EAOO 2024 takes place in Finland’s capital Helsinki – What to do? Where to eat? How to explore the city?
Here you can find some information for preparing your visit
All pictures: Visit Helsinki
Helsinki, home for approximately 1.5 million inhabitants is located in the southernmost tip of the country and surrounded all sides by the sea. It is a city that seamlessly combines urban modernity, culture and beautiful nature offering silence and space to feel more, hear more and experience more. If you are visiting the city for the first time, you might want to know at least the following:
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Design and Architecture: Helsinki is renowned for its elegant and functional design, with a strong emphasis on simplicity and innovation. Architectural gems like the Helsinki Cathedral, Finlandia Hall, and the contemporary Kamppi Chapel showcase the city's rich design heritage.
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Scenic Waterfront: The city is situated on the shores of the Gulf of Finland, offering breathtaking waterfront views. Visitors can stroll along the Esplanade Park, explore the Market Square, or take a ferry to Suomenlinna, a historic sea fortress.
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Cultural Hub: Helsinki boasts a thriving cultural scene, with numerous museums, galleries, and theaters. The Ateneum Art Museum, Kiasma Contemporary Art Museum, and the National Museum of Finland provide insights into the country's art and history.
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Sauna Culture: Finland is famous for its sauna culture, and Helsinki is no exception. Tourists can experience traditional Finnish saunas, some of which are located by the water, providing a unique and relaxing experience.
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Green Spaces: Despite being a bustling metropolis, Helsinki is filled with green spaces. The Central Park, Sibelius Park, and the Hesperia Park offer peaceful retreats for nature lovers and those seeking outdoor activities.
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Culinary Delights: Finnish cuisine is characterized by fresh, local ingredients. Tourists can indulge in traditional dishes like salmon, reindeer, and Karelian pasties. The lively food markets, such as the Market Square and Old Market Hall, are great places to sample local delicacies.
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Tech and Innovation Hub: Helsinki is a hub for technology and innovation, and this is reflected in its modern infrastructure. The city embraces digitalization, making it easy for tourists to navigate public transport and access various services.
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Seasonal Contrasts: Helsinki experiences distinct seasons, with long summer days and snowy winters. Depending on the time of year, tourists can enjoy outdoor activities like cycling, hiking, or ice skating.
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Friendly Locals: Finns are known for their friendliness and hospitality. Visitors often find the locals approachable and willing to share insights into their culture and way of life.
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Accessibility: Helsinki is well-connected with an efficient public transportation system, including trams, buses, and ferries. This makes it easy for tourists to explore the city and its surroundings.
Explore the city like a Finn
Finland is the most forested country in Europe, thus ensuring that you can reach greenery and the calm of nature within minutes without venturing too far even from the Helsinki centre. Even though Helsinki is the biggest city in the country if you wish to go down to the woods there are plenty of places you can easily reach where you can experience the Finnish forest at its peaceful best.
You can always find something interesting and unique to see and experience. Just in one day, you can enjoy the relaxing atmosphere of the Helsinki archipelago, get to know the city's unique architecture and visit the best cultural attractions.
When it comes to nightlife, there’s always something new happening and cool bars having events every day of the week. A wide range of clubs and bars offers something for everyone in terms of clientele, atmosphere and price. There is a vibrant club culture with DJs, and live music.
Shop Finnish design 'till you drop – Moomin, Marimekko and Iittala are waiting for you
Helsinki offers great opportunities for shopping. Scandic Marina Congress Center is located close to the best shopping areas in Finland.
The Esplanade is the green heart of Helsinki and only a few minutes away from Scandic Marina Congress Center. Running west from Market Square and the South Harbour, the Esplanade has attracted some of the best shopping in Helsinki.
Finnish design is world-famous, and this is your chance to explore it. E.g. Stockmann department store which was founded in 1862, is located close to the event venue. You will find everything you need at Stockmann – the latest fashion, trendy cosmetics, world-famous Finnish design, souvenirs and much more.
Practical information
Helsinki’s climate combines characteristics of both a maritime and a continental climate. The proximity of the Arctic Ocean and the North Atlantic creates cold weather, while the Gulf Stream brings in warmer air. Summer in Helsinki is bright. Days are at their longest in the second half of June, when the sun stays above the horizon for 19 hours.
Helsinki has an excellent public transport system (HSL) comprising bus, tram, metro, commuter train and ferry services. With a single ticket you can hop aboard trams, buses, the metro and even the municipal ferry to Suomenlinna. You can even change from one mode of transport to another as long as your ticket is still valid. Single tickets can be purchased using the HSL mobile app or from HSL ticket machines, R-kiosks and other HSL sales points.
Finland has two official languages, Finnish and Swedish. Street signs in Helsinki are in both languages. English is widely spoken, and most Finns also master one or two other foreign languages.
The local currency in Finland is Euro (EUR). All major credit cards are widely accepted in Finland.
Helsinki Tourist Information Office is located in the address: Aleksanterinkatu 24, 00100 Helsinki
We look forward seeing you in Helsinki!
For more information / useful links:
https://www.myhelsinki.fi/en/info/tourist-information