Helsinki 2 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Exploring Central Helsinki

Morning:

  • Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Kauppahalli Market, try local dishes like salmon and rye bread. (Address: Kanavaranta 1, 00130 Helsinki)
  • Visit Senate Square and see the Helsinki Cathedral. (Address: Lutherinkatu 6, 00170 Helsinki)

Mid-Morning:

  • Head to Temppeliaukio Church, also known as the Rock Church, a unique church carved out of solid rock. (Address: Lutherinkatu 3, 00170 Helsinki)

Lunch:

  • Lunch at Ravintola Laht na Kylmyys, offering traditional Finnish dishes with a modern twist. (Address: Pohjoinen Rautatiekatu 9, 00530 Helsinki)

Afternoon:

  • Visit the Design Museum to learn about Finnish design history. (Address: Korkeskatu 2, 00130 Helsinki)
  • Explore the Kampala District, known for its trendy cafes, boutiques, and art galleries.

Evening:

  • Dinner at Olo, a Michelin-starred restaurant offering modern Finnish cuisine. (Address: Kanavaranta 1, 00130 Helsinki)
  • Enjoy a stroll along Esplanadi Park.

Night:

  • End your day with a visit to Lönnrotinkatu, known for its vibrant nightlife.

Day 2: Discovering Helsinki’s Islands and Nature

Morning:

  • Take a ferry to Suomenlinna Sea Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. (Ferry departs from Kauppatori Market)
  • Spend the morning exploring the fortress, its museums, and beautiful sea views.

Lunch:

  • Lunch at Restaurant Seurasaari, located on Suomenlinna island. (Address: Vartioväylä 10, 00320 Helsinki)

Afternoon:

  • Take a ferry back to the city and head to Korkeasaari Zoo. (Ferry departs from Kauppatori Market or Suomenlinna)
  • Spend the afternoon exploring the zoo and its wildlife.

Evening:

  • Dinner at Ravintola Tööstö, offering local ingredients in a cozy atmosphere. (Address: Eteläesplanadi 20, 00130 Helsinki)
  • Take a stroll along the Töölönlahti Bay and visit the Helsinki City Museum. (Address: Kanslerinranta 6, 00130 Helsinki)

Things to Know:

  1. Finnish people are known for their kindness and politeness, but can appear reserved at first.
  2. The official language is Finnish, but English is widely spoken in the city.
  3. Tipping is not customary in Finland, as service charges are already included in bills.
  4. Helsinki’s weather can be unpredictable, so pack layers and a waterproof jacket.
  5. The most common transportation methods are trams, buses, and the metro (HSL). You can buy tickets from ticket machines or with the HSL mobile app.

Transportation:

  1. Purchase a HSL travel card for unlimited travel within the city.
  2. Consider the Helsinki Card for free admission to museums, attractions, and public transportation.
  3. If you’re staying outside the city center, consider using a taxi service like Taksi Helsingi or Lähitaksi.

Tips:

  1. Try local dishes such as salmon, reindeer, and cloudberry jam.
  2. Visit during summer to enjoy the long days and the Midsummer Night Festival in June.
  3. Check the opening hours of museums and attractions before planning your visit.
  4. Respect nature when visiting parks and islands, and remember to pack out any waste.
  5. Have a great trip exploring Helsinki!