Overview
Take a trip to Helsinki on your Finland Vacation
Helsinki (Finnish) or Helsingfors (Swedish) is the capital of Finland. Founded in 1550, the "Daughter of the Baltic" has been the Finnish capital since 1812, when it was rebuilt by the Czars of Russia along the lines of a miniature St. Petersburg, a role it has played in many a Cold War movies, all to be experienced on Finland vacations.
Today, Helsinki combines being something of an international metropolis while still retaining a small-town feel. The best time to visit is in summer when Finns peel off their overcoats and flock to outdoor bars and cafes to enjoy the sunshine. Helsinki's population is about 600,000, but the Greater Helsinki region including the suburbs of the neighboring administrative areas of Espoo and Vantaa has a population of over 1.3 million. The suburbs rapidly give way to small towns, farms and forests.
The city is officially bilingual, with an 86% Finnish-speaking majority and a visible 6% Swedish-speaking minority. However, most of the Finnish-speaking majority only know the very basics of Swedish, which they learn in school. Most Finns speak English more fluently than Swedish. Street names and many signs in Helsinki are in both Finnish and Swedish enhancing your Finland vacation with that extra layer of multiculturalism.
There are many major sights to enjoy in Helsinki. Popular with locals, Esplanade Park is a green oasis in the heart of the city, while Helsinki Cathedral is a beautiful and historically significant Evangelical Lutheran church. Within Helsinki itself, the city centre is on the southern peninsula at the end of the city's main thoroughfare Mannerheimintie. Both the central railway station and the main bus terminal are in the city centre.
The city is officially bilingual, with an 86% Finnish-speaking majority and a visible 6% Swedish-speaking minority. However, most of the Finnish-speaking majority only know the very basics of Swedish, which they learn in school. Most Finns speak English more fluently than Swedish. Street names and many signs in Helsinki are in both Finnish and Swedish enhancing your Finland vacation with that extra layer of multiculturalism.
There are many major sights to enjoy in Helsinki. Popular with locals, Esplanade Park is a green oasis in the heart of the city, while Helsinki Cathedral is a beautiful and historically significant Evangelical Lutheran church. Within Helsinki itself, the city centre is on the southern peninsula at the end of the city's main thoroughfare Mannerheimintie. Both the central railway station and the main bus terminal are in the city centre.
At a Glance
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3 Trips Found
Escape to Helsinki and Finnish Lapland
Lapland and HelsinkiFrom stylish Helsinki to a glass igloo in Lapland, this independent trip blends design, nature, and Northern Lights in the heart of Finland’s winter wonderland.
5 days
From US$1,216/p.p.
Request a Quote
Escape to Helsinki and Finnish Lapland
Lapland and HelsinkiFrom stylish Helsinki to a glass igloo in Lapland, this independent trip blends design, nature, and Northern Lights in the heart of Finland’s winter wonderland.
5 days
From US$1,216/p.p.
Request a Quote
What do the experts say?
You should try a Zen meditation session. Imagine slipping into a silk kimono for the day—carefully tied by an expert dresser, every fold precise, every colour chosen to suit the season. It’s a ritual that feels as personal as it is timeless.
What do I love about Japan? In a word - EVERYTHING. The incredible contrast that Japan offers - new/innovative vs old/traditional, the warm and welcoming people, the incredible rich culture, the culinary wonders awaiting around every corner, the cleanliness, efficiency and safety. It's one of the best places to visit in Asia in my opinion.
Pub Street in Siem Reap, Cambodia, is a local favourite with very inexpensive drinks. It's also a great place to try the local delicacy, BBQ frog.
I love how laidback and relaxed Laos is compared to other countries in Southeast Asia. It's like the best of Vietnam, Cambodia, and Thailand all rolled into one, and then sent back in time 20 to 30 years.
The Festes Majors are summer festivals held in the villages of Andorra. Each festival is unique to the village, with its own distinct style.
A scenic summer view of historical center of He...
Railway station in Helsinki
Fortress of Sveaborg
Public transport vehicle in Helsinki
Completed in 1868, Uspenski Cathedral is the la...
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Conditions
Daily max temperatureMonthly rainfall
HelsinkiOccasional Showers
15°C / 58°F
35mm / 1.4"
Weather data is based on monthly averages.Popularity rating
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