5-Day Family Christmas Adventure in Helsinki, Finland
Helsinki, Finland
5 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.
5-Day Itinerary
Day 2
Exploration of Suomenlinna Sea Fortress and St. Thomas Christmas Market
Morning
Begin your day with a visit to the Suomenlinna Sea Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage site. It's a cultural treasure which construction began in the mid-18th century.
Lunch
Have lunch in a restaurant located in Suomenlinna, offering traditional Finnish cuisine.
Afternoon
After lunch, continue exploring Suomenlinna. Visit the Suomenlinna Museum to learn more about the history of the fortress.
Dinner
Return to the city center and have dinner in a restaurant offering a variety of Finnish and international dishes.
Evening
Spend the evening at the St. Thomas Christmas Market in Esplanade Park. It's a smaller market compared to the one in Senate Square but offers a more intimate and cozy atmosphere.
Day 3
Visit to Seurasaari Open-Air Museum and Natural History Museum of Helsinki
Morning
Start your day with a visit to the Seurasaari Open-Air Museum, where you can see Finnish countryside and learn about Finnish folk traditions.
Lunch
Enjoy a traditional Finnish lunch in a restaurant located in the city center.
Afternoon
After lunch, visit the Natural History Museum of Helsinki. It's a great place for families, with exhibits on Finnish and foreign animals, the history of life on earth, and the development of the human species.
Dinner
Have dinner in a family-friendly restaurant offering a variety of Finnish and international dishes.
Evening
Spend the evening at the Allas Sea Pool, a large outdoor pool complex located in the heart of Helsinki. It's a great place to relax and enjoy the beautiful views of the city.
Day 4
Exploration of Helsinki Zoo and Helsinki Ice Park
Morning
Begin your day with a visit to the Helsinki Zoo, located on Korkeasaari Island. It's one of the oldest zoos in the world and home to about 200 different animal species and 1000 plant species.
Lunch
Have lunch in a restaurant located in Korkeasaari, offering traditional Finnish cuisine.
Afternoon
After lunch, continue exploring the Helsinki Zoo. Don't miss the chance to see the Bornean orangutans, snow leopards and Amur tigers.
Dinner
Return to the city center and have dinner in a restaurant offering a variety of Finnish and international dishes.
Evening
Spend the evening at the Helsinki Ice Park, located next to the Railway Station. It's a great place for ice-skating and enjoying the festive atmosphere.
Day 5
Visit to Sibelius Monument and Finnish Museum of Natural History
Morning
Start your day with a visit to the Sibelius Monument, dedicated to the Finnish composer Jean Sibelius. The monument is located in the Sibelius Park.
Lunch
Enjoy a traditional Finnish lunch in a restaurant located in the city center.
Afternoon
After lunch, visit the Finnish Museum of Natural History. It's a great place for families, with exhibits on Finnish and foreign animals, the history of life on earth, and the development of the human species.
Dinner
Have dinner in a family-friendly restaurant offering a variety of Finnish and international dishes.
Evening
End your trip with a visit to the Helsinki Christmas Market at Senate Square. It's a great place to buy some last-minute souvenirs and enjoy the festive atmosphere.
Attractions in Itinerary (12)
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.
2Linnanmäki Amusement Park
A popular amusement park with a range of rides and games.
3Helsinki Christmas Market
The Helsinki Christmas Market is a festive event that takes place in the heart of the city. It features a variety of stalls selling handmade crafts, food, and drinks.
4Suomenlinna 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.
5Suomenlinna Museum
The Suomenlinna Museum is located in the historic Suomenlinna sea fortress in Helsinki, Finland. It provides a comprehensive overview of the history of the fortress and its inhabitants.
6Seurasaari Open-Air Museum
Seurasaari Open-Air Museum is an island museum in Helsinki, showcasing the traditional Finnish way of life displayed in the cottages, farmsteads and manors of the past four centuries that have been relocated from all around Finland.
7Natural History Museum of Helsinki
The Natural History Museum of Helsinki is a museum that showcases a variety of natural history exhibits. It features collections of fossils, minerals, and animal specimens.
8Allas Sea Pool
Allas Sea Pool is a unique attraction in Helsinki, offering visitors the chance to swim in a pool filled with filtered sea water. The complex also includes saunas, wellness services, and a café.
9Helsinki Zoo
Helsinki Zoo is home to 150 animal species and almost 1000 plant species that show the diversity of nature. It is one of the few zoos located on an island. It is the perfect place to visit due to its natural environment, animals and history.
10Helsinki Ice Park
Helsinki Ice Park is an outdoor ice skating park located in the heart of the city. It offers a fun and active way to enjoy the winter season.
11Sibelius Monument
The Sibelius Monument is a sculpture dedicated to the Finnish composer Jean Sibelius. It's located in the district of Töölö and is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Helsinki.
12Finnish Museum of Natural History
The Finnish Museum of Natural History is a must-visit for anyone interested in the natural world. It offers a comprehensive look at Finland's natural history, from prehistoric times to the present, with a focus on the country's unique flora and fauna.
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 sweaters
Waterproof jacket
Waterproof pants
Warm socks
Comfortable walking shoes
Gloves
Scarf
Beanie
Pajamas
Underwear
Swimsuit (for sauna)
Toiletries
Toothbrush
Toothpaste
Deodorant
Shampoo and conditioner
Body wash
Razor
Shaving cream
Makeup
Makeup remover
Moisturizer
Sunscreen
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 flight booking confirmations
Emergency contacts and addresses
Map of Helsinki
Electronics and gadgets
Smartphone
Charger for smartphone
Power bank
Headphones
Laptop and charger
Camera and charger
Memory cards for camera
Universal power adapter
Miscellaneous items
Reusable water bottle
Snacks
Travel pillow
Earplugs
Eye mask
Books or e-books
Travel guide for Helsinki
Umbrella
Hand sanitizer
Tissues
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
