Finland-2-day-itinerary
Day 1: Helsinki
Morning
- 9:00 AM: Arrive at Helsinki-Vantaa Airport (HEL) or take the ferry from Tallinn, Estonia
- 10:00 AM: Check-in to your hotel and freshen up
- 11:00 AM: Start your day at the Senate Square (Senaatintori), a historic square surrounded by beautiful buildings, including the Helsinki Cathedral
- 12:00 PM: Visit the nearby Uspenski Cathedral, an impressive Orthodox church with stunning views of the city
Afternoon
- 1:30 PM: Grab lunch at a local café or restaurant and try some traditional Finnish cuisine, such as salmon soup or karjalanpiirakka (Karelian pasties)
- 2:30 PM: Explore the Market Square (Kauppatori), a bustling area filled with stalls selling fresh produce, souvenirs, and street food
- 4:00 PM: Take a stroll along the scenic Esplanade Park, a beautiful green space in the heart of the city
Evening
- 7:00 PM: Enjoy dinner at a restaurant serving traditional Finnish cuisine, such as Kalajoen or Makasiini
- 9:00 PM: End your day with a visit to the Linnanmäki Amusement Park, which offers stunning views of the city and is home to a variety of roller coasters and other attractions
Day 2: Espoo and Helsinki
Morning
- 9:00 AM: Visit the Nuuksio National Park, a beautiful natural area located just outside Helsinki
- 11:30 AM: Take a short drive to the nearby town of Espoo, where you can visit the Sello Shopping Center and try some shopping or dining at one of the many restaurants
Afternoon
- 1:00 PM: Head back to Helsinki and visit the Temppeliaukio Church, a unique church built into solid rock
- 3:00 PM: Explore the Design District, an area filled with modern design shops, galleries, and restaurants
Evening
- 6:00 PM: Enjoy dinner at a restaurant serving traditional Finnish cuisine, such as Hanko or Vaski
- 8:00 PM: End your day with a visit to the Helsinki Harbour, where you can take in the views of the city and enjoy some street food or live music
Things to Know
- Language: Finnish is the official language, but most Finns speak excellent English.
- Currency: Euro (€)
- Weather: Finland has a temperate climate, with cold winters and mild summers. Be sure to pack accordingly!
- Safety: Helsinki is generally a safe city, but take normal precautions to protect yourself and your belongings.
Visa Requirements
- Citizens of the European Union: Do not need a visa
- Citizens of the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand: Do not need a visa for stays up to 90 days
- Other nationalities: Check with the Finnish embassy or consulate in your home country for visa requirements
Transportation
- Airport: Helsinki-Vantaa Airport (HEL) is located about 17 km north of downtown Helsinki
- Public Transportation: Helsinki has an excellent public transportation system, including buses and trams. You can purchase tickets at a local kiosk or on the bus itself.
- Taxi: Taxis are widely available, but be sure to use a reputable company.
Other Tips
- Tipping: Tipping is not expected in Finland, but you may want to round up the bill or leave small change (5-10%) for good service
- Try some Finnish phrases: Say “hei hei” (hello), “kiitos” (thank you), and “hyvää päivää” (good day)
- Be prepared for midsummer: If you’re visiting in June, be aware that Finland celebrates Midsummer on the Friday between June 20th and 26th. Many shops and restaurants may close early or have limited hours.