Departure
13 September 2022 I'm flexibleNights
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14Board
All-inclusive Full-board Half-board Breakfast Self catering Room onlyStar rating
Airport
Holiday provider
BlueSea Holidays British AirwaysAbout Helsinki
Helsinki's beauty hits you right between the eyes, not least because some of the world's greatest architects designed its buildings. It's a friendly, exciting place full of people whose wry attitude will make you laugh and whose nightlife will keep you dancing until the early hours.
Food and drink
Meals are usually served in three courses, often beginning with a warming, hearty soup in the winter. Pork, lamb and beef are common main course meats and many menus offer reindeer in some form. Baltic herring (silakka) is the favourite fish served with layers of potato cream or pickled as a snack. Sausages (makkara) are the snack food of choice, and you'll find them sizzling on grills in markets and street stalls.
Lingonberries and the earthy-sweet cloudberries ripen in the autumn, but you'll find them year round as jams, condiments and in deserts. Local alcoholic drinks include vodka, schnapps and liquers made from local berries, look out for Lakka made from cloudberries and Mesimarja, made from the highly-flavoured arctic brambleberries. If you prefer beer, a good local one is Lapin Kulta.
Shopping
The streets bordering the Espanadi and the Aleksanterinkatu form the centre of Helsinki's most fashionable shopping district. Just beyond lays the Design District where you can find designer shops selling a huge range of products.
Books inspired by Helsinki
Our hand-picked selection of books to get you in the mood for your Helsinki holiday
Michael Booth
A well-written and humorous book giving an insight into Scandinavia, its people and the enviably simpler Nordic ways and culture. It covers five countries including Iceland and will have you wanting to move to one of them!
Helsinki Blog posts
From the UK's most popular travel bloggers

22nd May 2022 by Twins that Travel
7 things to do in Helsinki in SummerBefore we begin this list of things to do in Helsinki in summer, let’s get one thing out the way. For most, Helsinki occupies something of a cultural – and geographical – grey area. Not quite Scandinavian, but undoubtedly Nordic; and not entirely Eastern European, yet tantalisingly close to Russia, you might be forgiven for being unable to place this European capital....

18th May 2022 by Twins that Travel
The best alternative European city breaksWhat do you do when you’ve exhausted Europe’s traditional hit list of city breaks? When you’ve seen the glittering lights of Paris, ridden your bike through Amsterdam’s winding lanes and explored Berlin’s hipster neighbourhoods? Which alternative European city breaks should you plan next? Over the years, we’ve explored as much as Europe as possible; working our way through the usual suspects, before embarking on some more alternative European weekend breaks....

15th February 2021 by PommieTravels
Six fun things to do in FinlandWhether you want to explore Finland’s wild and beautiful natural landscapes or enjoy a night out on the town, you will not be short of exciting and fun things to do in the Nordic country. Here are six things you will not want to miss....


12th February 2021 by Andy
Cheapest places to holiday in JulyJuly welcomes one of the busiest holiday seasons of the year and for good reason! Scorching temperatures and summer school breaks make the Mediterranean’s beaches a frontrunner and cities explode with festivals, events and fun-filled vibes.Despite the peak season, if you travel towards the beginning of the month, you’ll still find great-value travel deals on flights, hotels and attractions. Plus, you’ll escape the school holiday rush. It’s also a great time to head north, with long...

27th April 2021 by Inside the Travel Lab
The best Helsinki souvenirs to make you think, smile and loveLooking for the best Helsinki souvenirs and wondering what should be on your shopping list for a trip to Finland? I love the place and love the Finn's flair for tradition and design. Here's a list of the best things to buy in Helsinki. Finland knows how to make the most of small, dark red berries. Lingonberries, sea buckthorns and bilberries also make into the world of lakkahillo (preserves) but in all honesty, the name just isn't as poetic. Cloudberries simply have the best name. ...