Travellers stepping off Helsinki flights will discover one of Scandinavia's most vibrant capital cities with much more to discover than how hot a sauna can get. It has a plethora of restaurants, bars and cafes, a lively arts scene, a cutting-edge design district, shops and ... a sandy beach. Helsinki is beautiful in the wintertime when its landmarks are dusted with snow and colourful lights illuminate the dark streets, but it is in the summertime that the city comes into its own. This is when there are up to 20 hours of daylight and Helsinkians take to the streets to revel in the light.
The city also has a rich architectural heritage. Annexed to Russia in the 19th century, there are some stunning neo-classical buildings around Senate Square. There are also stylish modernist buildings, designed by Alvar Aalto, the "Father of Modernism". The design district continues not just Aalto's legacy, but those of Eliel and Eero Saarinen, Marimekko, Iittala, Fiskars and even Nokia.
When it comes to food, Helsinki's restaurants use the best of Finland's bounty - fish (naturally), cloudberries, wild mushrooms and reindeer (or poro in Finnish).
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Helsinki enjoys warm and sunny summers with temperatures reaching the mid 20s (Celsius) and up to 19 hours of daylight. By October, temperatures have dropped to the low single digits and the days are shorter. November marks the beginning of the cold, snowy winter. The shortest days have six hours of daylight, and temperatures descend below zero (to about -10) in January and February.
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Peak Season:
The glorious Helsinki summer is the peak tourism season. June through September has mild weather and long sunny days. Many of the Finns take their holidays in July, which means many restaurants are closed, but the markets are busy and the outdoor cafes are set up. A major arts festival is held in August, and there are smaller performances throughout the month.
Off Season:
Finland is busy with winter with snow activities. The winter weather can be exhilarating, and the long dark nights are the perfect backdrop for the Northern Lights.
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Numerous buses run to and from the Helsinki city centre with regular departures. Bus travel takes about half an hour. Taxis are available at ranks outside the Arrivals hall of both domestic and international terminals.
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The compact centre of Helsinki is best explored on foot. The bus, tram, and subway public transport system is extensive with frequent service during the day Monday through Saturday. Evening and Sunday service is less frequent. The Helsinki Kortti provides unlimited travel on public transport, free admission to many museums, and other discounts.
Taxis are typically called or picked up at a stand, but are hard to come by during rush hour. Taxis are reliable and the fares tend to be high.
Driving is not recommended only because the parking is so limited. However, bicycling is a great way to get around the city. Bicycle paths are well marked and of good quality. The free Citybikes are available for a deposit which is refunded when the bike is returned. Bike rentals are also available.
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- Tipping is not the norm in Finland and is not expected. Prices in restaurants can seem relatively high, but remember that you don’t need to leave any tip at the end of the meal. The same is true for hotels and taxis.
- The image of Scandinavians taking saunas all the time isn’t just a stereotype. The population of Finland is around five million, and the country has 1.5 million saunas. Many private houses have saunas and almost all guesthouses will. Finns take saunas a few times a week. Before you join them, it’s best to know some basic sauna etiquette. Don’t expect to find mixed sex saunas. Apart from with family members, locals will always take separate saunas. In fact, there are no mixed public saunas in the country. If you’re not sure when to move between the steam room, the washing room and the open air follow one of the locals. And remember that clothes are often optional.
- During the summer months, members of the Helsinki tourist information office are available on the streets for advice and maps. Dressed in green t-shirts, with a big “i” on the front, they patrol all the main tourist areas. Most speak at least four languages, so approach them with your questions…
- There are more than 80 museums in Helsinki, offering everything from art and design to sport. If you’re planning on visiting one, be aware that all museums are shut on Mondays.
- There is an ice park in the city centre open from the start of winter all the way through to March. It is situated on Railway Square. Friday evenings are for romantic skating, Saturday evenings are for an “Ice club” and Sunday is the day for families. Special events also take place.
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