Booking our flight, we had a chance to opt for an 8 hour layover in Helsinki and we didn't want to miss the chance to visit a new country, even for a bit! It was the cold and wet November (luckily we didn't experience rain), and the layover was from the late afternoon to night. This meant that many attractions were closing or already closed, so we just settled for a walk around the city centre this time.
Getting to Helsinki
The airport is located in Vantaa, which is a 30 min train ride to and from Helsinki. Arriving from an EU flight, the process was quick and painless. We simply followed the signs to the exit and we came across a train ticket machine standing inconspicuously by the conveyor belts. It was 5 Euros one way and one can pay by card or cash. The machine accept coins down to the 20 cent denomination so this is a great way to use your Euro coins!
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| With our ticket. The ticket says it is for 2 people. |
The airport train station was less than a 10 minute walk away from the conveyer belt area. Very convenient!
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| You can take the train from whichever platform. Both trains ply different routes but take around the same time to reach Helsinki! |
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| There were free Helsinki maps on the way to the train station! (Even though we relied mostly on google maps) |
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| Train interior |
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| Onboard screens kept us updated on which station the train was at, and the time left in the journey. Also, English announcements were made at the airport stop it was hard to miss the airport station on the return ride! |
Helsinki
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| We have reached Helsinki Main Train Station! |
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| Train platform |
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| Board showing train destinations and departure information |
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| Helsinki Main Train Station! |
And from there we went exploring! Exiting the station, we headed towards Senate Square. We passed by shopping malls and eateries (and grabbed a cheap dinner at Burger King. The one we ate at had free wifi.. Not sure if this was a universal thing in BK outlets in Helsinki but it might be helpful for data less people like us).
Being winter, sunset came early and we reached Senate Square at dark. The streets were well lit up though, so it wasn’t grim and dull but it would definitely have been better for photos if it was day.
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| Helsinki Cathedral, the only place we saw other tourists taking photos. |
From the square, we just roamed around, taking in the lights and the cold winter breeze.. Past Uspenski Cathedral (very difficult to get a gorgeous shot at night), Old Market Hall, the Esplanade… to the malls in Kamppi.
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| A relaxing stroll around Helsinki |
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| Uspenski Cathedral. I would love to see it in the day! |
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| Boats by the harbour |
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| Old Market Hall was closing for the day |
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| But there were still some stalls open so.. reindeer meet burger anyone? |
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| Closing for the day |
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| Brightly lit sidewalks! |
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| The Three Smiths Statue. It is apparently a common meeting place |
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| We walked past Kamppi Chapel, the Chapel of Silence. |
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| Helsinki buildings |
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| And after a nice (COLD!!) long walk around, we made our way back to the train station |
After our night sightseeing, we took the train back to the airport. Thanks for the pleasant few hours Helsinki! (There are machines that accept cash and coins in the train station.. We found some towards platform 3. This can save you foreign card charges from the other ticketing machines. You’re welcome)
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| Goodbye Helsinki! |
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