Plug – Type F

Credit Cards – Widely Accepted

LGBTQ Friendly – Yes

Standard blue and white city buses serve routes from the airport to various suburbs in Helsinki. The fastest bus from the airport to the city is Route 600.

Tickets can be bought via the HSL app, ticket machines at bus stops or by contactless payment on board. Fares are the same as for the train.

Official taxis in Finland can be any make, model or colour but will have an official yellow roof light with black text reading TAXI or TAKSI.

Taxis are metered. 

A taxi between the airport and city centre will cost EUR45-55 (checked 1st September 2025).

The usual fixed priced ride hailing apps are in operation.

Helsinki is a vibrant seaside city where Nordic design, nature, and modern urban life blend seamlessly. It is compact and easy to explore, with a mix of neoclassical architecture, contemporary landmarks, bustling food halls, and green spaces that reach right to the water’s edge.

The heart of Helsinki is the Central Railway Station, an architectural landmark in itself. From here, it is an easy walk to Senate Square, dominated by the grand white Helsinki Cathedral. The square is one of the most photographed spots in the city and a symbol of Finland. Nearby is the harbourfront, where the lively Market Square offers fresh produce, Finnish delicacies, and ferry departures to the sea fortress of Suomenlinna. This UNESCO World Heritage site, built on a cluster of islands, is one of Helsinki’s must-see attractions, with museums, cafés, and walking trails surrounded by sea views.

The city is also known for its design and culture. The Design District is full of boutiques, studios, and galleries showcasing Finnish creativity, from Marimekko textiles to contemporary furniture. Art lovers will enjoy the Ateneum, Finland’s national gallery with works by Finnish masters, and the Kiasma Museum of Contemporary Art, which presents innovative exhibitions in a striking modern building. The Oodi Central Library is another highlight, not only for its architecture but also as a cultural hub.

Nature is always close at hand in Helsinki. Seaside promenades, islands, and parks are spread throughout the city. Esplanadi Park, in the centre, is a popular place to stroll, while Töölönlahti Bay offers peaceful walking paths with views of both nature and city landmarks.

Helsinki’s food scene reflects both tradition and modern innovation. Classic dishes include salmon soup, rye bread, and reindeer, while seasonal ingredients such as berries and mushrooms play a big role. The Old Market Hall by the harbour is a great place to sample local delicacies, while modern restaurants often feature New Nordic cuisine with a Finnish twist. Coffee culture is especially strong, and locals take pride in Finland’s reputation as one of the world’s biggest coffee-drinking nations.

Shopping in Helsinki ranges from international brands on Aleksanterinkatu to Finnish design shops selling glassware, ceramics, and fashion. The Stockmann department store has been a landmark since the 19th century, while neighbourhood markets and boutiques provide a more local experience.

Must-do experiences are a cruise around the harbour, the Sparakoff Pub Tram, and of course a sauna. You cannot go to Helsinki and not have a sauna!

Day trips from Helsinki are highly recommended. The old town of Porvoo, with its colourful wooden houses along the river, is just an hour away. Tallinn, the capital of Estonia, can be reached by ferry in two hours, making it a popular excursion. Nature lovers can head to Nuuksio National Park, only a short journey from the city, where forests and lakes provide a taste of the Finnish wilderness.

EU regulation EU261 gives compensation to passengers when their flight from or within the European Union is either cancelled or delayed and arrives at its destination more than 3 hours behind schedule and the airline is at fault. You will not be entitled to compensation if the delay is due to “extraordinary circumstances” such as weather, strikes or security issues.