2-Day Helsinki Itinerary: Sightseeing and Nightlife Extravaganza
Helsinki, Finland
2 days
About Helsinki, Finland
Helsinki, the vibrant seaside capital of Finland, is a city of beautiful islands and great green parks. Its modern architecture, cutting-edge design, and high-tech achievements blend seamlessly with its rich history and traditional Finnish culture. Visit the iconic Helsinki Cathedral, explore the Suomenlinna Sea Fortress, or immerse yourself in Finnish art at the Ateneum. Helsinki's culinary scene is a fusion of traditional and contemporary, with a focus on fresh, local ingredients. The city also offers a variety of shopping experiences, from local boutiques to international brands. In winter, enjoy the magical Christmas markets or try ice-swimming, while summer brings endless daylight and outdoor festivals. Helsinki, a city that effortlessly combines nature and urban life, is a destination that offers something for everyone.
2-Day Itinerary
Day 2
Experiencing the Local Culture and History of Helsinki
Morning
Visit the Market Square, where you can buy fresh Finnish food and souvenirs. The market is located by the sea in the heart of the city, and it's a great place to experience the local culture.
Lunch
Have lunch in a cozy café or restaurant near the market. Try some Finnish rye bread or a salmon sandwich, and don't forget to have a cup of Finnish coffee.
Afternoon
Spend your afternoon at the National Museum of Finland, where you can learn about the country's history from prehistoric times to the present.
Dinner
Enjoy a fine dining experience in one of Helsinki's top restaurants. Finnish cuisine is a unique blend of traditional and modern flavors, so be sure to try some local dishes.
Evening
End your trip with a visit to a traditional Finnish Sauna. It's a quintessential Finnish experience that you shouldn't miss.
Attractions in Itinerary (5)
1Helsinki Cathedral
Helsinki Cathedral is a beautiful Lutheran church located in the center of the city. It's one of the most iconic landmarks in Helsinki with its distinctive white facade and green domes.
2Suomenlinna Sea Fortress
Suomenlinna Sea Fortress is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Finland's most popular tourist attractions. It's a cultural treasure that consists of museums, restaurants, and events.
3Market Square
Market Square is a central square in Helsinki where vendors sell fresh Finnish food and souvenirs. It's a great place to experience Finnish culture and cuisine.
4National Museum of Finland
The National Museum of Finland presents Finnish history from the Stone Age to the present day, through objects and cultural history.
5Finnish Sauna
Sauna is an essential part of Finnish culture. There are public saunas in Helsinki where you can experience a traditional Finnish sauna. Some saunas also offer services such as a bar or restaurant.
Local Food and Drinks (12)
Karjalanpiirakka
A traditional Finnish dish, Karjalanpiirakka is a rye crust pastry filled with rice porridge. It's a popular snack in Helsinki, often enjoyed with egg butter.
Korvapuusti
A Finnish cinnamon roll, Korvapuusti is a sweet pastry that's a favorite among locals and tourists in Helsinki. It's typically served with coffee.
Salmiakki
Salmiakki is a type of Finnish licorice that's flavored with ammonium chloride for a salty, tangy taste. It's a popular candy in Helsinki.
Leipäjuusto
Also known as 'Finnish squeaky cheese', Leipäjuusto is a fresh cheese traditionally made from cow's beestings. It's often served with cloudberry jam in Helsinki.
Ruisleipä
Ruisleipä, or Finnish rye bread, is a staple food in Helsinki. It's dense, dark, and slightly sour, often served with butter and cheese.
Kalakukko
A traditional Finnish dish, Kalakukko is a fish pie made from rye flour and filled with fish, pork, and bacon. It's a hearty meal often enjoyed in Helsinki.
Poronkäristys
Poronkäristys is a traditional Finnish dish made from sautéed reindeer. It's a popular dish in Helsinki, often served with mashed potatoes and lingonberries.
Mustikkapiirakka
Mustikkapiirakka is a Finnish blueberry pie. It's a popular dessert in Helsinki, often enjoyed with a dollop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
Lohikeitto
Lohikeitto is a creamy Finnish salmon soup. It's a popular dish in Helsinki, especially during the colder months.
Karelian Hot Pot
Karelian Hot Pot is a traditional Finnish stew made with beef, pork, and sometimes lamb. It's a hearty meal often enjoyed in Helsinki.
Long Drink
Long Drink is a Finnish mixed drink made from gin and grapefruit soda. It's a popular alcoholic beverage in Helsinki.
Sima
Sima is a Finnish homemade fermented lemonade. It's a popular non-alcoholic beverage in Helsinki, especially during the Vappu festival.
Best time to visit
The best time to visit Helsinki, Finland as a tourist is during the summer months, from June to August. During this period, the city experiences its warmest weather, with temperatures averaging around 20-25 degrees Celsius (68-77 degrees Fahrenheit). This is also the time of the Midnight Sun, where daylight can last up to 19 hours a day, giving you plenty of time to explore. Additionally, many of Helsinki's popular events and festivals, such as the Helsinki Festival and Flow Festival, take place during the summer. However, if you're interested in winter activities like skiing or witnessing the Northern Lights, you might prefer to visit between December and March.
National holidays
Here you can find the national calendar of all public holidays for the year. These dates are subject to change as official changes are announced, so check back regularly for updates.
| Date | Day | Holiday Name |
|---|---|---|
January 1 | Mon | New Year's Day |
January 6 | Sat | Epiphany |
March 29 | Fri | Good Friday |
April 1 | Mon | Easter Monday |
May 1 | Wed | May Day |
May 9 | Thu | Ascension Day |
June 21 | Fri | Midsummer Eve |
June 22 | Sat | Midsummer |
November 2 | Sat | All Saints' Day |
December 6 | Fri | Independence Day |
December 24 | Tue | Christmas Eve |
December 25 | Wed | Christmas Day |
December 26 | Thu | Boxing Day |
How to get around
Public Transportation
Helsinki has a comprehensive public transportation system that includes buses, trams, metro, and ferries. The Helsinki Region Transport (HSL) provides services within the city and its surrounding areas. Tickets can be purchased from ticket machines, online, or via the HSL app.
City Bikes
Helsinki's city bike share program is a popular and eco-friendly way to get around. The bikes can be rented for a day, a week, or the entire season. They are available from early spring to late autumn.
Ridesharing
Ridesharing services like Uber are available in Helsinki. This can be a convenient option for getting around, especially if you're traveling in a group or have a lot of luggage.
Taxi
Taxis are readily available in Helsinki. They can be hailed on the street, booked in advance, or picked up from taxi stands located around the city.
Car Rental
Renting a car can be a good option if you plan to travel outside of Helsinki. However, parking can be expensive in the city center, and traffic can be heavy during peak hours.
Ferry
Ferries are a fun and scenic way to get around. They operate between the city center and the islands in the Helsinki archipelago, including the popular Suomenlinna Sea Fortress.
Tram
Trams are a convenient way to get around the city center. Helsinki's tram network is extensive and reliable, and it's a great way to see the city's main sights.
Walk
Helsinki is a compact city, and many of its main attractions are within walking distance of each other. Walking is a pleasant way to get around, especially in the summer months.
Cycle
Helsinki is a bike-friendly city with an extensive network of bike lanes and paths. Bikes can be rented from various locations around the city.
Train
The local train network is a quick and efficient way to travel between Helsinki and its surrounding areas. The main train station, Helsinki Central, is a major transport hub.
Important information
Currency€ EUR
Time zoneUTC+2
Driving sideRight
Emergency phone112
Drinking waterYes
Power sockets
Voltage230 V
Things to know about Helsinki, Finland as a first time visitor
1
The official languages of Helsinki are Finnish and Swedish, but English is widely spoken.
2
Finland uses the Euro (€) as its currency.
3
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in Helsinki, even for small purchases.
4
Tipping is not customary in Finland, as service charges are included in the bill.
5
Helsinki is known for its cleanliness and safety, but like any city, it's important to stay vigilant, especially at night.
6
The city has an efficient public transportation system, including trams, buses, and a metro system.
7
Helsinki has a cold climate. In winter (December to February), temperatures can drop to -4°F to 23°F (-20°C to -5°C). In summer (June to August), temperatures range from 50°F to 71°F (10°C to 22°C).
8
Helsinki is a very walkable city with many pedestrian-only streets.
9
Finland uses the Type F electrical plug, so you may need an adapter if your devices use a different type.
10
Helsinki is in the Eastern European Time Zone (EET), which is 2 hours ahead of Coordinated Universal Time (UTC+2).
11
Tap water in Helsinki is of high quality and safe to drink.
12
Helsinki has a strong coffee culture, with many cafes throughout the city.
13
Smoking is banned in all indoor public places and on public transportation in Helsinki.
14
The city has a strong commitment to sustainability, with many eco-friendly initiatives and options for tourists.
15
Helsinki has a vibrant nightlife, with many bars, clubs, and live music venues.
16
Finnish people value punctuality, so it's important to be on time for any appointments or reservations.
17
Helsinki has a variety of shopping options, from high-end boutiques to local markets.
18
The city is known for its design culture, with many shops and galleries dedicated to Finnish design.
19
Helsinki has a diverse food scene, with many restaurants offering traditional Finnish cuisine as well as international options.
20
Public restrooms may charge a small fee, so it's a good idea to keep some coins on hand.
Basic Finnish to know as a first time visitor
English phrase | Native phrase | Pronunciation | When to use it |
|---|---|---|---|
Hello | Hei | hay | Greeting someone |
Goodbye | Näkemiin | nak-eh-meen | Leaving or saying goodbye |
Please | Ole hyvä | oh-leh hoo-vah | Making a request |
Thank you | Kiitos | kee-tos | Expressing gratitude |
Yes | Kyllä | kuu-lla | Agreeing or confirming |
No | Ei | ay | Disagreeing or denying |
Excuse me | Anteeksi | an-teek-see | Getting attention or apologizing |
I'm sorry | Olen pahoillani | oh-len pah-hoy-lah-nee | Apologizing |
Do you speak English? | Puhutko englantia? | poo-hoot-ko eng-lan-tee-ah | Trying to communicate |
I don't understand | En ymmärrä | en yuh-mah-rah | Having difficulty understanding |
Help | Apua | ah-poo-ah | In emergencies |
Bathroom | WC | vee-see | Looking for a restroom |
Where is...? | Missä on...? | mis-sah on | Asking for directions |
How much does it cost? | Paljonko se maksaa? | pal-yon-ko se mak-saa | Shopping or dining |
Can I have the bill, please? | Voinko saada laskun, kiitos? | voy-nko saa-da las-kun, kee-tos | At a restaurant |
Cheers | Kippis | kip-pis | Toasting at a meal or bar |
Good morning | Hyvää huomenta | hoo-vaa huo-men-ta | Greeting in the morning |
Good night | Hyvää yötä | hoo-vaa yoo-ta | Saying goodbye or going to bed |
I love you | Minä rakastan sinua | mi-na ra-kas-tan si-nu-a | Expressing affection |
Nice to meet you | Mukava tavata | moo-ka-va ta-va-ta | Meeting someone for the first time |
Packing List
Clothing
Thermal underwear
Warm socks
Insulated boots
Winter coat
Gloves
Scarf
Hat
Sweaters
Casual outfits for 2 days
Sleepwear
Underwear
Swimsuit (for sauna)
Toiletries
Toothbrush and toothpaste
Deodorant
Shampoo and conditioner
Body wash
Face wash
Moisturizer
Razor
Makeup
Prescription medications
First aid kit
Travel documents and essentials
Passport
Driver's license
Credit and debit cards
Cash in local currency
Travel insurance documents
Hotel and transportation reservation confirmations
Emergency contacts and addresses
Electronics and gadgets
Smartphone
Charger
Power bank
Headphones
Camera
Laptop (if needed)
Universal travel adapter
Miscellaneous items
Travel pillow
Eye mask
Ear plugs
Snacks
Water bottle
Books or e-reader
Travel guide and map
Umbrella
Hand warmers
Weather Conditions
When visiting Helsinki, Finland, it's important to be prepared for a wide range of weather conditions, as the city experiences distinct seasons throughout the year. In the winter months, from December to February, Helsinki can be quite cold, with temperatures often dropping below freezing. Expect average temperatures to range from -6°C to -1°C (21°F to 30°F). Snow is common, so pack warm clothing, including a heavy coat, gloves, a hat, and boots. If you're planning to explore the outdoors, consider thermal layers to keep you warm. Spring, from March to May, sees a gradual warming with temperatures ranging from 0°C to 10°C (32°F to 50°F). It's a good idea to pack layers, as the weather can still be quite chilly, especially in the early spring. Summer, from June to August, is the warmest season in Helsinki. Temperatures typically range from 15°C to 21°C (59°F to 70°F). While it's generally warm, it's advisable to pack a light jacket or sweater for cooler evenings. Don't forget your sunglasses, as Helsinki experiences long hours of daylight in the summer, with the sun setting as late as 10:30 PM. Autumn, from September to November, can be quite cool and wet. Temperatures generally range from 3°C to 10°C (37°F to 50°F). It's a good idea to pack a waterproof jacket and umbrella, as rain is common during this season. Regardless of when you visit, it's always a good idea to check the forecast before your trip so you can pack accordingly. Helsinki's weather can be unpredictable, so it's best to be prepared for a variety of conditions.
| Month | Hi / Lo (°C) | Weather Overview |
|---|---|---|
January | -3° / -7° | January is the coldest month in Helsinki, with temperatures often dropping below freezing. It's a great time for winter sports, but make sure to pack warm clothing. |
February | -2° / -7° | February is still very cold, with plenty of snowfall. It's a good time for winter activities, but be prepared for short daylight hours. |
March | 2° / -4° | March sees the beginning of spring, with temperatures slowly rising. However, it can still be quite cold, especially at night. |
April | 8° / 1° | April is a transitional month, with temperatures varying. Snow can still occur, but it's also possible to have warmer, sunnier days. |
May | 15° / 6° | May is the start of the warmer season, with longer daylight hours. The city starts to bloom and outdoor activities become more enjoyable. |
June | 20° / 11° | June is a pleasant month with the longest days of the year. It's a great time to explore the city and enjoy outdoor events. |
July | 22° / 14° | July is the warmest month in Helsinki, with plenty of sunshine. It's the perfect time for sightseeing and visiting the city's beaches. |
August | 20° / 13° | August is still warm, but with shorter days. It's a good time to visit parks and enjoy the city's festivals. |
September | 16° / 9° | September marks the beginning of autumn, with cooler temperatures and changing foliage. It's a good time for hiking and enjoying the natural beauty of the city. |
October | 10° / 4° | October is a cool month with shorter days. It's a good time to visit museums and indoor attractions, as the weather can be unpredictable. |
November | 5° / 0° | November is a cold month, with the first snowfall often occurring. It's a good time for indoor activities and early winter events. |
December | 1° / -4° | December is a festive month, with Christmas markets and lights. It's cold and snowy, so pack warm clothing and enjoy the winter wonderland. |
Did you know?
Places near by Helsinki, Finland
Porvoo
Historic town with well-preserved wooden houses
Nuuksio National Park
A national park with marked trails, camping areas and lakes
Turku
A city with a medieval castle, cathedral and a lively market square
Tampere
A city known for its industrial heritage and modern art scene
Hämeenlinna
A city with a medieval castle, Aulanko nature reserve and Sibelius birthplace
Lahti
A city known for its winter sports centers and Sibelius Hall
Fiskars Village
A historic ironworks village turned into a center for Finnish art and design
Tallinn
Estonia's capital on the Baltic Sea, known for its preserved Old Town
Kotka
A city known for its maritime heritage and beautiful parks
Naantali
A town known for the Moomin World theme park and a beautiful old town
