Weather & Climate: What's the best time to visit Helsinki?
The capital of Finland is much warmer than you may think because of the currents of the North Atlantic Ocean and the Baltic Sea. Summers are mild and warm here, whereas winters are long and cold, with plenty of festive cheer to keep you feeling all warm inside. The best time of year to visit the city significantly depends on what you want to do and see. But regardless of what time of year you decide to visit it, you will have a good time, because each season is uniquely exotic and offers many unforgettable experiences. And in case you are visiting the city during the winter months, do not be surprised if you see the locals still riding their bikes in November or diving naked into icy water in January - they just want to find joy in nature.
Crime & Safety: Is Helsinki safe?
With a very low crime rate, Finland is one of the safest countries in the world to visit. It is actually one of the few countries on this planet where most of the lost mobile phones and wallets get returned to their owners. But just like any other European city, the Finnish capital has its share of pickpockets and scammers during the busy summer travel season. So, be aware of drunk people on the streets and remain vigilant at all times, especially near the Kaisaniemi Park and the Central Train Station! Also, avoid leaving your belongings unattended and be careful at ATM machines as credit card skimming is on the rise!
Hospitals & Pharmacies in Helsinki
The quality of Finnish healthcare system is among the best in the world. In Finland, international patients always receive the care they need and English is widely spoken by doctors and medical-clinic staff throughout the country. If you are a citizen of Switzerland, Norway, Lichtenstein, Iceland or the EU, you are entitled to public healthcare upon provision of a European Health Insurance Card. But if you are not, you need to obtain travel insurance before visiting the country! Remember that for any life-threatening emergency or accident, you need to call 112; and some drugs, like Aspirin and various ointments, which are available in supermarkets and stores in other European countries, are only available in Finnish pharmacies. Hope you have an amazing time in Helsinki, without having to use this information!
Public Toilets in Helsinki
Need to answer nature’s call fairly quickly when in central Helsinki? Do not worry - public toilets in Helsinki are modern, clean and handicap-friendly and can often be found at major attractions and transport hubs. Some toilets are even self-cleaning. Just expect to pay a small fee to relieve yourself in the city. The cost is small - €1 or less - so it is a good idea to have some coins on hand at all times.
Internet & WiFi: Staying connected in Helsinki
Want to stay in touch with your parents, take video calls, and coordinate with your travel buddies when in Helsinki? With the city’s excellent free WiFi network, you can stay connected anytime and avoid data roaming charges for your trip to this beautiful Nordic city. There’s a free hotspot almost everywhere in the city and no password or registration is required. So, do not fail to keep everyone updated on your uniquely Finnish adventures!
Can you drink the tap water in Helsinki?
Finland boasts clean land and air - why would its water supply be any different? Finns know that clean water is an elixir that nourishes the body, mind and soul, and their tap water is among the cleanest in the world. This means that you can enjoy high-quality drinking water in all of Helsinki by re-filling your reusable water bottle directly from any tap in the city. Need we say more?Finnish
Speaking Finnish
and Swedish are both official languages of Finland. Finns are great English speakers and English is widely spoken in Helsinki, so you will not have any real language issues. But you don’t want to experience any cultural shock or often say "Whaat?!" when in the city, do you? So, it is important to note that Finns come off as a bit quiet and reserved at first. They do not like small talk and long gaps in conversations are quite normal in the capital. So, just ask for directions or something similar, but never start a meaningless conversation with anyone. If you really want to befriend a Finn but do not know how to make the first move, approach them at a bar or nightclub and start with super easy topics. After all, you have nothing to lose - you can only make a friend for life!
Helsinki Tourist Card
Looking for a cost-effective way to see all the main sights Helsinki has to offer? Then look no further than the Helsinki Card! This premium all-inclusive sightseeing pass provides free, unlimited use of public transport, free entry to a choice of over 30 popular tourist attractions and enables you to enjoy stress-free sightseeing on a Panorama Sightseeing Bus tour of the city. It simply places the Finnish capital at your fingertips!
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