Traveling from Estonia to Finland is incredibly easy—just a three-hour ferry ride across the Baltic Sea.
Note that there are two ferry terminals on the Tallinn side, so double-check your departure terminal before you go (Tallink, Eckerö Line, Viking Line, etc.).
The previous article, including the terminal information, can be found below.
Getting Around Helsinki: Trams Are King
In Helsinki, trams are the most convenient way to move around the city.
Inside the tram, there are contactless payment terminals where you can pay simply by tapping a credit or debit card.
Ticket inspections happen randomly. When approached, you just need to show the actual card you used to pay, and the inspector will verify your purchase.
If you prefer something more predictable, you can use the official transport app, HSL, to buy tickets online. Just remember to validate your ticket before boarding.
Where I Stayed: Cheap Sleep Hostel Helsinki (Surprisingly Good)
I stayed at Cheap Sleep Hostel Helsinki for 7 nights, and it cost around 110 EUR. At this price point, this might be the only viable hostel option in the city.
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The hostel even has a small 1–2 person workspace, which was perfect for focusing on remote work. The shared kitchen is spacious, so cooking your own meals is easy—very helpful given Helsinki’s high food prices.
Finland = Saunas. Obviously.
The sauna I visited was Sompasauna, located close to my hostel.
This place is completely free and run by local volunteers. The vibe is relaxed, community-driven, and very “Helsinki.”
What to Bring
- Water
- Sandals
- Swimsuit
- Towel
- Padlock (for the lockers)
There’s no proper changing room—you basically change outdoors.
If you're shy, wear your swimsuit under your clothes.
Locals don’t mind nudity at all; I even saw older Finnish women enjoying the sauna completely naked. It’s a very open, non-judgmental environment.
Naturally, photography is not allowed.
There are lockers but no locks, so bring your own padlock. Also, the lockers are small—a backpack won’t fit—so bring minimal items in a pouch or small bag.
Sauna Etiquette
- Rinse the mud off your sandals using the water bucket at the entrance
- Close the door immediately after entering
- After sweating it out, you can jump straight into the sea
Combine sauna + cold plunge + Baltic Sea = one of the most refreshing experiences ever.
And the fact that it’s free? Absolutely unbeatable.
Recommended Saunas from Locals
I only made it to Sompasauna, but locals recommended a couple more:
Allas Pool
A sauna and heated outdoor pool complex in central Helsinki with sea views. Great for beginners and super easy to fit into a city itinerary.
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Kuusijärvi Old Smoke Sauna
A traditional smoke sauna—a deeper, more authentic Finnish sauna experience.
It’s quite different from regular electric saunas, and a must-try if you want the real deal.
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Eating in Helsinki: Lunch Buffets Are Your Friend
Eating out in Finland is expensive, but many restaurants offer lunch buffets for around €15, which is a lifesaver.
I tried two places:
Haru Plus Sushi
A surprisingly solid sushi buffet.
Lots of salmon (of course), but it was fresh and fatty.
Side dishes like tempura, yaki-udon, and desserts were also available.
The interior feels like a cozy café.
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Marimekko Headquarters Cafeteria
You can shop for Marimekko items and grab lunch in their cafeteria.
When I visited, the place was filled with Japanese tourists—it was honestly kind of funny.
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Must-Try Finnish Foods
Salmon Soup
A Helsinki classic.
At the Old Market Hall, multiple stalls serve salmon soup and all of them taste fantastic.
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Cinnamon Rolls
You can find them in most supermarket bakeries.
Cheap, filling, and perfect for breakfast.
KARHU Beer
The bear-logo beer is everywhere and is considered a local classic. Definitely try it.
Moomin Shops
You can find Moomin stores in the city center—perfect for souvenirs for friends or yourself.
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Final Thoughts: Helsinki in October Is Cold
Even in mid-October, temperatures were below 10°C, so I spent a lot of time working in the hostel.
Next time, I want to visit Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi and hopefully see the Northern Lights.
Next stop: Netherlands
