- Must visit
Amos Rex
Finland’s leading art museum shows major international and Finnish exhibitions in a bold contemporary building near the center.
Helsinki, affectionately known as the 'Daughter of the Baltic', receives flights from across Europe as well as from Russia and Japan. With departures from British airports including London Heathrow, London Gatwick, Edinburgh and Manchester, planning a few days in Helsinki is straightforward. Daily direct flights to the modern Helsinki-Vantaa International Airport from the UK take between two and a half and three hours depending on the departure airport.
Helsinki-Vantaa International Airport (HEL) is located just under 11 miles north of Helsinki city center. Built for the 1952 Summer Olympics, the airport has been voted the best in Europe several times. traveling from the airport to the city by train takes 30 minutes with departures every ten minutes during the day. There is also a 24-hour bus service. The airport has two terminals with facilities that include car parking, car hire desks, banking services, shops and cafes. There are also sleeping pods and children's play areas.
Direct flights to Helsinki from London are operated by Finnair, British Airways and Norwegian, while Finnair also has direct services from Edinburgh and Manchester. Connecting flights are operated by airlines such as SAS, Baltic and KLM. Direct flights take between two hours 40 minutes and three hours while connecting routes have a combined flight time of approximately three and a half hours.
Flying from London (or the UK in general) to Helsinki is the only efficient way of traveling between the two cities. There are many direct flights which take less than three hours, while aircraft are modern and comfortable with a range of on-board services which include toilets, trolley catering and duty-free sales.
Helsinki is a compact capital city full of eye-catching architecture and interior design, culture and gastronomy. On its doorstep is a natural environment of beaches, islands, parks and forests which offers activities right through the year from swimming in the summer to winter skiing. City highlights include Suomenlinna, the ‘Fortress of Finland', which can be found on a car-free island, and the Helsinki Design Museum which traces Finnish design from its roots. No visit to Finland is complete without experiencing a sauna. The complex at Löyly is next to the Baltic Sea, perfect for cooling off when the sauna gets too hot!
Discover the best of Helsinki — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Helsinki trip today.
Finland’s leading art museum shows major international and Finnish exhibitions in a bold contemporary building near the center.
The National Gallery’s flagship art museum presents classic Finnish masterpieces and key works from the 19th century onward.
This museum explores Finland’s history from prehistory to modern times through well-curated exhibitions in a national romantic building.
Helsinki’s monumental neoclassical square is framed by key civic buildings and offers one of the city’s defining historic scenes.
This lively harbor market is a classic Helsinki promenade for sea views, ferries, local culture, and easy access to landmarks.
A central pedestrian boulevard known for shops, historic buildings, festivals, and a strong pulse of everyday Helsinki life.
Karelian pie is a thin rye pastry filled with rice porridge, often topped with egg butter. It is a beloved Finnish snack and breakfast staple.
Salmon soup is a creamy soup with salmon, potatoes, leek and dill. It is a classic Finnish comfort food found in homes and traditional restaurants.
Fried Baltic herring is a traditional coastal dish, usually served with mashed potatoes. It reflects Helsinki's long connection to the Baltic Sea.
Well-known fine dining restaurant celebrating Nordic produce and Finnish culinary traditions with polished service and a calm dining room.
Michelin-starred restaurant focused on seasonal Finnish ingredients in an elegant, modern setting. Ideal for refined local tasting menus.
Historic market hall favorite known for creamy salmon soup and traditional Finnish seafood. Casual, iconic and popular with locals and visitors.
Very expensive by European standards; hotels, dining, and alcohol are costly, though public transport is efficient and can help control daily spending.
Tipping is not expected. In restaurants, service is included; round up only for great service. Taxis can be rounded up. Cafes usually do not require tips.
Check where to Helsinki flights depart and arrive, plus the main airport details for this route.
Helsinki Vantaa Airport is 4 km from Helsinki city centre. Public transport options include:
Helsinki Vantaa Airport has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, Lounge, and Lost and Found Office.
Free Wi-Fi available throughout the airport. ATMs are located in both terminals, offering multiple currencies.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Helsinki Vantaa Airport: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Helsinki Vantaa Airport: Elevators, ramps, toilets.
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