helsinki Hotels

When it comes to traveling to Helsinki, it's a destination that simply can't be overlooked. Being on the shores of the Gulf of Finland, Helsinki stands as one of Europe's most captivating capitals. Famous for its modernity and traditions, Helsinki attracts visitors from around the globe with its beautiful culture, breathtaking architecture, and welcoming atmosphere. With Bookperfect, planning your Helsinki trip is effortless. Whether you're seeking budget-friendly accommodations or luxurious stays, Bookperfect provides a seamless booking experience, ensuring you find the perfect lodging to suit your needs. From boutique hotels in the heart of the city to cozy guesthouses by the waterfront, Helsinki hotels are for every taste and preference, guaranteeing a memorable stay.

Things To Know Before Going To Helsinki

• If you prefer to avoid touristy places and want a more authentic experience, consider exploring lunch options a bit outside the city center like Hakaniemi Halli for good offers.
• Finnish food is known to be relatively bland, so if you're looking for unique tastes, try reindeer meat.
• Make sure to buy your tickets in advance to save time and money.
• Helsinki experiences cold and dark winters, while summers can be foggy, cloudy, and rainy. Be prepared for varying weather conditions during your visit.
• Helsinki offers a variety of sightseeing options that can be explored in 2-3 days.
• Consider checking out Lapland, especially in winter, for a unique experience.
• In saunas, Finns tend to be quieter and may not initiate conversations.
• Consider taking day trips to nearby cities like Tampere or Turku, which are less than 2 hours away by train and offer unique experiences outside of Helsinki.
• If you need to do laundry during your stay, there are self-service laundromats like 24Pesula available in locations such as the Mall of Tripla

Helsinki Tips From Locals

• Kallio is a lively area with many bars, pubs, and a more authentic local vibe. Go bar hopping here for a fun night out.
• Vallila has some great local cafes like Kahvila Päijänne and Kokoro Sushi.
• Vuosaari is a suburb with beautiful nature trails, beaches, and the Uutela nature conservation area.
• Take a ferry to the nearby islands like Pihlajasaari for a relaxing day trip.
• Visit the Sompasauna, a free public sauna run by an NGO. It's a unique local experience, though can be crowded at times.
• Go winter swimming at Allas Sea Pool or Löyly in the city center, or take a bus to Kuusijärvi for a lake and sauna.
• Explore the Keskuspuisto, a large forested park in the middle of the city great for walks and runs.
• Eat at local restaurants like The Bull & the Firm, Fredan Murkina for homestyle food, or Kappeli for exceptional service and food.
• Visit the Hakaniemi Market Hall for a taste of local cuisine.
• Use public transportation like the metro, tram, and buses to get around. Avoid taxis unless necessary.
• Take a day trip to nearby cities like Porvoo or Nuuksio National Park for a change of scenery.
• Finns are generally friendly but shy, so don't expect much small talk from strangers.

Where is Helsinki?

Helsinki is located on the shore of the Gulf of Finland, in the southern part of the country. 

Where To Stay In Helsinki?

Helsinki is known for its scenic hotel options. Some accommodation options can be luxurious while some are budget-friendly for a cost-efficient stay. Here are our recommendations for you to have the best experience according to what kind of trip you are looking for:

Best Hotels in Helsinki  

Discover the beauty of hotels in Helsinki here!

Places To Visit In Helsinki

The architecture of this cold land will surely amaze you without a doubt. Here are the top Helsinki attractions you must see during your trip:

• Temppeliaukio Kirkko (Rock Church): A unique church built directly into solid rock, known for its exceptional architecture.
• Suomenlinna: A UNESCO World Heritage site, Suomenlinna is a sea fortress located on a group of islands off the coast of Helsinki.
• Helsinki Cathedral: A neoclassical cathedral that dominates the city skyline and is a symbol of Finnish national identity.
• Esplanadi Park: A beautiful green space in the heart of the city that is perfect for leisurely walks, picnics, and enjoying outdoor concerts during the summer.
• Kamppi Chapel (Chapel of Silence): A minimalist chapel in the Kamppi district, designed for quiet reflection and meditation.
• Saunas: An integral part of Finnish culture. Visitors can experience traditional Finnish sauna rituals at various public saunas in Helsinki.
• Seurasaari Open-Air Museum: An outdoor museum showing Finnish architecture and way of life.
• Old Market Hall: A historic indoor market offering a variety of local foods and delicacies.
• Kiasma Museum: Features modern and contemporary art exhibitions, highlighting Finnish and international artists.
• Helsinki Zoo: Located on Korkeasaari Island, is home to a wide range of animals and offers an educational and entertaining experience for visitors of all ages.

Is Helsinki Safe?

Helsinki is one of the safest cities you could visit in the world. Crime rates in the city are relatively low compared to other major cities. However, this doesn’t mean you should be carefree. Be aware of your surroundings for petty crimes in the crowds and be careful of drunk people during nighttime.

Is Helsinki Expensive To Visit?

Helsinki is not the cheapest European capital, however, you can still go budget and make your trip quite affordable at ease. There are many budget-friendly hotels in Helsinki as well as free activities such as visiting churches and libraries. You can also take advantage of public transportation services to travel cost-efficiently. In general, a week trip in Helsinki will cost less than a trip to Stockholm, Oslo, and Copenhagen.

Helsinki Currency

The currency used in Helsinki, Finland is the Euro. It is advisable to exchange your money at banks or local exchange places in Helsinki for the best rates. Additionally, credit and debit cards are widely accepted for everyday purchases in Helsinki, even in smaller stores.

Helsinki Language

Helsinki is a bilingual municipality with Finnish and Swedish official languages. Finnish is the common language of between Finnish speakers, Swedish speakers, and speakers of other languages in everyday life in the city. The city is linguistically diverse, with at least 160 different languages spoken, including common foreign languages like English, Somali, Russian, Arabic, German, Spanish, and French. Meaning that you won’t have a hard time finding someone speaking English in Helsinki. Even the mayor of the city has suggested the city declare itself an English-language city to attract more highly skilled international workers who may find Finnish and Swedish language requirements challenging

Helsinki Time Zone

The time zone for Helsinki is Eastern European Time (EET) with a UTC/GMT offset of +2 hours. During daylight saving time, Helsinki switches to Eastern European Summer Time (EEST) with a UTC/GMT offset of +3 hours

How Many Days To Visit Helsinki?

To fully explore Helsinki, 3 or 4 days is generally ideal. This period allows visitors to see the majority of the city's attractions, experience the local culture, and even explore outside the city center. Helsinki is a walkable city with the option to use the efficient metro system for longer distances. Also, if you’d like a fast introduction to the city, Guru Walk and Green Cap Tours both offer free 2-hour tours for visitors.

When Is The Best Time To Stay In Helsinki?

If you can endure the cold well, winter is the ideal time to go to Helsinki for a budget trip. Because of this, both flight and hotel rates will be lower and there will be fewer crowds. Summer, on the other hand, is more preferred time to visit Helsinki due to the better temperatures. However, because summer is the peak season in Helsinki, the rates will be higher and you will find more crowds. Here’s the seasonal breakdown of Helsinki for you to plan your trip:

• Winter: Lower prices for accommodation, fewer tourists, and a chance to experience Helsinki like a local. However, the weather can be extremely cold with heavy snowfall to milder and wetter conditions. Some typical tourist attractions may be closed during this time, but it's an opportunity to explore indoor attractions like museums and local restaurants
• Spring: Longer daylight hours and milder temperatures. Still, it is an affordable season to visit Helsinki with more daylight and a gradual temperature increase. By May, typical tourist attractions start opening up, making it a more enjoyable time for outdoor activities compared to early spring.
• Summer: Considered the best time to visit Helsinki, summer offers over 18 hours of daylight, temperatures with an average of 20°C, and a wide range of outdoor activities like visiting beaches, exploring national parks, and enjoying public saunas. However, this season attracts more tourists and higher prices compared to other times of the year.
• Autumn: Autumn in Helsinki is ideal for budget travelers as prices decrease after the summer season. The city remains lively even after summer, offering great value for money. It is a good time to explore Helsinki without large crowds while still enjoying the city's attractions.

What To Pack For Your Visit To Helsinki?

Regardless of the season, consider bringing a power bank to keep your devices charged, particularly in winter when cold temperatures can drain phone batteries faster. When it comes to clothing, layering is key, regardless of the season. Long pants paired with long-sleeved tops serve as a base with extra layers such as sweaters, fleeces, gloves, and scarves. Insulated jackets for staying warm, especially during Helsinki's chilly winters. For protection against the cold and dry air, consider packing skincare essentials and clothing items like balaclava hats to shield your face and lips. Even in summer, be prepared for cooler temperatures by packing warm layers and waterproof outerwear. Also don't forget to pack snow goggles for snowy conditions and sunglasses to shield your eyes from the sun.

Helsinki Food

Here are some of the must-try Helsinki foods during your trip:

• Karjalanpiirakka: Traditional Finnish pies made with rye, filled with rice, butter, and boiled eggs.
• Näkkileipä: Rye bread in the form of crispy crackers, served for breakfast or with soup.
• Silli e Mäti: Potatoes served with herring or fish eggs, butter, and dill.
• Poronkäristys: Reindeer meat served with potatoes and red berries.
• Muikku: Fried vendaces served with potatoes and garlic mayo.
• Grillimakkara: Finnish sausages served alone or in a bun with mustard and beer.
• Ruisleipä: Famous Finnish rye bread.
• Voisilmäpulla: Brioche filled with butter and sugar.
• Korvapuusti: Finnish cinnamon buns.
• Runenberg Tarts: Pastries with almonds, almond oil, blueberry jam, and glaze.
• Leipäjuusto: Finnish cheese made with cow's milk, fried or baked, served with jam.
• Salmiakki: Astringent black salty licorice loved by Finns.
• Shrove Buns: Sweet rolls filled with almond paste, whipped cream, or strawberry jam.
• Munkki: Fried donuts flavored with cardamom.
• Vispipuuro: Cold porridge made with semolina and cranberries, served with milk and sugar.
• Mustikkapiirakka: Pastry base covered with whole cranberries.
• Kalakukko: Seafood quiche in a rye bread crust.
• Kalakeitto: Classic fish soup made with potatoes, carrots, dill, and seasonal fish.

Helsinki Nightlife

Most bars in Helsinki are open between 10 PM and 4 AM and Clubs in Helsinki frequently don’t open before 10 pm and shut down at 4 am. At most dance clubs, you must be 20 to get in.

• The Tiger Nightclub: Known for its class and elegance, The Tiger (previously The Lux) offers a sophisticated nightlife experience with five bars and spacious terraces. It has a strict dress code and is relatively more expensive compared to other clubs in Helsinki.
• Apollo Live Club: Situated in the Forum shopping mall, Apollo Live Club operates as an event restaurant in a former cinema. During weekends, it hosts Scandinavian cover bands and karaoke until 3 am, while weeknights feature stand-up comedy and theater performances.
• Freedom or Death: A cozy venue with a speakeasy vibe with brick walls, candlelit bars, and friendly staff. It features a selection of creative cocktails but is on the higher end price-wise.