Travel around the city by Tram

Tram 2 (former 3T) is regarded as the sightseeing tram in Helsinki, a way to travel around among the locals. But it isn’t the only route that offers lots of interesting things to see and do along the way. For all those interested in architecture, route number 4 can especially be recommended. Everyone interested in design, art and culinary culture should hop on tram number 6. All the routes presented here start from the south and head to different directions. It is recommended to carry along a public transportation route map to help you locate all the stops and sights.

 

The best way to explore Helsinki by tram is to purchase a day-ticket that covers all public transportation in the city. Day-tickets can be purchased from Tourist information points on Pohjoisesplanadi Street 19 and Helsinki Airport (Terminal 2A) as well as several other selling points. Tram routes are also included in the Helsinki card.

 

Adventuring in the city

See Helsinki's main sights with a guided sightseeing tour or get to know the city through various walking tours. The choice is yours! If you aren't interested in having someone 'escort' you around the city with the other Japanese tourists, here are some suggestions on must-see places to visit!

 

• The Esplanade (Esplanadi in Finnish), a beautiful park street lined with back-to-back shops, café's & restaurants, is always busy & a great place to grab an ice cream, sit on the grass & people watch.

 

• The Market Square (Kauppatori), located at the end of the Esplanade, is the place to pick up fresh fruits & vegetables, fish, street food, souveniers... practically anything you can imagine! Surrounded by the harbour, the Presidential residence & the Orthodox church, among other things, there is always something to see nearby!

 

• Helsinki Cathedral (Tuomiokirkko) was built on a hill in the 19th century to be the center of the city & the skyline. It's definitely a site to see, both by foot & by boat. This is also the place where Peter proposed, so it's definitely a sentimental place for us!

 

• Stockmann is Finland's version of Nordstrom's - 8 floors of fashion, home decor & café's. The ground floor is known for it's incredible food & will help tide you over if you're missing your Whole Foods back home. And if you ever need to meet up with someone, the Stockmann Clock is one of the most well-known meeting spots in downtown - everyone knows where it is!

 

• Huvilakatu (aka Mansion Street) has been described as the prettiest street in Helsinki. It showcases the old European architecture at it's best, & the view of the sea at the end of the street doesn't hurt either.

 

• If you're on the lookout for additional heat, Kotiharjun Sauna will offer a true Finnish Sauna experience right at the heart of the city. It's the last real wood-heated public sauna in Helsinki - and don't worry, there are separate times for men & women!

 

• After all of that, if none of these tickle your fancy, getting lost in the city is one of the best ways to explore this old Scandanavian capital!

 

FYI - If you're looking for a route planner to use for public transportation throughout the city, click here! It will automatically pick up your location if you use this website on your mobile phone

Excursions at sea near Helsinki

The sea is an essential part of the personality of Helsinki. Many guided excursions are offered, making it easy to discover the water and islands. Suomenlinna, a mid-18th century maritime fortress and a base for the Archipelago Fleet, is definitely a place to spend a day! Even though the wedding ceremony will be at the Suomenlinna church, we highly recommend taking time to go there for a day trip to get lost & explore the entire island. The Suomenlinna Panimo brewery is another great place to spend a few hours - it also has great food if you need an excuse to enjoy the homemade cider & beer.

 

Excursions in nature

City break holidays in Helsinki can be easily combined with activities in nature. In addition to many little islands just outside downtown, there is Nuuksio National Park (about a half hour drive from the city center) where you get in touch with the real Finnish nature, including a few of the 188,000 lakes located throughout Finland.

 

Culinary experience
There are so many incredibly delicious restaurants all over Helsinki, but here's just a few that we highly suggest:

• SushiBar & Wine (Uudenmaankatu 15 or Fredrikinkatu 42) - Modern spin on traditional sushi

• Lemon Grass (Kolmas linja 12) - Best Thai food you can get outside Thailand

• Cholo Mexican Street Kitchen (Lönnrotinkatu 9) - Mexican taco truck... but inside

• Boulevard Social (Bulevardi 6) - Exciting and innovative combination of traditional flavors from Greece, Lebanon, Tunisia, Morocco and other Mediterranean countries

• Gaijin (Bulevardi 6) - Unique & modern Asian kitchen

• Stefan's Steakhouse (Korkeavuorenkatu 34) - Best steakhouse in town & run by Stefan Richter, a finalist from the US Top Chef TV Show

 

If you need any other suggestions, don't hesitate to ask!