Essentials

Know before you go

Practical, regularly checked information for a smooth trip to Helsinki.

Helsinki Airport is 30 minutes from the centre by the Ring Rail Line (zone ABC ticket, ~€4).

Trains I and P leave every 10 minutes from the airport station. Taxis cost around €40–50.

Trams, metro, buses and ferries all use the same HSL ticket. Buy it in the HSL app.

A day ticket for zone AB starts at about €9. Suomenlinna ferries are included. City bikes are available April–October.

Finland uses the euro. Cards and contactless are accepted almost everywhere; tipping is not expected.

Many places are cashless. Rounding up for great service is appreciated but never required.

Summers are mild with nearly 19 hours of daylight; winters are dark, around −5 °C, sometimes snowy.

Pack layers year-round. In winter, a warm coat, hat and waterproof boots are essential.

Helsinki is one of the safest capitals in the world. Emergency number: 112.

Tap water is excellent to drink. Pharmacies are marked 'Apteekki'.

Finnish and Swedish are official; nearly everyone speaks excellent English.

Useful words: kiitos (thank you), moi (hi), anteeksi (excuse me), kippis (cheers).

Six words of Finnish

When is the best time to visit Helsinki?

June to August for long light nights and island life; December for Christmas markets and cosy winter atmosphere.

How many days do I need?

Two to three days covers the highlights. Add a day for Porvoo, Nuuksio or Tallinn.

Can I see the northern lights in Helsinki?

Occasionally, on clear nights during strong solar activity. Head away from city lights, e.g. to Nuuksio. For reliable sightings, travel to Lapland.

Is Helsinki expensive?

It is comparable to other Nordic capitals. Save with lunch menus (lounas, €12–15), a public transport day ticket and the many free sights.

Do I have to be naked in the sauna?

In gender-separated traditional saunas, nudity is normal. In mixed public saunas such as Löyly and Allas, swimsuits are required.