The booming tourism industry has paved a new growth path in Helsinki. It is great to know that the city is trying to reform in all spheres of development. Since it is the capital and the largest city in Finland, it is taking a significant step forward to accomplish all its targets serving the tourism and hospitality industry. These days the city serves plenty of options to fulfil your desire of memorable holidays. Those who look forward to spend their vacations in Europe their search ends at this wonderful city.

Let us see some of the superb options in the city that are available for you to rejoice.

Top 10 Helsinki Landmarks

Helsinki's Suomenlinna Fortress:
Suomenlinna is a group of seven islands and a beautiful picnic spot. A much popular tourist hub, the island is growing very fast. As of its increasing significance among tourists as well as local residences, Suomenlinna has been enlisted in the UNESCO World Heritage list. One can visit this fortress by a little ferry boat in about 15 minutes. It is a best place to spend time. Most of the people visit Suomenlinna to explore market stalls, arty stalls and fruit stalls. It also consists of old cannon, submarines, and museum.

Helsinki Senate Square (Senaatintori):
Senate Square, an archaeological masterpiece, is designed by Carl Ludvig Eagel. It is a unique symbol of commercial, political, religious and scientific powers. Situated in the centre of Helsinki, the Senate Square comprises the Palace of the Council of State on the east, the University building on the opposite side as well as the Helsinki cathedral on the north. The place is an ideal example of the Neo-Classic design. The Emperor Alexander-II statue right at the centre of the Senate Square is a symbol of Finland's imperial relationship with Russia. As one of the top tourist spots in Helsinki, it hosts a number of tourist events.

Parliament House (Eduskuntatalo):
Parliament House is an example of Borg–Sirén–Åberg artefact, describing real architectural style having influence of Neoclassicism as well as twentieth century modernism. The exterior is made up of Kalvola granite and the façade consists of fourteen pillars with Corinthian style designs. This masterpiece represents unity of architecture, art, workmanship and industrial design. It has the beautifully designed main lobby, the stately Session Hall and the awe-inspiring Hall of State. Guided tours are available on some special days of session.

Esplanadi Park :
Magnificently planned by great architect Carl Luwig Engel, Esplanadi Park is one of the favourite places for local inhabitants as well tourists. The park attracts many visitors because of its lucrative designs well-preserved from the ancient times. It is a centre of attraction with its marvellous monuments, old limes and lush surroundings. Located in the middle of Esplanadi Park, the Kapelli Café Brasserie is the perfect place to rest and relax.

Hakaniemi Market Square :
Hakaniemi, an unofficial district of Helsinki, is a large and lively market place. The market square consists of oriental food stores that sell a variety of Asian products. It is a significant part of the Helsinki city centre as well associated with the working class and worker’s associations. A perfect place for buying local crafts and to have cheap food. One can enjoy the Baltic Herring Festival in the month of October and the vintage American cars exhibition in May.

Helsinki Cathedral (Helsingin Tuoiokirkko):
Helsinki Cathedral, an excellent masterpiece which smears its distinct presence in the scenery of central Helsinki. It is a distinct example for the mastery of excellence with its glorifying rich architecture designed by Carl Ludvig Engel in neoclassical style. The church looks marvellous with a tall green dome surrounded by four small domes. At present, the church is one of the important tourist spots as well a perfect place for worship and special events. Almost thousands of people visit the church every year.

National Museum of Finland (Suomen Kansallismuseo):
The National Museum of Finland depicts Finnish life from prehistoric times to present days. In 1905, the construction of artefact started, but the museum was completed in about five years. It was officially inaugurated for public in 1916. Such a remarkable symbol was designed by Herman Gesellius, Armas Lindgren, and Eliel Saarinen. S museum represents the history of Finland that is divided in six categories. The Treasure Troves compromise a collection of coins, medals, orders, silver artefacts, jewellery and weapons.

Helsinki University Library (Yliopiston Kirjasto):
The Helsinki University Library, Finland’s largest multidisciplinary university library, has four campuses with about 250 employees. Opened around 15 years ago, the library has an individual presence offering centralized services. At present, it has five units that impart global as well local services to the disciples. This university library offers printed books, electronic journals and e-books. An individual above 15 years (Finnish) are allowed to borrow the library materials.

Railway Station (Rautatieasema):
The Railway Station (Rautatieasema) is one of the most popular landmarks in Helsinki. It is a site of attraction as well focal point of public transport in the Greater Helsinki area. The railway station (Rautatieasema) is newly renamed as the Helsinki central railway station. It is the most visited-building of Finland and the point of origin of many VR commuter rail network. It comprises the busiest station of the Helsinki Metro known as Rautatientori metro station.

Rock Church (Taivallahdenkirkko / Temppeliaukio):
Temppeliaukio Kirkko, well-known as Rock Church is a beautiful example of modern architecture. Designed by architect brothers Timo and Tuomo Suomalainen its construction completed in 1969. It is built completely underground and has a ceiling made of copper wire. It is one of the top-notch tourist destinations in Helsinki. Taivallahdenkirkko is famous for hosting classical concerts and other events.

Top 5 Bars

A21Cocktail Lounge:
A21Cocktail Lounge is a perfect blend of cocktail party, fun atmosphere and sparkling lights. Step into wonderland, which is fully designed to offer cocktail parties, events and meetings. The bar can be exclusively booked for fashion shows, private parties and reunions. Experience the cosy atmosphere as well privacy to organize a get-together with folks.

Ahjo:
Ahjo, an excellent bar cum club, is an ideal place for those who are looking for exceptional music, great atmosphere, and awesome cocktails. It is a part of the Klaus K, the Finland first design hotel. A perfect place for dance, drink, and music. Try Austria’s elite wine along with a plate of antipasto.

Corona Bar & Billiards:
Enjoy the right combination of a street bar and billiard hall right at Corona Bar & Billiards. It is a unique place to try some great snooker shots as well experience playing pool strokes in a refreshing atmosphere. Avail well-maintained facilities offered for beginners as well as experienced. Customers are served a range of beers, starters and snacks.

Cuba Café & Party Room:
Make your life more lively and full of fun at Cuba Café & Party Room. It is the coolest place if you are looking for fun and excitements. It is always full with a vibrant crowd and an electrifying environment. Anybody can get attracted by its trendiest bar and cool atmosphere. Enjoy excellent gigs such as Tidjan, Lightinenb and Anna Ihanainen as well drink twelve different mojitas.

Ateljee Bar:
Ateljee bar is ranked as one of the best bars in Helsinki. Founded in 1951, the bar has a classic influence. It is located at the rooftops of the city as well offers great ambience and surroundings. One can enjoy cocktails and drinks at great height with a breath of fresh air coming from the seaside. The bar also provides exhibition space for young and talented artists.

Top 10 Activities

Helsinki Sightseeing Tour:
Explore the city visiting several tourist spots and stunning places. Feel the essence of countless holiday experiences as you can visit many parts of Helsinki. Try to get indulge in the modern as well as historic importance of the city. Visit famous spots such as the Suomenlinna Fortress, the Senate Square, the Parliament House and the Hakaniemi Market Square by taking excellent public transportation systems.

Helsinki Audio City Tour:
Get a chance to feel the city with audio-visual experience. Listen to the commentary in more than 12 languages such as Finnish, Swedish, English, German, French, Spanish, Italian, Russian, Japanese, Mandarin Chinese, Latin and Helsinki dialect through headphone. Go back in the history of the city with special sound effects and audio interactions. Visit interesting places such as the Senate Square, the Presidential Palace, the City Hall, the Opera House and the Finlandia House.

Helsinki Card:
Discover the city with a handy and economical card. Make most out of Helsinki card and travel to countless places and tourist spots. The card provides all in one facility. One can use it as a transport ticket, entrance ticket, and discount coupon. Helsinki card comes with a guidebook that provides information about important attractions, excellent maps and transport routes. It offers a discount up to 30% in many places.

Serena Water Park:
Indulge in the enthralling experience of the largest tropical water amusement park. Get a chance to relax in the tropical warm waters of the Serena’s fountains, bubble pools and children terraces. Enjoy at the water slides and feel the brave wave at the large wave pool. Try black hole tube slide with special sound effects and lights. Enjoy a day full of adventure.

Kaunissaari Island Tour:
Kaunissaari is a right place for those who like outdoor recreation activities. It is a favourite destination for sauna and beach lovers. About 2km long and 800m wide, the island of Kaunissaari is known for rocky shores and sandy coasts. This island is an ideal place for sightseeing and photographic opportunities. One can also try fishing, camping and nature trails.

Lego Show Theme Park:
It is the famous park in Helsinki specially designed for children. The Lego theme park has three main parts such as the “Lego Sport” that starts with the introduction of the Lego-stars who play hockey and volleyball. The “Lego Make” offers opportunities to the children to construct their own heroes from Lego pieces. The “Lego Create” attracts many young visitors. Also, one can enjoy a ride on electro-mobiles, jump at trampolines and study several Lego sets.

Linnanmaki Amusement Park:
To enjoy full day with lots of fun and adventures, plan a trip to the Linnanmaki Amusement Park. It is the oldest and the most beautiful park offering plenty of rides, midway games, games arcades and play area for kids known as the Fairytale Valley. The amusement park is maintained by the Children’s Day Foundation.

Rastila Camping:
Spend quality time in the Rastila Camping located at Vuosaari in eastern Helsinki. It is the most famous camping site that offers 4-star facilities of accommodation, saunas, a restaurant and a beach. The camp also caters visitors with well-privileged recreational facilities. One can enjoy winter swimming as well spend some time at the shopping nearby centers.

Vuosaari Paddling Center Day:
Experience adventurous kayaking activities organized by the Vuosaari Padding Center. Plan your trip to join Vuosaari Paddling Centre Day. Indulge in this unique activity beginning in the month of June until the end of the August. Enjoy every moment with full satisfaction. Beginners can plan guided tours, trips and courses.

Hietaranta Beach:
Experience the nature’s beauty and electrifying sea waves on this beach. Try your swimming skills as well play beach sports. The beach also offers children’s playground, basketball ground, beach-volley ground and weightlifting area.

Top Helsinki FAQ's

Q.1) What is the Capital of Finland?

Ans: Helsinki is the capital and the largest city in Finland. Its population is about 588, 941 (January 21, 2011). The city is located between St. Petersburg, Tallinn and Stockholm.

Q.2) Which languages do people speak in Helsinki?

Ans: The official languages of Helsinki are Finnish as well Swedish. The majority of the people speak Finnish because it is also the native language of the original residents. Swedish is spoken by the minority.

Q.3) When to visit Helsinki and in which season?

Ans: Helsinki stays cold in winter so tourists prefer to visit the city in summer months. In summer, the city temperature does not rise more than 20°C and doesn’t go below 10°C. Hence, it is an excellent destination to plan summer vacation ie between June and September.

Q.4) What are the type of government, the currency and the time zone of Helsinki?

Ans: Like other European countries currency of Helsinki is Euro and its time zone is EET (UTC+2) and in summer it is (DST) EEST (UTC+3). The type of government in Finland is Republic.

Q.5) Is Helsinki safe for tourists?

Ans: Helsinki is safe for tourists. However, one should always be careful while travelling. Keep an eye on your luggage, handbags and mobile phones. Avoid late night travelling. Avoid talking to drunken passengers especially in trams, buses and metros.

Q.6) How is the public transportation in Helsinki?

Ans: Helsinki has a well-maintained public transportation. One can explore the city by buses, trains, trams or the metros. Helsinki region transport is responsible for public transport ticket system. A single charge card can provide an option to travel in the Helsinki metropolitan areas. This single card is easily available and valid for 1-7 days.

Q.7) How to reach the city’s international airport?

Ans: Helsinki-Vantaa International airport (HEL) is located about 20 kilometres northwest from the city centre. It is easily accessible by bus, taxi and metro. You can also use a boat to reach the airport. However, one can also hire a ferry to reach the city centre near the international airport.

Q.8) What is the country code of Finland?

Ans: Helsinki is situated in Finland and its country code is 358. The area code for Helsinki is (0)9. However, mobile number starts with (0) 40, (0) 50, etc.

Q.9) What is emergency phone number in Helsinki?

Ans: For police, fire department and an ambulance, people in Helsinki dial 112. It is a universal number applied for all services. Police in Helsinki are very reliable and trustworthy. You can contact them in case of emergency.

Q.10) Where to use Helsinki card?

Ans: Helsinki card can save time, money, and energy. It offers free entry to main sites, museums and public transport. With this card, you can avail a wide variety of bonuses and discounts.

Q.11) Which are the best dining options in Helsinki?

Ans: Helsinki is a treasury of restaurants. You can get tasty and delicious dishes in many restaurants in the city. Some of the best dining options are Pannonia, Kuurna, Kynsilaukka and Mai Thai.

Q.12) What are the options available for first-time visitors?

Ans: Enrol for Helsinki expert’s audio city tours, if you want to explore the city. These tours are organized everyday throughout the year. The audio city tours are offered in twelve languages such as Chinese, English, Finnish, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Russian, Spanish, Swedish, Helsinki dialect and even Latin.

Q.13) How to greet Finns?

Ans: Finns like etiquette and manners. They feel pleased when you greet them in their languages. Two famous phrases “HEI” means ‘Hello’ and pronounced “HAY”. Another “KIITOS” means ‘Thank you’ and Pronounced “KEY TOSS”.

Q.14) Which is the most famous symbolic building of Helsinki?

Ans: The Helsinki Cathedral is the most prominent building and symbol of the city. It was built in neo-classic style and designed by Carl Ludvig Engel.

Q.15) Which is local media in Helsinki?

Ans: The city offers two public service local radio stations such as YLE Radio Suomi (Finnish-language) and YLE Radio Vega (Swedish-language). The TV news programme is transmitted by YLE. Helsingin Sanomat and Hufvudstadsbladet are two popular newspapers in Helsinki. These two function as local and national newspapers.

Getting Around in Helsinki

One of the best ways for getting around in Helsinki is public transportation. The city has well-maintained public transportation and is ranked in-between one and five in all of Europe. Travellers use trams to visit one destination to another. However, other modes of public transportation include buses, ferries and the metro system. Many tourists use buses for visiting in and around the city. Bus tickets are less expensive and available within the budget of everyone. For unlimited travel in different parts of the city, you can apply for the Helsinki card that provides facility to travel on all public transportation.

Buy a Helsinki area travel card available at tourist office as well main metro station for unlimited travel in trams, buses and metro for a few days. The public transportation is a major supplement for moving around in the city. However, tourists can also choose other options such as bike, car rental, and walking. Helsinki is a compact city as well safe for travelling. Tourists can also hire a bike to visit many places.

Bus System

Bus system, a backbone of public transportation is available in almost all parts of Helsinki. Its routes and timetable are managed by the HRT, but it is fully operated by many independent companies. Buses are lifeline of the city and work as feeder lines for Helsinki Metro. Major routes are connected to the Helsinki Central railway station for passenger’s convenience. Buses that belong to the internal lines are numbered alphanumerically. Regional buses that are managed by the HRT move in the downtown (metropolitan area) of Helsinki. Both internal lines and regional buses have the same operational hour.

Taxis

Taxi is also a reliable medium of public transportation in Helsinki. It is easily available at the city centre as well the taxi centre. The taxi inspectors are also responsible for guaranteed reliable services to the customers. Special care is given by the taxi inspectors to maintain the frequency of taxis on altering circumstances such as sudden changes in weather. Advance booking is easily available two weeks before journey as well as half an hour before the desired pick up time. One should confirm about special requests on the time of advance booking to minimize confusions. Special requests include a mini bus (max. 8 passengers), estate cargo transportation, a multilingual driver, and a pet permit. In case of remote pick-up point, a taxi is available 15 minutes before scheduled time. Helsinki taxis accept major paying and credit cards.

Rail

Rail is an excellent option for public transportation. The city is served by Helsinki Central railway station, a widely recognised landmark and the focal point of public transport. It is a significant point of origin for major trains in the local VR commuter rail network. This railway station is a well-known destination for trains that cover a large proportion of long-distance in Finland. It caters to thousands of passengers as well hosts the busiest Rautatientori metro station. Internet ticket booking is another easy way to book a ticket, however one can also buy ticket at the booking office. International train tickets are also available at major railway stations as well special cares are given to disabled passengers.

Car Rental

Car rental is a best option if you want to explore the city at your own. Helsinki car rental offers excellent services to fulfil customers’ interest and satisfaction. Hire a car according to your requirement and feel the difference of travelling with freedom. Tour in and around the city, experience waterfronts, visit huge open-air market (or Senate Square) and see rich neo-classical Lutheran Cathedral. Drive to other places according to convenience and ease. Rent a car that comes in your budget from luxury cars to SUVs. Choose a company that offers facilities that suite your needs. Before you plan to hire a car, you must get familiar with traffic rules as well carry a valid international driving license.

Communication in Helsinki

Helsinki, a top-notch tourist spot, is a very popular city in Finland. It has well-maintained communication network so that the travellers do not have to face difficulties during their stay. The city is a modern connectivity hub. Almost the entire city has fully equipped WiFi access, a handy map and internet cafes.

Telecommunication is highly intense in Helsinki. There are three major operators: the Finnet Group, the Telecom Finland, and the Telivo. Helsinki telephone is a major part of the Finnt group. It is the largest independent telephone company in Finland. There are two types of radio services such as public service local radio stations and privately-owned local radio stations. YLE telecasts regional TV programme.

Helsingin Sanomat and Hufvudstadsbladet are local as well as the national newspapers.