Hello Helsinki

The Finnish capital city of Helsinki is truly a quintessentially beautiful Nordic city. With a unique blend of classic Nordic and Russian architecture, a fresh and delicious food scene, arts & culture, and sincerely friendly people and locals, it’s hard not to appreciate the city. We'll put together a suggested itinerary (you are of course welcome to explore at your own time and pace). Highlights may include:

Helsinki Cathedral

This Helsinki itinerary begins directly in the city center at the city’s Helsinki Cathedral in the Kruununhaka neighborhood. The church is the Finnish Evangelical Lutheran cathedral of the Diocese of Helsinki and is easily the most recognised monument associated with Finland and Helsinki.

National Museum of Finland

About a 20-minute walk or 10-minute tram ride away from the Helsinki Cathedral will bring you to the National Museum of Finland. The museum has a wide array of exhibits and information to offer, and since Finland isn’t so much in the mainstream.

Temppeliaukio Church

After a short journey by foot from the Finnish National Museum, you’ll find yourself at one of the most interesting sights in Helsinki in the Töölö neighborhood; the Temppeliaukio Church.

While the Temppeliaukio Church at its heart is a simple Lutheran Church, the unique feature of the church is its structure. The church is carved directly into solid rock, giving it the alternative name of “church of the rock”.

Helsinki Market Square & Old Market Hall

A wonderful way to wrap up a first day in Helsinki is to head to the most famous market in Finland, Helsinki Market Square. The Market Square is located between the south harbour of the city and the esplanade and is one of the quintessential spots to visit while spending time in Helsinki.

Fortress of Suomenlinna 

After enjoying a relaxing few hours at the Finnish sauna, the next stop on this Helsinki itinerary is to head to another one of the most well-known attractions in Helsinki.

The Fortress of Suomenlinna is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and sea fortress made up of 8 islands located just off of the mainland coast of Helsinki. 

We recommend booking the Helsinki Tourist Card - REGION (66 euros for 48 hours or 78 euros for 72 hours) which includes transport around the city including tram, bus tours and entrance to most top attractions. When we suggest an itinerary we'll recommend which ticket to buy. https://www.stromma.com/en-fi/helsinki/city-pass/helsinki-card/

Our hotel is the vibrant, award-winning Marski by Scandic. Buzzing with life with a Finnish twist in the heart of Helsinki. All rooms have a unique, beautiful and timeless decor, double-thick mattresses, a pillow selection and Marski’s own high-quality bathroom products. The large Spacious-rooms are great for spending time in, while the quiet, windowless Sleep-rooms ensure a good night’s sleep. The Marski offers an Intriguing interior, a cosy restaurant and bar too.

Provisional Flight Information

05/10/2023 London Gatwick to Helsinki Dep: 1010 Arr: 1500

08/10/2023 Helsinki to London GatwickDep:1705 Arr: 1810

Norwegian Flight includes 10kg Cabin Luggage

05/10/2023 London Heathrow to Helsinki Dep: 0730 Arr: 1220

08/10/2023 Helsinki to London Heathrow Dep:1600 Arr: 1705

Finnair Flight includes 8kg Cabin Luggage

05/10/2023 Manchester to Helsinki Dep: 1015 Arr: 1500

08/10/2023 Helsinki to Manchester Dep:1405 Arr: 1705

Finnair Flight includes 8kg Cabin Luggage

05/10/2023 Birmingham to Amsterdam Dep: 0600 Arr: 0820

05/10/2023 Amsterdam to Helsinki Dep:0945 Arr: 1330

08/10/2023 Helsinki to Amsterdam Dep:1810 Arr: 1940

08/10/2023 Amsterdam to Birmingham Dep:2105 Arr: 2120

KLM Flight includes 12kg Cabin Luggage (indirect flight)

05/10/2023 Edinburgh to Amsterdam Dep: 0600 Arr: 0835

05/10/2023 Amsterdam to Helsinki Dep:0945 Arr: 1330

08/10/2023 Helsinki to Amsterdam Dep:1810 Arr: 1940

08/10/2023 Amsterdam to Edinburgh Dep:2150 Arr: 2215

KLM Flight includes 12kg Cabin Luggage (indirect flight)

This trip does not include transfers from the airport as train services operate every 10 minutes and take you right to the centre of Helsinki from where it is a short walk to the hotel – this is the quickest and most efficient way of travelling into the city centre and allows a cheaper price for the trip as well as greater airport choice as we don't need to group flights together. Full details of how and where to access the transport network will be provided and of course unless you are the only one booked on your flight you won't be travelling alone! The train ticket is just over 4 euros each way and can purchased at the airport train station.

Passport validity

You should have at least 3 months remaining on your passport from the end date of your holiday and your passport must be less than 10 years old (even if it has 6 months or more left).

Travel Insurance

Please ensure that you have adequate personal travel insurance to suit your requirements in place before you travel. Spice Escapes have arranged a scheme with Staysure who are fully authorised and regulated by the FCA (firm reference number 663617) full details of which can be found on the FCA website www.fca.org.uk. For an instant online quotation please click here.

Visas

You can travel to countries in the Schengen area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa.

The latest FCO travel guidance for Finland

https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/finland/entry-requirements