Making the most of Helsinki
Use these notes to shape a realistic day ashore, then confirm any time-sensitive information for the date of your call.
Arriving at the port
Cruise ships make a scenic approach through Helsinki's island archipelago so have your cameras ready.
International cruise ships dock (Map) in South Harbour or West Harbour.
South Harbour, with four quays, is within easy walking distance of the Market Square in the center of town. 15 min waik
West Terminal consists of two quays which are not within easy reach of each other and of the town. 30 min walk. There are 2 tram lines (5 & 6) just outside the port area. You can purchase a ticket to the Market Square for 2 Euro, which lasts 110 minutes on all buses and trams. A day pass is also available for 8 Euro for zones AB and 12 Euros for ABC. These passes include public ferries.
Cruise calendar for Helsinki and which quay will be used.
(Hernesaari = West harbour)
Public transport info on each quay..
The Tourist office also provides shuttles costing €6 one way or €10 for all day.
The 8 Euro all day public transport ticket includes the ferry to Suomenlinna and the scenic 2 and 3 trams. All trams run about every 10 minutes. Day tickets can be bought from the driver, cash only.
Webcams of the different ports.
Helsinki is by far the most visited cruise port of Finland
Helsinki is a marvelous city to see and very easy to get around in. Most of the sights are around Market Square, so that has to be your starting point. From there you can walk to Senate square, take a ferry to the fortress, wander about the many, many booths, shopping, having something to eat etc.
Helsinki is the gate between East and West. While it embodies much of the Finnish spirit and its progressive hi-tech push, it is unlike any other Finnish city, due in part to the fascinating combination of Swedish and Russian influences The city's urban lifestyle is flavored by the sea and surrounding nature. The summer heat and the midnight sun inspire the inhabitants to occupy the many parks and terraces. The city center is built around the main harbor where the famous Kauppatori (market square) - also known as the fish market – is located. The main streets include the twin shopping avenues of Pohjoisesplanadi and Eteläesplenadi. Helsinki…
Helsinki - Attractions
Getting around
A day ticket is 8 euro on all public transit, including the ferry to Suomenlinna. The trams 2 and 3 almost function as hop on/off buses, passing by most tourist attractions making a figure eight loop through Helsinki. No 9 tram at Market Square is a city circle tram but interacts with other tram lines at various stop. This tram stops at the main cathedral in helsinki and the central railway station.
The Suomenlinna ferry runs from the Market Place (Kauppatori). They leave every 20 minutes and it also takes 20 minutes to reach the island. The ticket costs 8 euros per person (So buy the day ticket instead!) and it is valid for 12 hours so you'll only need to buy it once. You can use the HSL app to buy tickets and to find out when the next bus, tram or ferry will arrive. Once you get to the island, you are free to go anywhere. There are museums which charge a small fee.
Hop on/off tours. They all stop at the cruise terminals. The approximately 90-minute route includes stops at Helsinki's most famous city attractions, such as Senate Square/Helsinki City Museum, Market Square, Helsinki Art Museum (Amos Rex) and Museum of Contemporary Art Kiasma, Temppeliaukio Church (Rock Church), Sibelius Monument, Helsinki Zoo, Helsinki Olympic Stadium, Swedish Theater.
The Helsinki Card is a handy, economical way of making the most of your visit in Helsinki. The Helsinki Card includes unlimited free travel on public transport in Helsinki, free entrance to the most important sights and ca 50 museums, free entrance and boat transport to Suomenlinna Sea Fortress and Helsinki Zoo, great value discounts e.g. on sightseeing tours, and free Helsinki guide book with maps. Free Audio City tour daily (worth 25 EUR) for adult card holders. For a short cruise stop, this card is not really worth it.. Taxis can be obtained by telephone or from taxi ranks. Payment can be made using major international credit cards as well…
The Flying Cinema Tour of Helsinki is a virtual cinema sightseeing ride in Helsinki. It's one of the most exhilarating way to see sights and attractions – from above and inside. It is located at Market Square and costs 14 Euros.
Finnish Railways operates the fairly extensive railroad network.
Car rental is possible in Finland but generally expensive, with rates generally upwards of € 80/day.
Nearby places
Suomenlinna.
The 250-year-old fortress, which has been preserved intact because of its military use, is today part of the world heritage. In 1991 it was included in UNESCO's World Heritage List. Suomenlinna is one of Finland's most popular tourist attractions. At the same time it is a suburb of Helsinki, with 900 people living in the renovated ramparts and barracks.
Food and shopping
In Helsinki the stores are also open on Sunday: 12 noon - 6:00 p.m. (in summer)
Stockmann department store Stockmann is the biggest department store in the Nordic region and is surrounded by the main shopping streets, Aleksanterinkatu, Mannerheimintie and Northern and Southern Esplanade.
Money
The Finnish currency unit is the euro (EUR), divided into 100 cents. Finland does not use the 1 and 2 cent coins; instead all sums are rounded to the nearest 5 cents.
Staying connected
Finland has two official languages, Finnish ( 93%) and Swedish (7%), but also English is widely spoken in Finland.
Every sign is in Finnish and Swedish, which makes at times complicated.
112 is the national phone number for all emergency services, including police.
City of Helsinki offers a free wireless connection in city center. It even works on some buses. Also shopping centers like Kamppi offer a free wi-fi.
Opening Hours and
Opening Hours: Weekdays: 9:00 am to 9:00 pm, Saturday: 9:00 am to 6:00 pm, Sunday: noon to 6:00 pm