Stopover in Helsinki - Explore the City in 3 Days

Helsinki Airport connects travellers across the Northern Hemisphere with long-haul flights to Asia and the US, complemented by a domestic and European network. The comprehensive route network makes Helsinki a convenient transfer hub.

Long flights can be tiring, but a stopover in Helsinki can turn your long flights into an extended adventure. Airlines, like Finnair, offer stopovers, ranging from a few hours to even a day or two, giving you plenty of time to explore the city. You can also create your stopover by booking separate flights, giving you flexibility to choose airlines and potentially save money.

We recommend reserving at least three days for your stopover in Helsinki. Summer is the best season to visit the Finnish capital. Remember that you need a valid passport and, for non-EU residents, a Schengen visa to enter Finland and the EU. Ensure you have all the required documents for your stopover.

In this article, we provide practical information on the Helsinki stopover and suggest things to do in Helsinki during a stopover.

Stopover or Layover – What’s the Difference?

A layover is a short connection between flights. It’s normal to have a few hours between connecting flights. A stopover is a more planned stop that often lasts a few days. Finally, it’s only a definition. As long as you have enough time between the flights, we recommend you exit the airport and enjoy the city.

From Helsinki Airport to the City Centre

When you have only a short stopover in Helsinki, we recommend skipping the hassle and heading straight to the city’s heart with a commuter train. The train station is located beneath the airport terminals and offers two direct lines (I and P) to the city centre, which takes about 30 minutes. There is no need to choose—both trains will get you there. We recommend checking out our Helsinki Airport Transfer and Public Transport guides for detailed information. The ticket costs about 5 euros.

Remember to buy your ticket before boarding a vehicle. The easiest way to do so is to use the HSL app. You can also purchase a local SIM card from the R-kiosk at Helsinki Airport or use international roaming.

Getting a taxi from the airport to the centre is not much faster. If you prefer to take a cab, read the Helsinki Airport Taxi Guide. The article gives an overview of how the airport’s taxi system works.

Having a stopover in Helsinki in December? Enjoy the Helsinki Christmas Markets and the Christmas Market in Porvoo.

Overnight Stopover – Where to Sleep?

We recommend staying three days and two nights in Helsinki. You will naturally need a place to sleep. We recommend two equally priced options: You can stay in an airport hotel close to the airport, which offers fast access to the centre. Alternatively, book a central hotel close to the main railway station if you prefer to stay in the centre.

Glo Hotel Airport is inside the terminal but is pretty tiny. Hilton Helsinki Airport and Scandic Helsinki Airport are only a few steps away and may be more comfortable. Clarion Hotel Aviapolis can be reached by commuter train 5 minutes from the terminal. There are also a few more distant airport hotels. For example, Holiday Inn Helsinki Airport is slightly cheaper but not as well-located as the other options above. Luckily, the hotel offers a free bus ride from the terminal to the hotel and back.

If you choose a central location, we recommend comparing hotel prices and finding the best option for yourself. Helsinki’s downtown is not significant, and with a public transport day ticket, you can move around affordably. Any 4-star hotel close to the railway station is a good choice.

What to See in Helsinki and Near in 3 Days?

Sightseeing options in Helsinki vary depending on the season. We’ve compiled a few recommendations to help you maximise your short stopover. We advise you to check our detailed information about the attractions in Helsinki.

Suomenlinna Island

In the summer, don’t forget to visit the Suomenlinna Islands. Firstly, you need to reach the South Harbour of Helsinki, and there you will find ferry connections to Suomenlinna about 3 times per hour. Be sure to take a public ferry (operated by HSL) because only they will accept your zone ticket. While waiting for the ferry, get familiar with Market Square, a few steps away from the port, and enjoy a cup of Finnish coffee. Or buy some Finnish souvenirs. The ferry ride to Suomenlinna takes 20 minutes, and you need at least 2-3 hours to explore the island without rushing. The islands are windy so wear enough clothes.

Suomenlinna is a fortress controlled by Sweden and Russia. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site. On a sunny day, it is a beautiful, relaxing place with a fascinating history. From this island, you can also spot the big ships of the Viking Line, Eckerö Line, and Silja Line passing by.

In the winter, we do not recommend Suomenlinna. The islands are cold and dark.

Visit Churches

There are many Lutheran churches in Helsinki, but two are the most popular spots. The white Helsinki Cathedral at Senaatintori is familiar from Helsinki photos. You will most likely want to take a selfie with the symbolic church.

Another interesting option is to visit Temppelinaukio Church (Rock Church) in Töölö. The church has been built inside the rocks. There is a small entrance fee because the church is popular during summer.

Helsinki Cathedral is a few minutes walk from the South Harbour. Temppelinaukio Church can be reached by tram in 10 minutes. Since Helsinki’s downtown is small, you can also walk between the attractions.

Museums and the Oodi Library

Helsinki has countless museums, but you won’t have time to see all of them during your stopover. We picked two ideas which we like.

Kiasma is a contemporaneous art museum located close to the central station. The ticket cost less than 20 euros. The museum is only a few steps away from the central railway station.

If you are interested in technology, why not visit the Museum of Technology in Old Helsinki? As an extra benefit, the nature around the museum is fascinating. The ticket costs about 15 euros.

Oodi Central Library is a must-see! Forget just bookshelves – Oodi offers a wonderland of discoveries beyond the written word. From 3D printing to jamming with instruments, there’s something for everyone. And the best part? It’s completely free to explore! Oodi was chosen as the best new public library in the world in 2019.

Amusement Park, Water Parks and Spas

Not everyone enjoys historical sights and museums. If you prefer to relax, a spa is a more suitable option.

There is an amusement park called Linnanmäki just in the centre of Helsinki. It is open only in the summertime. A wristband costs about 55 euros, and you are allowed to have as many rides as possible. Access to the area is free. So, if you want to enjoy the magical atmosphere and buy ice cream or snacks, visit there quickly without breaking the bank!

There is a water park called Serena in the neighbouring city of Helsinki. The park is located in Espoo City and can be reached by bus. It is also open in the winter, but the outdoor areas are closed then. We recommend visiting it during the summer. The bus ride to Serena takes a long time, but your zone ticket ABC is enough. Check Google Maps for the best route.

Flamingo Spa is an indoor water park and spa near Helsinki Airport. The water park is open to all ages, and the spa is for adults over 18. The adult area is best for relaxing because it is peaceful, and you can enjoy snacks and drinks there.

Spas in Helsinki

Beaches

Swimming in the sea is comfortable only in the summer, but the water is still quite cold—about 19 degrees. If you still wish to visit a beach and swim in the Baltic Sea, we recommend you try Hietaniemi Beach, which is close to the centre. On sunny summer days, it is crowded with young people.

The Helsinki area has countless beaches and lakes next to the sea, but the Hietaniemi beach is the most convenient place to stop.

Finnish Sauna

Remember to try an authentic Finnish Sauna. You may want to visit Kotiharjun Sauna, an old wooden sauna located in a residential building in Kallio that is still in the centre. Kotiharjun Sauna costs about 20 euros. You are allowed to take your drinks with you. The sauna is popular among travellers, but there are always local people.

Another option is to try a more modern sauna, Löyly, in Hernesaari. Two hours of use cost 25 euros. The sauna has a bar/cafe and a restaurant. Löyly is a few kilometres from the centre, it can still be reached quickly by public transport.

Helsinki also has many affordable public and private open-air pools. We would say visiting them is more authentic than heading to more pricey tourist-crowded attractions. Local people love to swim in public swimming halls and, in the summer, in outdoor pools.

Shopping

Finnish people often go shopping in big malls. There is a practical reason for that. The weather in winter is not always good so that the streets can be rainy and windy. Finland’s cold climate makes indoor shopping centres attractive, especially during the long winter months. Malls offer a warm and comfortable shopping, dining, and socialising setting.

The closest mall to Helsinki Airport is Jumbo. If you are visiting Helsinki for a quick trip, we recommend this mall, accessible by bus from the airport.

There are multiple malls in Helsinki Centre. One is Kamppi, which is also the central bus station. The newest one is Tripla, connected to the big Pasila Railway Station. Other significant options are Redi and Itis.

If you prefer traditional shopping, you may walk on Esplanadi and Aleksanterinkatu in Helsinki downtown. There you will find many small design stores. They sell famous Finnish brands but are prepared to pay a little more. You must have heard also about Moomins. Moomin Store can be found in Forum shopping mall.

Tripla is our mall recommendation.

National Parks

Visiting a national park is an inexpensive way to spend a day. Nuuksio is less than a one-hour bus ride from Helsinki Centre. Be sure to have proper clothes and a mobile phone with a full battery before heading to any national park. Even though it is near Helsinki, you will need one full day to enjoy the park.

Where to Eat Finnish Food?

Helsinki’s centre is full of restaurants, but they often serve more international food than traditional Finnish meals. To find authentic Finnish restaurants, we advise walking around the market square.

Finnish food is pricey. We understand that you may not be willing to try expensive, authentic Finnish food; you may prefer more affordable, simple food. While your schedule is busy, fast food also makes sense.

You can try the Finnish hamburger chain Hesburger. In shopping malls, there are food courts where you can get a meal for 15 euros. Helsinki centre is also full of Turkish, Chinese and Nepalese restaurants that offer tasty food from 13 to 15 euros.

Ask for tap water, not bottled water. Finnish tap water is well known for its quality and is served for free in most restaurants. There are some minor exceptions: the restaurant charges 50 cents per person.

Drinks in Helsinki

A glass of wine or a local beer makes an evening perfect. We recommend three bars for drinks: Loiste, Torni, and Clarion Hotel Helsinki. All of these have great views of Helsinki. A beer costs about 10 euros.

Officially, drinking in public areas in Helsinki is forbidden. However, if the weather is nice, drinking beer in a park is not a problem. On a sunny day, buying beer from a supermarket and heading to Suomenlinna is an excellent choice.

Tipping is not necessary for Finland. Service fees are always included in the bill.

Two Days Helsinki Sightseeing Plan for a Stopover in Helsinki

We made you a simple 2-day stopover itinerary.

After arriving at Helsinki Airport, buy a zone ticket ABC for 2-3 days with the HSL app and head to the city centre.

Stay at Sokos Hotel Vaakuna, which is next to the railway station. The hotel is of good quality and not too expensive.

Next morning, kick off your Helsinki adventure with a historic island getaway! Hop on a tram to the South Harbour and catch a scenic ferry to Suomenlinna. Explore the island’s rich past with a 3-hour hike, then refuel at Suomenlinna Panimo, a local brewery serving craft beers. They also serve food.

After you return from Suomenlinna, walk to Helsinki Cathedral to take a few photos. In the winter, visit the Helsinki Christmas markets. Then, take a tram to the Rock Church.

End your day by visiting Kotiharjun Sauna. Buy a few drinks, enjoy an authentic old-style wooden sauna, and chat with Finnish people. In Finland, a sauna is a place to have small talk. After the sauna visit, you may drink over the Helsinki roofs in the restaurant Loiste.

During the second full day, visit several of Helsinki’s museums. If you are not a fan of museums, head to Linnanmäki Amusement Park in the summer or to a spa in the winter. Later, you can shop in one of Helsinki’s big malls.

Did you know? Helsinki is less than 2 hours away from Tallinn by ferry.

Questions and Answers