HelsinkiImage:Tuomiokirkko-small.jpg|frame|Tuomiokirkko (the Lutheran Cathedral) '''Helsinki''' (Finnish) or '''Helsingfors''' (Swedish) is Finland's capital and something of an international metropolis. Founded in 1550, it has been the Finnish capital since 1812. Helsinki's current population is over 560,000, but the Helsinki region with the neighboring suburban cities of '''Espoo''' and '''Vantaa''' has a population of about one million. ==Understand== ===History=== Helsinki was founded in 1550 by King Gustav Vasa of Sweden as a trading post to compete with Tallinn to the south in Estonia. In 1809, Finland was annexed to Russia during a war of that period and the capital of Finland moved from Turku to Helsinki in 1812. The Czar felt the Grand Duchy of Finland needed a capital of grand proportions. Two architects, Johan Albrecht Ehrenström a native Finn, and Carl Ludwig Engel from Germany were given the task of rebuilding the city in empire-style as seen today around the Lutheran Cathedral, which was completed in 1852. ===Orientation=== Image:Helsingin_seutu.png|thumb|244px|Helsinki metropolitan area The county of Helsinki forms the core of Finland's largest urban area, known in Finnish as the "capital area" (''pääkaupunkiseutu''). The '''Gulf of Finland''' lies to the south, while the posh suburban county of '''Espoo''' with the embedded tiny enclave of '''Kauniainen''' is to the west and the more industrialized county of '''Vantaa''' is to the north. Beyond these three the suburbs rapidly give way to farms and forests, notably '''Nuuksio National Park''' (see #Do|Do) at the intersection of Espoo, Vihti and Nurmijärvi. Within Helsinki itself, the city center is on the southern peninsula at the end of the city's main thoroughfare '''Mannerheimintie''' (or just ''Mansku''). Both the central railway station and the main bus terminal are here. Shopping streets '''Aleksanterinkatu''' (or ''Aleksi'') and '''Esplanadi''' (or ''Espa'') connect to '''Senate Square''', the historical center of the city. See the [http://kartta.hel.fi/opas/en/ Helsinki Guide Map] for an interactive searchable map of the city. ==Get in== ===By plane=== All international and domestic flights land at the compact, modern and airy '''[http://www.ilmailulaitos.fi/airport_helsinki-vantaa Helsinki-Vantaa International Airport]''' ('''HEL'''), 15 kilometers to the north of the city. International and domestic terminals are separate but connected by a walkway. The cheapest public transport option to the center is public bus 615, which takes around 40 minutes and costs 3.40€ to the Central Railway Station in the heart of Helsinki. Finnair's own bus offers direct service to major hotels for 5€. Taxis to the center cost 25€ and up, although the shared [http://www.airporttaxi.fi/index_eng.html Airport Taxi] (tel. 0600 555 555 for bookings) minivans for 1 to 4 people are only 18€. For general aviation (small planes) the '''Helsinki-Malmi Airport''' (ICAO code EFHF) works nicely, with fuel and customs facilities available at the airport. ===By helicopter=== [http://www.copterline.com/ Copterline] offers a surprisingly affordable (for a helicopter) express service to Tallinn, starting at 89€ for the 18-minute hop. The flights use a dedicated heliport at Hernesaari, in the port area to the south of the city center. ===By train=== All long-distance trains from throughout Finland and St. Petersburg (Russia)|St. Petersburg (Russia) terminate in the heart of the city at the '''Central Railway Station''' (''Rautatieasema''), which also provides easy interchange to the metro and tram lines. ===By car=== Expressways connect Helsinki to Turku to the west, Tampere and Lahti to the north, and to Porvoo and towards St. Petersburg (Russia)|St. Petersburg in the east. ===By bus=== Long-distance buses terminate at the central bus station in Kamppi, adjacent to Mannerheimintie and within easy walking distance of the Central Railway Station. Currently (May 2005), major construction work on the central bus station is nearly finished, and the bus station rebuilt underground will be opened during the summer. ===By boat=== Helsinki is well connected with ferry services to Stockholm (Sweden) and Tallinn (Estonia), and there are limited services to St. Petersburg (Russia) and northern Germany. Ferries arrive at three different terminals, two of which are at the central '''South Harbor''' next to the Market Square. At time of writing, Viking Line uses the eastern ''Katajanokanlaituri'' (tram 4), while Silja Line uses ''Olympialaituri'' on the west side (tram 3). Some fast services to Tallinn also depart from these, but the larger ferries use the more inconvenient '''West Harbor''' (''Länsisatama'') terminal (bus 15 from M Ruoholahti). See the [http://www.hel.fi/port/english/matkustajaliikenne/index.html Port of Helsinki] for the latest details. ==Get around== All public transportation in the Helsinki metro area is operated under the aegis of '''[http://www.hkl.fi/english.html HKL]'''. The following basic ticket types are available: * '''Tram ticket''' (1,50€ prepaid, 1,80€ from the driver, travel card "0") — valid for one hour of tram trips, unlimited transfers * '''City ticket''' (1,90€ by mobile phone, 2,00€ from the driver or in ticket machines, travel card "1") — valid for one hour within city limits, unlimited transfers * '''Regional ticket''' (3,40€, travel card "2") — valid for 80 mins within Helsinki, Espoo, Vantaa and Kauniainen, unlimited transfers Fares can be paid by cash on boarding or by '''Travel Card''' (''matkakortti''), a reloadable smartcard sold at R-kiosks and HKL offices. The Travel Card costs 7€ (nonrefundable) and gives a 15% discount on fares. Using it is slightly cumbersome, as you must hold your card against the reader and ''simultaneously'' press the numbered button corresponding to the desired ticket type. Wave the card without pressing anything to see the remaining value or to register a transfer. Alternatively, you can opt for the '''Helsinki Card''' (1 day 25€ to 3 days 45€) or '''HKL Tourist Ticket''' (1 day 5,40€, 3 days 10,80€ or 5 days 16,20€), both of which offer unlimited travel within the city. The Helsinki Card also offers free admission to a number of museums and attractions, but at a much steeper price. [http://aikataulut.ytv.fi/reittiopas/en/ Journey Planner] will get you from street address, place or sight to another by connecting the necessary public mass transit, giving you plenty of options. It covers metropolitan Helsinki (incl. Espoo, Vantaa and Kauniainen). Try '''Airport''' or '''Railway station''' for place names. Getting around by night can be a bit tricky (or expensive), as most public transportation stops around midnight. There is a limited night bus network that charges twice the price of a daytime ticket. ===By tram=== For tourists the most convenient (and scenic) means of travel is the extensive '''tram''' network, especially '''line 3T''' which does a figure-eight circuit around the city — the "T" stands for "tourist" and it usually stocks an informative leaflet listing attractions along the way. For a slightly offbeat experience, take the line '''3B''' which is essentially '''3T''' in the opposite direction. ====Bar Tram==== Of particular note is the '''[http://www.koff.net/sporakoff/ SpåraKOFF]''' Bar Tram, a bright red tram converted into a pub on wheels. The tram runs during the summer only from Wednesday to Saturday, once an hour from 2 to 8 PM, with stops at the Railway Square, Linnanmäki, Opera House, Aleksanterinkatu and the Market Square. Price 7€, including one beer. ===By bus=== '''Buses''' fill in the gaps not covered by trams. The main bus stations are on the square adjacent to the Central Railway Station (for points north and east) and underground in the Kamppi Center connected to the metro station of the same name (for points west). ===By taxi=== You don't need to worry of being cheated or ''robbed'' by a taxi driver — they are already unreasonably expensive. Prices are set by a cartel, so getting into a taxi costs you 4.15€ (6.40€ at night and on Sundays), and then the meter ticks at 1.06€/km — although the rate increases if there are over two people and there are surcharges for large bags or leaving from/going to the airport. During weekend nights and some popular events or holidays it can be a bit difficult to get a ride. Local practice is to take a walk to the nearest taxi stand or try to book by phone, tel. 01000700. ===By train=== VR's commuter railways run north from the Central Railway Station, branching out in three directions, none of them particularly interesting though. HKL tickets are valid within the metropolitan area limits. ===By metro=== A '''metro''' line runs from the center to the eastern suburbs, but is of little use to most tourists. ===By ferry=== The HKL '''ferry to Suomenlinna''' from the Market Square (''Kauppatori'') is a cheap and popular summer getaway. In addition, private operators provide ferries to Suomenlinna and various other islands during the summer; however, schedules can be sparse and HKL tickets are not valid on them. ==See== Helsinki's sights are mostly of the low-key sort and can be divided into an eclectic set of '''churches''' and another slew of '''museums'''. ===Churches=== Image:Helsinki_Temppeliaukio.JPG|thumb|240px|The altar of the Church in the Rock *'''Lutheran Cathedral''' (''Tuomiokirkko''). Aleksanterinkatu, [http://www.senaatintori.fi/tekstisivu8.htm]. The unofficial symbol of the city, this striking white cathedral dominates the central Senate Square. Based on designs by Carl Ludvig Engel and completed in 1852, the cathedral has recently been refurbished and looks better than ever, with the 12 apostles on the roof once again looking down at the world below. Open daily 9-18, free entry. *'''The Church in the Rock''' (''Temppeliaukion kirkko'', literally "temple square church"). Lutherinkatu 3 (''tram 3B/T''), tel. +358 9 494698. An atmospheric if minimalistic church literally dug out of solid rock, that rather resembles a crash landed UFO from above. The roof is made of 22 kilometers of copper strips. Completed in 1969, this has become one of Helsinki's most popular attractions; concerts are often held here thanks to the excellent acoustics. Open daily 10-17 (or later), free entry. *'''Uspenski Cathedral'''. Kanavakatu 1, Helsinki, phone +358 9 634267, [http://www.ort.fi/helsinki/fin/usp-ind.htm]. Uspenski Cathedral is the largest orthodox church in Western Europe. Open October-April Mon closed Tue-Fri 9.30-16, Sat 9.30-14, Sun 12-15. May-September Mon, Wed-Sat 9.30-16, Tue 9.30-18, Sun 12-15. Free entry. ===Museums=== *'''Ateneum Art Museum'''. Kaivokatu 2, tel. +358 9 173361 (+358 9 17336228 for tickets). Open Tue and Fri 9am - 6pm, Wed and Thu 9am - 8pm, Sat and Sun 11am - 5pm, Mondays closed. Ateneum has the largest collection of paintings and sculptures in Finland. Particularly notable is the collection of works by major Finnish artists. Entrance fee 5,5/4 €, or during special exhibitions 7,5/6,5 €. Free admission for visitors under 18. Wednesdays from 5pm to 8pm free admission. http://www.ateneum.fi/acms/core/default.asp?docId=11876 *'''Kiasma Museum of Contemporary Art'''. Mannerheiminaukio 2, tel. +358 9 1733 6501, http://www.kiasma.fi/www/index.php?lang=en]. Open from Wed to Sun 10am - 8.30pm, Tue 9am - 5pm, Mondays closed. Located near Ateneum, Kiasma is everything Ateneum isn't. The collections mostly include works by contemporary Finnish artists and artists from nearby countries. In addition to this, there are also periodical exhibitions. The building itself is, debatably, a work of art. Entrance fee 5,5/4?, groups (with at least 10 people) 4€ per person. Under 18 year-olds free. Fridays from 5pm to 8.30pm free admission. *'''Korkeasaari Zoo'''. [http://www.hel.fi/zoo/index_eng.html] *'''Seurasaari'''. [http://www.nba.fi/en/seurasaari_openairmuseum]. A pleasant little island to the north of the center, filled with walking trails and authentic old Finnish houses collected from all over the country. An excellent half-day trip, especially in the summer. Entry to the park free, entry into the museum buildings 5€. Take bus 24 from Erottaja (at the northern end of Esplanadi) to the terminus (20-30 minutes). *'''Suomenlinna'''. [http://www.suomenlinna.fi/index.php?lang=eng]. The greatest sea fortress in Scandinavia, which ignominiously surrendered without a fight the one time it was about to see action, resulting the loss of Finland to Russia. Still living in its own time with only old buildings, few cars and loads of old fortifications, catacombs and cast iron cannons, today the sprawling complex houses a few restaurants, theatres, and museums and is a very popular place for a picnic on a fine summer day, watching the vast passenger ferries drift by on their way to Sweden. Accessible by ferry from Kauppatori market (the HKL ferry is the cheapest and most convenient). ===Other=== *'''Sibelius Monument'''. [http://www.hel.fi/tourism/html/english/artikkelit/artikkelit/sibelius.html]. Every tourist in Helsinki is bussed out to see this somewhat bizarre artwork sitting in the middle of a park, consisting of metallic organ pipes welded together in no obvious shape and serving no obvious function. *'''Parliament House''' (''Eduskunta''). Tours on Saturday at 11 and 12 and Sunday at 12 and 1 in Finnish, Swedish and English. ==Do== * '''Linnanmäki''' [http://www.linnanmaki.fi] amusement park and '''Sea Life''' [http://www.sealifehelsinki.fi] aquarium at Tivolikuja 1. * '''Serena Water Amusement Park'''. Tornimäentie 10, Espoo (''bus 339''), tel. 09 88705555, [http://www.serena.fi/english/index.htm]. Featuring 2000 sq.m. of heated pools under a roof, this is best experienced in winter when you can kick back in a jacuzzi and watch people skiing on the other side of the glass windows. Kids will love the water slides, and an extra 1000 sq.m. outdoors are open in the summer. All day pass €17, evening pass (from 4 PM) €13. Open 11 AM to 8 PM daily. ==Learn== Most of Finland's exchange students end up in Helsinki's universities: * '''University of Helsinki'''. [http://www.helsinki.fi/university/]. With over 40,000 students, this is Finland's largest university and its alumni include '''Linus Torvalds''', the creator of Linux. * '''Helsinki University of Technology'''. [http://www.hut.fi/English/]. "Finland's MIT", located in Otaniemi, Espoo, just across the municipality border. * '''University of Art and Design Helsinki'''. [http://www.uiah.fi/frontpage.asp?path=1866]. The biggest art university in Scandinavia. Has the highest rate of exchange students of all Finnish universities. * '''Helsinki School of Economics''' [http://www.hkkk.fi/english/default.asp] * '''Sibelius Academy''' [http://www.siba.fi/eng/] The only music university in Finland and one of the largest in Europe. ==Work== ==Buy== Shopping in Helsinki is generally expensive, but fans of Scandinavian design will find plenty of interest. As in the rest of Finland, note that most shops close by 6 PM on Saturday and are closed entirely on Sunday (except in summer and before Christmas). A notable exception are the shops located in the central railway station's underground '''Asematunneli''' complex, which are open until the late evening almost every day on the year. ===Stores and malls=== Helsinki's main shopping drag is '''Aleksanterinkatu''' (''Aleksi''), which runs from Senate Square to Mannerheimintie and is packed with large stores. The parallel '''Esplanadi''' boulevards have specialist (and generally very expensive) boutiques. Access to the area is easy, as trams 2, 3B/3T, 4 and 7A/7B all run down Aleksanterinkatu. * '''Stockmann'''. Corner of Aleksanterinkatu and Mannerheimintie, [http://www.stockmann.fi/portal/english]. Helsinki's (and Finland's) premier department store. When Helsinkians meet "under the clock" (''kellon alla''), they mean the one rotating under the main entrance to Stockmann. Large selection of souvenirs on the 4th floor, and the '''Herkku''' supermarket in the basement offers an amazing range of gourmet food from all over Europe. There are also smaller branches of Stockmann at Itäkeskus, Tapiola and the airport. * '''Academic Bookstore''' (''Akateeminen Kirjakauppa''). Keskuskatu (''opposite Stockmann''), [http://www.akateeminen.com/]. The largest bookstore in Finland, with extensive selections in English too. Part of Stockmann, and connected by an underground passage to it. * '''Kämp Galleria'''. Between Mikonkatu and Kluuvikatu, [http://www.kampgalleria.fi/fi/index.asp]. Helsinki's fanciest shopping mall, with brands like '''Marimekko''' and a shop full of '''Moomin''' goods. * '''Itäkeskus'''. [http://www.itakeskuskauppakeskus.fi/]. The largest shopping mall in Scandinavia with some 240 shops. Metro: Itäkeskus, some 20 minutes from the center. * '''Arabia Factory Shop'''. Hämeentie 135 (''Tram 6 terminus''), [http://www.arabia.fi]. Factory outlet for '''Arabia''' ceramics and '''Iittala''' glassware, best known for selling slightly defective goods at steeply discounted prices. Open 10 AM to 8 PM weekdays, 10 AM to 4 PM weekends. ===Design=== In addition to the high-end design stores around Aleksanterinkatu, many of Helsinki's smaller design stores are located around Uudenmaankatu and Iso Robertinkatu - see the map [http://kartta.hel.fi/opas/_noframe/bigmap.asp?SearchOp=katunumero_pks_e&Desc=UUDENMAANKATU%2013%20HELSINKI%20&XValue=52416&YValue=72946]. This includes Ivana Helsinki [http://www.ivanahelsinki.com/], internationally recognized design clothes manufacturer and many second-hand retro stores. ===Markets=== * '''Market Square''' (''Kauppatori''). At the end of Esplanadi facing the sea, this open-air market sells fresh fish and produce from all over Finland. Open all year around but busiest in summer, although the Christmas Market in December is also worth a look. One section of the market is devoted to souvenirs, but best buys here are the fresh berries and other produce: try the sweet green peas, just pop open the pod and eat as is. * '''Old Market Hall''' (''Vanha kauppahalli''). [http://www.wanhakauppahalli.com/eng/]. Right next to Market Square, this old brick building houses Finland's best collection of gourmet food boutiques. Try to find the stall which sells '''beaver sausage'''! * '''Hakaniemi Market Hall''' (''Hakaniemen kauppahalli''). A busy market frequented by locals, this is where you can find specialities at affordable prices. The first floor is largely food, head to the second floor for handicrafts and souvenirs. Metro: Hakaniemi, tram 1, 3B/3T, 6, 7. ==Eat== Helsinki has by far the best cosmopolitan restaurants in Finland, and is a good place to escape the usual diet of meat and potatoes... if you can foot the bill, that is. As usual in Finland the best time to eat out is '''lunch''', when most restaurants offer lunch sets for around 7-10€. In the evening, only budget places are less than 10€, while splurges cost well over 20€ per head. ===Budget=== * '''Golden Rax'''. Forum 2F, Mannerheimintie 20, Mikonkatu 8, [http://www.rax.fi/]. All-you-can-eat Pizza Buffet, including pasta, salad and drinks. Price: 7.99€ per person at the time of this writing. * '''Hesburger''' and '''Carrols'''. Alternatives to McDonalds, about 50 of these in and around Helsinki. * '''La Famiglia'''. Keskuskatu 3, tel. 85685680, [http://www.ravintolaopas.net/lafamiglia/index.asp?companyId=26164&lang=en]. Unpretentious Italian food for under 10€. The weekday lunch buffet of soup, salad and two kinds of pasta (7-10€) is particularly good value. Open daily from 11 AM to midnight. * '''McDonalds'''. There are about 30 McDonalds fast food restaurants in and around Helsinki. * '''New Bamboo Center'''. Annankatu 29, 00100 Helsinki. Well known and popular downtown Malaysian-Chinese restaurant. Cheap lunch/dinner served to 21.00. * '''VPK'''. Albertinkatu 29, [http://www.ravintolavpk.com/]. Run by the Volunteer Fire Brigade, this restaurant serves a daily changing buffet of hearty Finnish fare in a cafeteria straight from the 1950s, complete with grim portraits of moustached Hosemasters staring down at you. Pea soup and pancakes on Thursday are particularly popular. 7.70€ per head, open weekdays from 11 AM to 3 PM only. * '''Unicafe''' [http://www.unicafe.fi/etusivu/] A chain of restaurants owned by the Helsinki University student union. The biggest and most centrally located one is the '''Unicafe Ylioppilasaukio''', a couple of minutes' walk from the main railway station [http://www.unicafe.fi/data/249.gif]. Open from 11 am to 7 pm on weekdays, 11 am to 5 pm on Saturdays. Self-service, generally good meals although nothing special. Usually 4-7 dishes to choose from, including vegetarian meals. Quality/price ratio is very good. Prices from 5.20 € for a full meal (from 2.10 € for the uni students). ===Mid-range=== ====Finnish==== *'''Konstan Möljä'''. Hietalahdenkatu 14, +358 9 694 7504, [http://www.kolumbus.fi/konstanmolja/]. Traditional Finnish food. Lunch buffet 7.40€, main dishes 15+€. *'''Lappi'''. Annankatu 22, +358 9 645 550, [http://www.lappires.com/]. Traditional Finnish (and especially Lapp) dishes, frequented more by tourists than Finns. Main dishes 12 - 27€. *'''Manala'''. Dagmarinkatu 2, +358 9 5807 7707, [http://www.botta.fi/manala]. Tasty, no-nonsense Finnish food from noon till 4 am. Main dishes 10-18€. *'''Zetor'''. Kaivopiha, Mannerheimintie 3-5, +358 9 666 966, [http://www.zetor.net/]. Tourist restaurant with lots of character and great quality Finnish food. Plenty of old tractors and Finnish memorabilia. Main meals between 10 - 20€. *'''Keittiö & Bar Juuri''' Korkeavuorenkatu 27, +358 9 635 732. Special Finnish entrées called ''sapakset'' with roots in Finnish food tradition. All ''sapakset'' 2,5€, main dishes 17€. ====International==== *'''Belge''' Kluuvikatu 5, +358 9 6229620, [http://www.hok.fi/ravintolat/belge/index.html]. A Belgian restaurant. Good food, beer and atmosphere. *'''Gastone''', Korkeavuorenkatu 45, +358 9 666116. Nice restaurant with an Italian flavor. *'''Farouge''', Yrjönkatu 6, +358 9 6123455. Probably the only Lebanese restaurant in Finland. Friendly service and excellent food. Main courses 14-38 e. Lunch 11-15 on workdays. Closed on Sundays. Will be closed for renovation and expansion from end of May to August 2005. *'''Kynsilaukka''', Fredrikinkatu 22, +358 9 651939, [http://www.kynsilaukka.com/garlic/index-e.html]. For garlic lovers only... Main dishes 15-20€. *'''Limón''', Rikhardinkatu 4 , +358 9 6225992, [http://www.limon.fi/]. A cozy place serving both tapas and normal dishes. Main dishes 12 - 16€. *'''Mai Thai''', Annankatu 31-33, 00100 Helsinki, +358 9 685 6850, [http://www.ravintolaopas.net/maithai/]. One of the best Thai restaurants in Helsinki - simply incredible! Make sure to reserve a table in advance. *'''Mandarin Court''', Lönnrotinkatu 2, Helsinki, +358 9 278 2700. One of the best Chinese restaurants in Helsinki. Has a nice selection of dim sum. Main dishes 11-15 €. *'''Mt. Everest''', Lapinlahdenkatu 17, 00180 Helsinki, +358 9 6831 5450, and '''Everest''', Luotsikatu 12 A, +358 9 6942563. Good Nepalese food. Main dishes 10-20 €. *'''Yade'''. Keskuskatu 3, +358 9 856 856 80, yade@center-inn.fi, [http://www.ravintolaopas.net/yade/]. Asian-style restaurant serving wok, noodles, ramen, etc. Completely non-smoking, occasionally busy so reserve a table in advance. Closed on Sundays. ====Vegetarian==== *'''Vege''', Uudenmaankatu 9-11, +358 9 6227 7550, [http://www.vege.fi]. Decent vegetarian and vegan food in a nice atmosphere, currently open only till 18:00 and offering set lunches, but apparently planning to add à la carte offerings in the evening. Lunch 8-11 €. Closed on Sundays. *'''Silvoplee''', Toinen linja 3, +358 9 726 0900, [http://www.silvoplee.com/]. Vegetarian restaurant specializing in living and raw foods but also serves warm dishes. Buffet, pay per weight. Closed on Sundays. ===Splurge=== * '''Chez Dominique'''. Ludviginkatu 3-5, tel. 09 6124 4220, [http://www.chezdominique.fi]. Finland's only Michelin two-star restaurant, run by famed Finnish chef Hans Välimäki. Set dinner courses of innovative French food with fresh Finnish ingredients and modern twists start at 79€ per head, not including drinks. Reservations essential. *'''Kabuki''', Lapinlahdenkatu 12, 00180 Helsinki, +358 9 694 9446, [http://www.kabuki.fi/]. Best Japanese restaurant in Helsinki! No chance without reservation. Closed saturdays. *'''Kosmos'''. Kalevankatu 3, +358 9 647 255, [http://www.ravintolakosmos.fi/englanti/englanti.htm]. A Helsinki institution dating to 1924, proudly serving "Helsinkian" food — a melange of Russian, French and Swedish influences. Try one of the three classics: Vorschmack with duchess potatoes, the Sylvester Sandwich au Gratin and Baltic herrings with mashed potatoes. Mains 15-25€. ==Drink== Image:Helsinki_IceBar_Packed2.JPG|thumb|240px|Chilling out at the Arctic Icebar Helsinki has plenty of hip places for a drink, but they are uniformly expensive. If intent on getting plastered, follow the Finns and drink up a good "base" at home (or hotel) before going out on town. If you're not interested in the more trendy downtown nightclubs/bars, or are on a budget, you might want to head over to '''Kallio district''' that has heaps of bars with relatively cheap beer and an offbeat atmosphere. Popular places include '''Stellar pub''', '''Roskapankki''' and '''Tauko''' but there are lots more to choose from. For a virtual tour of Kallio bars with addresses and beer price info, see [http://baarikierros.com baarikierros.com]. The sometimes "decadent" bar culture here might not be everyone's cup of tea, though. You can reach Kallio from the center by walking, by tram (lines 1, 3B, 6 and 7) or by metro (get off at Hakaniemi or Sörnäinen). ===Cafes=== *'''Ateljee Baari'''. Hotel Torni (''14th floor''), Kalevankatu 5. Despite it's name it is more like cafe located on top of Hotel Torni, Finland's first highrise. Excellent view over Helsinki downtown. Highly recommended. Find the elevator close to lobby to get there. *'''Cafe Engel'''. Aleksanterinkatu 26 (''opposite the Lutheran cathedral''). Where the locals go for tea and snacks. Very relaxed, lovely courtyard out the back with films late into summer evenings. *'''Cafe Success'''. Korkeavuorenkatu 2, tel. 09 633414. Traditional cafe serves excellent delicacies. Famous for their cinnamon rolls ("Korvapuusti", also available in '''Cafe Esplanad'''). *'''Kipsari'''. Student cafe at the University of Art and Industrial Design in Arabia. Relaxed atmosphere with music at times. Nice students. ===Bars and pubs=== *'''Baarikärpänen, On The Rocks''' and '''Eatz''' are all bars/nightclubs on Mikonkatu, next to the Helsinki railway station. Baarikärpänen offers RnB and top40 hits in a nice lounge-type bar with big comfortable sofas and a dance floor. On The Rocks is a rock oriented bar with occasional live bands and stand up comedy acts. Eatz sports a restaurant and a small bar/dancefloor section playing varying music depending on the night. *'''Baker's Pub'''. Mannerheimintie 12, [http://www.ravintolabakers.com/pub.asp]. Next door to Baker's Restaurant. A good place to hang if you like rock music. Friendly bar staff. Drinks 4-6€. *'''Mbar'''. Lasipalatsi, Mannerheimintie 22-24, tel. 09 6124542, [http://www.mbar.fi]. A pleasant and popular living room-ish space in the heart of the city. Drinks 4-5€. ===Nightclubs=== Image:Clock.jpg|thumb|The Clock Bar, Teatteri *'''The Club'''. Simonkatu 6. A very popular venue offering three separate bar/club areas with a varying theme. The Club tries to profile itself as a upscale nightclub for trendy crowd. Music varies from Finnish-hits to RnB and House, depending on the area. *'''DTM'''. [http://dtm.fi/infot/english.htm]. Formerly "Don't Tell Mama", along the years DTM has grown to be what it is today: the largest combination of gay cafe, bar, disco and night club in Scandinavia. *'''Fever'''. Annankatu 32. One of the newer nightclubs in Helsinki. Mostly popular with 20-something crowd this club plays the current top-40 list. As a rather unusual feature in the Helsinki scene, this club is '''open every day of the week'''. *'''Helsinki Club'''. Yliopistonkatu 8. An old party venue that keeps discovering itself again and again. Helsinki Club, or "Hesari" has offered its services for party goes since 1971 and still hosts some of the hottest parties in Helsinki even today. *'''Lost & Found'''. Formerly a hetero-friendly gay club and nowadays more likely vice-versa, this nightclub at Annankatu 6 is open every day till 4 AM. Mysteriously popular despite the sweaty atmosphere in the somewhat cheesy disco downstairs, there's always action here late nights even on weekdays. *'''Teatteri'''. Pohjoisesplanadi 2, [http://www.teatteri.fi]. A complex featuring a deli, a restaurant, a bar and a night club, all of them trendy and popular. Check out the aptly named Clock Bar (''Kellobaari'') downstairs. Closed Sundays. *'''UNIQ'''. Yliopistonkatu 5, [http://www.uniq.fi/]. A nightclub home to the '''Arctic Icebar''', essentially a giant walk-in freezer where you can sample Finlandia vodka-based cocktails at a temperature of -5°C all year around. Loan parkas, moon boots and gloves provided. Open Wed-Sat 10 PM to 4 AM. Cover 5€ on weekends, drinks in the Icebar a steep 10€ (buy coupons in advance at the other bar counters). ==Sleep== Accommodation is generally quite expensive, but of a high standard. Hotels are usually ''cheaper'' on weekends when usual clientele of businessmen are away. ===Budget=== There are quite a few budget hotels in Helsinki, the cheapest being youth hostels. The [http://www.srm.fi Finnish Youth Hostel Association] can provide further information. *'''Eurohostel'''. Linnankatu 9 (''tram 2, 4''), [http://www.eurohostel.fi/]. Helsinki's best-located hostel. €19.50 (''IYHF members'') . *'''Stadion Hostel'''. [http://www.stadionhostel.com/]. In the Olympic Stadium building quite near the centre. Dorms from 15 €. * '''Rastila Camping'''. [http://www.hel.fi/liv/rastila/rastilaenglish.html] (''M Rastila''). The only camping site inside Helsinki borders. 17 min metro ride from the Central Railway Station. ===Mid-range=== * '''Cumulus Kaisa'''. Kaisaniemenkatu (''M Kaisaniemi''). A centrally located but minimally equipped business hotel. Prices from 83€ for a double in the low season. *'''Hotelli Finn'''. Kalevankatu 3B, tel. +358 9 6844360, fax. +358 9 68443610, e-mail hotelli.finn@kolumbus.fi, [http://www.hotellifinn.fi/]. A clean hotel near the main railway station. Even though the rooms are small and fairly no-frills, the hotel is comfortable and cheap. There are 27 rooms, and can accommodate from one to four people per room. Rooms include telephone and TV. €55-€115 (''single - room for four''). * '''Hotel Helka'''. Pohjoinen rautatiekatu (''near M Kamppi''), [http://www.helka.fi]. A dependable old standby within walking distance of the city center. Prices generally around 100€. ===Splurge=== *'''Hotel Kämp'''. Pohjoisesplanadi 29, tel. 09 576 111, [http://www.kamp.fi/]. This historic hotel claims to be the only true 5-star in Scandinavia, with prices to match: the 8-room Mannerheim Suite can be yours for a mere 2000€ per night. *'''Radisson SAS Plaza'''. Mikonkatu 23, tel. 020 1234 700, [http://www.radisson.com/helsinkifi_plaza]. Classy newly opened hotel in a protected 1917 building, well located near the railway station within easy walking distance of Aleksanterinkatu. Excellent breakfast buffet. Rooms from 150€. ==Contact== '''Internet cafes''' are rather thin on the ground in Helsinki, as most people have net connections at home. * '''Cable Book Library'''. Lasipalatsi, Mannerheimintie 22-24, [http://kirjakaapeli.lib.hel.fi/index-en.html]. Very centrally located between the central railway and bus stations. You can surf the net for free for 30 minutes just by presenting your ID card, but may have to queue. * '''Mbar''', (See the bars section above) * '''Wayne's Coffee'''. Kaisaniemenkatu 10. More or less opposite of Kinopalatsi. dna WLAN available (€3 per 30mins). * '''Kappeli'''. Eteläesplanadi 1. The building in the middle of the Esplanade. Sonera HomeRun WLAN available. ==Stay safe== In general, Finland is a fairly safe country, and Helsinki is no exception. There are no exceptional crime problems or health hazards. Unfortunately, as the city grows larger, petty crime will likely increase as well. Still, this should not be a visitor's biggest worry. Probably the only situation in which to watch your back, as in all bigger cities, might be if you find yourself waiting for your turn in a queue for a hot dog at 4 AM after the local club has stopped serving drinks. In March 2005 Helsinki was found in a study to be the second safest city in the world (Baghdad scored worst). ==Get out== In Finland itself the following make good day trips: * Nuuksio National Park, a piece of untamed wilderness within easy striking distance * Porvoo, a charming old town of wooden houses is just 60 km away As a coastal city, Helsinki has good connections to some fine international destinations nearby: * In Russia, St. Petersburg (Russia)|St. Petersburg, "the Venice of the North", is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. * Stockholm, the Sweden|Swedish capital, is like Helsinki, only bigger. * Tallinn in Estonia is known for its medieval city center and is easily accessible even as a day trip. ==External links== *[http://www.hel.fi/english/ City of Helsinki] *[http://www.hel.fi/tourism/html/english/artikkelit/index.html City of Helsinki Tourist Office] fr:Helsinki ro:Helsinki WikiPedia:Helsinki Dmoz:Europe/Finland/Southern Finland/Localities/Helsinki First page | Prev | Next | Last page |

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