Helsinki event weekends: what to do between sessions

Design, saunas and sea fortresses, with island ferries from the market square and Tallinn 2 hours away.

Events we cover in Helsinki

Arriving

Helsinki airport (HEL) has trains to the centre in 30 minutes.

Where to stay

Three hotels we would book

• Budget: Hostel Diana Park
• Mid-range: Hotel Helka
• Splurge: Hotel Kämp

Event weekends sell out early and prices rise as the date gets closer: book a cancellable room as soon as you know you are going.

Tours

Where to eat

• Old Market Hall Salmon soup
• Café Regatta Seaside cinnamon buns
• Market Square stalls Fried fish

With kids

• Linnanmäki amusement park.
• Heureka science centre.

Rainy-day backups

• Oodi library.
• Ateneum.

Free things to do

• Temppeliaukio rock church (small fee).
• Esplanadi park.

Getting around

• HSL trams, metro and ferries.