Capital and most populous city of Finland
“Experience vibrant streets, unique neighborhoods and the energy of a city that never feels the same twice.”
Helsinki, until about 1930 known in English by its Swedish name of Helsingfors, is the capital and most populous city in Finland. It is on the shore of the Gulf of Finland and is the seat of southern Finland's Uusimaa region. About 694,000 people live in the municipality, with 1.3 million in the capital region and 1.6 million in the metropolitan area. As the most populous urban area in Finland, it is the country's most significant centre for politics, education, finance, culture, and research. Helsinki is 80 kilometres (50 mi) north of Tallinn, Estonia, 400 kilometres (250 mi) east of Stockholm, Sweden, and 300 kilometres (190 mi) west of Saint Petersburg, Russia. Helsinki is a bilingual municipality with Finnish and Swedish as its official languages.
What it’s like to be here — and what to go and see.
Gentle temperatures invite leisurely walks without the summer crowds.
Warm evenings and vibrant energy make for lively nights out and about.
Mellow light and mild weather are perfect for slow, scenic strolls.
Festive lights and low-key crowds bring a calmer charm to sightseeing.
A rough, general read — not a precise guide.
Getting around by metro, trams, buses and ferries is easy, and a car is rarely needed.
