Helsinki is the perfect city to visit on either a quick city escape or for a stopover before travelling further afield.
Helsinki
Jussi Hellsten/Helsinki Marketing
Jussi Hellsten/Helsinki Marketing
A word from our travel specialist
I always think there’s something magical about this northern capital — a place where minimalist design meets centuries-old architecture, and the rhythm of city life slows down just enough for you to really take it all in.
I love wandering through the quiet streets of Helsinki. From the stunning white Helsinki Cathedral rising above Senate Square, to the hip cafés and art galleries tucked into the Design District, every corner has a story.
Hopping on a ferry to explore the fortress island of Suomenlinna, and ending the day watching the sun dip below the horizon from Löyly sauna is a wonderful experience.
It’s peaceful here, but never boring. Helsinki knows how to mix tradition with trend, nature with city, quiet moments with bold beauty.
I am already planning my next trip back in winter for those snowy streets and maybe even the northern lights.
Zoe
Nordic Experience Specialist
Photo Credit: Lauri Rotko / Helsinki Marketing
Helsinki, Designed Around You
Helsinki is the vibrant seaside capital city of Finland and has beautiful islands and lots of green parks. The city boasts a combination of laid-back style and exciting activities with a huge number of top-quality restaurants and hotels. It is a compact city and easy to get around on foot.
Design, architecture, and culture all feature along with being able to visit the forest, lakes, and the coastline which means that there is no shortage of natural exploration too! Perfect for a city escape or stopover before journeying further afield.
Some top spots to discover included the Kauppatori is Helsinki’s harbour side, and is dotted with market stalls selling local produce. The Lutheran Cathedral and the Uspenski Cathedral are two eye-catching churches, facing each-other high above the city. Helsinki has a number of fascinating museums and art galleries which should be high on the list for any culture lovers!
Tailor-Made Ways to Experience Helsinki
Explore design districts, island-hop the archipelago, or dive into sauna culture—Helsinki is yours to experience, your way.
Where to Stay: Handpicked for You
From stylish design-led hotels to harbour-view hideaways, our curated picks in Helsinki reflect the city’s effortless blend of tradition and trend.
The Guidebook
Explore Helsinki
Only 30 minutes from the airport by bus or train you can soon find yourself in Finland’s capital and get out exploring. It truly is the perfect cosmopolitan introduction into Finland and offers a wealth of cultural and historical experiences as well as opportunities to witness the beautiful archipelago of islands in the Summer and Autumn months.
Getting There
Helsinki is serviced by regular international flights, making it an obvious city stopover for any trip to Finland. Public transport in the city is excellent, with a reliable and efficient metro line, trams, taxis, and busses. Getting around by bicycle is also a popular, safe, and convenient way to see the city!
Climate
Helsinki has a mild climate compared to areas further North in Finland. Summer temperatures often reach around 20℃, while winter temperatures drop to a chilly -6℃. Temperatures as low as -20℃ occur a few times a year, but the snow season is much shorter compared to the North of Finland.
Shared Experiences
From Our Customers
Off the Map Travel was great! Alex helped us plan the most amazing 10 day honeymoon to Iceland. He gave us great recommendations and was so patient with us during the planning process!
Tori
Amy was a great help with planning this trip. Our trip turned out amazing. I also was very grateful for Off the Map’s Front Desk service, which promptly handled an on the spot issue we had.
Karen
The best travel experience ever on every level you can think of during a Lapland expedition (food, activities, timings, accommodation, transport, service, equipment…). I highly recommend Off The Map Travel for their outstanding level of professionalism and detail oriented mindset!
Sophie & Guy
I used OTMT to organise a holiday to see the Northern Lights for my partner’s 50th birthday. They took the time to understand my priorities, the kinds of places we like to stay and the things we like to do. They recommended a fabulous itinerary in Norway centred around the Lyngen Experience Lodge. The holiday itself lived up to expectations and I have no hesitation in recommending OTMT. They listened carefully during the planning and delivered the perfect present for my partner.
Alex
I would thoroughly recommend this company. Their planning and advice was spot on. Alex responded to my calls and emails very promptly. I will definitely use them again for future trips.
Rosie
We originally hired Off the Map Travel in 2020 to set up a trip to see the Northern Lights. That didn’t happen, thanks to COVID. But, we persisted and in March of 2023, we took a 16-day trip that included both Iceland and Norway. IT WAS MAGICAL! Off the Map took care of everything! We were pampered at every stage of our trip. The people they hired and the activities they planned added up to a trip that will set the standard for any we’ll ever take in the future. Alex and his team were fabulous! We recommend them without restraint!
Jim & Kris