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Helsinki Travel Tips
Helsinki is the capital and largest city of Finland. Many travels to Helsinki to explore countless museums, beaches, nature and events. Helsinki experiences a humid continental climate and enjoys long summer days.
International and domestic flights land at the Helsinki Airport in Vantaa, 20km from the Helsinki city centre. The airport is well-served from across Russia, East Asia and Europe. The airport offers ground transport facilities like trains every 10–30 minutes, buses, taxis and the cheapest option is shared minivans.
Helsinki is well connected with ferry services from Stockholm, Sweden, Germany, Russia and Tallinn, Estonia. Helsinki has direct services from all major train stations in Finland.
Safety
Helsinki is considered a very safe city in Finland. Despite being the capital city and a famous tourist destination, the crime rate is very low, and it maintains a relatively safe environment. However, keeping an eye on your belongings, especially in crowded areas, is necessary.
During peak seasons, it is advisable to be aware of pickpockets or bag snatchers, usually those who operate on bicycles or motorbikes. Tourists who want to explore the city on foot must avoid areas like Kaisaniemi Park or railway stations at night. Getting around at night can be expensive, as trains and trams stop before midnight and buses before 02:00.
Transport
In Helsinki, public transport consists of the tram, subway train, bus, metro, ferry lines and taxi. Public transportation is coordinated by Helsinki Regional Transport Authority (Finnish: Helsingin seudun liikenne (HSL). The cheapest option to travel around the city is to hop on the bus. Even renting a car can be the best option for exploring the city.
Travellers can also opt for a Helsinki Card, which offers free admission to several museums and other attractions.
Tipping
Tipping is not expected in Finland since a service charge is included in hotel and restaurant bills. Finnish people offer a tip only if they wish to appreciate good service. It is not obligatory to give a tip to taxi drivers.
Smoking
Smoking is strictly prohibited at Helsinki Airport, the same as other European airports, but there are smoking zones near the airport gates. A law forbids smoking in public areas like shops, offices, buses etc.
When to Travel
The best time to visit Helsinki is definitely during the summer, i.e. from May to September. In the summer, the city has long days with warm and mild weather, whereas during the winter, daytime is only for 6 hours and there are freezing nights. Major festivals and events are celebrated between June and September, so this is the best time to explore the art, culture, and weather of Helsinki.
Emergency Numbers
Emergency Number (police, fire, ambulance): 112
Important Phrases
| Hei | Hello |
| Terve | Hi |
| Hyvää huomenta | Good morning |
| Hyvää iltaa | Good evening |
| Hyvää yötä | Good night |
| Anteeksi | Excuse me |
| Kyllä | Yes |
| Ei | No |
| Olkaa hyvä | Please |
| Valitan | I am sorry |
| Kiitos | Thank You |
| Mikä sinun nimesi on? | What is your name? |
| Minun nimeni on ... | My name is... |
| Voitko auttaa minua? | Can you help me? |
| Voitko puhua hitaanmin? | Can you speak more slowly? |
| Puhutteko englantia? | Do you speak English? |
| Puhun vain vähän suomea. | I only speak a little Finnish. |
| Osaako kukaan täällä englantia? | Does anyone here speak English? |
| Mitä kuuluu? | How are you? |
| Miten paljon? | How much? |
| Hyvää, kiitos. | I'm fine, thank you. |
| En ymmärrä. | I don't understand. |
| Hauska tavata. | I am very glad to meet you. |
| Hauska tavata | Pleased to meet you |
