Helsinki

Helsinki is clean, organized, and a bit reserved, much like its people. It is a compact capital where you can walk to most places. The design is genuinely world-class and you are never far from the water. Do not expect a sprawling party city with endless nightlife. Helsinki's appeal is in its saunas, its coffee culture, and its quiet streets filled with cool architecture.

The sauna culture here is authentic and essential. A visit to Löyly involves sweating in a traditional wood-fired sauna before jumping directly into the Baltic Sea, even in winter. It is a €26, two-hour experience that is worth every cent. The design scene is a serious point of pride. You should explore Oodi Central Library, one of the best public buildings in the world, and the entire Design District in Punavuori. The food is surprisingly good, provided you can afford it. Lohikeitto (salmon soup) is a mandatory local dish. Look for lunch specials called "lounas" (€13-18) which are the best way to eat well without going broke. Ultimately, Helsinki is a remarkably functional, well-run city where everything simply works as it should.

Finns do not engage in small talk. They are not being rude; they are simply reserved. Personal space is highly valued, so don't be surprised when people leave an empty seat between them on public transport. Do not expect chatty cashiers or for strangers to strike up conversations on the tram. However, if you ask for help, they will go out of their way to assist you. Almost everyone under the age of 40 speaks perfect English. Older Finns might be less fluent, but they will generally understand and try to help.

Finnish food is simple, fresh, and built around quality ingredients. You must try lohikeitto (salmon soup). It is a creamy, rich, and deeply satisfying local staple. Karjalanpiirakka (Karelian pies) are distinctive rye pastries filled with rice porridge, traditionally served warm with a topping of egg butter. For cheap eats, look for signs advertising "lounas" between 11 AM and 2 PM on weekdays. These are fixed-price lunch menus for €13-18 that typically include a main course, a salad bar, bread, and coffee. For dinner, expect to pay €20-30 for a main at a mid-range spot, and €35 or more at nicer restaurants. Visit the Old Market Hall to sample a bit of everything under one roof.

The city's infrastructure is top-tier. Internet is fast and widely available. Power outages are virtually nonexistent. Public transport, including trams, buses, and the metro, is clean, runs precisely on time, and covers the entire city. Roads are cleared of snow almost immediately after a storm. The only real challenge you will face is the cold, but the city is built for it, so services never stop.

You will most likely fly into Helsinki-Vantaa Airport (HEL), located 17 km north of the city center. From the airport terminal, take the P or I train. The journey to the Central Railway Station takes about 30 minutes. You will need an ABC zone ticket, which costs €4.10 if you buy it from the HSL app or a machine before boarding. Bus 600 is another option, but it is slower. A taxi will cost between €40-60, making it a poor value unless you have a lot of luggage or are arriving very late.

Download the HSL app immediately upon arrival. It is the best way to buy tickets and track public transport in real-time. An AB zone ticket (€3.20 as of Nov 2025) covers all travel within the city and is valid for 90 minutes of unlimited transfers. If you plan on using transport frequently, day passes are a good value at €9 for zones AB. The tram system is excellent for getting around the core, the metro is efficient, and the city center is very walkable. Do not rent a car. You absolutely do not need one, and parking is expensive and difficult to find.

Helsinki is one of Europe's safest capitals. You do not need to worry about violent crime. The most significant issue is pickpocketing in high-traffic tourist zones. Be vigilant at the Central Railway Station, Market Square, Senate Square, and on busy trams. Thieves often work in teams and use distraction tactics. Be wary of people bumping into you or creating a sudden commotion. At night, the area around the Central Railway Station can attract drunk and loud individuals, but it is not typically dangerous. There are no "no-go zones" in Helsinki.