City of Helsinki
City of Helsinki
Enjoy Helsinki City!
The Best of Helsinki at your fingertip:
Learn more on Helsinki
Things to see & do in & around Helsinki
Sights to see in Helsinki
Explore Helsinki by bike
Helsinki for LGBTQ+
Welcome to Helsinki, a vibrant city capital city nestled along the shores of the Baltic Sea, where modern innovation meets timeless tradition. Helsinki is a totally unique combination of quirky urbanity and peaceful nature that gives silence and space to feel more, hear more and experience more. With its unique blend of stunning architecture, rich cultural heritage, and breathtaking natural landscapes, Helsinki promises an unforgettable experience for its visitors seeking culture relaxation and/or adventure.
Immerse yourself in Helsinki’s dynamic atmosphere as you wander through its bustling streets, lined with eclectic cafes, trendy boutiques, and world- class restaurants offering a taste of Finnish cuisine. Explore iconic landmarks such as the majestic Helsinki cathedral, the historic SuomenLinna sea fortress, and the contemporary masterpiece that is the Helsinki Central Library Oodi. Or enjoy the relaxing atmosphere of the Helsinki archipelago.
With its welcoming atmosphere, diverse attractions, and unique charm, Helsinki invites you to embark on a journey of discovery and exploration. Whether you’re drawn to its captivating history, thriving cultural scene, or stunning natural landscapes, Helsinki promises experience that will leave you inspired and eager to return time and time again. According to the World Happiness Report, Finland is the world’s happiest country for the sixth year in a row. As a Finnish proverb says: Happiness is a place between too little and too much.
Vappu (1st May, May Day)
Vappu (celebrated annually on 30 April – 1 May) is the traditional celebration of spring, And a cherished national holiday in Finland.
Finns come together to embrace the warmth of the coming spring season and revel in the joyous atmosphere. Traditionally, a celebration for the working class (Labor Day), Vappu, has nowadays become more a celebration for the students.
Iconic to the celebration of Vappu is students wearing white caps and elaborate colorful outfits, while enjoying mead (Sima in Finnish), champagne, donuts (Munkki in Finnish), and funnel cake.
If you are visiting Helsinki on 1st of May, be aware, this is a public holiday and probably the biggest annual public event in the city. Do not let this stop you from joining celebrations; after all, it is all about coming together and celebrating new beginnings.
Helsinki airport
Helsinki Airport is located 20 km from Helsinki City Centre, from where it takes around 30 minutes by car or the train to reach the airport. A bus ride from Helsinki takes 40‒50 minutes.
Airport
Helsinki public transportation
Helsinki has an extensive public transport system called HSL.
You can use the same public transport ticket to travel by tram, bus, metro, commuter train, light rail and the Suomenlinna ferry.
We recommend that you buy an ABC day ticket in the HSL app, as the ticket not only gets you from the airport to the city center but also allows you to travel within Helsinki.
Links to Helsinki public transport
Check out their webpage for more visitor travel information – HSL visitor information
For more info on the tickets and fares on public transport in the Helsinki metropolitan area – HSL – Tickets and fares
