Destination 9.1.1: Helsinki Day or Days Trip

This post is dedicated to that ONE friend who only have ONE day in Helsinki (yes, just ONE DAY 😑). Well... you have to wake up early to complete the tour and skip shoppings.

Anybody who only has a day or 2 to spend in Helsinki can refer to this.

Sibelius Monument

 

Transportation to Helsinki City from Helsinki-Vantaa Airport

Recommended to get day ticket either from R-Kioski in airport (opposite Burger King at arrival level) or via HSL mobile app (I never try using the app yet so I can't tell how to use it). The ticket is per 24-hours, so you can still use it if you arrive late. Note, airport is not in Helsinki zone, you might need to consider single ticket traveling between the airport and Helsinki city. 

For friends who's staying at my place: You should get the 2-zone ticket because I am not staying in Helsinki area too. Price as below from HSL ticket link. Remember to tag the check in machine once you step into the train.

Retrieved from HSL on Oct 28th, 2017.

Helsinki Day Trip

Temppeliaukion, The Rock Church.

1. Cafe regatta: Open at 8am. Go for outdoor view. 
2. Sibelius Monument: Walking distance from Regatta
3. Temppeliaukion Church: Open at 10am. Check the vary opening hour. 
4. Helsinki Cathedral: The famous Senate Square
5. Uspenski Cathedral
6. Market Square: Lunch
7. Old Market Hall: You only have a day, so 2nd lunch is needed
8. Suomenlinna island 
9. Karl Fazer cafe: Just to visit, you don't have time to chill in a day
10. Finnish cuisine for dinner

Recommended route.

Karl Fazer cafe in Kluuvikatu

Shopping in Helsinki City? 

1. Tori Quarters: Go through alleys for hidden shops 
2. Along Esplanadi park
1. Iittala: Finnish brand
2. Marimekko: Finnish brand. You can also find cloth (as in make your own from fabric) in Marimekko Mikonkatu. 
3. Kankurin Tupa gift shop: Don't forget the Xmas deco in basement
3. Stockmann
1. Their supermarket sells lotsa stuffs. 
4. Forum
1. Moomin store

All year Xmas market in Kankurin Tupa Gift Shop

Museums

A day in Helsinki doesn't really allow you to visit the museums.

Honestly... I have only been to Helsinki Art Museum (HAM) for Yayoi Kusama.
There's few museums in Helsinki city. I will try to visit them all.
Do let me know if you've been to any.

Souvenirs?

Something that's good for yourself or even family and friends. 

1. Moomin mug, stuffed toy, anything Moomin. 
2. Karl Fazer berry pearls (Mansikka). Frozen strawberry coated with chocolate. Don't mixed up with the cherry (Karpalo). Keep it in fridge if you're consuming it in hot weather country. Around 2.9e each. 
3. Reindeer snack sausage from Kotivara (Porosnack). Around 1.3e each.
4. Karl Fazer chocolates. It is cheaper to buy in supermarket. Average price 12e/kg. 
5. Other Finnish brand products

The infamous Berry Pearls