Travel Information

ABOUT HELSINKI

GENERAL INFORMATION

SAFETY

Helsinki is considered a safe low crime city. However, like any big city with tourists, pickpocketing can occur in crowded areas. Take care of your belongings the way you would in any big city.

General emergency number: 112.

PAYMENTS AND CURRENCY

Currency of Finland is euro, €. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, and most stores have contactless payment readers. ATMs can be found in several locations in the city center and shopping areas. Look for the signs for Otto and Nosto ATMs.

WI-FI

Free public Wi-Fi is widely available in Helsinki city center and in public buildings like libraries. Look for network named “Helsinki City Open WLAN”. It requires no registration or password and connects you to high-speed internet. Cafés, restaurants, and shops often provide free Wi-Fi, and the Helsinki-Vantaa Airport has free, unlimited, and high-speed access as well. While coverage is extensive, it is not absolutely city-wide, but rather focused on popular, central locations. For consistent, 24/7 internet access throughout the city, purchasing a local prepaid SIM or eSIM card is recommended as a reliable backup. A prepaid SIM card can be purchased at R-kioski convenience stores or mobile service company stores (Telia, Elisa, and DNA). There is a R-kioski at the Helsinki-Vantaa airport.

SUSTAINABILITY

Some tips for your visit:

• Tap water quality is excellent in Helsinki. You can use refillable flasks instead of bottled water while exploring the city.

• Best way to explore the city is on foot, by bike, or by public transport.

• Look for sustainability labels, such as ‘Sustainable Travel Finland’, when choosing services or attractions.

• Recycle and sort while traveling. Recycle bins are all around the city.

GETTING AROUND

PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION

Public transportation covers the whole Helsinki region. We highly recommend using public transportation while getting around.

Ticket Zones

AB zones cover Helsinki city center and suburbs. ABC zones are needed for travel to the airport. Zoning areas can be found on HSL website (https://www.hsl.fi/en) or mobile app.

Purchasing Tickets

Single ticket: contactless payment at card readers on public transport vehicles or at stations. You can also buy single tickets in HSL mobile app, HSL ticket machines, or from R-kioski convenience stores.

Tickets for several days: HSL mobile app, HSL ticket machines, or from R-kioski convenience stores.

To and from the Helsinki-Vantaa Airport

Trains P and I take you to and from the airport to the Central Railway Station in about 30 minutes.

TAXIS

Über and Bolt operate in Helsinki.

Guide to local Taxi companies can be found from here:

https://www.myhelsinki.fi/visit/a-quick-guide-helsinki-taxis/

THINGS TO DO

Here are comprehensive guides to Helsinki:

https://www.myhelsinki.fi/visit-helsinki/

https://www.myhelsinki.fi/visit/helsinki-tourist-information/

https://www.visitfinland.com/en/places-to-go/helsinki-region/helsinki-city/

Interactive Helsinki area map:

Helsinki City Map

A FEW HIGHLIGHTS WE RECOMMEND

SAUNAS

We highly recommend checking out at least one of the public saunas. Some of our

favorites include: Allas Pool, Kotiharju Sauna, Lonna Island Sauna, Löyly, Sauna

Hermanni, Uunisaari Sauna, and Uusi Sauna.

SIGHTSEEING AND ATTRACTIONS

• Hop on tram 2 or 3 – great way to see several neighborhoods!

• Visit Suomenlinna (bonus: you get to ride on a ferry).

• Visit one of the many islands: Vallisaari and Lonna, Uunisaari, Pihlajasaari, and Seurasaari.

• Walk through Market Square. You can also go on a sightseeing cruise from Market Square.

• Esplanade Park

• Kaisaniemi Botanic Garden

• Korkeasaari Zoo

• Linnanmäki Amusement Park and Sea Life Aquarium

• Oodi – Helsinki Central Library

• Senate Square (right by Helsinki Cathedral)

• Sibelius Monument and Park

• Töölönlahti Bay

Museums

• Amos Rex

• Architecture and Design Museum Helsinki

• Ateneum Art Museum

• Helsinki Art Museum HAM

• Helsinki City Museum

• Natural History Museum

• Sinebrychoff Art Museum

Churches

• Helsinki Cathedral

• Kamppi Chapel

• Temppeliaukio – “Rock” Church

• Uspenski Cathedral