Helsinki, Finland 3 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Exploring Central Helsinki

  • Morning: Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Kauppalehti Panimo, a popular brewery and restaurant located in the city center.

  • Sightseeing: Visit the iconic Temppeliaukio Church (Rock Church) and admire its unique architecture, then head to Senate Square to see Helsinki Cathedral and the Government Palace. Don’t forget to take a stroll along Mannerheimintie, the main street of Helsinki.

  • Lunch: Enjoy Finnish cuisine at Olo****, located in the heart of Helsinki, offering a variety of dishes made with locally sourced ingredients.

  • Afternoon: Visit the Design Museum and Museum of Contemporary Art Kiasma. Both museums are within walking distance from each other.

  • Dinner: Dine at Fish Market****, a seafood restaurant with a wide selection of fresh fish dishes.

  • Evening: Take a relaxing sauna experience at Löyly, a modern sauna and restaurant located by the sea. Afterward, enjoy a drink at their rooftop bar while watching the sunset over the Baltic Sea.

Day 2: Islands and Nature

  • Morning: Have breakfast at your accommodation or grab a pastry from one of Helsinki’s many bakeries.

  • Sightseeing: Take a ferry to Suomenlinna, a UNESCO World Heritage Site consisting of six islands fortress. Spend the morning exploring the island’s history and beautiful nature trails.

  • Lunch: Have lunch at one of the cafes on Suomenlinna, or bring a picnic and enjoy it among the scenic surroundings.

  • Afternoon: Head back to the mainland and visit Korkeasaari Zoo, Finland’s largest zoo located on an island in Helsinki. Spend the afternoon discovering the various animal exhibits and learning about Arctic wildlife.

  • Dinner: Enjoy a meal at Restaurant Savoy**, one of Helsinki’s most iconic art nouveau restaurants.

Day 3: Day trip to Tallinn, Estonia

  • Morning: Depart early in the morning for a day trip to Tallinn, Estonia. You can take a ferry from Helsinki’s main terminal (approximately 2 hours each way).

  • Sightseeing: Spend the day exploring Tallinn’s medieval Old Town, visit Toompea Hill, Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, and the charming colored houses of Kolmapöhi Straadi.

  • Lunch: Have lunch in Tallinn, where you can find a variety of restaurants offering both Estonian and international cuisine.

  • Afternoon: Continue exploring Tallinn’s sights, such as the Danish King’s Garden or the Tallinn TV Tower for panoramic views of the city.

  • Dinner: Return to Helsinki in the evening and have dinner at a restaurant of your choice in the city center.

Where to Stay:

  • Hotel Kämp - A luxury hotel located in central Helsinki, offering stylish rooms and suites, as well as several restaurants and a spa.
  • Scandic Hotel Helsinki - A budget-friendly option located near the central train station, with modern rooms and an on-site restaurant.

Things to Know:

  • Finnish people are known for their friendliness and honesty, so don’t hesitate to ask for directions or recommendations.
  • Helsinki is generally a safe city, but it’s always a good idea to be aware of your surroundings, especially at night.
  • The official languages are Finnish and Swedish, but English is widely spoken in the tourist areas.
  • Remember to try traditional Finnish dishes like salmon soup (lapporuoka), reindeer meat, and cloudberry jam during your visit.

Transportation:

  • Helsinki’s public transportation system, HSL, consists of trams, buses, and the metro (called “tunnelibus”). Tickets can be purchased from ticket machines at stations or using a mobile app.
  • Taxis are also available, but they can be expensive compared to public transport.
  • To reach Suomenlinna, you can take a ferry from Katajanokka or Ruoholahti. The journey takes around 15 minutes.
  • To reach Tallinn, Estonia, you can take a ferry from Helsinki’s main terminal (Tallink Silja and Eckerö Line are popular ferry operators). Book your tickets in advance for the best prices.