Practical tips for visiting Helsinki
From the airport
Helsinki-Vantaa Airport (HEL) is about 17 kilometres north. Commuter trains I and P run to the Central Railway Station in about 30 minutes; you need an ABC zone ticket. Finnair City buses and taxis are also available; taxis cost €40 to €50.
Getting around
HSL operates trams, buses, the metro, commuter trains and the Suomenlinna ferry. Use the HSL app for tickets or tap a contactless card on readers in trams and buses. Day tickets are available. The centre is walkable and bike-friendly, with city bikes from April to October.
Best time to visit
June to August brings long days, white nights and outdoor life, with temperatures around 20°C. Midsummer is celebrated on the weekend nearest 24 June, when many Finns head to summer cottages and the city empties. Winter is cold, dark and snowy, with temperatures often below -5°C and just six hours of daylight in December, but saunas and Christmas markets make it cosy. Northern lights are occasionally visible in Helsinki, but rarely.
Budget
Helsinki is expensive. Hostel beds cost €30 to €50, mid-range doubles €120 to €200, and luxury hotels €250 and more. Lunch is the best value meal, with lunch buffets around €12 to €15. A coffee costs €3 to €5; Finns drink the most coffee per capita in the world.
Payments
Finland uses the euro and is almost cashless. Cards are accepted everywhere.
Tipping
Tipping is not expected but appreciated for exceptional service.
Etiquette
Finns value personal space and silence; small talk is less common. Remove your shoes when entering homes. In saunas, shower before entering and sit on a towel.
Safety
Helsinki is one of the safest capitals in the world. Watch for icy streets in winter and cyclists in summer.
Alcohol
Strong alcohol is sold only in Alko state shops; supermarkets sell beer and drinks up to 8 percent ABV. Alcohol in restaurants is expensive.
HSL zones explained
Helsinki's transport is divided into zones A, B, C and D. The city centre and most sights are in zone A and B, while the airport is in zone C. An AB ticket covers almost all sightseeing, including the Suomenlinna ferry. Single tickets are valid for 80 minutes on an AB ticket, and you can change between vehicles.
Ferries to Tallinn and Stockholm
Tallink Silja, Viking Line and Eckerö Line sail to Tallinn, with fast crossings in about two hours. Overnight cruise ferries to Stockholm take about 16 hours. Most leave from the West Harbour (Länsisatama) or the South Harbour near the Market Square, so check your terminal.
Daylight
In June Helsinki enjoys up to 19 hours of daylight, while in late December there are fewer than six. Plan outdoor activities around light in winter and bring an eye mask in summer.
What to wear
Layered clothing works best. In winter, pack thermal underwear, a warm coat, hat, gloves and shoes with good grip. Even in summer, evenings by the sea can be cool, so bring a light jacket.
Accessibility
Low-floor trams, step-free metro stations and accessible ferries make Helsinki relatively easy for wheelchair users. Many older buildings, however, have narrow lifts.
Shopping hours
Shops in the centre generally open on weekdays from 9 or 10 until 20 or 21 and on Sundays from about 12. Supermarkets often stay open late. Many smaller businesses close for several weeks in July for the Finnish summer holiday.
Tap and drinking water
Helsinki's tap water comes from Lake Päijänne via a 120-kilometre tunnel, one of the longest continuous rock tunnels in the world, and is of excellent quality. Refill your bottle freely.
Mobile and internet
Mobile coverage is excellent, and public Wi-Fi is free on public transport, in libraries and at the airport. EU roaming rules apply.
Booking saunas
Popular public saunas such as Löyly and Allas can be fully booked at weekends and in winter, so reserve online in advance. Bring a towel or rent one, and drink plenty of water. Avoid alcohol before sauna bathing.
Discount passes
The Helsinki Card includes public transport and free entry to many museums and the Suomenlinna attractions. It can save money if you plan to visit several museums in a short time. Some museums have free entry at certain times, such as the Ateneum on certain evenings.
Recycling and returns
Finland has an efficient deposit system for cans and bottles. Return them at supermarket machines to receive a voucher. Sort rubbish where bins are provided.
Healthcare
Pharmacies (apteekki) are common and some open late. For non-urgent medical help, contact a private clinic or the public health centres. EU visitors should carry their European Health Insurance Card.
Cycling
Helsinki's city bikes are bright yellow; buy a day, week or season pass in the app.
Emergencies
Dial 112. Tap water is excellent.
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