Discover Helsinki
Hotels, halal food, prayer spaces, things to do, and itineraries in Helsinki.
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Must-see attractions in Helsinki
From headline landmarks and heritage icons to parks, waterfronts, and major museums, discover 36 standout sights to build into your time in the city.
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.
Explore Helsinki
Muslim travel planner
Plan a Muslim-friendly trip in Helsinki
Halal restaurants in Helsinki
Helsinki’s food scene is part of the city experience. Choose from 42 restaurants and food districts with location notes and planning tips.
helsinkiSasso
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!
helsinkiLa Petite Maison
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!
helsinkiYume
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.
helsinkiRestaurant Walhalla
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.
helsinkiChez Dominique
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
helsinkiHavis
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.
Helsinki masjids and Muslim travel
Landmark masjids and prayer-aware notes for visitors planning salah, family movement, and halal-friendly days.
Islam House or Mosque
Address: Fredrikinkatu 33 A, 00920 Phone: +358 442 7194 531
Masjid Darul Aman
Address: Viherniemenkatu 1, 00350 Phone: +358-40 7442471 Fax: +358-9-3455579
Helsinki Islamic Center
Address: Veturitori 2, 00520 Helsinki Phone: +358 451282818 Fax: +358 9 7260208
Al-Iman Mosque
Address: Munkkiniemenpuistotie 4 A PL 45 Phone: (09) 241 0526 Fax: (09) 241 0526
Where to stay in Helsinki
Choose where to stay by trip style, from landmark luxury and family bases to central, airport, and neighborhood-led stays.
helsinkiRadisson Blu Plaza Hotel, Helsinki
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.
helsinkiScandic Hotel Marski
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.
helsinkiSokos Hotel Presidentti
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.
helsinkiRivoli Jardin
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
helsinkiHilton Hotel Kalastajatorppa
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”.
History and today in Helsinki
Read the city today, its history, residents, culture, and character before planning your route.
When to go
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.
City Information
Fast Facts
• 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
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Public holidays
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
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Annual Temperatures
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
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Helsinki Residents
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.
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Helsinki Today
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.
DiscoverCity Information
Helsinki History
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.
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Shopping in Helsinki
Explore 28 shopping stops, from malls, markets, and book bazaars to fashion streets and souvenir finds.
helsinkiAarikka
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!
helsinkiRil's Concept Store
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.
helsinkiAnnikki Karvinen
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!
helsinkiArtek
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.
helsinkiHackman Shop Arabia
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.
Signature sights in Helsinki
A curated pick of the city's standout sights, led by the strongest editorial recommendations.
Festivals and events in Helsinki
Plan around 58 festival seasons, public events, Ramadan/Eid periods, book fairs, art cycles, and winter food activity.
helsinkiHelsinki International Fashion Fair
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.
helsinkiMatka Travel Fair
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.
helsinkiDoc-Point Helsinki Documentary Film Festival
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.
helsinkiCaravan Fair
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.
helsinkiMotorCycle Exhibit MP
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!
Helsinki tours and experiences
Heritage walks, food crawls, coastal trips, museum circuits, family days, and guided ideas for an easier day out.
helsinkiThe Czar Route tour
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
helsinkiHelsinki Sightseeing Tour
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.
helsinkiHelsinki Audio City Tour
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.
helsinkiHelsinki card
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.
helsinkiHelsinki on foot and bike
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.
The Irhal city file
Helsinki travel guide sections
Focused sections for articles, directories, maps, and trip planning.
