Helsinki: What to Know Before You Go

Short answer: Finland uses the euro and contactless cards work everywhere, download the HSL app so your regular city tram ticket also covers the ferry to Suomenlinna, book seaside sauna slots at Löyly a few days ahead, and drink the cold tap water straight from the faucet.

How the Helsinki Peninsula is Laid Out

Central Helsinki occupies a compact southern granite peninsula surrounded on three sides by bays of the Baltic Sea. At the heart of the peninsula stands Eliel Saarinen's monumental granite Central Railway Station (Rautatieasema) in Kluuvi. Ten minutes' walk east lies historic Senate Square, Kruununhaka and the Market Square (Kauppatori), linked by a short bridge to the Art Nouveau island of Katajanokka. Ten minutes' walk west and north-west of the station sit Kamppi, Amos Rex and the Temppeliaukio Rock Church, alongside Oodi Central Library and Töölönlahti Bay. South of the green Esplanadi promenade spreads the Design District across Punavuori and Ullanlinna down to the open seafront park of Kaivopuisto.

Euros, Contactless Cards and Alko Rules

Unlike Sweden, Norway and Denmark, Finland uses the euro (EUR). Even so, Helsinki is just as cashless as its Nordic neighbours: market stalls, public toilets, museum lockers and coffee kiosks all accept contactless Visa, Mastercard, Apple Pay and Google Pay. Tipping is not expected in Finland, as full hospitality wages and service are included in menu prices. Supermarkets sell beer, cider and wine up to 8% ABV late in the evening daily; stronger wines and spirits are sold only at state-run Alko shops (closed on Sundays).

Finnish Sauna Etiquette for First-Timers

Sauna is a sacred, everyday wellness ritual in Finland rather than a luxury spa treat. At modern mixed waterfront saunas like Löyly and Allas Sea Pool, swimsuits are worn; at traditional gender-segregated neighbourhood wood-fired saunas like Kotiharju, locals bathe nude (though wearing a towel or swimsuit is completely fine for visitors). Always shower thoroughly before entering the hot room and sit on a small linen seat cover (pefletti).