Discover Helsinki's Hidden Gems on a Budget

Discover Helsinki's beauty on a budget without breaking the bank.

21 June 2023

Helsinki is a beautiful city full of history and culture, and it is possible to explore it even on a limited budget. Budget-friendly activities include visiting free museums and galleries, exploring the city's parks and markets, and taking advantage of the affordable public transportation. Accommodations can be found in hostels or budget hotels, and local markets offer affordable food options.

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Travel plan

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Day 1

Arrival and Exploration

  • Check into Hotel Finn, a centrally located budget hotel with sleek, minimalist decor
  • Visit the Helsinki Cathedral, an awe-inspiring structure with Neo-Classical influences
  • Get lost in the labyrinthine streets of Design District, a trendy neighborhood filled with art galleries and hip boutiques
  • Have a traditional Finnish meal at Kappeli, a beautiful restaurant located in a historic park
  • End the day by catching the sunset at the waterfront market square, where locals gather to enjoy street food and live music
Day 2

Saunas and Sibelius

  • Start the day like a true Finn at Löyly, a modern sauna complex with a seaside location
  • Enjoy brunch at Cafe Regatta, a cozy cafe with views of the sea and an outdoor seating area with blankets to keep you warm
  • Visit the Sibelius Monument, a giant steel sculpture inspired by the Finnish composer Jean Sibelius
  • Check out the contemporary art exhibitions at the Kiasma Museum of Contemporary Art
  • Sample Finnish craft beer at the trendy Bruuveri brewery
Day 3

Islands and Art

  • Take a ferry to Suomenlinna, an 18th-century sea fortress that's now a UNESCO World Heritage Site
  • Explore the island's museums, tunnels, and scenic walking trails leading to picturesque views of the sea
  • Have lunch at Cafe Chapman, a charming restaurant located in a historic building that used to be a merchant's mansion
  • Return to the mainland to check out the Kamppi Chapel, a striking wooden chapel designed to provide a peaceful respite from the city
  • End the day by browsing the eclectic galleries at the Cable Factory, a former industrial building that's now a hub for Finland's creative industries.

Length of stay

1 day 2 days 3 days 4 days 5 days

Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Helsinki by plane is to fly into Helsinki-Vantaa Airport (HEL). Many major airlines offer direct flights from destinations around the world.

Car

If you're driving to Helsinki, the main entry point from other countries is via the E18 motorway from Sweden. There are also several other highways leading to the city.

Train

While there are no direct trains to Helsinki from other countries, you can take a train from Russia or other parts of Finland. The main train station in Helsinki is Helsinki Central Station.

Boat

You can take a ferry to Helsinki from various cities in Sweden, Estonia, and Russia. The main ferry terminal in Helsinki is West Terminal.

Bus

Numerous bus companies operate routes to Helsinki, both from within Finland and neighboring countries. The main bus station in Helsinki is Helsinki Central Bus Station.

Destination

Helsinki

You know you're in for a unique experience when a city's official animal is a hedgehog. Welcome to the land of saunas, salty licorice, and Santa Claus imposters – also known as Helsinki.

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Number of days

1 2 3 4 5

Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

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Discover Helsinki's Hidden Gems on a Budget

Helsinki is a beautiful city full of history and culture, and it is possible to explore it even on a limited budget. Budget-friendly activities include visiting free museums and galleries, exploring the city's parks and markets, and taking advantage of the affordable public transportation. Accommodations can be found in hostels or budget hotels, and local markets offer affordable food options.

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