Helsinki 2016 advice thread and FAQ

In this post I try to answer the most frequently asked questions from couple of previous cruise seasons with up to date information. Helsinki did not have a yearly advice thread before, but I think that the old Helsinki thread even though full of great info is simply too long to read and sort through for relevant and up to date info.

 

I invite everyone to ask answer new or more specific questions here.

 

 

Where does my ship dock?

 

Port of Helsinki website has a list of expected cruise ships with berth information. Note that the list is divided by harbor area so there are two separate lists on the page: http://www.portofhelsinki.fi/passengers/expected_cruise_ships

 

They also have a map of the berths:

http://www.portofhelsinki.fi/passengers/international_cruise (however some of the connection info on that page is outdated)

 

What is there to see?

 

That really depends on your interest. See old trip reports, a guide book, Tripadvisor, the official tourist site: http://www.visithelsinki.fi/en etc. Unlike some other cities on a Baltic Sea cruise, Helsinki does not have a single must see attraction. Some most often mentioned by cruise visitors are: The Market Square area (including the Senate Square, the Esplanade, The Lutheran Cathedral and The Orthodox Cathedral), The Church in the Rock, and Suomenlinna sea fortress.

 

The downtown core is very compact and it is pretty easy to just go there and stroll around to what interests you. The Church in the Rock is slightly outside the core area and getting to Suomenlinna fortress requires taking a ferry from Market Square.

 

Money and credit cards?

 

The currency in Finland is the Euro with the slight oddity of 1 and 2 cent denominations not being used. Thus cash payments are always rounded to the closest 0.05 Euros. ATMs in Finland dispense only 20 and 50 Euro banknotes.

 

Credit cards are extremely widely accepted and used. It is perfectly normal for a Finn to pay for a 2 € cup of coffee with a card. The only significant place where you cannot use a card to pay is in public transport: bus and tram drivers accept cash only (and no bills greater than 20 €). Visa and MasterCard are the “standard” cards accepted virtually everywhere. American Express and Diners are accepted pretty widely, but not everywhere, so you should have either a Visa, MasterCard, or cash available or ask beforehand.

 

Language?

 

Finland has two official languages Finnish and Swedish. In Helsinki region all street signs etc. are in both Finnish and Swedish. Unlike Finnish, Swedish is a relative of English so looking at the second line of signs might give you a better clue of what a sign says. However pretty much everyone understands and speaks English on an adequate level for helping with directions etc.

 

 

Tour or DIY?

 

First and foremost this depends on your personal preference on how you like to see a city. Helsinki does not have spread out must see attractions unlike St. Petersburg or Berlin so you really do not need a tour for logistics. Public transportation is excellent and HoHos are available. Most tours offered by cruise lines or the St. Petersburg tour agencies tend to omit the Suomenlinna sea fortress, which is a UNESCO world heritage site.

 

How do I get to downtown? / How do I get around?

 

Depends on where you dock and how you like to move. I will first list the alternatives and then specifics for each berth.

 

Public transportation

 

Public transportation in Helsinki is very good. Route planner and ticket information are available on the transit authority HSL website: https://www.hsl.fi/en and their route planner http://www.reittiopas.fi/en/ Also Google Maps transit directions are available in Helsinki. Current timetables are in effect until June 19th.

Day ticket for Helsinki costs 8 € for travelers 17 years or older and 4 € for 7-16 year-olds. Children under 7 travel for free. You can buy day tickets from ticket machines (coins or chipped credit card), sales points such as kiosks and grocery stores (all payment options), or tram and bus drivers (cash only, no banknotes greater than 20€)

 

Walking

 

The downtown core is perfectly walkable and compact. Especially if you arrive in the South Harbor you could get by just walking. For further away West Harbor berths you need to be into walking to do only it.

 

 

HoHo

 

Two HoHo companies operate in Helsinki. Both stop by ships berthed in the West Harbor. Routes are similar and pricing for the coming season is still unclear, but adult pricing has been in the 25-30 € range and children for roughly half price. The interval of buses depends on demand, but is typically around 30 minutes.

Strömma operates green buses under the Open Top Tours brand. http://www.stromma.fi/en/helsinki/sightseeing/sightseeing-by-bus/hop-on-hop-off/

City Tour operates red buses under the Red Buses brand. http://www.citytour.fi/articles/461/

 

 

Ship’s shuttle

 

Port of Helsinki does not offer shuttle service so shuttles are arranged by cruise lines or their port agents. Shuttles have been almost always available and depending on cruise line practice free or priced around 10 €. Typical drop off point is at the Western end of the Esplanade about 500 meters from Market Square at the other end of the Esplanade.

 

Taxi

 

Taxis in Helsinki are reliable but expensive. There will likely be some waiting by your ship. All taxis accept at least Visa and MasterCard in addition to cash. Pricing depends on distance traveled (or time taken in slow traffic) and amount of passengers. Starting price is 5.90 € during daytime Mon-Sat and 9 € at night and on Sundays. A trip from your ship to any destination in downtown should end up costing about 15 €. Pricing can be viewed in more detail here: http://www.taksihelsinki.fi/en/taxi-fares

 

Berth by berth:

 

LMA

 

Walking distance to Market Square: 3.5 km

Public transport: Tram 9 from West Terminal about 400 meters from the berth. There is a green line on the ground from the berth to the tram stop. See in Journey planner

HoHo: stops by the ship

Ship’s shuttle: Almost always offered

 

LHB and LHC

 

Walking distance to market square: 3 km (LHC about a ship’s length more)

Public transport: Bus 14 runs on the other side of Hernesaari peninsula about 300 meters from the ships. See in Journey planner

HoHo: stops by the ships

Ship’s shuttle: Almost always offered

 

EPL and EM3

 

Walking distance to Market Square: EPL 400m, EM3 600m

Public transport: Trams 1A and 2 run by the berth.

HoHo: Closest stop at Market Square

Ship’s Shuttle: Highly unlikely

 

EKL

 

Walking distance to Market Square: 400 m

Public transport: Trams 4 and 4T about 200 meters inland from berth

HoHo: Closest stop likely at Market Square

Ship’s Shuttle: Highly unlikely

 

ERA

 

Walking distance to Market Square: 1.5 km

Public transport: Tram 4T about 200 m and tram 4 about 400m See in Journey planner

HoHo: Strömma (Green buses) runs to ERA when ship’s in port

Ship’s Shuttle: Likely offered

Thanks Jonza, this is really fantastic information! I am wondering if we take the ship's shuttle to Market Square, would we be able to walk to the Church in the Rock. This would be cheaper then the HOHO Bus but maybe the walk is too far to be reasonable? We can do a kilometer or two but would not want to go on a lengthy hike!

Also, what is food items would you suggest trying, and what kind of souvenirs are popular in Finland.

Thanks Jonza, this is really fantastic information! I am wondering if we take the ship's shuttle to Market Square, would we be able to walk to the Church in the Rock. This would be cheaper then the HOHO Bus but maybe the walk is too far to be reasonable? We can do a kilometer or two but would not want to go on a lengthy hike!

Also, what is food items would you suggest trying, and what kind of souvenirs are popular in Finland.

 

The ships shuttle will probably drop you off about here (Google Maps).

 

From Market Square to Church in the Rock (or vice versa) using public transit or walking

 

It is about 2 km by walking. Directions in Google Maps You can easily vary the walk a couple of blocks in either direction and you will be going through the area considered to be the downtown core by locals.

 

Tram line 2 runs also between Market Square (Kauppatori) and the Church in the Rock (Temppeliaukion kirkko). See in Journey planner

 

A day ticket for all public transit costs 8 € and a single ticket valid for 60 minutes is 3.20 €. Public transit will be cheaper, faster, and more frequent than a HoHo for that trip. You could also easily take a tram one way and walk the other.

 

 

Food

 

If you are looking for typically Finnish foods to try you have to pick a place that focuses on that as the food culture is pretty international.

 

For a quick bite Market Square and the Old Market Hall right next to the square (http://vanhakauppahalli.fi/en/) might be the best bets. It should be easy to find good fish dishes such as salmon soup, sauteed reindeer (traditional in Lapland), or Karelian Stew.

 

If you are in for a longer sit down lunch, see for example TripAdvisor or Michelin and look for places serving either traditional Finnish food or those offering modern Finnish cuisine. At the other end of the spectrum from Market Square stalls would be something like the one-star Michelin restaurant Olo right by Market square offering modern Finnish cooking (http://olo-ravintola.fi/en/)

 

 

Souvenirs

 

I am not an expert on souvenirs by any means. The city tourism site however has a listing of souvenir and handicraft places: http://www.visithelsinki.fi/en/see-and-experience/shopping/handicrafts-and-souvenirs-from-helsinki as well as a blog posting about souvenirs in the under 30 € price range: http://blog.visithelsinki.fi/en/best-souvenirs-from-helsinki-price-range-e10-30/

Thanks Jonza, this is really fantastic information! I am wondering if we take the ship's shuttle to Market Square, would we be able to walk to the Church in the Rock. This would be cheaper then the HOHO Bus but maybe the walk is too far to be reasonable? We can do a kilometer or two but would not want to go on a lengthy hike!

Also, what is food items would you suggest trying, and what kind of souvenirs are popular in Finland.

 

Don't take the pricey ship's shuttle to Market Square. Instead, take the trams. They are certainly affordable (8 euros for all day) and they go everywhere you'll want to go. Check out the website that Jonza has provided or read Rick Steves' Northern European Cruise Ports guidebook. He does a great job of explaining how to get around to the attractions in Helsinki using the trams (and show maps). You might even want to ride the 2/3 Tram for an overview of the city--cheaper than a HO/HO bus.

 

My favorite food in Helsinki was the korvapuustit (large cinnamon bun) and hot chocolate I had in the Eplanade Cafe.

A very nice FAQ by Jonza.

 

 

Walking distance to Market Square: 3.5 km

Public transport: Tram 9 from West Terminal about 400 meters from the berth. There is a green line on the ground from the berth to the tram stop. See in Journey planner

HoHo: stops by the ship

Ship’s shuttle: Almost always offered

 

A little addition regarding berth LMA. Tram 6T might be an option for returning to the ship. Note that tram 6T is only replacing tram 6 in the afternoon, so you cannot use that option to get into town in the morning.

http://aikataulut.reittiopas.fi/linjat/en/h6_6t.html

Edited January 4, 2016 by Ultima Thule

Great, we will plan on using the Tram, sounds simple and cheap! Loving the cinnamon roll/hot chocolate idea, not unique to Finland but a universal favorite, especially with me and my hubby :)

Don't take the pricey ship's shuttle to Market Square. Instead, take the trams. They are certainly affordable (8 euros for all day) and they go everywhere you'll want to go. Check out the website that Jonza has provided or read Rick Steves' Northern European Cruise Ports guidebook. He does a great job of explaining how to get around to the attractions in Helsinki using the trams (and show maps). You might even want to ride the 2/3 Tram for an overview of the city--cheaper than a HO/HO bus.

 

My favorite food in Helsinki was the korvapuustit (large cinnamon bun) and hot chocolate I had in the Eplanade Cafe.

 

Somehow I completely missed everything sweet when thinking about things to try. Korvapuusti is an excellent suggestion. If you want to make it even more typical, switch the hot chocolate to coffee (or kahvi in Finnish). In Finland ordering a coffee will get you a cup of lightly roasted filter coffee which the Finns on average more than two cups a day getting us to the top or top-3 in coffee consumption per capita depending on the source.

 

For the 2/3 loop there is actually a leaflet available also as a pdf: https://www.hsl.fi/sites/default/files/uploads/3b3t_esite_en_12.8.2013.pdf

 

When using an older guide book (or reading old trip reports) just check that the info still holds especially regarding transportation. Changes from recent years affecting cruise visitiors include. From fall 2012: the extension of tram 9 to West Terminal (close to LMA), complete redrawing of bus lines in southern Helsinki which removed the direct but infrequent bus 16 between Hernesaari (LHB and LHC) and Market Square. From fall 2013: Tram lines 3T and 3B were renamed to 2 and 3 (there was also a previous change regarding the logic of numbering 3T and 3B made in 2009). So if your guide book has a route direction with 3B, 3T, or 16, check how that connection works nowadays.

 

 

A little addition regarding berth LMA. Tram 6T might be an option for returning to the ship. Note that tram 6T is only replacing tram 6 in the afternoon, so you cannot use that option to get into town in the morning.

http://aikataulut.reittiopas.fi/linjat/en/h6_6t.html

Great catch 6T really offers a lot more places to get directly back to ship from downtown and especially on weekends runs as frequently as 9.

I’m starting to plan our day in Helsinki. We aren’t museum people and would prefer to walk around some markets and do some basic sightseeing. We’re in port from 8am to 5pm. I am thinking we want to head to the Fortress first. Once back, we were thinking we would walk through Market Square and the Old Market Hall, then walk to Senate Square and the Helsinki Cathedral. From there, we thought we might take public transportation to Hietalahti Market and/or Hakaniemi Market.

 

Questions:

1 – Are Market Square, Hietalahti Market and Hakaniemi pretty much the same or will we see different things at each? Are those two places even worth going out to?

2 – Is our plan overly aggressive? I don’t know yet where we are docking (Holland America is not on the port schedule yet, as best I can see)

3 – We’re not very “public transportation” savvy (small town people). How do we identify which stop to get off at?

4 – I believe you said we could buy our 24hr ticket from the driver – but we would prefer to use a ticket machine (to use our credit card). Do the machines have purchase instructions in English also? Are the ticket machines located at most stops? You also mention kiosks.....do the kiosks take credit cards....are they easily located around Market Square?

 

 

These port specific threads are extremely helpful to us cruisers. Thank you so much for your time!

2 – Is our plan overly aggressive? I don’t know yet where we are docking (Holland America is not on the port schedule yet, as best I can see)

Plans sounds ok to me. (I'll return to question 1 later)

 

3 – How do we identify which stop to get off at?

There are digital note boards in the buses and trams that show end stop name and next stop, alternating between Finnish and Swedish language.

 

4 – I believe you said we could buy our 24hr ticket from the driver – but we would prefer to use a ticket machine (to use our credit card). Do the machines have purchase instructions in English also? Are the ticket machines located at most stops? You also mention kiosks.....do the kiosks take credit cards....are they easily located around Market Square?

 

Ticket machines have English instructions but there are only a few of them, far apart. Kiosks do accept credit cards. This map shows the location for machines and sales points:

https://www.hsl.fi/en/tickets-and-fares/sales-points

Edited January 28, 2016 by Ultima Thule

I’m starting to plan our day in Helsinki. We aren’t museum people and would prefer to walk around some markets and do some basic sightseeing. We’re in port from 8am to 5pm. I am thinking we want to head to the Fortress first. Once back, we were thinking we would walk through Market Square and the Old Market Hall, then walk to Senate Square and the Helsinki Cathedral. From there, we thought we might take public transportation to Hietalahti Market and/or Hakaniemi Market.

 

Questions:

1 – Are Market Square, Hietalahti Market and Hakaniemi pretty much the same or will we see different things at each? Are those two places even worth going out to?

2 – Is our plan overly aggressive? I don’t know yet where we are docking (Holland America is not on the port schedule yet, as best I can see)

3 – We’re not very “public transportation” savvy (small town people). How do we identify which stop to get off at?

4 – I believe you said we could buy our 24hr ticket from the driver – but we would prefer to use a ticket machine (to use our credit card). Do the machines have purchase instructions in English also? Are the ticket machines located at most stops? You also mention kiosks.....do the kiosks take credit cards....are they easily located around Market Square?

 

1 - Somewhat similar and somewhat different. Similar in a sense that each of them is an open area close to water and they all also have market halls by the market. Market Square and Hakaniemi Market are larger than other markets in Helsinki. Market Square is the most tourist oriented and definitely busiest during summer. A significant portion of the stands sell souvenirs there. Hakaniemi market and hall would be the place where locals head if they want to buy groceries from the market instead of a store. Probably better quality and cheaper prices in foodstuffs than Market Square. Hietalahti is especially known as a flea market. More info can be found on the city website: http://www.hel.fi/www/heltu/en

 

2 - The Old Market Hall, Market Square, Senate Square, and Lutheran Cathedral are very close to each other (furthest points are 500m apart) and the ferry to the fortress leaves from Market Square. As such the plan looks easily doable. You can also easily drop one or both other markets if you want to do something else or spend more time somewhere else.

 

3 - All trams and all downtown bus lines have screens displaying the name of the next stop. You can search for connections using the route planner (http://www.reittiopas.fi/en/) and it gives you a list of stops. For trams there is also a map with stop names: https://www.hsl.fi/sites/default/files/uploads/raitiolinjat_1.pdf I would say that that map is enough with the additon of bus line 14 (http://linjakartta.reittiopas.fi/en/#?x=2552443.1340116&y=6672980.75&mapview=map&zoom=4&line=1014++1,1014++2) if you dock at LHB or LHC.

 

4 - The ticket machine's language can be switched to English. However ticket machines might not be available where you dock. You can see all sales points on this map: https://www.hsl.fi/en/tickets-and-fares/sales-points Most tram and bus stops do not have ticket machines. The busiest tram and bus stops and all metro, train, and ferry stops have ticket machines. If you dock at LMA the West Terminal tram stop does have a ticket machine. If you dock at LHB or LHC you will have to buy a ticket from the bus driver. Note that the ticket machines do not have magnetic stripe readers so only a chip card will work. Other sales points such as kiosks and stores in the map above accept cards as well. At Market Square there are ticket machines at the Suomenlinna ferry dock. The closest sales point there is the main tourist info one block west from the market.

Thank you Jonza for starting this new thread and for all the useful information and links. Will be following this thread with great interest -- already planning for a May 2017 cruise.

 

We are in port 8am to 6pm, so that should allow us time to have a good look at Helsinki. My plan was to buy the all-day transport pass. Ferry to Suomenlinna for about 3 hours in the morning, lunch at Kauppatori, walk to Senate Square, tram to Church in the Rock and then to Sibelius monument if we still have time. Then tram/bus back to the ship. Now I just need to make a back-up plan for a very rainy day -- that would include National Museum and/or the Museum of Sport instead of Suomenlinna.

 

Looking forward to my first visit to Helsinki!

1 – Are Market Square, Hietalahti Market and Hakaniemi pretty much the same or will we see different things at each? Are those two places even worth going out to?

 

As Jonza said, the Market Square including the old Market Hall is the most tourist oriented while the Hakaniemi Market is more for the locals. The Hakaniemi hall is bigger than the other ones with two floors (food at the ground floor and other stuff on the upper floor). However note that the Hakaniemi hall will close sometimes in August 2016 for a two year repair!

These pictures showing the merchants might give some idea what to find at Hakaniemi hall even when the text is in Finnish only. http://www.hakaniemenkauppahalli.fi/kauppiaat/

 

The Hietalahti hall might be the least interesting of the trio but on sunny summer days, especially on weekends the flea market outside might be interesting.

 

Regarding the ship, are we perhaps talking about "Princendam" 11 June / 29 July ? Then it is Katajanokka (#5 on the map): http://www.portofhelsinki.fi/matkustajille/kansainvaliset_risteilyalukset

Edited January 29, 2016 by Ultima Thule

As Jonza said, the Market Square including the old Market Hall is the most tourist oriented while the Hakaniemi Market is more for the locals. The Hakaniemi hall is bigger than the other ones with two floors (food at the ground floor and other stuff on the upper floor). However note that the Hakaniemi hall will close sometimes in August 2016 for a two year repair!

These pictures showing the merchants might give some idea what to find at Hakaniemi hall even when the text is in Finnish only. http://www.hakaniemenkauppahalli.fi/kauppiaat/

 

The Hietalahti hall might be the least interesting of the trio but on sunny summer days, especially on weekends the flea market outside might be interesting.

 

Regarding the ship, are we perhaps talking about "Princendam" 11 June / 29 July ? Then it is Katajanokka (#5 on the map): http://www.portofhelsinki.fi/matkustajille/kansainvaliset_risteilyalukset

 

Like the other poster, I cannot find our ship on the Helsinki port list. We are on Holland America Zuiderdam May 11, 2016 from 8am to 5pm.

 

I see that the Holland America Prinsendam is listed but I can not see any other Holland America ships listed at all. We are arriving very early in the season, so I wonder why we have no listing? Is there any other place to look to get the info? It would really help in planning a DIY day with public transportation to know our berth.

 

 

We are looking forward to another wonderful day in Helsinki - thanks for the idea of the market used mainly by locals and the cinnamon bun local specialty idea!

Like the other poster, I cannot find our ship on the Helsinki port list. We are on Holland America Zuiderdam May 11, 2016 from 8am to 5pm.

 

I see that the Holland America Prinsendam is listed but I can not see any other Holland America ships listed at all. We are arriving very early in the season, so I wonder why we have no listing? Is there any other place to look to get the info? It would really help in planning a DIY day with public transportation to know our berth.

 

 

We are looking forward to another wonderful day in Helsinki - thanks for the idea of the market used mainly by locals and the cinnamon bun local specialty idea!

 

The Port of Helsinki website is the best source for information on where your ship will dock as the port authority is the party making the assignments. As of today there in fact are no HAL ships besides Prinsendam shown. However those are not alone as there are currently 205 visits listed and the recent few seasons have had about 260 visits.

 

For May 11th there is so far only AIDAmar at berth LHC. Zuiderdam is too big to go into the South Harbor so it will likely end up either at LHB or LMA. My guess is that the Port is still waiting for information on some other ships and will assign berths then in a way that they can fit all ships in.

Thanks so much for the responses! Sure makes planning the day onshore so much easier. Very excited!

Hello! We will be in Helsinki on August 15. Can you suggest one or more stores for fabrics and sewing supplies, preferably close to the Esplanade? Also: could I expect to find fabrics at/near Market Square and Hakaniemi Market? Thanks in advance.

Hello! We will be in Helsinki on August 15. Can you suggest one or more stores for fabrics and sewing supplies, preferably close to the Esplanade? Also: could I expect to find fabrics at/near Market Square and Hakaniemi Market? Thanks in advance.

 

Eurokangas, Yliopistonkatu 5

(corner Yliopistonkatu / Kluuvikatu - two blocks from the Esplanade)

 

Stockmann department store, Alexanterinkatu 52

(corner N. Esplanade / Mannerheim road)

 

Marimekko, Mikonkatu 1 (own brand only)

(corner Mikonkatu / N. Esplanade)

Edited February 4, 2016 by Ultima Thule

Excellent! Thanks for your help.

These are from a few years ago made with a cheap camera but show some of the major sights. I bought the all-day travel ticket, from memory about €7 in 2010

and really enjoyed my few hours in Helsinki. All the best, Tony

 

[YOUTUBE]p9hcJiVDK0E[/YOUTUBE] [YOUTUBE]swIpEG7hR0g[/YOUTUBE]

Thanks Tony for posting the great videos. Hope we get nice weather like you had for your day in Helsinki.

The Port of Helsinki website is the best source for information on where your ship will dock as the port authority is the party making the assignments. As of today there in fact are no HAL ships besides Prinsendam shown. However those are not alone as there are currently 205 visits listed and the recent few seasons have had about 260 visits.

 

For May 11th there is so far only AIDAmar at berth LHC. Zuiderdam is too big to go into the South Harbor so it will likely end up either at LHB or LMA. My guess is that the Port is still waiting for information on some other ships and will assign berths then in a way that they can fit all ships in.

 

Jonza,

 

You were so right- the port website now lists our Zuiderdam in West Harbour LMA. So to use public transportation we just follow the green line to get to Tram 9. To return in the afternoon we have the option of Tram 9 or 6T, right?

 

Question 1- Is the name of the stop for LMA- Lansiterminaali? If so, then would that be the first stop going into town and the last stop returning from town?

Question 2 -Is the stop name that we use for Market Square(Kauppatori) named Kaisaniemenpuisto? I just want to be sure I get off at the right place.

Question 3 - Can I just buy the all day pass from the tram driver rather than use a machine? Same price 8E?

 

Thanks so much for your help!

Jonza, So to use public transportation we just follow the green line to get to Tram 9. To return in the afternoon we have the option of Tram 9 or 6T, right?

Yes

 

Question 1- Is the name of the stop for LMA- Lansiterminaali? If so, then would that be the first stop going into town and the last stop returning from town?

Yes. yes. That's the last stop where the tram turns back to town.

 

Question 2 -Is the stop name that we use for Market Square(Kauppatori) named Kaisaniemenpuisto? I just want to be sure I get off at the right place.

 

There are three stops to consider:

1. Railway station (Rautatieasema/Järnvägsstationen) is 920 m from the Market Square. Personally I should get off here and go through the main shopping district, pedestrian Central Street & Alexander street (Keskuskatu, Aleksanterinkatu) to the Senate Square or Central Street and Northern Esplanade to the Market.

You can also change to tram 2 at the Railway station (same platform - same direction) that takes you straight to the Market Square (stop: Kauppatori)

 

2. Next stop for tram 9 is Kaisaniemi street (Kaisaniemenkatu). This one is just 730 m from Market Square, but there is a steep hill between them and while there exists means to get through the hill if you are familiar with the way, I cannot recommend this stop for a tourist.

 

3. The third stop is Kaisaniemi park (Kaisaniemenpuisto) 800 m from Market Square. A bit shorter than from the railway station but of course it takes longer for the tram to reach this stop. Its a bit uphill first past the little park to and then along the Union Street The route takes you through an administration area with monumental buildings, then downhill past the cathedral to the Senate Square and then to the Market Square.

 

 

Question 3 - Can I just buy the all day pass from the tram driver rather than use a machine? Same price 8E?

 

Bus drivers should sell one day pass but I have some idea that tram drivers don't sell them anymore. Anyway, tram driver takes only cash and the machine should be able to handle cash as well so use the latter. Yes the present price is 8 Euro .

Edited February 27, 2016 by Ultima Thule

Bus drivers should sell one day pass but I have some idea that tram drivers don't sell them anymore. Anyway, tram driver takes only cash and the machine should be able to handle cash as well so use the latter. Yes the present price is 8 Euro .

Tram drivers still sell tickets. Ticket sales by tram drivers will end once the new ticketing system with ticket machines on board every tram is deployed sometime in 2017. As Ultima Thule said, the tram driver accepts cash only and is not required to accept notes larger than 20e. The ticket machine on the other hand accepts credit cards with an EMV chip and coins only. So if you want to pay with a chipped credit card, go with the machine and if you prefer cash go with the driver unless you have a pile of coins.

Yes

 

 

.

 

 

 

Railway station (Rautatieasema/Järnvägsstationen) is 920 m from the Market Square. Personally I should get off here and go through the main shopping district, pedestrian Central Street & Alexander street (Keskuskatu, Aleksanterinkatu) to the Senate Square or Central Street and Northern Esplanade to the Market.

You can also change to tram 2 at the Railway station (same platform - same direction) that takes you straight to the Market Square (stop: Kauppatori)

.

 

Thank you so very much for the idea of using the railway station to change to tram 2. You say to stay on the same platform to go to Kauppatori.

 

 

If I wanted instead to go to Temppeliaukio Church(stop Sammonkatu) , would I just change platforms or cross the street to go in the opposite direction on Tram 2?

 

Also is the Marimekko store still on the Esplanade?

 

Thank you for your help.

Thank you so very much for the idea of using the railway station to change to tram 2. You say to stay on the same platform to go to Kauppatori.

 

 

If I wanted instead to go to Temppeliaukio Church(stop Sammonkatu) , would I just change platforms or cross the street to go in the opposite direction on Tram 2?

 

Also is the Marimekko store still on the Esplanade?

Yes. The opposite platform is just across the tracks, but if you intend to make that transfer it would make more sense to transfer at the previous Simonkatu stop to avoid backtracking.

 

Marimekko has four stores in downtown Helsinki. The flagship store is located on the corner of the Esplanade and Mikonkatu. The address for the store is Mikonkatu 1.