Helsinki
Travel Guide

Known as the Daughter of the Baltic Sea, Helsinki is a coastal and relaxed city full of unexpected places. Capital of Finland, it still holds the record for being the smallest city to have ever hosted the Olympics. Because of it being a small city, it's perfect to visit it strolling among its classic and modern buildings, its many parks and enjoy its mix of Russian and Swedish influences. Also, its proximity to other... cities in the Baltic Sea makes it a destination that receives many cruise ships and visitors attracted by its beautiful Orthodox and Lutheran churches, as well as its great cultural and modern design.
Helsinki is a city with a strong maritime tradition and it's reflected in its provincial aesthetics, its gastronomy and its coastal terrain. It's surrounded by an archipelago of over 300 islands that allow residents and visitors to enjoy fantastic days full of relaxation. A relaxed lifestyle along with hundreds of events held each year in the city. When visited, it doesn't come as a surprise that it has been chosen as one of the best cities to live in the world.

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Helsinki Overview

Language

The official languages of Finland are Finnish (Suomi) and Swedish, though the latter is only used by 6% of the population. But, as in most northern European countries, English is spoken and understood by the majority of the population.

Weather

Finland is a cold country, specially in winter. Helsinki, being in the south and at sea level, enjoys milder temperatures than the rest of the country. In summer, the average temperature is around 20°C (68ºF), while it’s usually -5 °C (23ºF) in winter. The outrageously cold days can reach -20°C (-4ºF) but don’t panic, those usually last for a maximum of 2 weeks.
Because of its latitude, days are very short in winter, with less than 6 hours of sunshine, while being very long in summer, with almost 20 hours of daylight.

Money

Euro (EUR). In Helsinki, you will not have trouble paying using any kind of card or withdrawing cash. Banks are open Monday to Friday from 9:15 to 16:15h. You will be able to exchange currency at both the airport and the port, as well as in exchange houses found throughout the city center.

When to go

Summer is the best time to visit the city and enjoy its greenery and its islands. Temperatures are pleasant and the streets are full of life. Besides, 20 daylight hours allow you to experience a unique phenomenon in this part of the world and make the most out of it and extend the tour through the city.

Still, a wonder happens in the sky of Finland in autumn: the Aurora Borealis. Some amazing light effects that can be seen only at this latitude of the planet. To live this experience we recommend that you get a little into the countryside to see the spectacle of nature at its best.

Days

2-3 days: The city of Helsinki is small and you can see everything fairly fast. We recommend you to spend one or two days to visit the city center and another day to move to some of its closest islands such as Suomenlinna.

Surroundings

Seurasaari (Island)
Linnanmäki (Amusement Park in Helsinki)
Sipoonkorpi y Nuuksio (National parks)
Porvoo (2nd oldest city in Finland)

Store Hours

Stores in Helsinki usually open on weekdays from 9 to 17h and Saturday from 9 to 13h-14h. Stores are usually closed on Sunday. Shopping malls are open from 9 to 21h and Saturday from 9am to 18pm.