Cruise ships make a scenic approach through Helsinki's island archipelago so have your cameras ready.

There are 2 cruise ports in Helsinki. Smaller ships will dock at the South Harbor, which is the largest passenger port and is located downtown so everything is within walking distance.

Larger ships will most likely port at the Hernesaari Cruise Ship Dock in the West Harbor. This port is about 3 km to town center. Shuttle service is usually provided, but metered taxis are also available at the pier. Also bus 16 will take you into town. A day ticket is 6 euro on all public transit, including the ferry to Suomenlinna. On a nice day it is a 25 minute pleasant walk.

Printable map to take along.

Cruise calendar for this port.

Watch a destination video.

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 flavoured 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 offers a diverse cultural life, outstanding architectural gems and a full range of quality shopping opportunities. Examples of the world famous Finnish design is to be found anywhere in the city. The Finns are friendly people who speak good English, and Helsinki's relaxed atmosphere makes it easy for visitors to feel welcome.

Helsinki - Attractions

A day ticket is 6 euro on all public transit, including the ferry to Suomenlinna. The trams 3T and 3B almost function as hop on/off buses, passing by most tourist attractions making a figure eight loop through Helsinki.

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.

Taxis can be obtained by telephone or from taxi ranks. Payment can be made using major international credit cards as well as cash. The usual basic fare is 4.50 euros. The fare rises gradually on a kilometre basis, as indicated by the meter, and depending on the number of passengers.

Finnish Railways operates the fairly extensive railroad network.

Car rental is possible in Finland but generally expensive, with rates generally upwards of € 80/day.

It pays to compare your cruise line shore excursions here.

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 850 people living in the renovated ramparts and barracks.

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.

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.

Currency Converter

Finland has two official languages, Finnish ( 93%) and Swedish (7%), but also English is widely spoken in Finland.

112 is the national phone number for all emergency services, including police.

Internet cafes are sparse on the ground in this country where everybody logs on at home and in the office, but nearly every public library in the country has free Internet access. WiFi hotspots are also increasingly common.

Click here for holidays.

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