Read about how to spend 2 days in Helsinki and explore the capital of Finland before and after a 72 hour visa-free visit to St. Petersburg. Learn about off-the-beaten path attractions and places to eat in Helsinki featuring advice from a local resident.
I recently spent 2 days in Helsinki, Finland, the port of departure for a 72 hour visa-free trip to St. Petersburg, Russia. What should you include on a 2-day itinerary in Helsinki city centre?
Based on my visit, I consider Helsinki to be an off-the-beaten-path gem in Europe. Read on for ideas of what to see in Helsinki as part of a 2-day itinerary including tips from a local friend of mine who showed us around.
Stay at Helsinki's Historic and Funky Radisson Blu for Two Days
There is a new train that runs from the Helsinki airport to the central railway station. From here, it's an easy walk to the funky Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel.
The hotel has two sides. Try to get a room in the historic side and check out the dramatic chandeliers and stained glass.
In my opinion, the Radisson Blu chain has the comfiest pillows out of all hotel chains in Europe and this hotel makes a great home base for your 2-day Helsinki itinerary.
Things to do in Helsinki in 2 Days
Now that we've looked at where to stay, let's dive into all the cool things to do, see, and eat in Helsinki on a 2 day trip.
1. Ideas for Two Days in Helsinki: Dine Like a Local at The Cock Eatery and Bar
Locals love to dine out. I have a friend based in Helsinki and she recommended The Cock Eatery and Bar. I love how restaurants in Helsinki stamp their name onto the napkins.
We enjoyed a Helsinki Gin and Tonic with fresh lingonberries to start the meal. The restaurant offers an eclectic mix of cuisines from Sicilian arancini balls to an Asian stir-fry served with chopsticks. We found something for everyone here.
2. Ideas for Two Days in Helsinki - Revel in Art Deco Architecture
My favorite feature of Helsinki has to be the Art Deco architecture which is heavy and dramatic. The main train station is a particularly good example of design in that era. Two solid looking gentlemen sternly hold lighted orbs on the outside of the facade.
SIDEWALK SAFARI SPOTLIGHT: Do you love Art Deco architecture as much as I do? Here are my recommendations for some great places around the world where you can get your Art Deco fix.
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3. Ideas for Two Days in Helsinki - Zoom in on the Architectural Details
In addition to dramatic Art Deco architecture, Helsinki also boasts fine architectural details. We enjoyed looking at the little flourishes above the doors around town.
4. Visit Helsinki's Rock Church as Part of Your 2-Day Itinerary
Helsinki's Rock Church is unique in the world. Carved into the rock, the interior has outstanding acoustics and a mesmerizing copper ceiling.
5. A Local Gem for Your 2-Day Itinerary in Helsinki - Drink a Coffee and Eat A Sweet Bun at Regatta
Local recommendations are best recommendations and having friends in different places is an awesome way to find some hidden gems. My friend Anna took us to her favorite coffee spot, Regatta.
Regatta is bright red, sits right on the water and simply exudes optimism and happiness.
We ordered coffee and a cardamom bun and sat outside in front of a wood fire.
I loved Regetta! Not only did we find great coffee but also a tower of birdhouses.
6. Ideas for 2 Days in Helsinki - Admire The Sibelius Monument
The Finns really embrace their own. Sibelius was a famous Finnish composer who became well-known world-wide. Recognized as Finland's greatest composer, Sibelius is honored with a silver pipe-organ inspired monument near Helsinki's waterfront.
SIDEWALK SAFARI SPOTLIGHT: Looking for other lesser known places to visit in the Nordics? After spending one day in Stockholm, check out Norrkoping, a Swedish town featuring fascinating museums, Instagrammable waterfalls, and thousands of cacti. You could also consider spending some time in Norway and discovering things to do in Bergen, Alesund, Trondheim, and Oslo. |
7. Find Out Why Helsinki is Considered 'Little St. Petersburg' On Your 2 Day Visit
Helsinki is known as 'Little St. Petersburg'. Finland in general has a complicated relationship with Russia.
For about 100 years, Finland was part of the Russian Empire. Finland negotiated independence from Russia in 1917.
Despite tension with the Soviet Union, Finland walked a fine line and maintained an independent democracy in Europe. The architectural look of Helsinki and some of the sculpture definitely has a Russian feel and influence.
8. Ideas for 2 Days in Helsinki - Enjoy an Economical Workers Lunch
Like other countries in the Nordics, Finland has a strong social support structure. Workers get a modest lunch allowance that they often spend in local salad bars.
9. Ideas for 2 Days in Helsinki - See Where Old Meets New
Similar to the Dublin Docklands, Helsinki has a neighborhood that used to be full of old warehouses and is now home to sleek office buildings and a new concert hall. Some remnants of the old remain and give this part of Helsinki a unique look and feel.
10. Ideas for 2 Days in Helsinki - Stroll Esplanadi Park
Helsinki's Esplanadi Park is a strip of green extending from the shopping district to the waterfront. On a sunny day, it's a lovely path to walk and an easy landmark to find your way to the Market Square (Kauppatori).
Take a detour and check out the stately buildings on Senate Square and admire nearby Helsinki Cathedral.
11. Ideas for 2 Days in Helsinki - Shop for Snacks and Crafts at The Market Square
In and around the Market Square, you'll find a variety of shopping opportunities. Outside stalls sell fruit and meals as well as handmade and mass produced crafts. I picked up a nice warm wool hat made by an elderly Finnish woman for the ferry ride to Russia.
When the weather is cold (as it is much of the year in Helsinki), retreat indoors to the Old Market Hall to pick up some local tasty treats.
12. Ideas for 2 Days in Helsinki - Treat Yourself To Finnish Licorice at The Old Market Hall
Definitely keep an eye out for Finnish sweet and salted licorice. There are many varieties to choose from and the licorice is unique to the region. Yes, you can get licorice in other Scandinavian countries, but the Finnish variety is a real treat if you like anise.
13. Ideas for Two Days in Helsinki - Take the Tram to Hakaniemi Market Hall and Sample Finnish Flavored Coffee
The public transport in Helsinki is excellent. Tram #2 rattles through a number of interesting neighborhoods in Helsinki.
We boarded near the city center (not far from the main train station) and took an easy ride around. If you buy a day ticket for the tram, you can hop on and off for 24 hours and use Helsinki's convenient public transit system to explore the city.
We stopped at Hakaniemi Market Hall. We especially enjoyed smelling different kinds of flavored coffee which the Finns seem to love.
On a previous trip. we brought back a chocolate infused coffee. On this trip, we sampled an intense cardamom brew.
In addition to coffees and other treats, Hakaniemi Market Hall also features a wide selection of crafts and a Marimekko outlet on the upper floor. Don't miss this!
14. Ideas for 2 Days in Helsinki - Toast to Your Trip with a Signature Helsinki Gin and Tonic at Cargo Cafe
With just two days to explore Helsinki, the time really flies. We once again toasted our departure with a Gin and Tonic made with Helsinki Gin at Cargo Cafe. We're looking forward to visiting again soon!
What to See in Helsinki Map
Click on the image of the map below to open up an interactive version in Google Maps to help you plan your 2 days in Helsinki itinerary.
Useful Links to plan a 2-day itinerary to Helsinki
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