Recently, both Sylvie and I had the chance to travel with Finnair on press trips to the captivating Nordic region. In light of our adventures, we decided to create a series of articles spotlighting Helsinki and the surrounding areas, perfect for anyone considering a dual-city getaway or a delightful day trip from the Finnish capital.
In this first installment, we’ll delve into Helsinki itself, before exploring the serene countryside nearby and finally venturing over to Tallinn, Estonia.
For six consecutive years, Finland has proudly claimed the title of the happiest country in the world, according to the World Happiness Report. With the current climate in the UK feeling rather bleak, perhaps it’s high time we all made our way to see what contributes to Finland’s joyfulness.
I must confess that I’ve passed through Helsinki Airport multiple times, yet had never ventured beyond the Helsinki Hilton. Once I finally explored the city, I found myself wondering why I hadn’t done so sooner. I was pleasantly taken aback by the breathtaking architecture, the vibrant food and drink scene, and the surprisingly reasonable hotel prices. While dining can be a bit steep, comparable to London, the accommodations offer great value, making Helsinki an accessible destination.
You’ll find all the essential travel information for Helsinki right here.
Getting There – Fly with Finnair
The only direct flight from London Heathrow to Helsinki is operated by Finnair. However, low-cost options are available from other London airports.
If you’re interested in my personal experiences with Finnair’s business class, you can read my reviews here. If fortune shines upon you, an A350 with its cutting-edge Airlounge seats may be part of your journey—often found on the last rotation of the day during the summer months. Even with older seat configurations, you can relax in comfort on the three-hour flight, as all seats feature aisle access and can convert to flatbeds. Prices for economy class start at around £171, while business class begins at £546. Considering the duration of the journey, these rates are quite competitive compared to typical short-haul fares.
And let’s not forget—you can earn BA tier points on Finnair flights; this longer short-haul route offers a generous 160 tier points. Additionally, you can redeem Avios through ba.com when booking with Finnair.
Helsinki Airport has quickly become one of my favorites. It’s modern, featuring lovely shops and excellent lounges. The Finnair business class lounge is particularly welcoming, and if you hold a certain status, the Premium lounge offers a delightful sauna and a restaurant boasting delicious reindeer burgers.
Where to Stay
Airport Accommodations
If you’re simply passing through and need a place to stay overnight, I highly recommend the Hilton Helsinki Airport. My experience there was very positive; they’re known for their generous upgrades to Gold and Diamond Honors members, and if you’re lucky, you might find yourself in a room complete with a private sauna. Plus, the hotel is just a short stroll from the terminal.
Our writer Sylvie also had a pleasant stay at the nearby Clarion Hotel, which you can read about in her account along with other options near the airport.
In the Heart of Helsinki
During my stay in the city center, I opted for the Scandic Helsinki Hub, which is wonderfully located right across from the Old Church Park. The nearby area is filled with charming cafés, and the tram stop is just a short walk away. Additionally, the railway station and metro are only ten minutes on foot.
The hotel itself is set in a striking 1920s printing house, featuring modern loft-style rooms. Each morning started with an excellent breakfast buffet showcasing local delicacies alongside international offerings. Guests can also enjoy access to a gym, yoga room, and the quintessential Finnish sauna, complete with refreshing cold-water bucket showers.
Though we visited in winter, the hotel has a lovely courtyard for guests to relax and enjoy drinks during the summer. Prices are extremely reasonable, starting from just £99 per night!
You can check for prices and availability here.
Getting Around
Reaching the city center from the airport is effortless, thanks to the train service that operates every ten minutes. Helsinki-Vantaa Airport is located approximately 12 miles from downtown, with the train station conveniently situated between Terminals T1 and T2. Tickets can be purchased from machines or the ticket office, and the ride to the city takes about 30 minutes.
Helsinki boasts an impressive public transport network, with trams being an enjoyable way to get around the city. Thirteen tram lines cover most key areas, running from early morning until late at night, and tickets can be purchased from machines, ticket booths, or via the HSL mobile app. If you plan to explore the city extensively, consider investing in a Helsinki Card, which offers free public transport and entry to many attractions.
Personally, I found trams to be my mode of choice, even more so than the traditional hop-on, hop-off tours. There’s something delightful about winding through the city aboard a tram, even if you don’t disembark. Given Helsinki’s compact nature, you’ll easily reach the main attractions via tram lines 2 and 3.
While Uber is available, it tends to be pricier, so plan accordingly.
Must-See Attractions
Many iconic sites are conveniently situated close to one another, making a walking tour an ideal way to explore Helsinki. Here are some highlights:
Helsinki Cathedral: This striking white cathedral, located in Senate Square, is one of the city’s most notable landmarks. Visitors can enter and even climb to the top for breathtaking views.
Market Square: A vibrant outdoor market, perfect for sampling Finnish culinary delights. From reindeer meatballs to salmon soup, you can grab a meal and shop for unique souvenirs.
Design District: Known for its rich design scene, this area features charming boutiques, galleries, and museums. The colorful buildings make it a photographer’s paradise.
Kiasma: The Museum of Contemporary Art houses an impressive collection of over 8,000 works and regularly hosts exhibitions and events.
Winter Wonderland: Ice Park
During the winter months, the Jääpuisto Ice Park, located near the Helsinki Train Station, transforms the city center into a skating haven from December to March. Here, you can rent skates and warm up at the Ice Park Café over a hot chocolate.
Festive Cheer: Christmas Market
For those in search of a charming Christmas market, look no further than Helsinki’s Senate Square, where the oldest and most beloved market unfolds. Surrounded by the majestic cathedral, it provides a picturesque backdrop for a delightful shopping experience.
Visitors can witness the traditional St. Lucia procession on December 13 and browse over a hundred stalls offering handcrafted gifts, locally sourced produce, and delicious seasonal treats. Plus, look out for daily visits from Santa Claus and a merry-go-round for the little ones!
Island Hopping Adventures
The Helsinki archipelago, boasting around 330 islands, can be easily explored by ferry during the summer. Many islands offer beautiful beaches, cozy cafés, and abundant nature to discover.
One notable stop is Suomenlinna, where you can visit a brewery located in a historic jetty barracks. The fortress itself is a UNESCO World Heritage site and has inspired a variety of new beers at the Suomenlinna Brewery.
Relaxing at Löyly
A visit to Löyly—a stylish restaurant, bar, and sauna—should be on everyone’s itinerary. Even if you skip the sauna, the seaside dining experience is simply delightful, so be sure to make a reservation as it tends to fill up quickly.
Opened in spring 2016, Löyly features various sauna options, including a smoke sauna and private group facilities. You can take a refreshing dip in the sea or unwind in the fireplace lounge with a drink. Enjoy a meal or cocktail on the expansive terrace overlooking the sea.
For more details, visit www.loylyhelsinki.fi/en.
A Culinary Gem: Spis
Spis is a charming Nordic restaurant that focuses on utilizing the freshest regional ingredients. The menu, centered around vegetables, also features pescatarian and meat options. Expect a delightful tasting menu priced at €97, with the option for wine pairing.
For more information, visit spis.fi.
Sweet Memories at Ekberg Café
Founded as Finland’s oldest bakery and café, Ekberg is a must-see, located on the picturesque Boulevard just a stone’s throw from the Scandic Hotel. Here, you can indulge in delightful pastries and browse the delicatessen for the perfect gifts. The atmosphere resembles that of a classic European grand café, with outdoor seating available for prime people-watching.
Find more details at ekberg.fi.
Conclusion
Though I entered Helsinki with little knowledge, I was enamored by its beauty and ease of navigation. Surprisingly reasonable hotel prices dispel the myth of the city being overly expensive, and public transport makes getting around a breeze. With its compact size, Helsinki is perfectly positioned for combining day trips to the countryside or a quick flight—or ferry ride—to Tallinn. Stay tuned for our upcoming articles where we will dive into those options.
Have you explored Helsinki? What are your favorite experiences in the city? We’d love to hear from you in the comments below.
Don’t miss Part 2 of our series, “To Helsinki & Beyond – Side Trips and Day Trips: Reindeer, Villages, and National Parks,” available here.