Helsinki holidays

How to reach Helsinki

• Flight time: Flights to Helsinki from London and other major UK airports take from around 2 hours and 45 minutes. Most flights are direct, but some have a stopover.

• Transfer time: Once you land at Helsinki-Vantaa Airport, the train journey to the city centre takes about 30 minutes. Buses and taxis are also available.

• Price: The train from the airport to the city centre costs around €4 for a one-way ticket. Alternatively, a taxi will cost between €45 and €50, depending on traffic.

Best time to visit Helsinki

Determining the best time to visit largely depends on what you want from holidays to Helsinki. Each season has its unique charm, so here's a breakdown to help you decide:

• June to August is Helsinki’s high season, with long days and warm weather perfect for outdoor activities, festivals, beach visits, picnics and exploring. August is the holiday month in Finland, so some places might be busy and prices high. Average temperatures range from 15°C to 20°C.

• September to November is a quieter period with fewer tourists, still decent temperatures (average highs of 14°C) and low rainfall. This is one of the best times of year to visit – especially September, when the autumn foliage in parks is beautiful.

• December to February brings the magic of a Finnish winter. With temperatures between 0°C and -7°C and short days, snowfall is light compared to the north of the country but Helsinki transforms into a winter wonderland. It’s a fantastic time for winter sports and enjoying the festive atmosphere.

• March to May sees the city awakening from winter. As temperatures rise from 0°C to 10°C with moderate rainfall, you’ll see longer days and flowers blooming, making it a pleasant time to explore without the crowds.

Practical information

• Spoken languages: Finnish and Swedish are the official languages, but English is widely spoken, especially in tourist areas.

• Local habits and customs: Finns tend to be warm and welcoming, but also value their privacy and personal space. It's polite to remove your shoes when entering someone's home, and saunas have their own etiquette to know before visiting.

• Currency: The currency in Finland is the euro (€). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted methods of payment, but ATMs are widespread.

• Getting around: Central Helsinki is compact enough to be explored on foot or bike, and there’s an excellent public transport system for longer journeys, including buses, trams, ferries and a metro. Tickets can be purchased via the HSL app at shops or ticket machines.

• Electricity and plug types: Finland uses the standard European 220V plugs with two round pins (type C or F). UK travellers will need an adaptor.

• Time zone: Helsinki is in the Eastern European Time Zone (EET), which is 2 hours ahead of GMT, and follows daylight saving time in the summer.

• Required travel documentation: UK travellers need a valid passport but no visa for stays of up to 90 days.

Local dishes in Helsinki

Helsinki offers a culinary journey exploring Finland’s mix of Western and Eastern influences, and the city’s innovative food scene. Here are some of the diverse dishes and drinks to try in this foodie haven:

Some typical dishes

• Karjalan Piirakka: Traditional Karelian pastries, made from a thin rye crust filled with rice porridge and sometimes boiled eggs and butter.

• Kalakukko: A chunky bread from the region around Kuopio, typically with whitefish baked inside, or sometimes pork.

• Hernekeitto: A thick pea soup traditionally eaten on Thursdays, served with mustard and black rye bread.

Meat dishes

• Poronkäristys: Sautéed reindeer is a Finnish speciality from the northern Sápmi region, often served with potatoes and sauces.

• Lihapullat: Finnish meatballs, similar to the Swedish variety, usually eaten with creamy mashed potatoes and lingonberry jam.

Fish and seafood dishes

• Lohikeitto: A creamy salmon soup made with potatoes, carrots, leeks and dill. It’s a comforting dish that’s perfect for chilly days.

• Silakkapihvit: Fried Baltic herring fillets, typically served with mashed potatoes and a slice of rye bread.

Sweets and desserts

• Runebergintorttu: A cylindrical pastry flavoured with almonds and rum, topped with raspberry jam and icing. It’s traditionally eaten on Runeberg Day in early February.

• Pulla: Cardamom-spiced sweet bread, often enjoyed with coffee. Variants include cinnamon rolls (Korvapuusti) and braided loaves (Pitko).

• Mustikkapiirakka: A blueberry pie that’s a favourite summer treat, often made with a simple crust and filled with fresh wild blueberries.

Local drinks

• Lonkero: Also known as “long drink”, this refreshing drink is made with gin and grapefruit soda – a Finnish favourite.

• Sahti: A traditional Finnish beer, often home-brewed, with a unique flavour from juniper berries.

• Koskenkorva: A popular, rough Finnish vodka that’s enjoyed neat or used as a base for various cocktails.

Best things to do in Helsinki

Helsinki is one of the most attractive and captivating cities in Europe, with its own idiosyncratic style and personality. Here’s a roundup of the top sights and activities you can enjoy on your Helsinki holidays:

The best districts

• Kallio: Formerly home to a community of factory workers, Kallio is an extremely hip area to hang out in, with quirky cafés, bars and vintage shops, and well known for its bohemian vibe.

• Punavuori: One of the coolest areas for visitors, Punavuori has the densest concentration of shops, restaurants and venues in the city. Also a haven for design lovers, you’ll find numerous boutiques, galleries and creative spaces.

• Kruununhaka: This historic district boasts beautiful old buildings and charming streets, and is perfect for a leisurely stroll to discover Helsinki’s architectural heritage.

Museums

• Ateneum Art Museum: This huge, grand building holds the best of Finland’s art, with a large collection of paintings from the Golden Age of Finnish painting.

• Kiasma Museum of Contemporary Art: In a striking structure almost as compelling to view as its art, the ever-changing exhibitions showcase contemporary work from Finnish and international artists. It’s all well explained by touch-screen terminals on the walls.

• Mannerheim Museum: A fascinating museum that’s one of the city’s best. It’s home to a remarkable array of plunder taken from all over the globe by the country’s former president and military leader, Carl Gustaf Mannerheim.

Historic monuments

• Tuomiokirkko: A striking white neoclassical building, Helsinki’s Lutheran cathedral is one of the city’s most iconic landmarks. It sits on Senate Square, which is surrounded by other significant buildings.

• Suomenlinna: A UNESCO World Heritage site, this sea fortress is spread across six islands and offers a fascinating glimpse into Finland’s military history. It’s a great place to explore on foot, with plenty of museums and scenic spots, or even just to laze around on the beach.

Viewpoints and panoramas

• SkyWheel Helsinki: This 40m-high Ferris wheel offers breathtaking views of the city, its harbour and the nearby islands. It’s especially beautiful during sunset.

• Ateljee Bar: Located at the top of the Sokos Hotel Torni, this bar provides stunning panoramic views of Helsinki’s skyline, and even Estonia on a clear day. It’s a great spot to enjoy a drink while taking in the scenery.

Day trips in the area

• Porvoo: Just an hour’s drive from Helsinki, Porvoo is a charming medieval town known for its well-preserved wooden houses, cobbled streets and beautiful river views. It’s a perfect day trip for those interested in history and picturesque settings.

• Tallinn: A short ferry ride from Helsinki, the Estonian capital of Tallinn boasts a beautiful Old Town with picturesque architecture, cobbled streets and vibrant markets. It’s a great option for a quick international getaway.

Activities for families in Helsinki

Helsinki is an excellent destination for families, with plenty of activities to keep both kids and adults entertained:

• Parks and playgrounds: Families will enjoy spending time in the numerous parks around Helsinki. Popular options include Esplanadi Park and Kaivopuisto Park, both of which offer ample green space and playgrounds.

• Zoos and aquariums: Helsinki Zoo, located on Korkeasaari Island, is home to over 150 species of animals and offers beautiful views of the surrounding area. Sea Life Helsinki, an aquarium near the Linnanmäki amusement park, features fascinating marine life exhibits.

• Amusement parks: Linnanmäki is a favourite among families, with rides and attractions suitable for all ages. There’s also the 53-metre Panoraama observation tower, an arcade and plenty of food options.

Wellness in Helsinki

• Saunas: Experience the Finnish ritual of sauna, which is deeply embedded in the local culture. Many public saunas, such as Kotiharjun Sauna, offer a traditional steam-room experience, often accompanied by a refreshing plunge into a cold pool. Löyly is a stylish complex on the coast where you can enjoy a sauna followed by a dip in the Baltic Sea. Allas Sea Pool is another great spot, offering heated pools and saunas with stunning views of the harbour.

• Spas: For a luxurious experience, head to Kämp Spa, which provides a variety of treatments in a serene environment.

Nature and outdoor activities

• National parks: Nuuksio National Park, just a 35km drive from Helsinki, is a must-visit for hiking enthusiasts. The park features a variety of trails through forests and around lakes, and opportunities for wildlife spotting. Sipoonkorpi National Park is another excellent spot for hikes and exploring Finland’s beautiful landscapes.

• Watersports: The archipelago around Helsinki is ideal for canoeing, kayaking and paddleboarding. You can rent equipment from various locations, such as Natura Viva, and explore the numerous islands and coastline. Sailing is also popular, with options for renting boats or joining trips out.

• Cycling: Helsinki is a bike-friendly city with extensive cycle paths. Rent a bike and explore the city’s parks, waterfronts and neighbourhoods. The Baana cycle route, which runs through the city centre, is particularly popular.

• Ice swimming: For the brave, ice swimming is a unique and invigorating activity. In winter, join locals at places like Allas Sea Pool or Kuusijärvi for a dip in the icy waters, followed by a warming sauna session.

• Fishing: Helsinki’s waters are rich with fish, making it a great spot for fishing enthusiasts. You can fish from the shoreline or join a tour to catch species like pike, perch or salmon.