24 hours of Nordic Bliss in Helsinki, Finland
Lutheran Cathedral
The Harbor
Töölönlahti at Night
The Church in the Rock
Overview - Blessed by a terrific harbor location, Helsinki is indeed the highlight of Finland and any Finnish excursion should start or end here.
Breakfast - Finns reportedly drink more coffee per capita than any other nation – but one mug of their freshly prepared brew will definitely set your heart racing. Wash it down with many of their calorific companions, including krovapuusti (a giant cinnamon roll, translated as ‘a smack on the ear’) and pulla (a cardamom-flavored coffee cake) .
Morning - Start out your day at Kiasma, Helsinki’s response to modern art; the museum offers some of the most excellent multimedia installations you can find anywhere in Europe. Afterwards, check out the nearby Temppeliaukio (The Church in the Rock), one of the most popular tourists attractions in town. Before lunch, head back across town for other churches well worth a visit: the Lutheran Cathedral (the iconic white structure found in most Helsinki photographs) and the Upsenski Cathedral (just across from the market square).
Lunch - Do as the locals do and pick up supplies at the market square then take a ferry out to Suomenlinna for a picnic lunch. (There is a supermarket just beyond the island’s ferry terminus should you forget anything crucial.) There are plenty of picnic areas sporting excellent views; however, should you find the weather unfavorable, there are a number of excellent restaurants and cafes on the island. Do not forget to explore the 260-year-old sea fortress before heading back.
Afternoon -
Hopefully you have saved your pennies, as shopping in Helsinki is an expensive experience, but well worth it. Start out at Stockmann – Finland’s major department store – and then explore the Design District, a neighborhood full of boutiques selling art, fashion, and furniture.
If you run out of money or are feeling overwhelmed by it all, I suggest spending the late afternoon exploring that archetypical Finnish experience, the sauna. Almost every hotel will either have an on-site leisure center or offer discounted passes to nearby facilities.
Dinner - Believe it or not, one of the best dinner options in Helsinki is pizza! I think it has something to do with the sauce, but it is delicious indeed, no matter where you go. Otherwise, if you need a bit more choice, I can heartily recommend Baker’s on Mannerheimintie. With the serve-yourself bread bar, bulging burgers, reindeer, and refreshing ice cream dishes, I find it hard to imagine finding fault with this place.
After Dark - If you are lucky to be visiting Helsinki in summer, you might find the notion of ‘After Dark’ a bit daunting as the sun barely sets. Regardless, I highly recommend a walk around Töölönlahti, with stunning views of all of the city’s best architecture (the Opera, Finlandia Hall, and Parliament). It takes about an hour, and is an excellent way to clear your mind before a night out on the town or to unwind on the way home.
Sleep - The Hilton Helsinki Strand is a fine choice for those who can afford it. However, many high quality options can be found for good value in the Töölö area, just northwest of the city center.
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