lsquare

So I'll be flying into HEL from LHR at about 11:00 PM. I fly out of HEL and back to LHR the following day at 4:00 PM. I know it's not a lot of time. I've never been to Helsinki before. For something this short, I think I should stay at a hotel near the airport. Any recommendation? With this less time, I'm willing to sacrifice a little bit of sleep just to do/see something quick. Is this possible? What's the absolute latest time to start heading towards the airport?

The _Banking_Scot

Hi,

When are you travelling?

There is a Hilton by the aiport ( covered walkway) and there is a train station at the airport taking around 30mins to the city centre . There is also the Hilton Helsinki Strand hotel closer to the centre

Things to do in the morning ( you will not have time to see eveything)

Senate Square and the Helsinki Cathedral
Uspenskin Cathedral
The Esplanadi park
The ferry from Market Square to Suomenlinna Island ( island fortress)- ferries are quite frequent so you may be able to have an hour on the island
Sibelius park and monument
Olympic Stadium

Leaving Helsinki at 1330 you would be at the airport at 1400

Regards

TBS

lsquare

How long is the walk from HEL to the Hilton or I'll need to take a shuttle?

​​​​​Have you stayed at that Hilton before? Comments about the hotel?

What time is the last train to the city centre? I wouldn't mind doing that if it makes the morning convenient and when heading back to HEL.

the810

The last train to the city is at 1:22 (1:52 on weekend nights) so this shouldn't be a problem.

lsquare

I'm leaning on staying at the Hilton Helsinki Airport. For my stay, I'm looking at €133/night, which seems reasonable. I think I'll leave my suitcase there and take the train to the city center and take the train back. This way I won't have to carry my suitcase around.

If there is one place to go and stroll around that would define Helsinki (worthy of taking a picture), where should I go?

r2d2

The Hilton is right next to the terminal and the best way of reaching it from the terminal is by foot.

If you are going to check in your suitcase, you could do it already in the morning (AY in HEL allows checking in luggage anytime during the day, for morning flights also the previous evening) so that you don’t have to worry about it later. In that case it would be enough to arrive back in the airport 45 minutes before your flight, if you don't want to spend time in the lounge before your flight.

Senate Square is the iconic view of Helsinki. The Market Square and the Esplanade park are really close to it. The Suomenlinna sea fortress is considered the top sight in Helsinki and the ferry there (15 minutes each way) departs from the Market Square.

You could build a half-day itininerary from the following depending on your interests:
- seeing the Senate Square (10 mins walk from the railway station)
- visit the Cathedral at the Senate Square
- visit the Market Square (3 mins walk from the Senate Square)
- walk through Esplanade park (5 mins extra if you walk through it when going from Market Square to the railway station)
- see the Rock Church (15 mins walk from the railway station each way)
- see the library Oodi (modern wooden architecture), almost next to the railway station
- Suomenlinna Sea Fortress (ferry from Market Square every 20 minutes, takes 15 minutes each way). Even the ferry itself is worthwhile, but you can spend as much time as you want on the fortress islands. There are also several museums there. The main museum has a 25-minute film about the history of the fortress

azepine00

really depends on when you plan to travel eg Suomenlinna ferry is lovely around summer but it may not be as appealing in near or below freezing windy weather 6 months a year...

lsquare

It'll be in June.

LimitingFactor

Similar question from me. Will be staying in Tampere overnight, want to go to Moomin Musuem and then drive to Helsinki. Leaving Helsinki first thing next day. What to do half a day Sunday afternoon?