For Cruise Visitors arriving in Helsinki, Finland
Annually about 280 international cruise ships visit Helsinki bringing over 350 000 tourist to explore our city.
Many cruise ships dock in South Harbour right in the heart of the Helsinki. The biggest ships dock at Hernesaari Quay in West Harbour. From there you can take a nice walk or a shuttle bus to centre.
How to reach the city center from the large cruise ship docks
There are three different harbours where the large cruise ships dock. Two of them are located about 15 minute on foot from the Market Square located in heart of the city. The third one, to which the bigger cruisers dock, is located approximately 3 kilometres from the Market square. This pier is called "Hernesaari". From Hernesaari there is a public bus connection to the city centre. Bus number 16 departs from Hernesaari two to four times an hour. The single ticket costs 2, 50€ and the trip takes roughly ten minutes. Tickets can be bought from the driver.
If you feel like walking, the Walk and Feel Helsinki -route guides you from Hernesaari to city centre using your mobile phone and NFC-tags or 2D-barcodes. The mobile guide is available both as free downloadable iphone/android -application and as a browser version. Free wlan-connection is available at Hernesaari for download.
If you plan to use public transport, while in Helsinki, it is possible to buy a Tourist ticket (24h) which costs 7€ and is valid for buses, trams, local trains within Helsinki, metro and the public ferry to Suomenlinna island (NB! Not valid on the JT-Line company ferry to Suomenlinna). The one day Tourist ticket can be bought from the bus driver and vending machines or from the Tourist Information office (Pohjoisesplanadi 19).
Many cruise companies also arrange shuttle buses from the harbour to the city centre for their guests. Please contact your cruise company for more information.
What to do when you have only few hours in Helsinki?
In Helsinki most sights and attractions are within walking distance and getting around town is easy. The Senate Square and the Esplanade Park are filled with concerts and other outdoor events and festivals during the summer season. South Harbour is the centre of maritime city life. Sightseeing cruises and boats to the maritime fortress Suomenlinna and the Korkeasaari Zoo Island depart from the Market Square. Suomenlinna is Unesco World Heritage Site and one of the world’s largest historical maritime fortresses. The vast fortress is best explored on foot, so prepare for some hiking with good shoes and a windbreaker.
Seurasaari is a popular museum island and recreational area located fifteen minutes by bus from the centre. The Open-Air Museum offers a fascinating look at traditional life in the Finnish provinces. During the summer season various workshops and events are organised at the museum presenting traditional handicrafts, customs and folklore.
Helsinki has many great places to jog or to enjoy long walks. Especially popular is Helsinki's own Central Park, which begins from Töölö Bay and the Kaivopuisto Park with its shoreline.
The main shopping area is between the Senate Square, the Esplanades and Mannerheimintie. On rainy days, shopping is easy and carefree in department stores and shopping centres which are open also on Sundays from May to August. Check for example the Stockmann department store and the Kamppi shopping centre. Find the wide variety of local culinary delights and souvenirs at the Market Square and in the Old Market Hall.
Helsinki is the definitive design city, offering the look – and feel – of the best from the design world, from past masters to tomorrow’s heroes. World famous Finnish design can be found for example at the Design Forum Finland on Erottaja and at numerous shops along the Esplanade.
Helsinki offers a wide range of restaurants – over 800 in fact! For the gastronomic explorer Helsinki has plenty to discover, from Michelin-starred haute cuisine to old-world traditional flavours. Special HelsinkiMenu featuring the very best Finnish ingredients and delicacies can be experienced in about 20 restaurants. Cosy outdoor cafés and terraces offer a pleasant way to rest your feet and refresh yourself.
The Finns are friendly people who speak good English, and Helsinki’s relaxed atmosphere makes it easy for visitors to feel welcome.
Helsinki Top 10 – don’t miss
Useful information
Tourist information: at Hernesaari piers, downtown, next to the Market Square and by Helsinki Helpers on the streets.
Taxi: available in port
Shopping: downtown, souvenirs at the piers
Local currency: Euro (€)
Downtown: Walking distance from Katajanokka and Pakkahuone Cruise Quays. 10 minutes by shuttle bus or taxi from Hernesaari Quay.
Airport: Helsinki-Vantaa Airport, 19 km (25 minutes by taxi)
Port Information: www.portofhelsinki.fi
Time zone: GMT +2h (Summertime GMT +3h)