EN 
FR 
ES 
Quick facts
Hotels in Helsinki
Airports in Helsinki
Helsinki is served by several airports providing domestic and international flight connections. Helsinki-Vantaan lentoasema is the main airport, with additional aviation facilities including Savikon pienlentokenttä and Nummelan lentokenttä serving the region. See all airports →
Car Hire in Helsinki
Helsinki offers several car hire options to explore Finland's capital and beyond. Major providers including Budget, Hertz, Europcar, and Finn-Rent autovuokraus operate in the city, giving visitors flexibility in choosing their rental vehicle. See all car hire →
Things to Do in Helsinki
Helsinki offers a variety of attractions for visitors to explore, from cultural monuments like Eino Leino and Vironkävijäin muistomerkki to museums such as Helsingin palomuseo. Whether you're interested in art installations like Taru ja totuus and Merkki or historical sites, Finland's capital has something to discover. See all things to do →
Restaurants in Helsinki
Helsinki offers a vibrant dining scene with restaurants catering to every taste. Whether you're looking for a premium steakhouse experience at Manhattan Steak House, international cuisine at Alexanderplats, or authentic flavors from around the world at establishments like Nefer Nefer Nefer, Samrat, and Biblos Helsinki, the city's restaurant scene reflects its cosmopolitan character. See all restaurants →
Swimming Pools in Helsinki
Helsinki offers a variety of swimming pools for residents and visitors. Popular options include Iso allas, Hyppyallas, Lastenallas, and Sinebrychoffinpuiston kahluu-/uima-allas, along with unique venues like the Rooftop Pool & Terrace. See all swimming pools →
Spas in Helsinki
Nightlife in Helsinki
Helsinki's nightlife offers a diverse selection of venues for evening entertainment, from cosy beer bars like Heidi's Bier Bar Helsinki and Kaarle XII to contemporary clubs such as Charm and Le Bloom. Whether you're seeking live music, craft drinks, or dancing, the Finnish capital has plenty of options for a memorable night out. See all nightlife →
Bars in Helsinki
Helsinki offers a diverse bar scene catering to all tastes, from established favorites like Kiska and The Last Drop to specialty venues such as Chihuahua Julep and Mann's Street Gay Karaoke Bar. Whether you're looking for cocktails, craft beer, or a night of karaoke, Finland's capital has venues to suit every mood. See all bars →
Cafes in Helsinki
Helsinki offers a vibrant cafe culture with welcoming spots throughout the city. From Robert's Coffee and Café Artist to Caffe Mansku and Cafe Esplanad, you'll find quality coffee and local atmosphere at cafes across the capital. See all cafes →
Shopping in Helsinki
Helsinki offers excellent shopping experiences across a variety of venues. Major shopping destinations include Stockmann, Kämp Galleria, Citycenter, Kauppakeskus Kluuvi, and Forum, providing diverse retail options for visitors and locals alike. See all shopping →
Nature & Wildlife in Helsinki
Climate snapshot
Helsinki experiences typical Northern European seasonal variations, with cold winters and mild summers. The city's proximity to the Gulf of Finland moderates temperatures throughout the year, creating a maritime climate influenced by its coastal location.
Interesting Facts About Helsinki — Weird & Wonderful
- Helsinki was known in English by its Swedish name, Helsingfors, until around 1930.
- The city is only 80 kilometres (50 miles) north of Tallinn, Estonia, making it one of Europe's closest capital city pairs.
- Helsinki is a bilingual municipality with both Finnish and Swedish as its official languages.
- The capital region surrounding Helsinki has a population of 1.3 million, while the metropolitan area extends to 1.6 million residents.
Frequently Asked Questions About Helsinki
What languages are spoken in Helsinki?
Helsinki is a bilingual municipality with Finnish and Swedish as its official languages.
How close is Helsinki to other major cities?
Helsinki is just 80 kilometres (50 miles) north of Tallinn, Estonia, 400 kilometres (250 miles) east of Stockholm, Sweden, and 300 kilometres (190 miles) west of Saint Petersburg, Russia.
What is Helsinki's role in Finland?
As Finland's capital and most populous city, Helsinki is the country's most significant centre for politics, education, finance, culture, and research.
What region is Helsinki in?
Helsinki is the seat of southern Finland's Uusimaa region and is located on the shore of the Gulf of Finland.
How large is the Helsinki metropolitan area?
The capital region has approximately 1.3 million people, while the wider metropolitan area extends to approximately 1.6 million residents.