life section of the Zoo such as having your child’s birthday celebrated there!
Covered in snow during the winter months, Linnanmaki is one of the largest amusement parks in Finland. The place offers all sorts of rides, roller coasters and bumper cars to name a few. Children stay busy at the amusement park and can happily spend the entire day there. All kinds of eateries are also available for kids to munch on.
Esplanadi Park is located right in the center of Helsinki with lush green lawns that are crowded by both locals and tourists in the summer months. The park also offers a picnic place for people to get together and spend the day out with friends and family.
Senate Square is the most popular destination within Helsinki. It was built by a famous Russian architect, Carl Ludvig Engel(1778-1840). Today the Senate Square houses concerts, events and a site seeing tour. The Square occupies a huge area and has a number of monuments and important buildings located on all four sides.
This Museum has all the contemporary work of Finnish artists and those from neighboring countries. The place also hosts various exhibitions around the year to entertain tourists and to display the cultural and historic side of Finland. The museum building itself is a work of art and is worth a visit on your trip to Helsinki. Entrance fee for adults is 7 Euros while for students it is 5 Euros. Visitors under 18 are admitted free of charge and the first Wednesday of each month is free for all from 5pm to 8 pm! Opening times: Tuesday 10am to 5pm; Wednesday to Sunday 10am to 8 30pm; Monday closed. Address: Mannerheiminaukio 2, Phone: +358 9 1733 6501
This complex is a cultural center located in the Kammpi area of the city center. The place houses a lot of shops, a multi Cineplex called ‘Finkino’, an Art Museum, Tennis Palace and the Museum of Cultures. Tennispalatsi has had a rich history in the sports arena as well. Back in 1938 it was constructed as a center for the Olympic Games held in 1940 and later was the ground for a few basketball games in the 1952 Olympics.
Rich art is depicted in every alley way and intersection of Helsinki. The Three Smiths Statue is a famous sculpture carved by Felix Nylund at the intersection of the two most famous streets of Helsinki, Aleksanterinkatu and Mannerheimintie. The statue was attacked in the war in 1944 and damaged areas are still visible. Within the city, The Three Smiths is a popular meeting place for people.
Sasso offers one of the best Italian 3 course meals in town. The Italian culture of enjoying food and wine while chit chatting is evident here at Sasso, so if you’re looking for a quiet evening this is not the place to be. The chef holds back nothing in perfecting the order you place. The wine collection is also one of the best in Helsinki so make sure you order one for starters or the main courseYou will certainly leave with good Italian memories once you visit Sasso!
One of the more upscale and modern French restaurants in Helsinki, La Petite has delicious French food and the way it’s presented makes it even more mouth watering. The chefs and staff are highly trained in making customers feel welcome. The restaurant has the best collection of wines that will leave you wanting more!
Yume has introduced Helsinki to a new way of dining with exquisite flowers, a very sophisticated dining hall and an elaborate wine and steak list. Just sitting in the restaurant makes you feel peaceful and close to nature. Japanese food is served at its best at Yume with a choice of tailoring your own appetizers and main courses by selecting which spices and herbs you prefer. The Japanese culture of ‘mix and match’ is highly promoted and diners are encouraged to create their own meals.
This restaurant is atop a hill on the island of Suomenlinna in Helsinki. The place has a touch of elegance and class amidst the fortified island that has had a dark past. Walhalla has a lot of Finnish specialties to serve. Needless to say the best quality ingredients are used and food is prepared to perfection. Among the most famous dishes are salmon soup, reindeer, lamb and grilled duck.
One of the best restaurants in Helsinki in terms of food and décor is Chez Dominique. The place offers excellent French food prepared by the world renowned chef Hans Välimäki. Such specialties include Duck confit, Smoked Tuna, Roasted Turbot and lobster. Inside, the décor and placement of tables is sophisticatedly done. Reservations are a must as there is little competition for Chez Dominique and so there is usually a full house on weekends. Cuisine: French Address: Richardinkatu 4, Helsinki Phone: 09/612-73-93
One of the largest restaurants in Helsinki is Havis. High ceiling and wooden panels add much beauty to the dining hall; it is tough to decide between having your meal in the hall or the spacious airy terrace. Havis prides itself for the use of fresh sea food that is prepared to perfection. Reservations are a must. For further details visit the URL below.
The setting of G.W.Sundmans is one of elegance with 19th century Finnish paintings lined on the walls and a mansion like look that is set beautifully overlooking the harbor. The best quality ingredients are used to prepare food that is finger licking good and people keep coming back to enjoy Chef Jarmo Vähä-Savo’s famous cuisine. Specialties include fried Sweetbreads; sugar cured salmon and apple pie.
One of the posh dine-ins in Helsinki, Gallery restaurant is situated on the Katajanokka Island and is visited mostly by prestigious people. The restaurant is very charming and has a white and brown décor which oozes class. Specialties include sautéed white fish, lamb and grilled rabbit.
Arguably the only Lebanese restaurant in Helsinki, Farouge has the best home made “baklava” in Finland. The dishes offered are exquisite and are made from rare herbs and spices that are hardly used in Western foods. Apart from food, Farouge offers excellent customer service. The staff is friendly and well trained and can make menu recommendations based on your preferred tastes. Main course meals may vary from 20 to 38 euro.
A very casual place where the chef himself serves the dishes, Cella was opened in 1969 as a traditional Finnish restaurant that would offer spicy dishes at a price of around 10 to 20 Euros in the Kallio district. There is also a summer terrace that is filled up during summer months and reservations may be required. The environment inside is cozy yet a bit noisy as the place is not all that big. A fine collection of wines can also be found at the bar.
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Another one of Helsinki’s reasonable choices, Radisson is located in the city center and has all the basic amenities installed in all rooms such as central conditioning, room service, free Wi-Fi, laundry and dry cleaning. The building overlooks the Kaisaniemi Park and is a few minutes’ walk away from Grand Casino Helsinki and the Finnish National Theatre. All 291 rooms are decorated in warm colors and give a very homely feeling to the visitor. Its prime location attracts most people in peak seasons and the place is usually booked by business travelers. A standard room for one night costs around 160 Euros. Additional services: sauna, conference rooms, parking at 30 euro for a day, fitness center, discounts for children and a round the clock coffee bar.
Another one of Helsinki’s modern accommodations, Scandic Hotel has two of its buildings joined through a passage way. There are 289 units fitted with the most modern equipments and are furnished in dark wood that give the rooms a very businesslike air. The building dates back to 1962, however multiple changes and renovations have been made since then to suit modern times. Room rates vary with size but standard rates can touch 269 Euros, breakfast included.
Sokos hotel is located in the commercial center of downtown Helsinki and gives a bird’s eye view from the Parliament House and Railway station. It has 494 units that are decorated in pastels and ooze warmth and comfort for visitors away from home. Being renovated in 2007, the hotel is one of the most modern in all of Helsinki. Room rates start from 200 Euros and include breakfast.
Though small, the Rivoli Jardin believes in perfection. It has only 55 units but each is intricately decorated in hand woven rugs and hangings that give a warm yet stylish aura to the room. The hotel is most visited by business people who can afford to pay a whopping 240 Euros per night. However, excellent quality is guaranteed in everything, from room cleanliness to the perfectly sautéed greenhouse breakfast. If you plan to live in style and be close to all city center activities Rivoli Jardin should top your list. Address: Kasarmikatu 40, Helsinki FIN-00130 Phone: 09/68-15-00 Fax: 09/65-69-88
An architectural dream, this Hilton Branch is built near the beautiful shores of Finland just 3 miles north west of the center. The core building dates back to 1937 but new and modern facilities have been added since, including a contemporary annex that houses the most advanced of technologies in Finland. The lobby together with the 238 units is tastefully decorated in panels and hardwood and provides breath taking views of the neighboring ocean. Because of its location, the hotel has been named “cottage of the fishermen”.
Seurahuone started small in a cramped corner of Helsinki offering the most basic of services for visitors. It has come a long way since then and is now classified as one of the most expensive hotels in Helsinki. It is housed in a custom made building across the railway station and has 118 units all fitted with the necessary amenities. Though rooms are not very big, they offer great comfort and are decorated in good taste. Rates start from 235 Euros for double room per night with breakfast included.
Standing majestically at the edge of the water bay, north of the center, is the Hilton Helsinki. The hotel is designed in an octagonal shape and presents some of the best architecture of the local Finns. The atrium is decorated with plants and hand woven wall hangings that give a very sophisticated aura to the place. The 192 rooms are fully equipped with standard luxury amenities. More can be ordered through housekeeping. Hilton rates can touch as much as 360 Euros for a single night with breakfast. If you are in luck, you might get a beach view room for you to enjoy all your evenings taking in the tranquility of the sea!
Located a few minutes from the market square in the center of the city is the Palace Hotel that overlooks the grand Presidential Palace in Helsinki. This hotel is built with sheer glamour and style coupled with extreme comfort and addictive breathtaking harbour views from the most expensive rooms in Helsinki. It has 39 units that are very thoughtfully decorated by the craftsmen. Standard room rates can reach 280 Euros and above and include breakfast and usage of all other amenities provided in each room.
It is hard to believe that this beautifully decorated hotel in the city center was once a jail through the end of the 20th century. Today the hotel stands proud amidst a beautifully blossomed park and the dingy jail rooms have been converted to 106 spacious and well-decorated rooms that are equipped with a minibar, TV, Wi-Fi, central air conditioning, beverage maker, hair dryer and safe. Prices for a double room vary from 121 to 225 Euros. Additional services: bar, room service and laundry.
A classic example of “no frills attached”, Helka hotel is a very reasonable place to stay in face of the sky high prices that most hotels set in Helsinki. Located in the heart of the city, Helka is a stone throw distance from Helsinki’s major attractions and monuments. There are 150 units in the 6 story tall building and each room has AC, TV, Wi-Fi, minibar and a safe. Rates for standard rooms for a night vary from 77 to 112 Euros including breakfast.
Being one of the coldest regions in the world, Helsinki attracts more tourists during the summer season, when parks are decorated with blossoming flowers and the warm sun welcomes people out in the open. This season starts mid June and goes on till mid August. The beaches in Helsinki offer a variety of activities and water sport games that you just can’t miss! The weather is pleasant and flocks of people are seen around every corner enjoying the sunlit day and the peaceful breezy ocean nights. If summer is not the season for you, then Helsinki is also an attractive holiday destination during spring. Most activities and tourist places accommodate tourists at this time of the year too. If you plan on visiting during winter months you have to keep in mind that you will get only a few hours of daylight to complete the list of sights to see on your itinerary.
• Location: is located on the shore of the Gulf of Finland and is in the southern part of the country in the region called Uusimaa/Nyland by the Baltic Sea. This strategic location enables it to have close ties with Sweden, Russia and Estonia. • Dialing codes: +358 – 9 • Emergency: Police or ambulance: 112 • Airport enquiry: Telephone: +358(0)982 771 Phone: +358(0)2001 4636 • Population: 584,420 • Density: 2,735.28/km2 • Language: the official languages are Finnish and Swedish. However, a good 85% of the people speak Finnish as their native language. Due to advancement in education and economics English is also spoken with fluency. • Total spread of city: 715.55 km2 • Time zone: EET (UTC+2) • Annual rainfall: 637mm • Highest summer temperature: 23°C • Lowest winter temperature:-7°C • Currency: Euro
1st January: New Year’s Day 6th January: Epiphany 2nd April: Easter 1st May: May Day 13th May: Ascension 23rd May: Whit Sunday 26th June: Mid Summer 6th November: All Saints’ Day 6th December: Independence Day 25th December: Christmas Day 26th December: St. Stephens Day/ Boxing Day
MONTH Min Temp. °C Max. Temp. °C January -5 -1 February -7 -2 March -4 1 April 2 7 May 6 13 June 12 18 July 15 23 August 10 18 September 7 15 October 4 9 November -1 1 December -6 -1
Finland, and Helsinki in particular, houses one of the most literate and aware populations of the world. People here come from all sorts of backgrounds but because of the high social standards set by the country, everyone is encouraged to get at least some basic and primary education.
Helsinki is a city of great attractions. If you want to experience night life, follow the latest trends and feel thrilled with new experiences, Helsinki is the place to be. This pocketsize metropolis has developed to the extent of being named the World Design Capital for 2012 and harbors the most exciting and happening beaches in the Baltic region.
For much of its history, Helsinki had remained a small town, overshadowed by the bigger regions it neighbors, plagued by poverty and destitution. Being under Swedish influence, the city was not able to thrive on its own and develop a culture, aura and attraction till around 1809 when the autonomous Finland was declared after Russia subdued Sweden in the Finnish War.
This shop caters to all those people who value carvings and unusual designs. The store has gifts carved out of wood along with specially designed home utensils. Exquisite silver jewelry is also available for tourists who wish to take home a Finnish masterpiece!
Another of Helsinki’s high priced designer apparel shops, Ril’s is gaining immense popularity and fame even in the international arena. The color and cuts used are very artistic and daring and Ril’s is mostly popular with females in the media, politics and other prestigious professions. If you plan to attend parties on your vacation, make sure to check out Ril’s latest collection for an outfit to wear.
Opened by Ms Karvinen for developing the fashion taste in Finland, Annikki today serves the elite Finn with exquisite dresses that are hand woven and cut exactly according to the client’s preferences. The shop specializes in both formal and casual coats as well as dresses that are made out of silk, viscose and velvet. To drape yourself in style on your vacation make sure you visit Ms Karvinen!
Established by Alvar Alto, Artek is a shop of beautifully carved chairs and desks that are also supplied to other retailers. However, the brand name is not detached. The place houses designer tables and other wooden items that are of immense value to tourists who prefer buying collectable antiques. The store is so big that exhibitions for arts and craft are also held here and international art is also depicted in the wood carvings display at Artek.
Located in one of the most prestigious shopping localities of Helsinki, the Hackman attracts new designer collections in porcelain because of its prime location and continued customer service. All goods are of excellent quality and have well known designer tags attached to them. Most of the porcelain items are acquired from Arabia which is a ceramics factory in Helsinki that was established in 1873 and is ranked among the leaders in the ceramic arts field worldwide. The staff at the shop is multilingual so that customer service is not compromised with tourists in any way.
Kalevala Koru is a jewelry shop run by the Association of Kalevala Women in Finland whose main aim is to preserve the Finnish traditional designs in jewelry and ornaments. The store sells quality jewelry in gold, silver and bronze that is authentically carved from the models found by archeologists. In short, when you buy from Kalevala, you get an exact copy of the original Finish ornaments that have existed through history and have given Finland its rich culture. Address: Unioninkatu 25, Helsinki Phone: 020/761-1380
Another favorite of the Finns is the 3 story shop called Marimekko. The store specializes in vivid color fabrics designed to perfection and cut to your favorite shape. Marimekko sells a number of fabric varieties including fabric for home decoration, dresses, accessories, bags, coats T-shirts and suits. The designers change colors and styles every season to give the inventory a new look that no one can resist!
Perhaps the largest bookstore in all of Europe, Academic has the most extensive collection of books in various languages and a two story building that specializes in stationery products, gift items and travel aids. Every Friday a literary meeting is also held in which anyone can participate and promote their views and opinions on certain books and topics Address: Keskuskatu 1, Helsinki Phone: 09/121-41
Artisaani is a few minutes’ walk from the market square. The place is run collectively by 20 artisans from Finland who sell their art work in this small museum. The paintings are not very pricy but are nicely done to give a perfectionist look.
Who knew making knives was also an art. Marttiini Oy is a store specialized in making and selling high quality knives. These scary objects are made in varying varieties of stainless steel and are of good quality and precision. Knives of all shapes and sizes are available that range in their usage and functionality. Regular knives are priced moderately but the larger ones designed for hunting and fishing are more pricy.
Situated along the Mannerheim Street in the heart of Helsinki is this statue of the great Finnish Military leader, Carl Gustav Emil Mannerheim. The statue is a very famous cultural landmark for Helsinkians.
This museum used to be the dwelling of the military leader Carl Gustav Emil Mannerheim. Today it serves as a museum to display his personal belongings and other special artifacts that he acquired throughout his life and his long travels as a soldier. Admission costs 8 Euros.
This museum occupies a series of buildings throughout the city. It has some of the oldest and most sacred collectables under its many roofs and tourists tend to visit exhibitions in all buildings so as not to miss out. The central building has been restored as a memory of the old town years of Helsinki. All displays and exhibitions are free of charge. Address: Sofiankatu 4 Tel: +358 9 3103 6630
These gardens are located in the old downtown area of the city, a few minutes’ walk from the central station. The Gardens include extensive acres of land dedicated to growing special wildlife flowers, shrubs and herbs. They represent the contributions that Finland makes in conservation of nature. A number of greenhouses are also constructed within the premises where new plants are grown and nurtured. Botanical Garden is very close to the University of Helsinki from one side.
Located in the heart of the city, along the Esplanadi street, is the first stage that Finland ever had. The Swedish theater was inaugurated in 1827 as a small wooden building. Through the years as interest in theater and film making grew in the Finnish, this small house had to expand and it became a beautifully constructed building in 1866 that could house hundreds of people.
This Sea Fortress dates back to the times when Finland had to protect its borders from international enemies and military seizures. The fort was built on this small island and even today Suomenlinna houses the same old buildings and has an ancient touch to it. If you want to get a feeling of Finland’s eventful past, this is the place to top your list. The ferry ride from Helsinki’s shore is full of adventure and excitement is guaranteed.
An extravagant display of fashion items and accessories by Finish designers, this event is held throughout the month of January and is a true depiction of the modern city that Helsinki has come to be. It attracts visitors from all over Finland and Europe.
This fair is one of a kind. It is a broad exhibition of the services provided by travel operators and airlines to and from Finland. It attracts some of the most prestigious tour guides and airline companies from all around the world. It is held in the Helsinki Fair Center and visitors can come throughout January to see the exhibition.
Held from Jan 25 to Jan 30, this festival showcases all the best Finnish and International documentaries of the year. Held in the Affecto Academy, the festival includes a presentation of documentaries, seminars, lectures and even workshops which are conducted to promote the intricate art of film and documentary making.
Featuring all sorts of vehicles, from the most modern to the most conventional, the Caravan Fair is a major attraction in Helsinki. It is held at the Helsinki Fair Centre throughout January and visitors are welcomed anytime during the day. Apart from caravans, a variety of camping equipment is also displayed.
This exhibition is pure beauty for bike lovers who get to see all sorts of bike models, from vintage and modern collections. This exhibition is one of the most visited and visitors come from far and wide to ogle at the Harleys and Triumphs!
This is a Cultural tour operated for 9 days for an hour each day. The tour takes you to the bordering countries of Finland as well. However, if you wish to stay within Helsinki you can cancel the other parts of the journey or negotiate on reasonable terms. The tour would take you around the downtown area, Finlandia Hall, Parliament Building, Sebilius Monument, the most famous churches of the city and the nearby islands. The company provides a complete pick and drop service to and from your hotel. Phone:+37167554600 Fax: +37167554600
A 105 minutes tour of Helsinki that details out all the major monuments of the city and both picks and drops you to your hotel. This tour service takes tourists to Senate Square, City Hall, Parliament of Finland, Opera House, Church in the Rock and Finlandi Hall. Detailed narrations of the history and importance of the monuments and places is given, which is beneficial for first time visitors. It is known for good organization and trained tour guides. Approximately $37 is charged per person.
This tour is set on a very unique pattern. It is self guided and tourists find their way around monuments with an audio guide CD that acts as their tour guide for the city. The CDs are designed in a very creative way including sound effects that add life to the tour and ‘humanize’ ancient monuments such as the Parliament House, a few of the important Churches and the Opera House to name a few. The entire session is for 90 minutes and the tour has a cost of about $ 36 per person.
A very smart move as a tourist would be to invest in a Helsinki Card. This card is designed especially for tourists to use it on all modes of travel and to roam around the adventurous city in peace without worrying of transport charges. The card has a certain number of trams and metros covered within it. This kind of tour is an independent choice that the tourist makes on his own of where and when to visit. Another advantage of the card is free entrance in major museums and cultural sites. Along with the card comes a guide book and a map that helps you around the city while you explore it. It is valid for one day.
Biking around Helsinki is a very popular way to visit major attractions and monuments. It frees the tourists from parking worries or following time restrictions of tour operators. If you are traveling alone and wish to be in charge of your own timing and destinations biking is the right choice for you. Exploring the city on foot gets tiring for most people. However, if you plan to visit one neighborhood at a time, you can easily chose to walk around and take in the natural beauty of the capital.
Helsinki is not named ‘Daughter of the Baltic’ for no reason. It is surrounded on three sides by water and travelling via the sea is a vital part of exploring the history and culture of the Finnish Capital. Ferries and boats depart from the main city from the Market Square and take you across to the beautiful islands that hold a huge chunk of Finnish history. The following are a few water travel contacts that you can use:
Address: Fredrikinkatu 33 A, 00920 Phone: +358 442 7194 531
Address: Viherniemenkatu 1, 00350 Phone: +358-40 7442471 Fax: +358-9-3455579
Address: Veturitori 2, 00520 Helsinki Phone: +358 451282818 Fax: +358 9 7260208
Address: Munkkiniemenpuistotie 4 A PL 45 Phone: (09) 241 0526 Fax: (09) 241 0526
Fredrikinkatu 33, Helsinki, Finland
Annankatu 27, Helsinki, Suomi
Tram is perhaps the easiest way to revel around Helsinki City Center. Tourists get a complete picture of the modern city as the tram whizzes past a number of locations that are on the route chart. The city has a well established tram network that covers major destinations and travelers can easily board from the various stops located around the city. Route 3B and 3T are known for their figure-8 circuit around Helsinki. Tram tickets have to be bought at the stops. Travelling by tram can only be enjoyed during the day as the network closes before midnight. The tram system is run by Helsinki’s public transport system called ‘Helsingin Kaupungin Liikennelaitos’. SpåraKOFF Bar Tram is a special tram service for tourists who can visit a variety of monuments for a ticket of 7 Euros. It runs during the summer only.
The bus network around the city is much denser compared to the tram system and more frequent since buses travel all major routes of Helsinki multiple times a day. Predominantly, the bus network is divided into the Westbound, Northbound and Eastbound. Westbound buses operate through the underground bus station at the Kamppi center while the remaining two networks are stationed near the Central Railway Station at the Eliel Square and Railway Square respectively. Long distance and Express bus tickets can be purchased from the underground stations that will take you around for hours on end. Being part of the HKL network, further information can be obtained from the official website.
The city’s railway station is located in the center and a metro line connects the city with the eastern Suburban areas. However, there isn’t much to see along the route due to lack of monuments in this area. The railway has 3 major lines from from Turku in the west, Tampere in the north and Lahti in the northeast. International rail travel is also accommodated at the stations.
In Helsinki, roaming around by ferry is a popular way to get around in the summer months. Tourists love this mode of transport for its scenic views and its slow pace. The main ferry network is owned by HKL but private owners also provide ferries for tourists going back and forth. A tourist ticket has to be bought from the terminal to board the ferry and it is advised to book your tickets in advance in the peak seasons of June, July and August. With the sheer excitement that ferry travel creates in tourists, a number of ferry offices have been set throughout the city:
Cars can be rented from the airport by car rental companies. However it is advisable to not explore the city in a car as parking space is difficult to find and expensive at 3 Euros per hour (Sunday’s are free). If you want to explore this magical city without the hassle of traffic and parking, stick to travelling by tram or a train. Car Rental Companies are:
Helsinki has an intricate bike route developed for bike lovers, so if you are one of them grab a bike and a map and set off in zeal to explore the city on your own. Biking through the city center is much easier because bike lanes and parking facilities are put in place almost everywhere. There are 3 major routes in Helsinki. One is orange which is through the city center, the blue which is a bike route right next to the sea front and the green is the route through city parks and entertainment areas. If you wish to go around biking with your family or friends you can hire a ‘cyclerikshaw’! It is very famous among tourists and can accommodate more than two people. Drivers for the vehicle can also be hired on request. The charges for the cyclerikshaw start at 9 Euros for 30 minutes. Different bike companies can be contacted for bike rentals for a day;
Taxis are easy to come by, given the multiple taxi stands across the city, but keep in mind that it is quite expensive. Meters start at 5.10 Euros on weekdays. This fare goes up to 8 Euros after 8 pm and throughout Sundays. Also if you are considering taking a taxi from the airport, an additional charge of 2 Euros may be placed for heavy bags.
Helsinki Card If you are planning to explore Helsinki to its fullest, you may want to invest in a Helsinki Card. This card gives you a lot of privileges such as free travel on tour guided buses and public trams, free entry into over 50 museums city wide, free ferry boat rides and entrance to the Suomenlinna Fortress and shopping discounts at selected stores. The card is available as either a 1, 2 or 3 day pass and prices vary with the age of the holder. The Helsinki Card can be obtained from hotels, travel agencies and from Helsinki tourist offices.
Driving in Helsinki is a serious matter! Finns drive on the left and all basic headlight, speed and takeover rules are applied very strictly. Driving in winter months is particularly hazardous because roads are lined with snow and cars must be winterized in compliance to safety rules.
Helsinki is a safe city to be in, even at night time. Feel free to roam around the downtown area in the early hours of the morning as there is a lot of hustle and bustle in the city. However, finding drunks on a tram or when passing a street is pretty common along with beggars in the vacation seasons. Just make sure you keep hold of your belongings and mobile phones and avoid talking to or engaging with drunks in any way. As a safety precaution always keep these following emergency numbers at hand.
