Helsinki Highlights: Quick Trip from Cruise Port to City Center
Helsinki, the capital of Finland, is a city of 650,000 and is a key destination on many Baltic cruise itineraries that sail to northern Europe. American cruise lines such as Celebrity, Norwegian, and Royal Caribbean frequently dock here. I sailed here on Holland America Line’s Zuiderdam and while I didn’t find Helsinki to be quite as interesting as some of the other ports on our itinerary, I still really enjoyed my visit there. Related: Check out my video review of Zuiderdam. The city features two main cruise terminals: West Harbour (Länsisatama) and South Harbour (Eteläsatama). West Harbour is the primary terminal for international cruise passengers, providing efficient services and easy access to the city’s attractions. What makes this port unique is its modern facilities and integration with the urban landscape, making it a smooth entry point for travelers. Helsinki’s cruise port is conveniently located, allowing travelers to explore the city with ease. Known for its Nordic cuisine, Helsinki offers some culinary treats for adventurous eaters, with dishes like fresh salmon and reindeer meat — I just went with meatballs. To make navigation of the city easier, Helsinki’s tourism board has a super convenient free mobile digital map for visitor’s to download an app and use on their phone, or you can simply download their official city map. Helsinki Cruise Port to the City Center The cruise port is located about 2 miles from Helsinki’s city center, making it convenient for visitors to reach downtown. If you enjoy walking, it’s a scenic route that takes about 40 minutes. For those preferring quicker transport, taxis are readily available, with fares typically ranging from $15 to $25 USD. Public transportation is also efficient and cost-effective, with buses and trams running frequently between the port and city center for about $4 USD per ride. While not always an option in all Baltic ports of call, ride-sharing services like Uber are available in Helsinki, providing another convenient option. Holland America Line offers cruisers a shuttle from the pier to the city center at a cost of $8 USD per person one way, or $12 USD round-trip. The shuttle provides unlimited use and runs approximately every 30 minutes. This is an affordable option if you’re exploring on your own, although, as noted above, an Uber may be cheaper unless you’re traveling solo. Enjoying a sunny day in the park, embracing nature and the joy it brings. Top Things to Do in Helsinki European cruise excursions tend to be quite expensive and somewhat limited, so if you’re looking for things to do in Helsinki, here are some of the top choices. You’ll likely find some of these offered as official cruise line excursions, or you can venture out and explore them on your own. Just make sure you’re aware first of the pros and cons (and risks) of independent excursions. Hop-On, Hop-Off Bus I had heard of the “hop on bus” option in major tourist cities, but it really got on my radar when I kept seeing these everywhere at port cities on my Baltic cruise, as they almost always include a stop at the pier to pick up cruisers, which offers an affordable and at-your-own-pace way to see that specific port city. While I don’t always think this is the best option for all port destinations (for instance, in Kristiansand you can take the tourist train at a lower cost, or simply just walk everywhere), but for ports like this where the city center is a bit further from pier, this option can be a great one to see many sites in one short port day. The hop-on hop-off bus in Helsinki is $37 per person and allows you to see lots of the city’s top sites, some of the ones I detail below. Helsinki Cathedral A central feature of sites in northern Europe are its historic churches, and of course Helsinki has its own share of them. Helsinki Cathedral, a striking white structure, dominates the cityscape from Senate Square. Located just 1.5 miles from the port, it is easily accessible on foot within 30 minutes. The cathedral is free to enter, offering visitors a chance to admire its neoclassical architecture and serene interior. This iconic building is a symbol of Helsinki and a must-visit for any traveler. The cathedral’s interior is equally impressive with its high ceilings and simplistic design, reflecting the Lutheran emphasis on modesty. Visitors often find a sense of peace while exploring this architectural masterpiece. The cathedral also serves as a venue for important national events and concerts, adding to its cultural significance. Suomenlinna Sea Fortress A UNESCO World Heritage site, Suomenlinna is an 18th-century sea fortress spread across six islands. A short ferry ride from the Market Square, it is approximately 2 miles from the cruise port. The fortress offers a fascinating look into Finnish military history and stunning views of the surrounding sea. The island also hosts several museums, cafes, and parks. Admission to the fortress itself is free, though some museums within charge a fee of around $8 USD. The fortress is not only a historical site but also a lively community where about 800 residents live. Visitors can explore its bastions, cannons, and tunnels, or enjoy a picnic in its parks. Suomenlinna also hosts cultural events and exhibitions throughout the year, providing a rich experience of Finnish heritage. Temppeliaukio Church (Rock Church) Carved directly into solid rock, Temppeliaukio Church is a unique architectural marvel. It is situated about 2 miles from the cruise port, reachable by a 40-minute walk or a short taxi ride. It’s one of Helsinki’s most visited sites. Given the uniqueness of this church, this is what we chose to visit on our stop in Helsinki, although the walk there from the pier was a bit long, but pleasant. Entry costs approximately $5 USD, although visitors can enter the first part of the facility, to the ticket office, at no cost if you just want a quick (free) glimpse. The church’s natural acoustics make it a popular venue for concerts, and its copper dome and rugged rock walls create a serene and striking interior. The exterior of “Rock Church” in
