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Helsinki, Finland

Helsinki Cathedral

Introduction

Helsinki is the capital of Finland.

Where You're Docked

Large ships are docked at two possible piers southwest of city, Hernesaari (LHC & LHB) or West Harbour (LV7 & LMA). Smaller ships can dock much closer to the city at South Harbour (EKL, EPL, & EO1) or Katajanokka (ERA & ERB) relatively close to Market Square. If a shuttle is offered, it may drop off at the western end of the esplanade near the main road Mannerheimintie. The Local Transportation section provides information on getting to the city center on public transport.

• Port schedule here https://goo.gl/bLumJB
• Port maps and info here https://goo.gl/ktsGgP

Port Map

Money and Tipping

Unlike its Scandivian neighbours, Finland's currency is the Euro (EUR). A small tip (5-10%) is not expected but appreciated when dining in restaurants or taking a taxi. Like other European countries, credit cards are widely accepted though most automated kiosks may require chip and pin.

Local Transportation

Helsinki has an excellent tram and bus network. An AB zone ticket covering the city center is €2.80 and valid for 80 minutes of travel and can be purchased on either the mobile app or ticket machine. A day pass is €8 (Jun 2021). Helsinki Transport website https://www.hsl.fi/en

If docked at Hernesaari, you can walk to Eiranranta tram stop (20 min walk, line extended Apr 2021) on the number 6 line which will take you to Erottaja at the western end of the Esplanade. Alternatively, you can take bus 14 to Bulevardi which is a couple of blocks west of the esplanade. Exit the pier area walking straight towards the main street. The bus stop will be to your right on Hernesaarenranta and is marked on google maps.

If docked at Western Quay, walk 10 minutes east to Länsiterminaali (terminal for ferries to Tallinn) where you can take tram 7 to Rautatieasema (central train station) or Senaatintori (Senate Square). Tickets can be bought from the machine outside next to the tram stop. The machine accepts cash, coins and credit cards with a chip. Tram routes were changed in 2017. https://goo.gl/DjRVUK

Hotels

Search hotels in Helsinki here

Day in Helsinki

Starting at the end of the esplanade, take a walk through which will lead you to Market Square. Grab a bite to eat here or do some souvenir shopping. Head north one block over to Senate Square where you can climb the steps to take a look at the Helsinki Cathedral. Two blocks to the east is the Russian Cathedral if you're not churched out. Head back to Senate Square and walk west along Aleksanterinkatu. There are lots of stores and restaurants in this area. Turn right before the main road to check out the railway station. Your next stop, the Rock Church, is a bit hard to find so you'll need a map. It is about 3/4 of a mile away almost directly west. You can walk or take tram 1 or 2 to stop Sammonkatu from Ylioppilatalo (by Stockmann Department Store headed north).

From Market Square, you can also take the ferry to Suomenlinna Island.

If you have time, you can take a bus or tram to see the Sibelius Monument since it is more difficult to get to. Take tram 4 or 10 to Toolonhalli but you will need to walk a bit to reach the park. You can also take bus 24 from Mannerheimintie.

Google maps has accurate directions on public transit for Helsinki.

Shopping & Restaurants

There is a big department store, Stockmann at the western end of the esplanade on Mannerheiminte. There is a supermarket in the basement. Mannerheiminte has several malls including shops in the bus station. The main shopping area is betweeen the esplanade and train station east of Stockmann and has lots of shops and restaurants.

Post Office

The main post office is located in the large building directly west of central railway station.

Internet

Restaurants and cafes may have free Internet as well as the two McDonald's in the city center.

The city of Helsinki offers a free WLAN-service for residents and travelers alike. No passwords or registration required. Just look for "Helsinki City Open WLAN" from the available networks. Map of hotspots here.

Been Here Before

Take a ferry from market square to Suomenlinna fortress. The ferry is covered with the zone AB day pass from Helsinki Transport. http://www.suomenlinna.fi/en/

Maps

City Center

Tram Route Map

https://www.hsl.fi/en/timetables-and-routes/routemaps

There is an excellent pdf map in the Helsinki Card guidebook which can be downloaded here - https://www.helsinkicard.com/

Weather

Helsinki Weather Forecast

Climate and weather http://www.visithelsinki.fi/en/come/welcome-helsinki/climate-and-weather-in-helsinki

Suggested Port Guides

• Saint Petersburg
• Warnemunde
• Tallinn
• Stockholm

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