Nordic Countries - Weekend trip to Helsinki. May 29-May 30. What to do? Where to Stay?

Title says it all. I've read the Wiki, and so far I've decided on staying at the Hilton Strand. Is this a good hotel to stay, easy to get to and from the airport via public transport, also is it close by and within walking distance to the city and sights. Since I'll only have 1 day, I prefer a hotel that is close to everything. What other suggestions you have? I've already emailed Hilton, but thought of asking others that have been there before me. I arrive Sunday at 9am, leave Monday at 2pm. How do I get from the airport to the Hotel? Seems there is no train to the hotel yet.

Thanks for your suggestions.

The Hilton Strand is a really nice hotel.It is located about 15-20 minutes walk from the more central parts of Helsinki. Last time there , I took the Finnair bus from the airport to the central station, and walked from there to the hotel.

Take the #615 public bus from the airport and get off at Hakaniemi market square. The hotel is across the street from the bus stop. You can buy a 24-hour unlimited bus/tram/subway ticket from the airport bus driver; I believe it's 12 euros. Or you can buy a one-way ticket from the airport which you can use in two zones for 1.5 hours.

On the return, you catch the bus again at Hakaniemi square; approximately 30 minutes to the airport.

As for Hotel, based on information received, are there other similar to Hilton that are closer on the main part of town? We enjoy sightseeing, enjoying a good meal and some beer. We like to take in the history of where we visit.

As for Hotel, based on information received, are there other similar to Hilton that are closer on the main part of town? We enjoy sightseeing, enjoying a good meal and some beer. We like to take in the history of where we visit.

If you want to stay at a Hilton, Strand is probably your best bet. The other ones are at the airport and Munkkiniemi (Hilton Kalastajatorppa).

If Hilton is not a requirement, I'd recommend something a bit more central. Hotel Kämp would be an excellent choice (best hotel in town, member of SPG). Boutique hotel choices would be Glo, Haven, or Klaus K.

But even if you are going to stay at the Strand, don't worry. Helsinki is compact and the public transportation is quite good (several buses and trams go right in front of the hotel and the metro is only a couple of hundred of yards away).

Meal-wise, the absolutely best deal in town is a three-course lunch at Chez Dominique. CD is a Michelin two-star place and you can get the lunch (Wed-Fri) for €29. It is one of the best restaurants in northern Europe so it should not be missed.

Dinner-wise, I'd probably recommend Restaurant Luomo, which is the most adventurous of the Michelin-starred places in town. In the other end of the restaurant spectrum, try Salve, which is a local greasy spoon with excellent fish and an authentic crowd.

Strand is also right next to the Hakaniemi market place. It is by far more authentic and atmospheric than the market place in town centre. Going there early in the morning and grabbing a coffee and a porridge for breakfast is very inexpensive and a great deal of fun.

Cheers,
T.

Luomo is great, but unfortunately not open on those dates (it's open Tue-Sat).