Travel to Helsinki: What to do and see? The best activities

Finland’s capital is far from being a huge, over-the-top metropolis. On a human scale, it combines the authenticity of a province with the activity of a big city. Nature is omnipresent with hundreds of parks. Add to this the seaside location and a continent that stretches into the water into some 300 islands. So, whatever the season, you’ll find what you’re looking for on a trip to Helsinki .

On the one hand, you visit Helsinki in winter for its snow-covered islands, its picturesque little Finnish cabins and its Christmas markets . But also to go ice skating among the pastel monuments lit up with little garlands or to cross the city in the snow and reach a cozy café or a trendy sauna. On the other hand, discovering Helsinki in summer is the promise of long days until the midnight sun to stroll on the beaches and walk from island to island. And finally, summer and winter, the capital of the North offers a great cultural diversity: museums, Finnish design galleries, music concerts and opera, remarkable architecture including some notable churches to see.

How to visit Helsinki on a trip, what to do?

Helsinki is very easy to get to, only a 3-hour flight from France. A perfect city for a romantic weekend or a few days with the family. I visited this trading port on the Gulf of Finland in December without snow. But still, I wasn’t disappointed, so I imagine Helsinki all white with snowflakes; it must be exceptional. Here is the list of the best things to do and see without worrying about the season. Except, of course, for the Christmas markets and ice skating, which are only held for a short period in winter.

1. Visit the heart of Helsinki
2. Enter the very photogenic Kansalliskirjasto
3. Go to the most Instagrammable café in Helsinki
4. Why visit the new Helsinki library?
5. Where is the Finnish Design District?
6. Where to see Helsinki’s pretty pastel buildings?
7. Which sauna in Helsinki?
8. Which islands to see in Helsinki?
9. Where to find nice little beaches in Helsinki?
10. Don’t miss a famous monument in the Finnish capital
11. Visit an original and refined museum in Helsinki
12. Tour the city by tram
13. Stroll along Helsinki’s most popular esplanade
14. Go to the Helsinki ice rink in winter
15. Make an art museum in Helsinki
16. An unusual visit to Helsinki: The Taivallahti
17. See artist exhibitions in Helsinki
18. Where is the red brick Uspenski Cathedral located?
19. Where to go near Helsinki?
20. What to do during short winter days?
21. Eating under cover on a rainy day in Helsinki
22. Visit Helsinki in winter or summer?
23. Go to Finnish Lapland

1 – Visit the city center of Helsinki on foot

As I said above, the capital of Finland is not very big compared to other metropolises in the world. It is therefore quite possible to explore the different districts on foot. But everything will depend on where you sleep to be more or less mobile. In my case, I stayed in the city center of Helsinki , which allowed me to return to my hotel room to take a break and change for the evening for example. And this is not negligible when visiting a city, any traveler knows it.

However, the tram network crisscrosses the city, and you can reach Helsinki’s right bank from the left bank in just a few minutes. Alternatively, for the more curious who want to explore more than just the city center, there are regular buses.

And visit the oldest district of Helsinki , Kruununhaka . There you will find restaurants, cafes, antique shops, an elegant district where life is good.

Tip for visiting Helsinki: the Helsinki Pass

You’ll discover the city with certain advantages, taking advantage of free public transport, having easy access to museums and monuments and discounts on restaurants and shops. Choose a 

2 – enter the old Finnish library in the capital

The National Library of Finland has a beautiful and photogenic architecture. You’ll find it on maps under the name Kansalliskirjasto National Library of Finland . The ceiling with its glass dome lets in beautiful light and the series of Corinthian columns takes you back to distant times. On the other hand, old books with leather covers color the shelves and even if computers have replaced sheets of paper, the whole remains very charming. The National Library is located on the main Senate Square and admission is free. Be respectful of the place, students come here to work.

And further down, in a different spirit, I tell you about the visit to the new Oodi library in Helsinki . A visit to Helsinki that you absolutely must plan .

3 – Go eat a donut at Café Regatta

The lovely gourmet outing will take place at Café Regatta , without a doubt the most Instagrammable of Finnish cafés . This small, typical red hut located at the water’s edge does not go unnoticed. People come here to enjoy a hot chocolate or a large whipped cream coffee with the famous donut . For those who like something savory, you can sit on the outdoor terrace and enjoy sausages grilled over a wood fire . Who hasn’t dreamed of being a trapper one day ? At Regatta Café, you completely believe it between the sea view, the traditional wooden house and the flames of the fireplace.

Very easy to access, the Regatta café is located right next to the Sibelius Monument . Two must-sees on your trip to Helsinki.

4 – take a tour of the huge central library of Helsinki: Keskustakirjasto Oodi

Much more than a library, Oodi in Helsinki is a cultural space articulated around several axes: literary, digital and community. It is located in the Kluuvi district next to the Kiasma Museum of Contemporary Art . From the entrance, we understand that the library of the Finnish capital is going to surprise us.

The Oodi library and its designer architecture

The main façade protects the forecourt like a giant wooden wave. The architect has created a grandiose monument , and the interior is no exception. The building spreads out more than it rises, offering perspectives unlike any other. Here, we find all the Finnish attention to detail and a particular sensitivity to aesthetics and refined design. The spiral staircase seems to hypnotically draw us upward. Finally, the top floor of the Helsinki Central Library is the highlight of the show. Its immense white ceiling with organic shapes brings in more light than the winter days outside. It’s a soothing and open environment that encourages reading.

Living at the same pace as Helsinkians

Reading is one of the main activities of the Finns .

It’s understandable that this library has become one of the city’s most popular places for residents. On Friday afternoons, children are free of school, and many of them head to the digital floor where they have unlimited internet access and the opportunity to play video games with friends, experience virtual reality, or work on self-service computers. Everything is designed to facilitate learning in a fun way.

The top floor is where you come to read and relax in the warmth of a light comparable to a beautiful sunny day.

On the ground floor there is even a self-service restaurant.

5 – Discover the Finnish design district and art galleries

You can’t come to Finland without visiting a few Finnish design boutiques . And of course, the capital has its own design districts where shops and galleries gather. Helsinki’s design district, for example, extends over several neighborhoods: Kaartinkaupunki , Punavuori , Kruunuhaka , Kamppi , and Ullanlinna .

I was able to quickly pass by some promising shop windows. Also, for design enthusiasts, go read this article on the Finnish design districts in Helsinki . In the same vein, I regret not having pushed on to the famous colorful street of Art Nouveau buildings.

And know that September celebrates Design Week in Helsinki .

If you love all things vintage, the neighborhood has a street full of thrift stores: La Korkeavuorenkatu.

6 – the prettiest street in Helsinki: the very Instagrammable Huvilakatu

You shouldn’t miss this street, where small, pastel-colored Art Nouveau castles huddle together. The spot is well-known among Instagrammers who love the most beautiful sites in the world’s capitals. Visit it during the day for the colors and, unlike me, return from this trip to Helsinki with a beautiful photo! Huvilakatu is located south of the design district.

7 – Relax in a trendy sauna on the banks of Helsinki

Apparently, saunas are so deeply rooted in Finnish customs that there’s almost one sauna for every two people in Finland. Also, the capital offers saunas on every street corner. But when you come on vacation, you’re looking for something a little more sophisticated. It’s a bit like telling you to go to the local swimming pool; you’d prefer someone to guide you to the best or most original one. So I’ve selected two well-known places for you. But first, I’ll answer some frequently asked questions for those who have never used a sauna in Finland.

What are the practices in a Finnish sauna? Should you get naked in a sauna in Helsinki?

Should you get completely naked in a sauna in Helsinki? Don’t smile, these are the first questions every good French person asks. No, you won’t be forced to come naked to a Finnish sauna . You can wear a towel around your waist or a swimsuit. But many Finns appear completely naked without any complexes. You should know that these steam baths are considered places of physical and mental purification. There is great respect inside the saunas. You don’t come to the sauna to flirt like you would go to the local bar, far from it. And besides, it’s not a laughing matter in the Nordic countries.

So grab your towels, or don’t, sauna bathing is almost a national sport in Finland. We come to eliminate, clear our minds, and recharge through the real benefits of this moment of relaxation.

Where to find an authentic Finnish sauna in Helsinki during the holidays?

Anyone planning a trip to Helsinki can’t miss a relaxing sauna experience. So, which sauna should you choose for your Helsinki vacation? Here are two places I recommend:

• Löyly Public Sauna : A seaside sauna for diving into the Baltic Sea amidst the ice. What better way to experience a sauna experience than by immersing yourself in the icy waters of the Gulf of Finland? Here, you’ll find a classic wood-fired sauna and a smoke-heated sauna to feel good and smell good.
• Allas Sea Pool is a sauna café in the heart of the capital. It features several saunas and outdoor pools with a floating dock on Helsinki Harbor. There’s even a leisure center. It’s a bit of a must-do to come and take a photo on the pontoon in your swimsuit with the sea and the city as a backdrop. I was supposed to go there but had to cut my stay short due to strikes in Paris and some canceled flights. Maybe next time.

And for a sauna experience every evening, choose the Bulevardi Hotel which offers rooms with sauna.

8 – Escape to an island in Helsinki

Apparently, more than 300 islands border the city of Helsinki. A pretty string of islands offers plenty of opportunities to visit them, accessible by boat in the summer, but also on foot for some , and on skates for others in the winter.

– Go to the most famous island of Helsinki: Suomenlinna

The most famous is undoubtedly the fortress island of Suomenlinna . It can be visited all year round because it is very close to the south of the city. There are fortifications and a beautiful view of Helsinki. It is also the least wild of all since it is very touristy.

– Explore the island of a thousand Finnish cabins

When traveling, I like to alternate city visits with pure nature moments. On this trip to Finland, I really enjoyed reaching Seurasaari Island , just 15 minutes from the center of Helsinki. To get there, I took the city bus and crossed the small pedestrian bridge. Really simple.

– Take a boat trip in Helsinki

The Helsinki Canal can be visited by boat, a small cruise where you can discover the Finnish coast . This boat trip will reveal some of the famous islands of Helsinki including the Suomenlinna fortress. Thus, exploring the archipelago by sea can be done on a panoramic cruise over half a day or a day. Also, an opportunity to see a little more of the country and fall in love with the Helsinki coastline. Without forgetting to see the icebreaker fleet up close. Note that on this trip, a small cafeteria is held on board. Inquire at the Tourist Office for any reservation, discount or free with the Helsinki Card .

9 – Which beaches in Helsinki? Where to swim?

Swimming in Helsinki in summer

But yes, you’re not dreaming, there are beaches in Helsinki despite the winter image we have of this part of the world. The eastern part of the city is dedicated to the port and ferry entrances, while you’ll find more welcoming shores on the western side.

• First of all, the most famous, towards Hietaniemi , Hietaranta Beach , located not far from the Regatta café .
• On the almost island of Lauttasaari there is the small beach Kasinonranta .
• Furthermore, the islands offer pleasant seaside locations, particularly with the two beaches on Seurasaari Island , which remains the wildest and closest to the city center.
• To the northeast, you reach a strip of sand on the island of Mustikkamaan .

Swimming in Helsinki all year round

And finally, against all odds, you can swim in the Baltic Sea in winter, even in the bitter cold. To do this, you’ll have to go to a seaside sauna like the Allas Sea Pool sauna restaurant and its large pools on a floating dock. An invigorating bath that’s coming back into fashion among young people eager to improve their physical fitness and lifestyle . Saunas are diversifying and in Finland offer the chance to have a drink and even eat there. Would you be willing to try swimming in ice water? Without going that far, taking a dip after the spa or relaxing in the hot steam is an unforgettable experience! And what’s more, alternating hot and cold has stimulating and beneficial properties for the body.

10 – Street art in Helsinki: the Sibelius Monument

During your trip to Helsinki, explore the city’s artistic universe. A work in memory of Jean Sibelius , a Finnish classical composer who represents Finnish identity well. He marked the 20th century with his 8 symphonies that glorify nature. The Sibelius Monument sculpture represents birch trees, the most abundant tree in Finland. If you are coming by bus, the nearest bus stop that will also serve Seurasaari Island is Rajasaarentie.

11 – Visit the Arabia ceramics and Iittala glass museum: Design Museum Arabia

The Arabia Design Museum exhibits Finland’s most renowned glass and porcelain collections . It also provides an opportunity to explore the history of ceramic and glass design in Finland. Located in Arabianranta, a chic neighborhood in Helsinki.

12 – Take the Tram to tour the Finnish capital

Helsinki’s trams run through the city, bringing life to the streets. If you’re used to taking public transport , it’s very easy to get around, with stops at various major points in the city centre. It’s convenient and enjoyable to live at the same pace as the locals .

13 – Stroll along Helsinki’s most popular esplanade

Senate Square is definitely the place where there’s always something going on in Helsinki. The neoclassical monuments that frame the esplanade are the main reason for this. The Government House, the Lutheran Cathedral, Sederholm House, and the main university building all gather around the square. And seeing Helsinki Cathedral is definitely a must-see on your trip. Many festive events and craft markets are held here. Check according to your vacation dates . A little further down, Kauppatori , the market square of the Finnish capital Helsinki, runs along the quayside overlooking the Baltic Sea.

14 – Go to the ice rink during a trip to Helsinki in winter

The ice rink at Helsinki Station

Ice skating is a winter activity that requires special conditions . In Helsinki and its surroundings, you can skate in the great outdoors and marvel at the frozen surface of Lake Tuusulanjärvi . Or you can skate on the sea off Vuosaari. In the city center, to practice, the ice rink near Helsinki Central Station is ideal. Another ice rink is near St. John’s Church, in the Punavuori district , or the very popular Brahenkenttä ice rink in Kallio , where you can rent skates.

Skating on the Baltic Sea

And if you’re lucky in winter and the capital is frozen, go walking on the frozen Baltic Sea , it’s an incredible experience. But don’t leave the marked areas towards the island of Seurasaari from Munkkiniemi . Or the whole area off the Kaivopuisto district . It is possible to do sports activities like snowkiting on Kasinonranta beach in Lauttasaari .

15 – Go to the Kiasma Museum of Contemporary Art

The Kiasma Museum ‘s contemporary art collection spans the period from the 1960s to the present day. The building was designed by American architect Steven Holl.

Kiasma Museum

Mannerheiminaukio 2, 00100 Helsinki, Finland

16 – Unusual architecture in Helsinki: Temppeliaukio Church

Taivallahti Parish Church is an unusual architectural landmark in Helsinki . Temppeliaukio Church was built into the rock in the 1960s and its ceiling is covered with 22 km of copper wire. The seemingly far-fetched idea is to create perfect acoustics. In fact, concerts are often held there.

17 – Art in Helsinki: Kaapeli Space

What if you continued your trip to Helsinki with a unique visit? The Cable Factory, or Kaapeli, is a disused factory repurposed by hundreds of artists. It’s a renowned cultural and artistic center in Helsinki and home to the Free Art School. Artistic events take place within these walls and are reflected in galleries throughout the capital.

18 – The most beautiful monument: the Orthodox Church of Helsinki Uspenski

This Orthodox church is also called Dormition Cathedral , Assumption Cathedral , Ouspensky Cathedral , Ouspenski or Uspenski Cathedral .

Anyway, for the little French girl that I am, this red brick cathedral perched on a rock has a real charm. I recommend you see it during the day if Helsinki is snowy. And at night to see the monument lit by spotlights and the reflections on the water of the harbor with the bridge.

Visit the beautiful red Uspenski Cathedral

The interior is rich in detail and color. A huge chandelier adorns the ceilings, already laden with paintings and moldings. A Byzantine-Slavic style cathedral stands in stark contrast to the austerity of the Romanesque style. Here, one finds the full influence of Russia on Finnish culture.

Tip: For the best view of the cathedral from a slight angle, climb the few steps and walk along the path with the small gate. The perfect angle for a great photo.

19 – Boat from Tallinn to Helsinki

Tallinn is a small, friendly, old city in Estonia. A great opportunity to get away for a day by crossing the Gulf of Finland. The alleys of this medieval city are a veritable labyrinth. The capital of Estonia attracts crowds for its ramparts and the Kiek in de Kök, an artillery tower dating from the 15th century. You can eat in pubs and restaurants that are really cheap compared to the capital. The old town is very lively in the evening, you absolutely have to go for a beer. You can leave Helsinki for 1 or 2 days, it’s enough for a great discovery of Tallinn .

– How long does the crossing between Helsinki and Tallinn take?

To plan your trip to Helsinki, please note that the ferry crossing time from Helsinki to Tallinn is 2 hours.

– How much does it cost to go from Helsinki to Tallinn by boat?

The price for a boat trip from Tallinn to Helsinki is between €10 and €25 per person depending on the date.

– Where to buy ferry tickets to Tallinn from Helsinki?

The most popular company for this Baltic Sea ferry crossing is Tallink Silja Line.

Good to know: Do you need a visa for Estonia? Estonia is part of the Schengen area, so you don’t need a visa to go to Tallinn . An identity card or passport will suffice for a stay of less than 3 months.

20 – What to do at night in Helsinki?

For most of the year, Helsinki has very short days of only a few hours (it’s light from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in December), so you might as well know that the Finns didn’t wait for you to find something to do when it gets dark.

• Take a walk at night to admire the illuminated monuments including the Uspenski Cathedral. There are also some nice bars on the quays, you’d think you were in Manchester.
• Ice skating between the superb illuminated buildings on the Place de la Gare: the Palais des Etats and the National Theatre.
• Go read at the Oodi library
• Enjoy the view of the city from the rooftop bar Ateljee Bar .
• Where to go out in Helsinki at night? Go out on Thursday nights or weekends to experience Helsinki’s vibrant nightlife. For karaoke, head to Wallis’ Skatta Karaoke Bar or for a cocktail competition at Liberty or Death. Rock fans should head to On the Rocks.

21 – What to do when traveling in the rain in Helsinki?

Rain shouldn’t stop you from visiting Helsinki. Indeed, the capital is often subject to varied weather conditions (sun, rain, snow, ice). It also experiences very short periods of sunshine for several winter months. Therefore, it’s possible to do a lot despite the bad weather in this large northern city.

• Eat at the Helsinki Market Hall and shop for some great local produce.
• Shop in Europe’s largest department store after Harrods, dating back to 1930. Stockmann is located on one of the busiest streets in Helsinki city center.
• Visit the Oodi Library as detailed above.
• Take the tram or bus to avoid getting wet.
• Make a sauna restaurant.
• Visit the city’s museums like the Kiasma or the Arabia Museum that I mentioned before.
• Take refuge in one of Helsinki’s many cozy cafes .

22 – Go to Helsinki in winter or summer?

In winter, the first snowfalls begin in the north of the country as early as November. In the southern and central regions of Finland, snow appears in early December and melts in late March or April. This weather in Helsinki will influence your trip. So, which season are you ready to go to Helsinki? Do you choose the gentle pace of life, greenery, and cruises in the archipelago? Or do you opt for snow, the icy sea, saunas, and the Christmas spirit?

In any case, I invite you to find more information on Finnish Lapland on these two reference blogs in the field:

• Céline from the blog Je Papote offers us her experience of Lapland in all seasons and presents trips organized by her with outdoor activities.
• Marion from the blog Mademoiselle Voyage offers tailor-made winter stays and great advice.

Preparing your trip to Helsinki

Where to stay in Helsinki when traveling?

A hotel room with sauna

If you’re looking for an authentic, upscale hotel , I highly recommend the Lapland Hotels chain . The Bulevardi Hotel in Helsinki has rooms with a private sauna. The cozy interior, decorated in wintery tones, immerses you in a typically Finnish world . Wood and wool blend with classic, elegant simplicity. I loved this hotel, which is also very well located in the city center. And the staff is very attentive, a joy to stay here.

Lapland Hotels Bulevardi
Bulevardi 28, 00120 Helsinki, Finland

The best part of the accommodation: The glass sauna in the room for lovers.

How to get to the hotel from the airport without a taxi?

Getting to Hotel Bulevardi from the airport by train:
First, you’ll take the train as explained at the bottom of this article (about 1 hour). You can also take a tram from the train station to the hotel. It takes about 13 minutes in total. You can use the same ticket you got from the airport train (it’s valid for about 80 minutes). Trams leave right outside the main entrance of the station. Take tram number 3 or 6 (stop number 0302, called “Rautatieasema”). The final direction/destination is “Hietalahti” (tram 6) or “Olympiaterminaali via Eira” (tram 3). Your stop is called “Fredrikinkatu” and it’s the third stop. Continue straight for about 150 m and the hotel should be on your left.

Scandinavian hotel well located in Helsinki

The Scandic Helsinki Hub ‘s designer decor is a reminder of Scandinavian surroundings. The spaciousness of the room and bathroom are a real plus; you feel right at home. This hotel offers excellent value for money, making it one of the best hotels in Helsinki.

The best part about the accommodation: The perfect location, the sauna and the gym to escape the hustle and bustle of the city.

Hotel in the heart of Helsinki city center

The hotel’s plus: It meets many essential criteria when visiting a big city.

Among the best hotels in Helsinki

A very nice decor for this hotel really well located in the city center. The staff at the Hotel Mestari Helsinki is attentive and the rooms comfortable.

The best thing about this hotel: Special mention to the bar which offers very good cocktails.

Superb apartments in Helsinki

Idyllic location in the center, a stone’s throw from the Design Museum. The accommodation is very large and bright. The team is attentive and responsive.

The advantage of this accommodation: The very well-equipped apartment allows you to save some money on restaurants during your stay in Helsinki.

Activities and excursions not to be missed when traveling to Helsinki

Helsinki is a lively and cultural city with a variety of excursions and activities to enjoy. As you may have noticed, you can enjoy walks along the Baltic Sea, visit museums and art galleries, explore historical sites, and discover the local culinary scene. Outdoor activities include boat tours, hiking, cycling, and more unusual ones like ice bathing in the Baltic Sea. Here is a selection of the best outdoor activities to do in Helsinki:

Where to eat in Helsinki: my favorite places in the city

In a northern capital, there are a lot of very good restaurants but it is always difficult to sort through the reviews on platforms like Tripadvisor. I give you my opinion on the restaurants I was able to visit during my trip to Helsinki, it is subjective but very honest. And as incredible as it may be for the gourmet that I am: I was surprised by the quality of the establishments visited .

When it comes to Finnish culinary specialties , you can’t leave Finland without eating salmon gravlax , reindeer stew , or salmon soup . For lunch, grab a quick bite to eat at the Helsinki Market Hall for some delicious salmon sandwiches. Yes, it’s definitely the most popular dish here.

Dinner in an unusual restaurant in Helsinki

Katajanokan Kasino
Laivastokatu 1, 00160 Helsinki, Finland

Just across the street from the harbor’s icebreakers, the restaurant is actually the former Naval Officers’ Club . It’s quite strange to find yourself in these large rooms that used to host a completely different type of conversation. The sea view from the windows is pleasant, but it’s on sunny days that you’ll enjoy the terrace and the outdoors.

A zero-waste restaurant in Helsinki

Nolla zero-waste Restaurant
Fredrikinkatu 22, 00120 Helsinki, Finland

A high-end yet casual restaurant, the perfect place to eat responsibly while indulging yourself. A must-try experience and a remarkable zero-waste concept. A four-course menu costs €50. And if you’d like to pair your wine with each of your four courses, you’ll have to add €40. Open every evening except Sunday.

The renowned Sauna Allas Sea Pool bistro

Allas Sea Pool Helsinki
Katajanokanlaituri 2a, 00160 Helsinki, Finland

On vacation in Finland , I recommend you live at the same pace as the locals by going to a sauna restaurant . A stylish restaurant for dining, saunas and outdoor pools for aperitifs. It’s a ritual for Helsinki students to stop by here for lunch or an evening. And the prices are very reasonable; you can eat for 15 euros at lunchtime.

Young and trendy atmosphere at the Helsinki Shelter

Shelter Restaurant in Helsinki
Kanavaranta 7, 00160 Helsinki, Finland

A super trendy restaurant with an exceptional setting, discovered by chance in Helsinki. It’s located on the harbor, just under Uspenski Cathedral, and boasts the same red bricks. The laid-back, boho style of this dock, with the two velvet sofas on the adjacent terrace and the brick facade, gives this restaurant a cool, New York identity. I’m very curious to know more about the cuisine, but their Instagram photos are awakening my taste buds.

What to bring back from a trip to Helsinki?

The capital offers a multitude of shops selling designer and traditional products, and you’ll love them. Here’s a list of what to bring back from a trip to Helsinki and where to shop.

• Bring back Arabia Porcelain and Littala glasses (in many shops in the city center)
• Buy chocolate with sea buckthorn berries (Finnish sea buckthorn) or reindeer meat from Taiga Chocolate
• Bring back something to make glögi (spiced mulled wine) or hot chocolate with Laplandia vodka from the Helsinki Christmas market
• Find an enameled metal mug
• Vacuum-packed smoked salmon
• Treat yourself to Christmas decorations
• Bringing back Finnish design decoration like the Muurla brand
• Find a multitude of sauna accessories at the Metsä/Skogen concept store  on Helsinki’s main street
• Bring a fur hat and fur-lined gloves
• Bring back the essential hand-carved wooden cup
• Look for Finnish honey and homemade jams at the market
• Finding a framed aurora borealis

How to dress when traveling to Helsinki in winter?

Going to Finland requires you to ask yourself the question of the appropriate clothing equipment . Especially if you are visiting the capital or other cities in this great Nordic country. Because, even if you were going directly to Lapland, I would tell you to choose a ski outfit and boots . But the mountain look in the city will be a bit of a blot. Okay, I admit that at the slightest snowflake in Helsinki, the children put on their ski suits, but you are an adult so here is my advice.

Clothing for Helsinki in winter : how to dress in Finland?

• bring several layers of clothing so you can undress in a restaurant or museum
• a sweater containing wool
• warm underwear (I mainly have the Icebreaker brand)
• Damart-style fleece tights
• waterproof, lined high-top shoes (the ones I wore on this trip)
• a warm coat
• thick, well-insulated gloves
• the hat accompanied by the scarf
• an umbrella

Don’t worry, it’s still a city, and you can regularly take shelter in a cozy cafe to warm up. If you’ve already been to Prague or any of the northern cities, it’s exactly the same.

It’s rarer to see the Northern Lights in Helsinki since the capital is located in the far south of Finland. But there is a more favorable season to observe these solar particles irradiating the sky. This incredible and visually stunning luminous phenomenon is more common in Finnish Lapland . The best time to hope to see the Northern Lights in Helsinki is between September and March. But be careful, in the south of Finland, on average, only 20 nights a year can experience these auroral displays compared to 200 in the north. So, if the sky is clear, keep your eyes open between 6 p.m. and 3 a.m.

Tip for seeing the Northern Lights : A free email alert service warns you of the likelihood of aurora borealis sightings. Log on to the Finnish Meteorological Institute’s website and select “Auroras now!”

Travel to Helsinki: Which flight to Finland from Paris?

There are direct flights from Paris to Helsinki lasting only 2.5 to 3 hours with Finnair.

The airline offers a low-cost meal plan in economy class for a fee. However, it does offer a free drink and snack to tide you over during the flight. However, don’t expect TV or music on board. My opinion of Finnair remains quite positive; the cabin crew was lovely, and it’s good value for money for traveling in Finland .

How to get to the city center from Helsinki Airport easily?

How to get to the city center from Helsinki Airport? There are two trains to take from the airport to Helsinki city center, and this is the most convenient option for you. The I & P commuter trains run directly from the airport to the central station. The first train takes about 10 minutes and the second takes about 40-45 minutes. As this is a regional train, tickets can only be purchased online if you have the HSL app; otherwise, you will need to buy them at the blue ticket machines at the airport. Tickets cost €4.60 per person. There are several destination options per region at the machine. To go to the city, you must choose the “ABC” ticket type.

More information about trains in Helsinki >

More information on transport from Helsinki Airport >

Then, from the Central Station, you can take a tram to the station of your choice. Since the train station is already in the city center, it’s only a matter of minutes to reach your hotel or the place you want to visit.

Tip: The ABC train ticket is valid for about 80 minutes. Use it for the city tram to your final destination.

Take out travel insurance for Finland

There are many travel insurances available for exploring Finland and Europe . For this trip, I had forgotten to take out travel insurance and I contacted Chapka Insurance at the last minute. What I appreciate is that they are really fast and efficient.

Do you need a visa for Finland? Please note that a valid national identity card or passport (until the date of departure from the country) is sufficient for citizens of European Union member states.

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