Have fun in the world’s happiest and safest city!
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First of all, do you have data on your simcard that you can use in Finland?
If not. Get online, quickly and cheaply, an esim that works in Finland and the EU here.

Fun facts about Finland

• Saunas – Some Finns may even have two of them: a private and a shared one
• Top for Minimum Wage and Average Salary
• First European Country giving Women vote Right
• The Finnish Language has the longest words you can imagine
• Finns are the world’s biggest coffee drinkers
• Finns don’t feel the need to fill silences
• When Moscow invaded, little Finland defeated the huge soviet army in the battle of Tolvajarvi with huge losses for the invaders. This was when the Finns invented the Molotov cocktail.

• Santa comes from the door in Finland, and the kids can meet him
• At the world’s top for second-hand-shops number in proportion to the population, and at the same time, one of the wealthiest countries on the planet
• Tattoos, Piercings, & Skateboards are quite common
• The highest proportion of Metal bands in the world 
• Unique Finnish Sports: Wife-carrying, Swamp football, Beer-floating, Mosquito-squashing, Milking-stool throwing, Rubber boot throwing, Ant-nest sitting, Hobby horsing, mobile phone throwing
• Linux (the OS) was invented by a Finn called Linus (Torvalds) who said about it: “just a hobby, [it] won’t be big and professional“
• One of the SMS technology pioneers was the Finnish Matti Makkonen, who said: “I did not consider SMS a personal achievement”

WHAT IS IN THIS GUIDE

1. TRANSPORTATION
2. SAUNA’s
3. FOOD – BUDGET ALL-YOU-CAN-EAT
4. INTERESTING PLACES, all free!
5. GOING OUT IN THE EVENING/NIGHT
6. SOUVENIRS
7. BIKE TOUR: BBQ, SAUNA, FOREST

TRANSPORTATION

PUBLIC BICYCLES 

5 euro /day 
15 euro /week 
35 euro /six month 
https://kaupunkipyorat.hsl.fi/en

PUBLIC TRANSPORT 

The best way to buy tickets is to tap your device/card on the vehicle, or with the HSL app (Helsinki Public Transportation) for discounts and bundles.

Google Maps also works perfectly in Finland, with all routes well updated.

SAUNA’s

– Sompasauna(.fi)
Donation & collaboration-based sauna community. Which can be almost defined as a commune too.

– Kotiharjun Sauna
Traditional Finnish sauna. Completed in 1928, it´s the oldest continuously working public sauna in Town.

– Yrjönkatu swimming hall
Classical, historical, and traditional swimming hall with monumental architecture, saunas, and steam baths.
There are not many places left like this in Helsinki.

LOCAL FOOD, WITHOUT OVERPRICE!

In Helsinki, restaurants may be expensive, but if you eat before 15:00 (on weekdays), you may get great prices with Lunch or “buffet” options (all-you-can-eat).

My favorite places to eat (<19 euros) are:

•  Kahvila Rakastan ~15€ (minimalistic Traditional Finnish lunch / brunch)
  Typical Finnish flavors,without animal products, with a charming flowery inner yard. Once you are there, you can visit also Hakasalmen huvila, Central library, Kiasma, and the Parlament.

• Magu……………….. ~16€ (dinner – International creative dishes) 
  Magu focuses on vibrant flavors using organic and locally sourced ingredients. 
  Ask if they have some mushrooms’ dishes.
• Loving Hut …~14(Vegan Asian) 

• Onda Cafe….. ~14€ (Mediterranean, vegan options)

• Konstan Möljä ~15€ (traditional Finnish cuisine) 

* Remember to double-check the opening hours

*** Buffet, or all-you-can-eat, does not mean one should abuse the place, overeat, or waste food. Always be considerate, like a Finn! 😉

INTERESTING PLACES, all free!

The Worker Housing Museum – Free of charge guided tour in Finnish houses of 1900)

National Memorial – Winter War 1939 – Small modern artwork about the Moscow invasion

Linnanmäki – Amusement park, ticket is required only to use the attractions.

Keskuspuisto – Central Park

Seurasaari – Open-air museum

Sibelius Monument – The most representative musician)

Regatta Café – iconic cottage-café

Cafe sininen – Panoramic café-terrace 

Hietaniemi area – Historical cemeteries, parks, and a cool beach

Lapinlahden Lähde – Exciting art gallery in a psychiatric house in a charming green area

Eira Beach – Classy residential area

Parliament – Free visit by simply entering on the building’s right side, B entrance

Central Library – Rated as one of the most beautiful and high-tech libraries in the world

Kampin kappeli – Mini invisible chapel

Suomenlinna Fortress island, you can simply take the regular ferry to there, it costs like a standard ticket for transportation

Kumpula Botanical Gardens Eclectic, historic, and absolutely charming botanical gardens

More Free Museums and attractions to visit on this link.

GOING OUT IN THE EVENING/NIGHT

KALLIO (Hipster young Finnish area)

– Café Siltanen (alternative cafe)

– Café Mascot (karaoke and chill out)

Many cafes can be found in the Helsinginkatu (near Sörnäinen metro).

CENTER, NEAR TRAIN STATION

– Tavastia (Heavy metal)

– Bar loose (rock)

– On the rocks (rock bar)

– Cafe Oluthuone Kaisla (mix)

– Molly Malone’s (Irish pub)

Yes! A lot of rock!

SOUVENIRS

Second-hand shop (with authentic Finnish articles: iittala, Arabia, Marimekko)

MadeBy Helsinki (Handmade souvenirs)

Hakaniemi Market Hall (local market)

You will find many reviews on Google Maps that can help you decide. 

BIKE TOUR: BBQ, SAUNA, & FOREST

One of the highest-rated bike tours in Helsinki with Sauna, BBQ, Seurasaari, and Forest visit.

This bike tour in Helsinki offers an exhilarating and unique experience for adventure seekers and nature enthusiasts. As you embark on this tour, you’ll have the opportunity to explore the beautiful scenery of Helsinki while cycling through picturesque trails. The highlight of the tour is the visit to a traditional Finnish sauna, where you can indulge in a relaxing and rejuvenating sauna session. You’ll also have the chance to enjoy a delightful BBQ, savoring delicious local flavors amidst the stunning natural surroundings.

In addition to these remarkable experiences, the tour includes a visit to Seurasaari, an open-air museum located on a beautiful island. Here, you can immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of Finland as you explore the well-preserved historic buildings and tranquil woodlands. The tour also takes you on a cycling adventure through the enchanting forest, allowing you to connect with nature and witness the beauty of the Finnish wilderness.

Overall, this bike tour offers an unforgettable blend of adventure, relaxation, and cultural exploration, making it a must-try activity for anyone visiting Helsinki.

Enjoy your time in Finland and write a comment with your thoughts about this guide!

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