Getting to know Helsinki
Ellemay
Frequent visitor.
Mar 23, 2009
based on 7 votes
We have visited Helsinki many times due to business, we have always found it be a very appealing city with amble attractions to keep any tourist active and interested.
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Explore locations featured in this Traveler List:
Helsinki, Porvoo
- Category: Best of
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Traveler type: Culture, Sightseeing, Shopping, Active/Outdoors, Never been before, Theater
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Appeals to: Business travelers, Couples/romantics, Honeymooners, Singles, Families with small children, Families with teenagers, Large groups, Seniors, Students, Budget travelers, Active/adventure, Tourists
- Seasons: Spring, Summer, Fall
- Tags:
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Helsinki is a wonderful mixture of Baltic influences with a classy European ambience and a stunning harbour with its archipelago of islands nestled within and outside the harbour.
Helsinki is well known for its fabulous Art Nouveau buildings, which are located around the main city regions. It's fascinating to note that Helsinki has relevantly low rise skyline which makes the city more attractive and striking |
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2. Tours - Helsinki Card.
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There many tours to do whilst in Helsinki, it's a fabulous place for tourist's , there's a huge variety and diversity of sightseeing and attractions. The best option for getting around is buying the Helsinki Card which gives you free admission into over 40 attractions and also free travel.
You can buy the card at the local tourist information centre or at most hotels, maps and discount coupons are also supplied.
Free entry to all major attractions.
Free travel and entry to Suomenlinna Sea Fortress
Unlimited free travel on public transport
Free travel to the zoo and entry.
Free maps and general information
Free bus tour of Helsinki.
30% discount on the airport bus.
You can buy a Helsinki card for 1, 2, or 3 days. A day pass is valid for 24 hours.
Costs 33Euro for one day. 43Euro for 2 days 53Euro for 3 days.
This is a great way to save money if visiting Helsinki for more than one day.
You can also book online www.helsinkiexpert.fi |
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3. Hop on / Hop Off - Getting around.
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The open top deck hop on/off bus runs tours around the city in summer time and is well worth doing to learn some of the local history. It departs at Senate Square. The open top hop on/ hop off bus tours around Helsinki taking in the major attractions such as Kiasma, Temppeliaukio Church, Sibelius monument, Olympic Stadium, Lasipalatsi, The Flea Market, cafe Ursula and others.
Its well worth your effort to do this tour as you just about see everything of Helsinki. For a stop off I highly recommend Cafe Ursula for lunch.
Costs - Adult 24Euro Child 10Euro.
You can also buy the bus and boat combination.
Departs from Senate Square daily between the months of June - September every 45 minutes.
Helsinki Public Transport consists of Buses / Trams / Trains and Ferries. |
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Flying from Australia into Europe can be difficult if you hate Heathrow Airport (we do), so having Helsinki as our base into Europe is fabulous. We love it, as its a small airport and everything goes accordingly to plan. We are usually out within 30 minutes and there are plenty of taxis waiting. I know there are other alternatives regarding transport into the CBD but to us why bother when everything is so easy.
The airport lies 20kms north of Helsinki. Costs approx 30 Euro's.
Helsinki Airport is one of our favourite airports in the world, we hate huge complicated mind- bending airports such as Heathrow, Miami, or Bangkok. (just to name a few).
Cars can be hired at the airport, the most popular being Europcar and Hertz |
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This wonderful market place is located on the waterfront and is the real hub or focal point of Helsinki. The array of fish stalls is clearly a visual delight, here locals and tourists come to buy fish, vegetables and fruit. There are also small stalls selling local handicraft and food.
This is a absolutely fabulous place to stroll around and the food on display is amazing, you can find just about anything here including reindeer, various weird and wonderful meat, cheese's and small-goods.
Its also a place to pick up a take-away lunch if you are thinking of having a picnic in one of Helsinki's stunning parks
Most of the island and canal cruises leave from the market square. You will find many different tour operators offering excellent variety of tours. |
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6. Suomenlinna Island and Fortress
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This is Helsinki famous attraction, all ferries and cruises to the island operate from Market Place. Suomenlinna island is open all year round. Some services are open also during winter. No entrance fee for the island. Use your Helsinki card for the ferry.
It is one of the world's sea fortresses and has been placed on the World Hertiage List.
Boat trips leave from the waterfront at Market Square . Guided tours are available with English speaking guide at 11.00am and 14.00pm. Swedish at 12.00 and in Finnish 13.00 and 15.00. |
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The Neo-classical Senate Square in Helsinki is a rare mixture of Russian and Finnish architecture; it's a striking large square with the Lutheran Cathedral, located on the north side, dominating the Square. On the eastern side of the Square is the Council of State building, the former Imperial Senate. In the centre of the Square stands a statue of Tsar Alexander II. The square is used today to hold many concerts and parades. Many tourists gather here to take their photos, its also a great meeting place for the locals |
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Kaivopuisto park is located on the waterfront and is a fabulous park to cycle, jog or walk through, it meanders alongside the water's edge and passes some divine buildings and cafe's. Its really a must do on your list. |
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Esplanade Park is a gorgeous tree-line avenue with plenty of cafe's and restaurants. The avenue runs down to Market Square. It's a lovely stroll through the park, especially admiring all the Neo-Renaissance buildings, Hotel Kamp being the" icon" building. The Esplanade is my favourite place in Helsinki, and I always love to have coffee here and watch the locals parading past. |
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10. Museum Of Comtemporary Art.
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For those who love the Arts, the Museum of Contemporary Art shows special exhibitions and displays. The Kiasma Theatre's programme includes dance and drama mixed with performances of music, film , movies and everything associated with the arts.
I find the Finnish people to be incredibily artistic, innovative, imaginative and original displaying an remarkable level of creativity with everything they produce. I particularly like Finnish furniture and design. (chic and modern). |
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11. Helsinki City Museum (Helsingin Kaupunginmuseo)
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| There are so many wonderful museums, buildings and monuments to visit in Helsinki, one could spend hours, days, weeks going through all of them. Just use your Helsinki card to visit any of these wonderful attractions. For museum lovers, then your in your a little piece of heaven. |
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There are plenty of restaurants in Helsinki to cater for any tourists. I have listed a few which I found to be excellent.
Sasso - Classy Italian opposite the tourist info center at Market Square.
Fishmarket - Seafood - Below Sasso Restaurant.
Katajanokan Kasino - Fabulous location with beautiful outdoor cafe/terrace.
Sundmans - opposite the Old Market Mall
Kappeli - Esplanade Park - cafe.
Cafe Kamp - Hotel Kamp.
Cafe Ursula - seaside cafe at Kaivopuisto Park |
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Helsinki has plenty of top night spots to visit. I have just listed a few.
Nightclub Soho
Arctic Icebar
Presidentti Club.
Storyville - Jazz to Blues.
Studio51.
Grand Casino
Helsinki Club. |
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Helsinki has two major department stores Stockmann and Sokos. Both offer an array of clothes, shoes etc.etc... Just near Hotel Kamp is another upmarket arcade called Kamp Gallery where one can find designer labels here. |
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15. Radisson SAS Plaza Hotel Helsinki - my reviews on TA. 2007.
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Ave price:
$205
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The Radisson is situated in the heart of Helsinki, close to the railways station and the casino and approx 10min walk to the waterfront.
Room - Our room 680 was called Business Class, it was very small with a huge king size bed which basically took up the whole room, although it was extremely comfortable with a good selection of pillows.
Overall - We found the staff to be excellent and the facilities good, however I would prefer to stay at SAS Seaside or Hotel Kamp. There is nothing wrong with this hotel, we just prefer larger rooms with more space. |
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16. Scandic Grand Marina - July 2007 Trip
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Ave price:
$158
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The hotel is ideally situated five minutes walk from the market square and the waterfront. The hotel history goes back to 1911 when it was formally a warehouse. It now also houses the hotel and across the road the Marina Congress Centre where most conferences are held in Helsinki. The hotel is mostly used by business people and tour coach buses. It?s a 3 star hotel due to limited staff services but looks and is more like a 4 star hotel.
The hotel is excellent for a 3 star hotel which caters for the bus tourists that flood the hotel everyday. I found it slightly impersonal although we did enjoy our stay. I have stayed at numerous hotels in Helsinki and I do prefer others especially Hotel Kamp for location and comfort. |
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17. Hotel Kamp - Review on TA - June 2006 Trip
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Ave price:
$320
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The Hotel Kamp is a member of the Starwood Luxury Collection Hotels, and is situated in a lovely cobble street in the heart of the CBD. The hotel dates back to the 1800?s and the building oozes charm and character. The foyer is grand and luxurious elegantly furnished in period furniture. The doorman, porter and front desk staff were very friendly and helpful.
The positive aspects is the location, you are situated in the main part of town, next door is an arcade and the street is filled with lovely boutique stores and cafes. It is one block away from the waterfront and a five minute walk to the casino and railway station |
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18. Hilton Helsinki Kalastajatorppa - Sept 2006 Trip
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Ave price:
$197
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The airport is situated 20mins away and costs approx Euro 35. The CBD is about 1km away and can be reached by taxi or catching the number 4 tram which stops approx 150meters away from the hotel, just near the public beach. You can buy a special pass in the city which you can use for trams, rail and ferries.
This hotel is situated on the waterfront with outstanding views of the water and parkland gardens. The best position is on the Seaside wing. The hotel has a variety of facilities such as an indoor swimming pool, private sauna rooms, own private small beach. Gym, tennis courts, jogging tracks and a large conference business centre. A golf course is close by.
Our room 507 was of standard size with king size bed, TV, pay movies, internet wireless connection.The windows are very large with good views but cannot be opened. (Due to the winter season).
I have given this hotel a five star rating due to its waterfront position and close proximity to the airport. |
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19. Radisson SAS Seaside Hotel - June 2005 Trip
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Ave price:
$195
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. Our room 408 is just delightful.Its large and super modern, amazing lights,slimline couches in white..very chic!! It just has a great feel to it...very stylish.
Must Do: Hire private sauna room on top floor. Its very expensive but "wow" you will have a fabulous time.The two hours was enough time to experience the Finnish way of life.You have the whole top floor to yourself and can sip a glass of vino overloking the harbour. A must do for the romantics!!!
Overall Raddison by the sea is fabulous, a little out of town but just catch the tram 6 it takes 5mins. |
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20. Tallinn. - 2008 Trip.
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To visit Tallinn you can choose between a guided tour or a self day tour. Visiting Tallinn can be done in a day. Nordic Jet ferries operate just near Grand Marina Hotel. For a guided tour bookings can be booked at the Tour shop opposite Market Square or at the Railway Station. You must check to see whether you need a visa to enter Estonia and a passport is required before entry into Tallinn. Taxis's are available at the port or you can easily walk- approx 10mins.
Tip- If travelling with Nordic Jet, for a little extra cost for a business class ticket, you get a free meal and drinks...basically what you would pay for enonomy...there is aan absolutely fab duty free shop on board, which has a great collection of everything. Its better than the duty free airport......
www.helsinkiexpert.fi for more info and details. |
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Porvoo is situated just off the E18 highway and is approximately about 40 minutes drive away from Helsinki. You can also reach this village by taking a cruise from Helsinki harbour on the Royal Line ferry Katerina. Its a great way to see Helsinki archipelago.The boat departs from Market Square in Helsinki.
We visited this quaint village for business and had a chance to stroll around the Old Porvoo on foot. It is the second oldest city in Finland settled around the 13th century. There are plenty of interesting buildings to see especially the Porvoo Catherdral which has a history of hard times. (just recently it was burnt by some local youths)and is under construction.
There are walking tours available which operates from Porvoo river in front of the m/s J.L. Runeberg sign. Tours are available in English, Swedish and Finnish.
For a great cup of coffee go to Porvoo Coffee Roastery which is located beside the shore houses. It has excellent views and the building is gorgeous, and so is the coffee.
This village takes approx one - two hours to stroll through, the best part are the quaint riverfront shore houses which are painted in red ochre. For pictures just click onto my profile.
This is a lovely way to end your sight-seeing of Helsinki but it is touristy. I highly recommend you take the river cruise, as the highway is rather boring and Helsinki harbour is delightful. |
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We found English is fluently spoken almost everywhere in Helsinki and if there is a problem the Finns are very helpful, delightful and polite and will rush around trying to find someone who can. Finnish - the national language with Swedish, German and others commonly spoken. |
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The standard european adapter is used (two round pins). 220V AC 50Hz. We always carry a variety of adaptors whilst travelling...its amazing how many times you use different styles. |
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There are plenty of ATM (OTTO) machines around the city and in most hotels. ATM accept cards with Cirrus, mastercard and visas. We found most cards were accepted in Helsinki. At the airport an exchange counter is available. ATM card is really the way to go. The Finnish currency is the Euro |
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Compliment Ellemay
