What to do with a few hours in Helsinki

Tuesday, 3rd March 2015

Destination Specialist

Travelling to North Finland involves a stop over in the capital, Helsinki. So if you have a few hours to spare, take the opportunity to visit a fascinating Nordic city. A trip into Helsinki is a perfect way to spend some time between flights. (There’s plenty to do at the airport if you don’t have much time between connections.)

For those with same day connections, the Finnair City Bus and Airport Bus (number 615 or 620 during night time) leaves from Platform 10 – bus stops are called platforms in Helsinki – and arrives at Platform 30 outside Helsinki Railway Station. The bus ride from the airport takes 35-40 minutes and costs €6.30 when you buy a ticket from the driver.

From here it’s possible to walk around the city and admire beautiful architecture and waterways of the Finnish Capital. The city was redesigned during the nineteenth century and is laid out on a grid system and easily to get around on foot or public transport. The architecture is a mixture of Neoclassical, distinctive Art Nouveau/Deco styles and modern styles that derive from urban renewal and as a consequence of destruction from the Second World War. Finland was formerly a colony of its neighbour Russia (until the 1917 Revolution ended that) and some of the styles show a Russian influence.

Wi-Fi is free and easily available in the well known fast food restaurants and it’s easy to nip in to get a bearing on a smart phone. English is widely spoken and someone will always help you with directions if you need it.

6 things to do in Helsinki

(click on the map’s menu icon to discover walking routes to and from the points of interest and the train station)

Ateneum Art Museum

Ateneum Art Museum houses the largest collections of art in Finland with more than 20,000 works of art from the 1750s to the 1950s.
Distance from station: 450m/6 mins
Opening hours: Tue & Fri 10am-6pm | Wed & Thu 10am-8pm | Sat & Sun 10am-1pm
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Temppeliaukio Church (Rock Church)

The Rock Church (which was excavated directly into solid rock and completed in 1969) is one of the main attractions in Helsinki. An ice-age crevice serves as the altarpiece, the walls are rough hewn rock and the ceiling is covered with a dome, lined with copper.
Distance from station: 1.2km / 17 mins
Opening hours: Vary – listen to the bulletin tel. +358 (0)9 2340 5940
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Esplanade Park

Situated in the heart of Helsinki, the Esplanade Park serves as a promenade for travellers and a place to relax for Helsinkians. Watch one of the free performances on the Espa Stage which take place from the beginning of May to the end of August.
Distance from station: 900m / 11 mins
Opening hours: the park is open year round. Performance times vary (May-August)
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Market Square

Helsinki’s most international and famous market is located in the South Harbour at one end of the Esplanade Park. Browse booths selling traditional market foods and treats, as well as handicrafts and souvenirs and grab a coffee for some people watching.
Distance from station: 1.2km / 16mins (also tram #2 to Kauppatori – 11mins)
Opening hours: Mon-Sat 8am-4pm, Sundays (summer only) 10am-5pm.
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Helsinki Cathedral

For many it is the symbol of Helsinki, the beautiful Helsinki Cathedral is an Evangelic Lutheran church, designed by architect Carl Ludwig Engel and completed in 1852. It’s one of the four buildings which surround Senate Square
Distance from station: 1km / 13 mins
Opening hours: Open daily 9am-6pm, June-August 9am-midnight. Closed during ceremonies.
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Senate Square

The Neoclassical Senate Square is dominated by four buildings designed by Carl Ludvig Engel. In addition to the cathedral there’s the Government Palace, the main building of the University of Helsinki and the National Library of Finland.
Distance from station: 900m / 12 mins
Opening hours: daily
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